Mechanism for determining timing advance

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to global navigation satellite system, GNSS-assisted user equipment, UE, timing advance, TA A method comprises determining a first timing advance, TA, value of the first apparatus; transmitting, to the second apparatus and using the first TA value, a configure grant, CG, request or assistance information comprising a TA readiness indication of the first TA value; and receiving, from the second apparatus, a response to the CG request or the assistance information.

Description

MECHANISM FOR DETERMINING TIMING ADVANCECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from, and the benefit of, US Provisional Application No. 63 / 734957, filed December 17, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] Various example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunication and in particular, to methods, devices, apparatuses and computer readable storage medium for global navigation satellite system, GNSS-assisted user equipment, UE, timing advance, TA.BACKGROUND

[0003] With the development of low power wide area (LPWA) technologies, it is critical to support the growing number of internet of things (loT) devices for the 6G networks. These devices demand ultra-low power consumption, extended battery life, and enhanced coverage to operate in challenging environments. Therefore, the optimization of timing advance mechanisms for 6G LPWA networks is crucial to improve communication reliability, minimize power consumption, and maintain scalability for large-scale loT deployments.SUMMARY

[0004] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to: determine a first timing advance, TA, value of the first apparatus; transmit, to the second apparatus and using the first TA value, a configure grant, CG, request or assistance information comprising a TA readiness indication of the first TA value; and receive, from the second apparatus, a response to the CG request or the assistance information.

[0005] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second apparatus. The second apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus to: receive, from a first apparatus, a configure grant, CG, request or assistance information comprising a TA readiness indication of a first TA value; determine, an acceptance of the first TA value by comparing an uplinktiming error corresponding to the first TA value and an error threshold; and transmit, to the first apparatus, a response to the CG request or the assistance information.

[0006] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method. The method comprises: determining, at a first apparatus, a first timing advance, TA, value of the first apparatus; transmitting, to the second apparatus and using the first TA value, a configure grant, CG, request or assistance information comprising a TA readiness indication of the first TA value; and receiving, from the second apparatus, a response to the CG request or the assistance information.

[0007] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method. The method comprises: receiving, at a second apparatus and from a first apparatus, a configure grant, CG, request or assistance information comprising a TA readiness indication of a first TA value; determining, an acceptance of the first TA value by comparing an uplink timing error corresponding to the first TA value and an error threshold; and transmitting, to the first apparatus, a response to the CG request or the assistance information.

[0008] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises means for determining a first timing advance, TA, value of the first apparatus; means for transmitting, to the second apparatus and using the first TA value, a configure grant, CG, request or assistance information comprising a TA readiness indication of the first TA value; and means for receiving, from the second apparatus, a response to the CG request or the assistance information.

[0009] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second apparatus. The second apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a first apparatus, a configure grant, CG, request or assistance information comprising a TA readiness indication of a first TA value; means for determining, an acceptance of the first TA value by comparing an uplink timing error corresponding to the first TA value and an error threshold; and means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a response to the CG request or assistance information.

[0010] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the third aspect.

[0011] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the fourth aspect.

[0012] It is to be understood that the Summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily comprehensible through the following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, where:

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication environment in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented;

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a signaling flow of communication between the first apparatus and the second apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C illustrate example flowcharts of determining location of the second apparatus and TA value in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure, respectively;

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates an example signaling flow of determining the gNB location and the TA in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates another example signaling flow of determining the gNB location and the TA in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates another example signaling flow of determining the gNB location and the TA in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates another example signaling flow of determining the TA in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates another example signaling flow of determining the TA in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a second apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a device that is suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer readable medium in accordancewith some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar element.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It is to be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Embodiments described herein can be implemented in various manners other than the ones described below.

[0028] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0029] References in the present disclosure to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” and the like indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but it is not necessary that every embodiment includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0030] It shall be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,”..., etc. in front of noun(s) and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another and they do not limit the order of the noun(s). For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0031] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0032] As used herein, unless stated explicitly, performing a step “in response to A” does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after “A” occurs and one or more intervening steps may be included.

[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has”, “having”, “includes” and / or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0034] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):(i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and(c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0035] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0036] As used herein, the term “communication network” refers to a network following any suitable communication standards, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-loT) and so on. Furthermore, the communications between a terminal device and a network device in the communication network may be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocols, including, but not limited to, the first generation (1 G), the second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, the fifth generation (5G), 5.5G, the sixth generation (6G) communication protocols, and / or any other protocols either currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in various communication systems. Given the rapid development in communications, there will of course also be future type communication technologies and systems with which the present disclosure may be embodied. It should not be seen as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to only the aforementioned system.

[0037] As used herein, the term “network device” refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services therefrom. The network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (I AB) node, a low power node such as a femto, a pico, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-ground network device such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite, an aircraft network device, and so forth, depending on the applied terminology and technology. In some example embodiments, radio access network (RAN) split architecture comprises a Centralized Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU) at an IAB donor node. An IAB node comprises a Mobile Terminal (IAB-MT) part that behaves like a UE toward the parent node, and a DU part of an IAB node behaves like a base station toward the next-hop IAB node.

[0038] The term “terminal device” refers to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example rather than limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), a Subscriber Station (SS), a Portable Subscriber Station, a Mobile Station (MS), or an Access Terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, a tablet, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computers, desktop computer, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices,wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like. The terminal device may also correspond to a Mobile Termination (MT) part of an IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms “terminal device”, “communication device”, “terminal”, “user equipment” and “UE” may be used interchangeably.

[0039] As used herein, the term “resource,” “transmission resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block” (PRB), “uplink resource,” or “downlink resource” may refer to any resource for performing a communication, for example, a communication between a terminal device and a network device, such as a resource in time domain, a resource in frequency domain, a resource in space domain, a resource in code domain, or any other combination of the time, frequency, space and / or code domain resource enabling a communication, and the like. In the following, unless explicitly stated, a resource in both frequency domain and time domain will be used as an example of a transmission resource for describing some example embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted that example embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0040] As used herein, the term “timing advance” (TA) may refer to a mechanism that adjusts the transmission timing of a UE to align its uplink signal with the network scheduling. TA may ensure that signals from different devices arrive at the base station synchronously, preventing interference caused by overlapping transmissions.

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. In the communication environment 100, two communication apparatus, including a first apparatus 110, and a second apparatus 120 can communicate with each other.

[0042] In the example of FIG. 1 , the first apparatus 110 may be a terminal device, such as UE, and the second apparatus 120 may be a network device, such as a base station serving the UE. The serving area of the network device 120 may be called a cell 102.

[0043] It is to be understood that the number of apparatuses and their connections shown in FIG. 1 are only for the purpose of illustration without suggesting any limitation. The communicationenvironment 100 may include any suitable number of apparatuses configured to implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure. Although not shown, it would be appreciated that one or more additional apparatuses may be located in the cell 102, and one or more additional cells may be deployed in the communication environment 100.

[0044] In the following, for the purpose of illustration, some example embodiments are described with the first apparatus 110 operating as a terminal device and the second apparatus 120 operating as a network device. However, in some example embodiments, operations described in connection with a terminal device may be implemented at a network device or other device, and operations described in connection with a network device may be implemented at a terminal device or other device.

