Coexistence of terrestrial network and non-terrestrial network

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the coexistence of Terrestrial Network (TN) and Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN). A method includes: during a connected status of the first apparatus in a NTN, determining that a compatible mode with a TN is triggered; and adjusting an uplink transmission of the first apparatus in the NTN to be compatible with a transmission requirement of the TN.

Description

COEXISTENCE OF TERRESTRIAL NETWORK AND NON-TERRESTRIAL NETWORKCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from, and the benefit of, EP Application No. 25156581.8, filed February 7, 2025, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD

[0002] Various example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunication and in particular, to methods, devices, apparatuses and computer readable storage medium for coexistence of Terrestrial Network (TN) and Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN). BACKGROUND

[0003] As a part of the discussion on the coexistence of TNs and NTNs in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), it has been agreed to set an isolation distance between a TN and NTN. The agreed isolation distance is used for all simulations to determine the requirements required to ensure coexistence.SUMMARY

[0004] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: during a connected status of the first apparatus in a NTN, determine that a compatible mode with a TN is triggered; and adjust an uplink transmission of the first apparatus in the NTN to be compatible with a transmission requirement of the TN.

[0005] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second apparatus. The second apparatus includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus at least to: receive, from a first apparatus, an uplink transmission in a NTN based on a transmission requirement of the first apparatus in the NTN; and receive, from a first apparatus, a further uplink transmission in the NTN, wherein the further uplink transmission is adjusted to be compatible with a transmission requirement of a TN in a triggered compatible mode with the TN for the first apparatus, and the compatible mode is triggered during a connected status of the first apparatus in the NTN.

[0006] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method. The method includes: during a connected status of the first apparatus in a NTN, determining that a compatible mode with a TN is triggered; and adjusting an uplink transmission of the first apparatus in the NTN to be compatible with a transmission requirement of the TN.

[0007] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method. The method includes: receiving, from a first apparatus, an uplink transmission in a NTN based on a transmission requirement of the first apparatus in the NTN; and receiving, from a first apparatus, a further uplink transmission in the NTN, wherein the further uplink transmission is adjusted to be compatible with a transmission requirement of a TN in a triggered compatible mode with the TN for the first apparatus, and the compatible mode is triggered during a connected status of the first apparatus in the NTN.

[0008] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus includes means for during a connected status of the first apparatus in a NTN, determining that a compatible mode with a TN is triggered; and means for and adjusting an uplink transmission of the first apparatus in the NTN to be compatible with a transmission requirement of the TN.

[0009] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second apparatus. The second apparatus includes means for receiving, from a first apparatus, an uplink transmission in a NTN based on a transmission requirement of the first apparatus in the NTN; and means for receiving, from a first apparatus, a further uplink transmission in the NTN, wherein the further uplink transmission is adjusted to be compatible with a transmission requirement of a TN in a triggered compatible mode with the TN for the first apparatus, and the compatible mode is triggered during a connected status of the first apparatus in the NTN.

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

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

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

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

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

[0015] FIG.2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an isolation distance between a TN and NTN;

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a signaling flow of triggering a compatible mode in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a signaling flow in which a compatible mode is triggered and a first apparatus supports the compatible mode in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a signaling flow in which a compatible mode is triggered and a first apparatus fails to support the compatible mode in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a signaling flow of supporting at least one geographical area for a compatible mode in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a second apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a device that is suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer readable medium in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar element.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It is to be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Embodiments described herein can be implemented in various manners other than the ones described below.

[0026] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0027] References in the present disclosure to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” and the like indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but it is not necessary that every embodiment includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affectsuch feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0028] It shall be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,”..., etc. in front of noun(s) and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another and they do not limit the order of the noun(s). For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0029] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0030] As used herein, unless stated explicitly, performing a step “in response to A” does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after “A” occurs and one or more intervening steps may be included.

[0031] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has”, “having”, “includes” and / or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0032] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):(i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0033] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0034] As used herein, the term “communication network” refers to a network following any suitable communication standards, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-loT) and so on. Furthermore, the communications between a terminal device and a network device in the communication network may be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocols, including, but not limited to, the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, the fifth generation (5G), 5.5G, the sixth generation (6G) communication protocols, and / or any other protocols either currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in various communication systems. Given the rapid development in communications, there will of course also be future type communication technologies and systems with which the present disclosure may be embodied. It should not be seen as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to only the aforementioned system.

[0035] As used herein, the term “network device” refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services therefrom. The network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (I AB) node, a low power node such as a femto, a pico, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-ground network device such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite, an aircraft network device, and so forth, depending on the applied terminology and technology. In some example embodiments, radio access network (RAN) split architecture includes a Centralized Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU) at an IAB donor node. An IAB node includes a Mobile Terminal (IAB-MT) part that behaves like a UE toward the parent node, and a DU part of an IAB node behaves like a base station toward the next-hop IAB node.

[0036] The term “terminal device” refers to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example rather than limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), a Subscriber Station (SS), a Portable SubscriberStation, a Mobile Station (MS), or an Access Terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, a tablet, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computers, desktop computer, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like. The terminal device may also correspond to a Mobile Termination (MT) part of an IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms “terminal device”, “communication device”, “terminal”, “user equipment” and “UE” may be used interchangeably.

[0037] As used herein, the term “resource,” “transmission resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block” (PRB), “uplink resource,” or “downlink resource” may refer to any resource for performing a communication, for example, a communication between a terminal device and a network device, such as a resource in time domain, a resource in frequency domain, a resource in space domain, a resource in code domain, or any other combination of the time, frequency, space and / or code domain resource enabling a communication, and the like. In the following, unless explicitly stated, a resource in both frequency domain and time domain will be used as an example of a transmission resource for describing some example embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted that example embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0038] The communications in the communication environment may conform to any suitable standards including, but not limited to, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Evolution, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), New Radio (NR), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), Machine Type Communication (MTC) and the like. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be performed according to any generation communication protocols either currently known or to be developed in the future. Examples of the communication protocols include, but not limited to, the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, the fifth generation (5G) communication protocols, 5.5G, 5G-Advanced networks, or the sixth generation (6G) networks.

[0039] Principles and implementations of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the figures.

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example communication environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. The environment 100 involves one or more terminal devices 110 (e.g., UE), one or more network devices 120 (e.g., BTS, gNB, eNB) and one or more network devices 130 (e.g., satellite). A network device 120 provides a signal coverage area 122 in a TN, including a plurality of cells 112. A network device 130 provides a signal coverage area 132 in an NTN. A service link or radio link is a wireless link between the terminal device 110 and the network device 130. At this point, the terminal device 110 may be implemented as or be included in an NTN UE, and the network device 130 may be implemented as or be included in a network device or a server device in the NTN.

