Satellite-related communication

Abstract

One disclosure of the present specification provides a method. The method may comprise the steps of: transmitting capability information to a base station included in a satellite; receiving, from the base station, information related to two or more SMTCs; and performing measurement on the basis of the two or more SMTCs.

Description

Satellite-related communications

[0001] This specification relates to mobile communications.

[0002] 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is a technology designed to enable high-speed packet communications. Numerous approaches have been proposed to achieve LTE's goals of reducing costs for users and operators, improving service quality, expanding coverage, and increasing system capacity. 3GPP LTE's high-level requirements include reduced cost per bit, improved service availability, flexible use of frequency bands, a simple architecture, open interfaces, and adequate power consumption for terminals.

[0003] The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and 3GPP have begun work on developing requirements and specifications for New Radio (NR) systems. 3GPP must identify and develop the technical components necessary to successfully standardize NR, meeting both urgent market needs and the longer-term requirements outlined by the ITU Radio communication sector (ITU-R) International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)-2020 process. Furthermore, NR must be able to utilize any spectrum band up to at least 110 GHz, ensuring that it remains available for wireless communications well into the future.

[0004] NR aims to be a single technology framework that addresses all deployment scenarios, usage scenarios, and requirements, including enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC), and Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC). NR must be inherently forward-compatible.

[0005] Communication between terminals and satellites is being discussed. However, conventional technology has presented a problem: there is no way for terminals to efficiently and / or accurately measure signals transmitted by satellites.

[0006] In one aspect, a method is provided. The method may include: transmitting capability information to a base station included in a satellite; receiving information related to two or more SMTCs from the base station; and performing a measurement based on the two or more SMTCs.

[0007] In another aspect, a device implementing the above method is provided.

[0008] In one aspect, a method is provided. The method may include the steps of: receiving capability information from a UE; and transmitting information related to two or more SMTCs to the UE.

[0009] In another aspect, a device implementing the above method is provided.

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a communication system to which the implementation of this specification is applied.

[0011] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a wireless device to which the implementation of the present specification is applied.

[0012] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a wireless device to which the implementation of the present specification is applied.

[0013] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a communication structure that can be provided in a 6G system.

[0014] Figure 5 shows an example of an electromagnetic spectrum.

[0015] FIGS. 6A to 6E illustrate examples of RACH procedures applicable to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figures 7a and 7b are examples of NTN operation in intra-satellite to which the implementation of the present specification is applied.

[0017] Figure 8 is an example of a beam group based on an active beam to which the implementation of the present specification is applied.

[0018] FIG. 9 is an example of an extended SSB cycle based on an active beam to which the implementation of the present specification is applied.

[0019] Figure 10 is an example of a configuration based on a reference beam and one SMTC configuration to which the implementation of the present specification applies.

[0020] Figure 11 is an example of a procedure based on one SMTC setting to which the implementation of this specification applies.

[0021] Figure 12 is an example of a procedure based on multiple SMTC settings to which the implementation of this specification applies.

[0022] FIG. 13 is an example of a procedure according to one embodiment of the disclosure of the present specification.

[0023] The following techniques, devices, and systems can be applied to various wireless multiple access systems. Examples of multiple access systems include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) systems, and Multi-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (MC-FDMA) systems. CDMA can be implemented using wireless technologies such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) or CDMA2000. TDMA can be implemented using wireless technologies such as Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), or Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE). OFDMA can be implemented using wireless technologies such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, or Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA). UTRA is part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is part of E-UMTS (Evolved UMTS) that utilizes E-UTRA.3GPP LTE uses OFDMA in the downlink (DL) and SC-FDMA in the uplink (UL).

[0024] The following techniques, devices, and systems can be applied to various wireless multiple access systems. Examples of multiple access systems include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, and multicarrier frequency division multiple access (MC-FDMA) systems. CDMA can be implemented via wireless technologies such as universal terrestrial radio access (UTRA) or CDMA2000. TDMA can be implemented via wireless technologies such as global system for mobile communications (GSM), general packet radio service (GPRS), or enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE). OFDMA can be implemented using wireless technologies such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, or E-UTRA (evolved UTRA). UTRA is part of UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system). 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project) LTE (long-term evolution) is part of E-UMTS (evolved UMTS) that uses E-UTRA.3GPP LTE uses OFDMA in the downlink (DL) and SC-FDMA in the uplink (UL). Evolution of 3GPP LTE includes LTE-A (advanced), LTE-A Pro, and / or 5G NR (new radio).

[0025] For convenience of explanation, the implementation of this specification is primarily described in relation to a 3GPP-based wireless communication system. However, the technical features of this specification are not limited thereto. For example, the following detailed description is provided based on a mobile communication system corresponding to a 3GPP-based wireless communication system. However, aspects of this specification that are not limited to a 3GPP-based wireless communication system can be applied to other mobile communication systems.

[0026] For terms and technologies used in this specification that are not specifically described, reference may be made to wireless communication standard documents published prior to this specification.

[0027] In this specification, “A or B” can mean “only A,” “only B,” or “both A and B.” In other words, “A or B” in this specification can be interpreted as “A and / or B.” For example, “A, B or C” in this specification can mean “only A,” “only B,” “only C,” or “any combination of A, B, and C.”

[0028] As used herein, a slash ( / ) or a comma can mean "and / or." For example, "A / B" can mean "A and / or B." Accordingly, "A / B" can mean "only A," "only B," or "both A and B." For example, "A, B, C" can mean "A, B, or C."

[0029] In this specification, “at least one of A and B” may mean “only A,” “only B,” or “both A and B.” Additionally, in this specification, the expressions “at least one of A or B” or “at least one of A and / or B” may be interpreted identically to “at least one of A and B.”

[0030] Additionally, in this specification, “at least one of A, B and C” can mean “only A”, “only B”, “only C”, or “any combination of A, B and C”. Additionally, “at least one of A, B or C” or “at least one of A, B and / or C” can mean “at least one of A, B and C”.

[0031] Additionally, parentheses used in this specification may mean “for example.” Specifically, when “control information (PDCCH)” is indicated, “PDCCH” may be suggested as an example of “control information.” In other words, “control information” in this specification is not limited to “PDCCH,” and “PDCCH” may be suggested as an example of “control information.” Furthermore, even when indicated as “control information (i.e., PDCCH),” “PDCCH” may be suggested as an example of “control information.”

[0032] Technical features individually described in a single drawing in this specification may be implemented individually or simultaneously.

[0033] Although not limited thereto, the various descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein may be applied to various fields requiring wireless communication and / or connectivity between devices (e.g., 5G).

[0034] Hereinafter, the present specification will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings and / or description, the same reference numbers may refer to the same or corresponding hardware blocks, software blocks, and / or functional blocks, unless otherwise indicated.

[0035] Although the attached drawing illustrates a UE (User Equipment) as an example, the illustrated UE may also be referred to as a terminal, ME (Mobile Equipment), etc. In addition, the UE may be a portable device such as a laptop, mobile phone, PDA, smart phone, multimedia device, etc., or a non-portable device such as a PC or vehicle-mounted device.

[0036] Hereinafter, "UE" is used as an example of a wireless communication device (or wireless device, or wireless device) capable of wireless communication. Operations performed by the UE may be performed by the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device may also be referred to as a wireless device, wireless device, etc.

[0037] The term base station used below generally refers to a fixed station that communicates with wireless devices, and may be called by other terms such as eNodeB (evolved-NodeB), eNB (evolved-NodeB), BTS (Base Transceiver System), Access Point, and gNB (Next generation NodeB).

[0038] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a communication system to which the implementation of this specification is applied.

[0039] The 5G usage scenario shown in FIG. 1 is only an example, and the technical features of this specification can be applied to other 5G usage scenarios not shown in FIG. 1.

[0040] The three main requirement categories for 5G are (1) enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), (2) massive machine type communication (mMTC), and (3) ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC).

[0041] Some use cases may require multiple criteria for optimization, while others may focus on a single key performance indicator (KPI). 5G supports these diverse use cases using flexible and reliable methods.

[0042] eMBB goes far beyond basic mobile internet access, encompassing rich interactive work and media and entertainment applications in the cloud and augmented reality. Data is a key driver of 5G, and for the first time, dedicated voice services may not be available in the 5G era. Voice processing is expected to be simplified in 5G as an application leveraging the data connections provided by the communication system. The primary reasons for the traffic increase are the increasing size of content and the rise of applications requiring high data rates. As more devices connect to the internet, streaming services (audio and video), conversational video, and mobile internet access will become more prevalent. Many of these applications require always-on connectivity to push real-time information and alerts to users. Cloud storage and applications are rapidly growing on mobile communication platforms and can be applied to both work and entertainment. Cloud storage is a special use case that accelerates the increase in uplink data rates. 5G is also used for remote work in the cloud. When using tactile interfaces, 5G requires significantly lower end-to-end latency to maintain a good user experience. For example, entertainment, such as cloud gaming and video streaming, is another key factor driving demand for mobile broadband capabilities. Smartphones and tablets are essential for entertainment in all environments, including highly mobile environments like trains, cars, and airplanes. Another use case is augmented reality for entertainment and information retrieval. In this case, AR requires extremely low latency and high data volumes.

[0043] One of the most anticipated 5G use cases involves mMTC, the ability to seamlessly connect embedded sensors across all sectors. The potential number of Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices is projected to reach 240 million by 2020. Industrial IoT is a key enabler of smart cities, asset tracking, smart utilities, agriculture, and security infrastructure, all enabled by 5G.

[0044] URLLC encompasses ultra-reliable, low-latency links that will transform industries through remote control of core infrastructure, enabling new services such as autonomous vehicles. Reliability and latency are essential for controlling smart grids, automating industries, achieving robotics, and controlling and coordinating drones.

[0045] 5G is the means to deliver streaming data rates previously rated at hundreds of megabits per second, up to gigabits per second, complementing fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and cable-based broadband (or DOCSIS). Such high speeds are necessary to deliver 4K and higher (6K, 8K, and beyond) resolution TV, as well as virtual and augmented reality (VR) applications. VR and AR applications include immersive sports games. Certain applications may require specialized network configurations. For example, for VR games, gaming companies must integrate their core servers with network operators' edge network servers to minimize latency.

[0046] Automotive is expected to be a significant new driver of 5G, with numerous use cases for in-vehicle mobile communications. For example, passenger entertainment demands high-capacity, high-mobility broadband mobile communications, as future users continue to expect high-quality connectivity regardless of location and speed. Another automotive application is an AR dashboard. This allows the driver to identify objects in the dark beyond what is visible through the windshield, overlapping the information provided to the driver to indicate their distance and movement. In the future, wireless modules will enable vehicle-to-vehicle communication, information exchange between vehicles and supporting infrastructure, and information exchange between vehicles and other connected devices (e.g., pedestrian-accompanying devices). Safety systems will guide drivers through alternative courses of action to reduce the risk of accidents. The next step will be remotely controlled or autonomous vehicles. This will require extremely reliable and fast communication between different autonomous vehicles and between vehicles and infrastructure. In the future, autonomous vehicles will perform all driving tasks, leaving drivers to focus solely on traffic as long as the vehicle remains undetectable. The technological requirements for autonomous vehicles will require ultra-low latency and ultra-high reliability, enhancing traffic safety to levels unattainable by humans.

[0047] Smart cities and smart homes / buildings, often referred to as smart societies, will be embedded in high-density wireless sensor networks. A distributed network of intelligent sensors will identify conditions for cost-effective and energy-efficient maintenance of cities or homes. A similar configuration can be implemented for each home. All temperature sensors, window and heating controllers, burglar alarms, and appliances will be wirelessly connected. Many of these sensors typically have low data rates, low power, and low cost. However, real-time HD video monitoring may be required by certain types of devices.