[0045] In some example embodiments, if the first apparatus 110 is a terminal device and the second apparatus 120 is a network device, a link from the second apparatus 120 to the first apparatus 110 is referred to as a downlink (DL), and a link from the first apparatus 110 to the second apparatus 120 is referred to as an uplink (UL). In DL, the second apparatus 120 is a transmitting (TX) device (or a transmitter) and the first apparatus 110 is a receiving (RX) device (or a receiver). In UL, the first apparatus 110 is a TX device (or a transmitter) and the second apparatus 120 is a RX device (or a receiver).

[0046] Communications in the communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any proper communication protocol(s), comprising, but not limited to, cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1 G), the second generation (2G), the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), the fifth generation (5G), the sixth generation (6G), and the like, wireless local network communication protocols such as Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 and the like, and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Moreover, the communication may utilize any proper wireless communication technology, comprising but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) and / or any other technologies currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0047] As used herein, loT may refer to devices that are connected to each other and the technology that enables these devices to exchange information with each other over a communication network.A major classification of loT includes critical loT and massive loT. Critical loT focuses on low delay and high reliability such as vehicle-to-everything (V2X) and autonomous vehicles, and massive loT encompasses large-scale networks, infrequent data transmissions, and low energy consumption. In addition, massive loT is widely applied in solutions such as wearables and nearables, smart meters and buildings, fleet management, agriculture monitoring, and environmental alerts.

[0048] Within communication networks, LPWA networks enable loT. In 4G wireless systems, LPWA network based on narrowband internet of things (NB-loT) and long-term evolution machine type communication (LTE-M) technologies were introduced, which includes the following characteristics: low cost (both capital and operational) devices; low power consumption which enables long battery life of greater than 10 years; high coverage including connectivity extension into rural areas; and high capacity and scalability including connections to a large number of devices. In 5G, there is no significant modifications to the LPWA requirements and characteristics. Therefore, it is expected that new features are introduced for 6G LPWA. For example, more low-complexity, coverage, efficiency, power saving, positioning, and other related features.

[0049] TA is the time compensation of the UL transmission of the UE to the gNB so that the UL reception timing of the gNB is aligned to receive the UL messages. In conventional solutions for TA determination, TA is calculated by the UE using values signaled by the gNB and with the following formula 1 :wherein NTArepresents the value indicated in a timing advance commend, NTAiOffset:represents a TA offset configured for the serving cell, and TTCrepresents the basic time unit.

[0050] Furthermore, loT devices as stated above are characterized by infrequent data transfer, i.e., often short bursts of small data quantities. Thus, instead of the conventional transition to RRC_CONNECTED state from RRCJNACTIVE state, the introduced small data transmission (SDT) allows for data transfer in RRCJNACTIVE state. This enables lesser signaling since the device does not transition to RRC_CONNECTED state which causes lower latency. The two categories of performing SDT are through random access (RA), called RA-SDT, and through preconfigured resources or the configured grant (CG), called CG-SDT. If data transmission occurs using the signaling involved in RA during RA-SDT, the network may configure resource parameters for transition from RRC_CONNECTED to RRCJNACTIVE state in CG-SDT. In addition, contention with other messages is avoided in CG-SDT as opposed to RA-SDT.

[0051] In some solutions, the gNB first determines the TA corresponding to a UE based on measured or detected arrival time of the preamble sequence during RA and of the UL signal during the connected state. In addition, the gNB sends the determined value as the TA command (TAG) to the UE either through random access response (RAR) as initial TA or medium access control control element (MAC- CE) for TA adjustment. Due to the need for the gNB to send the initial TA through RAR and subsequent TA adjustments, there exists repeated signaling between the gNB and the UE.

[0052] It is noted that there is a TA validation step in CG-SDT, in which RSRP values are compared with defined thresholds. If there is a change in RSRP measurements beyond such thresholds, the UE may not use the CG-SDT resources. Instead, the UE may perform RA and in response the gNB sends a TA value to the UE for UL transmission, resulting in signaling overhead. Therefore, the solution is needed to enable the UE to calculate its TA on its own and allow it to relax this RSRP requirement for transmitting in the RRCJNACTIVE state using CG-SDT.

[0053] In accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided solutions for GNSS-assisted UE TA. In particular, the first apparatus determines a first TA value of the first apparatus. If the first apparatus determines that the first TA value is valid, the first apparatus transmits a CG request or assistance information including a TA readiness indication of the first TA value to a second apparatus and using the first TA value. The first apparatus receives a response to the CG request or assistance information from the second apparatus. In this case, the response may indicate an acceptance of the first TA value via an indication to disable RSRP-based TA validation. Alternatively, the response may include at least one of an indication of a further timing adjustment, an indication of a TA value, or a negative acknowledgment. A way to calculate the TA is for the first apparatus to be aware of the location of the second apparatus, which is not normally provided to the first apparatus due to security reasons. Since the first apparatus is able to know its location through GNSS data, the first apparatus can calculate its TA value and update its UL transmission timings resulting in power savings. Another way is for the first apparatus to calculate its TA value directly by some means that avoid determining the location of the second apparatus. The solutions include that the first apparatus determines its own TA value and performs TA validation before indicating to the gNB. In addition, the first apparatus is able to use its determined TA and TA readiness indication for performing CG-SDT. In this way, resource efficiency and performance can be improved. Further, power consumption can be reduced.

[0054] Example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below withreference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates a signaling flow 200 of communication between the first apparatus and the second apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the signaling flow 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 , for example, by using the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may be a terminal device, such as UE. In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 may be a network device, such as gNB.

[0056] The first apparatus 110 determines (2010) a first TA value of the first apparatus. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine (2010) the first TA value of the first apparatus based on information, and the information may include at least one of: a TA map, a location of the second apparatus 120, one or more reference locations, reference time information of a reference signal, a reception of the reference signal, or a measurement of the reference signal. In this way, power consumption can be reduced.

[0057] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine the location of the second apparatus 120 and the first TA value through TACs. For example, the first apparatus 110 may receive a plurality of TA commands including a plurality of TA values determined by the second apparatus 120, and each TA command includes one TA value determined by the second apparatus 120. In addition, the first apparatus 110 may store a plurality of pairs of TA value and location of the first apparatus 110, and each pair of TA value and location of the first apparatus includes one TA value determined by the second apparatus 120 and one location of the first apparatus 110 corresponding to the TA value. Moreover, the first apparatus 110 may determine a location of the second apparatus 120 based on the plurality of pairs of TA value and location of the first apparatus 110, and the first apparatus 110 may determine the first TA value based on the location of the second apparatus and a current location of the first apparatus 110. Reference is made to FIG. 3A, which illustrates an example flowchart of determining location of the second apparatus 120 and TA value, the first apparatus 110 may collect (3010) TA values through TACs and store the corresponding GNSS-based locations of the first apparatus, and the first apparatus 110 may calculate (3020) the location of the second apparatus 120. In particular, if the first apparatus 110 accesses the cell, the second apparatus 120 may calculate the TA and transmit the TA to the first apparatus 110 as a TAG via RAR. Subsequently, the second apparatus 120 may transmit any required timing adjustment (also known as TA adjustment) to the first apparatus 110 as a TAG through MAC-CE. The first apparatus110 may store the GNSS-based locations of the first apparatus 110 corresponding to these TA values. After at least three TACs are received by the first apparatus 110 that correspond to three different locations of the first apparatus 110, the first apparatus 110 may determine the location of the second apparatus 120 via trilateration using the three TA-location pairs. In this case, the first apparatus 110 may determine whether the three TA-location pairs are sufficient to obtain a definitive location of the second apparatus 120 or whether more values are needed. Thus, for subsequent communications with the second apparatus 120, the first apparatus 110 may proactively apply the TA value and the second apparatus 120 does not provide it anymore. After data arrival, the first apparatus 110 may determine the TA value for the uplink transmission using the GNSS-based current location of the first apparatus 110 and the calculated location of the second apparatus 120.

