Cell re-selection in non-terrestrial networks multi‑orbit deployment use case

Abstract

A method includes receiving by a user device, camping on a first cell provided by a first satellite of a first orbit of a first orbit type, configuration information indicative of cell re-selection criteria; determining, at least in part based on a service trigger for a first service indicative of a type of the first service, at least one of a first priority value associated with the first cell or a second priority value associated with a second cell; re-selecting the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit, wherein the re-selecting is based on at least one of: the configuration information; the first priority value; or the second priority value; and transmitting a connection request to the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

Description

CELL RE-SELECTION IN NON-TERRESTRIAL NETWORKS MULTI-ORBIT DEPLOYMENT USE CASETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This description relates to cell re-selection in non-terrestrial networks multi-orbit deployment use case.BACKGROUND

[0002] A communication system may be a facility that enables communication between two or more nodes or devices, such as fixed or mobile communication devices. Signals can be carried on wired or wireless carriers.

[0003] An example of a cellular communication system is an architecture that is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP). A recent development in this field is often referred to as the long-term evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio-access technology. EUTRA (evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access) is the air interface of 3 GPP’s Long Term Evolution (LTE) upgrade path for mobile networks. In LTE, base stations or access points (APs), which are referred to as enhanced Node AP (eNBs), provide wireless access within a coverage area or cell. In LTE, mobile devices, or mobile stations are referred to as user equipments (UE). LTE has included a number of improvements or developments. Aspects of LTE are also continuing to improve.

[0004] 5G New Radio (NR) development is part of a continued mobile broadband evolution process to meet the requirements of 5G, similar to earlier evolution of 3G and 4G wireless networks. In addition, 5G is also targeted at the new emerging use cases in addition to mobile broadband. A goal of 5G is to provide significant improvement in wireless performance, which may include new levels of data rate, latency, reliability, and security. 5G NR may also scale to efficiently connect the massive Internet of Things (loT) and may offer new types of mission-critical services. For example, ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC) devices may require high reliability and very low latency. 6G and other networks are also being developed.SUMMARY

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an apparatus including: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving by the apparatus, camping on a first cell provided by a first satellite of a first orbit of a first orbit type, configuration information indicative of cell re-selection criteria; determining, based on a service trigger for a first service, to perform an uplink data transmission; and re-selecting, at least in part based on the service trigger and the configuration information, a second cell provided by a second satellite of a second orbit of a second orbit type.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method including: receiving by a user device, camping on a first cell provided by a first satellite of a first orbit of a first orbit type, configuration information indicative of cell re-selection criteria; determining, based on a service trigger for a first service, to perform an uplink data transmission; and re-selecting, at least in part based on the service trigger and the configuration information, a second cell provided by a second satellite of a second orbit of a second orbit type.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an apparatus including: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving by the apparatus, camping on a first cell provided by a first satellite of a first orbit of a first orbit type, configuration information indicative of cell re-selection criteria; determining, at least in part based on a service trigger for a first service indicative of a type of the first service, at least one of a first priority value associated with the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit or a second priority value associated with a second cell provided by a second satellite of a second orbit of a second orbit type; re-selecting the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit, wherein the re-selecting is based on at least one of: the configuration information; the first priority value; or the second priority value; and transmitting a connection request to the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method including: receiving by a user device, camping on a first cell provided by a first satellite of a first orbit of a first orbit type, configuration information indicative of cell re-selection criteria; determining, at least in part based on a service trigger for a first service indicative of a type of the first service, at least one of a first priority value associated with the first cell provided by the first satellite of thefirst orbit or a second priority value associated with a second cell provided by a second satellite of a second orbit of a second orbit type; re-selecting the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit, wherein the re-selecting is based on at least one of: the configuration information; the first priority value; or the second priority value; and transmitting a connection request to the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

[0009] Other example embodiments are provided or described for each of the example methods, including: means for performing any of the example methods; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, are configured to cause a computing system to perform any of the example methods; and an apparatus including at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform any of the example methods.

[0010] The details of one or more examples of embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless network.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating operation of an apparatus (e.g., which may be a UE or a user device, or other apparatus).

[0013] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating operation of an apparatus (e.g., which may be a UE or a user device, or other apparatus).

[0014] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of an example embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an aspect of an example embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates an aspect of an example embodiment when a service is terminated.

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates an aspect of an example embodiment based on an example multiorbit deployment.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a wireless station or node (e.g., UE, user device, AP, BS, eNB, gNB, RAN node, network node, TRP, or other node) according to an exampleembodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless network 130. In the wireless network 130 of FIG. 1, user devices 131, 132, 133 and 135, which may also be referred to as mobile stations (MSs) or user equipment (UEs), may be connected (and in communication) with a base station (BS) 134, which may also be referred to as an access point (AP), an enhanced Node B (eNB), a gNB, or a RAN (radio access network) node.. BS (or AP) 134 provides wireless coverage within a cell 136, including to user devices (or UEs) 131, 132, 133 and 135. BS 134 is also connected to a core network 150 via a N2 or NG interface 151. Although only four user devices (or UEs) are shown as being connected or attached to one BS 134, any number of user devices and / or BS may be provided.

[0022] At least part of the functionalities of a BS (e.g., NG-RAN, gNB, access point (AP), base station (BS) or (e)Node B (eNB), RAN node) may also be carried out by any node, server or host which may be operably coupled to a transceiver, such as a remote radio head. For instance, some functionalities of a BS may be carried out, at least partly, in a central / centralized unit, CU and / or a distributed unit, DU. Thus, 5G networks architecture may be based on a so-called CU-DU split. The gNB-CU (central node) may control a plurality of spatially separated gNB-DUs, acting at least as transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) nodes. In some embodiments, however, the gNB-DUs (also called DU) may comprise e.g., a radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC) layer and a physical (PHY) layer, whereas the gNB-CU (also called a CU) may comprise the layers above RLC layer, such as a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio resource control (RRC) and an internet protocol (IP) layer. Other functional splits are possible too.

[0023] According to an illustrative example, a radio access network (RAN) may be part of a mobile telecommunication system. A RAN may include one or more BSs or RAN nodes that implement a radio access technology, e.g., to allow one or more UEs to have access to a network or core network (CN). Thus, for example, the RAN (RAN nodes, such as BSs or gNBs) may reside between one or more user devices or UEs and a core network. According to an example embodiment, each RAN node (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU / DU, ... ) or BS may provide one or more wireless communication services for one or more UEs or user devices, e.g., to allow the UEs to have wireless access to a network, via the RAN node. Each RAN node or BS may perform or provide wireless communication services, e.g., such as allowing UEs or user devices to establish a wireless connection to the RAN node, and sending data to and / or receiving data from one or more of the UEs. For example, after establishing a connection to a UE, a RAN node or network node (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU / DU, ... ) may forward data to the UE that is received from a network or the core network, and / or forward data received from the UE to the network or core network. RAN nodes or network nodes (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU / DU, ... ) may perform a wide variety of other wireless functions or services, e.g., such as broadcasting control information (e.g., such as system information or on-demand system information) to UEs, paging UEs when there is data to be delivered to the UE, assisting in handover of a UE between cells, scheduling of resources for uplink data transmission from the UE(s) and downlink data transmission to UE(s), sending configuration information to configure one or more UEs, and the like. These are a few examples of one or more functions that a RAN node or BS may perform.

[0024] A user device or user node (user terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile terminal, handheld wireless device, etc.) may refer to a portable computing device that includes wireless mobile communication devices operating either with or without a subscriber identification module (SIM), including, but not limited to, the following types of devices: a mobile station (MS), a mobile phone, a cell phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handset, a device using a wireless modem (alarm or measurement device, etc.), a laptop and / or touch screen computer, a tablet, a phablet, a game console, a notebook, a vehicle, a drone, a sensor, and a multimedia device, as examples, or any other wireless device. It should be appreciated that a user device may also be (or may include) a nearly exclusive uplink only device, of which an example is a camera or video camera loading images or video clips to a network. Also, a user node may include a user equipment (UE), a user device, a user terminal, a mobile terminal, a mobile station, a mobile node, a subscriber device, a subscriber node, a subscriber terminal,or other user node. For example, a user node may be used for wireless communications with one or more network nodes (e.g., gNB, eNB, BS, AP, CU, DU, CU / DU) and / or with one or more other user nodes, regardless of the technology or radio access technology (RAT).

[0025] In 5G (which may be referred to as New Radio (NR)) (as an illustrative example), core network 150 may be referred to 5G core network (5GC), which may include an access and mobility management function (AMF). For the example, the AMF may include the following functionalities (e.g., some of the AMF functionalities may be supported in a single instance of an AMF): termination of RAN control plane (CP) interface (N2), termination of non-access stratum (NAS) (or Nl), NAS ciphering and integrity protection, registration management, connection management, reachability management, mobility management, lawful intercept, and / or the like. The 5GC may also include a session management function (SMF) that may include one or more of the following functionalities (one or more of the SMF functionalities may be supported in a single instance of a SMF): session management (e.g. session establishment, modification and release, including tunnel maintenance between a user plane function (UPF) and BS 134), IP address allocation & management (including optional authorization), selection and control of UPF(s), configuration of traffic steering at a UPF to route traffic to proper destination, and / or the like. In LTE (as an illustrative example), core network 150 may be referred to as Evolved Packet Core (EPC), which may include a mobility management entity (MME) which may handle or assist with mobility / handover of user devices between BSs, one or more gateways that may forward data and control signals between the BSs and packet data networks or the Internet, and other control functions or blocks.