[0048] Higher decentralization of energy consumption and distribution, including heat and gas, requires automated control of distributed sensor networks. Smart grids use digital information and communication technologies to collect information and connect sensors to act on the collected information. This information can include the behavior of suppliers and consumers, allowing smart grids to improve the distribution of fuels like electricity through efficiency, reliability, economy, sustainable production, and automation. Smart grids can also be viewed as another low-latency sensor network.

[0049] Mission-critical applications (e.g., e-health) are one of the use cases for 5G. The health sector encompasses numerous applications that can benefit from mobile communications. Telecommunications systems can support telemedicine, which provides clinical care from remote locations. Telemedicine can help reduce distance barriers and improve access to medical services that are otherwise unavailable in remote, rural areas. Telemedicine is also used in emergency situations to provide critical care and save lives. Mobile-based wireless sensor networks can provide remote monitoring and sensors for parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure.

[0050] Wireless and mobile communications are becoming increasingly important in industrial applications. Wiring is expensive to install and maintain. Therefore, replacing cables with reconfigurable wireless links presents an attractive opportunity for many industries. However, achieving this replacement requires wireless connections with similar latency, reliability, and capacity to cables, and simplified management of wireless connections. With 5G connectivity, low latency and extremely low error rates are emerging requirements.

[0051] Logistics and freight tracking are important use cases for mobile communications, enabling inventory and package tracking anywhere using location-based information systems. Logistics and freight applications typically require low data rates but require wide-range, reliable location information.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, a communication system (1) includes wireless devices (100a to 100f), a base station (BS) (200), and a network (300). Although FIG. 1 illustrates a 5G network as an example of a network of the communication system (1), the implementation of the present disclosure is not limited to a 5G system and can be applied to future communication systems beyond the 5G system.

[0053] The base station (200) and the network (300) may be implemented as wireless devices, and a particular wireless device may operate as a base station / network node in relation to other wireless devices.

[0054] Wireless devices (100a to 100f) refer to devices that perform communication using radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., 5G NR or LTE) and may also be referred to as communication / wireless / 5G devices. Wireless devices (100a to 100f) may include, but are not limited to, robots (100a), vehicles (100b-1 and 100b-2), extended reality (XR) devices (100c), portable devices (100d), home appliances (100e), IoT devices (100f), and artificial intelligence (AI) devices / servers (400). For example, vehicles may include vehicles having wireless communication capabilities, autonomous vehicles, and vehicles capable of performing vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Vehicles may include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (e.g., drones). XR devices may include AR / VR / mixed reality (MR) devices, and may be implemented in the form of head-mounted devices (HMDs) and heads-up displays (HUDs) mounted on vehicles, televisions, smartphones, computers, wearable devices, home appliances, digital signs, vehicles, robots, etc. Portable devices may include smartphones, smart pads, wearable devices (e.g., smart watches or smart glasses), and computers (e.g., laptops). Home appliances may include TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines. IoT devices may include sensors and smart meters.

[0055] In this specification, wireless devices (100a to 100f) may be referred to as user equipment (UE). The UE may include, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigation system, a slate PC, a tablet PC, an ultrabook, a vehicle, a vehicle with autonomous driving functions, a connected car, a UAV, an AI module, a robot, an AR device, a VR device, an MR device, a holographic device, a public safety device, an MTC device, an IoT device, a medical device, a fintech device (or a financial device), a security device, a weather / environmental device, a 5G service-related device, or a 4th industrial revolution-related device.

[0056] For example, a UAV may be an aircraft that is unmanned and navigated by radio control signals.

[0057] For example, a VR device may include a device for implementing objects or backgrounds in a virtual environment. For example, an AR device may include a device that implements objects or backgrounds in a virtual world by connecting them to objects or backgrounds in the real world. For example, an MR device may include a device that implements objects or backgrounds in a virtual world by merging them with objects or backgrounds in the real world. For example, a holographic device may include a device that implements 360-degree stereoscopic images by recording and reproducing three-dimensional information using the light interference phenomenon that occurs when two laser lights, called holograms, meet.

[0058] For example, a public safety device may include an image relay device or imaging device that can be worn on the user's body.

[0059] For example, MTC devices and IoT devices may be devices that do not require direct human intervention or manipulation. Examples include smart meters, vending machines, thermometers, smart light bulbs, door locks, or various sensors.

[0060] For example, a medical device may be a device used for the purpose of diagnosing, treating, alleviating, curing, or preventing a disease. For example, a medical device may be a device used for diagnosing, treating, alleviating, or correcting an injury or damage. For example, a medical device may be a device used for the purpose of examining, replacing, or modifying a structure or function. For example, a medical device may be a device used for the purpose of regulating pregnancy. For example, a medical device may include a therapeutic device, a driving device, an (in vitro) diagnostic device, a hearing aid, or a surgical device.

[0061] For example, a security device may be a device installed to prevent potential hazards and maintain safety. For example, a security device may be a camera, closed-circuit television (CCTV), a recorder, or a black box.

[0062] For example, a fintech device may be a device capable of providing financial services, such as mobile payments. For example, a fintech device may include a payment device or a point-of-sale system.

[0063] For example, a weather / environment device may include a device that monitors or predicts the weather / environment.

[0064] Wireless devices (100a to 100f) can be connected to a network (300) via a base station (200). AI technology can be applied to the wireless devices (100a to 100f), and the wireless devices (100a to 100f) can be connected to an AI server (400) via the network (300). The network (300) can be configured using a 3G network, a 4G (e.g., LTE) network, a 5G (e.g., NR) network, and a network after 5G. The wireless devices (100a to 100f) can communicate with each other via the base station (200) / network (300), but can also communicate directly (e.g., sidelink communication) without going through the base station (200) / network (300). For example, vehicles (100b-1, 100b-2) can communicate directly (e.g., vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) / vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication). Additionally, IoT devices (e.g., sensors) can communicate directly with other IoT devices (e.g., sensors) or other wireless devices (100a to 100f).

[0065] Wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c) can be established between wireless devices (100a to 100f) and / or between wireless devices (100a to 100f) and a base station (200) and / or between base stations (200). Here, the wireless communication / connection can be established through various RATs (e.g., 5G NR), such as uplink / downlink communication (150a), sidelink communication (150b) (or, device-to-device (D2D) communication), and base station-to-base station communication (150c) (e.g., relay, integrated access and backhaul (IAB)). Through the wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c), the wireless devices (100a to 100f) and the base station (200) can transmit / receive wireless signals to / from each other. For example, wireless communication / connection (150a, 150b, 150c) can transmit / receive signals through various physical channels. To this end, at least some of the various configuration information setting processes for transmitting / receiving wireless signals, various signal processing processes (e.g., channel encoding / decoding, modulation / demodulation, resource mapping / demapping, etc.), and resource allocation processes can be performed based on various proposals of the present specification.

[0066] AI is the study of artificial intelligence or the methodologies for creating it, while machine learning (ML) defines various problems in the field of AI and studies the methodologies for solving them. Machine learning is also defined as an algorithm that improves performance on a task through consistent experience.

[0067] A robot can be defined as a machine that automatically processes or operates a given task based on its own capabilities. Specifically, a robot capable of perceiving its environment, making decisions, and performing actions on its own can be called an intelligent robot. Robots can be categorized into industrial, medical, household, and military applications based on their intended use or field. Robots are equipped with a drive unit, including an actuator or motor, enabling them to perform various physical actions, such as moving robot joints. Furthermore, mobile robots include wheels, brakes, and propellers in their drive unit, enabling them to drive on the ground or fly in the air.

[0068] Autonomous driving refers to the technology of driving on one's own, while autonomous vehicles refer to vehicles that drive without, or with minimal, user intervention. For example, autonomous driving can include technologies such as lane keeping, automatic speed control like adaptive cruise control, autonomous driving along a set route, and autonomous driving based on a set destination. Vehicles encompass all types of vehicles: those with internal combustion engines, hybrid vehicles with both internal combustion engines and electric motors, and electric vehicles with only electric motors. These vehicles can include not only cars but also trains and motorcycles. Autonomous vehicles can be viewed as robots with autonomous driving capabilities.

[0069] Extended reality is a general term for VR, AR, and MR. VR technology provides real-world objects and backgrounds as CG images only, AR technology provides virtual CG images over images of real objects, and MR technology is a CG technology that mixes and combines virtual objects with the real world. MR technology is similar to AR in that it displays real and virtual objects together. However, there is a difference: while AR uses virtual objects to complement real objects, MR uses virtual and real objects equally.

[0070] NR supports multiple numerologies, or subcarrier spacing (SCS), to support diverse 5G services. For example, an SCS of 15 kHz supports wide areas in traditional cellular bands; an SCS of 30 kHz / 60 kHz supports dense urban areas, lower latency, and wider carrier bandwidth; and an SCS of 60 kHz or higher supports bandwidths greater than 24.25 GHz to overcome phase noise.

[0071] The NR frequency band can be defined by two types of frequency ranges (e.g., FR1, FR2). The numerical values ​​of the frequency ranges can be changed. For example, the two types of frequency ranges (FR1, FR2) can be as shown in Table 1 below. For convenience of explanation, among the frequency ranges used in the NR system, FR1 can mean the "sub 6 GHz range", and FR2 can mean the "above 6 GHz range" and can be called millimeter wave (mmW). FR2 can include FR 2-1 and FR 2-2, as shown in the examples in Tables 1 and 2.

[0072] Frequency Range designationCorresponding frequency rangeSubcarrier SpacingFR1450MHz - 6000MHz15, 30, 60kHzFR2FR2-124250MHz - 52600MHz60, 120, 240kHzFR2-257000MHz - 71000MHz120, 480, 960kHz

[0073] As described above, the numerical value of the frequency range of the NR system can be changed. For example, FR1 may include a band from 410 MHz to 7125 MHz, as shown in Table 2 below. That is, FR1 may include frequency bands above 6 GHz (or 5850, 5900, 5925 MHz, etc.). For example, the frequency bands above 6 GHz (or 5850, 5900, 5925 MHz, etc.) included within FR1 may include unlicensed bands. Unlicensed bands can be used for various purposes, such as for communications for vehicles (e.g., autonomous driving).

[0074] Frequency Range designationCorresponding frequency rangeSubcarrier SpacingFR1410MHz - 7125MHz15, 30, 60kHzFR2FR2-124250MHz - 52600MHz60, 120, 240kHzFR2-257000MHz - 71000MHz120, 480, 960kHz

[0075] Here, the wireless communication technology implemented in the wireless device of the present specification may include not only LTE, NR, and 6G, but also narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) for low-power communication. For example, NB-IoT technology may be an example of LPWAN (low power wide area network) technology and may be implemented with standards such as LTE Cat NB1 and / or LTE Cat NB2, and is not limited to the above-described names. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication technology implemented in the wireless device of the present specification may perform communication based on LTE-M technology. For example, LTE-M technology may be an example of LPWAN technology and may be called by various names such as eMTC (enhanced MTC). For example, LTE-M technology can be implemented by at least one of various standards such as 1) LTE CAT 0, 2) LTE Cat M1, 3) LTE Cat M2, 4) LTE non-BL (non-bandwidth limited), 5) LTE-MTC, 6) LTE MTC, and / or 7) LTE M, and is not limited to the above-described names. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication technology implemented in the wireless device of the present specification can include at least one of ZigBee, Bluetooth, and / or LPWAN considering low-power communication, and is not limited to the above-described names. For example, ZigBee technology can create PAN (personal area networks) related to small / low-power digital communication based on various standards such as IEEE 802.15.4, and can be called by various names.

