Managing a measurement performed by a wireless device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a method for managing a measurement performed by a wireless device. The method is performed by the wireless device. The method comprises acquiring (202) first information indicative of a geographical location of the wireless device. The first information is acquired according to at least one first requirement placed on a first timing for the wireless device to acquire the first information. The method comprises performing (204) a first measurement according to at least one second requirement placed on a second timing for the wireless device to perform the first measurement.

Description

MANAGING A MEASUREMENT PERFORMED BY A WIRELESS DEVICETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods for managing a measurement performed by a wireless device, and a wireless device and network node configured to perform those methods.BACKGROUND

[0002] A wireless network can have a non-terrestrial network (NTN) component. The NTN component uses a constellation of several satellites (e.g. Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), etc.) that can orbit using one or more orbit planes.

[0003] Fig. 1 shows an example overview of a Non-terrestrial Network (NTN).

[0004] Each satellite can provide wireless network access to a wireless device positioned on, or near, the Earth’s surface via a service link. This is achieved by satellites having on board antennas that can radiate beams towards one or multiple centers of Earth-Fixed Cells (EFCs). These can be transmitter beams for the downlink (DL), and receiver beams for the uplink (UL). In the DL, the total power of the satellite antenna is shared between simultaneous DL beams, something which is not true for the UL. This setup is depicted in Fig. 1. The wireless device can, for example, be a user equipment (UE). Herein, a UE is an example of any reference to a wireless device, and thus the terms can be used interchangeably.

[0005] The satellite antenna is connected to a Radio Access Network (RAN) node, e.g. a Base station in New Radio (gNB) in the case of 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) New Radio (NR). Depending on the architecture, components of the nodes can be located either on the ground, or onboard the satellite. The ground components and the onboard components are connected through satellite gateways via the feeder link.

[0006] Like the terrestrial network, each node is expected to provide coverage to a specific territory by dividing the area into coverage sectors. In the case of NTN, the nodes use the satellites as mediums to transmit the corresponding radio signals through the beams towards those areas.

[0007] The logging area (areaConflguration Information Element (IE) in the RRC specification), if present, configures the area scope where the wireless device can log Minimization of Drive Test (MDT) measurement. In the current area scope selection forlogged MDT, the wireless device can already collect MDT measurements in NTN cells. This is through the legacy area scope choices that include e.g. Cell Global Identity (CGI)-based, Tracking Area Code (TAC)-based, PLMN-wide and so on. However, an NTN cell generally provides a much larger coverage area than a Terrestrial Network (TN) cell, and the coverage area may include multiple counties or countries. Moreover, for NTN earth moving cells deployments, the satellite cells swipe the surface of the Earth meaning that, at two different points in time the same geographical area may be covered by two different NTN cells.

[0008] There currently exist certain challenge(s).

[0009] The legacy area scope choices cannot offer fine enough granularity to enable the collection of MDT measurement for the NTN coverage in a specific geographical area.

[0010] To allow an operator to collect MDT measurements in a geographical area with smaller / finer granularity than cells, the following agreement was reached in RAN3#126:RAN3 assumes both geographical area and the mapped cell Identifier (ID) as Area Scope of logged MDT for NTN over Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP) are feasible and confirm with RAN2 whether the geographical area defined for MBS NTN can be reused for MDT NTN.

[0011] The text of this agreement contains a reference to geographical area defined for MBS NTN. If the area scope of logged MDT is similar to (or with) the geographical area defined for MBS NTN, the wireless device needs to check its geographical area before determining whether or not to start performing logged MDT measurement. However, in an RRC IDLE / RRC INACTIVE state, an NTN wireless device is not required to continuously measure its location. If, when, and how the wireless device estimates the location depends on wireless device implementation. From a wireless device energy saving point of view, the wireless device may not frequently check the position, or may not even check the position at all in RRC IDLE / RRC INACTIVE state, because Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements are energy consuming and drains the battery of the wireless device.SUMMARY

[0012] Certain aspects of the disclosure and their embodiments may provide solutions to the above-described challenges, or other challenges.

[0013] In particular, a problem that needs to be solved is how to configure the area scope for logged MDT in NTN deployment and what is the wireless device behaviour if the areascope is configured but the wireless device has no available estimated location information. More importantly, as GNSS measurements may be needed, solutions are needed to avoid draining the battery of the wireless device due to area scope checking.

[0014] Accordingly, in one aspect, there is provided a first method for managing a measurement performed by a wireless device. The first method is performed by the wireless device. The first method comprises acquiring first information indicative of a geographical location of the wireless device. The first information is acquired according to at least one first requirement placed on a first timing for the wireless device to acquire the first information. The first method comprises performing a first measurement according to at least one second requirement placed on a second timing for the wireless device to perform the first measurement

[0015] In another aspect, there is provided a second method for managing a measurement performed by a wireless device. The second method is performed by a network node. The second method comprises transmitting, to the wireless device, one or both of at least one first requirement and at least one second requirement according to which the wireless device is to operate. The at least one first requirement is placed on a first timing for the wireless device to acquire first information indicative of a geographical location of the wireless device. The at least one second requirement is placed on a second timing for the wireless device to perform a first measurement.

[0016] In another aspect, there is provided a method performed by a system. The method performed by the system comprises the first method and the second method.

[0017] In another aspect, there is provided a wireless device comprising processing circuitry configured to cause the wireless device to perform the first method.

[0018] In another aspect, there is provided a network node comprising processing circuitry configured to cause the network node to perform the second method.

[0019] In another aspect, there is provided a system comprising the wireless device and the network node.

[0020] In another aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform one or both of the first method and the second method.

[0021] In another aspect, there is provided a computer program product, embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising instructions which are executable by processing circuitry to cause the processing circuitry to perform one or both of the first method and the second method.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] For a beter understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and to show how it may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Fig. 1 shows an example overview of a Non-terrestrial Network (NTN);

[0024] Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method in accordance with some embodiments;

[0025] Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method in accordance with some embodiments;

[0026] Fig. 4 shows an example of a communication system in accordance with some embodiments;

[0027] Fig. 5 shows an example of another communication system in accordance with some embodiments;

[0028] Fig. 6 shows a wireless device in accordance with some embodiments;

[0029] Fig. 7 shows a network node in accordance with some embodiments; and

[0030] Fig. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Some of the embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject mater to those skilled in the art. Additional information may also be found in the document(s) provided in the Appendix.

[0032] Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless a different meaning is clearly given and / or is implied from the context in which it is used. All references to a / an / the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any methods disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless a step is explicitly described as following or preceding another step and / or where it is implicit that a step must follow or precede another step. Any feature of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment, wherever appropriate. Likewise, any advantage of any of the embodiments may apply to any other embodiments, and vice versa.

[0033] Other objectives, features and advantages of the enclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following description.

[0034] There are disclosed herein improved methods for managing a measurement performed by a wireless device.

[0035] Fig. 2 depicts a first method in accordance with particular embodiments. The first method is for managing a measurement performed by a wireless device. The first method may be performed by a wireless device (e.g. UE 412, station 512 or wireless device 600 as described later with reference to Figs. 4, 5 and 6 respectively).

[0036] The first method begins at step 202, in which first information is acquired. The first information is indicative of a geographical location of the wireless device. The first information is acquired according to at least one first requirement placed on a first timing for the wireless device to acquire the first information. At step 204, a first measurement is performed according to at least one second requirement placed on a second timing for the wireless device to perform the first measurement.

[0037] The at least one first requirement may be selected by the wireless device (e.g. the at least one first requirement is left to wireless device implementation). Alternatively, the at least one first requirement may be configured by a network node (e.g. the at least one first requirement is at least one first configuration configured by the network node) and the method may comprise receiving the at least one first requirement from the network node.