[0026] In addition, the techniques described herein may be applied to various types of user devices or data service types, or may apply to user devices that may have multiple applications running thereon that may be of different data service types. New Radio (5G) development may support a number of different applications or a number of different data service types, such as for example: machine type communications (MTC), enhanced machine type communication (eMTC), Internet of Things (loT), and / or narrowband loT user devices, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), and ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). Many of these new 5G (NR) - related applications may require generally higher performance than previous wireless networks.

[0027] loT may refer to an ever-growing group of objects that may have Internet or network connectivity, so that these objects may send information to and receive information from other network devices. For example, many sensor type applications or devices may monitor a physical condition or a status and may send a report to a server or other network device, e.g., when an event occurs. Machine Type Communications (MTC, or Machine to Machine communications) may, for example, be characterized by fully automatic data generation, exchange, processing and actuation among intelligent machines, with or without intervention of humans. Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) may support much higher data rates than currently available in LTE.

[0028] Ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC) is a new data service type, or new usage scenario, which may be supported for New Radio (5G) systems. This enables emerging new applications and services, such as industrial automations, autonomous driving, vehicular safety, e-health services, and so on. 3 GPP targets in providing connectivity with reliability corresponding to block error rate (BLER) of ICT5and up to 1 ms U-Plane (user / data plane) latency, by way of illustrative example. Thus, for example, URLLC user devices / UEs may require a significantly lower block error rate than other types of user devices / UEs as well as low latency (with or without requirement for simultaneous high reliability). Thus, for example, a URLLC UE (or URLLC application on a UE) may require much shorter latency, as compared to an eMBB UE (or an eMBB application running on a UE).

[0029] The techniques described herein may be applied to a wide variety of wireless technologies or wireless networks, such as 5G (New Radio (NR)), cmWave, and / or mmWave band networks, loT, MTC, eMTC, eMBB, URLLC, 6G, etc., or any other wireless network or wireless technology. These example networks, technologies or data service types are provided only as illustrative examples.

[0030] Communication systems may include non-terrestrial networks (NTN), satellite networks, multi-orbit NTN deployments, and / or the like. For example, multi-orbit NTN deployments may include multiple, heterogenous satellite orbits, e.g., a geostationary orbit (GEO), a low earth orbit (LEO), a medium earth orbit (MEO), and / or the like. Cell selection or re-selection in the multi-orbit NTN deployment scenario may include (re)-selection of appropriate cell provided by a satellite of a proper orbit, e.g., either GSO or NGSO. Therefore, cell selection or re-selection in the multi-orbit NTN deployment scenario may be driven by the following criteria: coverage (e.g., GSO satellite coverage area » NGSO satellite coverage area),requested service (e.g., GSO service range capability < NGSO with respect to data rate, latency, in particular for UL transmissions), resource efficiency (e.g., NGSO orbiting may imply higher mobility and thus frequent performing of mobility related procedures even if the UE is stationary with short periodicity (few minutes) that may impair UE resource consumption for power-limited UEs).

[0031] In an example, the mobility related procedures may be performed across different NTN orbits utilizing an idle mode mobility (IMM) that may be initiated by the UE, or connected mode mobility (CMM)that may be initiated by the network.

[0032] Cell re-selection procedure in a UE may be triggered after the network releases the connection with re-direction option. The decision by the network to execute RELEASE with redirection may be caused by a) termination of the single service (which initially triggered a previous cell re-selection) resulting the UE to transition to RRC idle state, and b) when a RRC connected UE (e.g., to GSO ) with delay -tolerant data service requests a new delay-critical service only served by NGSO. Then, instead of a handover, a release with redirect may be initiated by the network.

[0033] Re-selection priorities may be defined in SIB for inter-frequency (SIB4) and Inter-RAT (SIB 5) re-selection, or may be defined in in RRC release for UE-individual priorities for inter-frequency and Inter-RAT re-selection and superseding the re-selection priorities in SIB.

[0034] CellReselectionPriority may be an information element (IE) that may indicate a priority of a corresponding carrier frequency, as used by the cell re-selection procedure. A priority parameter may be used where a value of 0 means lowest priority.

[0035] CellReselectionSubPriority IE may indicate a fractional value to be added to the value of CellReselectionPriority to obtain the priority of the corresponding carrier frequency for E-UTRA and NR. For example, a value=oDot2 corresponds to 0.2, and a value=oDot4 corresponds to 0.4.

[0036] Unified access control (UAC) may be employed in communication systems.Depending on operator's policies, deployment scenarios, subscriber profiles, and available services, different criterion may be used in determining which access attempt should be allowed or blocked when congestion occurs in the communication system such as 5G system. The different criteria for access control may be associated with access identities and access categories. The 5G system may provide a single unified access control where operators control accesses based on the access category and / or access identity. In the UAC, each access attemptmay be categorized into one or more of the access identities and one of the access categories. Based on the access control information applicable for the corresponding access identity and access category of the access attempt, the UE may perform a test on whether the actual access attempt can be made or not.

[0037] The following tables depict UAC parameter access identity and access category.

[0038] In an example, the UE may camp (e.g., by default) on a cell of a GSO and may perform a mobility related procedure to NGSO. When the UE is camped on (the cell of) the GSO, the UE may avoid frequent cell re-selections and thus avoid (or reduce) frequent decoding / reading of system information, such as system information block (SIB). The UE may determine to camp on the GSO by setting the frequency or radio access technology (RAT) priority for the GSO higher than the frequency / RAT of the NS GO. When determining of re-selection is based on the priority of frequency or RAT type, the UE may not be able to re-select a cell of the NGSO even though a requirement of the triggered service is better satisfied by (re)selecting the cell of the NGSO. As a result, the UE is prevented to re-select and / or camp on the appropriate cell that is provided by the satellite of the proper orbit.

[0039] Example embodiments are directed to enhancement of signaling between a UE and a network node (e.g., a cell of a satellite of an orbit, a satellite base station, a base station, a gNB, an eNB, a gNB-CU, a gNB-DU, and / or the like) to address the aforementioned problem and enable the UE to perform a cell re-selection to a cell provided by a satellite of an orbit that meets requirements of a triggered service. For example, the UE receives from the network node information of cell re-selection criteria. The UE is triggered by a service request and according to a requirement of the triggered service, the UE performs a cell re-selection to a cell provided by a satellite of the appropriate orbit (type). Therefore, by selecting the proper orbit type, the requirement of the service is satisfied.

[0040] In an example, the UE camps on a first cell provided by a first satellite of a first orbit of a first orbit type. The UE receives from the network node, configuration information indicative of cell re-selection criteria. As an example, the UE receives from the network node, a RRC message, a NAS message, a SIB broadcast, a medium access control control element (MAC-CE), and / or the like that includes the configuration information. As another example, the UE may receive the configuration information as part of registration procedure, a service request procedure (e.g., network triggered service request procedure, or UE triggered service request procedure), a UE configuration update (UCU) procedure, a downlink NAS, and / or the like. The UE determines to perform an uplink data transmission, e.g., based on a service trigger for a first service. The UE may re-select a second cell provided by a second satellite of a second orbit of a second orbit type. For example, the re-selecting the second cell may be at least in part based on the service trigger and the configuration information. For example, the UE may compare the requirements of the triggered service against different orbits to determine the orbit type that yields a proper candidate for cell re-selection.

[0041] Therefore, when example embodiments are implemented, the cell re-selection may not be driven only by the priorities of frequency or RAT types. Rather, the cell re-selection may be based on characteristics of the service (e.g., the first service), service type, category of the UE, coverage of the orbits, link budget, configured cell re-selection criteria, and / or the like.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating operation of an apparatus (e.g., which may be a UE or a user device, or other apparatus). Operation 210 includes receiving by a user device, camping on a first cell provided by a first satellite of a first orbit of a first orbit type, configuration information indicative of cell re-selection criteria. In one example, the user device is camping on the first cell based on cell re-selection criteria, such as frequency andRAT priorities, resulting in the first cell being higher priority than second cell. Operation 220 includes determining, based on a service trigger for a first service, to perform an uplink data transmission. Operation 230 includes re-selecting, at least in part based on the service trigger and the configuration information, a second cell provided by a second satellite of a second orbit of a second orbit type.

[0043] With respect to the method described in FIG. 2, the UE may transmit a connection request to the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit. The connection request may be based on the random access procedure and include transmission of an RRC message. The RRC message may include a request to setup or resume the RRC connection and likewise a request to setup a connection with the core network. The UE may receive from the network node, an acceptance of the connection request to the second cell. The UE may then perform the uplink data transmission associated with the service trigger and via the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

[0044] With respect to the method described in FIG. 2, the cell re-selection criteria may include at least one of: information of cell re-selection based on a service type, information of cell re-selection based on a category of the user device, information of coverage of at least one of the first cell or the second cell, information of cell re-selection policy with respect to at least one of the service type, the category of the user device, or an access category, and / or the like. For example, the cell selection policy may be indicative of barring access to at least one of the first cell or the second cell. The cell re-selection criteria may also include ephemeris information of at least one of the first satellite or the second satellite, information indicative of one or more prioritization criteria, wherein the one or more prioritization criteria is at least in part based on a RAT type or a carrier frequency information of the at least one of the first cell or the second cell, information of estimated link budget associated with at least one of the first cell or the second cell, information of uplink data, and / or the like. The information of uplink data may include at least one of a type of the uplink data, a size of the uplink data, information of a quality of service (QoS) associated with the uplink data, and / or the like. For example, information of the QoS may include QoS requirements. The QoS requirements may be known to the UE either based on implementation or some type of QoS metric. For example, an orbit type may be associated with a certain level of QoS.