[0076] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a wireless device to which the implementation of the present specification is applied.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 2, the first wireless device (100) and the second wireless device (200) can transmit and receive wireless signals to / from external devices via various RATs (e.g., LTE and NR).

[0078] In FIG. 2, {the first wireless device (100) and the second wireless device (200)} may correspond to at least one of {the wireless devices (100a to 100f) and the base station (200)}, {the wireless devices (100a to 100f) and the wireless devices (100a to 100f)}, and / or {the base station (200) and the base station (200)} of FIG. 1.

[0079] The first wireless device (100) may include at least one transceiver, such as a transceiver (106), at least one processing chip, such as a processing chip (101), and / or one or more antennas (108).

[0080] The processing chip (101) may include at least one processor, such as a processor (102), and at least one memory, such as a memory (104). FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which the memory (104) is included in the processing chip (101). Additionally and / or alternatively, the memory (104) may be located external to the processing chip (101).

[0081] The processor (102) may control the memory (104) and / or the transceiver (106) and may be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein. For example, the processor (102) may process information in the memory (104) to generate first information / signal and transmit a wireless signal including the first information / signal via the transceiver (106). The processor (102) may receive a wireless signal including second information / signal via the transceiver (106) and store information obtained by processing the second information / signal in the memory (104).

[0082] A memory (104) may be operatively connected to the processor (102). The memory (104) may store various types of information and / or instructions. The memory (104) may store software code (105) that, when executed by the processor (102), implements instructions that perform the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein. For example, the software code (105) may, when executed by the processor (102), implement instructions that perform the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein. For example, the software code (105) may control the processor (102) to perform one or more protocols. For example, the software code (105) may control the processor (102) to perform one or more wireless interface protocol layers.

[0083] Here, the processor (102) and memory (104) may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement a RAT (e.g., LTE or NR). A transceiver (106) may be connected to the processor (102) and may transmit and / or receive wireless signals via one or more antennas (108). Each transceiver (106) may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. The transceiver (106) may be used interchangeably with an RF (radio frequency) unit. In the present specification, the first wireless device (100) may represent a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0084] The second wireless device (200) may include at least one transceiver, such as a transceiver (206), at least one processing chip, such as a processing chip (201), and / or one or more antennas (208).

[0085] The processing chip (201) may include at least one processor, such as a processor (202), and at least one memory, such as a memory (204). FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which the memory (204) is included in the processing chip (201). Additionally and / or alternatively, the memory (204) may be located external to the processing chip (201).

[0086] The processor (202) may control the memory (204) and / or the transceiver (206) and may be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein. For example, the processor (202) may process information in the memory (204) to generate third information / signal and transmit a wireless signal including the third information / signal via the transceiver (206). The processor (202) may receive a wireless signal including fourth information / signal via the transceiver (206) and store information obtained by processing the fourth information / signal in the memory (204).

[0087] A memory (204) may be operatively connected to the processor (202). The memory (204) may store various types of information and / or instructions. The memory (204) may store software code (205) that, when executed by the processor (202), implements instructions that perform the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein. For example, the software code (205) may, when executed by the processor (202), implement instructions that perform the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein. For example, the software code (205) may control the processor (202) to perform one or more protocols. For example, the software code (205) may control the processor (202) to perform one or more air interface protocol layers.

[0088] Here, the processor (202) and memory (204) may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement a RAT (e.g., LTE or NR). A transceiver (206) may be connected to the processor (202) and may transmit and / or receive wireless signals via one or more antennas (208). Each transceiver (206) may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. The transceiver (206) may be used interchangeably with the RF unit. In the present specification, the second wireless device (200) may represent a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0089] Hereinafter, hardware elements of the wireless device (100, 200) will be described in more detail. Although not limited thereto, one or more protocol layers may be implemented by one or more processors (102, 202). For example, one or more processors (102, 202) may implement one or more layers (e.g., functional layers such as a physical (PHY) layer, a media access control (MAC) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio resource control (RRC) layer, and a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer). One or more processors (102, 202) may generate one or more protocol data units (PDUs) and / or one or more service data units (SDUs) according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein. One or more processors (102, 202) may generate messages, control information, data or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or flowcharts disclosed herein. One or more processors (102, 202) may generate signals (e.g., baseband signals) including PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or flowcharts disclosed herein and provide the signals to one or more transceivers (106, 206). One or more processors (102, 202) may receive signals (e.g., baseband signals) from one or more transceivers (106, 206) and obtain PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data or information according to the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or flowcharts disclosed herein.

[0090] One or more processors (102, 202) may be referred to as controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and / or microcomputers. One or more processors (102, 202) may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, and / or a combination thereof. For example, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), one or more programmable logic devices (PLDs), and / or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) may be included in one or more processors (102, 202). The descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein may be implemented using firmware and / or software, and the firmware and / or software may be implemented to include modules, procedures, and functions. Firmware or software configured to perform the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or flowcharts disclosed in this specification may be included in one or more processors (102, 202) or stored in one or more memories (104, 204) and driven by one or more processors (102, 202). The descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods and / or flowcharts disclosed in this specification may be implemented using firmware or software in the form of codes, instructions and / or sets of instructions.

[0091] One or more memories (104, 204) may be coupled to one or more processors (102, 202) and may store various forms of data, signals, messages, information, programs, codes, instructions, and / or commands. The one or more memories (104, 204) may be configured as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), flash memory, hard drives, registers, cache memory, computer-readable storage media, and / or combinations thereof. The one or more memories (104, 204) may be located internally and / or externally to the one or more processors (102, 202). Additionally, the one or more memories (104, 204) may be coupled to the one or more processors (102, 202) via various technologies, such as wired or wireless connections.

[0092] One or more transceivers (106, 206) can transmit user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., referred to in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or flowcharts disclosed herein to one or more other devices. One or more transceivers (106, 206) can receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., referred to in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods, and / or flowcharts disclosed herein from one or more other devices. For example, one or more transceivers (106, 206) can be coupled to one or more processors (102, 202) and can transmit and receive wireless signals. For example, one or more processors (102, 202) can control one or more transceivers (106, 206) to transmit user data, control information, wireless signals, etc., to one or more other devices. Additionally, one or more processors (102, 202) may control one or more transceivers (106, 206) to receive user data, control information, wireless signals, etc. from one or more other devices.

[0093] One or more transceivers (106, 206) may be connected to one or more antennas (108, 208). The one or more transceivers (106, 206) may be configured to transmit and receive user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc., as referred to in the descriptions, functions, procedures, proposals, methods and / or operational flowcharts disclosed herein via the one or more antennas (108, 208). In the present specification, the one or more antennas (108, 208) may be multiple physical antennas or multiple logical antennas (e.g., antenna ports).

[0094] One or more transceivers (106, 206) may convert received user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. from RF band signals to baseband signals in order to process the received user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. using one or more processors (102, 202). One or more transceivers (106, 206) may convert processed user data, control information, wireless signals / channels, etc. from baseband signals to RF band signals using one or more processors (102, 202). For this purpose, one or more transceivers (106, 206) may include an (analog) oscillator and / or a filter. For example, one or more transceivers (106, 206) may up-convert an OFDM baseband signal to an OFDM signal via an (analog) oscillator and / or filter under the control of one or more processors (102, 202) and transmit the up-converted OFDM signal at a carrier frequency. One or more transceivers (106, 206) may receive an OFDM signal at a carrier frequency and down-convert the OFDM signal to an OFDM baseband signal via an (analog) oscillator and / or filter under the control of one or more processors (102, 202).

[0095] In the implementation of the present specification, a UE can operate as a transmitter in the uplink (UL) and as a receiver in the downlink (DL). In the implementation of the present specification, a base station can operate as a receiver in the UL and as a transmitter in the DL. For the sake of convenience of description, it is mainly assumed below that the first wireless device (100) operates as a UE and the second wireless device (200) operates as a base station. For example, a processor (102) connected to, mounted on, or released in the first wireless device (100) can be configured to perform UE operations according to the implementation of the present specification or to control a transceiver (106) to perform UE operations according to the implementation of the present specification. A processor (202) connected to, mounted on, or released in the second wireless device (200) can be configured to perform base station operations according to the implementation of the present specification or to control a transceiver (206) to perform base station operations according to the implementation of the present specification.

[0096] In this specification, a base station may be referred to as a Node B, an eNode B (eNB), or a gNB.

[0097] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a wireless device to which the implementation of the present specification is applied.

[0098] Wireless devices can be implemented in various forms depending on the use case / service (see Figure 1).

[0099] Referring to FIG. 3, the wireless devices (100, 200) may correspond to the wireless devices (100, 200) of FIG. 2 and may be configured by various components, devices / parts, and / or modules. For example, each wireless device (100, 200) may include a communication device (110), a control device (120), a memory device (130), and additional components (140). The communication device (110) may include a communication circuit (112) and a transceiver (114). For example, the communication circuit (112) may include one or more processors (102, 202) of FIG. 2 and / or one or more memories (104, 204) of FIG. 2. For example, the transceiver (114) may include one or more transceivers (106, 206) of FIG. 2 and / or one or more antennas (108, 208) of FIG. 2. The control device (120) is electrically connected to the communication device (110), the memory device (130), and the additional components (140), and controls the overall operation of each wireless device (100, 200). For example, the control device (120) may control the electrical / mechanical operation of each wireless device (100, 200) based on programs / codes / commands / information stored in the memory device (130). The control device (120) can transmit information stored in the memory device (130) to the outside (e.g., other communication devices) via the communication device (110) through a wireless / wired interface, or can store information received from the outside (e.g., other communication devices) via the communication device (110) through a wireless / wired interface in the memory device (130).

[0100] The additional component (140) may be configured in various ways depending on the type of wireless device (100, 200). For example, the additional component (140) may include at least one of a power device / battery, an input / output (I / O) device (e.g., an audio I / O port, a video I / O port), a driving device, and a computing device. The wireless device (100, 200) may be implemented in the form of, but is not limited to, a robot (100a in FIG. 1), a vehicle (100b-1 and 100b-2 in FIG. 1), an XR device (100c in FIG. 1), a portable device (100d in FIG. 1), a home appliance (100e in FIG. 1), an IoT device (100f in FIG. 1), a digital broadcasting terminal, a hologram device, a public safety device, an MTC device, a medical device, a fintech device (or a financial device), a security device, a climate / environmental device, an AI server / device (400 in FIG. 1), a base station (200 in FIG. 1), or a network node. The wireless device (100, 200) may be used in a mobile or fixed location depending on the use case / service.

[0101] In FIG. 3, the various components, devices / parts and / or modules of the wireless devices (100, 200) may be connected to each other via a wired interface, or at least some of them may be connected wirelessly via a communication device (110). For example, in each wireless device (100, 200), the control device (120) and the communication device (110) may be connected via a wire, and the control device (120) and the first device (e.g., 130 and 140) may be connected wirelessly via the communication device (110). Each component, device / part and / or module within the wireless devices (100, 200) may further include one or more elements. For example, the control device (120) may be configured by a set of one or more processors. As an example, the control device (120) may be configured by a set of a communication control processor, an application processor (AP), an electronic control unit (ECU), a graphics processing unit and a memory control processor. As another example, the memory device (130) may be configured by RAM, DRAM, ROM, flash memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and / or a combination thereof.