[0058] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine the location of the second apparatus 120 and the first TA value through reference time information measurements. The first apparatus 110 may obtain a plurality of reference time information values. In addition, the first apparatus 110 may determine a plurality of PD values corresponding to a plurality of locations of the first apparatus 110 based on the plurality of reference time information values. Moreover, the first apparatus 110 may store a plurality of pairs of PD value and location of the first apparatus 110, and each pair of PD value and location of the first apparatus 110 includes one PD value and one location of the first apparatus 110 corresponding to the PD value. Furthermore, the first apparatus 110 may determine a location of the second apparatus 120 based on the plurality of pairs of PD value and location of the first apparatus 100, and the first apparatus 110 may determine the first TA value based on the location of the second apparatus and a current location of the first apparatus 110. Reference is made to FIG. 3B, which illustrates an example flowchart of determining location of the second apparatus 120 and TA value, the first apparatus 110 may collect (3110) reference time information values through SIB9sand store the corresponding GNSS-based locations of the first apparatus, and the first apparatus 110 may determine (3120) PD values using GNSS clock. In addition, the first apparatus 110 may calculate (3130) the location of the second apparatus 120. In particular, the first apparatus 110 may determine the PDs corresponding to at least three reference time information measurements at three different locations of the first apparatus 110, for example, from system information block (SI B)9 transmissions or DL information transfer, and then the PD-location pairs may be stored. In addition, the location of the second apparatus 120 may be calculated using trilateration. In this case, the first apparatus 110 may determine whether three PD-location pairs are sufficient toobtain a definitive location of the second apparatus 120. After data arrival, the first apparatus 110 may determine the TA value for the uplink transmission using the GNSS-based current location of the first apparatus 110 and the location of the second apparatus 120.

[0059] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine the location of the second apparatus 120 and the first TA value through reference signals. The first apparatus 110 may receive a plurality of reference signals from the second apparatus 120. The first apparatus 110 may determine a plurality of reference signal timing values, and each reference signal timing value corresponds to a reference signal of the plurality of reference signals and a respective location of the first apparatus. In other words, each reference signal timing value measurement corresponds to a different location of the first apparatus. In addition, the first apparatus 110 may store a plurality of pairs of reference signal timing value and location of the first apparatus 110, and each pair of reference signal timing value and location of the first apparatus 110 includes one reference signal timing value and one location of the first apparatus 110 corresponding to the reference signal. Moreover, the first apparatus 110 may determine a location of the second apparatus 120 based on the plurality of pairs of reference signal and location of the first apparatus 110, and the first apparatus 110 may determine the first TA value based on the location of the second apparatus 120 and a current location of the first apparatus 110. Reference is made to FIG. 3C, which illustrates an example flowchart of determining location of the second apparatus 120 and TA value, the first apparatus 110 may collect (3210) reference signal and store the corresponding GNSS-based locations of the first apparatus. In addition, the first apparatus 110 may calculate (3220) the location of the second apparatus 120. In particular, the second apparatus 120 may send DL reference signals such as synchronization signal block (SSB) to the first apparatus 110. The first apparatus 110 may store the received timing of these reference signals for at least four different locations of the first apparatus, as there are four unknowns. The configuration of the received signals allows the first apparatus 110 to denote their received times and to note their periodicity. In addition, the first apparatus 110 may determine the TA value using time difference-of-arrival-based multilateration (MLAT), and the location of the second apparatus 120. In this case, the first apparatus 110 may determine whether the four time-location pairs are sufficient to obtain a definitive location of the second apparatus 120. After data arrival, the first apparatus 110 may determine the TA value for the uplink transmission using the GNSS-based current location of the first apparatus 110 and the location of the second apparatus 120.

[0060] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine the location of thesecond apparatus 120 and the first TA value through reference locations and TA values. The first apparatus 110 may receive a plurality of pairs of TA value and reference location of at least one of a further first apparatus or the first apparatus 110 determined by the second apparatus 120, and each pair of TA value and reference location of the at least one of the further first apparatus or the first apparatus 110 includes one TA value and one reference location of the first apparatus 110 corresponding to the TA value. In other words, the plurality of pairs of TA values and location may be either for the first apparatus 110 or any other first apparatus. In addition, the first apparatus 110 may determine a location of the second apparatus 120 based on the plurality of TA value and reference location of the first apparatus 110, and the first apparatus 110 may determine the first TA value based on the location of the second apparatus 120 and a current location of the first apparatus 110. In particular, the second apparatus 120 may send three or more TA-location pairs through SIB. These location values may be locations of any first apparatus previously determined by the second apparatus 120 or any reference locations of which TA values are known by the second apparatus 120. It is noted that the signaling involved in transmitting three or more TACs or reference time information measurements is avoided. In this case, after data arrival, the first apparatus 110 may determine the TA value for the uplink transmission using the GNSS-based current location of the first apparatus 110 and the location of the second apparatus 120 determined by the first apparatus 110 from the reference TA-location pairs.

[0061] In some other example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine TA values directly through a TA map. The first apparatus 110 may receive a TA map including at least one TA value and at least one corresponding location from the second apparatus 120. In other words, the TA map of the coverage area includes TA values and corresponding locations, which may correspond to a grid, and the TA map is provided by the second apparatus 120 to the first apparatus 110 through SIB. In addition, the first apparatus 110 may select a location from the TA map based on a current location of the first apparatus 110, and the first apparatus 110 may determine the first TA value corresponding to the selected location based on the TA map. For example, the first apparatus 110 may select the TA value corresponding to its nearest point from the TA map. In this case, after data arrival, the first apparatus 110 may use the GNSS-based current location of the first apparatus 110 to determine the nearest grid point and applies the TA value corresponding to that point. It is noted that the determination of the location of the second apparatus 120 is not necessary, since the TA value is directly selected from the TA map without using the location of the second apparatus 120.

[0062] Referring back to FIG. 2, the first apparatus 110 determines (2020) whether the first TA value is valid. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may compare the first TA value and a second TA value. In some example embodiments, if a difference between the first TA value and the second TA value is less than a difference threshold, the first apparatus 110 may determine that the first TA value is valid. In some example embodiments, the difference threshold may be determined by the first apparatus 110. Alternatively, the difference threshold may be configured by the second apparatus 120. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive a timing adjustment from the second apparatus 120. In addition, the first apparatus 110 may determine the second TA value based on the timing adjustment (in case of MAC-CE TAG). In some other example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive a second TA value from the second apparatus 120 (in case of RAR TAG). Alternatively, the second TA value may be obtained based on a determined propagation delay (PD) value. In other words, the first apparatus 110 may compare the first TA value with the second TA value to determine whether the difference is within an acceptable margin. In this case, the second TA value may be obtained from another source, such as the second apparatus or reference time information, and the acceptable margin may be determined by the first apparatus 110 or configured by the second apparatus 120, for example, in system information.