[0045] With respect to the method described in FIG. 2, the re-selecting the second cell (by the UE) may be further based on at least one of: a type of the first service, a category ofthe user device or based on determining that a requirement of the first service can be satisfied by the second orbit type. The re-selecting may imply at least one of: the UE receives system information of the second cell; the UE monitors for paging on the second cell, the UE registers on the second cell; or the UE performs a tracking area update on the second cell.

[0046] With respect to the method described in FIG. 2, the re-selecting the second cell may be further based on at least one of: receiving a service trigger associated with reception of downlink data (e.g., a NR multi cast / broadcast service (MBS) over NTN providing NR broadcast communication service and multicast communication service, downlink data reception only, and / or the like), receiving a network-initiated release indication triggering a cell re-selection for a multicast and / or broadcast service, a service trigger associated with the multicast and / or broadcast service, wherein the multicast and / or broadcast service is provided by the second cell, or a difference cell than a current serving cell. In other words, the UE may initiated re-selection due to service trigger for multicast / broadcast service (MBS) provided by other target cell which may include downlink data reception only. For example, NR multicast / broadcast service (MBS) over NTN providing NR broadcast communication service and multicast communication service considering multi-orbit case may be implemented. The NR MBS may support UE in RRC idle state to perform cell re-selection to other cell (e.g., in heterogenous cell layer deployments) to receive NR MBS service upon start of the service. In case of RRC connected UE, the UE may trigger an indication to connected cell resulting an indication of release with redirection to NR MBS serving cell. For NR MBS service reception, the UE may be in RRC idle state or RRC inactive state, e.g., it is not mandatory that UE establishes explicit connection to the target cell (or the UE does not need to be in RRC connected state). As another example, LIE evolved multimedia broadcast multicast service (eMBMS) (broadcast), or 6G MBS (broadcast / multicast) considering the multi-orbit case may be implemented.

[0047] With respect to the method described in FIG. 2, the configuration information may be pre-configured to the UE. As another example, the UE may receive the configuration information as part of at least one of: a system information; a SIB; a RRC message / signaling, a NAS message / signaling, and / or the like.

[0048] With respect to the method described in FIG. 2, the UE may re-select the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit. The UE may camp on the first cell. For example, the UE may determine to re-select the first cell at least in part based on a service termination indicative of termination of all services, or transitioning to a RRC idle state (e.g., from a RRCinactive state or from a RRC connected state). The camping on a cell implies the UE monitors for system information broadcast and paging from the cell.

[0049] With respect to the method described in FIG. 2, the re-selecting the first cell is based on at least one of: a default configuration indicative of camping on the first cell, completion of the uplink data transmission via the second cell, expiry of a timer, and / or the like. For example, the timer may start upon completion of a service associated with the service trigger.

[0050] With respect to the method described in FIG. 2, a first altitude of the first orbit relative to earth may be higher than a second altitude of the second orbit relative to earth. The first orbit type may include a GSO orbit type; and the second orbit type comprises a non-geosynchronous (NGSO) orbit type. The GSO may be a geostationary orbit (GEO). Other possible orbit types for the second orbit include low earth orbit (LEO), and medium earth orbit (MEO).

[0051] Additionally, or alternatively, example embodiments enhance the performance of the system by dynamic assignment of priorities for different orbits. Accordingly, the UE performs the cell re-selection based on the assigned priorities and the configuration information of cell re-selection.

[0052] In an example, the UE camps on a first cell provided by a first satellite of a first orbit of a first orbit type. The UE receives from the network node, configuration information indicative of cell re-selection criteria. As an example, the UE may receive from the network node, the RRC message, the NAS message, the SIB broadcast, or the MAC-CE that may include the configuration information. The UE assigns or determines at least one of a first priority value associated with the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit or a second priority value associated with a second cell provided by a second satellite of a second orbit of a second orbit type. For example, the UE may assign or determine the first priority value and / or the second priority value at least in part based on a service trigger for a first service. As an example, the service trigger may be indicative of a type of the first service. The UE performs a cell reselection to the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit. For example, the cell re-selection to the second cell may be based on at least one of: the configuration information, the first priority value, the second priority value, and / or the like. The UE may transmit a connection request to the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating operation of an apparatus (e.g., which may be a UE or a user device, or other apparatus). Operation 310 includes receiving by a user device, camping on a first cell provided by a first satellite of a first orbit of a first orbit type, configurationinformation indicative of cell re-selection criteria. Operation 320 includes determining, at least in part based on a service trigger for a first service indicative of a type of the first service, at least one of a first priority value associated with the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit or a second priority value associated with a second cell provided by a second satellite of a second orbit of a second orbit type. Operation 330 includes re-selecting the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit, wherein the re-selecting is based on at least one of: the configuration information, the first priority value; or the second priority value. Operation 340 includes transmitting a connection request to the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

[0054] With respect to the method described in FIG. 3, the re-selecting the second cell may be further based on (or triggered by) at least one of: receiving a service trigger associated with reception of downlink data (e.g., a NR multi cast / broadcast service (MBS) over NTN providing NR broadcast communication service and multicast communication service, downlink data reception only, and / or the like), receiving a network-initiated release indication triggering a cell re-selection for a multicast and / or broadcast service, a service trigger associated with the multicast and / or broadcast service, wherein the multicast and / or broadcast service is provided by the second cell, or a difference cell than a current serving cell. As another example, LTE eMBMS (broadcast), or 6G MBS (broadcast / multicast) considering the multi-orbit case may be implemented.

[0055] With respect to the method described in FIG. 3, the UE may be pre-configured with at least one of the first priority value or the second priority value. As another example, the configuration information (received by the UE from the network node) may include pre-configuration information of at least one of: the first priority value associated with the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit, or the second priority value associated with the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

[0056] With respect to the method described in FIG. 3, the determining the at least one of the first priority value or the second priority value may be based on the cell re-selection criteria. For example, the cell re-selection criteria may include at least one of: information of cell re-selection based on a service type, information of cell re-selection based on a category of the user device, information of coverage of at least one of the first cell or the second cell, information of cell re-selection policy with respect to at least one of the service type, the category of the user device, or an access category, and / or the like. For example, the cellre-selection policy may be indicative of barring access to at least one of the first cell or the second cell. The cell re-selection criteria may also include ephemeris information of at least one of the first satellite or the second satellite, information indicative of one or more prioritization criteria, and / or the like. As an example, the one or more prioritization criteria may be based on a RAT type or a carrier frequency information of the at least one of the first cell or the second cell. The cell re-selection criteria may also include information of estimated link budget associated with at least one of the first cell or the second cell, information of uplink data that may include at least one of a type of the uplink data, a size of the uplink data, or information of a quality of service, QoS, associated with the uplink data. For example, information of the QoS may include QoS requirements. The QoS requirements may be known to the UE either based on implementation or some type of QoS metric. For example, an orbit type may be associated with a certain level of QoS.

[0057] With respect to the method described in FIG. 3, the determining the first priority value or the second priority value may be based on determining whether a requirement of the first service associated with the service trigger can be satisfied by the first cell or the second cell. The re-selecting the second cell may be based on determining that the requirement of the first service can be satisfied by the second cell. As another example, the determining the first priority value or the second priority value, may be based on determining whether a requirement of the first service associated with the service trigger can be satisfied by the first orbit type or the second orbit type, and wherein the re-selecting the second cell may be further based on determining that the requirement of the first service can be satisfied by the second orbit type.

[0058] With respect to the method described in FIG. 3, the UE updates the determined at least one of the first priority value or the second priority value. For example, the updating may include at least one of: assigning a higher priority value to the first cell and a lower priority value to the second cell, assigning a higher priority value to the second cell and a lower priority value to the first cell, assigning a higher priority value to the first cell, assigning a higher priority value to the second cell, and / or the like.

[0059] With respect to the method described in FIG. 3, the UE may re-select at least one of a first default value of the first priority or a second default value of the second priority. For example, the re-selecting (of the default first value or the default second value) may be based on at least one of: a default configuration indicative of at least one default priority configuration,completion of an uplink data transmission, expiry of a timer, and / or the like. For example, the timer may start upon completion of a service associated with the service trigger.

[0060] With respect to the method described in FIG. 3, the determining the first priority value or the second priority value, may be based on: a channel condition of the first cell or a channel condition of the second cell, a link budget of the first cell or the second cell, a link / radio quality of the first cell or the second cell, a reference signal received power (RSRP) of the first cell or a RSRP of the second cell, a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of the first cell or a SINR of the second cell, and / or the like.

[0061] With respect to the method described in FIG. 3, the UE may re-select the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit and the UE may camp on the first cell. For example, the re-selecting the first cell may be based on a service termination indicative of termination of all services, or transitioning to a RRC idle state.

[0062] With respect to the method described in FIG. 3, the UE may receive from the network node, an acceptance of the connection request to the second cell. The UE may then perform an uplink data transmission associated with the service trigger and via the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

[0063] With respect to the method described in FIG. 3, the configuration information may be pre-configured to the UE. In an example, the UE may receive from the network node, the configuration information as part of at least one of: a system information, a SIB, a RRC, signaling / message, a NAS signaling / message, and / or the like.