[0038] The at least one first requirement may be received from the network node via at least one satellite of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or via a terrestrial network (TN).

[0039] The at least one first requirement may comprise any one or more of: a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information in each period within which the wireless device is to perform the first measurement or in only some of the periods within which the wireless device is to perform the first measurement; a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the geographical location of the wireless device changes or when the geographical location of the wireless device has changes by more than a threshold amount; a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information frequently enough to identify when the wireless device enters a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement; a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device is within a maximum allowed distance from a border of the first geographical area; and a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device is within a predefined coverage area.

[0040] The at least one first requirement may comprise a requirement that the wireless device is to provide second information when the first information is indicative that thegeographical location of the wireless device has not changed since the wireless device performed a second measurement that precedes the first measurement. The second information may be indicative that the geographical location of the wireless device has not changed since the wireless device performed the second measurement.

[0041] The first timing may be based on any one or more of: a battery level of the wireless device; a speed of the wireless device; an accuracy with which the wireless device is capable of performing the first measurement; and a type of wireless device that the wireless device is.

[0042] The at least one first requirement may comprise a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information based on information acquired from one or more sensors internal to the wireless device.

[0043] The at least one first requirement may comprise any one or more of: a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device leaves a Radio Resource Control, RRC, connected state; a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information at the time the wireless device starts performing the first measurement; a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information once at the start of a time period within which the wireless device performs the first measurement; a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device transitions from one coverage area to another coverage area; a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information once every set unit of time; a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information according to a periodicity calculated based on a factor associated with a frequency range of a carrier associated with the wireless device; and a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device is within a set coverage area.

[0044] The at least one second requirement may be selected by the wireless device (e.g. the at least one second requirement is left to wireless device implementation). Alternatively, the at least one second requirement may be configured by a network node (e.g. the at least one second requirement is at least one second configuration configured by the network node) and the method may comprise receiving the at least one second requirement from the network node.

[0045] The at least one second requirement is received from the network node via at least one satellite of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or via a terrestrial network (TN).

[0046] The at least one second requirement may be based on the at least one first requirement.

[0047] The at least one second requirement may comprise any one or more of: a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the wirelessdevice has acquired the first information or irrespective of whether the wireless device has acquired the first information; a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the first information is indicative that the geographical location of the wireless device is within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement; a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the first information is indicative that the geographical location of the wireless device has changed from being outside the first geographical area to being within the first geographical area; and a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the first information is indicative that geographical location of the wireless device is within a first coverage area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement.

[0048] The at least one second requirement may comprise a requirement that the wireless device is to stop performing the first measurement in response to one or both of: the first information becoming unavailable; and the first information being indicative that the wireless device has changed from being within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement to being outside the first geographical area. The first method may comprise acquiring a LoggedMeasurementConfiguration comprising an areaConfiguration. The areaConfiguration may be indicative of the first geographical area. The first geographical area may be defined as any one or more of: one or more polygons; one or more circles; and one or more ellipses.

[0049] The at least one second requirement may comprise a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement for a set time period if the first information is unavailable; and a requirement that the wireless device is to stop performing the first measurement if the first information continues to be unavailable during the set time period or to continue performing the first measurement after the set time period if the first information becomes available during the set time period.

[0050] The first method may comprise, if the first information is available, acquiring the first information and transmitting the first information to a network node. The first method may comprise, if the first information is unavailable, transmitting third information to the network node. The third information may be indicative that the first information is unavailable.

[0051] The first method may comprise transmitting the first information to the network node with one or more of: a time at which the wireless device acquired the first information; a time interval in which the wireless device acquired the first information; a distance between the wireless device and a reference location; an indication of whether the distance between thewireless device and the reference location exceeds a threshold distance; and an indication of whether the wireless device acquired the first information when the wireless device was within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement or when the wireless device was outside the first geographical area.

[0052] An availability of the first information may be indicative that the wireless device is within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement, and an unavailability of the first information may be indicative that the wireless device is outside the first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement.

[0053] The first method may comprise, if the first information is available, determining, based on the acquired first information, whether the wireless device is within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement. The first method may comprise, if the first information is unavailable, determining, based on fourth information previously acquired by the wireless device, whether the wireless device is within the first geographical area. The fourth information may be indicative of a previous geographical location of the wireless device.

[0054] The first method may comprise determining whether the wireless device is within the first geographical area based on the fourth information if a time period since acquiring the fourth information is less than a maximum time period.

[0055] The first information may be acquired while the wireless device is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state or an RRC inactive state.

[0056] The first measurement may be performed while the wireless device is in a Radio Resource Control, RRC, idle state or an RRC inactive state.

[0057] The first method may comprise receiving, from a network node, information indicative of a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement.

[0058] The information may be received from the network node via at least one satellite of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or via a terrestrial network (TN).

[0059] The first measurement may be a Minimization of Drive Test (MDT) measurement.

[0060] Fig. 3 depicts a second method in accordance with particular embodiments. The second method is for managing a measurement performed by a wireless device. The second method may be performed by a network node (e.g. network node 410, access point 510 or network node 700 as described later with reference to Figs. 4, 5 and 7 respectively).

[0061] The second method begins at step 302, in which one or both of at least one first requirement and at least one second requirement, according to which the wireless device is to operate, is transmitted to the wireless device. The at least one first requirement is placed on a first timing for the wireless device to acquire first information indicative of a geographical location of the wireless device. The at least one second requirement is placed on a second timing for the wireless device to perform a first measurement.

[0062] The second method may comprise receiving one or both of the at least one first requirement and the at least one second requirement from an Operations, Administration and Maintenance (0AM) node.

[0063] One or both of the at least one first requirement and the at least one second requirement may be configured by the network node (e.g. the at least one first requirement is at least one first configuration configured by the network node and / or the at least one second requirement is at least one second configuration configured by the network node).

[0064] One or both of the at least one first requirement and the at least one second requirement may be transmitted to the wireless device via at least one satellite of a nonterrestrial network (NTN) or via a terrestrial network (TN).

[0065] The at least one first requirement comprises any one or more of: a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information in each period within which the wireless device is to perform the first measurement or in only some of the periods within which the wireless device is to perform the first measurement; a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the geographical location of the wireless device changes or when the geographical location of the wireless device has changes by more than a threshold amount; a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information frequently enough to identify when the wireless device enters a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement; a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device is within a maximum allowed distance from a border of the first geographical area; and a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device is within a predefined coverage area.

[0066] The at least one first requirement may comprise a requirement that the wireless device is to provide second information when the first information is indicative that the geographical location of the wireless device has not changed since the wireless device performed a second measurement that precedes the first measurement, wherein the secondinformation is indicative that the geographical location of the wireless device has not changed since the wireless device performed the second measurement.

[0067] The first timing may be based on any one or more of: a battery level of the wireless device; a speed of the wireless device exceeds; an accuracy with which the wireless device is capable of performing the first measurement; and a type of wireless device that the wireless device is.

[0068] The at least one first requirement may comprise a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information based on information acquired from one or more sensors internal to the wireless device.

[0069] The at least one first requirement may comprise any one or more of: a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device leaves a Radio Resource Control, RRC, connected state; a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information at the time the wireless device starts performing the first measurement; a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information once at the start of a time period within which the wireless device performs the first measurement; a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device transitions from one coverage area to another coverage area; a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information once every set unit of time; a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information according to a periodicity calculated based on a factor associated with a frequency range of a carrier associated with the wireless device; and a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device is within a set coverage area.

[0070] The at least one second requirement may be based on the at least one first requirement.