[0041] In some scenarios, when the terminal device 110 in the NTN may communicate with the network device 130, it may detect a downlink signal from the network device 120. Terminal devices (not shown in FIG. 1) in the TN may receive an uplink signal from the terminal device 110 in the NTN.

[0042] In some scenarios, the isolation distance between the TN and the NTN exists, as shown in FIG. 2. An isolation distance of 1.5 km between the TN and the NTN is agreed. This agreed isolation distance is used for all simulations conducted to determine requirements needed to ensure coexistence. However, this is an assumption for the study and there is no solution to ensure such a distance in actual deployment scenarios. This means the terminal device 110 is closer to the cell 112 of the network device 120 than the isolation distance assumed, which may have a significant negative impact on the TN network. This impact becomes even more pronounced when the terminal device 110 operates at a high-power level.

[0043] There have been discussions about potential solutions to ensure sufficient isolation distance between the TN and the NTN. One of these is that the UE should share its location to enable the TN to determine sufficient isolation distance and by this allow the network to potentially send enable and disable signals to the UE regarding whether the UE should connect to the NTN. This solution has not been successful since privacy concerns and regulations in some parts of the world have precluded mandating the UE to share its location information.

[0044] An alternative solution is that the UE should be informed about the location of exclusion zones (i.e. location of the TN device). But operators do not want to share this information for the same reason as the UE, and additionally, UE vendors do not want to store this information in the UEs.

[0045] As a result, there is currently no standardized way for the network or UE to ensure coexistence by means of the isolation distance between the TN and the NTN.

[0046] In the current 3GPP meetings, there are ongoing discussions about high-power NTN UE Tx requirements in Rel-19. It is clear that those requirements are more relaxed than the TN requirements in corresponding power classes. This is reasoned in that the NTN UEs are sending signals to satellites and, hence, would require additional transmit power and that the interference from other NTN UEs,from the satellite’s point of view, is less significant. As a result, e.g., the adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) is relaxed compared with that of the TN.

[0047] For the TN, the current NR ALCR requirements are shown in Table 1 below.Table 1: NR ACLR requirements0048] In the ongoing discussion for NR_loT_NTN_HPUE, the requirement of ALCR and other Tx-related RF requirements would be relaxed compared with corresponding TN requirements. For ACLR, it is discussed whether to reuse loT-NTN power class (PC)3 ACLR values for PC2, PC1.5, and PC1 ACLR because the NTN-TN coexistence evaluation shows loT-NTN ACLR values can be lower than 15 dB for PC2 to PC1 high power UE (HPUE). It is also proposed that ACLR for NB loT-NTN HPUE PC2 can be 24.5 dBc. This can apply to both handheld and non-handheld devices.

[0049] Regarding spectral emission mask (SEM) for loT-NTN HPUE, if no specific concern, it is considered that SEM requirements may be relaxed when the existing SEM requirements are more stringent than the PC2, PC1.5 and PC1 ACLR requirements. For the allowed maximum power reduction (MPR), if loT-NTN PC3 ACLR value could be reused for loT-NTN HPUE ACLR and relaxing SEM would be possible under HPUE operation, discuss whether reusing loT-NTN PC3 MPR values for PC2 MPR would be one possible way.

[0050] Given that the Tx-related RF requirements would be different for the TN and NTN systems, there is a need to ensure the coexistence of TN and NTN operations when operating in the same or adjacent spectrum even if the assumed isolation distance is violated.

[0051] Based on the ongoing discussions and the potential weaker NTN signals compared with TN signals, the discussion may lead to agreeing on relaxed NTN requirements compared with the TN requirements, in terms of ACLR and other Tx-related RF requirements. In this case, if there is no solution for UEs to comply with the assumed 1.5 km isolation distance between the TN and the NTN, especially high-power NTN UEs would significantly impact the performance of TN systems.

[0052] Additionally, there are proposals that the TN and the NTN should be equal choices for people or terminal devices wherever they are located, as it should be their freedom to choose their packages and operators. Therefore, the TN and the NTN should be able to fully coexist similar to how different TNs are fully overlapped now.

[0053] With the above assumptions in mind, a solution to enable the coexistence of TN and NTN is proposed. How to ensure the coexistence of TN and NTN operations may be solved when operating in the same or adjacent spectrum and even if the assumed isolation distance is violated.

[0054] In accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provideda solution for coexistence of TN and NTN. In the solution, during a connected status of the first apparatus in a NTN, a first apparatus determines that a compatible mode with a TN is triggered. The first apparatus adjusts an uplink transmission of the first apparatus in the NTN to be compatible with a transmission requirement of the TN.

[0055] In this way, the network may configure a “NTN-TN” compatible mode, where a NTN UE is expected to perform uplink transmissions by following much more stringent transmission requirements, such as maximum transmit power, ACLR and others. Thus, the coexistence of TN and NTN operations can be ensured when operating in the same or adjacent spectrum, and the negative impact on the TN network can be reduced.

[0056] Example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which illustrates a signaling flow 300 of triggering a compatible mode in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The signaling flow 300 involves a first apparatus 310 and a second apparatus 320. The first apparatus 310 and the second apparatus 320 are devices in an NTN. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 310 may be or be included in a terminal device (e.g., the terminal device 110 in FIG. 1), and the second apparatus 320 may be or be included in a network device (e.g., the network device 130 in FIG. 1) or a server device in the NTN. For the purposes of discussion, the signaling flow 300 will be discussed with reference to FIG. 1.

[0058] The first apparatus 310 transmits 302 an uplink transmission to the second apparatus 320. The uplink transmission is transmitted by following a transmission requirement of the first apparatus 310 in the NTN. The second apparatus 320 receives 304 the uplink transmission from the first apparatus 310. At this point, the first apparatus 310 performs normal NTN communication with the second apparatus 320 in the NTN.

[0059] During a connected status of the first apparatus 310 in the NTN, the first apparatus 310 determines 306 that a compatible mode with a TN is triggered. The compatible mode refers to a mode in which a terminal device may perform uplink transmissions in an NTN using transmission requirements complying with transmission requirements in a TN. For example, the first apparatus 310 can be determined (through any suitable mechanism) that it is approaching the coverage area of TN cell, thereby actively or passively triggering the compatibility mode to reduce the impact on the TN network. The compatible mode with the TN may also be referred to as a TN-compatible mode, or NTN-TN compatible mode.

[0060] In some example embodiments, if the first apparatus 310 detects a signal from the TN, it may determine that the compatible mode is triggered. The signal from the TN may be referred to as a TN signal. The detected TN signal may be used as an indicator to indicate that the terminal device 110 isapproaching the coverage area of a TN cell. Any TN signal indicator received would be considered that a signal from the TN is detected. For example, the first apparatus works in the NTN normally until signals from the TN are detected. Then, the compatible mode is triggered to cause the first apparatus 310 to perform the corresponding operations in order to be compatible with the TN requirement.