[0064] With respect to the method described in FIG. 3, a first altitude of the first orbit relative to earth may be higher than a second altitude of the second orbit relative to earth.The first orbit type may include a GSO orbit type, and the second orbit type may include a NGSO orbit type.

[0065] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of an example embodiment. At step 1 , the UE 410 may be configured with the operator’s policy (or information of cell re-selection policy) in terms of frequency and RAT priorities. For example, the UE 410 may be pre-configured with information indicative of one or more prioritization criteria, wherein the one or more prioritization criteria may be based on a RAT type or a carrier frequency information of the at least one of the first cell 420 or the second cell 430. The pre-configuration may be provided in the USIM / device, as part of a RRC release configuration, or via system information broadcast.

[0066] At step 2 of FIG. 4, the UE 410 may receive configuration information indicative of cell re-selection criteria that may include a cell re-selection policy. The cell re-selection policy may be employed to steer the UE in RRC idle mode towards camping on a cell provided by a satellite of a GSO orbit 420 to reduce the number of mobility events and system information reading. As another example, the cell re-selection policy may further indicate configuration (or mapping) of determining priority based on an orbit type of the NTN, service type, user category, and / or the like. For example, the cell re-selection policy may be employed for initial access and / or cell re-selection (e.g., in RRC idle, RRC inactive or RRC connected state / mode) based on (UE 410 or network initiated) service request trigger. For example, a requested voice call may be barred or given the lowest priority on GSO 420. As another example, a UE 410 category with strict latency requirements may be barred or may have the lowest priority on GSO 420. Likewise, a low earth orbit (LEO) orbit type 430 may have higher priority for the voice call. The LEO may also have high priority for the UE 410 with strict latency requirements. As another example, the altitude / orbital height may be used by the UE 410 to determine the priorities such as the first priority value or the second priority value for cell re-selection. For example, the UE 410 may determine / estimate whether a pending traffic (or an uplink data transmission) is suitable to be served on a GSO 420, by considering the propagation delay (calculated based on the propagation distance). Likewise, the UE 410 may consider the link budget, based on the free space path loss and the propagation distance. In an example, the UE 410 may also estimate the coverage based on measurements (e.g., obtaining information of antenna gain, beam form, transmit power of the satellite(s), and / or the like).

[0067] At step 3 of FIG. 4, the UE 410 may camp on the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit of the first orbit type (e.g., the GSO orbit type) 420. At step 4, the UE 410 may receive a service trigger and / or may determine to perform an uplink data transmission. At step 5, the UE 410 may evaluate whether to initiate transmission of uplink data via the first cell (e.g., the GSO) 420 or the second cell (e.g., NGSO) 430. In an example, the UE 410 may determine (or modify) one or more priorities such as a first priority value associated with the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit (GSO) 420 or a second priority value associated with the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit of the second orbit type (NGSO) 430. For example, the evaluation or determining the priorities may be based on operator defined service types and access categories, altitude of the orbits (e.g., GSO 420 or NGSO 430), propagation delay, link budget of the GSO 420 or NGSO 430, information of uplinkdata such as size or QoS requirements, device type, radio power / quality, expected performance of uplink data transmission for each orbit, and / or the like.

[0068] At step 6 of FIG. 4, the UE 410 may determine to re-select the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit (NGSO / LEO) 430. For example, the re-selecting may be based on at least one of: the configuration information, the first priority value, the second priority value, and / or the like. At step 7, the UE 410 may initiate communication with the second cell (NGSO / LEO) 430 and transmit pending uplink data. At step 8, upon completion of the uplink data transmission, the UE 410 may revert to the preconfigured priorities and may determine to re-select the first cell (GSO) 420. At step 9, the UE may re-select the first cell (GSO) 420 and camp on the first cell 420.

[0069] FIG. 5 illustrates an aspect of an example embodiment. At step 1, the UE 410 may have been registered with a network. The UE 410 may camp on a first cell provided by a first satellite of a first orbit of a first orbit type (GSO) 420. At step 2, the UE 410 may receive from the first cell 420, a SIB message or a SIB broadcast that may include information of access barring such as unified access barring (UAC), NTN UAC, and / or the like. The SIB may indicate that based on the NTN UAC, voice call or voice services are barred and the UE 410 may not be permitted to use the voice service. The SIB may also indicate that the cell re-selection is enabled. At step 3, the UE 410 may receive from the first cell 420, a SIB that may include inter-RAT cell re-selection configuration. The configuration may include cell re-selection priority information associated with a second cell provided by a second satellite of a second orbit (NGSO) 430. For example, the configuration may indicate that the second cell 430 should be given high priority for cell re-selection when a voice service is triggered. At step 4, the UE 410 may determine that a voice service is triggered. For example, higher layer of the UE 410 may trigger the voice service based on the NTN UAC parameters. Alternatively, at step 5, the voice service may be triggered by paging. For example, the UE 410 may receive from the first cell 420, a paging message that may indicate triggering the voice service as part of a paging record. At step 6, the UE 410 may re-select the second cell (of NGSO) 430. At step 7, the UE 410 may receive from the second cell 430, a SIB broadcast that may include NTN UAC parameters. The NTN UAC parameters may indicate that voice service is not barred. At step 8, the UE 410 may determine (based on the NTN UAC parameters) to initiate a connection to the second cell 430 for the voice service. At step 9, the UE 410 may transmit a RRC setup request message to the second cell 430. The RRC setup request may indicate that the connection request is for the voice service.

[0070] FIG. 6 illustrates an aspect of an example embodiment when a service is terminated. At alternative 1 415, the UE may be in a RRC connected stated in a first cell provided by a first satellite of a first orbit (GSO) 420. Alternative 1 415 may include the following. At step 1, the UE may transmit a service request via the first cell (GSO) 420. The service request may indicate a request to access a multimedia telephony (MMTEL) voice service. The service request may be a NAS message transmitted (targeted) to an access and mobility management function (AMF) or a session management function (SMF), or a core network node 440 via the first cell 420. At step 2, the first cell 420 may receive from the core network node 440 a session modification request indicating MMTEL voice setup. At step 3, (e.g., alternative la) the UE 410 may receive from the first cell 420, a release message with a redirect indication. The redirect indication may include information element (IE) such as a redirect carrier information IE that may include of dedicated NGSO orbit carrier information. At step 4, the UE 410 may transition to RRC idle state and may select a carrier of the NGSO 430. At step 5 (e.g., alternative lb), the UE may receive a release message that may include an indication of redirect. The indication of redirect may include a cell re-selection priority IE that may indicate cell re-selection priorities based on the NTN UAC. At step 6, the UE may transition to RRC idle state and perform cell re-selection to the highest priority NTN orbit, e.g., NGSO 430 and select a carrier based on the cell re-selection priority IE. At step 7, the UE may transmit to the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit, e.g., NGSO 430, a RRC setup request message based on the NTN UAC parameter (that indicates that MMTEL service is not barred).

[0071] At step 8 of FIG. 6 (e.g., corresponding to alternative 2416), the second cell 430 may receive from the core network node 440, a session modification request indicative of termination of the MMTEL voice service. At step 9, the UE 410 may receive from the second cell 430, a release message with a redirect indication. The redirect indication may include a redirected carrier information IE that may include configuration information of dedicated GSO carrier. At step 10, the UE 410 may transition to RRC idle state and may select the dedicated GSO carrier.

[0072] FIG. 7 illustrates an aspect of an example embodiment based on an example multiorbit deployment. The deployment scenario includes a GSO 420, and two NGSOs, 430, and 431. The UE 410 may camp on a first cell provided by a first satellite of a first orbit of a first orbit type (GSO) 420. The UE 410 may receive from the first cell 420, SIB information 710 or a SIB 710 broadcast that may include information of access barring such as the UAC, NTN UAC,and / or the like. The SIB 710 may indicate that based on the NTN UAC, voice call or voice services are barred and the UE 410 may not be permitted to use the voice service. The SIB 710 may also indicate configuration of inter RAT cell re-selection that may include indication of high priority for re-selecting the NGSO 430 or 431 for voice calls or voice service. The SIB information 720 may include configuration information of inter-RAT cell re-selection. For example, the configuration information may indicate a low priority of the GSO 420 for voice calls. The SIB information 720 may also include NTN UAC parameters for different orbits. As depicted in 730, the UE 410 may be in RRC idle state and camp on the GSO cell. The UE may receive a service request for a voice service. The UE may employ the SIB 710, or the SIB 720 to perform a cell re-selection (e.g., inter-RAT cell re-selection).

[0073] In an example, the first orbit, or the second orbit may include a NTN orbit. The first orbit type or the second orbit type may include a NTN orbit type. The UE may include a NTN UE.

[0074] With respect to the method described in FIG. 2 - FIG. 7, the UE (in RRC idle / inactive) may be configured by the network (or pre-configured) to prioritize camping in a specific first NTN orbit such as the first cell (GSO). For example, the GSO cell may have high priority, because a stationary / low-mobility UE can avoid frequent cell re-selections and system information reading. As an example, the priority may be given based on frequency layer or RAT type. The UE may be configured by the first cell (that the UE has camped on) or pre-configured with information on additional NTN orbit(s), which has lower priority for camping. For example, NGSO (LEO) satellites, may be able to provide a better link budget and lower latency at the cost of more frequent mobility events.