[0071] The at least one second requirement may comprise any one or more of: a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the wireless device has acquired the first information or irrespective of whether the wireless device has acquired the first information; a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the first information is indicative that the geographical location of the wireless device is within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement; a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the first information is indicative that the geographical location of the wireless device has changed from being outside the first geographical area to being within thefirst geographical area; and a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the first information is indicative that geographical location of the wireless device is within a first coverage area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement.

[0072] The at least one second requirement may comprise a requirement that the wireless device is to stop performing the first measurement in response to one or both of: the first information becoming unavailable; and the first information being indicative that the wireless device has changed from being within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement to being outside the first geographical area.

[0073] The at least one second requirement may comprise a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement for a set time period if the first information is unavailable; and a requirement that the wireless device is to stop performing the first measurement if the first information continues to be unavailable during the set time period or to continue performing the first measurement after the set time period if the first information becomes available during the set time period.

[0074] The second method may comprise receiving the first information from the wireless device, or receiving third information from the wireless device. The third information may be indicative that the first information is unavailable.

[0075] The second method may comprise receiving the first information from the wireless device with one or more of: a time at which the wireless device acquired the first information; a time interval in which the wireless device acquired the first information; a distance between the wireless device and a reference location; an indication of whether the distance between the wireless device and the reference location exceeds a threshold distance; and an indication of whether the wireless device acquired the first information when the wireless device was within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement or when the wireless device was outside the first geographical area.

[0076] An availability of the first information may be indicative that the wireless device is within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement, and an unavailability of the first information is indicative that the wireless device is outside the first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement.

[0077] The second method may comprise transmitting, to the wireless device, information indicative of a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement.

[0078] The information may be transmitted to the wireless device via at least one satellite of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or via a terrestrial network (TN).

[0079] The first measurement may be a Minimization of Drive Test (MDT) measurement.

[0080] There are described herein logged MDT enhancements for NTN related to area scope restriction.

[0081] MDTs can be divided into two types based on wireless device states when the measurement results are collected, namely immediate MDT and logged MDT. Immediate MDT results are collected by the wireless device while it is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected (RRC_CONNECTED) state, and logged MDT results are collected by the wireless device while it is an RRC idle or inactive (RRC IDLE / INACTIVE) state. However, the wireless device transmits the logged MDT report to the network once it comes back to the RRC CONNECTED state. The duration of collecting logged MDT results is defined by a timer (namely, a T330 timer) and wireless device stores any potential un-retrieved reports up to 48hours after expiration of the timer.

[0082] Both immediate MDT and logged MDT can further be divided into two types based on so called wireless device selection, signalling based and management based. Signalling based MDT is configured to a specific wireless device. The Core Network (CN) forwards the necessary MDT configuration to the Radio Access Network (RAN) along with the specific wireless device information and the RAN configures the wireless device. On the other hand, management-based MDT has its origin from Operations, Administration and Maintenance (0AM) which provides the configuration to the RAN without any specific wireless device information. The RAN selects the wireless device(s) based on their consent information, a so-called User Consent.

[0083] In this disclosure, a wireless device can be referred to as any device using the service of a wireless network. The wireless device referred to herein can, for example, be a user equipment (UE) and thus these two terms are interchangeable. A network node can be referred to as a node capable of providing services to a wireless device. Any method step described herein as being performed by the “network” may be performed by a “network node” of the network, and thus these terms are interchangeable herein. The techniques described herein are primarily described in terms of NR, but it will be understood that the techniques described herein can also be applied to Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), and NR as well as future RATs such as sixth generation (6G).

[0084] The terms “measurement collection”, “measurements”, and “MDT measurement” can be used interchangeably.

[0085] The proposed solutions describe how a wireless device can be configured and perform the logged MDT measurement with geographical area scope which restricts the area in which the wireless device performs the MDT measurements.

[0086] The network node can configure a wireless device with geographical area scope for logged MDT with or without knowing the wireless device’s capability of location estimation in RRC IDLE / RRC INACTIVE prior to entering the configured geographical area. When monitoring its position outside the configured geographical area and when performing the MDT logging, there are alternatives of how the wireless device estimates its position and how the wireless device reports the logged MDT measurements and other related information.

[0087] The methods described herein propose ways for the wireless device to minimise the geolocation measurements, outside or inside the configured geographical area, as well as methods according to which the network provides instructions on the frequency of which location information reporting is needed from the wireless device.

[0088] The disclosure defines a procedure and the corresponding Information Elements (IES) with respect to how a wireless device can be configured and how a wireless device can perform the logged MDT measurement with geographical area scope which restricts the area in which the wireless device performs the MDT measurement.

[0089] Certain embodiments may provide one or more of the following technical advantage(s).

[0090] The techniques described herein enable a wireless device to log an MDT measurement in a specified way while it can keep its energy consumption level for location estimation in RRC IDLE / RRC INACTIVE acceptable, so that when receiving the logged MDT report, the network can know how this MDT measurement is logged (e.g. know that this MDT measurement is logged within the configured geographical area scope).

[0091] Methods to reduce the GNSS measurements

[0092] As mentioned earlier, GNSS measurements can drain the battery of a wireless device. To address the problem of battery draining GNSS measurements, methods are needed to minimise or reduce the wireless device’s need to perform GNSS measurement to determine whether it is inside or outside the area scope. Hence, when a wireless device has received a logged MDT measurement configuration including an area scope defined as a geographical area (e.g. defined as one or more polygon(s), circle(s) and / or ellipse(s)) and transitions to RRC IDLE or RRC INACTIVE state (and thus can start assessing whether to start performingand logging MDT measurements), it may use the methods described herein to minimise or reduce its GNSS measurements in order to save energy. To this end, a wireless device may use one or more of these methods, each of which may be either configured by the network, wireless device implementation specific, and / or specified in a standard:• The wireless device may use a frequency of position measurements (e.g.GNSS measurements) that depends on the wireless device’s distance to the closest border of the area scope (as indicated by the latest position measurement). This may be realised as a single threshold, changing between two position measurement frequencies (e.g. a lower frequency when the distance is above the threshold and a higher frequency otherwise). As another option, multiple steps may be used, e.g. realized in the form of multiple distance thresholds, where each consecutive threshold in the direction away from the area scope border may decrease the GNSS measurement frequency and vice versa. Yet another variant of a distancebased GNSS measurement frequency is to use a formula which the wireless device may use to calculate the GNSS measurement frequency as a function of the wireless device’s distance to the closest area scope border (wherein the GNSS measurement frequency may decrease (e.g. continuously) with increasing distance).• The wireless device may use an estimate of its speed in combination with the distance to the closest border of the area scope to determine when to next measure its location and / or how frequently to measure its location (e.g. the higher the speed and the shorter the distance, the sooner to measure the next time and / or the higher GNSS measurement frequency). Optionally, the wireless device may also take the direction of its movement into account (e.g. movement direction towards the area may mean higher GNSS measurement frequency and vice versa).• The wireless device may use information obtained using internal sensors, such as accelerometer(s), compass(es), and / or gyro(s), to estimate its own position and / or movement between GNSS measurements, and use such estimates to determine whether it is located inside or outside the area scope. This may be a way for the wireless device to extend the time intervals between GNSS measurements. In a variation of this method, the wirelessdevice may not fully rely on such information from internal sensors, but may use it to determine when it needs to check its position using GNSS again and / or to extend the time intervals between GNSS measurements.• The above methods may be used both when the wireless device is inside and outside the area, or they may be used only for one of these cases, or different methods may be used depending on whether the wireless device is inside or outside the area.

