Base station and communication method

Abstract

This base station comprises: a reception unit that receives, from a first satellite, first failure information pertaining to communication by a terminal in a non-terrestrial network (NTN), and receives, from a second satellite, second failure information pertaining to an NTN layer; a control unit that collects the first failure information and the second failure information; and a transmission unit that transmits the first failure information and the second failure information to a core network.

Description

Base Station and Communication Method

[0001] The present invention relates to a base station and a communication method in a communication system.

[0002] In 3GPP (Registered Trademark) (3rd Generation Partnership Project), in order to achieve further increased system capacity, further increased data transmission speed, further reduced latency in the radio section, etc., a radio communication method called 5G or NR (New Radio) (hereinafter, this radio communication method is referred to as "5G" or "NR") is being studied. In 5G, various radio technologies are being studied to meet the requirement of achieving a throughput of 10 Gbps or more while reducing the latency in the radio section to 1 ms or less.

[0003] In NR, a network architecture including a 5GC (5G Core Network) corresponding to the EPC (Evolved Packet Core), which is the core network in the network architecture of LTE (Long Term Evolution), and an NG-RAN (Next Generation - Radio Access Network) corresponding to the E-UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network), which is the RAN (Radio Access Network) in the network architecture of LTE, is being studied (for example, Non-Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 2).

[0004] Also, currently, NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) is being studied. NTN uses a non-terrestrial network such as a satellite to provide services to areas that cannot be covered mainly in terms of cost in a terrestrial 5G network (for example, Non-Patent Document 3 and Non-Patent Document 4).

[0005] 3GPP TS 23.501 V18.6.0 (2024-06) 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.6.0 (2024-06) 3GPP TR 38.821 V16.2.0 (2023-03) Konishi et al., "A Study on Downlink Frequency Sharing in HAPS Mobile Communication Systems," IEICE General Conference, B-17-1, 2020 Study Meeting on Cooperation between Satellite Communications and 5G / Beyond 5G, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, February 2020. 3GPP TS 22.261 V19.7.0 (2024-06)

[0006] Telecommunications carriers use various fault analysis mechanisms to track network activity for network monitoring and troubleshooting, and to diagnose and analyze system failures. These fault analysis mechanisms can also be used to monitor network activity, including NTN Communications, and are under the control of the telecommunications carriers.

[0007] On the other hand, the current fault analysis mechanism does not take into account the multi-layered NTN systems for 6G, and is limited to a single NTN system or TN system, making it difficult to effectively analyze and report on faults in complex NTN systems.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above points, and aims to effectively perform fault analysis in a multi-layered NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) system.

[0009] According to the disclosed technology, a base station is provided that includes a receiving unit that receives first fault information relating to terminal communication in an NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) from a first satellite and second fault information relating to the NTN layer from a second satellite; a control unit that collects the first fault information and the second fault information; and a transmitting unit that transmits the first fault information and the second fault information to the core network.

[0010] According to the disclosed technology, fault analysis can be effectively performed in multi-layered NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) systems.

[0011] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system. This is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system in a roaming environment (1). This is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system in a roaming environment (2). This is a diagram illustrating an example of an NTN (1). This is a diagram illustrating an example of an NTN (2). This is a diagram illustrating an example of an NTN (3). This is a diagram illustrating an example of a multi-layer NTN. This is a diagram illustrating an example of a fault analysis configuration (1) in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram illustrating the domains of fault analysis and reporting in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram illustrating an example of a fault analysis configuration (2) in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a base station 10 in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a terminal 20 in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a base station 10 and a terminal 20 in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a vehicle 2001 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are examples, and the embodiments to which the present invention is applied are not limited to those described below.

[0013] In the operation of the wireless communication system according to the embodiments of the present invention, existing technologies may be used as appropriate. However, such existing technologies include, for example, existing LTE, but are not limited to existing LTE. Furthermore, the term "LTE" as used herein has a broad meaning that includes LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced and later technologies (e.g., NR), or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), unless otherwise specified.

[0014] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present invention, "configuring" wireless parameters means that predetermined values ​​are pre-configured, or that wireless parameters notified from the network node 30 or terminal 20 are configured.

[0015] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system consists of a terminal 20 (UE) and multiple network nodes 30. Hereafter, one network node 30 will be assumed to correspond to each function, but one network node 30 may implement multiple functions, or multiple network nodes 30 may implement one function. Also, the "connection" described below may be a logical connection or a physical connection.

[0016] The RAN (Radio Access Network) is a network node 30 having wireless access functionality, which may include a base station 10, and is connected to a UE, AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), and UPF (User plane function). The AMF is a network node 30 having functions such as terminating the RAN interface, terminating the NAS (Non-Access Stratum), registration management, connection management, reachability management, and mobility management. The UPF is a network node 30 interconnected with the DN (Data Network) and having functions such as a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session point to the outside, packet routing and forwarding, and user plane QoS (Quality of Service) handling. The UPF and DN constitute a network slice. In the wireless communication network in the embodiment of the present invention, multiple network slices may be constructed.

[0017] AMF is connected to UE, RAN, SMF (Session Management function), NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function), NEF (Network Exposure Function), NRF (Network Repository Function), UDM (Unified Data Management), AUSF (Authentication Server Function), PCF (Policy Control Function), and AF (Application Function). AMF, SMF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, UDM, AUSF, PCF, and AF are network nodes 30 that are interconnected via interfaces based on their respective services: Namf, Nsmf, Nnssf, Nnef, Nnrf, Nudm, Nausf, Npcf, and Naf.

[0018] The SMF is a network node 30 that has functions such as session management, IP (Internet Protocol) address allocation and management for UEs, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) functionality, ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) proxy, and roaming functionality. The NEF is a network node 30 that has the function of notifying other NFs (Network Functions) of capabilities and events. The NSSF is a network node 30 that has functions such as selecting the network slice to which the UE connects, determining the allowed NSSAI (Network Slice Selection Assistance Information), determining the NSSAI to be set, and determining the AMF set to which the UE connects. The PCF is a network node 30 that has the function of controlling network policies. The AF is a network node 30 that has the function of controlling application servers. The NRF is a network node 30 that has the function of discovering NF instances that provide services. The UDM is a network node 30 that manages subscriber data and authentication data. The UDM is connected to the UDR (User Data Repository) that holds the said data.