[0075] With respect to the method described in FIG. 2 - FIG. 7, when a service is triggered in the UE, the UE may evaluate, based on cell re-selection criteria, whether to initiate communication on the first orbit or perform cell re-selection to one of the additional orbits prior to initiating the communication. The evaluation may be based on the impact of the orbit characteristics on the service. The evaluation may be based on at least one of:actual NTN orbit satellite coverage criteria, radio power / quality thresholds, and / or the like. Operator’s policy with respect to service type (e.g., real-time voice vs. delay tolerant data) and access category (e.g., critical communication) related NTN-orbit barring and (re)selection. The operator’s policy may be provided to the UE (e.g., in the device, USIM, and / or the like), as part of configuration based on RAT-type (e.g., NTN-orbit) associatedUAC parameter combination priority setting for NTN orbit barring and (re)selection, SIB broadcast data related to inter-RAT (e.g., NTN orbit) associated UAC parameter combination priority setting for NTN orbit barring and (re)selection, UE-specific configuration received by dedicated signaling based on RAT-type (e.g., NTN-orbit) associated UAC parameter combination priority setting for NTN orbit (re)selection.The altitude of the configured orbits (indicative of a propagation delay, which may impact the service).The estimated link budget of the configured orbits (considering UE and / or satellite power limitations).Pending uplink data. In an example, the UE may move to a different layer / orbit (e.g., from camping on GSO to transmitting data to a LEO) if there is uplink data. The amount of data may also be used to make the decision on cell re-selection (e.g., a data size threshold).For example, a few bits may be transmitted to the GEO, and larger data may be uploaded via LEO. The required quality of service, e.g., QoS of the pending uplink data (or traffic) may also be considered (e.g., voice call vs. a sensor reading).UE device type, e.g., depending on whether the UE is an IOT device, smartphone, or a very-small-aperture terminal (VS AT) device.

[0076] With respect to the method described in FIG. 2 - FIG. 7, the UE obtains the cell re-selection criteria as part of a SIB broadcast (e.g., SIB 19 in NR) or the UE may bepre-configured with the cell re-selection criteria. In an example, the UE may employ the cell re-selection criteria to determine expected antenna gain / output power per orbit. In an example, the UE may change / modify / update / override the re-selection priorities of the different orbits / frequency layers based on one or more of the aforementioned options or the cell re-selection criteria. The changed priority will then enable or steer the UE to perform the cell re-selection prior to initiating the data communication. If the UE determines the service requirements cannot be satisfied on the camping cell or expect the performance is significantly better (e.g., due to the difference in delay, throughput and / or link budget) on a cell of a different / additional orbit, the UE may perform a service-based cell re-selection to the additional orbit, which can better satisfy the requirements of the service.

[0077] In an example, with respect to the method described in FIG. 2 - FIG. 7, the UE may determine that a given service requirement cannot be satisfied using the orbit of the camping cell. The UE may also determine the difference in service performance between two different orbits is1significant, e.g., an estimated upload of information in 1 second instead of 10 seconds, or that UE energy may be significantly saved (due to lower transmit power, higher throughput). The UE may change the re-selection behaviour by changing the priority of the different orbits / frequency layers by switching the priorities, e.g., high priority orbit may become a low priority and vice versa, e.g., in an example of two priorities (two layers). In an example of multiple priorities, the preferred layer may be moved up / down on priority level by a number of priorities (e.g., an offset can be added to a priority value). In addition, the radio power / quality thresholds may be changed. For example, this can be done by adding a fixed value to the preferred layer thresholds and / or deducting a value from the non-preferred layer thresholds. In an example, an algorithm for change of priorities may include an exit condition, e.g., the priorities may revert after either a certain time or after a certain time after completion of the uplink data transmission.

[0078] With respect to the method described in FIG. 2 - FIG. 7, the core network (or the core network node) may assign NTN-orbit individual tracking area lists belonging to allowed area and provide the list to the UE during a registration procedure and per NAS signaling. The UE may receive from the network cell related SIB information related to priority information for cell re-selection or cell access (e.g., UAC, NTN UAC, and / or the like). The UE may also receive service type and user category related cell access and (re-)selection priorities. For example, a serving cell SIB may include IES such as NTN-spec UAC parameter IE enabling service based access barring (e.g., for MMTEL voice service) permanently while allowing cell re-selection, and ensuring that a UE can camp on a GEO cell. Configuration related to inter-frequency and inter-RAT mobility may be included in a SIB. For example, explicit priorities may be configured to NTN-orbit specific individual UAC parameter combination (e.g., associated to requested service). In other words, the UE may receive mapping information of cell re-selection priority to service type and / or user category (represented by UAC parameter combination) for individual NTN orbit type. For example, for GSO, MMTEL voice the priority may not be application because MMTEL is barred in GSO. However, for MMTEL, NGSO has the highest priority for cell re-selection. In an example, the UAC parameter may be configured by NAS signaling or may be (pre-)configured to the UE.

[0079] Therefore, with respect to the method described in FIG. 2 - FIG. 7, a UE in RRC idle or RRC inactive state may be able to select appropriate (e.g., matching priority) NTN orbit type cells that match a corresponding service type and / or user category represented by the UAC parameter. The service may be triggered based on mobile originated (MO) service trigger thatmay be requested by higher layer, or network triggered service such as mobile terminating (MT) or downlink data transmission. In the MT scenario, the UAC -related service information may be provided as part of a paging message, e.g., in paging record.

[0080] With respect to the method described in FIG. 2 - FIG. 7, for a UE in RRC connected state, a network-initiated release may be initiated (or performed) that may provide the UE with priority list (considering NTN-specific UAC criteria) with additional network-decided criteria. In other words, for NTN UE in RRC connected state, the RAN node may initiate redirect procedure as part of a RRC RELEASE message that may include information such as redirectedCarrierlnfo (dedicated NGSO-orbit carrier). If there is a single NTN target orbit, the information may include redirectedCarrierlnfo (individual NTN-orbit carrier). Therefore, the NTN UE may be enabled to steer immediately to specific NTN orbit carrier. If there are multiple NTN target orbits, the information may include cellReselectionPriorities (NTN-spec UAC cell re-selection priorities). As a result, the UE is enabled to perform a proper cell re-selection based on the specific IE for NTN that extends the priority list by providing explicit priorities for NTN orbit and (service type and / or user category) combination.

[0081] In addition, with respect to the method described in FIG. 2 - FIG. 7, a deprioritisation IE may be included in the information provided to the UE, if serving cell priority is higher than default target GSO NTN orbit carrier. Accordingly, the NTN UE may transition to RRC idle state and may perform selection of cell of dedicated NGSO-orbit referenced by redirectedCarrierlnfo or highest priority NTN-orbit carrier referenced by cellReselectionPriorities.

[0082] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a wireless station or node (e.g., UE, user device, AP, BS, eNB, gNB, RAN node, network node, TRP, or another node) 1300 according to an example embodiment. The wireless station 1300 may include, for example, one or more (e.g., two as shown in FIG. 8) RF (radio frequency) or wireless transceivers 1302A, 1302B, where each wireless transceiver includes a transmitter to transmit signals and a receiver to receive signals. The wireless station also includes a processor 1304 or control unit / entity (controller 1308) to execute instructions or software and control transmission and receptions of signals, and a memory 1306 to store data and / or instructions.

[0083] Processor 1304 may also make decisions or determinations, generate frames, packets or messages for transmission, decode received frames or messages for further processing, and other tasks or functions described herein. Processor 1304, which may be a baseband processor, for example, may generate messages, packets, frames or other signals for transmission viawireless transceiver 1302 (1302A or 1302B). Processor 1304 may control transmission of signals or messages over a wireless network, and may control the reception of signals or messages, etc., via a wireless network (e.g., after being down-converted by wireless transceiver 1302, for example). Processor 1304 may be programmable and capable of executing software or other instructions stored in memory or on other computer media to perform the various tasks and functions described above, such as one or more of the tasks or methods described above.Processor 1304 may be (or may include), for example, hardware, programmable logic, a programmable processor that executes software or firmware, and / or any combination of these. Using other terminology, processor 1304 and transceiver 1302 together may be considered as a wireless transmitter / receiver system, for example.

[0084] In addition, referring to FIG. 8, a controller 1308 (or processor 1304) may execute software and instructions, and may provide overall control for the station 1300, and may provide control for other systems not shown in FIG. 8, such as controlling input / output devices (e.g., display, keypad), and / or may execute software for one or more applications that may be provided on wireless station 1300, such as, for example, an email program, audio / video applications, a word processor, a Voice over IP application, or other application or software.

[0085] In addition, a storage medium may be provided that includes stored instructions, which when executed by a controller or processor may result in the processor 1304, or other controller or processor, performing one or more of the functions or tasks described above.

[0086] According to another example embodiment, RF or wireless transceiver(s) 1302A / 1302B may receive signals or data and / or transmit or send signals or data. Processor 1304 (and possibly transceivers 1302A / 1302B) may control the RF or wireless transceiver 1302A or 1302B to receive, send, broadcast or transmit signals or data.

[0087] Example embodiments are provided or described for each of the example methods, including: An apparatus (e.g., 1300, FIG. 8) including means (e.g., processor 1304, RF transceivers 1302A and / or 1302B, and / or memory 1306, in FIG. 8) for carrying out any of the methods; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., memory 1306, FIG. 8) comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor (processor 1304, FIG. 8), are configured to cause a computing system (e.g., 1300, FIG. 8) to perform any of the example methods; and an apparatus (e.g., 1300, FIG. 8) including at least one processor (e.g., processor 1304, FIG. 8), and at least one memory (e.g., memory 1306, FIG. 8) including computer program code, the at least one memory (1306) and the computer program codeconfigured to, with the at least one processor (1304), cause the apparatus (e.g., 1300) at least to perform any of the example methods.

