Group-based local routing

Abstract

A device, such as a user equipment, UE, configured for operating in a wireless communication network comprises at least one wireless interface for transceiving wireless signals; wherein the device is configured for transmitting a message with the wireless interface to an intermediate device for transmitting a forwarded message that is based on the message towards a recipient device. The device is to transmit the message based on group information related to a group of devices of which the device and the recipient device are members.

Description

[0001] 24041 1

[0002] GROUP-BASED LOCAL ROUTING

[0003] Description

[0004] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of wireless communication, and more specifically, to signal processing used for the wireless communication. Some embodiments relate to providing a low physical layer, PHY, flexible radio link.

[0005] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an example of a terrestrial wireless network 100 including, as is shown in Fig. 1(a), a core network 102 and one or more radio access networks RANi, RAN2, ... RANN. Fig. 1(b) is a schematic representation of an example of a radio access network RANnthat may include one or more base stations gNBi to gNBs, each serving a specific area surrounding the base station schematically represented by respective cells IO61 to IO65. The base stations are provided to serve users within a cell. The term base station, BS, refers to a gNB in 5G networks, an eNB in UMTS / LTE / LTE-A / LTE-A Pro, or just a BS in other mobile communication standards. A user may be a stationary device or a mobile device. The wireless communication system may also be accessed by mobile or stationary loT devices which connect to a base station or to a user. The mobile devices or the loT devices may include physical devices, ground based vehicles, such as robots or cars, aerial vehicles, such as manned or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the latter also referred to as drones, buildings and other items or devices having embedded therein electronics, software, sensors, actuators, or the like as well as network connectivity that enables these devices to collect and exchange data across an existing network infrastructure.

[0006] Fig. 1(b) shows an exemplary view of five cells, however, the RANnmay include more or less such cells, and RANnmay also include only one base station. Fig. 1(b) shows two users UE1 and UE2, also referred to as user equipment, UE, that are in cell IO62 and that are served by base station gNB2. Another user UE3 is shown in cell IO64 which is served by base station gNB4. The arrows IO81, IO82 and IO83 schematically represent uplink / downlink connections for transmitting data from a user UE1, UE2 and UE3 to the base stations gNB2, gNB4 or for transmitting data from the base stations gNB2, gNB4 to the users UE1, UE2, UE3.

[0007] Further, Fig. 1(b) shows two loT devices 110i and HO2 in cell IO64, which may be stationary or mobile devices. The loT device 110i accesses the wireless communication system via the base station gNB4 to receive and transmit data as schematically represented by arrow 112i.

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[0009] The loT device HO2 accesses the wireless communication system via the user UE3 as is schematically represented by arrow 1122. The respective base station gNBi to gNBs may be connected to the core network 102, e.g., via the S1 interface, via respective backhaul links 114i to 114s, which are schematically represented in Fig. 1 (b) by the arrows pointing to “core”. The core network 102 may be connected to one or more external networks. Further, some or all of the respective base station gNBi to gNBs may connected, e.g., via the S1 orX2 interface or the XN interface in NR, with each other via respective backhaul links 116i to 116s, which are schematically represented in Fig. 1(b) by the arrows pointing to “gNBs”. Embodiments described herein are not limited to terrestrial networks, TNs, but relate also to networks being implemented, at least in parts, as non-terrestrial network, NTN, as shown in Fig. 1 with reference to a satellite Si that may operate, for example, to bridge communication between different base stations, to serve one or more UE and / or a cell on the ground, e.g., as a nonterrestrial base station, to communicate with a different satellite.

[0010] For data transmission a physical resource grid may be used. The physical resource grid may comprise a set of resource elements to which various physical channels and physical signals are mapped. For example, the physical channels may include the physical downlink, uplink and sidelink shared channels (PDSCH, PLISCH, PSSCH) carrying user specific data, also referred to as downlink, uplink and sidelink payload data, the physical broadcast channel (PBCH) carrying for example a master information block (MIB), the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) carrying for example a system information block (SIB), the physical downlink, uplink and sidelink control channels (PDCCH, PLICCH, PSSCH) carrying for example the downlink control information (DCI), the uplink control information (UCI) and the sidelink control information (SCI). For the uplink, the physical channels, or more precisely the transport channels according to 3GPP, may further include the physical random access channel (PRACH or RACH) used by UEs for accessing the network once a UE is synchronized and has obtained the MIB and SIB. The physical signals may comprise reference signals or symbols (RS), synchronization signals and the like. The resource grid may comprise a frame or radio frame having a certain duration in the time domain and having a given bandwidth in the frequency domain. The frame may have a certain number of subframes of a predefined length, e.g., 1 ms. Each subframe may include one or more slots of 12 or 14 OFDM symbols depending on the cyclic prefix (CP) length. All OFDM symbols may be used for DL or UL or only a subset, e.g., when utilizing shortened transmission time intervals (sTTI) or a mini-slot / non-slot-based frame structure comprising just a few OFDM symbols.

[0011] The wireless communication system may be any single-tone or multicarrier system using frequency-division multiplexing, like the orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM)

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[0013] system, the orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) system, or any other IFFT-based signal with or without CP, e.g., DFT-s-OFDM. Other waveforms, like non-orthogonal waveforms for multiple access, e.g., filter-bank multicarrier (FBMC), generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM) or universal filtered multi carrier (LIFMC), may be used. The wireless communication system may operate, e.g., in accordance with the LTE-Advanced pro standard or the NR (5G), New Radio, standard.

[0014] The wireless network or communication system 100 depicted in Fig. 1 may by a heterogeneous network having distinct overlaid networks, e.g., a network of macro cells with each macro cell including a macro base station, like base station gNBi to gNBs, and a network of small cell base stations (not shown in Fig. 1), like femto or pico base stations.

[0015] In addition to the above described terrestrial wireless network also non-terrestrial wireless communication networks exist including spaceborne transceivers, like satellites, and / or airborne transceivers, like unmanned aircraft systems. The non-terrestrial wireless communication network or system may operate in a similar way as the terrestrial system described above with reference to Fig. 1, for example in accordance with the LTE-Advanced Pro standard or the NR (5G), new radio, standard.

[0016] In mobile communication networks, for example in a network like that described above with reference to Fig. 1 , like an LTE or 5G / NR network, there may be UEs that communicate directly with each other over one or more sidelink (SL) channels, e.g., using the PC5 interface. UEs that communicate directly with each other over the sidelink may include vehicles communicating directly with other vehicles (V2V communication), vehicles communicating with other entities of the wireless communication network (V2X communication), for example roadside entities, like traffic lights, traffic signs, or pedestrians. Other UEs may not be vehicular related UEs and may comprise any of the above-mentioned devices. Such devices may also communicate directly with each other (D2D communication) using the SL channels.

[0017] When considering two UEs directly communicating with each other over the sidelink, both UEs may be served by the same base station so that the base station may provide sidelink resource allocation configuration or assistance for the UEs. For example, both UEs may be within the coverage area of a base station, like one of the base stations depicted in Fig. 1. This is referred to as an “in-coverage” scenario. Another scenario is referred to as an “out-of-coverage” scenario. It is noted that “out-of-coverage” does not mean that the two UEs are not within one of the cells depicted in Fig. 1, rather, it means that these UEs

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[0019] may not be connected to a base station, for example, they are not in an RRC connected state, so that the UEs do not receive from the base station any sidelink resource allocation configuration or assistance, and / or

[0020] may be connected to the base station, but, for one or more reasons, the base station may not provide sidelink resource allocation configuration or assistance for the UEs, and / or

[0021] may be connected to the base station that may not support NR V2X services, e.g., GSM, UMTS, LTE base stations.

[0022] When considering two UEs directly communicating with each other over the sidelink, e.g., using the PC5 interface, one of the UEs may also be connected with a BS, and may relay information from the BS to the other UE via the sidelink interface. The relaying may be performed in the same frequency band (in-band-relay) or another frequency band (out-of-band relay) may be used. In the first case, communication on the Uu and on the sidelink may be decoupled using different time slots as in time division duplex, TDD, systems.

[0023] In an in-coverage scenario in which two UEs directly communicating with each other are both connected to a base station, the base station gNB has a coverage area which, basically, corresponds to the cell schematically represented in Fig. 1. The UEs directly communicating with each other may be both in the coverage area of the base station gNB. Both UEs are possibly connected to the base station gNB and, in addition, they are connected directly with each other over the PC5 interface. The scheduling and / or interference management of the V2V traffic is assisted by the gNB via control signalling over the Uu interface, which is the radio interface between the base station and the UEs. In other words, the gNB provides SL resource allocation configuration or assistance for the UEs, and the gNB assigns the resources to be used for the V2V communication over the sidelink. This configuration is also referred to as a mode 1 configuration in NR V2X or as a mode 3 configuration in LTE V2X.

[0024] In an out-of-coverage scenario in which the UEs directly communicating with each other are either not connected to a base station, although they may be physically within a cell of a wireless communication network, or some or all of the UEs directly communicating with each other are to a base station but the base station does not provide for the SL resource allocation configuration or assistance. UEs may directly communicate with each other over a sidelink, e.g., using the PC5 interface. The scheduling and / or interference management of the V2V traffic is based on algorithms implemented between the vehicles. This configuration is also referred to as a mode 2 configuration in NR V2X or as a mode 4 configuration in LTE V2X. As mentioned above, the out-of-coverage scenario does not necessarily mean that the respective

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[0026] mode 2 UEs (in NR) or mode 4 UEs (in LTE) are outside of the coverage of a base station, rather, it means that the respective mode 2 UEs (in NR) or mode 4 UEs (in LTE) are not served by a base station, are not connected to the base station of the coverage area, or are connected to the base station but receive no SL resource allocation configuration or assistance from the base station. Thus, there may be situations in which, within the coverage area, in addition to the NR mode 1 or LTE mode 3 UEs also NR mode 2 or LTE mode 4 UEs are present.

[0027] Naturally, it is also possible that one of the UEs is covered by the gNB, i.e. connected with Uu to the gNB, wherein the second UE is not covered by the gNB and only connected via the PC5 interface to the first UE, or that the second vehicle is connected via the PC5 interface to the first vehicle UE but via Uu to another gNB.

[0028] With an increase of an amount of communication and with an increase of mobility stable and reliable communication is an important issue for wireless communication.

[0029] There is, thus, a need to improve wireless communications.

[0030] It is noted that the information in the above section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form prior art and is already known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention are described herein making reference to the appended drawings.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an example of a wireless communication system;

[0033] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a wireless communication system comprising a transceiver, like a basestation or a relay, and a plurality of communication devices, like UEs, according to an embodiment;

[0034] Fig. 3a-b show wireless communications scenarios comprised of two terrestrial networks;

[0035] Fig. 4 shows a simplified communication scenario in which two user equipment devices achieving a UE-to-UE connection via an air interface to a non-terrestrial network;

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[0037] Fig. 5 shows a wireless communication scenario that is similar to that shown in Fig. 4 with the exception that an inter-satellite link is absent;

[0038] Fig. 6 shows a wireless communication scenario that is similar to that shown in Fig. 4 with the exception that the inter-satellite link is absent and UEs are served by a satellite;

[0039] Fig. 7 shows two wireless communications scenarios;

[0040] Fig. 8 shows an example of two groups of devices according to an embodiment;

[0041] Fig. 9 shows an example of a larger group according to an embodiment, formed as the result of grouping two smaller groups;

[0042] Fig. 10 illustrates an example of a larger group according to an embodiment, containing two or more smaller sub-groups and in which one of the sub-groups is connected to a core network;

[0043] Fig. 11 shows a schematic illustration of an example of a larger group according to an embodiment comprised of two smaller sub-groups, one of them being a modification of a group of Fig. 10;

[0044] Fig. 12 shows a schematic block diagram of an example of a larger group comprised of two smaller sub-groups having an additional communications entity;

[0045] Fig. 13 shows a conceptual illustration according to an embodiment showing two groups served in overlapping regions;

[0046] Fig. 14 shows is a conceptual illustration according to an embodiment showing two groups served in overlapping regions by different satellites;

[0047] Fig. 15 shows is a conceptual illustration according to an embodiment showing two groups, one of them having a basestation;

[0048] Fig. 16 shows a conceptual illustration showing two groups according to an embodiment, comprising a communications satellite;

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[0050] Fig. 17 shows a wireless communications scenario according to an embodiment, comprised of both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks;

[0051] Fig. 18 shows a schematic flow diagram of a wireless communications scenario in which two satellite payloads are interconnected via user equipment devices;

[0052] Fig. 19 shows how an interconnection may be achieved when a UE of Fig.18 is replaced by an IAM device according to an embodiment;

[0053] Fig. 20 shows, similar to Fig. 19, how an interconnection in a wireless communication scenario may be achieved when another UE is replaced by an IAM device according to an embodiment;

[0054] Fig. 21 shows a schematic representation of a wireless communication scenario in which two satellite payloads are interconnected via a basestation according to an embodiment;

[0055] Fig. 22 shows a schematic representation of a wireless communication scenario in which two satellite payloads are interconnected via a basestation, an IAB device and a chain comprised of two IAB devices according to an embodiment;

[0056] Fig. 23 shows a schematic block diagram to represent a conceptual arrangement of a 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) according to an embodiment;

[0057] Fig. 24a-c show scenarios according to embodiments that modify the scenario of Fig. 3;

[0058] Fig. 25 shows a scenario according to an embodiment modifying the scenario of Fig. 7;

[0059] and

[0060] Fig. 26 illustrates an example of a computer system on which units or modules as well as the steps of the methods described in accordance with the inventive approach may execute.