[0061] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 310 may transmit a request (also referred to as first request) to the second apparatus 320. The first request is used to request if the compatible mode can be triggered. For example, an existing network signaling (NS) or dynamic NS or a predetermined NS may be used to inform the second apparatus 320. 1.5km isolation distance may be determined as specific points that the first apparatus 310 needs to request the second apparatus 320 to trigger the compatible mode. In such examples, it is the second apparatus 320, e.g., the NTN network device, which makes the decision of whether to trigger the compatible mode at the first apparatus 310. The first apparatus 310 may receive a confirmation (also referred to as first confirmation) from the second apparatus 320. The first confirmation is used to confirm that the compatible mode is allowed to be triggered. A further existing NS or dynamic NS or predetermined NS may be used to confirm the trigger. In response to reception of the first confirmation, the first apparatus 310 may determine that the compatible mode is triggered.

[0062] In some cases, the first apparatus 310 may not detect any signal from the TN or does not need to detect a signal from the TN, and the second apparatus 320 may be aware that the compatible mode should be triggered. The second apparatus 320 may indicate the first apparatus 310 to trigger the compatible mode without a request from the first apparatus 310. Therefore, the first apparatus 310 may receive an indication of triggering the compatible mode from the second apparatus 320. In response to reception of the indication, the first apparatus 310 may determine that the compatible mode is triggered. For example, if the second apparatus 320 determines that the first apparatus 310 locates in the coverage area of the TN, it may transmit an indication to inform the first apparatus 310 that the compatible mode is triggered.

[0063] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 310 may receive configuration information from the second apparatus 320. The configuration information may indicate at least one geographical area for the compatible mode. As the first apparatus 310 may determine its location, if it moves and locates in the at least one geographical area, the first apparatus 310 may determine that the compatible mode is triggered. The configuration information may be provided to the first apparatus 310 via any suitable control signaling from the second apparatus 320, e.g., during the NTN operations with the second apparatus 320.

[0064] The above has described the conditions and ways of triggering the compatible mode. In some cases, the first apparatus 310 may or may not support the compatible mode. Thus, the first apparatus 310 needs to report its capability to the second apparatus 320.

[0065] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 310 may transmit capability information to the second apparatus 320. The capability information may indicate whether the first apparatus 310 supports the compatible mode. If the capability information indicates that the first apparatus 310 supports the compatible mode, the second apparatus 320 may instruct the first apparatus 310 to perform the corresponding operations, e.g., transmit power reduction. If the capability information indicates that the first apparatus 310 does not support the compatible mode, the first apparatus 310 may perform some operations actively, e.g., temporarily stopping uplink transmission. Based on such a capability, the uplink transmit power may be restrained, El PR or TRP may be reduced, or ACLR or SEM requirements may be increased.

[0066] In some examples, an indication may be included in the capability information to indicate such a capability, e.g., “CoexistenceOf-TN-and-NTN-Detected-Rel19" and the like. Thus, the first apparatus 310 may indicate the capability to the second apparatus 320 when its location is within the coverage area of one or more TN systems. In this way, the usage of NTN UE is not limited based on the isolation distance.

[0067] Continuing with reference to FIG. 3, after determining that the compatible mode is triggered and the first apparatus 310 supports the compatible mode, the first apparatus 310 then adjusts 312 an uplink transmission of the first apparatus 310 in the NTN to be compatible with a transmission requirement of the TN. At this point, adjusting an uplink transmission means that the first apparatus 310 reconfigures and recalculates transmission related parameters, and adjusts the subsequent uplink transmissions based on those parameters to follow the TN requirement. The transmission requirements are those applied for performing the uplink transmission by the first apparatus 310. One or more transmission requirements may include, but not limited to, uplink transmission related RF requirements, such as ALCR, transmit power, and the like. The transmission requirements may include other requirements or parameters which may impact on the TN network if the first apparatus 310 is close to the coverage area of the TN. In some examples, the transmission requirements may also be referred to as emission requirements.

[0068] In some examples, the first apparatus 310 in the NTN (e.g., a NTN UE) is expected to perform the uplink transmissions with much more stringent emission requirements such as maximum transmit power, ACLR and others. In some example embodiments, the transmission requirement(s) may include at least one of: a transmit power, an ALCR, a SEM, an allowed MPR, a peak effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) (e.g., minimum peak EIRP), a total radiated power (TRP) (e.g., maximum TRP), or a maximum transmit power. For example, if the compatible mode is triggered, the first apparatus 310 may apply TN Tx related RF requirements instead of applying NTN Tx related RF requirements, which means it may recalculate the transmit power, and adjust the corresponding uplink transmissions, such as ALCR, SEM, etc. It would be appreciated that more, less, or different uplink transmissionsmay be adjusted in the compatible mode. The objective of such adjustment is to avoid high interference of the NTN uplink transmission to the TN communication.

[0069] In some example embodiments, the uplink transmission to be adjusted in the compatible mode may be predetermined or preconfigured in the first apparatus 310. In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 320 may signal the transmission requirements to be compatible with the TN requirement if it receives the request for triggering the compatible mode from the first apparatus 310, or if it determines itself that the first apparatus 310 will trigger the compatible mode.

[0070] For another example, the first apparatus 310 may inform the second apparatus 320 that the TN signal is detected, or the compatible mode is triggered, and the reconfiguration of uplink transmission would be implemented, i.e. , El RP and maximum TRP, constrained to TN transmit power in different power classes. The transmit power needs to be recalculated, based on the specifications implemented in the TN, such as the configured transmit power in 3GPP technical specifications (TS) 38.101-1 for FR1 and TS 38.101-2 for FR2.

[0071] Specifically, the first apparatus 310 may configure its maximum output power. The configured UE maximum output power PCMAXJ,C for carrier f of a serving cell c is defined as that available to the reference point of a given transmitter branch that corresponds to the reference point of the higher-layer filtered RSRP measurement. The configured UE maximum output power PCMAXJ,C for carrier f of a serving cell c shall be set such that the corresponding measured peak EIRP PuMAx.f.c is within the following bounds>< <

[0072] while the corresponding measured total radiated power PTMAX ,C is bound by PTMAX, ,C — TPPmax-

[0073] The transmission requirement may be stored at the first apparatus 310 or be indicated by the second apparatus 320. For example, the second apparatus 320 signals the additional transmission requirements (i.e., transmission requirements complying with requirements in the TN) to all first apparatuses in the NTN. The first apparatus works in the NTN with the normal transmission requirement, which may be relaxed compared with the corresponding transmission requirement in the TN. If the first apparatus 310 moves to or locates within the coverage area of the TN, it adjusts the uplink transmission to follow the additional transmission requirements which are more stringent, so as to be compatible with the TN requirement.