[0093] Each of the above methods may be fully, or in part, configured by the network, specified in a standard, or realised through wireless device implementation. Information in such a configuration or specification may, for example, comprise an indication of whether to use a certain method and values of parameters needed to perform the method (e.g. distance threshold values).

[0094] An example of a step-by-step method may now be described.

[0095] STEP 1: The network node (e.g. a RAN node) may receive, from the 0AM, an MDT configuration. Such a configuration may be for Signalling Based or Management Based MDT and may include an indication of an area scope within which MDT measurements are to be performed. Optionally, as part of this configuration, the 0AM may request for wireless device location information to be included in the MDT measurement report, or such information may be implicitly part of the measurements the wireless device is to collect and report to the network.

[0096] As another option, as part of this configuration, the 0AM may include indications of the frequency, and the granularity at which wireless device location information is required. For example, the MDT configuration may include an indication made of (e.g. may comprise information indicative of) one or more of the following:The wireless device is to measure and (according to one configuration option) log its location at every logging period (e.g. the location is logged with other configured measurements)The wireless device is to measure and (according to one configuration option) log its locations or the radio measurements not necessarily at each logging period. Details on the frequency of the location logging may be included, e.g. location logging may be needed every n logging periods.The wireless device is to measure and (according to one configuration option) log its location at a logging period and only if the location changes. Theconfiguration may specify the level of changes needed for the wireless device to log the location information, e.g. this can be indicated by a threshold for the change of position such as a distance in centimetres or meters from the previously logged position. If the wireless device moves of a distance greater than this threshold, the location may be logged at the next logging period. The configuration may specify that the level of changes needed for the wireless device to log the location information is expressed in terms of cell, or polygon, or circle, or ellipse, and the wireless device is requested to log location information indicating that it has moved to a different cell, or polygon, or circle, or ellipse compared to the previously logged position. The wireless device is to measure and (according to one configuration option) logs the information (e.g., a flag) indicating that its location has not changed since the last logging occasion. The configuration may specify the level of changes needed for the wireless device to log the information that its location has not changed. For example, this may be indicated by a threshold for the change in the wireless device position such as a distance from the previously logged position. The configuration may specify that the level of changes needed for the wireless device to log the information that its location has not changed since the last logging occasion is expressed in terms of cell, or polygon, or circle, or ellipse, and the wireless device is requested to log information indicating that it has not moved if it is still in a the same cell, or polygon, or circle, or ellipse compared to the previously logged position. The wireless device is to start logging the measurements contained in the MDT configuration as soon as the wireless device enters the MDT area specified for the measurement collection. Namely, if this area is defined as a geographical area, the wireless device is to check its location frequently enough to identify when the wireless device enters the area. The configuration may specify the maximum allowed distance between the wireless device and the closest point on the border of the collection area. If the wireless device is within such distance to the border, the wireless device is to start measuring its own location and possibly logging it, if the wireless device is outside the area of more than such distance, the wireless device is not to measure its own location. Such distance can be defined in, for example, centimetres or meters.The wireless device is to start measuring and logging its position if it is served by one or more specific cells or tracking areas or registration areas.The configuration may include an area scope border hysteresis, in order to reduce the risk that the wireless device will frequently change back and forth between regarding itself as being inside and outside the area scope. This can also serve to somewhat relax the need for frequent GNSS measurements, i.e. the GNSS measurement frequency may be reduced.The configuration may include a configuration of any of the above-described methods for reducing the GNSS measurements. Such a configuration may, for example, comprise an indication of whether to use a certain method and values of parameters needed to perform the method (e.g. distance threshold values).

[0097] The above information included in the MDT configuration can be provided separately for each area scope. For example, an MDT area scope may comprise one or more polygons, one or more circles, one or more ellipses, or one or more geographical areas, wherein each MDT area scope may be configured with a specific MDT configuration comprising, for example, a specific logging interval for the logging of the location information or radio measurements, a specific accuracy (e.g. meters, centimetres, etc.) for the retrieval of the location information, a specific configuration of radio measurements to be collected within the said area scope.

[0098] The location monitoring requirements (e.g. including location logging as part of MDT measurements) can be different when the wireless device is outside or inside the configured geographical area (or set of geographical areas). For the case where the wireless device is monitoring its location (e.g. where the wireless device is outside the geographical area(s)), the requirements may be any one or more of the following:Configured by the network (e.g. using legacy configuration or methods above).Left to wireless device implementation. In that case, the wireless device may apply periodical location monitoring based on, for example, its battery level, speed, accuracy, wireless device type, etc.o The wireless device may log these periodicity parameter(s) and include them in the MDT measurements sent to the network, e.g. as part of an “outside geographical area” assistance information. These parameters can include, but are not limited to any one or more of:■ said periodicity;■ a last measured position outside the configured geographical area; and■ a time of the last measured position.o The network may use this information to estimate the amount of data that is not reported by the wireless device, as well as its accuracy.

[0099] The MDT configuration may include parameter(s) indicating requested level(s) of accuracy / precision or frequency in the logging and / or reporting of wireless device location which is(are) a function of the wireless device mobility state, or a function of the wireless device speed. In one case, an MDT configuration parameter may indicate that the frequency with which wireless device(s) is to log wireless device position is to follow the same scaling factor as used for cell reselection when the wireless device(s) are in normal mobility state, or in medium mobility state, or in high mobility state. In another case, MDT configuration parameter(s) may indicate(s) a requested accuracy in the wireless device location per wireless device mobility state (or per range of wireless device speed). For instance, it may be that a wireless devices in high mobility state or in a medium-mobility state is to log wireless device location with “tens of meter” accuracy, and a wireless devices in a normal-mobility state is to log wireless device location with “meter” accuracy.