[0102] <NR에서의 동작 대역>

[0103] The operating band in NR is as follows.

[0104] The operating bands in Table 3 below are refarmed operating bands from the LTE / LTE-A operating bands. These are called FR1 bands.

[0105] NR operating band Uplink (UL) operating band Downlink (DL) operating band Duplex Mode F UL_low - F UL_high F DL_low - F DL_highn11920 MHz - 1980 MHz2110 MHz - 2170 MHzFDDn21850 MHz - 1910 MHz1930 MHz - 1990 MHzFDDn31710 MHz - 1785 MHz1805 MHz - 1880 MHzFDDn5824 MHz - 849 MHz869 MHz - 894 MHzFDDn72500 MHz - 2570 MHz2620 MHz - 2690 MHzFDDn8880 MHz - 915 MHz925 MHz - 960 MHzFDDn12699 MHz - 716 MHz729 MHz - 746 MHzFDDn20832 MHz - 862 MHz791 MHz - 821 MHzFDDn251850 MHz - 1915 MHz1930 MHz - 1995 MHzFDDn28703 MHz - 748 MHz758 MHz - 803 MHzFDDn342010 MHz - 2025 MHz2010 MHz - 2025 MHzTDDn382570 MHz - 2620 MHz2570 MHz - 2620 MHzTDDn391880 MHz - 1920 MHz1880 MHz - 1920 MHzTDDn402300 MHz - 2400 MHz2300 MHz - 2400 MHzTDDn412496 MHz - 2690 MHz2496 MHz - 2690 MHzTDDn501432 MHz - 1517 MHz1432 MHz - 1517 MHzTDD1n511427 MHz - 1432 MHz1427 MHz - 1432 MHzTDDn661710 MHz - 1780 MHz2110 MHz - 2200 MHzFDDn701695 MHz - 1710 MHz1995 MHz - 2020 MHzFDDn71663 MHz - 698 MHz617 MHz - 652 MHzFDDn741427 MHz - 1470 MHz1475 MHz - 1518 MHzFDDn75N / A1432 MHz - 1517 MHzSDLn76N / A1427 MHz - 1432 MHzSDLn773300 MHz - 4200 MHz3300 MHz - 4200MHzTDDn783300 MHz - 3800 MHz3300 MHz - 3800 MHzTDDn794400 MHz - 5000 MHz4400 MHz - 5000 MHzTDDn801710 MHz - 1785 MHzN / ASULn81880 MHz - 915 MHzN / ASULn82832 MHz - 862 MHzN / ASULn83703 MHz - 748 MHzN / ASULn841920 MHz - 1980 MHzN / ASULn861710 MHz - 1780 MHzN / ASUL

[0106] The table below shows the NR operating band defined at high frequencies. This is called the FR2 band.

[0107] NR operating band Uplink (UL) operating band Downlink (DL) operating band Duplex mode F UL_low - F UL_high F DL_low - F DL_high n25726500 MHz - 29500 MHz26500 MHz - 29500 MHzTDDn25824250 MHz - 27500 MHz24250 MHz - 27500 MHzTDDn25937000 MHz - 40000 MHz37000 MHz - 40000 MHzTDDn26037000 MHz - 40000 MHz37000 MHz - 40000 MHzFDDn26127500 MHz - 28350 MHz27500 MHz - 28350 MHzFDD

[0108] <6G System General>

[0109] The 6G (wireless communication) system aims to achieve (i) very high data rates per device, (ii) a very large number of connected devices, (iii) global connectivity, (iv) very low latency, (v) low energy consumption for battery-free IoT devices, (vi) ultra-reliable connectivity, and (vii) connected intelligence with machine learning capabilities. The vision of the 6G system can be divided into four aspects: intelligent connectivity, deep connectivity, holographic connectivity, and ubiquitous connectivity, and the 6G system can satisfy the requirements as shown in Table 5 below. In other words, Table 5 is an example of the requirements of a 6G system.

[0110] Per device peak data rate1 TbpsE2E latency1 msMaximum spectral efficiency100bps / HzMobility supportUp to 1000km / hrSatellite integrationFullyAIFullyAutonomous vehicleFullyXRFullyHaptic CommunicationFully

[0111] 6G systems can have key factors such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), AI integrated communication, tactile internet, high throughput, high network capacity, high energy efficiency, low backhaul and access network congestion, and enhanced data security.

[0112] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a communication structure that can be provided in a 6G system.

[0113] 6G systems are expected to have 50 times the simultaneous wireless connectivity of 5G systems. URLLC, a key feature of 5G, will become even more crucial in 6G communications by providing end-to-end latency of less than 1 ms. 6G systems will have significantly higher volumetric spectral efficiency, compared to the commonly used area spectral efficiency. 6G systems can offer extremely long battery life and advanced battery technologies for energy harvesting, eliminating the need for separate charging for mobile devices in 6G systems. New network characteristics in 6G may include:

[0114] - Satellite integrated network: 6G is expected to integrate with satellites to provide a global mobile network. The integration of terrestrial, satellite, and airborne networks into a single wireless communications system is crucial for 6G.

[0115] Connected Intelligence: Unlike previous generations of wireless communication systems, 6G is revolutionary, upgrading the wireless evolution from "connected objects" to "connected intelligence." AI can be applied at every stage of the communication process (or at every signal processing step, as described below).

[0116] - Seamless integration of wireless information and energy transfer: 6G wireless networks will transfer power to charge the batteries of devices such as smartphones and sensors. Therefore, wireless information and energy transfer (WIET) will be integrated.

[0117] - Ubiquitous super 3D connectivity: Access to networks and core network functions of drones and very low Earth orbit satellites will create super 3D connectivity in 6G ubiquitous.

[0118] Some general requirements for the new network characteristics of 6G, such as the above, may be as follows:

[0119] - Small cell networks: The concept of small cell networks was introduced to improve received signal quality in cellular systems by increasing throughput, energy efficiency, and spectral efficiency. Consequently, small cell networks are essential for 5G and beyond-5G (5GB) communication systems. Accordingly, 6G communication systems also adopt the characteristics of small cell networks.

[0120] Ultra-dense heterogeneous networks: Ultra-dense heterogeneous networks will be another key feature of 6G communication systems. Multi-tier networks comprised of heterogeneous networks improve overall QoS and reduce costs.

[0121] High-capacity backhaul: Backhaul connections are characterized by high-capacity backhaul networks to support high-volume traffic. High-speed fiber optics and free-space optics (FSO) systems may be potential solutions to this problem.

[0122] - Radar technology integrated with mobile technology: High-precision localization (or location-based services) through communications is a key feature of 6G wireless communication systems. Therefore, radar systems will be integrated with 6G networks.

[0123] - Softwarization and virtualization: Softwarization and virtualization are two critical features that form the foundation of the design process for 5GB networks to ensure flexibility, reconfigurability, and programmability. Furthermore, billions of devices can be shared on a shared physical infrastructure.

[0124] <Key implementation technologies for 6G systems>

[0125] Artificial Intelligence

[0126] The most crucial and newly introduced technology for 6G systems is AI. 4G systems did not involve AI. 5G systems will support partial or very limited AI. However, 6G systems will fully support AI for automation. Advances in machine learning will create more intelligent networks for real-time communications in 6G. Incorporating AI into communications can streamline and improve real-time data transmission. AI can use numerous analyses to determine how complex target tasks should be performed. In other words, AI can increase efficiency and reduce processing delays.

[0127] Time-consuming tasks such as handover, network selection, and resource scheduling can be performed instantly using AI. AI can also play a crucial role in machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-to-human, and human-to-machine communications. Furthermore, AI can facilitate rapid communication in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). AI-based communication systems can be supported by metamaterials, intelligent structures, intelligent networks, intelligent devices, intelligent cognitive radios, self-sustaining wireless networks, and machine learning.

[0128] Recent attempts to integrate AI into wireless communication systems have focused on the application layer, network layer, and especially deep learning in wireless resource management and allocation. However, this research is increasingly evolving to the MAC layer and physical layer, with attempts to combine deep learning with wireless transmission, particularly at the physical layer. AI-based physical layer transmission refers to the application of AI-driven signal processing and communication mechanisms, rather than traditional communication frameworks, in the fundamental signal processing and communication mechanisms. Examples include deep learning-based channel coding and decoding, deep learning-based signal estimation and detection, deep learning-based MIMO mechanisms, and AI-based resource scheduling and allocation.

[0129] Machine learning can be used for channel estimation and channel tracking, as well as for power allocation and interference cancellation in the physical layer of the downlink (DL). Furthermore, machine learning can be used for antenna selection, power control, and symbol detection in MIMO systems.

[0130] Machine learning refers to a series of operations that train machines to perform tasks that humans can or cannot perform. Machine learning requires data and a learning model. In machine learning, data learning methods can be broadly categorized into three types: supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning.

[0131] Neural network training aims to minimize output errors. It involves repeatedly inputting training data into a neural network, calculating the neural network output and target error for the training data, and backpropagating the neural network error from the output layer to the input layer to update the weights of each node in the neural network to reduce the error.

[0132] Supervised learning uses labeled training data, while unsupervised learning may not have labeled training data. For example, in the case of supervised learning for data classification, the training data may be data in which each training data category is labeled. Labeled training data is input to a neural network, and the error can be calculated by comparing the output (categories) of the neural network with the training data labels. The calculated error is backpropagated through the neural network in the backward direction (i.e., from the output layer to the input layer), and the connection weights of each node in each layer of the neural network can be updated through backpropagation. The amount of change in the connection weights of each updated node can be determined by the learning rate. The neural network's calculation of the input data and the backpropagation of the error can constitute a learning cycle (epoch). The learning rate can be applied differently depending on the number of iterations of the neural network's learning cycle. For example, in the early stages of training a neural network, a high learning rate can be used to quickly allow the network to reach a certain level of performance, thereby improving efficiency. In the later stages of training, a low learning rate can be used to improve accuracy.

[0133] Learning methods may vary depending on the characteristics of the data. For example, if the goal is to accurately predict data transmitted by a transmitter in a communication system, supervised learning is preferable to unsupervised learning or reinforcement learning.

[0134] The learning model corresponds to the human brain, and the most basic linear model can be thought of, but the machine learning paradigm that uses highly complex neural network structures, such as artificial neural networks, as learning models is called deep learning.

[0135] The neural network cores used in learning methods are mainly divided into deep neural networks (DNN), convolutional deep neural networks (CNN), recurrent Boltzmann machines (RNN), and spiking neural networks (SNN).

[0136] Terahertz Communication

[0137] Data rates can be increased by increasing bandwidth. This can be achieved by utilizing sub-THz communications with wide bandwidths and applying advanced massive MIMO technology. THz waves, also known as sub-millimeter waves, typically refer to the frequency range between 0.1 THz and 10 THz, with corresponding wavelengths ranging from 0.03 mm to 3 mm. The 100 GHz to 300 GHz band (sub-THz band) is considered a key part of the THz spectrum for cellular communications. Adding the sub-THz band to the mmWave band will increase 6G cellular communication capacity. Among the defined THz bands, 300 GHz to 3 THz lies in the far infrared (IR) frequency band. While part of the optical band, the 300 GHz to 3 THz band lies at the boundary of the optical band, immediately following the RF band. Therefore, this 300 GHz to 3 THz band exhibits similarities to RF.

[0138] Figure 5 shows an example of an electromagnetic spectrum.