[0074] The first apparatus 310 adjusts 312 the further uplink transmission to follow the transmission requirement of the TN, and the second apparatus 320 receives 314 the further uplink transmission. For example, the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), physical uplink control channel (PUCCH),sounding reference signal (SRS) may be transmitted by following the TN requirement, which complies with TN specification. The consequence is that the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the signal from the first apparatus 310 to the second apparatus 320 would be lower in general, the data rate or uplink throughput from the first apparatus 310 would be lower since the transmit power standard is more stringent than NTN specifications. In other words, if the coverage area of the TN is located around, the second apparatus 320 would experience weaker received signals from the first apparatus 310 than before. However, this ensures that the transmit power and related RF outputs does not impact the TN network.

[0075] Note that the corresponding over-the-air (OTA) test for the TN and NTN can remain the same. The only difference is that test equipment (TE) tries to trigger this signal and check if the UE can adjust the uplink transmission (e.g., transmit power) according to NTN standards to the uplink transmission according to TN standards.

[0076] When working in the compatible mode, the first apparatus 310 may further detect signals from the TN. In some example embodiments, if it is determined that no signal from the TN is detected, the first apparatus 310 may transmit a request (also referred to as second request) to the second apparatus 320. The second request may be used to switch out from the compatible mode, e.g., switch to the normal mode to communicate with the second apparatus 320. An existing NS or dynamic NS or predetermined NS may be used to request the second apparatus 320 to switch out from the compatible mode. The first apparatus 310 may receive a confirmation (also referred to as second confirmation) from the second apparatus 320. The second confirmation is used to confirm that the first apparatus 310 is allowed to switch out from the compatible mode. A further existing NS or dynamic NS or predetermined NS may be used to confirm the switch. Then, the first apparatus 310 may adjust the uplink transmission to revert back to following the previous transmission requirement. At this point, adjusting the uplink transmission means that the first apparatus 310 reconfigures and recalculates uplink transmission related parameters, and adjusts the subsequent uplink transmissions based on those parameters to follow the NTN requirement. After the adjustment, the first apparatus 310 may perform a further uplink transmission to the second apparatus 320 by following the NTN requirement. For example, the PUSCH, PUCCH and SRS may be transmitted to follow the previous transmission requirement used at Steps 302 and 304, and the uplink transmission related performance would meet the corresponding NTN requirements.

[0077] Note that the first and second confirmations, the indication of triggering the compatible mode, and the configuration information described above would be transmitted from the second apparatus 320 to the first apparatus 310 if the capability information from the first apparatus 310 indicates that the first apparatus 310 supports the compatible mode.

[0078] When operating in the compatible mode, the first apparatus 310 may further monitor itslocation if it is configured the geographical areas for the compatible mode. In some example embodiments, if it is determined that the first apparatus moves out of the at least one geographical area, the first apparatus 310 may perform an uplink transmission of the first apparatus in the NTN by following a transmission requirement of the NTN. Alternatively, if it is determined that the distance between the first apparatus and the coverage area of the TN is greater than the isolation distance, the first apparatus 310 may perform the further uplink transmission(s) to the second apparatus 320 by following the transmission requirement of the NTN.

[0079] In some examples, when switching out from the compatible mode or moving out of the geographical areas configured, the first apparatus 310 may perform a further uplink transmission to a further second apparatus based on a further transmission requirement complying with transmission requirements in the NTN.

[0080] The above has described cases in which the first apparatus 310 supports the compatible mode. In other cases, if the first apparatus 310 does not support the compatible mode, there may be other solutions. For example, the first apparatus 310 may consider the serving cell barred temporarily, or the first apparatus 310 is only allowed to receive signals from the TN and the NTN for the control information.

[0081] In some example embodiments, if it is determined that the compatible mode is triggered and the first apparatus 310 fails to support the compatible mode, the first apparatus 310 may disconnect from the second apparatus 320 in the NTN. Then, the first apparatus 310 may perform a network reconnection in the NTN after a predetermined period of time. In other words, the first apparatus 310 considers the serving cell temporarily barred, and it is allowed to try to reconnect after a waiting period.

[0082] As an example, if it is determined that the compatible mode is triggered, the first apparatus 310 may stop transmitting any information to the current second apparatus 320, to reduce the negative impact on the TN network. After the predetermined period of time, the first apparatus 310 may try to reconnect with the current second apparatus 320 or connect with a further second apparatus. For example, the first apparatus 310 moves out of the coverage area of the current second apparatus 320.

[0083] In some examples, the first apparatus 310 may stop transmitting any information to the second apparatus 320 while it may keep receiving signals from the second apparatus 320. Then, the first apparatus 310 may recover the uplink transmission after a predetermined period of time.

[0084] In some example embodiments, if it is determined that the compatible mode is triggered and the first apparatus 310 fails to support the compatible mode, the first apparatus 310 may operate in a receiving-only mode in the NTN. For example, the first apparatus 310 may stop the uplink transmission to the second apparatus 320 and keep receiving information, e.g., control information or data information. The first apparatus 310 may stop the uplink transmission until it receives an indication of recovery from the second apparatus 320. Alternatively, the first apparatus 310 may switch out fromthe receiving-only mode if it is determined that no signal from the TN is detected or it moves out of the coverage area of the TN.

[0085] In some example embodiments, if it is determined that the compatible mode is triggered and the first apparatus 310 fails to support the compatible mode, the first apparatus 310 may determine a first priority of a current frequency band over which the first apparatus 310 connects to the NTN to be a second priority. The second priority may be lower than the first priority. Since uplink transmissions in the current frequency band may impact the TN network, the first apparatus 310 may lower the priority of the current frequency band and perform cell reselection to change to another frequency band, thereby reducing the interference to the TN network. If the priority is modified, the first apparatus 310 should inform the second apparatus 320. Alternatively, the first apparatus 310 may report the situation first and then wait for an indication of priority modification from the second apparatus 320.

[0086] In view of the above, the first apparatus 310 may adjust the uplink transmission if it is determined that the compatible mode is triggered, and it supports the compatible mode. Further, the first apparatus 310 may disconnect from the second apparatus, operate in a receiving-only mode, or lower the priority of the current frequency band to change to a further frequency band if it is determined that the compatible mode is triggered but it does not support the compatible mode. In this way, the coexistence of TN and NTN operations can be ensured when operating in the same or adjacent spectrum, and the negative impact of the NTN HPUE on the TN network is reduced even if the assumed isolation distance is violated. Next, specific examples will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0087] FIG. 4 illustrates a signaling flow 400 in which a compatible mode is triggered, and a first apparatus supports the compatible mode in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The signaling flow 400 involves the first apparatus 310 and the second apparatus 320. At this point, the first apparatus 310 supports the compatible mode.