[0100] The logged measurement configuration or, more specifically, the logged MDT configuration parameters may comprise (e.g. may consist of) any one or more of the following:- Configuration of downlink pilot strength measurements logging for Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRA) or Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA) and NR. - Configuration of Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) measurement logging for E-UTRA.- Configuration of the triggering of logging events:- For (E-)UTRAN:- A periodic measurement trigger is supported, for which the logging interval is configurable. The parameter specifies the periodicity for storing MDT measurement results. It can be configured in seconds in multiples of the applied IDLE mode Discontinuous Reception (DRX), i.e. multiples of 1.28s which is either a factor or multiple of the IDLE mode DRX. The wireless device behaviour is unspecified when the wireless device is configured with a DRX cycle larger than the logging interval.For NR:- A periodic measurement trigger is supported, for which the logging interval is configurable. The parameter specifies the periodicity for storing MDT measurement results.- For E-UTRAN and NR:- An event-based trigger is supported, for which the logging interval is configurable, which determines periodical logging of available data (e.g. time stamp, location information, etc.), and the following two types of events are supported:• A measurement quantity-based event Layer 1 (LI), for which the event threshold, hysteresis, and time to trigger are configurable. If the configured time to trigger is not a multiple of the DRX cycle, then the wireless device uses the next multiple of DRX cycle duration that is larger than the time to trigger for evaluating the event LI; and• An out-of-coverage detection trigger.NOTE: The logging configuration for event-based and periodical DL pilot strength logged measurements can be configured independently. It may be that only one type of event can be configured to the wireless device.- Configuration of the logging duration. This configuration parameter defines a timer activated at the moment of configuration, that continues independent of state changes, Radio Access Technology (RAT) or Registered Public Land Mobile Network (RPLMN) change. When the timer expires, the logging is stopped and the configuration is cleared (except for the parameters that are required for further reporting, e.g. network absolute time stamp, trace reference, trace recording session reference, and Trace Collection Entity Identifier (TCE Id)).- Network absolute time stamp to be used as a time reference to wireless device.- Trace Reference parameter as indicated by the 0AM configuration as specified in 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 32.422 Version (V) 19.2.0.- Trace Recording Session Reference as indicated by the 0AM configuration as specified in 3 GPP TS 32.422 V 19.2.0.- TCE Id as indicated by the 0AM configuration as specified in 3GPP TS 32.422 V 19.2.0.- MDT Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) List, indicating the PLMNs where measurement collection and log reporting is allowed. It is either the Management Based MDT PLMN List or the Signalling Based MDT PLMN List, depending on how the Logged MDT task was initiated.- Configuration of a logging area. A wireless device will log measurements as long as it is within the configured logging area. The scope of the logging area may consist of one of:- A list of up to 32 global cell identities for PLMN, and, for NR, additionally a list of up to 256 Public Network Integrated NPNs (PNI-NPNs). If one or both of these lists are configured, the wireless device will only log measurements when camping in any of the cells belonging to the list of global cell identities, or in any of the cells belonging to the listed PNI-NPNs.- A list of up to 8 Tracking Areas (TAs) or 8 Location Areas (LAs) or 8 Routing Areas (RAs) for PLMN, and, for NR, additionally a list of up to 256 PNI-NPNs. If one or both of these lists are configured, the wireless device will only log measurements when camping in any cell belonging to the preconfigured TA / LA / RAs, or in any of the cells belonging to the listed PNI-NPNs. - For NR, a list of inter-frequency neighbouring cells per frequency.- For NR, a list of up to 256 PNI-NPNs.- For NR, a list of up to 16 Standalone NPNs (SNPNs).- For NR, a list of up to 32 global cell identities for SNPN. If this list is configured, the wireless device will only log measurements when camping in any of these cells.- For NR, a list of up to 8 TAs for SNPN. If this list is configured, the wireless device will only log measurements when camping in any cell belonging to the configured TAs.- The configured logging area can span one of:- PLMNs in the MDT PLMN List. If no area is configured, the wireless device will log measurements throughout the PLMNs of the MDT PLMN list.- Any configured SNPN area.- For NR, configuration of a list of neighbouring frequencies and / or cells, indicating the wireless device to include a neighbouring cell's measurements as indicated in the list in the logged MDT report.- For E-UTRA, configuration of target MBSFN area(s) for MBSFN measurement logging. If target MBSFN area(s) is configured, the wireless device applies it in addition to other restrictions such as the logging area. The wireless device will log measurements as long as it receives a Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) from an indicated target MBSFN area and is within the configured logging area. The target MBSFN area(s) is defined by a list of up to 8 entries, where each entry indicates a carrier frequency and optionally indicates a specific MBSFN area on a carrier frequency.- Configuration of the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) access point names, indicating the wireless device to attempt to obtain WLAN measurements associated to these access points.- Configuration of the Bluetooth beacon names, indicating the wireless device to attempt to obtain Bluetooth measurements associated to these beacons.- For NR, configuration of the sensor names, indicating the wireless device to attempt to obtain sensor measurements.- For E-UTRA, configuration indicating the wireless device to attempt to obtain uncompensated barometric pressure measurements.- For NR, the network can use a flag to indicate if an early measurement / idle mode configuration has relevance for logged measurement purposes, indicating the wireless device is allowed to log the measurement results related to early measurement frequencies in the logged MDT report.- For NR and E-UTRA, logged MDT type flag, indicating the logged measurement configuration is the signalling based MDT.

[0101] The MDT configuration may include per-area scope related parameters indicating different requested accuracy / precision or frequency in the logging and / or reporting of wireless device position. For example, if the MDT area scope comprises a list of polygons, or circles, or ellipses, and there is a need to obtain different accuracy for the wireless device location for different polygons, or circles, or ellipses, the MDT configuration can include parameter(s) indicating different measurement units in space for wireless device location that wireless device is to consider in different polygons, circles, or ellipses. A possible application of this can be that, for a portion of the MDT area that comprises a rural area, the requested wireless device location accuracy can be “tens of meters, or meters”, while for another portion of the MDT area that comprises a factory, the requested wireless device location accuracy can be“meters” or “centimetres”. According to this method, when the wireless device determines that it has entered a certain area scope, the wireless device may change the accuracy of the logging of the location information, e.g. a wireless device that determines that it has moved from an area scope 1 in which the location is configured to be measured in meters, into an area scope 2 in which the location is configured to be measured in centimetres.

[0102] Similarly, an area scope may be associated with (or to) a logging interval for the logging of location information or radio measurements. According to this method, when the wireless device determines that it has entered a certain area scope, the wireless device may change the logging interval, e.g. a wireless device that determines that it has moved from an area scope 1 in which the location is configured to be measured every Isec, into an area scope 2 in which the location is configured to be measured every 100ms.

[0103] The MDT configuration can indicate two (or more) levels of requested precisions in wireless device location. For example, the MDT configuration can indicate a default, more rough level of precision (e.g. in “meters”) and an alternative level of precision (e.g. “centimetres”), to be used for logging if the alternative level of precision is possible, or not requested by other criteria (e.g. based on wireless device mobility state or wireless device speed); or with a default logging interval. In one variation, the MDT configuration can indicate a default, more precise level of precision (e.g. in “meters”) and an alternative level of precision (e.g. “tenths of meters”), to be used for logging if the alternative level of precision is not possible, or not requested by other criteria. Another option is that the wireless device may use the best precision it can achieve in case it cannot achieve the default precision (or other configured precision). In another method, the wireless device may use the default values, if it is outside certain area scopes.

[0104] With this information and other data contained in the MDT configuration, the network node (e.g. the RAN) is able to configure the wireless device for measurement collection and logging

[0105] STEP 2: While the NTN wireless device is in an RRC_CONNECTED state, it may be configured to perform logging of measurement results while in an RRC IDLE and RRC INACTIVE. The wireless device may receive the logged MDT configuration when it is in the RRC CONNECTED from a terrestrial network cell, or from a non-terrestrial network cell.

[0106] The network (NW) may send the geographical area scope configuration for logged MDT to the wireless device according to one of the two options below. The geographical area scope configuration can be transmitted to the wireless device together with the other loggedMDT configuration parameters, such as those described in Step 1, or through another RRC message which is separated from the other logged MDT configurations. The criteria based on which such information is signalled to the wireless device may be any one or more of the following:• Based on wireless device capability.o A new wireless device capability parameter may be introduced. The new wireless device capability can be used to indicate that the wireless device supports logged MDT measurement based on geographical area scope in NTN. Alternatively, this new wireless device capability can be used to indicate that the wireless device in an RRC IDLE / RRC INACTIVE state supports location estimation. Another alternative is that the wireless device capability can be used to indicate that the wireless device in an RRC IDLE / RRC INACTIVE state supports both location-based Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements for neighbour cells and logged MDT based on geographical area scope in NTN. Another example is that the wireless device capability can be used to indicate how the wireless device can estimate its position in an RRC IDLE / RRC INACTIVE state, e.g. how precise of the location estimation, or the time interval between each location estimation update. Moreover, separate capability parameters can be introduced for NTN quasi-Earth fixed cell and NTN Earth-moving cell.o The newly introduced wireless device capability (or capabilities) may have been transmitted from the wireless device to the network.o The network, based on the received wireless device capability, may check if logged MDT with geographical area scope is feasible for this wireless device. If it is feasible, the network may send the geographical area scope configuration for logged MDT to the wireless device. In case of a lack of wireless device capability, the network may not send the geographical area scope configuration for logged MDT to the wireless device, or may still send the geographical area scope configuration for logged MDT to the wireless device, but the network may remember that this wireless device may not check the geographical area scope.• Not based on wireless device capability.o The network may send the geographical area scope configuration for logged MDT to the wireless device without knowing if or how wireless device can estimate its location in an RRC IDLE / RRC INACTIVE state.o As another option or scenario, the network may send the geographical area scope configuration for logged MDT to the wireless device is mandated by standard specification to support estimation of its own location in RRC IDLE / RRC INACTIVE state.