[0061] Equal or equivalent elements or elements with equal or equivalent functionality are denoted in the following description by equal or equivalent reference numerals or naming even if occurring in different figures.

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[0063] In the following description, a plurality of details are set forth to provide a more thorough explanation of embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form rather than in detail in order to avoid obscuring embodiments of the present invention. In addition, features of the different embodiments described hereinafter may be combined with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise.

[0064] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a transceiver, a transceiver device or a transceiver unit. Such a transceiver may be a device to transmitting wireless signals, in particular radio frequency signals, e.g., providing, in view of the wireless signal, a transmitter functionality only, for receiving wireless signals, in particular radio frequency signals, e.g., providing, in view of the wireless signal, a receiver functionality only, or a combination thereof, i.e. , that the device or apparatus is adapted and / or configured for receiving wireless signals and transmitting wireless signal, e.g., simultaneously, or during different instances of time and / or when operating in different operation modes. That is, a transceiver according to an embodiment, may perform both, transmission of wireless signals and reception of wireless signals or only one of both unless explicitly stated or defined otherwise.

[0065] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in a wireless communication system or network as depicted in Fig. 1 including a transceiver, like a basestation, gNB, or relay, and a plurality of communication devices, like user equipment’s, UEs. Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a wireless communication system comprising a transceiver 200, like a basestation or a relay, and a plurality of communication devices 202i to 202n, like UEs. The UEs might communicated directly with each other via a wireless communication link or channel 203, like a radio link (e.g., using the PC5 interface (sidelink)). Further, the transceiver and the UEs 202 might communicate via a wireless communication link or channel 204, like a radio link (e.g., using the Uu interface). The transceiver 200 might include one or more antennas ANT or an antenna array having a plurality of antenna elements, a signal processor 200a and a transceiver unit 200b. The UEs 202 might include one or more antennas ANT or an antenna array having a plurality of antennas, a processor 202ai to 202an, and a transceiver (e.g., receiver and / or transmitter) unit 202bi to 202bn. The basestation 200 and / or the one or more UEs 202 may operate in accordance with the inventive teachings described herein.

[0066] In niche or longtail applications — for example, Industrial loT (HoT) — that have specific requirements for Ultra Reliable and Low Latency Communication (URLLC) in combination with low-, medium- or high-data rates, the DSP design space requirements easily exceed those of

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[0068] a unified standard set of parameters. A standardized mechanism is thus need to embed domain and application specific DSP requirements for longtail application. To facilitate a DSP alternative on a wireless link between at least two nodes, the transmitter and receiver pair have to be provided with means to be DSP configurable on-demand. This includes without limitation the download of DSP modules and / or code together with their installation, configuration, activation, synchronization and the open-loop or closed-loop control of such DSP modules. These software modules have to be embedded on low PHY or mid PHY in order to provide the required wireless link enhancements needed for longtail applications. Furthermore, the facilitating scheme proposed by the inventors should allow to embed and use DSP modules which fit into the given standardized and regulatory framework, while being in detail implementation specific and therefore quasi proprietary.

[0069] The integration of satellite technology with cellular mobile networks has been a longstanding concept. In the mid-1990s, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) introduced the IMT-2000 (International Mobile Telecommunications 2000) initiative, which led to the establishment of the Third-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and the development of standards such as CDMA-2000, UMTS, and TD-CDMA, collectively known as 3G. The IMT-2000 initiative aimed to achieve global wireless access and was designed to encompass both terrestrial and satellite components.

[0070] In the present day of IMT-2020, satellite technology has emerged as a convenient solution to provide connectivity in remote areas. As a result, the development of direct-to-cellular 5G satellite NTN (non-terrestrial networks) has become a prominent and essential objective. Moreover, it is anticipated that satellites will play an integral role in future 6G technology, necessitating the establishment of suitable conditions for the development of 5G-6G satellite networks. However, securing enough spectrum for such networks remains one of the most challenging issues.

[0071] In the context of IMT-2030, NTN forms a significant part of the framework, including the integration and interconnection between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. This integration reflects a trend that satellite and space technologies can offer many benefits for the development and operation of future IMT-2030 networks, enabling 5G and 6G to be available everywhere and accessible to enterprises and citizens across the globe. The capabilities of IMT-2030 are identified to make it more capable, flexible, reliable and secure than previous IMT systems, supporting diverse and novel services in intended usage scenarios, including immersive communication, hyper-reliable and low-latency communication (HRLLC), massive

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[0073] communication, ubiquitous connectivity, artificial intelligence and communication, and integrated sensing and communication (ISAC).

[0074] The frequency bands being considered for NTN in the context of IMT-2030 and beyond include several ranges discussed within 3GPP. These ranges encompass both sub-6 GHz frequency bands and higher frequency bands. Specifically, the following frequency ranges are being discussed for NTN:

[0075] • Sub-6 GHz Frequency Bands:

[0076] o Frequency Range 1 (FR1) includes sub-6 GHz frequency bands, traditionally used by previous standards, and has been extended to cover potential new spectrum offerings from 410 MHz to 7125 MHz.

[0077] o Within FR1 , there are specific bands such as n253, n254, and n23, operating in the frequency ranges of 1668-1675 MHz, 1610-1626.5 / 2483.5-2500 MHz, and 2000-2020 / 2180-2200 MHz respectively.

[0078] • Higher Frequency Bands:

[0079] o Frequency Range 2 (FR2) includes frequency bands from 24.25 GHz to 71.0 GHz.

[0080] o For5G NTN, there are proposed bands in the 17.3 GHz to 30 GHz ranges, such as n510, n511, and n512, operating in the frequency ranges of 17.7- 20.2 GHz / 27.5-28.35 GHz, 17.7-20.2 GHz / 28.35-30.0 GHz, and 17.7- 20.2 GHz / 27.5-30.0 GHz respectively.

[0081] o Furthermore, 5G NTN is considering operations in the Ku-band (12-18 GHz) and the Ka-band (26-40 GHz). These bands are already used by satellite communication systems — for example, Starlink and OneWeb

[0082] • Feasibility Studies for Higher Frequency Bands:

[0083] o Feasibility studies for higher frequency bands above 100 GHz are also being considered, with ITLI-R working on a report on the technical feasibility of IMT in bands above 100 GHz, indicating the potential for spectrum in higher frequency ranges above 92 GHz to be considered for the development of IMT for 2030 and beyond.

[0084] These frequency bands are part of the ongoing discussions and developments related to NTN within the IMT-2030 framework, reflecting the diverse spectrum requirements for future nonterrestrial communication networks.

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[0086] In the context of direct to cell connectivity of UEs on the ground, an important use case related to communication between two or more UEs, is based on “group-like communication” or “group-based communication” — for example, a chat group or a voice call between users. The classical way of configuring such group-based communication is usually IP based and involves the radio access nodes and / or the network entry nodes of each participant and / or member of the group together with the one or more core network elements that enable the localisation of all members. The latter is usually performed via an IP address, a telephone number or any other suitable identifier (ID) that is unique to a specific device or member. Such an ID allows IP packets to be routed appropriately within the network. In systems from the 2G and 3G era, circuit switched network connections were used and to ensure the end-to-end latencies needed for voice communication or telephony. Since the introduction of 4G LTE and through to today’s 5G NR, circuit switching been replaced by voice-over-IP (VoIP) in LTE.

[0087] In terms of data rate, packet delay and packet jitter, VoIP (used in both 4G LTE and 5G NR) provides similar service-level performance to circuit switched connections (used in 2G and 3G). Unlike circuit switch connections however, VoIP is less prone to missed and failed or degraded core network connections during both the establishment and maintenance of a connection.

[0088] In the context of wireless communications, the core network may refer to the central part of a telecommunications network that provides essential services and manages communication traffic. It facilitates connectivity between various elements of the network, including user devices and external networks. In the context of mobile telecommunications, the core network is a crucial component that handles tasks such as call routing, data transfer, and subscriber management. The core network itself may have connection to other parts of the network or different networks, e.g., accessing the internet, such a link may possibly suffer from failures or unavailability. For a device, a similar situation may occur, at least in connection with embodiments, when a connection from a serving base station to the core network becomes unavailable or when the core network loses such higher-level connection.

[0089] Fig. 3a shows a wireless communications scenario comprised of two terrestrial networks 12A and 12B. Each network 12A and 12B is comprised of a group of communication entities including basestations 14A, I and 14B, j and user equipment devices UE A,k, UE B,l respectively.

[0090] In Group A, the basestations 14 are connected to a core network 16 such as the Internet, a 5G core network or a private network and are themselves interconnected to one another, e.g., using a terrestrial connection.

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[0092] In Group B, the basestations are neither connected to a core network nor are they interconnected to one another.

[0093] In other words, Fig. 3a shows wireless communications scenario comprised of two terrestrial networks. Each network is comprised of a group of communication entities including basestations and user equipment devices. In Group A, the basestations are connected to a core network such as the Internet, a 5G core network or a private network. In Group B, the basestations are neither connected to a core network nor are they interconnected to one another.

[0094] In Fig. 3b, basestations 14B, j of network 12B are interconnected to each other via an air interface. However, the basestations of network 12B are not connected to a core network.

[0095] Fig. 4 shows a simplified communication scenario in which two user equipment (UE) devices, UE A1 and UE B1, achieve a UE-to-UE connection via an air interface to a non-terrestrial network (NTN) 18. In this example, the NTN is comprised of satellite payloads, SAT A and SAT B, which are interconnected in the space segment via an inter-satellite link 20. An air interface 22 between satellite payload, SAT A, and a ground station 24 connects the space segment to the core network so that all satellite payloads of the NTN are connected to the core network. Therefore, the core network is, in effect, present in both the ground and space segments. The UEs, ground station and core network form part of the terrestrial network or ground segment.

[0096] In other words, Fig. 4 shows a wireless communications scenario comprised of a terrestrial or ground segment and a space segment. The various interfaces within and between these segments is shown as a legend

[0097] In case of satellite-based UE-to-UE connections over the same basestation I same satellite the UE-to-UE connection can neither be established, initiated nor maintained in the absence of a stable core network connection.

[0098] Problem 1

[0099] Fig. 5 shows a wireless communication scenario that is similar to that shown in Fig. 4 with the exception that the inter-satellite link is absent (or in other words, non-functional, unavailable, inadequate or otherwise non-existent). Therefore, as the core network is effectively

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[0101] disconnected from satellite payload, SAT B, and even though the UE device, UE B1, is in coverage of the footprint provided by SAT B, UE B1 can neither initiate a connection to UE A1 nor can UE A1 connect to UE B1. In other words, the absence of a core network connection to SAT B prevents any UE device within coverage of SAT B to either make a connection or receive a connection for any other UE device within coverage of any other satellite payload such as, for example, SAT A.

[0102] In other words, Fig. 5 shows a wireless communications scenario that is somewhat like the previous figure with the exception that the inter-satellite link between the payloads SAT A and SAT B is non-functional, unavailable, inadequate or otherwise non-existent.