[0019] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example (1) of a communication system in a roaming environment. As shown in Figure 2, the network consists of a terminal 20 (UE) and multiple network nodes 30. Hereafter, one network node 30 will be assumed to correspond to each function, but one network node 30 may implement multiple functions, or multiple network nodes 30 may implement one function. Also, the "connection" described below may be a logical connection or a physical connection.

[0020] The RAN is a network node 30 having wireless access functionality and is connected to the UE, AMF, and UPF. The AMF is a network node 30 having functions such as RAN interface termination, NAS termination, registration management, connection management, reachability management, and mobility management. The UPF is a network node 30 interconnected with the DN, having functions such as external PDU session point, packet routing and forwarding, and user plane QoS handling. The UPF and DN constitute a network slice. In the wireless communication network according to the embodiment of the present invention, multiple network slices are constructed.

[0021] AMF is connected to UE, RAN, SMF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, UDM, AUSF, PCF, AF, and SEPP (Security Edge Protection Proxy). AMF, SMF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, UDM, AUSF, PCF, and AF are network nodes 30 that are interconnected via interfaces based on their respective services: Namf, Nsmf, Nnssf, Nnef, Nnrf, Nudm, Nausf, Npcf, and Naf.

[0022] SMF is a network node 30 that has functions such as session management, IP address allocation and management for UEs, DHCP functionality, ARP proxy, and roaming functionality. NEF is a network node 30 that has the function of notifying other NFs of capabilities and events. NSSF is a network node 30 that has functions such as selecting the network slice to which the UE connects, determining which NSSAIs are allowed, determining which NSSAIs are configured, and determining which AMF set the UE connects to. PCF is a network node 30 that has the function of controlling network policies. AF is a network node 30 that has the function of controlling application servers. NRF is a network node 30 that has the function of discovering NF instances that provide services. SEPP is an opaque proxy that filters control plane messages between PLMNs (Public Land Mobile Networks). In Figure 2, vSEPP is the SEPP in the visited network, and hSEPP is the SEPP in the home network.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the UE is in a roaming environment connected to the RAN and AMF in the Visited PLMN. The Visited PLMN and Home PLMN are connected via vSEPP and hSEPP. The UE can communicate with the UDM of the Home PLMN, for example, via the AMF of the Visited PLMN. The Visited PLMN may be called the Visited Network, and the Home PLMN may be called the Home Network.

[0024] Figure 2 shows an example of a local breakout scenario in which user data is connected to the local network's DN. Control signals are exchanged between the local network and the home network via SEPP.

[0025] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system in a roaming environment (2). Figure 3 is an example of a home-roamed scenario in which user data is connected to the home network's DN. Control signals are exchanged between the local network and the home network via SEPP, similar to the local breakout scenario.

[0026] Figure 4 shows an example of NTN (1). NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) uses non-terrestrial equipment such as satellites to provide services to areas that cannot be covered by terrestrial 5G networks, mainly due to cost constraints. Furthermore, NTN can provide more reliable services. For example, it is envisioned to be applied to IoT (Inter-of-Things), ships, buses, trains, and critical communications. NTN also has scalability through efficient multicast or broadcast.

[0027] As an example from NTN, as shown in Figure 4, satellite 10A can retransmit signals transmitted from ground base station 10B to provide service to areas where ground base stations are not located, such as mountainous regions.

[0028] The terrestrial 5G network may have the configuration described below. The terrestrial 5G network includes one or more base stations 10 and terminals 20. The base station 10 is a communication device that provides one or more cells and communicates wirelessly with the terminals 20. The physical resources of the radio signal are defined in the time domain and the frequency domain, the time domain may be defined by the number of OFDM symbols, and the frequency domain may be defined by the number of subcarriers or resource blocks. The base station 10 transmits synchronization signals and system information to the terminals 20. The synchronization signals are, for example, NR-PSS and NR-SSS. The system information is transmitted, for example, in NR-PBCH and is also called broadcast information.

[0029] Base station 10 transmits control signals or data to terminal 20 via DL (Downlink) and receives control signals or data from terminal 20 via UL (Uplink). Both base station 10 and terminal 20 are capable of transmitting and receiving signals using beamforming. Furthermore, both base station 10 and terminal 20 are capable of applying MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) communication to DL or UL. In addition, both base station 10 and terminal 20 may communicate via SCell (Secondary Cell) and PCell (Primary Cell) using CA (Carrier Aggregation).

[0030] Terminal 20 is a communication device equipped with wireless communication capabilities, such as a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, wearable device, or M2M (Machine-to-Machine) communication module. Terminal 20 receives control signals or data from base station 10 via DL and transmits control signals or data to base station 10 via UL, thereby utilizing various communication services provided by the wireless communication system.

[0031] Figure 5 shows an example of NTN (2). The area per cell or beam in NTN is very large compared to terrestrial networks (TN). Figure 5 shows an example of NTN configured by satellite retransmission. The connection between satellite 10A and NTN gateway 10B is called a feeder link, and the connection between satellite 10A and UE20 is called a service link.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, the difference in delay between the near-side UE20A and the far-side UE20B is, for example, 10.3 ms for GEO (Geosynchronous orbit) and 3.2 ms for LEO (Low Earth orbit). The beam size in NTN is, for example, 3500 km for GEO and 1000 km for LEO.

[0033] Figure 6 shows an example of an NTN (3). As shown in Figure 6, an NTN is realized by a satellite in space or an aircraft in the air. For example, a GEO satellite may be located at an altitude of 35,786 km and have a geostationary orbit. For example, a LEO satellite may be located at an altitude of 500-2000 km and orbit with a period of 88-127 minutes. For example, a HAPS (High Altitude Platform Station) may be located at an altitude of 8-50 km and perform a circular flight.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, the GEO satellite, LEO satellite, and HAPS aircraft may be connected to the ground station gNB via a gateway. The service area may also increase in the order of HAPS, LEO, and GEO.