[0107] Except for the geographical area scope configuration for logged MDT, the network node may also send to the wireless device a flag (e.g. an indication, such as a single bit indication) to request the wireless device to report whether the MDT measurement reports are performed after checking the geographical area scope or not, as well as optionally the configuration information described in Step 1.- The geographical area scope signalled to the wireless device may consist of a geographical area, e.g. denoted as one or more polygon(s) or one or more circle(s) or one or more ellipse(s) or a combination of those, or it may consist of a combination of a geographical area (polygon(s), circle(s), and / or ellipse(s)) as well as a list of coverage areas such as a list of cells or a list of mapped cells or a list of tracking areas. Optionally, the area scope configuration may further comprise, or be associated with, an area scope border hysteresis, in order to reduce the risk that the wireless device frequently changes back and forth between regarding itself as being inside and outside the area scope. This can also serve to somewhat relax the need for frequent GNSS measurements, i.e. the GNSS measurement frequency may be reduced.- The configuration sent to the wireless device may further include a configuration of any of the above-described methods for reducing the GNSS measurements. Such a configuration may, for example, comprise an indication of whether to use a certain method and values of parameters needed to perform the method (e.g. distance threshold values).

[0108] The signalling of geographical area scope from the network node (e.g. gNB) to the wireless device can be an extension of the areaConflguration IE in the LoggedMeasurementConflguration IE, or through a new introduced IE in the LoggedMeasurementConflguration IE, and / or through a new event, where the new event may be defined as, for example, the wireless device is located within the geographical area scope or near the geographical area scope.

[0109] STEP 3: The NTN wireless device may enter an RRC IDLE or RRC INACTIVE state. If it has a logged MDT measurement configuration, it may initiate the MDT measurement logging while a timer (e.g. T330) is running, provided that it is located within the area scope (and provided that any other criteria for performing the MDT measurements are fulfilled). One or more of the following methods may apply:• The wireless device may only check its location under certain conditions. Some non- exhaustive examples are as follows:o The wireless device may only check its location at the time when it leaves the RRC CONNECTED state.o The wireless device may only check its location at the time it starts performing the MDT measurement loggingo The wireless device may only check its location once at the start time to perform the MDT measurement logging of each time intervals, as defined by logginginterval included in LoggedMeasurementConflguration. o The wireless device may only check its location at the time upon transition from any cell selection state to camped normally state.o The wireless device may be required to only check its location once every N seconds (or any time unit). N can be pre-defined in a standard or parameter controlled (i.e. configured by the network) or may be decided by wireless device implementation (e.g. calculated to meet an accuracy requirement). N can be a static value or can be dynamically changing. One example of a dynamic change for the parameter N is that, when the wireless device is located at the edge of the configured geographical area for the logged MDT or at the edge of a cell coverage, N can be decreased. Another example is when the wireless device is fast moving, then decrease (or multiply) N by a scaling factor that depends on the wireless device speed or the wireless device mobility state. Yet another example is when the distance between the latest two estimated locations is larger than a threshold, then decrease (or multiply) N by a scaling factor that depends on the wireless device speed or the wireless device mobility state. o The wireless device may be requested to log its location according to the reporting logging periodicity, scaled by a factor associated with the higher (or the lower) frequency range of the carrier the wireless device it is served by or camped on.The wireless device may check its location as per the configuration(s) described in Step 1, for example, the wireless device may check its location at every logging period or every n logging periods, wherein the logging periodicity can be different depending on the area scope in which the wireless device is located. For example, the wireless device may be configured to log its location with a certain periodicity when it enters an RRC IDLE or RRC INACTIVE, until it enters an area which according to the MDT configuration is associated to a different logging interval. The same may apply for the case of the accuracy configuration, i.e. the wireless device may log the location according to a certain metric (e.g. meters), until it enters a specific area whose accuracy configuration is different (e.g. centimetres).If the area scope is indicated as both a geographical area (such as a polygon or a circle or an ellipse or a combination of multiple such shapes) and a list of coverage areas, such as cells or tracking areas, the wireless device may check its location only if the wireless device is in one of the listed coverage areas. Such check may be used by the wireless device to determine if the wireless device is within the geographical area included in the area scope. In this case, the wireless device may be configured with parameters that instruct the wireless device to perform location checking only if the wireless device is within the coverage of the listed coverage areas.■ The area scope configuration for the MDT measurements may include (and specifically indicate) coverage areas forming a subset of the coverage areas listed in the area scope, which constitute the coverage areas where the wireless device has to check its location to determine if the wireless device is within the geographical area included in the area scope. The coverage in this subset may be the ones which are crossed by at least one area border, e.g. a polygon border or circle border. The area scope may be indicated / defined only as a geographical area (or multiple geographical areas), and a list of coverage areas (e.g. a list of cells) may be transmitted together with the area scope as assistance information indicating which coverage areas that are crossed by at least one area border, and in which the wireless device needs to check its location in relation to the area border.Any combination of the above.• The wireless device may only perform the logged MDT measurement when it has available measured location information, and the wireless device is located inside the area scope, e.g. inside the geographical area for the logged MDT or if the wireless device is in any of the geographical area or a coverage area in the list of coverage areas included in the area scope.o The wireless device reports to the network the information on its location estimation, including one or several of the following:■ The time of the latest location estimation information, which can be in the form of, e.g. absolute Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) time, elapsed time since the moment at which the logged MDT configuration was received, or any other relative time, such as time since the latest wireless device location estimation at the time when the wireless device logged a certain measurement result or set of measurement result. ■ The time interval of the location estimation the wireless device performed.■ The coarse location information, which may be reported to the network when there is no locationinfo IE available for the logMeasReport IE in the UEInformationResponse message.■ The distance between the wireless device and a reference location, or a flag if the distance between the wireless device and a reference location is higher than a threshold. The reference location may be associated with (or to) an NTN cell or associated with (or to) a geographical area scope, e.g. the centre of a circle.■ Additionally, or alternatively, the wireless device may report the location information as per configuration described in Step 1.• The wireless device may perform the logged MDT measurement even if it has available measured location information (e.g. because it is out of GNSS coverage or fails to receive GNSS signals for some other reason). For example, the wireless device may perform and log MDT measurements if the wireless device has available information about its own location and this indicates that the wireless device is inside the area scope or if the wireless device has no available information about its own location, but not if it has available information about its own location and this indicates that the wireless device is outside the area scope.o When the wireless device subsequently obtains available location information, it may check its position and continue to perform the logged MDT measurement only if it is within the configured area scope. The wireless device may include a flag to report to the network that from this point in the logged measurements, the wireless device has confirmed that it is within the geographical area scope. Besides, the other information elements proposed for the case that the wireless device only performs the logged MDT measurement when it has available measured location also applies here.o When the wireless device has no available location information, it may stop performing the MDT logging. The wireless device may continue the timer (e.g. timer T330), or the wireless device may stop the timer (e.g., timer T330), or the wireless device may stop the timer and then restart it when it has available location estimation.o When the wireless device has no available location information, it may perform the MDT logging. The wireless device may include a flag (e.g. an indication, such as a single bit indication, e.g. a BOOLEAN or an ENUMERATED with a single possible value) to report to the network that the wireless device cannot or is not able to indicate whether it is within the geographic area scope or not. o The wireless device may perform the MDT measurements if it does not have location information available, but only as long as it is camped within one or more of the coverage areas included in the area scope.o The wireless device may perform and log MDT measurements despite not having wireless device location information available, but only up to a maximum time (unless the wireless device before that manages to obtain information about its own location and this information indicates that the wireless device is located inside the area scope). This time may be configured by the network, specified in a standard or determined by the wireless device implementation (e.g. determined with the ambition to fulfil a requirement). • If the wireless device has no fresh information about its own location and cannot perform GNSS measurements (e.g. because it is out of GNSS coverage), the wireless device may rely on is last known or estimated location and may use that to determine whether it is inside or outside the area scope. Optionally, if the wireless device based on this old location information determines that it is inside the area scope and consequently performs and logs MDT measurements, the wireless device may indicatein the MDT report that it used old location information to determine that it was inside the area scope and, as a further option, may also indicate how old this location information is. The wireless device may use (or may be allowed to use) the old location information (i.e. its last known or estimated location) only if it is not older than a certain maximum age (where this maximum age may be configured by the network, specified in a standard or determined by the wireless device implementation, e.g. based at least in part on the wireless device’s last estimated speed and / or optionally on its last known movement direction).• The wireless device may report to the network some other information, including one or any combination of the following:o The relativeTimeStamp IE in each LogMeasInfo IE can be extended with more precise time granularity. In one example, a new IE, e.g. relativeTimeStampExt can be introduced. relativeTimeStamp and relativeTimeStampExt can be used together to indicate the time of logging measurement results, measured relative to the time indicated by the absoluteTimeStamp IE. relativeTimeStampExt may indicate the time within each second of relativeTimeStamp.o The anyCellSelectionDetected IE in each LogMeasInfo IE can be extended to differentiate NTN and TN cell. In one example, a new IE anyCellSelectionDetectedNtn may indicate that there is no suitable NTN cell or no acceptable NTN cell in RRC IDLE or RRC INACTIVE state.• The wireless device may perform the logged MDT measurement for a (e.g. short) time interval upon entering and / or exiting the MDT area scope. For example, the wireless device may log MDT measurements when it detects that its position has changed from being outside the MDT area scope to being inside the MDT area scope, and when the wireless device detects that its position has changed from being inside to being outside the area scope, it may stop / pause performing and logging MDT measurements and may log the wireless device location and the other requested information, such as performed but not yet logged MDT measurements. With this information, the network can observe how many wireless devices (or end users) cross a certain geographical border as defined by the MDT area scope. In one option, the wireless device may be requested to log and report a timing information indication to mark when the wireless device location has changed from being outside to inside the MDT area scope, or vice versa.• The wireless device may log the periodicity parameters which were used to monitor its location when outside the geographical area scope, and may include it in the MDT measurement report sent to the network, e.g. as part of an “outside geographical area” assistance information. These parameters can include, but are not limited to any one or more of the following:o Location monitoring periodicity;o Last monitored location outside the configured geographical area; and o Time of the last monitored position.The network (e.g. the network node) may use this information to estimate the amount of data that is not reported by the wireless device, as well as its accuracy.• The wireless device may use information obtained using internal sensors, such as accelerometer(s), compass(es), and / or gyro(s), to estimate its own position and / or movement between GNSS measurements and use such estimates to determine whether it is located inside or outside the area scope. The wireless device may not fully rely on such information from internal sensors, but may use it to determine when it needs to check its position using GNSS again and / or to extend the time intervals between GNSS measurements.• If configured or mandated by a standard to do so (or based on a wireless device implementation), the wireless device may apply any of the above-described methods for reducing the GNSS measurements.