[0103] Problem 2

[0104] Fig. 6 shows a wireless communication scenario that is similar to that shown in Fig. 4 with the exception that the inter-satellite link is absent (or in other words, non-functional, unavailable, inadequate or otherwise non-existent). Therefore, as the core network is effectively disconnected from satellite payload, SAT B, and even though the UE devices, UE B1, UE B2, UE B3 and UE B4 (a group of UE devices that will subsequently referred to as the group B UEs), are in coverage of the footprint provided by SAT B, the group B UE devices can neither initiate a connection to UE A1 nor can UE A1 connect to any of the group B UE devices (similar to the previously described problem, “Problem 1”). In addition, none of the group B UE devices can establish connections between themselves — for example, from UE B1 to UE B3 or from UE B4 to both UE B1 and UE B2. In other words, the absence of a core network connection to SAT B prevents any UE device within coverage of SAT B to not only either make a connection or receive a connection for any other UE device within coverage of any other satellite payload such as, for example, SAT A, but also prevents UE devices within the coverage of SAT B from forming a group and communicating within the group.

[0105] As a case in point, consider two ships on the ocean and onboard each ship, a UE device. A satellite payload provides coverage to the two UE devices. Scenarios may occur — not limited to include emergencies and fleet alignment exercises — in which ship-to-ship communication is required. According to state-of-the-art (SOTA) procedures, one or both UE devices would: a) start a search for a satellite; and b) if or when a satellite is found, initiate a random-access procedure to the satellite. The satellite would forward the initial access signal to the core network and if network access grant is approved by the core network, only then will the UE be granted access to the network — this will then be followed by all necessary configurations for further communication within the network. A missing or instable connection of the satellite to

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[0107] the core network will prevent successful initial access and the continuation or maintenance of connection even though the two UEs are served by the same basestation or satellite.

[0108] In other words, Fig. 6 shows A wireless communications scenario that is somewhat like the previous figure with the exception that more than one UE device is connected via an air interface to satellite payload, SAT B.

[0109] Problem 3

[0110] Fig. 7 shows two wireless communications scenarios. Firstly, a group of members associated with communication services operated, managed or provided by Operator A, e.g., LIE A1 to UE A4 and secondly a group of members associated with communication services operated, managed or provided by Operator B, e.g., UE B1 to UE B4.

[0111] Associated with Operator A are the communication entities comprised of: a ground segment containing of group of user equipment devices, UE A1 - UE A4, and several ground stations which are connected to a core network and can thus be thought of as gateways; and a space segment containing one or more satellites and / or one or more constellations of satellites.

[0112] Associated with Operator B are the communication entities comprised of: a ground segment containing of group of user equipment devices, UE B1 - UE B4, and a ground station which, for some reason, is either permanently or temporarily neither connected to a core network nor to any satellites and can thus be thought of as gateway-less; and a space segment containing one or more satellites and / or one or more constellations of satellites.

[0113] The satellites forming space segment A are equipped with inter-satellite links such that wireless communication is possible between two or members of space segment A. Similarly, the satellites forming space segment B are equipped with inter-satellite links such that wireless communication is possible between two or members of space segment B. It is not however possible to establish a wireless communication between a member of space segment A and a member of space segment B. Therefore, the members of ground segment A and space segment A — the members of the services provided by Operator A — can communicate between themselves and are able to connect to the core network. However, the members of ground segment B and space segment B — the members of the services provided by Operator B — can communicate between themselves, they are not able to connect to the core network.

[0114] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 15

[0115] In other words, Fig. 7 shows two wireless communications scenarios, each comprising a ground segment and a space segment

[0116] Embodiments of the present invention of both the first aspect and the second aspect relate to forming groups of devices. According to the first aspect of the present invention, members of a group of devices may communicate with one another even in absence of a core network or the like, whilst being served, for example, by a serving entity or serving device such as a basestation that, due to several reasons, may lack a connection to said core network. A second aspect of the present invention relates to bridging or linking groups of devices.

[0117] With regard to the first aspect that may be referred to as a group-based local routing or an intra-group communication, the inventors found that by forming groups of devices such as UEs in coverage, IC, of a cell that are served by a serving entity such as a base station considerable advantages may be obtained. When compared to a known approach where two different devices within a same cell of a wireless communication network may communicate with each other by transmitting a message to the base station which then transmits or forwards a respective message to the core network for receiving again a message which is then provided to the communication partner that is, however, located in the same network cell, the present invention provides for the advantage that by forming a group of devices, a local routing may be implemented allowing the base station to directly forward a message received to a different group member, e.g., being located within the same network cell. This may allow to avoid communication with the core network which is of particular interest if such a link is broken. Embodiments described for the first aspect may relate but are not required to use a base station and, in particular, not a terrestrial base station. The corresponding advantage may be obtained, for example, when considering a flying serving entity such as a satellite that has no inter-satellite link or the like but may relay messages between different members in coverage of the footprint of the satellite.

[0118] Although at least some embodiments are of particular advantage for non-terrestrial networks, NTN, embodiments of the present invention are, however, no limited hereto.

[0119] Starting from a similar consideration, embodiments of the second aspect relate to a scenario where messages are not only distributed within the same group, but are, e.g., still in absence of a link to further entities of the network, distributed to a different group of devices. The inventors have found that by using a device that interconnects two or more groups, such a device may relay messages between the groups although serving entities or serving nodes providing service for a respective group have no direct communication there between. Such a

[0120] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 16

[0121] device may be connected to at least one member of each group for such forwarding, wherein embodiments may benefit from but are not required to have such a link at a same time, e.g., for direct forwarding, but may also allow to store content of a message to allow for a later forwarding, e.g., when the recipient device becomes available for or linked to the interconnecting member. As an alternative or in addition, the interconnecting member may be but is not required to be a member of the first group and / or the second group. Whilst this may be beneficial, e.g., for terrestrial interconnecting devices, other devices such as satellites may be possibly group-less or at least not a member of the first group and / or the second group whilst nevertheless providing coverage to devices which may allow to receive and / or forward messages.

[0122] As potential solutions to the problem scenarios identified as Problems 1-3, embodiments provide several advantageous techniques and improvements beyond state-of-the-art, SOTA, which allow UEs to access a network at least partially — for example, to join or maintain local communication between members of the network which are actively interconnected by the same satellite or a cluster of interconnected satellite and allow the network to maintain connection between members of a group including joining or leaving a group session.

[0123] At least a part of the proposed solutions includes procedures which allow a UE to identify itself as a member of a group and allow the network to establish interconnections between members of the same group using a group identifier.

[0124] Furthermore, the proposed procedure may allow creation of a group, mechanisms to invite or (un-subscribe) further members to a group and to propagate group IDs across one or more networks or parts thereof. Such a mechanism further allows to interconnect one or more parts of the same group ID and continue support of local communication of members of such local group formed by interconnected members belonging to the same group ID. Such local islands or groups of members using the same group ID can be interconnected or isolated by a single or multiple interconnections of these local communication islands. During such formation of larger and smaller communications groups of members associated to the same group ID, all interconnected members will be provided with updates of all other interconnected members for information purposes and for the tracking of interconnection opportunities and / or connection stability.

[0125] Such approaches may allow instantaneous knowledge about who is within connectivity range within the “same” subgroup belonging to a group-ID, wherein such knowledge can be shared among members of the subgroup and / or network node. The inter-network node communication

[0126] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 17

[0127] will then allow the connection between communication islands and associated signalling extending or reducing the interconnection area or interconnection group size or the range of members of the same group-ID. In this way the proposed method becomes agnostic to: access stratum; network topologies; and network protocols. This allows initiation and continuation of communication among members of a group, identifiable by a group ID without sporadic or instable connections to the core network.

[0128] In the following sub-sections, reference is made to two trees, A and B, of embodiments relating to the first aspect, the second aspect respectively.

[0129] Embodiments of the present invention relate to the concept of forming, maintaining or building a group of devices. With regard to a group of devices in connection with embodiments described herein, one, more or all of the following may apply:

[0130] • A group may be understood as a structure of entities, the structure providing a basis for a group to exist. For example, the structure may relate to a group managing or organising entity such as a basestation, i.e., a group controller, and other members which may further be structured, possibly but not necessarily in a hierarchical order, e.g., in view of authorisation levels, priorities, access permissions, activity levels such as active member or inactive member. A group according to an embodiment therefore provides and / or comprises structure. The term structure in connection with groups being formed may be understood in connection with embodiments described herein as referring to an arrangement and organization of interrelated elements within a system or group. That is, the term structure may denote how various network entities interact within a system, contributing to its overall functionality and integrity. When discussing structure in relation to a group, such as in group communications, the term structure may refer in a non-limiting manner to the organization and arrangement of the group's elements.

[0131] • Groups can become members of other groups.

[0132] • Each individual, device or communication entity of a group may be called a member of the group.

[0133] • Groups can be grouped to former a larger group that will have a structure that might be similar or different to the structures of the groups contained in it. In other words, a larger structure or larger group can be formed from smaller groups or sub-groups even when the smaller groups’ structures or the sub-groups’ structures are different.

[0134] • Groups can have different entities or members at different times. Similarly, larger groups can comprise different smaller groups at different times.

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[0136] • A group can be formed amongst interconnected individuals, devices or communication entities. The purpose of interconnecting is to share or distribute content, data or information between the members of the group.

[0137] • The purpose of interconnecting groups or structures using their individual or local structure is to benefit the other group.

[0138] • If two smaller groups are identifiable by the same group ID, they belong to the same group and are able to or are authorized to share information or data and to communicate with members of the group.

[0139] • The new group or the interconnection benefits “all” members of the interconnected groups.

[0140] • Bonding elements are provided by similar structures (e.g. a shared basestation, satellite, AP) or “shared” members.

[0141] • The identification and simplification of the bonding is realized using some identifiers or attributes from which group membership can be derived e.g. group-IDs (e.g., verified and / or trusted).

[0142] • The concept, e.g., implemented as a method and / or a device may allow operation with and without Internet connection or centralized structural interconnections e.g. works without a server of a messenger service in the Internet and without core network.

[0143] Fig. 8 shows an example of two groups 32A and 32B according to embodiments, each comprised of communication entities 34 Ai and 34Bj with i,j=1, ...4 with 4 being a non-limiting example for any number of devices, e.g., served in a network cell such as by use of a basestation 36A, 36B respecively or other instances. Further, the number of devices in group 32A and 32B may be same or different.

[0144] According to the first aspect, it was recognized that by distributing group information within the group, e.g., group 32A, the members thereof, i.e., devices 34A1 to 34A4 and / or device 36A providing the service for devices 34 may be aware of the group itself, a structure thereof, e.g., who is the serving node and who are serve nodes and / or about members of the group. This may allow members such as devices 34 to know which members the group has and to determine, whether a different member of the group is a recipient of a message or signal. Even in absence of a link 35 of the group, e.g., via device 36A, to a core network or the like, a message, information or signal may be exchanged within the group according to the first aspect. A device 34 such as a UE may transmit a message with a wireless interface thereof to an intermediate device, e.g., device 36A for transmitting a forwarded message that is based on the transmitted message and is transmitted towards a recipient device. The device and / or

[0145] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 19

[0146] the intermediate device may transmit the message based on group information related to a group of the devices, e.g., group 32A, of which the device 34 and / or 36 and / or the recipient device are members.

[0147] Fig. 9 shows an example of a larger group 32AB according to an embodiment, formed as the result of grouping two smaller groups 32A and 32B.

[0148] Fig. 10 illustrates an example of a larger group 32AB according to an embodiment, containing two or more smaller sub-groups 32A, 32B and in which one of the sub-groups is connected to a core network 16B, e.g., core network 16, a 5G core network or a different type of core network, whilst the other sub-group is not.

[0149] Fig. 11 shows a schematic illustration of an example of a larger group comprised of two smaller sub-groups 32A and 32B’, group 32B’ being a modification of group 32B, e.g., as missing device 32B3. One of the sub-groups 32B’ may be connected to the core network 16B, e.g., 5G whilst the other sub-group is not. One of the communications entities, e.g., device 34A4 (A4) may be in two coverage regions, e.g., of both groups 32A and 32B, and may thus effectively create a connection between communication entities of both sub-groups 32A and 32B as well as effectively providing a connection to the 5G core network for other members of group 32A.

[0150] Fig. 12 shows a schematic block diagram of an example of a larger group comprised of two smaller sub-groups. One of the sub-groups is connected to a 5G core network whilst the other sub-group is not. A communications entity 38 (X) is, for example, not in the coverage region provided to the communication entities of either sub-group 32A and 32B. Nevertheless, the communication entity (X) provides an interconnection between the communication entities A and B which can be access points, transmission-and-reception points, basestations, relays, repeaters or satellite payloads. Communication entity X can thus effectively create a connection between communication entities of both sub-groups as well as effectively providing a connection to the 5G core network.