[0139] Key characteristics of THz communications include (i) the widely available bandwidth to support very high data rates and (ii) the high path loss that occurs at high frequencies (requiring highly directional antennas). The narrow beamwidths generated by highly directional antennas reduce interference. The small wavelength of THz signals allows for a significantly larger number of antenna elements to be integrated into devices and base stations operating in this band. This enables the use of advanced adaptive array technologies to overcome range limitations.

[0140] Large-scale MIMO

[0141] One of the key technologies for improving spectral efficiency is the application of MIMO technology. As MIMO technology improves, spectral efficiency also improves. Therefore, massive MIMO technology will be crucial in 6G systems. Because MIMO technology utilizes multiple paths, multiplexing technology must be considered to ensure that data signals can be transmitted along more than one path, as well as beam generation and operation technologies suitable for the THz band.

[0142] Hologram Beam Forming (HBF)

[0143] Beamforming is a signal processing procedure that adjusts an antenna array to transmit a wireless signal in a specific direction. It is a subset of smart antennas or advanced antenna systems. Beamforming technology offers several advantages, including high signal-to-noise ratio, interference avoidance and rejection, and high network efficiency. Holographic beamforming (HBF) is a novel beamforming method that differs significantly from MIMO systems because it uses software-defined antennas. HBF will be a highly effective approach for efficient and flexible signal transmission and reception in multi-antenna communication devices in 6G.

[0144] Optical wireless technology

[0145] Optical wireless communication (OWC) is a form of optical communication that uses visible light, infrared (IR), or ultraviolet (UV) light to transmit signals. OWC operating in the visible light band (e.g., 390–750 nm) is commonly referred to as visible light communication (VLC). Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be utilized to implement VLC. VLC can be used in a variety of applications, including wireless local area networks (WLANs), wireless personal area networks (WPANs), and vehicular networks.

[0146] VLC offers the following advantages over RF-based technologies. First, the spectrum occupied by VLC is unlicensed and can provide a wide bandwidth (up to THz). Second, VLC causes minimal significant interference with other electromagnetic devices. Therefore, VLC can be applied to sensitive electromagnetic interference applications such as aircraft and hospitals. Third, VLC offers advantages in communication security and privacy. Visible light, the transmission medium of VLC-based networks, cannot penetrate walls and other opaque obstacles. Therefore, VLC's transmission range can be limited to indoor areas, protecting users' privacy and sensitive information. Fourth, VLC can utilize lighting sources as base stations, eliminating the need for expensive base stations.

[0147] Free-space optical communication (FSO) is an optical communication technology that uses light propagating in free space, such as air, outer space, or a vacuum, to wirelessly transmit data for communication or computer networking. FSO can be used as a point-to-point optical wireless communication (OWC) system on the ground. FSO can operate in the near-infrared frequency range (750-1600 nm). Laser transmitters can be used to implement FSO, and it offers high data rates (e.g., 10 Gbit / s), potentially offering a solution to backhaul bottlenecks.

[0148] These OWC technologies are designed for 6G communications, in addition to RF-based communications for all possible device-to-access networks. These networks connect to network-to-backhaul / fronthaul networks. OWC technologies have already been used since 4G communication systems, but they will be used more widely to meet the demands of 6G communication systems. OWC technologies such as light fidelity, visible light communication, optical camera communication, and optical band-based FSO communication are already well-known. Communications based on optical wireless technology can provide very high data rates, low latency, and secure communications.

[0149] LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) can also be used for ultra-high-resolution 3D mapping in 6G communications based on its wide bandwidth. LiDAR is a remote sensing method that illuminates a target using near-infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light, detecting the reflected light with a light sensor to measure distance. LiDAR can be used for fully autonomous driving in automobiles.

[0150] FSO Backhaul Network

[0151] The transmitter and receiver characteristics of an FSO system are similar to those of a fiber-optic network. Therefore, data transmission in an FSO system is similar to that of a fiber-optic system. Therefore, FSO can be a promising technology for providing backhaul connectivity in 6G systems, in conjunction with fiber-optic networks. Using FSO, ultra-long-distance communications are possible, even over distances exceeding 10,000 km. FSO supports high-capacity backhaul connectivity for remote and non-remote areas, such as the ocean, space, underwater, and isolated islands. FSO also supports cellular base station (BS) connections.

[0152] Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)

[0153] 6G systems integrate terrestrial and airborne networks to support vertically expanded user communications. 3D BSs will be provided via low-Earth orbit satellites and UAVs. Adding a new dimension in altitude and associated degrees of freedom significantly differentiates 3D connectivity from existing 2D networks. NR considers Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) as one approach to achieving this. NTNs are networks or network segments that utilize RF resources onboard satellites (or UAS platforms). Common NTN scenarios, which provide access to user equipment, include transparent payloads and regenerative payloads. The following are the basic elements of NTNs.

[0154] - One or more sat-gateways connecting the NTN to the public data network.

[0155] - GEO satellites are served by one or more satellite gateways deployed across the satellite's target coverage area (e.g., regional or continental coverage). We assume that a UE in a cell is served by only one sat-gateway.

[0156] Non-GEO satellites that provide continuous service from one or more satellite gateways at a time. The system ensures service and feeder link continuity between consecutively serving satellite gateways with sufficient time duration to allow for mobile anchoring and handover.

[0157] - Feeder link or wireless link between the satellite gateway and the satellite (or UAS platform).

[0158] - Service link or wireless link between user equipment and satellite (or UAS platform).

[0159] A satellite (or UAS platform) capable of implementing transparent or regenerative (including onboard processing) payloads. The satellite (or UAS platform) typically generates multiple beams for a designated service area, depending on its field of view. The beam's footprint is typically elliptical. The satellite's (or UAS platform's) field of view varies depending on the onboard antenna diagram and minimum elevation angle.

[0160] - Transparent payload: Radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification. Therefore, the waveform signal repeated by the payload remains unchanged.

[0161] - Replay payload: radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion and amplification, demodulation / decoding, switching and / or routing, and coding / modulation. This is essentially equivalent to embedding all or part of a base station function (e.g., gNB) on a satellite (or UAS platform).

[0162] - Optionally, for satellite constellations, inter-satellite link (ISL) is available. This requires a regenerative payload on the satellite. ISL can operate in RF or wideband.

[0163] - User equipment is serviced by satellites (or UAS platforms) within the target service area.

[0164] Typically, GEO satellites and UAS are used to provide continental, regional or local services.

[0165] Typically, LEO and MEO constellations are used to provide services in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In some cases, constellations can even provide global coverage, including polar regions. This requires appropriate orbital inclination, sufficient beam generation, and inter-satellite links.

[0166] Quantum Communication

[0167] Quantum communication is a next-generation communication technology that applies quantum mechanical properties to the field of information and communication, overcoming limitations of existing information and communication technologies, such as security and ultra-high-speed computation. Quantum communication provides a means to generate, transmit, process, and store information that cannot be expressed in the binary bits of 0 and 1 used in existing communication technologies, or that are difficult to express. Unlike existing communication technologies that use wavelength or amplitude to transmit information between a transmitter and a receiver, quantum communication utilizes photons, the smallest unit of light, to transmit information between the transmitter and receiver. In particular, quantum communication can utilize quantum uncertainty and quantum irreversibility regarding the polarization or phase difference of photons (light), enabling communication with perfect security. Furthermore, under certain conditions, quantum communication may also enable ultra-high-speed communication by exploiting quantum entanglement.

[0168] Cell-free Communication

[0169] Tight integration of multiple frequencies and heterogeneous communication technologies is crucial for 6G systems. As a result, users can seamlessly move from one network to another without requiring any manual configuration on their devices. The best network is automatically selected from available communication technologies. This will break the limitations of the cell concept in wireless communications. Currently, user movement from one cell to another in dense networks results in excessive handovers, resulting in handover failures, handover delays, data loss, and the ping-pong effect. 6G cell-free communications will overcome all of these challenges and provide improved QoS.

[0170] Cell-free communication is defined as "a system in which multiple geographically distributed antennas (APs) cooperatively serve a small number of terminals using the same time / frequency resources, assisted by a fronthaul network and CPU." A single terminal is served by a collection of APs, called an AP cluster. There are several methods for forming AP clusters. Among them, a cluster composed of APs that can significantly improve terminal reception performance is called terminal-centric clustering, and this method dynamically updates the cluster configuration as the terminal moves. By introducing this terminal-centric AP clustering technique, the terminal is always located at the center of the AP cluster, thereby avoiding inter-cluster interference that can occur when the terminal is located at the edge of the AP cluster. This cell-free communication will be achieved through multi-connectivity and multi-tier hybrid technologies and heterogeneous radios in the devices.

[0171] Integration of Wireless Information and Energy Transfer (WIET)

[0172] WIET uses the same fields and waves as wireless communication systems. Specifically, sensors and smartphones will be charged using wireless power transfer during communication. WIET is a promising technology for extending the life of battery-powered wireless systems. Therefore, battery-less devices will be supported by 6G communications.

[0173] Integration of Wireless Communication and Sensing

[0174] Autonomous wireless networks are capable of continuously sensing dynamically changing environmental conditions and exchanging information between different nodes. In 6G, sensing will be tightly integrated with communications to support autonomous systems.

[0175] Integrated Access and Backhaul Network

[0176] In 6G, the density of access networks will be enormous. Each access network will be connected to backhaul connections, such as fiber optics and FSO networks. To accommodate the massive number of access networks, there will be tight integration between access and backhaul networks.

[0177] Big Data Analysis

[0178] Big data analytics is a complex process for analyzing diverse, large-scale data sets, or "big data." This process ensures complete data management by uncovering hidden data, unknown correlations, and insights such as customer preferences. Big data is collected from various sources, such as video, social networks, images, and sensors. This technology is widely used to process massive amounts of data in 6G systems.

[0179] Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface

[0180] Many studies have been conducted that consider the wireless environment as an optimization target variable along with the transmitter and receiver. The wireless environment created using this approach is called a Smart Radio Environment (SRE) or Intelligent Radio Environment (IRE) to emphasize its fundamental difference from past design and optimization standards. Various terms have been proposed for reconfigurable intelligent antenna (or intelligent reconfigurable antenna) technologies that enable SRE, including Reconfigurable Metasurfaces, Smart Large Intelligent Surfaces (SLIS), Large Intelligent Surfaces (LIS), Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS), and Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS).

[0181] THz band signals have strong linearity, which can create many shadow areas due to obstacles. RIS technology, which enables expanded communication coverage, enhanced communication stability, and additional value-added services by installing RIS near these shadow areas, is becoming increasingly important. RIS is an artificial surface made of electromagnetic materials that can alter the propagation of incoming and outgoing radio waves. While RIS may appear to be an extension of massive MIMO, it differs from massive MIMO in its array structure and operating mechanism. Furthermore, RIS operates as a reconfigurable reflector with passive elements, meaning it passively reflects signals without using active RF chains, which offers the advantage of low power consumption. Furthermore, because each passive reflector in RIS must independently adjust the phase shift of the incoming signal, this can be advantageous for wireless communication channels. By appropriately adjusting the phase shift via the RIS controller, the reflected signal can be collected at the target receiver to boost the received signal power.

[0182] In addition to reflecting wireless signals, RISs also exist that can control transmission and refraction characteristics. These RISs are primarily used for outdoor-to-indoor (O2I) applications. Recently, STAR-RIS (Simultaneous Transmission and Reflection RIS), which provides both reflection and transmission, has also been actively researched.

[0183] Metaverse

[0184] The metaverse is a portmanteau of "meta," meaning "virtual" or "transcendent," and "universe," meaning "cosmos." Generally, the metaverse is used to refer to a "three-dimensional virtual space where social and economic activities similar to those in the real world are facilitated."