[0063] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may compare the first TA value with the latest timing adjustment obtained from the second apparatus 120 in case of MAC-CE TAG, or the second TA value obtained from the second apparatus 120 in case of RAR TAG. In some other example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may compare the first TA value with the TA obtained using the PD value estimated from Reference Time Information measurements. For example, the first apparatus 110 may receive reference time information which informs the universal time coordinated (UTC) time at a system frame number (SFN) boundary, such as through a SIB9 or DL information transfer. In addition, with the GNSS clock, the first apparatus 110 may determine the PD based on the time difference between informed UTC time and the measured UTC time for the SFN boundary, and the TA is evaluated as twice the PD value.

[0064] In some example embodiments, if the first apparatus 110 is in radio resource control (RRC) inactive state, the first apparatus 110 may transition to RRC connected state before transmitting a CG request. If the first TA value is valid, the first apparatus 110 transmits (2030) the CG request or assistance information to the second apparatus 120 using the first TA value in the RRC_CONNECTED state. In this case, the CG request includes a TA readiness indication of the first TA value. In otherwords, the second apparatus 120 receives (2030) a TA readiness indication along with the first apparatus assistance information from the first apparatus 110.

[0065] The second apparatus 120 determines (2040) an acceptance of the first TA value by deciding whether the uplink timing error of the first TA value is within a certain error threshold. In some example embodiments, if the uplink timing error is less than the error threshold, the second apparatus 120 may determine that the first TA value is acceptable or valid. In some example embodiments, the error threshold may be determined by the second apparatus 120. For example, a timing error such as the one used for UE timing error accuracy may be used.

[0066] The second apparatus 120 transmits (2050) a response to the CG request or the assistance information to the first apparatus 110. In some example embodiments, the response may include an indication of accepting the first TA value. Alternatively, or in addition, the response to the CG request or the assistance information may include an indication to disable RSRP-based TA validation. In some other example embodiments, the response may include at least one of an indication of a further timing adjustment, an indication of a TA value, or a negative acknowledgment. In other words, the first apparatus 110 receives (2050) the response to the CG request or the assistance information from the second apparatus 120. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive a configuration of CG- SDT and an indication to disable RSRP-based TA validation based on the indication of accepting the first TA value from the second apparatus 120. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may disable the RSRP-based TA validation based on the indication. Alternatively, the first apparatus 110 may disable the RSRP-based TA validation based on not receiving a further timing adjustment or NACK. In addition, the first apparatus 110 may determine (2060) that the first TA value is acceptable based on the configuration. In some example embodiments, if the first apparatus 110 does not receive a further timing adjustment or a negative acknowledgement (NACK), the first apparatus 110 may determine that a TA validation check associated with the CG- SDT is disabled. In other words, if the first TA value is acceptable, the second apparatus 120 may configure CG-SDT and disable RSRP-based TA validation, for example, the RSRP threshold is set to infinity or a very large number. Then the first apparatus 110 utilizes the determined location of the second apparatus 120 for subsequent TA computations.

[0067] In some other example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive a further timing adjustment or a NACK from the second apparatus 120. In addition, the first apparatus 110 may determine (2060) that the first TA value is not acceptable based on the reception of the further timingadjustment or the NACK. In some example embodiments, if the first apparatus 110 receives the further timing adjustment, the first apparatus 110 may determine a third TA value based on the received further timing adjustment for a subsequent determination of TA . Alternatively, if the first apparatus 110 receives the NACK, the first apparatus 110 may stop using the first TA value. In other words, if the first TA value is not acceptable, the second apparatus 120 may transmit a fallback option of further timing adjustment or NACK. Then the first apparatus 110 may reevaluate the TA value using the further timing adjustment or recalculate the location of the second apparatus 120 for subsequent TA computations.

[0068] In some example embodiments, after receiving the TA readiness indication and determining that the uplink timing error is within an acceptable margin, the second apparatus 120 may not explicitly disable RSRP-based TA validation, and the first apparatus 110 may determine that RSRP-based TA validation is disabled based on not receiving a further timing adjustment or NACK.

[0069] FIG. 4 illustrates an example signaling flow of determining the gNB location and the TA in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, the UE 410 may calculate the gNB location and the TA utilizing TACs, reference time information measurements, or reference signals if the UE 410 is in RRC_CONNECTED mode. In addition, the gNB 420 is successful in checking the UE-calculated TA value. The UE 410 may be implemented at the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1 and the gNB 420 may be implemented at the second apparatus 120.

[0070] The gNB 420 may transmit (4010) a SIB (such as, SIB9) to the UE 410. Then the UE 410 may transition from RRCJNACTIVE mode to RRC_CONNECTED mode. Moreover, the UE 410 may calculate (4020) a gNB location and a TA value, and the UE 410 may check (4030) the TA value. The UE 410 may transmit (4040) UE assistance information, that is, CG request or assistance information including TA readiness indication to the gNB 420. After receiving the CG request or assistance information from the UE 410, the gNB 420 may check (4050) the TA value. If the gNB 420 determines that the TA value is acceptable, the gNB 420 may configure (4060) CG-SDT, that is, RRC release to the UE 410. In addition, the gNB 420 may disable RSRP-based TA validation. After the data arrival, the UE 410 may perform (4070) TA calculation using GNSS-based UE location and calculated gNB location. In addition, the UE 410 may transmit (4080) UL data to the gNB 420, and the gNB 420 may transmit (4090) an RRC release to the UE 410.

[0071] FIG. 5 illustrates another example signaling flow of determining the gNB location and the TA in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the UE510 may calculate the gNB location and the TA utilizing TACs, reference time information measurements, or reference signals if the UE 510 is in RRC_CONNECTED mode. However, the gNB 520 may determine that the UE-calculated TA value is incorrect and send a further timing adjustment. The UE 510 may consequently reevaluate its TA value by applying this adjustment to the TA value used for the last transmission or recalculate the gNB location for subsequent TA computations. The UE 510 may be implemented at the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1 and the gNB 520 may be implemented at the second apparatus 120.

[0072] The gNB 520 may transmit (5010) a SIB (such as, SIB9) to the UE 510. Then the UE 510 may transition from RRCJNACTIVE mode to RRC_CONNECTED mode. Moreover, the UE 510 may calculate (5020) a gNB location and a TA value, and the UE 510 may check (5030) the TA value. The UE 510 may transmit (5040) UE assistance information, that is, CG request or assistance information including TA readiness indication to the gNB 520. After receiving the CG request or assistance information from the UE 510, the gNB 520 may check (5050) the TA value. If the gNB 520 determines that the TA value is not acceptable, the gNB 520 may transmit (5060) a further timing adjustment to the UE 510. Then the UE 510 may update (5070) the TA value based on the further timing adjustment received or recalculates the gNB location for subsequent TA computations. The gNB 520 may transmit (5080) an RRC release to the UE 510.

[0073] FIG. 6 illustrates another example signaling flow of determining the gNB location and the TA in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the UE 610 may calculate the gNB location and the TA utilizing TACs, reference time information measurements, or reference signals if the UE 610 is in RRCJNACTIVE mode, and then the UE 610 may transition to RRC_CONNECTED mode for UE indication of TA readiness. In addition, the gNB 620 is successful in checking the UE-calculated TA value. The UE 610 may be implemented at the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1 and the gNB 620 may be implemented at the second apparatus 120.