[0088] Embodiments of the various techniques described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. Embodiments may be implemented as a computer program product, i.e., a computer program tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in a machine-readable storage device or in a propagated signal, for execution by, or to control the operation of, a data processing apparatus, e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers. Embodiments may also be provided on a computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium, which may be a non-transitory medium. Embodiments of the various techniques may also include embodiments provided via transitory signals or media, and / or programs and / or software embodiments that are downloadable via the Internet or other network(s), either wired networks and / or wireless networks. In addition, embodiments may be provided via machine type communications (MTC), and also via an Internet of Things (IOT).

[0089] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” or “circuit” refers to all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations, such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry, and (b) combinations of circuits and soft- ware (and / or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of processor(s) or (ii) portions of processor(s) / software including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus to perform various functions, and (c) circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of “circuitry” applies to all uses of this term in this application. As a further example, as used in this application, the term “circuitry” would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term “circuitry” would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular element, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or another network device.

[0090] The computer program may be in source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer-readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers include a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory,photoelectrical and / or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for example. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer, or it may be distributed amongst a number of computers.

[0091] Furthermore, embodiments of the various techniques described herein may use a cyber-physical system (CPS) (a system of collaborating computational elements controlling physical entities). CPS may enable the embodiment and exploitation of massive amounts of interconnected ICT devices (sensors, actuators, processors microcontrollers, ... ) embedded in physical objects at different locations. Mobile cyber physical systems, in which the physical system in question has inherent mobility, are a subcategory of cyber-physical systems.Examples of mobile physical systems include mobile robotics and electronics transported by humans or animals. The rise in popularity of smartphones has increased interest in the area of mobile cyber-physical systems. Therefore, various embodiments of techniques described herein may be provided via one or more of these technologies.

[0092] A computer program, such as the computer program(s) described above, can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a standalone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit or part of it suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0093] Method steps may be performed by one or more programmable processors executing a computer program or computer program portions to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. Method steps also may be performed by, and an apparatus may be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

[0094] Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer, chip or chipset. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. Elements of a computer may include at least one processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer also may include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storingdata, e.g., magnetic, magnetooptical disks, or optical disks. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0095] To provide for interaction with a user, embodiments may be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a user interface, such as a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

[0096] Embodiments may be implemented in a computing system that includes a backend component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a frontend component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an embodiment, or any combination of such backend, middleware, or frontend components. Components may be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN), e.g., the Internet.

[0097] Whereas certain features of the described embodiments have been illustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the various embodiments.

[0098] Some examples will be described.

[0099] Example 1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving by the apparatus, camping on a first cell provided by a first satellite of a first orbit of a first orbit type, configuration information indicative of cell re-selection criteria;determining, based on a service trigger for a first service, to perform an uplink data transmission; and re-selecting, at least in part based on the service trigger and the configuration information, a second cell provided by a second satellite of a second orbit of a second orbit type.

[0100] Example 2. The apparatus of Example 1, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform: transmitting a connection request to the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit; receiving an acceptance of the connection request to the second cell; and performing the uplink data transmission associated with the service trigger via the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

[0101] Example 3. The apparatus of Example 1 or 2, wherein the cell re-selection criteria comprises at least one of: information of cell re-selection based on a service type; information of cell re-selection based on a category of the apparatus; information of coverage of at least one of the first cell or the second cell; information of cell re-selection policy with respect to at least one of the service type, the category of the apparatus, or an access category, and wherein the cell re-selection policy is indicative of barring access to at least one of the first cell or the second cell; ephemeris information of at least one of the first satellite or the second satellite; information indicative of one or more prioritization criteria, wherein the one or more prioritization criteria is at least in part based on a radio access technology, RAT, type or a carrier frequency information of the at least one of the first cell or the second cell; information of estimated link budget associated with at least one of the first cell or the second cell; or information of uplink data comprising at least one of a type of the uplink data, a size of the uplink data, or information of a quality of service, QoS, associated with the uplink data.

[0102] Example 4. The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the re-selecting the second cell is further based on at least one of: a type of the first service; a category of the apparatus; or determining that a requirement of the first service can be satisfied by the second orbit type.

[0103] Example 5. The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the re-selecting the second cell is further based on at least one of: receiving a service trigger associated with reception of downlink data; receiving a network initiated release indication triggering a cell re-selection for NR multicast / broadcast service (MBS) over non-terrestrial network, NTN, providing NR broadcast communication service and multicast communication service; or a service trigger associated with a new radio, NR, multicast / broadcast service (MBS) over NTNproviding NR broadcast communication service and multicast communication service, wherein the multicast and / or broadcast service is provided by the second cell.

[0104] Example 6. The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the configuration information is pre-configured to the apparatus; or the apparatus is caused to receive configuration information as part of at least one of: a system information; a system information block, SIB; a radio resource control, RRC, signaling; or a non-access stratum, NAS, signaling.

[0105] Example 7. The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform: re-selecting the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit and camping on the first cell, wherein the re-selecting the first cell is at least in part based on a service termination indicative of termination of all services, or transitioning to a RRC idle state.

[0106] Example 8. The apparatus of Example 7, wherein the re-selecting the first cell is based on at least one of: a default configuration indicative of camping on the first cell; completion of the uplink data transmission via the second cell; or expiry of a timer, wherein the timer starts upon completion of a service associated with the service trigger.

[0107] Example 9. The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein a first altitude of the first orbit relative to earth is higher than a second altitude of the second orbit relative to earth.

[0108] Example 10. The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein: the first orbit type comprises a geosynchronous, GSO, orbit type; and the second orbit type comprises a non-geosynchronous, NGSO, orbit type.

[0109] Example 11. A method comprising: receiving by a user device, camping on a first cell provided by a first satellite of a first orbit of a first orbit type, configuration information indicative of cell re-selection criteria; determining, based on a service trigger for a first service, to perform an uplink data transmission; and re-selecting, at least in part based on the service trigger and the configuration information, a second cell provided by a second satellite of a second orbit of a second orbit type.

[0110] Example 12. The method of Example 11, further comprising: transmitting a connection request to the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit; receiving an acceptance of the connection request to the second cell; and performing the uplink data transmission associated with the service trigger via the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

[0111] Example 13. The method of Example 11 or 12, wherein the cell re-selection criteria comprises at least one of: information of cell re-selection based on a service type; information ofcell re-selection based on a category of the user device; information of coverage of at least one of the first cell or the second cell; information of cell re-selection policy with respect to at least one of the service type, the category of the user device, or an access category, and wherein the cell re-selection policy is indicative of barring access to at least one of the first cell or the second cell; ephemeris information of at least one of the first satellite or the second satellite; information indicative of one or more prioritization criteria, wherein the one or more prioritization criteria is at least in part based on a radio access technology, RAT, type or a carrier frequency information of the at least one of the first cell or the second cell; information of estimated link budget associated with at least one of the first cell or the second cell; or information of uplink data comprising at least one of a type of the uplink data, a size of the uplink data, or information of a quality of service, QoS, associated with the uplink data.

[0112] Example 14. The method of any one of Examples 11 to 13, wherein the re-selecting the second cell is further based on at least one of: a type of the first service; a category of the user device; or determining that a requirement of the first service can be satisfied by the second orbit type.

[0113] Example 15. The method of any one of Examples 11 to 14, wherein the re-selecting the second cell is further based on at least one of: receiving a service trigger associated with reception of downlink data; receiving a network initiated release indication triggering a cell re-selection for NR multicast / broadcast service (MBS) over non-terrestrial network, NTN, providing NR broadcast communication service and multicast communication service; or a service trigger associated with a new radio, NR, multicast / broadcast service (MBS) over NTN providing NR broadcast communication service and multicast communication service, wherein the multicast and / or broadcast service is provided by the second cell.

[0114] Example 16. The method of any one of Examples 11 to 15, wherein the configuration information is pre-configured to the user device; or the configuration information is received as part of at least one of: a system information; a system information block, SIB; a radio resource control, RRC, signaling; or a non-access stratum, NAS, signaling.

[0115] Example 17. The method of any one of Examples 11 to 16, further comprising reselecting the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit and camping on the first cell, wherein the re-selecting the first cell is at least in part based on a service termination indicative of termination of all services, or transitioning to a RRC idle state.

[0116] Example 18. The method of Example 17, wherein the re-selecting the first cell is based on at least one of: a default configuration indicative of camping on the first cell; completion of the uplink data transmission via the second cell; or expiry of a timer, wherein the timer starts upon completion of a service associated with the service trigger.

[0117] Example 19. The method of any one of Examples 11 to 18, wherein a first altitude of the first orbit relative to earth is higher than a second altitude of the second orbit relative to earth.

[0118] Example 20. The method of any one of Examples 11 to 19, wherein: the first orbit type comprises a geosynchronous, GSO, orbit type; and the second orbit type comprises a non-geosynchronous, NGSO, orbit type.

[0119] Example 21. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for performing a method of any of Examples 11 to 20.

[0120] Example 22. A computer program comprising instructions stored thereon for performing a method of any of Examples 11 to 20.

[0121] Example 23. An apparatus comprising means for performing a method of any of Examples 11 to 20.