[0151] Fig. 13 shows a conceptual illustration according to an embodiment showing two groups, group A, 32A and group B, 32B. Group A is comprised of a basestation, gNB A, such as a basestation of Fig. 1 and user equipment devices UE A1, UE A2 and UE B1. Similarly, Group B is comprised of a basestation, gNB B, and user equipment devices UE B1 , UE B2 and UE B3. A number of UEs is taken for illustrative reasons only and shall not limit the embodiments of the present invention. The user equipment device UE B1 may be a member of both groups 32A and 32B as it is in the coverage region served by the two terrestrial basestations.

[0152] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 20

[0153] Fig. 14 shows is a conceptual illustration according to an embodiment showing two groups, A and B, 32A, 32B. Group A is comprised of a communications satellite, SAT A, and user equipment devices UE A1, UE A2 and UE B1. Similarly, Group B is comprised of a communications satellite, SAT B, and user equipment devices UE B1, UE B2 and UE B3. The user equipment device UE B1 is a member of both groups as it is in the coverage region served by the two non-terrestrial basestations, SAT A and SAT B.

[0154] Embodiments provide for a combination Mixtures of Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, i.e. , a combination of terrestrial and non-terrestrial groups and / or groups served by terrestrial and non-terrestrial entities.

[0155] Fig. 15 shows is a conceptual illustration according to an embodiment showing two groups 32A and 32B. Group 32A is comprised of a basestation, gNB A, as shown in Fig. 13 and user equipment devices UE A1 and UE A2. Group B is comprised of a basestation, gNB B, and user equipment devices UE B1, UE B2 and UE B3, similarly to Fig. 13. Whilst the two terrestrial basestations, gNB A and gNB B, are possibly at least temporarily not connected to a core network, they may however be interconnected by the communications satellite 42, SAT 1.

[0156] Fig. 16 presents a conceptual illustration showing two groups, 32A and 32B. Group A is comprised of a communications satellite, SAT A, a number of user equipment devices UE A1 and UE A2, and a gateway 46 through which connection to one or more other networks, terrestrial and / or non-terrestrial, may be possible. Group B is comprised of a communications satellite, SAT B, and a same or different number of user equipment devices UE B1 , UE B2 and UE B3. Whilst only one of the two communications satellites is connected to a gateway 46, the two satellites are however interconnected by an inter-satellite link 44 which may be used according to embodiments to provide network connection also to group 32B.

[0157] Referring again to the concept of the first aspect, i.e., to provide fora group-based local routing, embodiments of the present invention provide for the following implementations:

[0158] In the following, additional embodiments and aspects of the invention will be described which can be used individually or in combination with any of the features and functionalities and details described herein.

[0159] 1. A device, such as a user equipment, UE, configured for operating in a wireless communication network, wherein the device comprises:

[0160] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 21

[0161] at least one wireless interface for transceiving wireless signals;

[0162] wherein the device is configured for transmitting a message with the wireless interface to an intermediate device, e.g., base station or other, for transmitting a forwarded message that is based on the message, e.g., same message or message derived thereof; possibly the message is a “trigger” to generate different message that is then sent, towards a recipient device, i.e., directly to or for further forwarding;

[0163] wherein the device is to transmit the message based on group information related to a group of devices of which the device and the recipient device are members.

[0164] 2. The device of aspect 1, wherein the device comprises a data memory configured for storing the group information; wherein the device is to read the group information from the data memory.

[0165] 3. The device of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the device comprises a data memory configured for storing member information indicating member devices of the group; wherein the device is to transmit the message based on the recipient device being indicated in the member information.

[0166] 4. The device of one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the device is associated with the intermediate device interconnecting the device and the recipient device; wherein the device is adapted to transmit the message to the intermediate device based on the group information.

[0167] 5. The device of aspect 4, wherein the device is adapted to transmit the message to the intermediate device further based on information that the recipient device is reachable via the interconnecting device.

[0168] 6. The device of aspect 4 or 5, wherein the device is to discard transmission of a message towards the intermediate device for forwarding in case the recipient device is not a member of the group and / or not connected to the intermediate device.

[0169] 7. The device of one of aspects 1 to 6, adapted to determine, based on the group information, a local routing information for the recipient device indicating that the recipient device may be reached in absence of a connectivity of the device to a core network. The

[0170] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 22

[0171] local routing information may be or may comprise information indicating a possibility for local routing, e.g., Y / N or further detailed information, e.g., about capabilities availabilities or the like.

[0172] 8. The device of one of aspects 1 to 7, adapted to assigning itself to the group of devices based on an assigning criterion and to obtain at least a part of the group information based on the assigning.

[0173] 9. The device of one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the device is to receive information indicating group members or active group members of the group of devices from a device serving the device, e.g., the intermediate device.

[0174] 10. The device od one of aspects 1 to 9, adapted to request or to initiate a connection to the participant device by requesting the wireless communication network to page the recipient device according to a former, e.g., last updated area.

[0175] 11. The device of one of aspects 8 to 10, wherein the assigning criterion comprises at least one of:

[0176] • a position of the device;

[0177] • a geolocation of the device

[0178] • a capability of the device;

[0179] • a connectivity of the device;

[0180] • a status of the device, e.g., emergency; distress; alarm condition; sensor activation; low-battery; etc.

[0181] 12. The device of one of aspects 1 to 11, adapted to receive a signal from the wireless communication network, indicating that the device is assigned to the group of devices; and to operate as a member of the group.

[0182] 13. The device of one of aspects 1 to 12, adapted to be a member of more than one group of devices.

[0183] 14. The device of one of aspects 1 to 13, adapted to include an indicator into a wireless signal associated with the message or comprising the message, indicating the device as a member of the group.

[0184] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 23

[0185] 15. The device of one of aspects 1 to 14, adapted to indicate the group or a set of groups of which the device is a member.

[0186] 16. The device of one of aspects 1 to 17, wherein the intermediate device is one of a stationary device, a mobile device, a moving device such as a flying device, e.g., a satellite device, a floating device or a driving device.

[0187] 17. The device of one of aspects 1 to 18, being a user equipment; wherein the intermediate node is a basestation to which the device is associated and / or a satellite serving the device.

[0188] 18. The device of one of aspects 1 to 17, adapted to generate a group identifier to identify the group of devices, using a unique seed such as a SIM card, an I MSI , a MAC address, a serial number, a soft token; or to use the group identifier as a predefined group identifier.

[0189] 19. The device of one of aspects 1 to 18, adapted for adding or inviting a new member to the group of devices via an identifier which is known to the wireless communication, e.g., a device serving the members of the group of devices.

[0190] 20. The device of one of aspects 1 to 19, adapted to transmit, upon an event, a request or a timer, a keep-alive signal to a device serving the members of the group of devices.

[0191] 21. The device of one of aspects 1 to 20, wherein the device is to determine a membership of the group of devices based on a configuration, e.g., received from a serving device such as the intermediate device, or a pre-configuration such as information hard-coded in assembly, electronically flashed or installed through a software application.

[0192] 22. The device of one of aspects 1 to 21, wherein the device is to maintain an encryption, e.g., an end-to-end-encryption, of messages when changing from a state where the group of devices is connected to a core network to a state where the group of devices is disconnected from the core network.

[0193] 23. A device configured for operating in a wireless communication network,

[0194] wherein the device comprises a wireless interface for connecting to a plurality of participant devices;

[0195] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 24

[0196] wherein the device is configured for receiving a wireless signal from a first participant device, the wireless signal comprising a message;

[0197] wherein the device comprises an evaluation unit configured for evaluating a group information associated with the first participant device and with a second participant device to obtain an evaluation result;

[0198] wherein based on the evaluation result indicating that the first participant device and the second participant device belong to the same group of devices, the device is to transmit a forwarded message that is based on the message towards the second participant device.

[0199] 24. The device of aspect 23, wherein the device provides for a local routing of the message in absence of a connectivity to a core network.

[0200] 25. The device of aspect 23 or 24, configured for forwarding a same or related forwarded message based on the message to at least a third participant device based on the group information.

[0201] 26. The device of one of aspects 23 to 25, adapted to store message information derived from the message, to generate the forwarded message from the message information and to transmit the forwarded message based on a trigger event.

[0202] 27. The device of aspect 26, wherein the trigger event relates to an established or reestablished connection with the second participant device.

[0203] 28. The device of aspect 26 or 27, wherein the trigger event relates to at least one of an event being predefined or programmed to take place at a time after the message has been received; or relates to a physical trigger experienced by or reported to the device such as a voltage level, a temperature, a pressed key, or an image recognition.

[0204] 29. The device of one of aspects 23 to 28, wherein the device is configured for using a backhaul connection for transmitting a message to a core network; wherein the device is configured for transmitting the forwarded message instead of forwarding the message to the core network of the device based on the group information.

[0205] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 25

[0206] 30. The device of one of aspects 23 to 29, wherein the device is configured for maintaining a backhaul connection for transmitting the message to a core network; wherein the device is configured for transmitting the forwarded message to compensate an unavailability of the backhaul connection.

[0207] 31. The device of one of aspects 23 to 30, wherein the device is to locally interconnect at least a subset of the plurality of participant devices.

[0208] 32. The device of one of aspects 23 to 31 , being a basestation of the wireless communication network.

[0209] 33. The device of one of aspects 23 to 32, being one of a stationary device, a mobile device, a moving device such as a flying device, e.g., a satellite device, a floating device or a driving device.

[0210] 34. The device of one of aspects 23 to 33, wherein the device is to register the first participant device to the group of devices upon registration of the first participant device at the device.

[0211] 35. The device of one of aspects 23 to 34, adapted to generate a group identifier to identify the group of devices, using a unique seed such as a SIM card, an I MSI , a MAC address, a serial number, a soft token; or to use the group identifier as a predefined group identifier.

[0212] 36. The device of one of aspects 23 to 35, adapted for adding or inviting a new member to the group of devices via an identifier which is known to the wireless communication, e.g., a device serving the members of the group of devices.

[0213] 37. The device of one of aspects 23 to 36, adapted to monitor reception of a keep-alive signal from the participant device and to remove the participant device from the group in of a keep-alive signal failure.

[0214] 38. The device of one of aspects 23 to 37, wherein the device is to transmit, e.g., periodically or responsive to a request or responsive to an event such as reception of a predefined number of at least one keep-alive signal information indicating group members or active group members of the group of devices, e.g., as part of the group information.

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[0216] 39. The device of aspect 38, wherein the device is to transmit the information indicating the group members by using a broadcast, a groupcast or a unicast transmission.

[0217] 40. The device of one of aspects 23 to 39, adapted to page or search the second participant device based on a request received from the first participant device, e.g., using a wakeup signal (WUS) and / or a paging signal.

[0218] 41. The device of one of aspects 23 to 40, being a first basestation being connected to a first core network and to a second core network.

[0219] 42. A control unit configured for operating in a wireless communication network comprising a plurality of transceiver devices, the control unit configured for assigning the transceiver devices of the plurality of transceiver devices to at least one group of devices to form the at least one group to comprise a plurality of members;

[0220] wherein the control unit comprises a determination unit configured for determining a recipient information indicating a recipient device of the message being a second participant device;

[0221] wherein the control unit is configured for causing the wireless communication network to transmit a wireless signal, e.g., directly or indirectly, using unicast, groupcast and / or broadcast, to the second participant device according to the recipient information.

[0222] 43. The control unit of aspect 42, adapted to generate a group identifier to identify the group of devices, using a unique seed such as a SIM card, an I MSI , a MAC address, a serial number, a soft token; or to use the group identifier as a predefined group identifier.

[0223] Further, according to an embodiment a method for operating a device, such as a user equipment, UE, in a wireless communication network is provided, wherein the method comprises:

[0224] transmitting a message with the wireless interface to an intermediate device for transmitting a forwarded message that is based on the message towards a recipient device;

[0225] such that the device is to transmit the message based on group information related to a group of devices of which the device and the recipient device are members.