[0074] The gNB 620 may transmit (6005) a SIB (such as, SIB9) to the UE 610. Then the UE 610 may transition from RRCJNACTIVE mode to RRC_CONNECTED mode. Moreover, the UE 610 may transmit (6010) UE assistance information, that is, CG request or assistance information to the gNB 620. The gNB 620 may configure (6015) CG-SDT, for example, via RRC release, to the UE 610. After receiving the RRC release, the UE 610 may calculate (6020) gNB location and TA value, and the UE 610 may check (6025) the TA value. In addition, the UE 610 may transmit (6030) UE assistance information, that is, CG request or assistance information including TA readiness indication to the gNB620. After receiving the CG request or assistance information from the UE 610, the gNB 620 may check (6035) the TA value. If the gNB 620 determines that the TA value is acceptable, the gNB 620 may configure (6040) CG-SDT, that is, RRC release to the UE 610. In addition, the gNB 620 may disable RSRP-based TA validation. After the data arrival, the UE 610 may perform (6045) TA calculation using GNSS-based UE location and calculated gNB location. In addition, the UE 610 may transmit (6050) UL data to the gNB 620, and the gNB 620 may transmit (6055) RRC release to the UE 610.

[0075] FIG. 7 illustrates another example signaling flow of determining the TA in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, the UE 710 may calculate the TA value utilizing the TA-location reference points if the UE 710 is in RRC_CONNECTED mode. In addition, the gNB 720 is successful in checking the UE-calculated TA value. The UE 710 may be implemented at the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1 and the gNB 720 may be implemented at the second apparatus 120.

[0076] The gNB 720 may transmit (7010) a SIB with SIB9 and TA-location reference pairs to the UE 810. Then the UE 710 may transition from RRCJNACTIVE mode to RRC_CONNECTED mode. Moreover, the UE 710 may calculate (7020) a gNB location and a TA value, and the UE 710 may check (7030) the TA value. The UE 710 may transmit (7040) UE assistance information, that is, CG request or assistance information including TA readiness indication to the gNB 720. After receiving the CG request or assistance information from the UE 710, the gNB 720 may check (7050) the TA value. If the gNB 720 determines that the TA value is acceptable, the gNB 720 may configure (7060) CG-SDT, that is, RRC release to the UE 710. In addition, the gNB 720 may disable RSRP-based TA validation. After the data arrival, the UE 710 may perform (7070) TA calculation using GNSS-based UE location and calculated gNB location. In addition, the UE 710 may transmit (7080) UL data to the gNB 720, and the gNB 720 may transmit (7090) RRC release to the UE 710.

[0077] FIG. 8 illustrates another example signaling flow of determining the TA in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, the UE 810 may calculate the TA value utilizing the TA map if the UE 810 is in RRC_CONNECTED mode. In addition, the gNB 820 is successful in checking the UE-calculated TA value. The UE 810 may be implemented at the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1 and the gNB 820 may be implemented at the second apparatus 120.

[0078] The gNB 820 may transmit (8010) a SIB with TA map to the UE 810. Then the UE 810 may transition from RRCJNACTIVE mode to RRC_CONNECTED mode. Moreover, the UE 810 maycalculate (8020) a gNB location and a TA value, and the UE 810 may check (8030) the TA value. The UE 810 may transmit (8040) UE assistance information, that is, CG request or assistance information including TA readiness indication to the gNB 820. After receiving the CG request or assistance information from the UE 810, the gNB 820 may check (8050) the TA value. If the gNB 820 determines that the TA value is acceptable, the gNB 820 may configure (8060) CG-SDT, for example, via RRC release, to the UE 810. In addition, the gNB 820 may disable RSRP-based TA validation. After the data arrival, the UE 810 may perform (8070) TA calculation using GNSS-based UE location and calculated gNB location. In addition, the UE 810 may transmit (8080) UL data to the gNB 820, and the gNB 820 may transmit (8090) RRC release to the UE 810.

[0079] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of an example method 900 implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 900 will be described from the perspective of the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1.

[0080] At block 910, the first apparatus determines a first timing advance, TA, value of the first apparatus.

[0081] At block 920, the first apparatus transmits, to the second apparatus and using the first TA value, a configure grant, CG, request or assistance information comprising a TA readiness indication of the first TA value.

[0082] At block 930, the first apparatus receives, from the second apparatus, a response to the CG request or the assistance information.

[0083] In some example embodiments, the method 900 further comprises: determining the first TA value of the first apparatus based on information that comprises at least one of: a TA map, a location of the second apparatus, one or more reference locations, reference time information of a reference signal, a reception of the reference signal, or a measurement of the reference signal.

[0084] In some example embodiments, the method 900 further comprises: receiving, from the second apparatus, a plurality of TA commands including a plurality of TA values determined by the second apparatus, each TA command comprising one TA value determined by the second apparatus; storing a plurality of pairs of TA value and location of the first apparatus, each pair of TA value and location of the first apparatus comprising one TA value determined by the second apparatus and one location of the first apparatus corresponding to the TA value; determining a location of the second apparatus based on the plurality of pairs of TA value and location of the first apparatus; and determining the first TA value based on the location of the second apparatus 110 and a current locationof the first apparatus.

[0085] In some example embodiments, the method 900 further comprises: obtaining a plurality of reference time information values; determining a plurality of propagation delay, PD, values corresponding to a plurality of locations of the first apparatus based on the plurality of reference time information values; storing a plurality of pairs of PD value and location of the first apparatus, each pair of PD value and location of the first apparatus comprising one PD value and one location of the first apparatus corresponding to the PD value; determining a location of the second apparatus based on the plurality of pairs of PD value and location of the first apparatus; and determining the first TA value based on the location of the second apparatus and a current location of the first apparatus.

[0086] In some example embodiments, the method 900 further comprises: receiving, from the second apparatus, a plurality of reference signals; determining a plurality of reference signal timing values, wherein each reference signal timing value corresponds to a reference signal of the plurality of reference signals and a respective location of the first apparatus; storing a plurality of pairs of reference signal timing value and location of the first apparatus, each pair of reference signal timing value and location of the first apparatus comprising one reference signal timing value and one location of the first apparatus; determining a location of the second apparatus based on the plurality of pairs of reference signal and location of the first apparatus; and determining the first TA value based on the location of the second apparatus and a current location of the first apparatus.

[0087] In some example embodiments, the method 900 further comprises: receiving, from the second apparatus, a plurality of pairs of TA value and reference location of at least one of a further first apparatus or the first apparatus determined by the second apparatus, each pair of TA value and reference location of the at least one of the further first apparatus or the first apparatus comprising one TA value and one reference location of the first apparatus corresponding to the TA value; determining a location of the second apparatus based on the plurality of TA value and reference location of the first apparatus; and determining the first TA value based on the location of the second apparatus and a current location of the first apparatus.

[0088] In some example embodiments, the method 900 further comprises: receiving, from the second apparatus, a TA map comprising at least one TA value and at least one corresponding location; selecting a location from the TA map based on a current location of the first apparatus; and determining the first TA value corresponding to the selected location based on the TA map.