[0110] Other embodiments of the present disclosure are defined in the following numbered statements:Group A Embodiments1. A method for managing a measurement performed by a wireless device, wherein the method is performed by the wireless device, the method comprising:acquiring first information indicative of a geographical location of the wireless device, wherein the first information is acquired according to at least one first requirement placed on a first timing for the wireless device to acquire the first information; andperforming a first measurement according to at least one second requirement placed on a second timing for the wireless device to perform the first measurement.2. The method of Embodiment 1, wherein:the at least one first requirement is selected by the wireless device (e.g. the at least one first requirement is left to wireless device implementation); orthe at least one first requirement is configured by a network node (e.g. the at least one first requirement is at least one first configuration configured by the network node) and the method comprises receiving the at least one first requirement from the network node.3. The method of Embodiment 2, wherein:the at least one first requirement is received from the network node via at least one satellite of a non-terrestrial network, NTN, or via a terrestrial network, TN.4. The method of any of the previous Embodiments, wherein:the at least one first requirement comprises any one or more of:a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information in each period within which the wireless device is to perform the first measurement or in only some of the periods within which the wireless device is to perform the first measurement;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the geographical location of the wireless device changes or when the geographical location of the wireless device has changes by more than a threshold amount;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information frequently enough to identify when the wireless device enters a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device is within a maximum allowed distance from a border of the first geographical area; anda requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device is within a predefined coverage area.5. The method of any of the previous Embodiments, wherein:the at least one first requirement comprises:a requirement that the wireless device is to provide second information when the first information is indicative that the geographical location of the wireless device has not changed since the wireless device performed a second measurement that precedesthe first measurement, wherein the second information is indicative that the geographical location of the wireless device has not changed since the wireless device performed the second measurement.6. The method of any of the previous Embodiments, wherein:the first timing is based on any one or more of:a battery level of the wireless device;a speed of the wireless device;an accuracy with which the wireless device is capable of performing the first measurement; anda type of wireless device that the wireless device is.7. The method of any of the previous Embodiments, wherein:the at least one first requirement comprises a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information based on information acquired from one or more sensors internal to the wireless device.8. The method of any of the previous Embodiments, wherein:the at least one first requirement comprises any one or more of:a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device leaves a Radio Resource Control, RRC, connected state;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information at the time the wireless device starts performing the first measurement;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information once at the start of a time period within which the wireless device performs the first measurement;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device transitions from one coverage area to another coverage area;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information once every set unit of time;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information according to a periodicity calculated based on a factor associated with a frequency range of a carrier associated with the wireless device; anda requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when thewireless device is within a set coverage area.9. The method of any of the previous Embodiments, wherein:the at least one second requirement is selected by the wireless device (e.g. the at least one second requirement is left to wireless device implementation); orthe at least one second requirement is configured by a network node (e.g. the at least one second requirement is at least one second configuration configured by the network node) and the method comprises receiving the at least one second requirement from the network node.10. The method of Embodiment 9, wherein:the at least one second requirement is received from the network node via at least one satellite of a non-terrestrial network, NTN, or via a terrestrial network, TN.11. The method of any of the previous Embodiments, wherein:the at least one second requirement is based on the at least one first requirement.12. The method of any of the previous Embodiments, wherein:the at least one second requirement comprises any one or more of:a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the wireless device has acquired the first information or irrespective of whether the wireless device has acquired the first information;a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the first information is indicative that the geographical location of the wireless device is within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement;a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the first information is indicative that the geographical location of the wireless device has changed from being outside the first geographical area to being within the first geographical area; anda requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the first information is indicative that geographical location of the wireless device is within a first coverage area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement.The method of any of the previous Embodiments, wherein:the at least one second requirement comprises:a requirement that the wireless device is to stop performing the first measurement in response to one or both of:the first information becoming unavailable; andthe first information being indicative that the wireless device has changed from being within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement to being outside the first geographical area.The method of any of the previous Embodiments, wherein:the at least one second requirement comprises:a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement for a set time period if the first information is unavailable; anda requirement that the wireless device is to stop performing the first measurement if the first information continues to be unavailable during the set time period or to continue performing the first measurement after the set time period if the first information becomes available during the set time period.The method of any of the previous Embodiments, the method comprising:if the first information is available:acquiring the first information; andtransmitting the first information to a network node; orif the first information is unavailable:transmitting third information to the network node, wherein the third information is indicative that the first information is unavailable.The method of Embodiment 15, the method comprising:transmitting the first information to the network node with one or more of:a time at which the wireless device acquired the first information;a time interval in which the wireless device acquired the first information; a distance between the wireless device and a reference location;an indication of whether the distance between the wireless device and thereference location exceeds a threshold distance; andan indication of whether the wireless device acquired the first information when the wireless device was within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement or when the wireless device was outside the first geographical area.17. The method of any of the previous Embodiments, wherein:an availability of the first information is indicative that the wireless device is within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement; andan unavailability of the first information is indicative that the wireless device is outside the first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement.18. The method of any of the previous Embodiments, the method comprising:if the first information is available:determining, based on the acquired first information, whether the wireless device is within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement; orif the first information is unavailable:determining, based on fourth information previously acquired by the wireless device, whether the wireless device is within the first geographical area, wherein the fourth information is indicative of a previous geographical location of the wireless device.19. The method of Embodiment 18, the method comprising:determining whether the wireless device is within the first geographical area based on the fourth information if a time period since acquiring the fourth information is less than a maximum time period.20. The method of any of the previous Embodiments, wherein:the first information is acquired while the wireless device is in a Radio Resource Control, RRC, idle state or an RRC inactive state.21. The method of any of the previous Embodiments, wherein:the first measurement is performed while the wireless device is in a Radio Resource Control, RRC, idle state or an RRC inactive state.22. The method of any of the previous Embodiments, the