[0226] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 27

[0227] Further, according to an embodiment a method for operating a device in a wireless communication network is provided, wherein the method comprises:

[0228] receiving a wireless signal from a first participant device, the wireless signal comprising a message;

[0229] evaluating a group information associated with the first participant device and with a second participant device to obtain an evaluation result;

[0230] such that based on the evaluation result indicating that the first participant device and the second participant device belong to the same group of devices, a forwarded message is transmitted that is based on the message towards the second participant device.

[0231] Further, according to an embodiment a method for operating a control unit in a wireless communication network is provided, comprising:

[0232] assigning a plurality of transceiver devices to at least one group of devices to form the at least one group to comprise a plurality of members;

[0233] determining a recipient information indicating a recipient device of the message being a second participant device;

[0234] causing the wireless communication network to transmit a wireless signal to the second participant device according to the recipient information.

[0235] In connection with but not limited to the first aspect the following may be implemented

[0236] Technical solution set 1

[0237] • When a device moves from Out-of-coverage (OOC) to In-coverage (IC), the User Equipment (UE) device registers at cell (TN, NTN).

[0238] • Registration may be implemented through use of UE’s identifier and through use of one or more group identifiers.

[0239] • Group identifier may be determined or found by one member of the group using a unique seed — for example, a SIM card, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity,

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[0241] I MSI , a MAC address, a serial number, a soft token or similar and that is known to the 3GPP cell.

[0242] • Adding or inviting a new member may be done via an identifier which is known to the 3GPP cell.

[0243] • Group identifiers can be pre-configured.

[0244] • Group members may send keep-alive messages to a 3GPP cell. For example, when members do not send such messages, a possibly time-based counter may be decremented. When a particular UE counter reaches zero, the cell may consider that UE to be detached from the group and / or to be an inactive member of the group. • With each or a defined number of keep-alive signal, the cell may respond with an updated status report that lists the all or only the active group members. Such status report can be provided by broadcast, groupcast or unicast and be requested by one or more members of a group or part of a group belonging to the same group ID.

[0245] • Similarly, or alternatively, the cell regularly (interval driven, event driven) with an updated status report that lists the (active) group members.

[0246] Fig. 17 shows a wireless communications scenario comprised of both terrestrial and nonterrestrial networks, each of which provide different coverage areas. For example, a first satellite (SAT A) provides coverage in a first region 52A (Area A) and thus serves user equipment devices UE A1 and UE B3 whilst a second satellite (SAT B) provides coverage in a second region 52B (Area B) and thus serves UE devices UE B1, UE B2, UE B3 and UE B4.

[0247] In the example of Fig. 17, the first and second regions 52A and 52B partially overlap so that UE B3 is afforded coverage by both part of “Area A” and part of “Area B”. A first basestation 36A (gNB A) is also shown. This provides coverage in a third region 52C (Area C) and is connected to a core network 16. The first, second and third regions 52A-C (Area A, Area B and Area C) partially overlap. Various user equipment devices, UEs, are shown, which are either in-coverage or out-of-coverage of one or more regions 52A-C. One of the two satellites 42A (SAT A) is connected to the core network 16 via a ground station 46. In the space segment, satellite payloads belonging to the same satellite network or to more than one satellite network that are arranged to be associated with one another, might be connected via inter-satellite links 44 an example of one such link is shown in the Fig. 18.

[0248] Fig. 18 shows a schematic flow diagram of a wireless communications scenario 1800 in which two satellite payloads 42A and 42B, SAT A and SAT B, are interconnected via user equipment devices, UE A1 and UE B1, and a basestation 36A, gNB A, using air interfaces or wireless

[0249] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 29

[0250] links 54 in the terrestrial network including a core network 16 and the ground-to-space segments.

[0251] In Fig. 19, similar to Fig. 18 shows how an interconnection is achieved when the second UE is replaced by an IAM device 58, MT / gNB. Fig. 19 shows a wireless communications scenario in which two satellite payloads 42A, 42B, SAT A and SAT B, are interconnected via user equipment device, UE A1, and basestation 36A, gNB A and an IAB device 58 MT / gNB, using air interfaces in the terrestrial network and the ground-to-space segments.

[0252] Fig. 20 shows, similar to Fig. 19 how an interconnection in a wireless communication scenario 2000 may be achieved when the first UE, UE A1, is replaced by an IAM device, MT / gNB 582. In other words, Fig. 20 shows a wireless communication scenario in which two satellite payloads, SAT A and SAT B, are interconnected via a basestation, gNB A, and two IAB devices, MT / gNB, using air interfaces in the terrestrial network and the ground-to-space segments.

[0253] Fig. 21 shows a schematic representation of a wireless communication scenario 2100 in which two satellite payloads 42A and 42B, SAT A and SAT B, are interconnected via a basestation 36A, gNB A, and a user equipment device, UE1, and a chain comprising two IAB devices 58i, 582, MT / gNB, and a relay 62, using air interfaces in the terrestrial network and the ground-to-space segments. The use of a relay 62 allows a public network, e.g., operated by a mobile network operator MNO 1, and a non-public network (or a different public network, e.g., operated by a same or different MNO) to be interconnected in full or in part. The relay 62 may be connected to a same or a different core network 162 when compared to core network I61 to which the basestation 36A is connected. In other words, Fig. 21 shows a wireless communication scenario in which two satellite payloads, SAT A and SAT B, are interconnected via a basestation, gNB A, and a user equipment device, UE1, and a chain comprising two IAB devices, MT / gNB, and a relay, using air interfaces in the terrestrial network and the ground-to-space segments. The use of a relay allows a public network, MNO 1, and a non-public to be interconnected in full or in part.

[0254] Fig. 22 shows a schematic representation of a wireless communication scenario 2200 in which two satellite payloads 42A and 42B, SAT A and SAT B, are interconnected via a basestation 36A, gNB A, and an IAB device 583, MT / gNB, and a chain comprising two IAB devices 58i and 582, MT / gNB, and a relay 62, using air interfaces in the terrestrial network and the ground-to-space segments. Again, the use of a relay 62 allows a public network, MNO 1, and a non-public to be interconnected in full or in part similarly to Fig. 21. In other words, Fig. 22 shows

[0255] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 30

[0256] a wireless communication scenario in which two satellite payloads, SAT A and SAT B, are interconnected via a basestation, gNB A, and an IAB device, MT / gNB, and a chain comprising two IAB devices, MT / gNB, and a relay, using air interfaces in the terrestrial network and the ground-to-space segments. The use of a relay allows a public network, MNO 1, and a nonpublic to be interconnected in full or in part.

[0257] Fig. 23 shows a schematic block diagram to represent a conceptual arrangement of a 5G nonterrestrial network (NTN) 2300 revealing how NTN infrastructure 72 can be integrated into the 5G system. An NTN Control Function 74 may form part of the NTN infrastructure 72 — for example, as a network control centre. A function of Operations and Management 76 may be outside of both the 5G system and the NTN infrastructure.

[0258] Technical solution set 2

[0259] Similarly to problem set 1, when a UE goes from OOC to IC it may register with, e.g., the first BS it sees. This BS can be part of a TN or an NTN.

[0260] • The UE may register itself with the basestation, e.g., using its UE ID and one or more group IDs.

[0261] • The group IDs may be initially created, possibly but not necessarily by a member of the group (to be) using a unique seed (e.g. SIM / eSIM card known to 3GPP cells).

[0262] • The addition of new members to the group may require knowledge of suitable information about the device such as a device's unique identifier (e.g. phone number, e-mail address.

[0263] • One or more groups can be pre-configured (e.g. hard-coded in assembly, electronically flashed, installed through a software application).

[0264] • Members of a group may, can or are even required to send a keep-alive signal / request to the cell. Otherwise, according to one embodiment, a keep-alive counter may be decremented. A counter value of zero initiates detachment from group or indication that the device is an inactive member or a different action.

[0265] • With every keep-alive signal or on a regular basis, the cell responds with an update to the list of active users.

[0266] • As a further embodiment, a user could still receive the group update while not sending keep alive signals. This could result from a situation in which the last updated connection might be outdated. Nevertheless, other users may try to initiate a connection to such users by requesting the network to page the user according to the last updated area (i.e. , the paging area). The paged UE may then be searched for and approached by the network node using a wake-up signal (WUS) and / or a paging signal.

[0267] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 31

[0268] This allows users to remain as members of a local group whilst ensuring reduced energy consumption and signalling which further enhances efficiency to establish and maintain group communication.

[0269] Such novel techniques and methods may allow to devices such es UEs to enjoy or use group communication features similar to those currently known in over-the-top (OTT) chat tools some of which may require the connection of all users to the Internet. Furthermore, at least some of these services do not provide status updates when a user is currently connected or was connected recently.

[0270] With regard to the first aspect, e.g., forming a tree A of solutions, an example of a realisation of embodiments may relate, in combination or as an alternative to solutions presented for other technical solutions sets, in particular technical solution sets 1, 2, 3 and 6.

[0271] The solution may relate to a formation and operation of communication between members of a joint group when the “RAN” or access point is not connected to the Internet or to a core network. Users of the group ma identify themselves to the network or basestation, e.g., via group ID or other authentication mechanisms.

[0272] With regard to the second aspect, a recognition is that a membership of the device to not only a first group but also to a second group of devices may be used to exchange information and / or messages between groups even in absence of a link to a core network or other infrastructure being a serving entity. For example, device 34 A4 of Fig. 11 and / or UE B1 of Fig. 14 may be used for such a purpose to link groups 32A and / or 32B.

[0273] In the following, additional embodiments and aspects of the invention will be described which can be used individually or in combination with any of the features and functionalities and details described herein. According to embodiments relating to the second aspect, embodiments provide for the following implementations:

[0274] 44. A device configured for operating in a wireless communication network, wherein the device comprises:

[0275] at least one wireless interface for transceiving wireless signals;

[0276] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 32

[0277] a data memory for storing group information indicating members of a first group of wirelessly-interconnected devices; and indicating members of a second group of wirelessly-interconnected devices;

[0278] wherein the device is configured for wirelessly receiving a message from the first group of devices and for forwarding a forwarded message that is based on the message towards, e.g., directly to or for further forwarding, a recipient device being a member of the second group of devices based on the group information.

[0279] 45. The device of aspect 44, being at least a part of a satellite, a user equipment, UE, a relay device, a base station or a different network element

[0280] 46. The device of aspect 44 or 45, adapted to be connected to a member of the first group and / or a member of the second group for forwarding the message.

[0281] 47. The device of one of aspects 44 to 46, adapted to operate as a member of the first group and / or the second group.

[0282] 48. The device of one of aspects 44 to 47, wherein at least one of the first group and the second group is an isolated group of devices in absence of a connectivity to a core network.

[0283] 49. The device of aspect 48, wherein in a scenario where one of the first group of devices and the second group of devices is an isolated group of devices in absence of a connectivity to a core network; the device is configured for providing for a connectivity to a core network via the other group of devices.

[0284] 50. The device of aspect 48 or 49, wherein a scenario where the first group of devices and the second group of devices are isolated groups of devices in absence of a connectivity to a core network; the device is configured for providing the message to the second group without the core network.

[0285] 51. The device of one of aspects 44 to 50, adapted to operate in a configuration where the first group is located in a first cell operated by a first non-terrestrial basestation; wherein the second group is located in a second cell operated by a second non-terrestrial basestation; wherein the device is connected to the first non-terrestrial basestation and the second non-terrestrial basestation.

[0286] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 33

[0287] 52. The device of aspect 51 , adapted to transmit the forwarded message to one of the first and second non-terrestrial basestation operating in absence of a connectivity to a core network.

[0288] 53. The device of one of aspects 44 to 52, adapted to operate in a configuration where the first group is located in a first cell operated by a first basestation, e.g., a hotspot, a mobile cell, or others; wherein the second group is located in a second cell operated by a second basestation; wherein the device is connected to the first basestation and the second basestation to interconnect the first cell and the second cell.

[0289] 54. The device of aspect 53 wherein the first basestation and the second base station are operated by the same telecommunication services provider of by different telecommunication services providers, e.g., explicit, having established a direct connection and / or indirect connections via other nodes.

[0290] 55. The device of aspect 53 or 54 wherein the first basestation and the second base station are connected to the same core network or to different core networks. For example, this may relate to an inter-core network connection, to an explicit connection, a direct connection and / or an indirect connection via other nodes.

[0291] 56. The device of one of aspects 44 to 55, being a first basestation being connected to a first core network and to a second core network.