[0185] Extended Reality (XR), a key technology enabling the metaverse, can expand real-world experiences and deliver exceptional immersion by merging the virtual and real. The high bandwidth and low latency of 6G networks enable users to experience even more immersive virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).

[0186] Autonomous Driving (Self-driving)

[0187] For fully autonomous driving, vehicles must communicate with each other to inform each other of dangerous situations, and vehicles must communicate with infrastructure such as parking lots and traffic lights to confirm information such as parking location and signal change times. V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything), a key element in building autonomous driving infrastructure, is a technology that allows cars to communicate and share with various elements on the road for autonomous driving, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) wireless communication.

[0188] To maximize autonomous driving performance and ensure high safety, fast transmission speeds and low-latency technologies are essential. Furthermore, as autonomous driving moves beyond simply providing warnings or guidance messages to drivers, actively intervening in driving and directly controlling the vehicle in dangerous situations requires a vast amount of information to be transmitted and received, 6G is expected to maximize autonomous driving with faster transmission speeds and lower latency than 5G.

[0189] Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

[0190] Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or drones, will be a key element in 6G wireless communications. In most cases, high-speed wireless connections will be provided using UAV technology. BS entities are installed on UAVs to provide cellular connectivity. UAVs offer specific capabilities not found in fixed BS infrastructure, such as easy deployment, robust line-of-sight links, and controlled mobility. During emergencies such as natural disasters, deploying terrestrial communication infrastructure is not economically feasible, and sometimes, volatile environments make it impossible to provide services. UAVs can easily handle these situations. UAVs will become a new paradigm in wireless communications. This technology facilitates three fundamental requirements for wireless networks: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), URLLC, and mMTC. UAVs can also support various purposes, such as enhancing network connectivity, fire detection, disaster emergency services, security and surveillance, pollution monitoring, parking monitoring, and accident monitoring. Therefore, UAV technology is recognized as one of the most important technologies for 6G communications.

[0191] Blockchain

[0192] Blockchain will become a crucial technology for managing massive amounts of data in future communication systems. Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology. A distributed ledger is a database distributed across numerous nodes or computing devices. Each node replicates and stores an identical copy of the ledger. Blockchains are managed by a peer-to-peer network and can exist without being managed by a central authority or server. Data on a blockchain is collected and organized into blocks. Blocks are linked together and protected using cryptography. Blockchain perfectly complements large-scale IoT with its inherently enhanced interoperability, security, privacy, reliability, and scalability. Therefore, blockchain technology offers several features, such as interoperability between devices, traceability of large amounts of data, autonomous interaction with other IoT systems, and the massive connectivity stability of 6G communication systems.

[0193] <Random Access Channel (RACH) 절차>

[0194] FIGS. 6A to 6E illustrate examples of RACH procedures applicable to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0195] Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6E, a RACH procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described. The embodiments of FIGS. 6A to 6E may be combined with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0196] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when RF requirements (e.g., Tx RF performance requirements and / or Rx RF performance requirements) are described, the UE can satisfy these RF requirements. For example, the UE can be tested to satisfy the RF requirements (e.g., Tx RF performance requirements and / or Rx RF performance requirements) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a UE that satisfies these RF requirements can perform a RACH procedure. When the UE transmits a message, data, signaling, etc. to the gNB, the UE satisfies the Tx RF performance requirements described in the first embodiment of the present specification. When the UE receives a message, data, signaling, etc. from the gNB, the UE satisfies the Rx RF performance requirement described in the first embodiment of the present specification.

[0197] To connect a UE to a 5G network, the UE and the 5G network must be synchronized in both uplink and downlink. Downlink synchronization occurs when the UE successfully decodes the SSB transmitted by the gNB. To establish uplink synchronization and RRC connection, the UE must perform a RACH random access procedure.

[0198] Two types of random access procedures are supported: a four-step Random Access (RA) type using MSG1 and a two-step RA type using MSGA.

[0199] Two types of RA procedures can support Contention Based Random Access (CBRA) and Contention Free Random Access (CFRA), as shown in Figures 6a through 6e below, respectively. The UE can select the random access type when initiating a random access procedure depending on network settings.

[0200] Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6c, a four-step RA type using MSG1 is described.

[0201] MSG1 of the 4-step RA type includes a preamble of the PRACH. The UE transmits MSG1. After transmitting MSG1, the UE monitors the network for a response within a set period of time.

[0202] For the CBRA example of FIG. 6a, when the UE receives a random access response (MSG2) from the gNB, the UE can transmit MSG3 using the UL grant scheduled by the response message. The UE can then monitor contention resolution. If contention resolution is not successful after (re)transmitting MSG3, the UE performs MSG1 transmission again.

[0203] For the CFRA example in Figure 6c, a dedicated preamble for MSG1 transmission is allocated by the network. The gNB transmits the RA preamble allocation to the UE. The UE transmits MSG1, which includes a random access preamble, to the gNB. Upon receiving a random access response from the network, the UE terminates the random access procedure.

[0204] Referring to Figures 6b, 6d, and 6e, a two-step RA type is described. The MSGA of the two-step RA type includes a random access preamble of the PRACH and a PUSCH payload. After the UE transmits the MSGA, the UE monitors the network's response within a configured window.

[0205] For CBRA according to the example of Fig. 6b, if the UE successfully resolves the contention after receiving a network response (e.g., MSGB), the UE terminates the random access procedure. If a fallback indication is received within the MSGB, the UE performs MSG3 transmission using the UL grant reserved in the fallback indication, as shown in Fig. 6e, and monitors contention resolution. If the contention resolution is not successful after the MSG3 (re)transmission, the UE performs MSGA transmission again.

[0206] For CFRA according to the example of FIG. 6d, the UE can receive an RA preamble allocation and a PUSCH allocation from the gNB. Then, dedicated preamble and PUSCH resources can be configured for MSGA transmission. The UE transmits the MSGA. When the UE receives a network response, the UE terminates the random access procedure.

[0207] If the random access procedure of type 2 RA is not completed after several MSGA transmissions, the UE may be configured to transition to CBRA of type 4 RA.

[0208] Some examples of procedures and technical specifications related to the disclosure of this specification are provided below. Reference may also be made to standard documents for the various examples below.

[0209] Communication between terminals and satellites is being discussed. However, conventional technology has presented a problem: there is no way for terminals to efficiently and / or accurately measure signals transmitted by satellites.

[0210] This specification describes an example of a terminal operation method that considers power sharing between satellite beams due to the maximum transmission power limit of the satellite in satellite communications (e.g., non-terrestrial networks). For example, an example of a terminal operation method based on operation due to power sharing between satellite beams is described.

[0211] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, an example of NTN operation in intra-satellite is described.

[0212] The following drawings are intended to illustrate specific examples of the present specification. The names of specific devices and the names of specific signals, messages, and fields depicted in the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the technical features of this specification are not limited to the specific names used in the drawings.

[0213] Figures 7a and 7b are examples of NTN operation in intra-satellite to which the implementation of the present specification is applied.

[0214] Figure 7a is an example of a case where a satellite operates multiple beams within a single cell. Figure 7b is an example of a case where a satellite operates one beam within a single cell.

[0215] As illustrated in the examples of Figures 7a and 7b, a satellite can configure multiple cells within its service area. Furthermore, the satellite can operate multiple beams or a single beam per cell.

[0216] In this case, the satellite may transmit signals for common messages (e.g., active beam with common message only) or data traffic (active beam with active traffic) by setting only some beams as active beams. The satellite may stop signal transmission (e.g., power off; hereinafter referred to as “deactivate beam”) by limiting the transmission power for the remaining beams.

[0217] The number of active beams a satellite can transmit simultaneously may be limited. For example, simultaneous active beams may be limited to 10.02% or 1.5% of the total beam due to RF limitations. The active beam limit can be set by the NTN satellite's beam pattern (e.g., active beam pattern).

[0218] Accordingly, reference signals in a satellite cell (e.g., Synchronization Signal Block (SSB), Channel-State Information (CSI) Reference Signal (CSI-RS), etc.) may be transmitted only in the active beam (i.e., active beam with common message only). In this case, the reference signals of cells within a single satellite may need to be widely distributed in the time axis. The disclosure of this specification assumes that the reference signals in each cell served by a single satellite (intra-satellite) are distributed in the time axis. The disclosure of this specification describes examples of a terminal measurement method and / or a network configuration method in such a case. In the disclosure of this specification, examples based on SSB measurement are described, but these are only examples. For example, various examples of the disclosure of this specification can also be applied to measurements for reference signals other than SSB.

[0219] An active beam on a satellite can mean that the satellite transmits signals using several beams at a given time. A beam transmitting SSBs from each cell can only transmit N SSBs at a given time. For example, a satellite can transmit SSBs from a specific cell at a given time. Therefore, since the satellite cannot transmit SSBs from all cells, it can transmit N SSBs.

[0220] Referring to Figure 8, examples of beams used by a satellite for SSB transmission are described.

[0221] The following drawings are intended to illustrate specific examples of the present specification. The names of specific devices and the names of specific signals, messages, and fields depicted in the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the technical features of this specification are not limited to the specific names used in the drawings.

[0222] Figure 8 is an example of a beam group based on an active beam to which the implementation of the present specification is applied.

[0223] Referring to the example of Fig. 8, BG is illustrated. BG stands for Beam group. BG1 to BG10 are illustrated. In the example of Fig. 8, BG1 to BG7 may be associated with active beams. BG8 to BG10 may be associated with deactivate beams.

[0224] As in the example of Fig. 8, an active beam (e.g., a beam for SSB transmission) transmitted at a specific time may be referred to as a Beam Group (BG; a BG may include multiple SSB indices). For example, a BG may refer to a set (or group) of cells through which a satellite transmits SSB at a specific time. For example, as in the example of Fig. 9 described below, BG1 may be a group of cells through which SSB is transmitted at time T1, and BG2 may be a group of cells through which SSB is transmitted at time T2.

[0225] For example, if a BG can include multiple SSB indices, it can mean that the BG is associated with multiple SSB indices. For example, in satellite communication, one beam can generally be assumed per cell. For one cell, one or more SSB beam indices can be configured. For different cells, the SSB beam indices can be the same or different. Multiple SSB beam indices can also be configured for one cell. A BG can be associated with multiple SSB indices.

[0226] When transmitting SSBs to all areas served by a single satellite, considering the active beam, not all SSBs can be transmitted simultaneously. For example, the actual power that a satellite can transmit (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power: EIRP) is limited. Therefore, if a single satellite transmits SSBs to all areas of multiple cells served by the satellite, the power allocated to transmit a single SSB becomes small. This causes a problem where the received signal strength of a terminal on the ground becomes too low even if the satellite transmits SSBs (e.g., a link quality issue occurs). Therefore, a satellite can guarantee the received signal strength of the SSB received by a terminal on the ground by transmitting SSBs only in a specific cell (beam) at a specific time.

[0227] Therefore, as in the example of FIG. 9, the SSB signal transmitted by the satellite (e.g., some or all of the multiple SSB signals corresponding to BG in the example of FIG. 9) must be widely distributed on the time axis, as in the example of FIG. 9.

[0228] The following drawings are intended to illustrate specific examples of the present specification. The names of specific devices and the names of specific signals, messages, and fields depicted in the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the technical features of this specification are not limited to the specific names used in the drawings.

[0229] FIG. 9 is an example of an extended SSB cycle based on an active beam to which the implementation of the present specification is applied.