[0035] For example, NTN can extend the coverage of a 5G network to areas that are not yet serviced or are already serviced. Also, for example, NTN can improve the continuity, availability, and reliability of services in ships, buses, trains, or other critical communications. The fact that it is NTN may be notified by the transmission of a special parameter to the terminal 20, and this special parameter may be, for example, a parameter related to the determination of Timing Advance (TA) based on information relating to satellites or aircraft.

[0036] Figure 7 shows an example of a multi-layered NTN. As shown in Figure 7, a multi-layered network connecting from space to the ground is being considered (see Non-Patent Document 5). For example, geostationary satellites, non-geostationary satellites, high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles, aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and ground or ocean layers may be connected to each other to form a multi-layered network, and further connected to a network infrastructure. Examples of applications include broadcast, multicast, multimedia, backhaul, aircraft and ship broadband, surveillance, satellite IoT, and logistics.

[0037] The telecommunications carrier's network supports satellite access and provides automated satellite fault detection and analysis capabilities. There are also UEs (User Entities) that are connected to the operator's network, support satellite access, and assist in processing satellite fault information.

[0038] Telecommunications carriers use various fault analysis mechanisms to track network activity for network monitoring and troubleshooting, and to diagnose and analyze system failures. These fault analysis mechanisms can also be used to monitor network activity, including NTN Communications, and are under the control of the telecommunications carriers.

[0039] In scenarios involving communication failures, the telecommunications carrier can utilize the failure-related information held by the UE to analyze the cause of the failure, improve system performance accordingly, and enhance the user experience. To communicate data and information between the UE and the core network via satellite, it is necessary to consider security aspects when exchanging data while minimizing the impact on real-time traffic and when sending reports to external third-party monitoring systems.

[0040] On the other hand, the current fault analysis mechanism does not take into account the multi-layered NTN systems for 6G, and is limited to a single NTN system or TN system, making it difficult to effectively analyze and report on faults in complex NTN systems.

[0041] 5G systems with satellite access support the collection of usage statistics and location information for UEs connected to satellites, in accordance with requirements and operator policies (see Non-Patent Literature 6).

[0042] A 5G system with satellite access may support different configurations of either or both of the satellite NG-RAN and non-3GPP access networks. A UE supporting satellite access may supply the 5G network with assist data for the location or positioning of its own device. The 5G system and UE with satellite access may determine the location of the UE in accordance with regulatory requirements applicable to the UE in a certain country or region, for example, to supply services such as routing traffic and supporting emergency calls. The determination of the UE location may be performed based on 3GPP and / or non-3GPP positioning technologies according to the operator policy.

[0043] A 5G system with satellite access may support low-power MIoT type of communications. In accordance with regulatory requirements and operator policy, the 5G system with satellite access may authorize the UE regardless of the UE's GNSS-related capabilities. Also, in accordance with regulatory requirements and operator policy, the 5G system with satellite access may support collecting information related to usage statistics and the location of the UE connected to the satellite.

[0044] In accordance with the policy of the communications carrier, a 6G or next-generation system with satellite access may support on-board satellite fault analysis operations to collect, store, and create fault communication information received from the UEs registered in the network.

[0045] A 6G or next-generation system with satellite access may notify the UE whether the satellite fault analysis operation is supported and / or applied in communications.

[0046] A UE supporting satellite access may notify the network whether it supports the satellite fault analysis operation.

[0047] A 6G or next-generation system with satellite access may notify an authorized third party whether the satellite fault analysis operation is applied to the communication with the UE and provide relevant information.

[0048] In accordance with the policies of the communication operator, a 6G or next-generation system with satellite access may support the distribution of satellite disruption communication information to an authorized UE or an authorized third party.

[0049] A 6G or next-generation system with satellite access may notify an authorized third party whether satellite disruption analysis operations are supported and / or applied, or may provide a mechanism for constructing the requested information.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example (1) of disruption analysis in an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the operator may optimize the performance of the NTN system by monitoring, measuring, and reporting communication disruption information of UEs connected to the satellite system. The satellite may be connected to a 6GCS, which is a core network, via a gateway. The NTN system may perform disruption analysis for NTN communication.

[0051] The multi-orbit satellite network provides services through composite access from low-orbit satellites and high-altitude satellites in medium and geostationary orbits. In a scenario where a communication disruption occurs, the disruption information available at the UE or the satellite can be transferred to a satellite that supports the disruption analysis capability and / or function, so that a disruption information report can be appropriately provided to the MNO (Mobile Network Operator). The provided data can then be analyzed by the operator to identify the cause of the communication disruption. The disruption analysis mechanism needs to be deployed on a specific satellite (e.g., GEO) and may be used by other satellites by transferring available disruption data, e.g., locally generated or received from the UE, via an ISL (Inter-Satellite Link). Therefore, in a multi-orbit satellite network, the communication of disruption information may follow multiple paths until it reaches the core network, such as transferring data transmitted from the UE to satellite A to another satellite B that supports the disruption analysis function, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0052] The operator's network supports satellite access and provides automated satellite fault detection and analysis functions onboard satellite B. Users subscribed to the operator's network support satellite access and processing of satellite fault information using the UE equipment. Users subscribed to the operator's network support satellite access and processing of satellite fault information using the UE equipment.

[0053] The fault information may also be called communication fault information or satellite fault information. The fault information may include the location and time of the UE at the time the fault occurred, as well as information related to the satellite (which satellite was communicating with, the satellite's location, etc.). The term "fault" may be replaced with "malfunction."

[0054] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the domains of failure analysis and reporting in an embodiment of the present invention. Failure analysis and reporting may be carried out in the following four domains: 1) to 4).

[0055] 1) NTN Domain 2) Transport Domain 3) Core Network Domain 4) Application Server Domain (AS Domain)

[0056] As shown in Figure 9, the UE may send a report related to fault analysis and receive an action. In the NTN domain, satellites in multiple orbits, such as GEO or NGEO (non-geostationary orbit) satellites, may send a report related to fault analysis and receive an action. In the core network domain, for example, the 6G core's AMF, NF, and NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function) may send a report related to fault analysis and receive an action. In the application server domain, for example, the IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) and MC (Mission Critical) may send a report related to fault analysis and receive an action.