[0292] 57. The device of one of aspects 44 to 56, adapted to operate in a configuration where at least one of the first group and the second group is operating as an isolated group in absence of a connectivity to a core network; wherein the device is configured for transmitting the forwarded message to provide a connection to a network element / function of the isolated group.

[0293] 58. The device of aspect 57, wherein the device is a flying device; adapted to operate as a part of a satellite constellation or is a terrestrial user equipment.

[0294] 59. The device of one of aspects 44 to 58, comprising a data memory adapted to store content information derived from the message, e.g., a former messages or the like; possibly deviating from system information;

[0295] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 34

[0296] wherein based on an established or re-established connection of the participant device, the device is configured for providing the forwarded message using the content information. For example, the forwarding may relate to using a group identifier, an authorisation or the like provided by and / or associated with the new device. In other words, the message may be forwarded upon the recipient becoming available.

[0297] 60. The device of aspect 59, adapted to cache at least one of the message, the forwarded message and the content information in case of an unavailability of the recipient device the established or re-established connection.

[0298] 61. The device of one of aspects 44 to 60, adapted to exchange first group information identifying members of the first group of devices and second group information identifying members of the second group of devices between the first group of devices and the second group of devices.

[0299] 62. The device of one of aspects 44 to 61, adapted to operate as a relay between the first group of devices and the second group of devices.

[0300] 63. The device of aspect 62, wherein the first group of devices is associated to a first cell of the wireless communication network operated by a first basestation and wherein the second group of devices is associated to a second cell of the wireless communication network operated by a second basestation; wherein the device is adapted to provide an inter-basestation connection.

[0301] 64. The device of aspect 63, wherein at least one of the first cell and the second cell is operated by a flying device such as a satellite.

[0302] 65. The device of aspect 63 or 64 wherein the first basestation and the second basestation are operated by the same telecommunication services provider of by different telecommunication services providers

[0303] 66. The device of one of aspects 63 to 65 wherein the first basestation and the second basestation are connected to the same core network or to different core networks.

[0304] 67. The device of one of aspects 44 to 66, adapted to transmit the forwarded message indirectly to the second group, e.g., via a terrestrial or non-terrestrial basestation and / or via a user equipment.

[0305] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 35

[0306] 68. The device of one of aspects 44 to 67, adapted to interconnect the first group of devices, the second group of devices and at least a third group of devices.

[0307] 69. A device, such as a basestation, configured for operating in a wireless communication network, wherein the device is configured for simultaneously connecting to a first core network and a second core network and to provide for a message, e.g., data and / or control forwarding between the first core network and the second core network.

[0308] 70. A device configured for operating in a wireless communication network, wherein the device comprises:

[0309] at least one wireless interface for transceiving wireless signals;

[0310] a data memory for storing first group information indicating that the device is a member of a first group of wirelessly-interconnected devices; and for storing second group information indicating members of a second group of wirelessly-interconnected devices;

[0311] wherein the device is configured for wirelessly transmitting a message indirectly to a recipient device being a member of the second group of devices based on the first group information and based on the second group information by transmitting the message to a device interconnecting the first group of devices and the second group of devices to forward the message to the second group.

[0312] 71. The device of aspect 70, being configured for transmitting the device based on the recipient device being disconnected from the device and the member of the first group of devices being connected to the device.

[0313] 72. The device of aspect 71, being configured for transmitting the message to a plurality of devices of the first group of devices and to request forwarding of the message to the second group of devices.

[0314] 73. The device of aspect 71 or 72, being configured for transmitting the message to the member of the first group of devices based on the second group information indicating that the member of the first group of devices is also a member of the second group of devices and connected to the recipient device at least via the second group of devices.

[0315] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 36

[0316] 74. The device of one of aspects 70 to 73, adapted to receive second group information identifying members of the second group of devices and to identify the recipient device based on the second group information and / to identify an intermediate device for forwarding the message to the recipient device as being a member of the first group of devices and of the second group of devices.

[0317] 75. The device of one of aspects 70 to 74, wherein the device is to maintain an encryption, e.g., an end-to-end-encryption, of messages when changing from a state where the group of devices is connected to a core network to a state where the group of devices is disconnected from the core network.

[0318] Further, according to an embodiment a method for operating a device is provided, such as a user equipment, UE, in a wireless communication network, wherein the method comprises:

[0319] storing group information indicating members of a first group of wirelessly-interconnected devices; and indicating members of a second group of wirelessly-interconnected devices;

[0320] wirelessly receiving a message from the first group of devices and forwarding a forwarded message that is based on the message towards a recipient device being a member of the second group of devices based on the group information.

[0321] Further, according to an embodiment a method for operating a device, such as a basestation, in a wireless communication network is provided, comprising:

[0322] simultaneously connecting to a first core network and a second core network and to provide for a message forwarding between the first core network and the second core network.

[0323] Further, according to an embodiment a method for operating a device in a wireless communication network is provided, comprising:

[0324] storing first group information indicating that the device is a member of a first group of wirelessly-interconnected devices; and storing second group information indicating members of a second group of wirelessly-interconnected devices;

[0325] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 37

[0326] wirelessly transmitting a message indirectly to a recipient device being a member of the second group of devices based on the first group information and based on the second group information by transmitting the message to a device interconnecting the first group of devices and the second group of devices to forward the message to the second group.

[0327] Problem set 3

[0328] A group of groups

[0329] A group ID can exist, may be generated or provided in one cell or simultaneously in more than one cell.

[0330] When cells are interconnected and each cell has members associated with the same (similar: hierarchical) group, then the local registers of each interconnected cell are exchanged. This increases the number of active users for each group ID, using the same group or top group ID. The exchange is operated on a regular / triggered / managed basis. The hierarchy of the group IDs can be structured in various ways, including but not limited to the use of: overall group ID, cell ID, cell group ID, inter cell connection link identifier(s), e.g. ISL, and more.

[0331] When these cells are disconnected (e.g. an inter-cell exchange has not happened or has timed-out), then the remote members may be removed from the local register.

[0332] One or more cells can be connected to a server (e.g. application server, a core network, a network control centre).

[0333] Two or more isolated cells can be interconnected via one or more members who are connected to the two or more cells. Such interconnection may be provided, e.g., by a basestation being connected to two or more different core networks and / or by an intermediate device described herein.

[0334] If a member of a group has connections to multiple cells, then it may share the cell IDs and / or group information to all connected cells serving members with the same group ID.

[0335] The one or more UEs which are connected to the two or more cells can operate as relays between the two or more cells, allowing inter-basestation connection (e.g. similar to an X2 or Xn interface). The UE can be configured to its relay functionality by one or more of the basestations.

[0336] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 38

[0337] Problem set 4

[0338] UE functionality

[0339] UE functionality may relate to one or more of a data rate, delay, buffer size, supported links (e.g. 1-1, 1-many), multi-hop capability (L2 / L3 relay).

[0340] These techniques allow devices such as satellites that do not have inter-satellite links to be interconnected via UEs using a llu interface (BS-UE-BS). In other words, ground-based UEs provide terrestrial inter-satellite links, examples of which are not limited to include the following:

[0341] • NTN-BS - UE - NTN-BS

[0342] • NTN-BS - UE - TN-BS - UE - NTN-BS

[0343] • NTN-BS - UE - TN-BS - TN-BS - UE - NTN-BS

[0344] • NTN-BS - TN-BS - NTN-BS

[0345] • NTN-BS - TN-BS - UE - NTN-BS

[0346] • NTN-BS - TN-BS - UE - TN-BS - NTN-BS

[0347] • NTN-BS - TN-BS - UE - UE - TN-BS - NTN-BS

[0348] and any other combination or permutation thereof.

[0349] Generic problem solutions

[0350] Beside the specific solutions provided as the first aspect and the second aspect, the present invention provides for generic solutions that apply to both the first and second aspect whilst not requiring their solutions which allows an independent implementation.

[0351] In the following, additional embodiments and aspects of the invention will be described which can be used individually or in combination with any of the features and functionalities and details described herein. According to the generic solutions, embodiments provide for:

[0352] 76. A wireless communication network comprising a plurality of wirelessly-interconnected user equipment, UEs; and a plurality of basestations,

[0353] wherein the wireless communication network comprises at least one group management function, e.g., a centralised or distributed entity, configured for storing and updating group information for the plurality of UEs, the group information grouping the plurality of UEs into groups of devices.

[0354] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 39

[0355] 77. A device for operating in a wireless communication network, wherein the device comprises:

[0356] at least one wireless interface for transceiving wireless signals;

[0357] wherein the device is configured for receiving and processing a group information received with the wireless interface, the group interface indicting the device or a different device or the wireless communication network as a member of a group of devices;

[0358] wherein the device is to adapt transmission of one or more signals and / or reception of one or more signals based on the group information.

[0359] 78. A device for operating a cell of a wireless communication network, wherein the device comprises:

[0360] at least one wireless interface for transceiving wireless signals;

[0361] wherein the device is configured for providing a group information using the wireless interface, the group interface indicting the device or a different device or the wireless communication network as a member of a group of devices;

[0362] wherein the device is to adapt transmission of one or more signals and / or reception of one or more signals based on the group information.

[0363] Further, according to an embodiment, a method for operating a device in a wireless communication network is provided, comprising:

[0364] receiving and processing a group information received with the wireless interface, the group interface indicting the device or a different device or the wireless communication network as a member of a group of devices;

[0365] adapting transmission of one or more signals and / or reception of one or more signals based on the group information.

[0366] Further, according to an embodiment, a method is provided for operating a device for operating a cell of a wireless communication network, wherein the method comprises:

[0367] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 40

[0368] providing a group information using the wireless interface, the group interface indicting the device or a different device or the wireless communication network as a member of a group of devices;

[0369] adapting transmission of one or more signals and / or reception of one or more signals based on the group information.

[0370] Technical solution set 5: Group management function (GMF)

[0371] The GMF may manage group lists. It can be deployed in a central or distributed manner according to the Network Function Virtualization (NFV).

[0372] Technical solution set 6: UE

[0373] A UE described herein may be equipped to handle all signalling associated with group IDs including list updates, registration with one or more group IDs, acceptance, rejection, including hierarchical group structures. The UE may be able to handle relay protocols allowing interconnection of two or more cells via the UE and / or via the UE and a further UE.

[0374] Technical solution set 6: Cell / BS

[0375] The cell and / or basestation, BS, may be equipped to handle all signalling associated with group IDs including list updates, both towards UEs and other basestations / network.

[0376] Technical solution set 6: Network (TN / NTN TN+NTN, NTN+NTN, etc.)

[0377] One or more instances of the GMF may be deployed or connected in the network. The network can be the evolved packet core or evolved packet core network, EPC, the 5GC, the Internet or a private network. Any network entities may be connected via IP or any other suitable protocol. The network also implement non-geostationary orbit, NGSO, to geostationary orbit, GSO. It may allow users in Ku-band IP based networks to be connected to users of a different band and say a 3GPP connection.

[0378] According to the second aspect, that may form a tree B of embodiments, two or more subgroups or (sub-)networks from which one or more or all may be isolated are to interconnected via a device wherein the device is connected to the two or more subgroups and behaves as an interconnector or inter-subgroup relay. Non-limiting examples may relate to:

[0379] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 41

[0380] Example 1

[0381] Two subgroups of users connected to terrestrial cells interconnected via a NTN interconnector: For example, two groups of firefighters on the ground each using its own small cell as a local hotspot / mobile cell. The two small cells on the ground are both connected to the same satellite which itself has no internet backhaul (gateway-less) and inform the satellite about the group ID.

[0382] Example 2

[0383] Two subgroups of users connected to non-terrestrial cells interconnected via a terrestrial interconnector - a UE which is connected to the two satellite at the same time:

[0384] For example, two groups of firefighters on the ground each using its own satellite as a cell. One UE (of a firefighter) is connected to the two satellite at the same time and is a member of the same group as the other firefighters. The two satellites are both in connection to the same user which is a member of the two subgroups under the same group ID. The two satellites are not interconnected and at least one of them is not connected to the internet (gateway-less).

[0385] Example 3

[0386] Two subgroups of users connected to terrestrial cells interconnected via a UE interconnector: For example, two groups of firefighters on the ground each using its own small cell as a local hotspot / mobile cell. One UE (of a firefighter) is connected to the two cells at the same time and is a member of the same group as the other firefighters. The two small cells on the ground are then interconnected via this UE.