[0089] In some example embodiments, the method 900 further comprises: determining whether thefirst TA value is valid based on a second TA value, before transmitting the CG request or the assistance information.

[0090] In some example embodiments, the method 900 further comprises: comparing the first TA value and the second TA value; and if a difference between the first TA value and the second TA value is less than a difference threshold, determining that the first TA value is valid.

[0091] In some example embodiments, the difference threshold is determined by the first apparatus. Alternatively, the difference threshold is configured by the second apparatus.

[0092] In some example embodiments, the method 900 further comprises: receiving, from the second apparatus, a timing adjustment; and determining the second TA value based on the timing adjustment.

[0093] In some example embodiments, the method 900 further comprises: receiving, from the second apparatus, the second TA value.

[0094] In some example embodiments, the second TA value is obtained based on a determined PD value.

[0095] In some example embodiments, the method 900 further comprises: if the first apparatus is in radio resource control, RRC inactive state, transitioning to RRC connected state before transmitting the CG request or the assistance information.

[0096] In some example embodiments, the response comprises at least one of an indication of accepting the first TA value or an indication to disable reference signal received power, RSRP-based TA validation.

[0097] In some example embodiments, the response comprises at least one of: an indication of a further timing adjustment, an indication of a TA value, or a negative acknowledgment, NACK.

[0098] In some example embodiments, the method 900 further comprises: disabling the RSRP- based TA validation based on an indication of accepting the first TA value.

[0099] In some example embodiments, the method 900 further comprises: receiving, from the second apparatus, a configuration of CG-small data transmission, SDT.

[0100] In some example embodiments, the method 900 further comprises: determining that the first TA value is not acceptable based on the response comprising the indication of the further timing adjustment or the NACK.

[0101] In some example embodiments, the method 900 further comprises: if the first apparatus receives the further timing adjustment, determining a third TA value based on the received furthertiming adjustment or a location of the second apparatus for a subsequent determination of TA based on the received further timing adjustment.

[0102] In some example embodiments, the method 900 further comprises: if the response comprises the NACK, stopping using the first TA value.

[0103] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus is a terminal device and the second apparatus is a network device.

[0104] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of an example method 1000 implemented at a second apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 1000 will be described from the perspective of the second apparatus 120 in FIG. 1.

[0105] At block 1010, the second apparatus 120 receives, from a first apparatus, a configure grant, CG, request or assistance information comprising a TA readiness indication of a first TA value.

[0106] At block 1020, the second apparatus 120 determines, an acceptance of the first TA value by comparing an uplink timing error corresponding to the first TA value and an error threshold.

[0107] At block 1030, the second apparatus 120 transmits, to the first apparatus, a response to the CG request or the assistance information.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: if the uplink timing error is less than the error threshold, determining that the first TA value is acceptable.

[0109] In some example embodiments, the error threshold is determined by the second apparatus.

[0110] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: transmitting, to the first apparatus, a plurality of TA commands including a plurality of TA values determined by the second apparatus, each TA command comprising one TA value determined by the second apparatus.

[0111] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: transmitting, to the first apparatus, a plurality of reference time information values.

[0112] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: transmitting, to the first apparatus, a plurality of reference signals.

[0113] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: transmitting, to the first apparatus, a plurality of pairs of TA value and reference location of at least one of a further first apparatus or the first apparatus determined by the second apparatus, each pair of TA value and reference location of the at least one of a further apparatus or the first apparatus comprising one TA value and one reference location of the first apparatus corresponding to the TA value.

[0114] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: transmitting, to the first apparatus, a TA map comprising at least one TA value and at least one corresponding location.

[0115] In some example embodiments, a difference threshold for determining whether the first TA is valid is configured by the second apparatus.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: transmitting, to the first apparatus, a timing adjustment.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: transmitting, to the first apparatus, a second TA value for determining whether the first TA is valid.

[0118] In some example embodiments, a second TA value for determining whether the first TA is valid is obtained based on a determined PD value.

[0119] In some example embodiments, the response comprises at least one of an indication of accepting the first TA value or an indication to disable reference signal received power, RSRP-based TA validation.

[0120] In some example embodiments, the response comprises at least one of: an indication of a further timing adjustment, an indication of a TA value, or a negative acknowledgment, NACK.

[0121] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: transmitting, to the first apparatus, a configuration of CG-small data transmission, SDT and an indication to disable RSRP- based TA validation based on the indication of accepting the first TA value.

[0122] In some example embodiments, the method 1000 further comprises: transmitting, to the first apparatus, a further timing adjustment or a NACK.

[0123] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus is a terminal device and the second apparatus is a network device.

[0124] In some example embodiments, a first apparatus capable of performing any of the method 900 (for example, the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1 ) may comprise means for performing the respective operations of the method 900. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module. The first apparatus may be implemented as or included in the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1 .

[0125] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for determining a first timing advance, TA, value of the first apparatus; means for transmitting, to the second apparatus and using the first TA value, a configure grant, CG, request or assistance information comprising a TA readiness indication of the first TA value; and means for receiving, from the second apparatus, aresponse to the CG request or the assistance information.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for determining the first TA value of the first apparatus based on information that comprises at least one of: a TA map, a location of the second apparatus, one or more reference locations, reference time information of a reference signal, a reception of the reference signal, or a measurement of the reference signal.

[0127] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for receiving, from the second apparatus, a plurality of TA commands including a plurality of TA values determined by the second apparatus, each TA command comprising one TA value determined by the second apparatus; means for storing a plurality of pairs of TA value and location of the first apparatus, each pair of TA value and location of the first apparatus comprising one TA value determined by the second apparatus and one location of the first apparatus corresponding to the TA value; means for determining a location of the second apparatus based on the plurality of pairs of TA value and location of the first apparatus; and means for determining the first TA value based on the location of the second apparatus and a current location of the first apparatus.

[0128] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for obtaining a plurality of reference time information values; means for determining a plurality of propagation delay, PD, values corresponding to a plurality of locations of the first apparatus based on the plurality of reference time information values; means for storing a plurality of pairs of PD value and location of the first apparatus, each pair of PD value and location of the first apparatus comprising one PD value and one location of the first apparatus corresponding to the PD value; means for determining a location of the second apparatus based on the plurality of pairs of PD value and location of the first apparatus; and means for determining the first TA value based on the location of the second apparatus and a current location of the first apparatus.

[0129] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for receiving, from the second apparatus, a plurality of reference signals; means for determining a plurality of reference signal timing values, wherein each reference signal timing value corresponds to a reference signal of the plurality of reference signals and a respective location of the first apparatus; means for storing a plurality of pairs of reference signal timing value and location of the first apparatus, each pair of reference signal timing value and location of the first apparatus comprising one reference signal timing value and one location of the first apparatus; means for determining a location of the second apparatus based on the plurality of pairs of reference signal and location of the first apparatus; andmeans for determining the first TA value based on the location of the second apparatus and a current location of the first apparatus.

[0130] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for receiving, from the second apparatus, a plurality of pairs of TA value and reference location of at least one of a further first apparatus or the first apparatus determined by the second apparatus, each pair of TA value and reference location of the at least one of the further first apparatus or the first apparatus comprising one TA value and one reference location of the first apparatus corresponding to the TA value; means for determining a location of the second apparatus based on the plurality of TA value and reference location of the first apparatus; and means for determining the first TA value based on the first location of the second apparatus and a current location of the first apparatus.