[0057] The actors in the information model may be defined as follows:

[0058] 1) Satellite (may be a new entity defined and managed onboard, or may implement a Distributed NWDAF and UPF onboard). 2) The satellite may not have a Distributed NWDAF and may transfer collected data to satellites that support a Distributed NWDAF. 3) Core network (may support a Centralized and / or Distributed NWDAF, or an Enhanced NWDAF). 4) UE or application.

[0059] As shown in Figure 8, Operator A may optimize the performance of the NTN system by monitoring, measuring, and reporting communication failure information of UEs connected to the multi-layer satellite system. Satellite B may be connected to the core network, 6GCS, via a gateway. The NTN system may perform fault analysis for NTN communications.

[0060] 1) The UE connects to Operator A's network via Satellite A. 2) If a communication failure and / or error occurs in the UE, the UE stores the failure information locally. 3) When the connection becomes available again, the UE transmits the locally stored failure information to Satellite A. 4) Satellite A collects the fault communication information and transmits it to Satellite B. 5) Satellite B has fault analysis capabilities and reports the fault analysis information to the core network. 5) When the core network receives the report from Satellite B, the fault information can be used for further analysis and is forwarded and used by a trusted third party or authorized user.

[0061] The fault information may also be called communication fault information or satellite fault information. The fault information may include the location and time of the UE at the time the fault occurred, as well as information related to the satellite (which satellite it was communicating with, the satellite's location, etc.). Note that "fault" may be replaced with "malfunction".

[0062] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration (2) of fault analysis in an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 10, in a multilayer NTN system, a distributed NWDAF (D-NWDAF) may be implemented on a specific satellite depending on the services and / or operating conditions provided. The core network may have a centralized NWDAF (C-NWDAF) and / or a distributed NWDAF. An interface X may be defined between the distributed NWDAF and the centralized NWDAF and / or the distributed NWDAF.

[0063] The core network may perform fault management data reporting and control for NTN. Satellite and / or distributed NWDAFs may perform monitoring, analysis, decision-making, and action related to fault information. Aggregated NWDAFs and / or the core network may perform monitoring, analysis, decision-making, and action related to fault information.

[0064] The UE may store faults and / or errors and transmit the error data to the satellite during the next communication. This operation may be considered due to the limited resources of the NTN system. Faults in the NTN system or faults and / or data in the UE may be collected in the NTN system. An intelligent NTN system may be configured on the satellite to create or modify fault reports. AI and big data may reside on the NTN or on the satellite.

[0065] Satellite A may transfer the collected data to Satellite B. Satellite B may support a distributed NWDAF and provide the data to the core network. Failures in the NTN layer may be transmitted or transferred, for example, from Satellite C to Satellite B's distributed NWDAF (OO 3GPP). A satellite's distributed NWDAF may connect to other distributed NWDAFs or directly to the core network's aggregated NWDAF. For example, a satellite's distributed NWDAF may connect to another satellite's distributed NWDAF, and that other satellite's distributed NWDAF may connect to the core network's aggregated NWDAF.

[0066] Consumers (core network functions) may perform necessary operations on the aggregated and / or distributed NWDAF using parameters that describe the required properties. The aggregated and / or distributed NWDAF may decide to perform operations on the distributed NWDAF with the required parameters. The distributed NWDAF may receive and / or determine the configuration parameters, assign them to the corresponding NTN (layer) to perform the configuration, and collect the necessary data. For example, the aggregated NWDAF may trigger alarms, notifications, and / or event reports to consumers. Reports regarding failures may be sent from the core network to third parties.

[0067] Faults in the NTN system or faults and / or data in the UE may be collected in the NTN system via a distributed NWDAF mounted on a satellite (satellite B in Figure 10) and forwarded to the aggregated NWDAF of the core network. An interface X may be defined between the distributed NWDAF and the aggregated NWDAF. The aggregated NWDAF and / or the core network may perform monitoring, analysis, decision-making, and action related to the fault information.

[0068] When registering a UE, the UE notifies the network of its support for fault analysis reporting, and the network may notify the UE of its support for fault analysis reporting via an aggregated NWDAF or a distributed NWDAF. Note that the aggregated NWDAF may be replaced with a C-NWDAF (Centralized NWDAF), a centralized NWDAF, or a central NWDAF. The distributed NWDAF may be replaced with a D-NWDAF (Distributed NWDAF).

[0069] If an error occurs, the UE may save the fault and / or error data and transfer it to satellite A as soon as communication with the satellite is restored. This operation may be considered due to the limited resources of the NTN system.

[0070] A distributed NWDAF on a satellite may collect, store, monitor, modify, and / or generate reports according to the necessary settings and parameters negotiated between the consumer on the core network and the aggregated NWDAF or distributed NWDAF, and transmit them to the aggregated NWDAF or distributed NWDAF on the core network.

[0071] The received data may be stored, monitored, and / or analyzed within the core network. Authorized third-party services may then be able to use such data and analysis results.

[0072] As demonstrated by the above embodiment, operators can use monitoring mechanisms in systems that support and provide satellite access to track network activity and troubleshooting, and to diagnose and analyze faults and errors within the system. By monitoring and analyzing communications and traffic, including NTN systems, toward 6G, and reporting communication failures and errors to MNOs and external third-party monitoring systems, it is possible to improve the performance of NTN systems.

[0073] In other words, fault analysis can be effectively performed in multi-layered NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) systems.

[0074] (Device Configuration) Next, an example of the functional configuration of the base station 10, network node 30, and terminal 20 that perform the processing and operations described above will be explained. The base station 10, network node 30, and terminal 20 include the functions to perform the embodiments described above. However, the base station 10, network node 30, and terminal 20 may each be equipped with only some of the functions in the embodiments.