[0088] At Step 402, the first apparatus 310 may transmit capability information to the second apparatus 320, to indicate that it supports the compatible mode. Step 402 is optional.

[0089] At Step 404, the first apparatus 310 is in the RRC connected status and may perform normal NTN operations to communicate with the second apparatus 320. During the connected status, the first apparatus 310 may periodically detect signals from the TN at predetermined intervals.

[0090] Alternatively, if the first apparatus 310 detects a signal from the TN, at Step 406, the first apparatus 310 may transmit the first request for triggering the compatible mode to the second apparatus 320. At Step 408, the first apparatus 310 receives a response, e.g., the first confirmation of triggering the compatible mode.

[0091] Alternatively, if the second apparatus 320 is aware that the compatible mode should be triggered, for example based on the location of the first apparatus 310 and a map of TNs, the secondapparatus 320 may transmit an indication of triggering the compatible mode to the first apparatus 310.

[0092] Alternatively, the first apparatus 310 may trigger the compatible mode upon detecting signals from the TN. At Step 412, the first apparatus 310 may determine that the compatible mode is triggered. Since the first apparatus 310 supports the compatible mode, at Step 414, it may adjust uplink transmissions to be compatible with the TN requirement.

[0093] At Step 416, the first apparatus 310 may perform an uplink transmission to the second apparatus 320 by following the TN requirements. At Step 418, the second apparatus 320 receives the uplink transmission and finds that the signal received is weaker than the previous signal received, and the uplink throughput is decreased. However, it reduces the impact on the TN network and achieves compatibility with the TN requirement, while continuing communication in the NTN.

[0094] Alternatively, if the first apparatus 310 detects no signal from the TN after a period time, at Step 420, it may transmit the second request to switch out from the compatible mode. At Step 422, the second request 320 may return the second confirmation of switching out from the compatible mode.

[0095] At Step 424, the first apparatus 310 may switch out from the compatible mode. At Step 426, the first apparatus 310 may revert back the transmissions to follow the NTN requirements. At Step 428, the first apparatus 310 may proceed to the normal mode to perform a further uplink transmission to the second apparatus 320 by following the NTN transmission requirement.

[0096] FIG. 5 illustrates a signaling flow 500 in which a compatible mode is triggered, and a first apparatus fails to support the compatible mode in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The signaling flow 500 involves the first apparatus 310 and the second apparatus 320. At this point, the first apparatus 310 does not support the compatible mode.

[0097] At Step 502, the first apparatus 310 may transmit capability information to the second apparatus 320, to indicate that it does not support the compatible mode. Step 502 is optional.

[0098] At Step 504, the first apparatus 310 performs a connection to communicate with the second apparatus 320. Alternatively, during the connection, the first apparatus 310 may periodically detect signals from the TN at predetermined intervals.

[0099] Alternatively, if the first apparatus 310 detects a signal from the TN, at Step 506, the first apparatus 310 may transmit the first request for triggering the compatible mode to the second apparatus 320. At Step 508, the first apparatus 310 receives the first confirmation of triggering the compatible mode.

[0100] At Step 510, the first apparatus 310 may determine that the compatible mode is triggered. Since the first apparatus 310 does not support the compatible mode, at Step 512, it may disconnect from the second apparatus 320. At Step 514, the first apparatus 310 may perform a network reconnection after a predetermined period of time. Steps 512 and 514 are based on alternative embodiments A.

[0101] According to alternative embodiment B, at Step 516, the first apparatus 310 may operate in the receiving-only mode. According to alternative embodiment C, at Step 518, the first apparatus 310 may determine a first priority of the current frequency band over which the first apparatus 310 connects to the NTN to be a second priority. The second priority is lower than the first priority.

[0102] FIG. 6 illustrates a signaling flow 600 of supporting at least one geographical area for the compatible mode in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The signaling flow 600 involves the first apparatus 310 and the second apparatus 320. At this point, the first apparatus 310 supports the compatible mode.

[0103] At Step 602, the first apparatus 310 may transmit capability information to the second apparatus 320, to indicate that it supports the compatible mode. Step 602 is optional.

[0104] At Step 604, the first apparatus 310 is in the connected status and may perform normal NTN operations to communicate with the second apparatus 320. At Step 606, the first apparatus 310 may receive configuration information from the second apparatus 320. The configuration information indicates at least one geographical area for the compatible mode.

[0105] At Step 608, the first apparatus 310 may determine that the compatible mode is triggered, if it is located in the geographical area indicated by the second apparatus 320, e.g., by monitoring its location.

[0106] Since the first apparatus 310 supports the compatible mode, at Step 610, it may adjust an uplink transmission to follow the TN requirement. At Step 612, the first apparatus 310 may perform the uplink transmission to the second apparatus 320.

[0107] At Step 614, the second apparatus 320 receives the uplink transmission and finds that the signal received is weaker than the previous signal received, and the uplink throughput is decreased. However, it reduces the impact on the TN network and achieves compatibility with the TN requirement, while continuing communication in the NTN.

[0108] At Step 616, the first apparatus 310 determines that it moves out of the geographical areas indicated by the second apparatus 320. At Step 618, the first apparatus 310 may revert back the transmissions to follow the NTN requirements. At Step 620, the first apparatus 310 may perform a further uplink transmission to the second apparatus 320 by following the previous NTN transmission requirements.

[0109] In the signaling flow 600, the first apparatus 310 supports the compatible mode and is capable of adjusting uplink transmissions if it is located in particular geographical areas.

[0110] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an example method 700 implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 700 will be described from the perspective of the first apparatus 310 in FIG. 3.

[0111] At block 710, during a connected status of the first apparatus in a NTN, the first apparatus310 determines that a compatible mode with a TN is triggered.

[0112] At block 720, the first apparatus 310 adjusts an uplink transmission of the first apparatus in the NTN to be compatible with a transmission requirement of the TN.

[0113] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further includes: in accordance with a determination that a signal from the TN is detected, determining that the compatible mode is triggered.

[0114] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further includes: transmitting, to the second apparatus, a first request to trigger the compatible mode; receiving, from the second apparatus, a first confirmation of triggering the compatible mode; and in response to reception of the first confirmation, determining that the compatible mode is triggered.