[0387] When compared with Fig. 3a, Fig. 24a shows a scenario according to an embodiment where UE B4 has, possibly including based on a movement of the device, connected itself or upon request to basestation 14A, 3 provided for a terrestrial connection 54 between basestations 14A, 3 and 14B,I to thereby provide an interconnection 78 between the Group A and Group B. For example, an air interface of UE B4 may be used to connect to basestation 14A, 3, wherein said air interface may be same or different when compared to an interface providing connection to basestation 14B,I . Basestations of a group may be interconnected via terrestrial connections 53 labelled 53x as connection within a group X being A or B and therein between basestations i and j. Links 53x may provide for interconnection of basestations within a group and intergroup communication may be provided by the interconnecting member UE B4. Link 53 may be different from a radio frequency link provided by an air interface and may comprise, e.g., a wired connection and / or an optical connection or a different terrestrial connection. When compared to Fig. 3b, such an implementation may allow to rely on a different communication technology when compared to the air interface based links to have advantageous redundancy.

[0388] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 42

[0389] When compared to Fig. 24a, Fig. 24b shows a similar scenario where UE B4 is possibly but not necessarily connected to BS 14B, 1 as the only base station and / or it misses the connection to basestation 14A, 3, which still enables UE B4 to be served with data, services and / or communication. The interconnection 78 may be provided by a link 55, in particular a terrestrial link, e.g., based on an air interface, e.g., using radio frequency signals, the link established between basestations 14A, 3 and 14B, 1 not excluding relaying devices therebetween. Link 55 may differ from link 53 in view of the provided interconnection as link 53 may be a terrestrial connection with a group such as an MNO, possibly not intended to be connected to other groups. In such an embodiment each of basestations 14A, 3 and 14B, 1 may be considered as interconnecting members for interconnecting groups of devices. Interfaces of basestations may provide for a high data throughput and reliable energy levels and / or reliable availability when compared to a handheld device being powered by batteries.

[0390] When compared to Fig. 24b, Fig. 24c shows a similar scenario where UE B4 is possibly but not necessarily connected to BS 14B, 1 as the only base station and / or it misses the connection to basestation 14A, 3, which still enables UE B4 to be served with data, services and / or communication. When compared to Fig. 24b, the interconnection 78 may be provided by a terrestrial link 57 between basestations 14A, 3 and 14B, 1. Link 57 may be different from a radio frequency link provided by an air interface and may comprise, e.g., a wired connection and / or an optical connection or a different terrestrial connection. In such an embodiment each of basestations 14A, 3 and 14B, 1 may be considered as interconnecting members for interconnecting groups of devices. When compared to Fig. 24b, such an implementation may allow to rely on a different communication technology when compared to the air interface based links to have advantageous redundancy.

[0391] Example 4

[0392] An inter-satellite connection to interconnect satellites or parts of one or more satellite constellations:

[0393] Making reference to a NTN-NTN example: low earth orbit, LEO, -LEO, LEO-GEO: In this example illustrated in Fig. 25 the scenario of Fig 7 is adapted by use of an embodiment of the present invention to provide for the interconnection 78, e.g., by use of an interconnector that may provide a connection to a network element / function, e.g., a gateway which might be unavailable / inoperable in the other part of the satellite network. In other words, Fig. 25 illustrates the concept of interconnection between two non-terrestrial networks (each comprising a group of entities) via an inter-satellite link between the two space segments.

[0394] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 43

[0395] Further embodiments of the present invention that relate to both, the first and the second aspect relate to security, e.g., data security. For example, an isolated group of devices, even if connected to other groups may consider whether to maintain encryption when becoming isolated, e.g., causing authorizing entities for the encryption to become unavailable. Alternatively or in addition, an addition or joining of a device to a group may be related to the task to include the device into an encrypted communication without external authentication mechanisms which may be implemented locally, e.g., at the serving base station. As an alternative or in addition, joining of a device may be accepted or proved by one or more devices that are already members of the group which may include albeit not limiting the embodiments to displaying a QR code to be scanned or the like.

[0396] As an alternative or in addition, an isolated group may add a device as a member and may then distribute key such as a public key for establishing encrypted communication with the device, e.g., when performing a local routing according to the first aspect and / or when exchanging messages between groups according to the second aspect.

[0397] One or more entities of an isolated group may decide whether a sent message is for all members or only a subgroup thereof, e.g., authenticated members. That is, embodiments relate to a device such as an interconnecting member or a forwarding device to select a device, group or subgroup for reception. In connection with such an implementation and also as an alternative, authentication used in connection with embodiments described herein may have different levels used as a differentiator, e.g., as permissions such as allowing to read, to write and / or delete information.

[0398] Various elements and features of the present invention may be implemented in hardware using analogue and / or digital circuits, in software, through the execution of instructions by one or more general purpose or special-purpose processors, or as a combination of hardware and software. For example, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in the environment of a computer system or another processing system. Fig. 26 illustrates an example of a computer system 600. The units or modules as well as the steps of the methods performed by these units may execute on one or more computer systems 600. The computer system 600 includes one or more processors 602, like a special purpose or a general-purpose digital signal processor. The processor 602 is connected to a communication infrastructure 604, like a bus or a network. The computer system 600 includes a main memory 606, e.g., a random-access memory (RAM), and a secondary memory 608, e.g., a hard disk drive and / or a removable storage drive. The secondary memory 608 may allow computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into the computer system 600. The computer system 600 may further

[0399] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 44

[0400] include a communications interface 610 to allow software and data to be transferred between computer system 600 and external devices. The communication may be in the form of electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being handled by a communications interface. The communication may use a wire ora cable, fibre optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link and other communications channels 612.

[0401] The terms “computer program medium” and “computer readable medium” are used to generally refer to tangible storage media such as removable storage units or a hard disk installed in a hard disk drive. These computer program products are means for providing software to the computer system 600. The computer programs, also referred to as computer control logic, are stored in main memory 606 and / or secondary memory 608. Computer programs may also be received via the communications interface 610. The computer program, when executed, enables the computer system 600 to implement the present invention. In particular, the computer program, when executed, enables processor 602 to implement the processes of the present invention, such as any of the methods described herein. Accordingly, such a computer program may represent a controller of the computer system 600. Where the disclosure is implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into computer system 600 using a removable storage drive, an interface, like communications interface 610.

[0402] The implementation in hardware or in software may be performed using a digital storage medium, for example cloud storage, a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blue-Ray, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM or a FLASH memory, having electronically readable control signals stored thereon, which cooperate (or are capable of cooperating) with a programmable computer system such that the respective method is performed. Therefore, the digital storage medium may be computer readable.

[0403] Some embodiments according to the invention comprise a data carrier having electronically readable control signals, which are capable of cooperating with a programmable computer system, such that one of the methods described herein is performed.

[0404] Generally, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a computer program product with a program code, the program code being operative for performing one of the methods when the computer program product runs on a computer. The program code may for example be stored on a machine-readable carrier.

[0405] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 45

[0406] Other embodiments comprise the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein, stored on a machine-readable carrier. In other words, an embodiment of the inventive method is, therefore, a computer program having a program code for performing one of the methods described herein, when the computer program runs on a computer.

[0407] A further embodiment of the inventive methods is, therefore, a data carrier (or a digital storage medium, or a computer-readable medium) comprising, recorded thereon, the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein. A further embodiment of the inventive method is, therefore, a data stream or a sequence of signals representing the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein. The data stream or the sequence of signals may for example be configured to be transferred via a data communication connection, for example via the Internet. A further embodiment comprises a processing means, for example a computer, or a programmable logic device, configured to or adapted to perform one of the methods described herein. A further embodiment comprises a computer having installed thereon the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein.

[0408] In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (for example a field programmable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of the functionalities of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor in order to perform one of the methods described herein. Generally, the methods are preferably performed by any hardware apparatus.

[0409] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative for the principles of the present invention. It is understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and the details described herein are apparent to others skilled in the art. It is the intent, therefore, to be limited only by the scope of the impending patent claims and not by the specific details presented by way of description and explanation of the embodiments herein.

[0410] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 46

[0411]

[0412] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 47

[0413]

[0414] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 48

[0415]

[0416] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 49

[0417]

[0418] FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX

Claims

24041 50Claims1. A device, such as a user equipment, UE, configured for operating in a wireless communication network, wherein the device comprises:at least one wireless interface for transceiving wireless signals;wherein the device is configured for transmitting a message with the wireless interface to an intermediate device for transmitting a forwarded message that is based on the message towards a recipient device;wherein the device is to transmit the message based on group information related to a group of devices of which the device and the recipient device are members.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a data memory configured for storing the group information; wherein the device is to read the group information from the data memory.

3. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the device comprises a data memory configured for storing member information indicating member devices of the group; wherein the device is to transmit the message based on the recipient device being indicated in the member information.

4. The device of one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device is associated with the intermediate device interconnecting the device and the recipient device; wherein the device is adapted to transmit the message to the intermediate device based on the group information.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the device is adapted to transmit the message to the intermediate device further based on information that the recipient device is reachable via the interconnecting device.

6. The device of claim 4 or 5, wherein the device is to discard transmission of a message towards the intermediate device for forwarding in case the recipient device is not a member of the group and / or not connected to the intermediate device.FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 517. The device of one of claims 1 to 6, adapted to determine, based on the group information, a local routing information for the recipient device indicating that the recipient device may be reached in absence of a connectivity of the device to a core network.

8. The device of one of claims 1 to 7, adapted to assigning itself to the group of devices based on an assigning criterion and to obtain at least a part of the group information based on the assigning.

9. The device of one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device is to receive information indicating group members or active group members of the group of devices from a device serving the device, e.g., the intermediate device.

10. The device od one of claims 1 to 9, adapted to request or to initiate a connection to the participant device by requesting the wireless communication network to page the recipient device according to a former, e.g., last updated area.

11. The device of one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the assigning criterion comprises at least one of:• a position of the device;• a geolocation of the device• a capability of the device;• a connectivity of the device;• a status of the device.

12. The device of one of claims 1 to 11, adapted to receive a signal from the wireless communication network, indicating that the device is assigned to the group of devices; and to operate as a member of the group.

13. The device of one of claims 1 to 12, adapted to be a member of more than one group of devices.

14. The device of one of claims 1 to 13, adapted to include an indicator into a wireless signal associated with the message or comprising the message, indicating the device as a member of the group.FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 5215. The device of one of claims 1 to 14, adapted to indicate the group or a set of groups of which the device is a member.

16. The device of one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the intermediate device is one of a stationary device, a mobile device, a moving device such as a flying device, e.g., a satellite device, a floating device or a driving device.

17. The device of one of claims 1 to 18, being a user equipment; wherein the intermediate node is a basestation to which the device is associated and / or a satellite serving the device.

18. The device of one of claims 1 to 17, adapted to generate a group identifier to identify the group of devices, using a unique seed such as a SIM card, an I MSI , a MAC address, a serial number, a soft token; or to use the group identifier as a predefined group identifier.

19. The device of one of claims 1 to 18, adapted for adding or inviting a new member to the group of devices via an identifier which is known to the wireless communication, e.g., a device serving the members of the group of devices.

20. The device of one of claims 1 to 19, adapted to transmit, upon an event, a request or a timer, a keep-alive signal to a device serving the members of the group of devices.

21. The device of one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the device is to determine a membership of the group of devices based on a configuration, e.g., received from a serving device such as the intermediate device, or a pre-configuration such as information hard-coded in assembly, electronically flashed or installed through a software application.

22. The device of one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the device is to maintain an encryption, e.g., an end-to-end-encryption, of messages when changing from a state where the group of devices is connected to a core network to a state where the group of devices is disconnected from the core network.

23. A device configured for operating in a wireless communication network,wherein the device comprises a wireless interface for connecting to a plurality of participant devices;FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 53wherein the device is configured for receiving a wireless signal from a first participant device, the wireless signal comprising a message;wherein the device comprises an evaluation unit configured for evaluating a group information associated with the first participant device and with a second participant device to obtain an evaluation result;wherein based on the evaluation result indicating that the first participant device and the second participant device belong to the same group of devices, the device is to transmit a forwarded message that is based on the message towards the second participant device.

24. The device of claim 23, wherein the device provides for a local routing of the message in absence of a connectivity to a core network.

25. The device of claim 23 or 24, configured for forwarding a same or related forwarded message based on the message to at least a third participant device based on the group information.

26. The device of one of claims 23 to 25, adapted to store message information derived from the message, to generate the forwarded message from the message information and to transmit the forwarded message based on a trigger event.