[0075] <Base Station 10 and Network Node 30> Figure 11 shows an example of the functional configuration of the base station 10. As shown in Figure 11, the base station 10 has a transmitting unit 110, a receiving unit 120, a setting unit 130, and a control unit 140. The functional configuration shown in Figure 11 is merely an example. The functional classifications and names of the functional units can be anything as long as they can perform the operations according to the embodiment of the present invention. The network node 30 may have the same functional configuration as the base station 10. Furthermore, a network node 30 having multiple different functions on the system architecture may be composed of multiple network nodes 30 separated by function.

[0076] The transmitting unit 110 includes the function of generating a signal to be transmitted to the terminal 20 or other network node 30 and transmitting the signal by wire or wireless. The receiving unit 120 includes the function of receiving various signals transmitted from the terminal 20 or other network node 30 and obtaining information from the received signal, for example, information from a higher layer.

[0077] The setting unit 130 stores pre-configured setting information and various setting information to be transmitted to the terminal 20 in a storage device, and reads it from the storage device as needed. The contents of the setting information include, for example, settings related to the operation described in the embodiment.

[0078] The control unit 140 performs processing related to the operations described in the embodiment, as described in the embodiment. The control unit 140 also performs processing related to communication with the terminal 20. The signal transmission function in the control unit 140 may be included in the transmission unit 110, and the signal reception function in the control unit 140 may be included in the reception unit 120.

[0079] <Terminal 20> Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of terminal 20. As shown in Figure 12, terminal 20 has a transmitting unit 210, a receiving unit 220, a setting unit 230, and a control unit 240. The functional configuration shown in Figure 12 is merely an example. Any functional classification and functional unit names are acceptable as long as they enable the operation according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] The transmitting unit 210 creates a transmission signal from the transmission data and transmits the transmission signal wirelessly. The receiving unit 220 wirelessly receives various signals and acquires signals from higher layers from the received physical layer signals. The receiving unit 220 also has the function of receiving NR-PSS, NR-SSS, NR-PBCH, DL / UL control signals or reference signals transmitted from the network node 30.

[0081] The setting unit 230 stores various setting information received from the network node 30 by the receiving unit 220 in a storage device and reads it from the storage device as needed. The setting unit 230 also stores pre-configured setting information. The content of the setting information is, for example, settings related to the operation described in the embodiment.

[0082] The control unit 240 performs the processing related to the operation described in the embodiment, as described in the embodiment. The control unit 240 also performs processing related to the capacity enhancement cell. The signal transmission function unit of the control unit 240 may be included in the transmission unit 210, and the signal reception function unit of the control unit 240 may be included in the reception unit 220.

[0083] (Hardware Configuration) The block diagrams (Figures 11 and 12) used in the description of the above embodiments show functional units. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method of realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using one device that is physically or logically coupled, or it may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (for example, using wired or wireless connections). A functional block may be realized by combining the one device or the multiple devices with software.

[0084] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, decision, determination, calculation, calculation, processing, derivation, investigation, exploration, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, selection, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, assumption, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating (mapping), and assigning. For example, a functional block (configuration part) that enables transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. In all cases, as mentioned above, the method of implementation is not particularly limited.

[0085] For example, the network node 30, terminal 20, etc. in one embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that processes the wireless communication method of the present disclosure. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a base station 10 and terminal 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The network node 30 may have the same hardware configuration as the base station 10. The base station 10 and terminal 20 described above may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a storage device 1002, an auxiliary storage device 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, etc.

[0086] In the following explanation, the term "device" can be replaced with "circuit," "device," "unit," etc. The hardware configuration of the base station 10 and terminal 20 may include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or it may be configured without some of the devices.

[0087] Each function in the base station 10 and terminal 20 is realized by loading predetermined software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and storage device 1002, which allows the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication by the communication device 1004, and control at least one of data reading and writing in the storage device 1002 and auxiliary storage device 1003.

[0088] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer, for example, by running an operating system. The processor 1001 may consist of a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, control devices, arithmetic units, registers, etc. For example, the control unit 140, control unit 240, etc., described above may be implemented by the processor 1001.

[0089] Furthermore, the processor 1001 reads programs (program code), software modules, or data from at least one of the auxiliary storage device 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the storage device 1002, and executes various processes accordingly. The program used is one that causes the computer to execute at least a part of the operations described in the above embodiment. For example, the control unit 140 of the base station 10 shown in Figure 11 may be implemented by a control program stored in the storage device 1002 and operated by the processor 1001. Also, for example, the control unit 240 of the terminal 20 shown in Figure 12 may be implemented by a control program stored in the storage device 1002 and operated by the processor 1001. Although the above-described processes have been explained as being executed by one processor 1001, they may be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The program may also be transmitted from the network via a telecommunications line.

[0090] The storage device 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may consist of at least one of the following: ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage device 1002 may also be called a register, cache, main memory, etc. The storage device 1002 can store executable programs (program code), software modules, etc., for implementing a communication method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] The auxiliary storage device 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium and may consist of at least one of the following: an optical disc such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital multipurpose disk, a Blu-ray® disk), a smart card, flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy® disk, a magnetic strip, etc. The above-mentioned storage medium may also be a database, server, or other suitable medium that includes at least one of the storage device 1002 and the auxiliary storage device 1003.

[0092] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmitting / receiving device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as a network device, network controller, network card, communication module, etc. The communication device 1004 may be configured to include, for example, a high-frequency switch, duplexer, filter, frequency synthesizer, etc., in order to implement at least one of frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD). For example, the transmitting and receiving antenna, amplifier section, transmitting and receiving section, transmission path interface, etc., may be implemented by the communication device 1004. The transmitting and receiving section may be implemented in a physically or logically separated manner, with a transmitting section and a receiving section.

[0093] The input device 1005 is an input device that accepts input from an external source (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, etc.). The output device 1006 is an output device that outputs to an external source (e.g., a display, speaker, LED lamp, etc.). The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be configured as an integrated unit (e.g., a touch panel).

[0094] Furthermore, each device, such as the processor 1001 and the storage device 1002, is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or different buses may be configured for each device.

[0095] Furthermore, the base station 10 and terminal 20 may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and some or all of each functional block may be realized by such hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these hardware components.