[0115] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further includes: receiving, from the second apparatus, an indication of triggering the compatible mode; and in response to reception of the indication, determining that the compatible mode is triggered.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further includes: in accordance with a determination that no signal from the TN is detected, transmitting to the second apparatus, a second request to switch out from the compatible mode; receiving, from the second apparatus, a second confirmation of switching out from the compatible mode; and performing an uplink transmission of the first apparatus in the NTN by following a transmission requirement of the NTN.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further includes: receiving, from the second apparatus, configuration information indicating at least one geographical area for the compatible mode; and in accordance with a determination that the first apparatus locates in the at least one geographical area, determining that the compatible mode is triggered.

[0118] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further includes: in accordance with a determination that the first apparatus moves out of the at least one geographical area, performing an uplink transmission of the first apparatus in the NTN by following a transmission requirement of the NTN.

[0119] In some example embodiments, the transmission requirement includes at least one of: a transmit power, an adjacent channel leakage ratio, a spectral emission mask, an allowed maximum power reduction, a peak effective isotropic radiated power, a total radiated power, or a maximum transmit power.

[0120] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further includes: transmitting, to the second apparatus, capability information indicating whether the first apparatus supports the compatible mode.

[0121] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further includes: in accordance with a determination of a trigger of the compatible mode and a determination that the first apparatus fails to support the compatible mode, disconnecting from the second apparatus in the NTN; and performing a network reconnection in the NTN after a predetermined period of time.

[0122] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further includes: in accordance with a determination of a trigger of the compatible mode and a determination that the first apparatus fails to support the compatible mode, operating in a receiving-only mode in the NTN.

[0123] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further includes: in accordance with a determination of a trigger of the compatible mode and a determination that the first apparatus fails to support the compatible mode, determining a first priority of a current frequency band over which the first apparatus connects to the NTN to be a second priority, the second priority being lower than the first priority.

[0124] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus is or is included in a terminal device, and wherein the second apparatus is or is included in a network device or a server device in the NTN.

[0125] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an example method 800 implemented at a second apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 800 will be described from the perspective of the second apparatus 320 in FIG. 1.

[0126] At block 810, the second apparatus 320 receives, from a first apparatus, an uplink transmission in a NTN based on a transmission requirement of the first apparatus in the NTN.

[0127] At block 820, the second apparatus 320 receives, from a first apparatus, a further uplink transmission in the NTN, wherein the further uplink transmission is adjusted to be compatible with a transmission requirement of a terrestrial network, TN, in a triggered compatible mode with the TN for the first apparatus, and the compatible mode is triggered during a connected status of the first apparatus in the NTN.

[0128] In some example embodiments, the method 800 further includes: receiving, from the first apparatus in the NTN, a first request to trigger the compatible mode; and transmitting, to the first apparatus, a first confirmation of triggering the compatible mode.

[0129] In some example embodiments, the method 800 further includes: determining that the compatible mode with the TN is to be triggered for the first apparatus; and transmitting, to the first apparatus in the NTN, an indication of triggering the compatible mode.

[0130] In some example embodiments, the method 800 further includes: receiving, from the first apparatus, a second request to switch out from the compatible mode; transmitting, to the first apparatus, a second confirmation of switching out from the compatible mode; and receiving, from the first apparatus in the NTN, an uplink transmission following a transmission requirement of the NTN.

[0131] In some example embodiments, the method 800 further includes: transmitting, to the first apparatus in the NTN, configuration information indicating at least one geographical area for the compatible mode, wherein the compatible mode is triggered at the first apparatus when the first apparatus locates in the at least one geographical area.

[0132] In some example embodiments, the method 800 further includes: receiving, from the firstapparatus in the NTN, an uplink transmission following a transmission requirement of the NTN when the first apparatus moves out of the at least one geographical area.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the transmission requirement includes at least one of: a transmit power, an adjacent channel leakage ratio, a spectral emission mask, an allowed maximum power reduction, a peak effective isotropic radiated power, a total radiated power, or a maximum transmit power.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the method 800 further includes: receiving, from the first apparatus in the NTN, capability information indicating whether the first apparatus supports the compatible mode; and determining whether the compatible mode is triggered for the first apparatus based on the received capability information.

[0135] In some example embodiments, the method 800 further includes: in accordance with a determination of a trigger of the compatible mode and a determination that the first apparatus fails to support the compatible mode, disconnecting the first apparatus from the NTN; and receiving, from the first apparatus, a network reconnection in the NTN after a predetermined period of time.

[0136] In some example embodiments, the method 800 further includes: in accordance with a determination of a trigger of the compatible mode and a determination that the first apparatus fails to support the compatible mode, determining a first priority of a current frequency band over which the first apparatus connects to the NTN to be a second priority, the second priority being lower than the first priority.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus is or is included in a terminal device, and wherein the second apparatus is or is included in a network device or a server device in the NTN.

[0138] In some example embodiments, a first apparatus capable of performing any of the method 700 (for example, the first apparatus 310 in FIG. 3) may include means for performing the respective operations of the method 700. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module. The first apparatus may be implemented as or included in the first apparatus 310 in FIG. 3.

[0139] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus includes means for during a connected status of the first apparatus in a NTN, determining that a compatible mode with a TN is triggered; and means for adjusting an uplink transmission of the first apparatus in the NTN to be compatible with a transmission requirement of the TN.

[0140] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further includes: means for in accordance with a determination that a signal from the TN is detected, determining that the compatible mode is triggered.

[0141] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further includes: means for transmitting, to the second apparatus, a first request to trigger the compatible mode; means for receiving, from thesecond apparatus, a first confirmation of triggering the compatible mode; and means for in response to reception of the first confirmation, determining that the compatible mode is triggered.

[0142] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further includes: means for receiving, from the second apparatus, an indication of triggering the compatible mode; and means for in response to reception of the indication, determining that the compatible mode is triggered.

[0143] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further includes: means for in accordance with a determination that no signal from the TN is detected, transmitting to the second apparatus, a second request to switch out from the compatible mode; means for receiving, from the second apparatus, a second confirmation of switching out from the compatible mode; and means for performing an uplink transmission of the first apparatus in the NTN by following a transmission requirement of the NTN.

[0144] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further includes: means for receiving, from the second apparatus, configuration information indicating at least one geographical area for the compatible mode; and means for in accordance with a determination that the first apparatus locates in the at least one geographical area, determining that the compatible mode is triggered.

[0145] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further includes: means for in accordance with a determination that the first apparatus moves out of the at least one geographical area, performing an uplink transmission of the first apparatus in the NTN by following a transmission requirement of the NTN.

[0146] In some example embodiments, the transmission requirement includes at least one of: a transmit power, an adjacent channel leakage ratio, a spectral emission mask, an allowed maximum power reduction, a peak effective isotropic radiated power, a total radiated power, or a maximum transmit power.

[0147] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further includes: means for transmitting, to the second apparatus, capability information indicating whether the first apparatus supports the compatible mode.