[0230] The example in Figure 9 illustrates an example of an extended SSB periodicity based on an active beam. For example, an extended SSB periodicity may mean a period longer than a conventional SSB periodicity. For example, the maximum value of a conventional SSB periodicity may be 160 msec, and an extended SSB periodicity may be 640 msec. Since a satellite cannot transmit SSBs from all cells simultaneously, SSB signals from different cells are widely distributed over the time axis, and thus an extended SSB periodicity may be used rather than a conventional SSB periodicity.

[0231] In the example of Fig. 9, BG1 to BG28 are shown. Each BG may represent a set (or group) of cells in which the satellite transmits SSB at a specific time.

[0232] Since the SSB signal transmitted by the satellite (e.g., corresponding to BG in the example of FIG. 9) must be widely distributed in time axis as in the example of FIG. 9, it may not be possible for the satellite (or the satellite's base station) to transmit all the SSBs within the existing SSB period. This may result in a longer SSB period (e.g., SSB periodicity = x msec. x = {320, 640, ..} msec).

[0233] In this situation, the terminal (e.g., UE) may not need to measure all SSBs in each cell and / or area. The network (e.g., a satellite or a base station of the satellite) may configure the BGs that the terminal should measure. As a method for the terminal to perform measurements on the BGs (e.g., the BGs that the terminal should measure), the following two methods for measuring can be considered. For example, the first example of the disclosure of this specification is an example based on a single Synchronization Signal Block (SSB)-based Measurement Timing Configuration (SMTC) configuration. The second example of the disclosure of this specification is an example based on multiple SMTC configurations.

[0234] For reference, in the disclosure of this specification, the SMTC setting may include at least one of information of SMTC periodicity, SMTC offset, and / or SMTC duration.

[0235] 1. First example of disclosure of this specification

[0236] Describes an example where an intra-satellite single SMTC configuration is used.

[0237] For reference, a satellite may also be included in a Satellite Access Node (SAN). A SAN may include a terrestrial gNB, a satellite gateway, and a satellite. In various examples disclosed herein, a satellite may refer to a satellite included in a SAN.

[0238] The network configures one SMTC for one satellite, and the SMTC duration can be configured as the SSB periodicity in the intra-satellite. The SMTC may not be configured separately in the intra-satellite. In this case, the network can assume the SSB periodicity as the SMTC duration. For example, the network can transmit the SMTC duration to the UE. The network can transmit to the UE the position (position within the SMTC duration; e.g., ssb-PositionInSMTC_IntraSAN or bg-PositionInSMTC_IntraSAN) related to the BG (which may also include a list of cells within the BG) that the UE should measure within the SMTC, or information related to a reference BG and the time offset from the reference BG (e.g., timeoffset_FromReference). For example, the reference BG may be a BG that includes a serving cell.

[0239] For example, ssb-PositionInSMTC_IntraSAN may be information indicating the position of the SSB that the terminal should measure within the SMTC section. For example, bg-PositionInSMTC_IntraSAN may be information indicating the BG index of the SSB that the terminal should measure within the SMTC section.

[0240] In some implementations, the network may transmit time offsets from multiple reference BGs. Each time offset from the reference BG can be used by the UE to measure cells contained in the BG associated with the time offset from the reference BG.

[0241] In some implementations, the network may transmit to the UE information related to the time offset from the reference BG and information related to the cell associated with the time offset from the reference BG (e.g., SSB index). For example, the network may transmit to the UE information related to the reference BG, the time offset from the reference BG, and information related to the cell associated with the time offset from the reference BG. Based on this information, the UE may perform measurements for a specific cell.

[0242] For reference, in the disclosure of this specification, position information related to a BG that a terminal should measure within SMTC may also be referred to as information related to a BG that a UE will measure.

[0243] For example, a terminal may receive SMTC settings from a network. The terminal may perform measurements based on the information (e.g., information related to a reference BG and / or location information related to a BG to be measured by the terminal). The terminal may perform measurements based on the SMTC settings, information related to a reference BG and / or location information related to a BG to be measured by the terminal. For example, with reference to FIG. 10, an example of a terminal performing measurements based on one SMTC setting will be described.

[0244] The following drawings are intended to illustrate specific examples of the present specification. The names of specific devices and the names of specific signals, messages, and fields depicted in the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the technical features of this specification are not limited to the specific names used in the drawings.

[0245] Figure 10 is an example of a configuration based on a reference beam and one SMTC configuration to which the implementation of the present specification applies.

[0246] Referring to the example of Fig. 10, BG2 may be a reference BG. The terminal may also receive information related to the reference BG from the network.

[0247] Referring to the example of FIG. 10, the terminal can measure BG2 at t1 (or perform measurement on BG2) based on the reference BG.

[0248] The terminal can receive position information from the network related to the BG (which may also include a list of cells within the BG) that the terminal should measure within the SMTC. For example, the terminal can receive a time offset from the reference BG. For example, in the example of FIG. 10, the terminal can receive two time offsets from the network. The two time offsets may include n1 timeoffset_FromReference and n2 timeoffset_FromReference.

[0249] Referring to the example of Fig. 10, at t3, n1 timeoffset_FromReference has elapsed from t1 BG2, the terminal can measure BG6. At t11, n2 timeoffset_FromReference has elapsed from t1 BG2, the terminal can measure BG21.

[0250] The terminal must be able to transmit and receive signals with the serving cell outside of the section where the BG is measured.

[0251] The UE may transmit to the network a capability related to the number of BGs that can be measured within the SMTC configured intra-satellite. The network may also configure ssb-PositionInSMTC_IntraSAN or timeoffset_FromReference based on this capability. The UE may apply timing information (e.g., frame boundary, half frame, subframe, slot boundary) of the serving cell to other BG measurements within the intra-satellite, and may also perform measurements on other BGs using the timing information of the UE's serving cell. The network may also notify the UE that the UE can apply the timing information of the serving cell to other BG measurements by transmitting the deriveSSB-IndexFromCell configuration to the UE. In addition, the UE may always (i.e., by default) apply the timing information of the serving cell to other BG measurements within the SMTC configured intra-satellite.

[0252] Here, deriveSSB-IndexFromCell can indicate whether the UE can use the timing of the serving cell to derive the index of the SS block transmitted by the neighboring cell.

[0253] There may be an SMTC configured for inter-satellite (e.g., SMTC_InterSAN). SMTC_InterSAN may contain SMTC information for neighboring satellites (e.g., including SMTC cycle and SMTC duration). Within the SMTC for the neighboring satellite, a BG where the neighboring satellite transmits SSB may be included. If there is an SMTC configured for inter-satellite (e.g., SMTC_InterSAN), ssb-PositionInSMTC_IntraSAN or timeoffset_FromReference may overlap with SMTC_InterSAN (e.g., which may contain BG information of the inter-satellite). In this case, the network may first transmit to the UE information (intra-satellite / inter-satellite) related to the cell or SSB to be measured. Alternatively, the UE may use the reference location transmitted by the network to the UE. For example, based on the reference location of the cell / area being measured and the distance information of the terminal, the terminal can measure cells / areas with a shorter distance first.

[0254] Alternatively, equal priority may be assumed. The terminal may measure the overlapping portion by toggling measurements and scale this to the measurement period (e.g., if two measurement portions overlap, the terminal may extend the measurement period by two times). For example, toggling measurements means that the terminal alternately measures the overlapping portions once. For example, the terminal may measure intra-satellite SSB once and inter-satellite SSB in the next overlap. This explanation can also be applied when the SMTC setting overlaps with the measurement gap setting.

[0255] Depending on the active beam operation on the satellite, the BG of each cell may vary within each SSB periodicity. The settings for ssb-PositionInSMTC_IntraSAN or timeoffset_FromReference may be changed flexibly, and the terminal can support this.

[0256] The following drawings are intended to illustrate specific examples of the present specification. The names of specific devices and the names of specific signals, messages, and fields depicted in the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the technical features of this specification are not limited to the specific names used in the drawings.

[0257] Figure 11 is an example of a procedure based on one SMTC setting to which the implementation of this specification applies.

[0258] Referring to the example of FIG. 11, an example of the operation of a UE and a network according to the first example of the disclosure of the present specification is described. In the example of FIG. 11, the network may be a satellite or a base station of a satellite (a base station included in a satellite).

[0259] The example in Fig. 11 is an example of a procedure based on an intra-satellite single SMTC setup.

[0260] In step (S1101), the UE may transmit capability information to the network. The capability information may be, for example, capability information related to the number of beam groups supported by the UE.

[0261] At step (S1102), the network may transmit a single SMTC configuration to the UE.

[0262] In step (S1103), the network may transmit information related to the BG to be measured by the UE to the UE. For example, the information related to the BG to be measured by the UE may include information related to the reference BG. The information related to the BG to be measured by the UE may further include timeoffset_FromReference or ssb-PositioninSMTC_intraSAN.

[0263] At step (S1104), the UE can perform measurements.

[0264] In step (S1105), the UE may transmit a measurement report to the network. For example, if a measurement report exists, the UE may transmit the measurement report to the network.

[0265] 2. Second example of disclosure of this specification

[0266] Describes an example where intra-satellite multiple SMTC configurations are used.

[0267] The network can transmit multiple SMTC configurations to the terminal. For example, the network can configure an SMTC for each cell / SSB (e.g., BG) that the terminal needs to measure within the intra-satellite, and can configure multiple SMTCs for multiple BGs. The network can also configure multiple SMTCs by applying a time offset based on a reference BG. Each SMTC configuration can include information about the SMTC cycle, the SMTC offset, the SMTC interval, the cell ID, the reference location, and the offset for the reference BG. For example, the terminal can determine that the SMTC configuration is related to the reference location based on the reference location included in the SMTC configuration.

[0268] A reference BG may be a BG containing a serving cell and / or an SMTC. A UE may support multiple SMTCs. The UE may transmit capability information related to the multiple SMTCs to the network. For example, the capability information related to the multiple SMTCs may be capability information indicating that the UE supports multiple SMTCs. For example, the capability information related to the multiple SMTCs may be capability information related to the number of SMTCs supported by the UE. For example, the UE may report capabilities related to multiple SMTCs for intra-satellite and / or capabilities related to multiple SMTCs for inter-satellite to the network. The network may configure an SMTC based on the capability information transmitted by the UE.

[0269] The network may also transmit information (intra-satellite / inter-satellite) related to the cell or SSB to be measured first to the terminal. For example, the information (intra-satellite / inter-satellite) related to SSB may be information related to whether the terminal should measure intra-satellite SSB first or inter-satellite SSB first. Alternatively, the terminal may use the reference location transmitted by the network to the terminal. For example, based on the distance information between the reference location of the cell / area being measured and the terminal, the terminal may prioritize measurement for a cell / area with a shorter distance. For example, the network may transmit reference location information (e.g., location and / or cell index, etc.) of neighboring cells to the terminal. The terminal may compare the location information of the terminal with the reference location and perform measurement based on the SMTC related to the neighboring cell close to the terminal (e.g., SMTC configuration including the ID of the neighboring cell close to the terminal). When a network transmits multiple SMTC settings to a terminal, the SMTC settings may include a cell index associated with the SMTC.