[0096] Figure 14 shows an example of the configuration of vehicle 2001. As shown in Figure 14, vehicle 2001 includes a drive unit 2002, a steering unit 2003, an accelerator pedal 2004, a brake pedal 2005, a shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, an axle 2009, an electronic control unit 2010, various sensors 2021 to 2029, an information service unit 2012, and a communication module 2013. Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be applied to a communication device mounted on vehicle 2001, for example, to the communication module 2013.

[0097] The drive unit 2002 consists of, for example, an engine, a motor, or a hybrid of an engine and a motor. The steering unit 2003 includes at least a steering wheel (also called a handle) and is configured to steer at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels based on the operation of the steering wheel, which is operated by the user.

[0098] The electronic control unit 2010 consists of a microprocessor 2031, memory (ROM, RAM) 2032, and communication ports (IO ports) 2033. Signals from various sensors 2021 to 2029 installed in the vehicle 2001 are input to the electronic control unit 2010. The electronic control unit 2010 may also be called an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0099] Signals from various sensors 2021 to 2029 include current signals from current sensor 2021 for sensing motor current, front and rear wheel rotation speed signals acquired by rotation speed sensor 2022, front and rear wheel air pressure signals acquired by air pressure sensor 2023, vehicle speed signals acquired by vehicle speed sensor 2024, acceleration signals acquired by acceleration sensor 2025, accelerator pedal depression signals acquired by accelerator pedal sensor 2029, brake pedal depression signals acquired by brake pedal sensor 2026, shift lever operation signals acquired by shift lever sensor 2027, and detection signals acquired by object detection sensor 2028 for detecting obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, etc.

[0100] The Information Services Unit 2012 consists of various devices for providing various types of information, such as driving information, traffic information, and entertainment information, including a car navigation system, audio system, speakers, television, and radio, and one or more ECUs that control these devices. The Information Services Unit 2012 uses information acquired from external devices via a communication module 2013, etc., to provide various multimedia information and multimedia services to the occupants of the vehicle 2001.

[0101] The driver assistance system unit 2030 consists of various devices that provide functions to prevent accidents or reduce the driver's workload, such as millimeter-wave radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), cameras, positioning locators (e.g., GNSS), map information (e.g., high-definition (HD) maps, autonomous vehicle (AV) maps), gyro systems (e.g., IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), INS (Inertial Navigation System)), AI (Artificial Intelligence) chips, and AI processors, as well as one or more ECUs that control these devices. The driver assistance system unit 2030 also transmits and receives various information via the communication module 2013 to realize driver assistance functions or autonomous driving functions.

[0102] The communication module 2013 can communicate with the microprocessor 2031 and components of the vehicle 2001 via its communication port. For example, the communication module 2013 sends and receives data via the communication port 2033 between the drive unit 2002, steering unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, axle 2009, the microprocessor 2031 and memory (ROM, RAM) 2032 in the electronic control unit 2010, and sensors 2021-29 provided in the vehicle 2001.

[0103] The communication module 2013 is a communication device that can be controlled by the microprocessor 2031 of the electronic control unit 2010 and can communicate with external devices. For example, it can send and receive various types of information with external devices via wireless communication. The communication module 2013 may be located either inside or outside the electronic control unit 2010. The external device may be, for example, a base station or a mobile station.

[0104] The communication module 2013 transmits current signals from current sensors input to the electronic control unit 2010 to an external device via wireless communication. The communication module 2013 also transmits, via wireless communication, the following signals input to the electronic control unit 2010: front and rear wheel rotation speed signals acquired by the rotation speed sensor 2022, front and rear wheel air pressure signals acquired by the air pressure sensor 2023, vehicle speed signals acquired by the vehicle speed sensor 2024, acceleration signals acquired by the acceleration sensor 2025, accelerator pedal depression amount signals acquired by the accelerator pedal sensor 2029, brake pedal depression amount signals acquired by the brake pedal sensor 2026, shift lever operation signals acquired by the shift lever sensor 2027, and detection signals for detecting obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, etc., acquired by the object detection sensor 2028.

[0105] The communication module 2013 receives various information (traffic information, signal information, vehicle-to-vehicle information, etc.) transmitted from an external device and displays it on the information service unit 2012 provided in the vehicle 2001. The communication module 2013 also stores the various information received from the external device in a memory 2032 that can be used by the microprocessor 2031. Based on the information stored in the memory 2032, the microprocessor 2031 may control the drive unit 2002, steering unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, axles 2009, sensors 2021-2029, etc., provided in the vehicle 2001.

[0106] (Summary of Embodiments) As described above, according to embodiments of the present invention, a base station is provided which includes a receiving unit that receives first fault information relating to terminal communication in an NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) from a first satellite and second fault information relating to the NTN layer from a second satellite, a control unit that collects the first fault information and the second fault information, and a transmitting unit that transmits the first fault information and the second fault information to the core network.

[0107] With the above configuration, operators can use monitoring mechanisms in systems that support and provide satellite access to track network activity and troubleshooting, and to diagnose and analyze faults and errors within the system. By monitoring and analyzing communications and traffic, including NTN systems, toward 6G, and reporting communication failures and errors to MNOs and external third-party monitoring systems, it is possible to improve the performance of NTN systems. In other words, fault analysis can be effectively performed in multi-layered NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) systems.

[0108] The control unit may operate as a distributed NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function). This configuration allows operators to use a monitoring mechanism in systems that support and provide satellite access to track network activity and troubleshooting, and to diagnose and analyze faults and errors within the system. By monitoring and analyzing communications and traffic, including NTN systems, toward 6G, and reporting communication failures and errors to MNOs and external third-party monitoring systems, it is possible to improve the performance of NTN systems.

[0109] The transmitting unit may transmit the first and second fault information to the core network's aggregated NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function). This configuration allows operators to use a monitoring mechanism in a system that supports and provides satellite access to track network activity and troubleshooting, and to diagnose and analyze faults and errors within the system. By monitoring and analyzing communications and traffic, including NTN systems, toward 6G, and reporting communication faults and errors to MNOs and external third-party monitoring systems, it is possible to improve the performance of NTN systems.