27. The device of claim 26, wherein the trigger event relates to an established or reestablished connection with the second participant device.

28. The device of claim 26 or 27, wherein the trigger event relates to at least one of an event being predefined or programmed to take place at a time after the message has been received; or relates to a physical trigger experienced by or reported to the device such as a voltage level, a temperature, a pressed key, or an image recognition.

29. The device of one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the device is configured for using a backhaul connection for transmitting a message to a core network; wherein the device is configured for transmitting the forwarded message instead of forwarding the message to the core network of the device based on the group information.FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 5430. The device of one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the device is configured for maintaining a backhaul connection for transmitting the message to a core network; wherein the device is configured for transmitting the forwarded message to compensate an unavailability of the backhaul connection.

31. The device of one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the device is to locally interconnect at least a subset of the plurality of participant devices.

32. The device of one of claims 23 to 31 , being a basestation of the wireless communication network.

33. The device of one of claims 23 to 32, being one of a stationary device, a mobile device, a moving device such as a flying device, e.g., a satellite device, a floating device or a driving device.

34. The device of one of claims 23 to 33, wherein the device is to register the first participant device to the group of devices upon registration of the first participant device at the device.

35. The device of one of claims 23 to 34, adapted to generate a group identifier to identify the group of devices, using a unique seed such as a SIM card, an I MSI , a MAC address, a serial number, a soft token; or to use the group identifier as a predefined group identifier.

36. The device of one of claims 23 to 35, adapted for adding or inviting a new member to the group of devices via an identifier which is known to the wireless communication, e.g., a device serving the members of the group of devices.

37. The device of one of claims 23 to 36, adapted to monitor reception of a keep-alive signal from the participant device and to remove the participant device from the group in of a keep-alive signal failure.

38. The device of one of claims 23 to 37, wherein the device is to transmit, e.g., periodically or responsive to a request or responsive to an event such as reception of a predefined number of at least one keep-alive signal information indicating group members or active group members of the group of devices, e.g., as part of the group information.FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 5539. The device of claim 38, wherein the device is to transmit the information indicating the group members by using a broadcast, a groupcast or a unicast transmission.

40. The device of one of claims 23 to 39, adapted to page or search the second participant device based on a request received from the first participant device, e.g., using a wakeup signal (WUS) and / or a paging signal.

41. The device of one of claims 23 to 40, being a first basestation being connected to a first core network and to a second core network.

42. A control unit configured for operating in a wireless communication network comprising a plurality of transceiver devices, the control unit configured for assigning the transceiver devices of the plurality of transceiver devices to at least one group of devices to form the at least one group to comprise a plurality of members;wherein the control unit comprises a determination unit configured for determining a recipient information indicating a recipient device of the message being a second participant device;wherein the control unit is configured for causing the wireless communication network to transmit a wireless signal to the second participant device according to the recipient information.

43. The control unit of claim 42, adapted to generate a group identifier to identify the group of devices, using a unique seed such as a SIM card, an I MSI , a MAC address, a serial number, a soft token; or to use the group identifier as a predefined group identifier.

44. A wireless communication network comprising a plurality of wirelessly-interconnected user equipment, UEs; and a plurality of basestations,wherein the wireless communication network comprises at least one group management function configured for storing and updating group information for the plurality of UEs, the group information grouping the plurality of UEs into groups of devices.

45. A device for operating in a wireless communication network, wherein the device comprises:FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 56at least one wireless interface for transceiving wireless signals;wherein the device is configured for receiving and processing a group information received with the wireless interface, the group interface indicting the device or a different device or the wireless communication network as a member of a group of devices;wherein the device is to adapt transmission of one or more signals and / or reception of one or more signals based on the group information.

46. A device for operating a cell of a wireless communication network, wherein the device comprises:at least one wireless interface for transceiving wireless signals;wherein the device is configured for providing a group information using the wireless interface, the group interface indicting the device or a different device or the wireless communication network as a member of a group of devices;wherein the device is to adapt transmission of one or more signals and / or reception of one or more signals based on the group information.

47. A device configured for operating in a wireless communication network, wherein the device comprises:at least one wireless interface for transceiving wireless signals;a data memory for storing group information indicating members of a first group of wirelessly-interconnected devices; and indicating members of a second group of wirelessly-interconnected devices;wherein the device is configured for wirelessly receiving a message from the first group of devices and for forwarding a forwarded message that is based on the message towards a recipient device being a member of the second group of devices based on the group information.

48. The device of claim 47, being at least a part of a satellite, a user equipment, UE, a relay device, a base station or a different network elementFH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 5749. The device of claim 47 or 48, adapted to be connected to a member of the first group and / or a member of the second group for forwarding the message.

50. The device of one of claims 47 to 49, adapted to operate as a member of the first group and / or the second group.

51. The device of one of claims 47 to 50, wherein at least one of the first group and the second group is an isolated group of devices in absence of a connectivity to a core network.

52. The device of claim 51 , wherein in a scenario where one of the first group of devices and the second group of devices is an isolated group of devices in absence of a connectivity to a core network; the device is configured for providing for a connectivity to a core network via the other group of devices.

53. The device of claim 51 or 52, wherein a scenario where the first group of devices and the second group of devices are isolated groups of devices in absence of a connectivity to a core network; the device is configured for providing the message to the second group without the core network.

54. The device of one of claims 47 to 53, adapted to operate in a configuration where the first group is located in a first cell operated by a first non-terrestrial basestation; wherein the second group is located in a second cell operated by a second non-terrestrial basestation; wherein the device is connected to the first non-terrestrial basestation and the second non-terrestrial basestation.

55. The device of claim 54, adapted to transmit the forwarded message to one of the first and second non-terrestrial basestation operating in absence of a connectivity to a core network.

56. The device of one of claims 47 to 55, adapted to operate in a configuration where the first group is located in a first cell operated by a first basestation; wherein the second group is located in a second cell operated by a second basestation; wherein the device is connected to the first basestation and the second basestation to interconnect the first cell and the second cell.FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 5857. The device of claim 56 wherein the first basestation and the second base station are operated by the same telecommunication services provider of by different telecommunication services providers.

58. The device of claim 56 or 57 wherein the first basestation and the second base station are connected to the same core network or to different core networks.

59. The device of one of claims 47 to 58, being a first basestation being connected to a first core network and to a second core network.

60. The device of one of claims 47 to 59, adapted to operate in a configuration where at least one of the first group and the second group is operating as an isolated group in absence of a connectivity to a core network; wherein the device is configured for transmitting the forwarded message to provide a connection to a network element / function of the isolated group.

61. The device of claim 60, wherein the device is a flying device; adapted to operate as a part of a satellite constellation or is a terrestrial user equipment.

62. The device of one of claims 47 to 61 , comprising a data memory adapted to store content information derived from the message;wherein based on an established or re-established connection of the participant device, the device is configured for providing the forwarded message using the content information.

63. The device of claim 62, adapted to cache at least one of the message, the forwarded message and the content information in case of an unavailability of the recipient device the established or re-established connection.

64. The device of one of claims 47 to 63, adapted to exchange first group information identifying members of the first group of devices and second group information identifying members of the second group of devices between the first group of devices and the second group of devices.

65. The device of one of claims 47 to 64, adapted to operate as a relay between the first group of devices and the second group of devices.FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 5966. The device of claim 65, wherein the first group of devices is associated to a first cell of the wireless communication network operated by a first basestation and wherein the second group of devices is associated to a second cell of the wireless communication network operated by a second basestation; wherein the device is adapted to provide an inter-basestation connection.

67. The device of claim 66, wherein at least one of the first cell and the second cell is operated by a flying device such as a satellite.

68. The device of claim 66 or 67 wherein the first basestation and the second basestation are operated by the same telecommunication services provider of by different telecommunication services providers69. The device of one of claims 66 to 68 wherein the first basestation and the second basestation are connected to the same core network or to different core networks.

70. The device of one of claims 47 to 69, adapted to transmit the forwarded message indirectly to the second group, e.g., via a terrestrial or non-terrestrial basestation and / or via a user equipment.

71. The device of one of claims 47 to 70, adapted to interconnect the first group of devices, the second group of devices and at least a third group of devices.

72. A device, such as a basestation, configured for operating in a wireless communication network, wherein the device is configured for simultaneously connecting to a first core network and a second core network and to provide for a message forwarding between the first core network and the second core network.

73. A device configured for operating in a wireless communication network, wherein the device comprises:at least one wireless interface for transceiving wireless signals;a data memory for storing first group information indicating that the device is a member of a first group of wirelessly-interconnected devices; and for storing second group information indicating members of a second group of wirelessly-interconnected devices;FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 60wherein the device is configured for wirelessly transmitting a message indirectly to a recipient device being a member of the second group of devices based on the first group information and based on the second group information by transmitting the message to a device interconnecting the first group of devices and the second group of devices to forward the message to the second group.

74. The device of claim 73, being configured for transmitting the device based on the recipient device being disconnected from the device and the member of the first group of devices being connected to the device.

75. The device of claim 74, being configured for transmitting the message to a plurality of devices of the first group of devices and to request forwarding of the message to the second group of devices.

76. The device of claim 74 or 75, being configured for transmitting the message to the member of the first group of devices based on the second group information indicating that the member of the first group of devices is also a member of the second group of devices and connected to the recipient device at least via the second group of devices.

77. The device of one of claims 73 to 76, adapted to receive second group information identifying members of the second group of devices and to identify the recipient device based on the second group information and / to identify an intermediate device for forwarding the message to the recipient device as being a member of the first group of devices and of the second group of devices.

78. The device of one of claims 73 to 77, wherein the device is to maintain an encryption, e.g., an end-to-end-encryption, of messages when changing from a state where the group of devices is connected to a core network to a state where the group of devices is disconnected from the core network.

79. A method for operating a device, such as a user equipment, UE, in a wireless communication network, wherein the method comprises:transmitting a message with the wireless interface to an intermediate device for transmitting a forwarded message that is based on the message towards a recipient device;FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 61such that the device is to transmit the message based on group information related to a group of devices of which the device and the recipient device are members.

80. A method for operating a device in a wireless communication network, wherein the method comprises:receiving a wireless signal from a first participant device, the wireless signal comprising a message;evaluating a group information associated with the first participant device and with a second participant device to obtain an evaluation result;such that based on the evaluation result indicating that the first participant device and the second participant device belong to the same group of devices, a forwarded message is transmitted that is based on the message towards the second participant device.

81. A method for operating a control unit in a wireless communication network, comprising:assigning a plurality of transceiver devices to at least one group of devices to form the at least one group to comprise a plurality of members;determining a recipient information indicating a recipient device of the message being a second participant device;causing the wireless communication network to transmit a wireless signal to the second participant device according to the recipient information.

82. A method for operating a device in a wireless communication network, comprising:receiving and processing a group information received with the wireless interface, the group interface indicting the device or a different device or the wireless communication network as a member of a group of devices;adapting transmission of one or more signals and / or reception of one or more signals based on the group information.FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 6283. A method for operating a device for operating a cell of a wireless communication network, wherein the method comprises:providing a group information using the wireless interface, the group interface indicting the device or a different device or the wireless communication network as a member of a group of devices;adapting transmission of one or more signals and / or reception of one or more signals based on the group information.

84. A method for operating a device, such as a user equipment, UE, in a wireless communication network, wherein the method comprises:storing group information indicating members of a first group of wirelessly-interconnected devices; and indicating members of a second group of wirelessly-interconnected devices;wirelessly receiving a message from the first group of devices and forwarding a forwarded message that is based on the message towards a recipient device being a member of the second group of devices.

85. A method for operating a device, such as a basestation, in a wireless communication network, comprising:simultaneously connecting to a first core network and a second core network and to provide for a message forwarding between the first core network and the second core network.

86. A method for operating a device in a wireless communication network, comprising:storing first group information indicating that the device is a member of a first group of wirelessly-interconnected devices; and storing second group information indicating members of a second group of wirelessly-interconnected devices;wirelessly transmitting a message indirectly to a recipient device being a member of the second group of devices based on the first group information and based on the secondFH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX24041 63group information by transmitting the message to a device interconnecting the first group of devices and the second group of devices to forward the message to the second group.

87. A computer readable digital storage medium having stored thereon a computer program having a program code for performing, when running on a computer, a method according to one of claims 79 to 86.FH260204PCT-2026044670. DOCX

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