[0148] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further includes: means for in accordance with a determination of a trigger of the compatible mode and a determination that the first apparatus fails to support the compatible mode, disconnecting from the second apparatus in the NTN; and means for performing a network reconnection in the NTN after a predetermined period of time.

[0149] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further includes: means for in accordance with a determination of a trigger of the compatible mode and a determination that the first apparatus fails to support the compatible mode, operating in a receiving-only mode in the NTN.

[0150] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further includes: means for in accordance with a determination of a trigger of the compatible mode and a determination that the first apparatusfails to support the compatible mode, determining a first priority of a current frequency band over which the first apparatus connects to the NTN to be a second priority, the second priority being lower than the first priority.

[0151] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus is or is included in a terminal device, and wherein the second apparatus is or is included in a network device or a server device in the NTN.

[0152] In some example embodiments, a second apparatus capable of performing any of the method 800 (for example, the second apparatus 320 in FIG. 3 may include means for performing the respective operations of the method 800. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module. The second apparatus may be implemented as or included in the second apparatus 320 in FIG. 3.

[0153] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus includes means for receiving, from a first apparatus, an uplink transmission in a NTN based on a transmission requirement of the first apparatus in the NTN; and means for receiving, from a first apparatus, a further uplink transmission in the NTN, wherein the further uplink transmission is adjusted to be compatible with a transmission requirement of a terrestrial network, TN, in a triggered compatible mode with the TN for the first apparatus, and the compatible mode is triggered during a connected status of the first apparatus in the NTN.

[0154] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further includes: means for receiving, from the first apparatus in the NTN, a first request to trigger the compatible mode; and means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a first confirmation of triggering the compatible mode.

[0155] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further includes: means for determining that the compatible mode with the TN is to be triggered for the first apparatus; and means for transmitting, to the first apparatus in the NTN, an indication of triggering the compatible mode.

[0156] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further includes: means for receiving, from the first apparatus, a second request to switch out from the compatible mode; means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a second confirmation of switching out from the compatible mode; and means for receiving, from the first apparatus in the NTN, an uplink transmission following a transmission requirement of the NTN.

[0157] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further includes: means for transmitting, to the first apparatus in the NTN, configuration information indicating at least one geographical area for the compatible mode, wherein the compatible mode is triggered at the first apparatus when the first apparatus locates in the at least one geographical area.

[0158] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further includes: means for receiving, from the first apparatus in the NTN, an uplink transmission following a transmission requirement of the NTN when the first apparatus moves out of the at least one geographical area.

[0159] In some example embodiments, the transmission requirement includes at least one of: a transmit power, an adjacent channel leakage ratio, a spectral emission mask, an allowed maximum power reduction, a peak effective isotropic radiated power, a total radiated power, or a maximum transmit power.

[0160] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further includes: means for receiving, from the first apparatus in the NTN, capability information indicating whether the first apparatus supports the compatible mode; and means for determining whether the compatible mode is triggered for the first apparatus based on the received capability information.

[0161] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further includes: means for in accordance with a determination of a trigger of the compatible mode and a determination that the first apparatus fails to support the compatible mode, disconnecting the first apparatus from the NTN; and means for receiving, from the first apparatus, a network reconnection in the NTN after a predetermined period of time.

[0162] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further includes: means for in accordance with a determination of a trigger of the compatible mode and a determination that the first apparatus fails to support the compatible mode, determining a first priority of a current frequency band over which the first apparatus connects to the NTN to be a second priority, the second priority being lower than the first priority.

[0163] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus is or is included in a terminal device, and wherein the second apparatus is or is included in a network device or a server device in the NTN.

[0164] FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram of a device 900 that is suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 900 may be provided to implement a communication device, for example, the terminal device 110 or the network device 120 or the network device 130 as shown in FIG. 1 and the first apparatus 310 or the second apparatus 320 in FIG. 3. As shown, the device 900 includes one or more processors 910, one or more memories 920 coupled to the processor 910, and one or more communication modules 940 coupled to the processor 910.

[0165] The communication module 940 is for bidirectional communications. The communication module 940 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interfaces may represent any interface that is necessary for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 940 may include at least one antenna.

[0166] The processor 910 may be of any type suitable to the local technical network and may include one or more of the following: general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on multicore processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The device 900 may have multiple processors, such as anapplication specific integrated circuit chip that is slaved in time to a clock which synchronizes the main processor.

[0167] The memory 920 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of the non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a Read Only Memory (ROM) 924, an electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, a hard disk, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disk (DVD), an optical disk, a laser disk, and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage. Examples of the volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a random-access memory (RAM) 922 and other volatile memories that will not last in the power-down duration.

[0168] A computer program 930 includes computer executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 910. The instructions of the program 930 may include instructions for performing operations / acts of some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The program 930 may be stored in the memory, e.g., the ROM 924. The processor 910 may perform any suitable actions and processing by loading the program 930 into the RAM 922.

[0169] The example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by means of the program 930 so that the device 900 may perform any process of the disclosure as discussed with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 to 8. The example embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0170] In some example embodiments, the program 930 may be tangibly contained in a computer readable medium which may be included in the device 900 (such as in the memory 920) or other storage devices that are accessible by the device 900. The device 900 may load the program 930 from the computer readable medium to the RAM 922 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer readable medium may include any types of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, a flash memory, a hard disk, CD, DVD, and the like. The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e. , tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0171] FIG. 10 shows an example of the computer readable medium 1000 which may be in form of CD, DVD or other optical storage disk. The computer readable medium 1000 has the program 930 stored thereon.

[0172] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, and other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device. Although various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other pictorial representations, it is to be understood that the block, apparatus, system,technique or method described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0173] Some example embodiments of the present disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer readable medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in program modules, being executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor, to carry out any of the methods as described above. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, or the like that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or split between program modules as desired in various embodiments. Machineexecutable instructions for program modules may be executed within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0174] Program code for carrying out methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, cause the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may execute entirely on a machine, partly on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the machine and partly on a remote machine or entirely on the remote machine or server.

[0175] In the context of the present disclosure, the computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable the device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of the carrier include a signal, computer readable medium, and the like.

[0176] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable medium may include but not limited to an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer readable storage medium would include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0177] Further, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understoodas requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Likewise, although several specific implementation details are contained in the above discussions, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Unless explicitly stated, certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, unless explicitly stated, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in a plurality of embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0178] Although the present disclosure has been described in languages specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A first apparatus, comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to:during a connected status of the first apparatus in a non-terrestrial network, NTN, determine that a compatible mode with a terrestrial network, TN, is triggered; andadjust an uplink transmission of the first apparatus in the NTN to be compatible with a transmission requirement of the TN.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first apparatus is caused to:in accordance with a determination that a signal from the TN is detected, determine that the compatible mode is triggered.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first apparatus is caused to:transmit, to the second apparatus, a first request to trigger the compatible mode;receive, from the second apparatus, a first confirmation of triggering the compatible mode; and in response to reception of the first confirmation, determine that the compatible mode is triggered.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first apparatus is caused to:receive, from the second apparatus, an indication of triggering the compatible mode; and in response to reception of the indication, determine that the compatible mode is triggered.

5. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first apparatus is further caused to:in accordance with a determination that no signal from the TN is detected, transmit, to the second apparatus, a second request to switch out from the compatible mode;receive, from the second apparatus, a second confirmation of switching out from the compatible mode; andperform an uplink transmission of the first apparatus in the NTN by following a transmission requirement of the NTN.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first apparatus is further caused to:receive, from the second apparatus, configuration information indicating at least one geographical area for the compatible mode; andin accordance with a determination that the first apparatus locates in the at least one geographical area, determine that the compatible mode is triggered.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first apparatus is further caused to:in accordance with a determination that the first apparatus moves out of the at least one geographical area, perform an uplink transmission of the first apparatus in the NTN by following a transmission requirement of the NTN.

8. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transmission requirement comprises at least one of:a transmit power,an adjacent channel leakage ratio,a spectral emission mask,an allowed maximum power reduction,a peak effective isotropic radiated power,a total radiated power, ora maximum transmit power.

9. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first apparatus is further caused to: transmit, to the second apparatus, capability information indicating whether the first apparatus supports the compatible mode.

10. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first apparatus is further caused to:in accordance with a determination of a trigger of the compatible mode and a determination that the first apparatus fails to support the compatible mode, disconnect from the second apparatus in the NTN; and perform a network reconnection in the NTN after a predetermined period of time.

11. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first apparatus is further caused to:in accordance with a determination of a trigger of the compatible mode and a determination that the first apparatus fails to support the compatible mode, operate in a receiving-only mode in the NTN.

12. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first apparatus is further caused to:in accordance with a determination of a trigger of the compatible mode and a determination that the first apparatus fails to support the compatible mode, determine a first priority of a current frequency band over which the first apparatus connects to the NTN to be a second priority, the second priority being lowerthan the first priority.

13. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first apparatus is or is comprised in a terminal device, andwherein the second apparatus is or is comprised in a network device or a server device in the NTN.

14. A second apparatus, comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus at least to:receive, from a first apparatus, an uplink transmission in a non-terrestrial network, NTN, based on a transmission requirement of the first apparatus in the NTN; andreceive, from a first apparatus, a further uplink transmission in the NTN, wherein the further uplink transmission is adjusted to be compatible with a transmission requirement of a terrestrial network, TN, in a triggered compatible mode with the TN for the first apparatus, and the compatible mode is triggered during a connected status of the first apparatus in the NTN.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the second apparatus is further caused to:receive, from the first apparatus in the NTN, a first request to trigger the compatible mode; and transmit, to the first apparatus, a first confirmation of triggering the compatible mode.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the second apparatus is further caused to:determine that the compatible mode with the TN is to be triggered for the first apparatus; and transmit, to the first apparatus in the NTN, an indication of triggering the compatible mode.

17. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the second apparatus is further caused to: receive, from the first apparatus, a second request to switch out from the compatible mode; transmit, to the first apparatus, a second confirmation of switching out from the compatible mode; andreceive, from the first apparatus in the NTN, an transmission following a transmission requirement of the NTN.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the second apparatus is further caused to:transmit, to the first apparatus in the NTN, configuration information indicating at least one geographical area for the compatible mode, wherein the compatible mode is triggered at the first apparatuswhen the first apparatus locates in the at least one geographical area.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the second apparatus is further caused to:receive, from the first apparatus in the NTN, an uplink transmission following a transmission requirement of the NTN when the first apparatus moves out of the at least one geographical area.

20. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 19, wherein the transmission requirement comprises at least one of:a transmit power,an adjacent channel leakage ratio,a spectral emission mask,an allowed maximum power reduction,a peak effective isotropic radiated power,a total radiated power, ora maximum transmit power.

21. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 20, wherein the second apparatus is further caused to: receive, from the first apparatus in the NTN, capability information indicating whether the first apparatus supports the compatible mode; anddetermine whether the compatible mode is triggered for the first apparatus based on the received capability information.

22. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 21 , wherein the second apparatus is further caused to: in accordance with a determination of a trigger of the compatible mode and a determination that the first apparatus fails to support the compatible mode, disconnect the first apparatus from the NTN; and receive, from the first apparatus, a network reconnection in the NTN after a predetermined period of time.

23. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 21 , wherein the second apparatus is further caused to: in accordance with a determination of a trigger of the compatible mode and a determination that the first apparatus fails to support the compatible mode, determine a first priority of a current frequency band over which the first apparatus connects to the NTN to be a second priority, the second priority being lower than the first priority.

24. The apparatus of any of claims 14 to 23, wherein the second apparatus is or is comprised in aterminal device, andwherein the second apparatus is or is comprised in a network device or a server device in the NTN.

25. A method comprising:during a connected status of the first apparatus in a non-terrestrial network, NTN, determine that a compatible mode with a terrestrial network, TN, is triggered; andadjust an uplink transmission of the first apparatus in the NTN to be compatible with a transmission requirement of the TN.

26. A method comprising:receiving, from a first apparatus, an uplink transmission in a non-terrestrial network, NTN, based on a transmission requirement of the first apparatus in the NTN; andreceiving, from a first apparatus, a further uplink transmission in the NTN based on an adjusted transmission requirement of the first apparatus in the NTN, wherein the further uplink transmission is adjusted to be compatible with a transmission requirement of a terrestrial network, TN, in a triggered compatible mode with the TN for the first apparatus, and the compatible mode is triggered during a connected status of the first apparatus in the NTN.

27. A first apparatus comprising:means for during a connected status of the first apparatus in a non-terrestrial network, NTN, determining that a compatible mode with a terrestrial network, TN, is triggered; andadjust an uplink transmission of the first apparatus in the NTN to be compatible with a transmission requirement of the TN.

28. A second apparatus comprising:means for receiving, from a first apparatus, an uplink transmission in a non-terrestrial network, NTN, based on a transmission requirement of the first apparatus in the NTN; andmeans for receiving, from a first apparatus, a further uplink transmission in the NTN based on an adjusted transmission requirement of the first apparatus in the NTN, wherein the further uplink transmission is adjusted to be compatible with a transmission requirement of a terrestrial network, TN, in a triggered compatible mode with the TN for the first apparatus, and the compatible mode is triggered during a connected status of the first apparatus in the NTN.

29. A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus at least to perform the method of claim 25 or the method of claim 26.

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