[0131] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for receiving, from the second apparatus, a TA map comprising at least one TA value and at least one corresponding location; means for selecting a location from the TA map based on a current location of the first apparatus; and means for determining the first TA value corresponding to the selected location based on the TA map.

[0132] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means determining whether the first TA value is valid based on a second TA value, before transmitting the CG request or the assistance information.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for comparing the first TA value and a second TA value; and means for if a difference between the first TA value and the second TA value is less than a difference threshold, determining that the first TA value is valid.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the difference threshold is determined by the first apparatus. Alternatively, the difference threshold is configured by the second apparatus.

[0135] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for receiving, from the second apparatus, a timing adjustment; and means for determining the second TA value based on the timing adjustment.

[0136] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for receiving, from the second apparatus, the second TA value.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the second TA value is obtained based on a determined PD value.

[0138] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for if the firstapparatus is in radio resource control, RRC inactive state, transitioning to RRC connected state before transmitting the CG request or the assistance information.

[0139] In some example embodiments, the response comprises at least one of an indication of accepting the first TA value or an indication to disable reference signal received power, RSRP-based TA validation.

[0140] In some example embodiments, the response comprises at least one of: an indication of a further timing adjustment, an indication of a TA value, or a negative acknowledgment, NACK.

[0141] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for disabling the RSRP-based TA validation based on an indication of accepting the first TA value.

[0142] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for receiving, from the second apparatus, a configuration of CG-small data transmission, SDT.

[0143] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for determining that the first TA value is not acceptable based on the response comprising the indication of the further timing adjustment or the NACK.

[0144] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for if the first apparatus receives the further timing adjustment, determining a third TA value based on the received further timing adjustment or a location of the second apparatus for a subsequent determination of TA based on the received further timing adjustment.

[0145] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for if the response comprises the NACK, stopping using the first TA value.

[0146] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus is a terminal device and the second apparatus is a network device.

[0147] In some example embodiments, a second apparatus capable of performing any of the method 1000 (for example, the second apparatus 120 in FIG. 1) may comprise means for performing the respective operations of the method 1000. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module. The second apparatus may be implemented as or included in the second apparatus 120 in FIG. 1.

[0148] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for receiving, from a first apparatus, a configure grant, CG, request or assistance information comprising a TA readiness indication of a first TA value; means for determining, an acceptance of the first TA value by comparing an uplink timing error corresponding to the first TA value and an error threshold; and means fortransmitting, to the first apparatus, a response to the CG request or the assistance information.

[0149] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: means for if the uplink timing error is less than the error threshold, determining that the first TA value is acceptable.

[0150] In some example embodiments, the error threshold is determined by the second apparatus.

[0151] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a plurality of TA commands including a plurality of TA values determined by the second apparatus, each TA command comprising one TA value determined by the second apparatus.

[0152] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a plurality of reference time information values.

[0153] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a plurality of reference signals.

[0154] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a plurality of pairs of TA value and reference location of at least one of a further first apparatus or the first apparatus determined by the second apparatus, each pair of TA value and reference location of the at least one of a further apparatus or the first apparatus comprising one TA value and one reference location of the first apparatus corresponding to the TA value.

[0155] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a TA map comprising at least one TA value and at least one corresponding location.

[0156] In some example embodiments, a difference threshold for determining whether the first TA is valid is configured by the second apparatus.

[0157] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a timing adjustment.

[0158] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a second TA value for determining whether the first TA is valid .

[0159] In some example embodiments, a second TA value for determining whether the first TA is valid is obtained based on a determined PD value.

[0160] In some example embodiments, the response comprises at least one of an indication of accepting the first TA value or an indication to disable reference signal received power, RSRP-basedTA validation.

[0161] In some example embodiments, the response comprises at least one of: an indication of a further timing adjustment, an indication of a TA value, or a negative acknowledgment, NACK.

[0162] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a configuration of CG-small data transmission, SDT and an indication to disable RSRP-based TA validation based on the indication of accepting the first TA value.

[0163] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a further timing adjustment or a NACK.

[0164] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus is a terminal device and the second apparatus is a network device.

[0165] FIG. 11 is a simplified block diagram of a device 1100 that is suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 1100 may be provided to implement a communication device, for example, the first apparatus 110 or the second apparatus 120 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the device 1100 includes one or more processors 1110, one or more memories 1120 coupled to the processor 1110, and one or more communication modules 1140 coupled to the processor 1110.

[0166] The communication module 1140 is for bidirectional communications. The communication module 1140 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interfaces may represent any interface that is necessary for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 1140 may include at least one antenna.

[0167] The processor 1110 may be of any type suitable to the local technical network and may include one or more of the following: general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on multicore processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The device 1100 may have multiple processors, such as an application specific integrated circuit chip that is slaved in time to a clock which synchronizes the main processor.

[0168] The memory 1120 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of the non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a Read Only Memory (ROM) 1124, an electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, a hard disk, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disk (DVD), an optical disk, a laser disk, and other magneticstorage and / or optical storage. Examples of the volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a random-access memory (RAM) 1122 and other volatile memories that will not last in the power-down duration.

[0169] A computer program 1130 includes computer executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 1110. The instructions of the program 1130 may include instructions for performing operations / acts of some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The program 1130 may be stored in the memory, e.g., the ROM 1124. The processor 1110 may perform any suitable actions and processing by loading the program 1130 into the RAM 1122.

[0170] The example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by means of the program 1130 so that the device 1100 may perform any process of the disclosure as discussed with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 10. The example embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0171] In some example embodiments, the program 1130 may be tangibly contained in a computer readable medium which may be included in the device 1100 (such as in the memory 1120) or other storage devices that are accessible by the device 1100. The device 1100 may load the program 1130 from the computer readable medium to the RAM 1122 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer readable medium may include any types of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, a flash memory, a hard disk, CD, DVD, and the like. The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e. , tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0172] FIG. 12 shows an example of the computer readable medium 1200 which may be in form of CD, DVD or other optical storage disk. The computer readable medium 1200 has the program 1130 stored thereon.

[0173] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, and other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device. Although various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other pictorial representations, it is to be understood that the block, apparatus, system, technique or method described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or othercomputing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0174] Some example embodiments of the present disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer readable medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in program modules, being executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor, to carry out any of the methods as described above. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, or the like that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or split between program modules as desired in various embodiments. Machineexecutable instructions for program modules may be executed within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0175] Program code for carrying out methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, cause the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may execute entirely on a machine, partly on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the machine and partly on a remote machine or entirely on the remote machine or server.

[0176] In the context of the present disclosure, the computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable the device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of the carrier include a signal, computer readable medium, and the like.

[0177] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable medium may include but not limited to an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer readable storage medium would include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combinationof the foregoing.

[0178] Further, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Likewise, although several specific implementation details are contained in the above discussions, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Unless explicitly stated, certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, unless explicitly stated, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in a plurality of embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0179] Although the present disclosure has been described in languages specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A first apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to: determine a first timing advance, TA, value of the first apparatus; transmit, to the second apparatus and using the first TA value, a configure grant, CG, request or assistance information comprising a TA readiness indication of the first TA value; and receive, from the second apparatus, a response to the CG request or the assistance information.