[0110] The receiving unit receives parameters from the core network, the control unit operates as a distributed NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function) that creates reports relating to the first and second fault information based on the parameters, and the transmitting unit may transmit the reports to the aggregated NWDAF of the core network. This configuration allows operators to use a monitoring mechanism in a system that supports and provides satellite access to track network activity and troubleshooting, and to diagnose and analyze faults and errors within the system. By monitoring and analyzing communications and traffic, including NTN systems, toward 6G, and reporting communication failures and errors to MNOs and external third-party monitoring systems, it is possible to improve the performance of NTN systems.

[0111] The control unit may operate as a User Plane Function (UPF). This configuration allows operators to use a monitoring mechanism in a system that supports and provides satellite access to track network activity and troubleshooting, and to diagnose and analyze faults and errors within the system. By monitoring and analyzing communications and traffic, including NTN systems, toward 6G, and reporting communication failures and errors to MNOs and external third-party monitoring systems, it is possible to improve the performance of NTN systems.

[0112] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a communication method is provided in which a base station performs the following steps: receiving first fault information relating to terminal communication in an NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) from a first satellite and receiving second fault information relating to the NTN layer from a second satellite; collecting the first fault information and the second fault information; and transmitting the first fault information and the second fault information to the core network.

[0113] With the above configuration, operators can use monitoring mechanisms in systems that support and provide satellite access to track network activity and troubleshooting, and to diagnose and analyze faults and errors within the system. By monitoring and analyzing communications and traffic, including NTN systems, toward 6G, and reporting communication failures and errors to MNOs and external third-party monitoring systems, it is possible to improve the performance of NTN systems. In other words, fault analysis can be effectively performed in multi-layered NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) systems.

[0114] (Supplement to Embodiments) Embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the disclosed invention is not limited to such embodiments, and those skilled in the art will understand various modifications, alterations, alternatives, substitutions, etc. Specific numerical examples have been used to facilitate understanding of the invention, but unless otherwise specified, these numerical values ​​are merely examples, and any appropriate values ​​may be used. The division of items in the above description is not essential to the present invention, and matters described in two or more items may be combined as needed, and matters described in one item may be applied to matters described in another item (as long as they do not contradict each other). The boundaries of functional units or processing units in the functional block diagram do not necessarily correspond to the boundaries of physical parts. The operation of multiple functional units may be physically performed by one part, or the operation of one functional unit may be physically performed by multiple parts. The processing procedures described in the embodiments may be rearranged as long as they do not contradict each other. For the convenience of explaining the processing, the network node 30 and terminal 20 have been described using a functional block diagram, but such devices may be realized in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The software operated by the processor of the network node 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention and the software operated by the processor of the terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be stored in any suitable storage medium such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), EPROM, EEPROM, register, hard disk (HDD), removable disk, CD-ROM, database, server, or other appropriate storage medium.

[0115] Furthermore, notification of information is not limited to the embodiments described herein and may be carried out by other methods. For example, notification of information may be carried out by physical layer signaling (e.g., DCI (Downlink Control Information), UCI (Uplink Control Information)), upper layer signaling (e.g., RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling, MAC (Medium Access Control) signaling, broadcast information (MIB (Master Information Block), SIB (System Information Block))), other signals, or combinations thereof. Also, RRC signaling may be called RRC messages, and may be, for example, RRC Connection Setup messages, RRC Connection Reconfiguration messages, etc.

[0116] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be applied to at least one of the following systems: LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), FRA (Future Radio Access), NR (new Radio), W-CDMA®, GSM®, CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi®), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX®), IEEE 802.20, UWB (Ultra-WideBand), Bluetooth®, and other appropriate systems, as well as next-generation systems extended based thereon. Furthermore, multiple systems may be applied in combination (for example, a combination of at least one of LTE and LTE-A with 5G).

[0117] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure refers to LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), xth generation mobile communication system (xG) (xG (where x is, for example, an integer or decimal)), FRA (Future Radio Access), NR (new Radio), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20 may apply to at least one system utilizing UWB (Ultra-WideBand), Bluetooth®, or other appropriate systems, and to next-generation systems extended, modified, created, or defined based thereon. Alternatively, multiple systems may be applied in combination (e.g., a combination of at least one of LTE and LTE-A with 5G).

[0118] The processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc., of each aspect / embodiment described herein may be reordered, provided they are consistent with each other. For example, the methods described herein present various step elements in an exemplary order and are not limited to that specific order.

[0119] In this specification, specific operations performed by network node 30 may, in some cases, be performed by its upper node. In a network consisting of one or more network nodes having network node 30, it is clear that various operations performed for communication with terminal 20 can be performed by network node 30 and at least one other network node (for example, MME or S-GW, but not limited to these). Although the above example illustrates the case where there is one other network node besides network node 30, the other network node may be a combination of multiple other network nodes (for example, MME and S-GW).

[0120] The information or signals described in this disclosure may be output from a higher layer (or lower layer) to a lower layer (or higher layer). They may also be input and output via multiple network nodes.

[0121] Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or appended to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be transmitted to other devices.

[0122] The determination in this disclosure may be made by a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), by a Boolean value (true or false), or by a numerical comparison (for example, a comparison with a predetermined value).

[0123] Software should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, and so on, whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or by any other name.

[0124] Furthermore, software, instructions, information, etc., may be transmitted and received via a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using at least one of wired technology (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) and wireless technology (such as infrared or microwave), then at least one of these wired and wireless technologies is included in the definition of a transmission medium.

[0125] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of the various different techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0126] In addition, terms used in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings. For example, at least one of the channel and symbol may be a signal (signaling). Also, a signal may be a message. Furthermore, a component carrier (CC) may be called a carrier frequency, cell, frequency carrier, etc.

[0127] The terms “system” and “network” as used in this disclosure are interchangeable.

[0128] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc., described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a given value, or other corresponding information. For example, wireless resources may be indicated by an index.

[0129] The names used for the parameters described above are not restrictive in any way. Furthermore, the formulas and other expressions using these parameters may differ from those expressly disclosed in this disclosure. Various channels (e.g., PUCCH, PDCCH, etc.) and information elements can be identified by any suitable name, and therefore, the various names assigned to these various channels and information elements are not restrictive in any way.