[0270] Inter-satellite SMTC and intra-satellite SMTC may overlap. In this case, the network may transmit information (intra / inter-satellite) related to the cell or SSB to be measured first to the terminal. Alternatively, the terminal may use the reference location transmitted by the network to the terminal. For example, based on the distance information between the reference location of the cell / area being measured and the terminal, the terminal may prioritize measurements for cells / areas with a shorter distance. For example, the network may transmit reference location information (e.g., location and / or cell index) of neighboring cells to the terminal. The terminal may compare the terminal's location information with the reference location and perform measurements based on the SMTC associated with the neighboring cell close to the terminal. If the network transmits multiple SMTC configurations to the terminal, the SMTC configurations may include cell indices associated with the SMTCs. Alternatively, equal priority may be assumed. The terminal can measure by toggling the measurement of the overlapping portion and scale it to the measurement period (e.g., if two measurement portions overlap, the terminal can double the measurement period). This explanation can also be applied when the SMTC setting overlaps the measurement gap setting.

[0271] Depending on the active beam operation on the satellite, the BG of each cell may vary within each SSB periodicity. The time offset for multiple SMTCs may also vary for each SSB periodicity, and the terminal can support this.

[0272] The following drawings are intended to illustrate specific examples of the present specification. The names of specific devices and the names of specific signals, messages, and fields depicted in the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the technical features of this specification are not limited to the specific names used in the drawings.

[0273] Figure 12 is an example of a procedure based on multiple SMTC settings to which the implementation of this specification applies.

[0274] Referring to the example of FIG. 12, an example of the operation of a UE and a network according to the first example of the disclosure of the present specification is described. In the example of FIG. 12, the network may be a satellite or a base station of a satellite (a base station included in a satellite).

[0275] The example in Fig. 12 is an example of a procedure based on multiple SMTC settings.

[0276] In step (S1201), the UE may transmit capability information to the network. The capability information may be, for example, related capability information related to multiple SMTCs.

[0277] In step (S1202), the network may transmit multiple SMTC settings to the UE. For example, the network may determine multiple SMTC settings based on capability information.

[0278] In step (S1103), the network may transmit measurement-related information to the UE. For example, the measurement-related information may include information related to the cell and / or SSB index to be measured, or information related to the reference location of the cell and / or area.

[0279] At step (S1104), the UE can perform measurements.

[0280] For example, the UE may perform measurements based on the relevant SMTC (e.g., the relevant SMTC associated with a cell and / or area that is a short distance from the UE's location).

[0281] For example, the UE may have received a reference location of a cell and / or area. In this case, the UE's location may be compared with the reference location of the cell and / or area associated with each of a plurality of SMTCs. The UE may prioritize measurements for cells and / or areas that are located at a short distance from the UE's location. For example, the UE may perform measurements based on the associated SMTC associated with a cell and / or area that is located at a short distance from the UE's location.

[0282] In step (S1105), the UE may transmit a measurement report to the network. For example, if a measurement report exists, the UE may transmit the measurement report to the network.

[0283] The operations described in the first and second examples of the disclosure of this specification can also be applied to the IDLE / INACTIVE / CONNECTED mode of the terminal.

[0284] The following drawings are intended to illustrate specific examples of the present specification. The names of specific devices and the names of specific signals, messages, and fields depicted in the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the technical features of this specification are not limited to the specific names used in the drawings.

[0285] FIG. 13 is an example of a procedure according to one embodiment of the disclosure of the present specification.

[0286] Figure 13 is an example of the disclosure of this specification. The scope of the disclosure of this specification is not limited by the procedures illustrated in Figure 21. For example, the operations, contents, etc. described in various examples of the disclosure of this specification may also be applied to the example of Figure 13.

[0287] The UE may perform the random access procedure described in the examples of FIGS. 6A through 6E. For example, the UE may transmit a random access preamble to the base station. The base station may transmit a response message to the UE.

[0288] For example, in the example of FIG. 13, the base station may be a base station included in a satellite or a satellite. For example, in the example of FIG. 13, the operation of the base station may be the operation of the satellite.

[0289] In step (S1301), the UE can transmit capability information to the base station.

[0290] For example, the capability information may include capability information related to multiple SMTCs.

[0291] For example, based on the transmission of capability information related to multiple SMTCs, information related to two or more SMTCs may be received.

[0292] In step (S1302), the base station can transmit information related to the measurement to the UE.

[0293] For example, information related to a measurement may include one or more of the following:

[0294] - Reference location information for adjacent cells and / or adjacent areas;

[0295] - Information related to multiple SMTCs (e.g. multiple SMTC settings),

[0296] - Reference location and / or cell ID information associated with each SMTC, and

[0297] - Priority information of the cell / SMTC to be measured

[0298] For example, information related to a measurement may include information related to two or more SMTCs. For example, information related to two or more SMTCs may include two or more SMTC settings.

[0299] For example, information related to a measurement may include information related to a cell associated with each of two or more SMTCs. For example, information related to two or more SMTCs may include information related to a cell associated with each of two or more SMTCs.

[0300] The UE may also receive from the base station information related to the reference location of a cell associated with each of two or more SMTCs.

[0301] At step (S1303), the UE can perform measurements.

[0302] For example, a UE may perform measurements based on two or more SMTCs.

[0303] For example, a UE may perform measurements on a cell associated with each of two or more SMTCs based on two or more SMTCs.

[0304] For example, the UE may perform measurements based on the distance between the UE and the reference location of the cell associated with each of two or more SMTCs. For example, the UE may preferentially perform measurements on a cell having a shorter distance between the UE and the reference location of the cell associated with each of two or more SMTCs.

[0305] This specification may have various effects.

[0306] For example, the terminal can efficiently and / or accurately perform measurements on signals transmitted by satellites.

[0307] For example, if RS is transmitted at different times / periods in each cell due to transmission power limitations in satellites, the terminal can effectively measure the RS of the required cell.

[0308] The effects that can be achieved through the specific examples of this specification are not limited to the effects listed above. For example, a person with ordinary skill in the relevant technical field may understand or derive various technical effects from this specification. Accordingly, the specific effects of this specification are not limited to those explicitly described herein, but may include various effects that can be understood or derived from the technical features of this specification.

[0309] For reference, the operation of the terminal (e.g., UE) described in this specification may be implemented by the devices of FIGS. 1 to 3 described above. For example, the terminal (e.g., UE) may be the first device (100) or the second device (200) of FIG. 2. For example, the operation of the terminal (e.g., UE) described in this specification may be processed by one or more processors (102 or 202). The operation of the terminal described in this specification may be stored in one or more memories (104 or 204) in the form of instructions / programs (e.g., instructions, executable codes) executable by one or more processors (102 or 202). One or more processors (102 or 202) may control one or more memories (104 or 204) and one or more transceivers (105 or 206), and execute instructions / programs stored in one or more memories (104 or 204) to perform operations of a terminal (e.g., UE) described in the disclosure of this specification.

[0310] Additionally, commands for performing operations of a terminal (e.g., UE) described in the disclosure of this specification may be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium may be included in one or more memories (104 or 204). In addition, the commands recorded in the storage medium may be executed by one or more processors (102 or 202) to perform operations of a terminal (e.g., UE) described in the disclosure of this specification.

[0311] For reference, the operations of a network node (e.g., AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, AUSF, etc.) or a base station (e.g., a base station included in a satellite, NG-RAN, gNB, eNB, serving cell, PCell, SCell, neighboring cell, etc.) described in this specification may be implemented by the devices of FIGS. 1 to 3 described below. For example, the network node or the base station may be the first device (100) or the second device (200) of FIG. 2. For example, the operations of the network node or the base station described in this specification may be processed by one or more processors (102 or 202). The operations of the terminal described in this specification may be stored in one or more memories (104 or 204) in the form of instructions / programs (e.g., instructions, executable codes) executable by one or more processors (102 or 202). One or more processors (102 or 202) may control one or more memories (104 or 204) and one or more transceivers (106 or 206), and execute instructions / programs stored in one or more memories (104 or 204) to perform operations of a network node or base station as described in the disclosure of this specification.

[0312] Additionally, the instructions for performing the operations of the network node or base station described in the disclosure of this specification may be stored in a non-volatile (or non-transitory) computer-readable storage medium having the instructions recorded thereon. The storage medium may be included in one or more memories (104 or 204). In addition, the instructions recorded in the storage medium may be executed by one or more processors (102 or 202) to perform the operations of the network node or base station described in the disclosure of this specification.

[0313] Although the preferred embodiments have been described above by way of example, the disclosure of this specification is not limited to such specific embodiments, and may be modified, changed, or improved in various forms within the scope described in the spirit and claims of this specification.

[0314] In the exemplary system described above, the methods are described based on a flowchart as a series of steps or blocks. However, the order of the steps described is not limited, and some steps may occur in a different order or simultaneously with other steps described above. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the steps depicted in the flowchart are not exclusive, and other steps may be included, or one or more steps in the flowchart may be deleted without affecting the scope of the invention.

[0315] The claims set forth in this specification may be combined in various ways. For example, the technical features of the method claims of this specification may be combined to implement a device, and the technical features of the device claims of this specification may be combined to implement a method. Furthermore, the technical features of the method claims and the technical features of the device claims of this specification may be combined to implement a device, and the technical features of the method claims and the technical features of the device claims of this specification may be combined to implement a method. Other implementations are within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A step of transmitting capability information to a base station included in the satellite; The above capability information includes capability information related to a plurality of Synchronization Signal Block (SSB)-based Measurement Timing Configurations (SMTC); A step of receiving information related to two or more SMTCs from the base station; and A method comprising the step of performing a measurement based on two or more SMTCs.

2. In paragraph 1, A method in which information related to two or more SMTCs is received based on the capability information related to the plurality of SMTCs being transmitted.

3. In paragraph 1, A method in which information related to the two or more SMTCs includes information related to a cell related to each of the two or more SMTCs.

4. In paragraph 1, A method in which, based on the two or more SMTCs, measurements are performed on cells related to each of the two or more SMTCs.

5. In paragraph 1, A method further comprising the step of receiving information related to a reference location of a cell associated with each of the two or more SMTCs from the base station.

6. In paragraph 5, A method in which the measurement is performed based on the distance between the reference location of the cell associated with each of the two or more SMTCs and the User Equipment (UE).

7. As a device, At least one transmitter / receiver; at least one processor; and comprising one or more memories capable of storing instructions and being operable to connect to at least one processor; A device wherein at least one processor is adapted to perform a method according to one of claims 1 to 6.

8. At least one processor; and At least one memory storing instructions and being operably electrically connected to the at least one processor, An operation performed based on the command being executed by the at least one processor: An apparatus comprising a method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable medium (CRM) that records commands, The above instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 6. CRM.

10. Step of receiving capability information from User Equipment (UE), The above capability information includes capability information related to a plurality of Synchronization Signal Block (SSB)-based Measurement Timing Configurations (SMTC); and Comprising a step of transmitting information related to two or more SMTCs to the UE, A method in which the above two or more SMTCs are used to perform measurements by the UE.

11. In paragraph 10, A method in which information related to two or more SMTCs is transmitted based on the capability information related to the plurality of SMTCs received.

12. In paragraph 10, A method in which information related to the two or more SMTCs includes information related to a cell related to each of the two or more SMTCs.

13. In paragraph 10, A method wherein the two or more SMTCs are used by the UE to perform measurements on cells associated with each of the two or more SMTCs.

14. In paragraph 10, A method further comprising the step of transmitting information related to a reference location of a cell associated with each of the two or more SMTCs to the UE.

15. In paragraph 14, A method in which the measurement is performed based on the distance between the UE and the reference location of the cell associated with each of the two or more SMTCs.

16. At least one transmitter / receiver; at least one processor; and At least one memory capable of storing instructions and being operable to connect to at least one processor, A device wherein at least one processor is adapted to perform a method according to any one of claims 10 to 15.

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