2. The first apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first apparatus is caused to: determine the first TA value of the first apparatus based on information that comprises at least one of: a TA map, a location of the second apparatus, one or more reference locations, reference time information of a reference signal, a reception of the reference signal, or a measurement of the reference signal.

3. The first apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first apparatus is caused to: receive, from the second apparatus, a plurality of TA commands including a plurality of TA values determined by the second apparatus, each TA command comprising one TA value determined by the second apparatus; store a plurality of pairs of TA value and location of the first apparatus, each pair of TA value and location of the first apparatus comprising one TA value determined by the second apparatus and one location of the first apparatus corresponding to the TA value; determine a location of the second apparatus based on the plurality of pairs of TA value and location of the first apparatus; and determine the first TA value based on the location of the second apparatus and a current location of the first apparatus.

4. The first apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first apparatus is caused to: obtain a plurality of reference time information values; determine a plurality of propagation delay, PD, values corresponding to a plurality of locations of the first apparatus based on the plurality of reference time information values; store a plurality of pairs of PD value and location of the first apparatus, each pair of PD value and location of the first apparatus comprising one PD value and one location of the first apparatus corresponding to the PD value;determine a location of the second apparatus based on the plurality of pairs of PD value and location of the first apparatus; and determine the first TA value based on the location of the second apparatus and a current location of the first apparatus.

5. The first apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first apparatus is caused to: receive, from the second apparatus, a plurality of reference signals; determine a plurality of reference signal timing values, wherein each reference signal timing value corresponds to a reference signal of the plurality of reference signals and a respective location of the first apparatus; store a plurality of pairs of reference signal timing value and location of the first apparatus, each pair of reference signal timing value and location of the first apparatus comprising one reference signal timing value and one location of the first apparatus; determine a location of the second apparatus based on the plurality of pairs of reference signal and location of the first apparatus; and determine the first TA value based on the location of the second apparatus and a current location of the first apparatus.

6. The first apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first apparatus is caused to: receive, from the second apparatus, a plurality of pairs of TA value and reference location of at least one of a further first apparatus or the first apparatus determined by the second apparatus, each pair of TA value and reference location of the at least one of the further first apparatus or the first apparatus comprising one TA value and one reference location of the first apparatus corresponding to the TA value; determine a location of the second apparatus based on the plurality of TA value and reference location of the first apparatus; and determine the first TA value based on the location of the second apparatus and a current location of the first apparatus.

7. The first apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first apparatus is caused to: receive, from the second apparatus, a TA map comprising at least one TA value and at least one corresponding location; select a location from the TA map based on a current location of the first apparatus; and determine the first TA value corresponding to the selected location based on the TA map.

8. The first apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first apparatus is caused to:determine whether the first TA value is valid based on a second TA value, before transmitting the CG request or the assistance information.

9. The first apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: compare the first TA value and the second TA value; and based on a determination that a difference between the first TA value and the second TA value is less than a difference threshold, determine that the first TA value is valid.

10. The first apparatus of claim 9, wherein the difference threshold is determined by the first apparatus, or wherein the difference threshold is configured by the second apparatus.11 . The first apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: receive, from the second apparatus, a timing adjustment; and determine the second TA value based on the timing adjustment.

12. The first apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: receive, from the second apparatus, the second TA value.

13. The first apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second TA value is obtained based on a determined PD value.

14. The first apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first apparatus is caused to: based on a determination that the first apparatus is in radio resource control, RRC, inactive state, transition to RRC connected state before transmitting the CG request or the assistance information.

15. The first apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the response comprises at least one of an indication of accepting the first TA value or an indication to disable reference signal received power, RSRP-based TA validation, or wherein the response comprises at least one of: an indication of a further timing adjustment, an indication of a TA value, or a negative acknowledgment, NACK.

16. The first apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: disable the RSRP-based TA validation based on the indication of accepting the first TA value.

17. The first apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: receive, from the second apparatus, a configuration of CG-small data transmission, SDT.

18. The first apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: determine that the first TA value is not acceptable based on the response comprising the indication of the further timing adjustment or the NACK.

19. The first apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: based on a determination that the first apparatus receives the further timing adjustment, determine a third TA value based on the received further timing adjustment or a location of the second apparatus for a subsequent determination of TA based on the received further timing adjustment.

20. The first apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: based on a determination that the response comprises the NACK, stop using the first TA value.21 . A second apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus to: receive, from a first apparatus, a configure grant, CG, request or assistance information comprising a TA readiness indication of a first TA value; determine an acceptance of the first TA value by comparing an uplink timing error corresponding to the first TA value and an error threshold; and transmit, to the first apparatus, a response to the CG request or the assistance information.

22. The second apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the second apparatus is caused to: based on a determination that the uplink timing error is less than the error threshold, determine that the first TA value is acceptable.

23. The second apparatus of claim 22, wherein the error threshold is determined by the second apparatus.

24. The second apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the second apparatus is caused to:transmit, to the first apparatus, a plurality of TA commands including a plurality of TA values determined by the second apparatus, each TA command comprising one TA value determined by the second apparatus.

25. The second apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the second apparatus is caused to: transmit, to the first apparatus, a plurality of reference time information values.

26. The second apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the second apparatus is caused to: transmit, to the first apparatus, a plurality of reference signals.

27. The second apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the second apparatus is caused to: transmit, to the first apparatus, a plurality of pairs of TA value and reference location of at least one of a further first apparatus or the first apparatus determined by the second apparatus, each pair of TA value and reference location of the at least one of a further apparatus or the first apparatus comprising one TA value and one reference location of the first apparatus corresponding to the TA value.

28. The second apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the second apparatus is caused to: transmit, to the first apparatus, a TA map comprising at least one TA value and at least one corresponding location.

29. The second apparatus of claim 21 , wherein a difference threshold for determining whether the first TA is valid is configured by the second apparatus.

30. The second apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the second apparatus is caused to: transmit, to the first apparatus, a timing adjustment; and / or transmit, to the first apparatus, a second TA value for determining whether the first TA is valid.31 . The second apparatus of claim 21, wherein a second TA value for determining whether the first TA is valid is obtained based on a determined PD value.

32. The second apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the response comprises at least one of an indication of accepting the first TA value or an indication to disable reference signal received power, RSRP-based TA validation, or wherein the response comprises at least one of: an indication of a further timing adjustment, an indication of a TA value, or a negative acknowledgment, NACK.

33. The second apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the second apparatus is caused to: transmit, to the first apparatus, a configuration of CG-small data transmission, SDT and an indication to disable RSRP-based TA validation based on the indication of accepting the first TA value.

34. A method comprising: determining, at a first apparatus, a first timing advance, TA, value of the first apparatus; transmitting, to the second apparatus and using the first TA value, a configure grant, CG, request or assistance information comprising a TA readiness indication of the first TA value; and receiving, from the second apparatus, a response to the CG request or the assistance information.

35. A method comprising: receiving, at a second apparatus and from a first apparatus, a configure grant, CG, request or assistance information comprising a TA readiness indication of a first TA value; determining, an acceptance of the first TA value by comparing an uplink timing error corresponding to the first TA value and an error threshold; and transmitting, to the first apparatus, a response to the CG request or the assistance information.

36. A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus at least to perform the method of claim 34 or the method of claim 35.

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