[0122] Example 24. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving by the apparatus, camping on a first cell provided by a first satellite of a first orbit of a first orbit type, configuration information indicative of cell re-selection criteria; determining, at least in part based on a service trigger for a first service indicative of a type of the first service, at least one of a first priority value associated with the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit or a second priority value associated with a second cell provided by a second satellite of a second orbit of a second orbit type; re-selecting the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit, wherein the re-selecting is based on at least one of: the configuration information; the first priority value; or the second priority value; and transmitting a connection request to the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

[0123] Example 25. The apparatus of Example 24, wherein the apparatus is pre-configured with at least one of the first priority value or the second priority value; or the configuration information comprises pre-configuration information of at least one of: the first priority value associated with the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit; or the second priority value associated with the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

[0124] Example 26. The apparatus of Example 24 or 25, wherein the determining the at least one of the first priority value or the second priority value is based on the cell re-selection criteria, wherein the cell re-selection criteria comprises at least one of: information of cell re-selection based on a service type; information of cell re-selection based on a category of the apparatus; information of coverage of at least one of the first cell or the second cell; information of cell re-selection policy with respect to at least one of the service type, the category of the apparatus, or an access category, and wherein the cell re-selection policy is indicative of barring access to at least one of the first cell or the second cell; ephemeris information of at least one of the first satellite or the second satellite; information indicative of one or more prioritization criteria, wherein the one or more prioritization criteria is at least in part based on a radio access technology, RAT, type or a carrier frequency information of the at least one of the first cell or the second cell; information of estimated link budget associated with at least one of the first cell or the second cell; or information of uplink data comprising at least one of a type of the uplink data, a size of the uplink data, or information of a quality of service, QoS, associated with the uplink data.

[0125] Example 27. The apparatus of any one of Examples 24 to 26, wherein: the determining the first priority value or the second priority value, is at least in part based on determining whether a requirement of the first service associated with the service trigger can be satisfied by the first cell or the second cell, and wherein the re-selecting the second cell is further based on determining that the requirement of the first service can be satisfied by the second cell; or the determining the first priority value or the second priority value, is at least in part based on determining whether a requirement of the first service associated with the service trigger can be satisfied by the first orbit type or the second orbit type, and wherein the re-selecting the second cell is further based on determining that the requirement of the first service can be satisfied by the second orbit type.

[0126] Example 28. The apparatus of any one of Examples 24 to 27, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform updating the determined at least one of the first priority value or the second priority value, wherein the updating comprises at least one of: assigning a higher priority value to the first cell and a lower priority value to the second cell; assigning a higher priority value to the second cell and a lower priority value to the first cell; assigning a higher priority value to the first cell; or assigning a higher priority value to the second cell.

[0127] Example 29. The apparatus of any one of Examples 24 to 28, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform re-selecting at least one of a first default value of the first priority or a second default value of the second priority, wherein the re-selecting is based on at least one of: a default configuration indicative of at least one default priority configuration; completion of an uplink data transmission; or expiry of a timer, wherein the timer starts upon completion of a service associated with the service trigger.

[0128] Example 30. The apparatus of any one of Examples 24 to 29, wherein the determining the first priority value or the second priority value, is at least in part based on: a channel condition of the first cell or the second cell; a reference signal received power, RSRP, of the first cell or a RSRP of the second cell; or a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio, SINR, of the first cell or a SINR of the second cell.

[0129] Example 31. The apparatus of any one of Examples 24 to 30, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform re-selecting the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit and camping on the first cell, wherein the re-selecting the first cell is at least in part based on a service termination indicative of termination of all services, or transitioning to a RRC idle state.

[0130] Example 32. The apparatus of any one of Examples 24 to 31, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform: receiving an acceptance of the connection request to the second cell; and performing an uplink data transmission associated with the service trigger via the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

[0131] Example 33. The apparatus of any one of Examples 24 to 32, wherein the re-selecting the second cell is further based on at least one of: receiving a service trigger associated with reception of downlink data; receiving a network initiated release indication triggering a cell re-selection for NR multicast / broadcast service (MBS) over non-terrestrial network, NTN, providing NR broadcast communication service and multicast communication service; or a service trigger associated with a new radio, NR, multicast / broadcast service (MBS) over NTN providing NR broadcast communication service and multicast communication service, wherein the multicast and / or broadcast service is provided by the second cell.

[0132] Example 34. The apparatus of any one of Examples 24 to 33, wherein the configuration information is pre-configured to the apparatus; or the configuration information is received as part of at least one of: a system information; a system information block, SIB; a radio resource control, RRC, signaling; or a non-access stratum, NAS, signaling.

[0133] Example 35. The apparatus of any one of Examples 24 to 34, wherein a first altitude of the first orbit relative to earth is higher than a second altitude of the second orbit relative to earth.

[0134] Example 36. The apparatus of any one of Examples 24 to 35, wherein: the first orbit type comprises a geosynchronous, GSO, orbit type; and the second orbit type comprises a non-geosynchronous, NGSO, orbit type.

[0135] Example 37. A method comprising: receiving by a user device, camping on a first cell provided by a first satellite of a first orbit of a first orbit type, configuration information indicative of cell re-selection criteria; determining, at least in part based on a service trigger for a first service indicative of a type of the first service, at least one of a first priority value associated with the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit or a second priority value associated with a second cell provided by a second satellite of a second orbit of a second orbit type; re-selecting the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit, wherein the re-selecting is based on at least one of: the configuration information; the first priority value; or the second priority value; and transmitting a connection request to the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

[0136] Example 38. The method of Example 37, wherein the user device is pre-configured with at least one of the first priority value or the second priority value; or the configuration information comprises pre-configuration information of at least one of: the first priority value associated with the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit; or the second priority value associated with the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

[0137] Example 39. The method of Example 37 or 38, wherein the determining the at least one of the first priority value or the second priority value is based on the cell re-selection criteria, wherein the cell re-selection criteria comprises at least one of: information of cell re-selection based on a service type; information of cell re-selection based on a category of the user device; information of coverage of at least one of the first cell or the second cell; information of cell re-selection policy with respect to at least one of the service type, the category of the user device, or an access category, and wherein the cell re-selection policy is indicative of barring access to at least one of the first cell or the second cell; ephemeris information of at least one of the first satellite or the second satellite; information indicative of one or more prioritization criteria, wherein the one or more prioritization criteria is at least in part based on a radio access technology, RAT, type or a carrier frequency information of the at least one of the first cell orthe second cell; information of estimated link budget associated with at least one of the first cell or the second cell; or information of uplink data comprising at least one of a type of the uplink data, a size of the uplink data, or information of a quality of service, QoS, associated with the uplink data.

[0138] Example 40. The method of any one of Examples 37 to 39, wherein: the determining the first priority value or the second priority value, is at least in part based on determining whether a requirement of the first service associated with the service trigger can be satisfied by the first cell or the second cell, and wherein the re-selecting the second cell is further based on determining that the requirement of the first service can be satisfied by the second cell; or the determining the first priority value or the second priority value, is at least in part based on determining whether a requirement of the first service associated with the service trigger can be satisfied by the first orbit type or the second orbit type, and wherein the re-selecting the second cell is further based on determining that the requirement of the first service can be satisfied by the second orbit type.

[0139] Example 41. The method of any one of Examples 37 to 40, further comprising updating the determined at least one of the first priority value or the second priority value, wherein the updating comprises at least one of: assigning a higher priority value to the first cell and a lower priority value to the second cell; assigning a higher priority value to the second cell and a lower priority value to the first cell; assigning a higher priority value to the first cell; or assigning a higher priority value to the second cell.

[0140] Example 42. The method of any one of Examples 37 to 41, further comprising re-selecting at least one of a first default value of the first priority or a second default value of the second priority, wherein the re-selecting is based on at least one of: a default configuration indicative of at least one default priority configuration; completion of an uplink data transmission; or expiry of a timer, wherein the timer starts upon completion of a service associated with the service trigger.

[0141] Example 43. The method of any one of Examples 37 to 42, wherein the determining the first priority value or the second priority value, is at least in part based on: a channel condition of the first cell or the second cell; a reference signal received power, RSRP, of the first cell or a RSRP of the second cell; or a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio, SINR, of the first cell or a SINR of the second cell.

[0142] Example 44. The method of any one of Examples 37 to 43, further comprising re-selecting the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit and camping on the first cell, wherein the re-selecting the first cell is at least in part based on a service termination indicative of termination of all services, or transitioning to a RRC idle state.

[0143] Example 45. The method of any one of Examples 37 to 44, further comprising: receiving an acceptance of the connection request to the second cell; and performing an uplink data transmission associated with the service trigger via the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

[0144] Example 46. The method of any one of Examples 37 to 45, wherein the re-selecting the second cell is further based on at least one of: receiving a service trigger associated with reception of downlink data; receiving a network initiated release indication triggering a cell re-selection for NR multicast / broadcast service (MBS) over non-terrestrial network, NTN, providing NR broadcast communication service and multicast communication service; or a service trigger associated with a new radio, NR, multicast / broadcast service (MBS) over NTN providing NR broadcast communication service and multicast communication service, wherein the multicast and / or broadcast service is provided by the second cell.

[0145] Example 47. The method of any one of Examples 37 to 46, wherein the configuration information is pre-configured to the user device; or the configuration information is received as part of at least one of: a system information; a system information block, SIB; a radio resource control, RRC, signaling; or a non-access stratum, NAS, signaling.