[0130] In this disclosure, terms such as "Base Station (BS)", "wireless base station", "base station equipment", "fixed station", "NodeB", "eNodeB (eNB)", "gNodeB (gNB)", "access point", "transmission point", "reception point", "transmission / reception point", "cell", "sector", "cell group", "carrier", and "component carrier" may be used interchangeably. Base stations may also be referred to by terms such as macrocell, small cell, femtocell, and picocell.

[0131] A base station can accommodate one or more (e.g., three) cells. If a base station accommodates multiple cells, the entire coverage area of ​​the base station can be divided into multiple smaller areas, each of which may also be provided with communication services by a base station subsystem (e.g., a Remote Radio Head (RRH)). The terms “cell” or “sector” refer to part or all of the coverage area of ​​at least one of the base station and / or base station subsystems that provide communication services in that coverage.

[0132] In this disclosure, terms such as "Mobile Station (MS)," "user terminal," "User Equipment (UE)," and "terminal" may be used interchangeably.

[0133] A mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or several other appropriate terms.

[0134] At least one of the base station and the mobile station may be called a transmitting device, a receiving device, a communication device, etc. At least one of the base station and the mobile station may be a device mounted on a mobile body, the mobile body itself, etc. The mobile body may be a vehicle (e.g., a car, an airplane, etc.), an unmanned mobile body (e.g., a drone, an autonomous vehicle, etc.), or a robot (manned or unmanned). At least one of the base station and the mobile station may be a device that does not necessarily move during communication operation. For example, at least one of the base station and the mobile station may be an IoT (Internet of Things) device such as a sensor.

[0135] Furthermore, the term "base station" in this disclosure may be interpreted as "user terminal." For example, the various aspects / embodiments of this disclosure may be applied to a configuration in which communication between a base station and a user terminal is replaced with communication between multiple terminals 20 (which may be called, for example, D2D (Device-to-Device), V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything), etc.). In this case, the terminals 20 may have the functions that the network node 30 described above has. Also, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" may be interpreted as terms corresponding to inter-terminal communication (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., may be interpreted as side channel.

[0136] Similarly, the term "user terminal" in this disclosure may be replaced with "base station." In this case, the base station may be configured to have the same functions as the user terminal described above.

[0137] As used in this disclosure, the terms “determining” and “determining” may encompass a wide variety of actions. “Determining” may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, or inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), or ascertaining. “Determining” may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), inputting, outputting, or accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory). Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having been "judged" or "decided" after resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having been "judged" or "decided" after some action. Also, "judgment (decision)" can be reinterpreted as "assuming," "expecting," or "considering."

[0138] The terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variation thereof, mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are “connected” or “coupled” with each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, “connection” may be reinterpreted as “access.” As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be “connected” or “coupled” with each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, and, in some non-limiting and non-exclusive examples, electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency domain, microwave domain, and optical (both visible and invisible) domain.

[0139] The reference signal can also be abbreviated as RS (Reference Signal), and may be called a pilot depending on the applicable standard.

[0140] In this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based solely on" unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based solely on" and "based at least on."

[0141] Any reference to elements using the designations “first,” “second,” etc., as used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Accordingly, references to the first and second elements do not imply that only two elements may be employed, or that the first element must precede the second element in any way.

[0142] In the configuration of each of the above devices, "means" may be replaced with "part," "circuit," "device," etc.

[0143] Where the terms “include,” “including,” and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, as is the term “comprising.” Furthermore, the term “or” as used in this disclosure is not intended to mean exclusive OR.

[0144] In this disclosure, if articles are added through translation, such as a, an, and the in English, this disclosure may include the fact that the noun following these articles is plural.

[0145] In this disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combine" may be interpreted similarly to "different."

[0146] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used individually, in combination, or switched between as needed during implementation. Furthermore, notification of specific information (e.g., notification that "X is") is not limited to explicit notification, but may also be implicit (e.g., by not providing such notification).

[0147] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure may be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the intent and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Accordingly, the descriptions in the present disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be restrictive in any way.

[0148] 10 Base station 110 Transmitting unit 120 Receiving unit 130 Setting unit 140 Control unit 20 Terminal 210 Transmitting unit 220 Receiving unit 230 Setting unit 240 Control unit 30 Network node 1001 Processor 1002 Storage device 1003 Auxiliary storage device 1004 Communication device 1005 Input device 1006 Output device 2001 Vehicle 2002 Drive unit 2003 Steering unit 2004 Accelerator pedal 2005 Brake pedal 2006 Shift lever 2007 Front wheel 2008 Rear wheel 2009 Axle 2010 Electronic control unit 2012 Information service unit 2013 Communication module 2021 Current sensor 2022 Rotation speed sensor 2023 Air pressure sensor 2024 Vehicle speed sensor 2025 Acceleration sensor 2026 Brake pedal sensor 2027 Shift lever sensor 2028 Object detection sensor 2029 Accelerator pedal sensor 2030 Driver assistance system unit 2031 Microprocessor 2032 Memory (ROM, RAM) 2033 Communication port (I / O port)

Claims

1. A base station having: a receiving unit that receives first fault information relating to terminal communication in an NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) from a first satellite and second fault information relating to the NTN layer from a second satellite; a control unit that collects the first fault information and the second fault information; and a transmitting unit that transmits the first fault information and the second fault information to the core network.

2. The base station according to claim 1, wherein the control unit operates as a distributed NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function).

3. The base station according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting unit transmits the first fault information and the second fault information to the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) of the core network.

4. The base station according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit receives parameters from the core network, the control unit operates as a distributed NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function) that creates reports relating to the first fault information and the second fault information based on the parameters, and the transmitting unit transmits the reports to the aggregated NWDAF of the core network.

5. The base station according to claim 1, wherein the control unit operates as a UPF (User Plane Function).

6. A communication method in which a base station performs the following steps: receiving first fault information relating to terminal communication in an NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) from a first satellite and receiving second fault information relating to the NTN layer from a second satellite; collecting the first fault information and the second fault information; and transmitting the first fault information and the second fault information to the core network.

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