[0146] Example 48. The method of any one of Examples 37 to 47, wherein a first altitude of the first orbit relative to earth is higher than a second altitude of the second orbit relative to earth.

[0147] Example 49. The method of any one of Examples 37 to 48, wherein: the first orbit type comprises a geosynchronous, GSO, orbit type; and the second orbit type comprises a non-geosynchronous, NGSO, orbit type.

[0148] Example 50. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for performing a method of any of Examples 37 to 49.

[0149] Example 51. A computer program comprising instructions stored thereon for performing a method of any of Examples 37 to 49.

[0150] Example 52. An apparatus comprising means for performing a method of any of Examples 37 to 49.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform:receiving by the apparatus, camping on a first cell provided by a first satellite of a first orbit of a first orbit type, configuration information indicative of cell re-selection criteria;determining, at least in part based on a service trigger for a first service indicative of a type of the first service, at least one of a first priority value associated with the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit or a second priority value associated with a second cell provided by a second satellite of a second orbit of a second orbit type;re-selecting the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit, wherein the re-selecting is based on at least one of:the configuration information;the first priority value; orthe second priority value; andtransmitting a connection request to the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is pre-configured with at least one of the first priority value or the second priority value; orthe configuration information comprises pre-configuration information of at least one of:the first priority value associated with the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit; orthe second priority value associated with the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the determining the at least one of the first priority value or the second priority value is based on the cell re-selection criteria, wherein the cell reselection criteria comprises at least one of:information of cell re-selection based on a service type;information of cell re-selection based on a category of the apparatus;information of coverage of at least one of the first cell or the second cell; information of cell re-selection policy with respect to at least one of the service type, the category of the apparatus, or an access category, and wherein the cell re-selection policy is indicative of barring access to at least one of the first cell or the second cell;ephemeris information of at least one of the first satellite or the second satellite; information indicative of one or more prioritization criteria, wherein the one or more prioritization criteria is at least in part based on a radio access technology, RAT, type or a carrier frequency information of the at least one of the first cell or the second cell;information of estimated link budget associated with at least one of the first cell or the second cell; orinformation of uplink data comprising at least one of a type of the uplink data, a size of the uplink data, or information of a quality of service, QoS, associated with the uplink data.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:the determining the first priority value or the second priority value, is at least in part based on determining whether a requirement of the first service associated with the service trigger can be satisfied by the first cell or the second cell, and wherein the re-selecting the second cell is further based on determining that the requirement of the first service can be satisfied by the second cell; orthe determining the first priority value or the second priority value, is at least in part based on determining whether a requirement of the first service associated with the service trigger can be satisfied by the first orbit type or the second orbit type, and wherein the reselecting the second cell is further based on determining that the requirement of the first service can be satisfied by the second orbit type.

395. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform updating the determined at least one of the first priority value or the second priority value, wherein the updating comprises at least one of:assigning a higher priority value to the first cell and a lower priority value to the second cell;assigning a higher priority value to the second cell and a lower priority value to the first cell;assigning a higher priority value to the first cell; orassigning a higher priority value to the second cell.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform re-selecting at least one of a first default value of the first priority or a second default value of the second priority, wherein the re-selecting is based on at least one of:a default configuration indicative of at least one default priority configuration; completion of an uplink data transmission; orexpiry of a timer, wherein the timer starts upon completion of a service associated with the service trigger.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the determining the first priority value or the second priority value, is at least in part based on:a channel condition of the first cell or the second cell;a reference signal received power, RSRP, of the first cell or a RSRP of the second cell; or a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio, SINR, of the first cell or a SINR of the second cell.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform re-selecting the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit and camping on the first cell, wherein the re-selecting the first cell is at least in part based on a service termination indicative of termination of all services, or transitioning to a RRC idle state.

409. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform:receiving an acceptance of the connection request to the second cell; andperforming an uplink data transmission associated with the service trigger via the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the re-selecting the second cell is further based on at least one of:receiving a service trigger associated with reception of downlink data;receiving a network initiated release indication triggering a cell re-selection for NR multicast / broadcast service (MBS) over non-terrestrial network, NTN, providing NR broadcast communication service and multicast communication service; ora service trigger associated with a new radio, NR, multicast / broadcast service (MBS) over NTN providing NR broadcast communication service and multicast communication service, wherein the multicast and / or broadcast service is provided by the second cell.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the configuration information is pre-configured to the apparatus; orthe configuration information is received as part of at least one of:a system information;a system information block, SIB;a radio resource control, RRC, signaling; ora non-access stratum, NAS, signaling.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a first altitude of the first orbit relative to earth is higher than a second altitude of the second orbit relative to earth.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein:the first orbit type comprises a geosynchronous, GSO, orbit type; andthe second orbit type comprises a non-geosynchronous, NGSO, orbit type.

14. A method comprising:receiving by a user device, camping on a first cell provided by a first satellite of a first orbit of a first orbit type, configuration information indicative of cell re-selection criteria;determining, at least in part based on a service trigger for a first service indicative of a type of the first service, at least one of a first priority value associated with the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit or a second priority value associated with a second cell provided by a second satellite of a second orbit of a second orbit type;re-selecting the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit, wherein the re-selecting is based on at least one of:the configuration information;the first priority value; orthe second priority value; andtransmitting a connection request to the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the user device is pre-configured with at least one of the first priority value or the second priority value; orthe configuration information comprises pre-configuration information of at least one of:the first priority value associated with the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit; orthe second priority value associated with the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein the determining the at least one of the first priority value or the second priority value is based on the cell re-selection criteria, wherein the cell re-selection criteria comprises at least one of:information of cell re-selection based on a service type;information of cell re-selection based on a category of the user device;information of coverage of at least one of the first cell or the second cell; information of cell re-selection policy with respect to at least one of the service type, the category of the user device, or an access category, and wherein the cell re-selection policy is indicative of barring access to at least one of the first cell or the second cell;ephemeris information of at least one of the first satellite or the second satellite; information indicative of one or more prioritization criteria, wherein the one or more prioritization criteria is at least in part based on a radio access technology, RAT, type or a carrier frequency information of the at least one of the first cell or the second cell;information of estimated link budget associated with at least one of the first cell or the second cell; orinformation of uplink data comprising at least one of a type of the uplink data, a size of the uplink data, or information of a quality of service, QoS, associated with the uplink data.

17. The method of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein:the determining the first priority value or the second priority value, is at least in part based on determining whether a requirement of the first service associated with the service trigger can be satisfied by the first cell or the second cell, and wherein the re-selecting the second cell is further based on determining that the requirement of the first service can be satisfied by the second cell; orthe determining the first priority value or the second priority value, is at least in part based on determining whether a requirement of the first service associated with the service trigger can be satisfied by the first orbit type or the second orbit type, and wherein the reselecting the second cell is further based on determining that the requirement of the first service can be satisfied by the second orbit type.

18. The method of any one of claims 14 to 17, further comprising updating the determined at least one of the first priority value or the second priority value, wherein the updating comprises at least one of:assigning a higher priority value to the first cell and a lower priority value to the second cell;assigning a higher priority value to the second cell and a lower priority value to the first cell;assigning a higher priority value to the first cell; orassigning a higher priority value to the second cell.4319. The method of any one of claims 14 to 18, further comprising re-selecting at least one of a first default value of the first priority or a second default value of the second priority, wherein the re-selecting is based on at least one of:a default configuration indicative of at least one default priority configuration; completion of an uplink data transmission; orexpiry of a timer, wherein the timer starts upon completion of a service associated with the service trigger.

20. The method of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the determining the first priority value or the second priority value, is at least in part based on:a channel condition of the first cell or the second cell;a reference signal received power, RSRP, of the first cell or a RSRP of the second cell; or a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio, SINR, of the first cell or a SINR of the second cell.

21. The method of any one of claims 14 to 20, further comprising re-selecting the first cell provided by the first satellite of the first orbit and camping on the first cell, wherein the re-selecting the first cell is at least in part based on a service termination indicative of termination of all services, or transitioning to a RRC idle state.

22. The method of any one of claims 14 to 21, further comprising:receiving an acceptance of the connection request to the second cell; and performing an uplink data transmission associated with the service trigger via the second cell provided by the second satellite of the second orbit.

23. The method of any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the re-selecting the second cell is further based on at least one of:receiving a service trigger associated with reception of downlink data;receiving a network initiated release indication triggering a cell re-selection for NR multicast / broadcast service (MBS) over non-terrestrial network, NTN, providing NR broadcast communication service and multicast communication service; or44a service trigger associated with a new radio, NR, multi cast / broadcast service (MBS) over NTN providing NR broadcast communication service and multicast communication service, wherein the multicast and / or broadcast service is provided by the second cell.

24. The method of any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the configuration information is pre-configured to the user device; orthe configuration information is received as part of at least one of:a system information;a system information block, SIB;a radio resource control, RRC, signaling; ora non-access stratum, NAS, signaling.

25. The method of any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein a first altitude of the first orbit relative to earth is higher than a second altitude of the second orbit relative to earth.

26. The method of any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein:the first orbit type comprises a geosynchronous, GSO, orbit type; andthe second orbit type comprises a non-geosynchronous, NGSO, orbit type.

27. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for performing a method of any of claims 14 to 26.

28. A computer program comprising instructions stored thereon for performing a method of any of claims 14 to 26.

29. An apparatus comprising means for performing a method of any of claims 14 to 26.45

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