method comprising:receiving, from a network node, information indicative of a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement.23. The method of Embodiment 22, wherein:the information is received from the network node via at least one satellite of a nonterrestrial network, NTN, or via a terrestrial network, TN.24. The method of any of the previous Embodiments, wherein:the first measurement is a Minimization of Drive Test, MDT, measurement.25. The method of any of the previous Embodiments, further comprising:providing user data; andforwarding the user data to a host via the transmission to the network node.Group B Embodiments26. A method for managing a measurement performed by a wireless device, wherein the method is performed by a network node, the method comprising:transmitting, to the wireless device, one or both of at least one first requirement and at least one second requirement according to which the wireless device is to operate, wherein the at least one first requirement is placed on a first timing forthe wireless device to acquire first information indicative of a geographical location of the wireless device, andwherein the at least one second requirement is placed on a second timing for the wireless device to perform a first measurement.27. The method of Embodiment 26, the method comprising:receiving one or both of the at least one first requirement and the at least one second requirement from an Operations, Administration and Maintenance, OAM, node.28. The method of Embodiment 26 or 27, wherein:one or both of the at least one first requirement and the at least one second requirement is configured by the network node (e.g. the at least one first requirement is at least one first configuration configured by the network node and / or the at least one second requirement is at least one second configuration configured by the network node).29. The method of any of Embodiments 26 to 28, wherein:one or both of the at least one first requirement and the at least one second requirement is transmitted to the wireless device via at least one satellite of a non-terrestrial network, NTN, or via a terrestrial network, TN.30. The method of any of Embodiments 26 to 29, wherein:the at least one first requirement comprises any one or more of:a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information in each period within which the wireless device is to perform the first measurement or in only some of the periods within which the wireless device is to perform the first measurement;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the geographical location of the wireless device changes or when the geographical location of the wireless device has changes by more than a threshold amount;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information frequently enough to identify when the wireless device enters a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device is within a maximum allowed distance from a border of the first geographical area; anda requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device is within a predefined coverage area.31. The method of any of Embodiments 26 or 30, wherein:the at least one first requirement comprises:a requirement that the wireless device is to provide second information when the first information is indicative that the geographical location of the wireless device hasnot changed since the wireless device performed a second measurement that precedes the first measurement, wherein the second information is indicative that the geographical location of the wireless device has not changed since the wireless device performed the second measurement.32. The method of any of Embodiments 26 to 31, wherein:the first timing is based on any one or more of:a battery level of the wireless device;a speed of the wireless device exceeds;an accuracy with which the wireless device is capable of performing the first measurement; anda type of wireless device that the wireless device is.33. The method of any of Embodiments 26 to 32, wherein:the at least one first requirement comprises a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information based on information acquired from one or more sensors internal to the wireless device.34. The method of any of Embodiments 26 to 33, wherein:the at least one first requirement comprises any one or more of:a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device leaves a Radio Resource Control, RRC, connected state;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information at the time the wireless device starts performing the first measurement;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information once at the start of a time period within which the wireless device performs the first measurement;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device transitions from one coverage area to another coverage area;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information once every set unit of time;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information according to a periodicity calculated based on a factor associated with a frequency range of a carrier associated with the wireless device; anda requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device is within a set coverage area.The method of any of Embodiments 26 to 34, wherein:the at least one second requirement is based on the at least one first requirement.The method of any of Embodiments 26 to 35, wherein:the at least one second requirement comprises any one or more of:a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the wireless device has acquired the first information or irrespective of whether the wireless device has acquired the first information;a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the first information is indicative that the geographical location of the wireless device is within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement;a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the first information is indicative that the geographical location of the wireless device has changed from being outside the first geographical area to being within the first geographical area; anda requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the first information is indicative that geographical location of the wireless device is within a first coverage area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement.The method of any of Embodiments 26 to 36, wherein:the at least one second requirement comprises:a requirement that the wireless device is to stop performing the first measurement in response to one or both of:the first information becoming unavailable; andthe first information being indicative that the wireless device has changed from being within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement to being outside the first geographical area.38. The method of any of Embodiments 26 to 37, wherein:the at least one second requirement comprises:a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement for a set time period if the first information is unavailable; anda requirement that the wireless device is to stop performing the first measurement if the first information continues to be unavailable during the set time period or to continue performing the first measurement after the set time period if the first information becomes available during the set time period.39. The method of any of Embodiments 26 to 38, the method comprising:receiving the first information from the wireless device; orreceiving third information from the wireless device, wherein the third information is indicative that the first information is unavailable.40. The method of Embodiment 39, the method comprising:receiving the first information from the wireless device with one or more of:a time at which the wireless device acquired the first information;a time interval in which the wireless device acquired the first information; a distance between the wireless device and a reference location;an indication of whether the distance between the wireless device and the reference location exceeds a threshold distance; andan indication of whether the wireless device acquired the first information when the wireless device was within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement or when the wireless device was outside the first geographical area.41. The method of any of Embodiments 26 to 40, wherein:an availability of the first information is indicative that the wireless device is within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement; andan unavailability of the first information is indicative that the wireless device is outside the first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement.42. The method of any of Embodiments 26 to 41, the method comprising: transmitting, to the wireless device, information indicative of a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement.43. The method of Embodiment 42, wherein:the information is transmitted to the wireless device via at least one satellite of a nonterrestrial network, NTN, or via a terrestrial network, TN.44. The method of any of Embodiments 26 to 43, wherein:the first measurement is a Minimization of Drive Test, MDT, measurement.45. The method of any of Embodiments 26 to 44, further comprising:obtaining user data; andforwarding the user data to a host or a wireless device.Group C Embodiments46. A wireless device (412, 512, 600) configured to perform the method of any of the Group A embodiments.47. A wireless device (412, 512, 600) comprising processing circuitry (602) configured to cause the wireless device to perform the method of any of the Group A embodiments.48. The wireless device (412, 512, 600) of the previous embodiment, wherein the wireless device comprises at least one memory (610) for storing instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry (602), cause the wireless device to perform the method of any of the Group A embodiments.49. A network node (410, 510, 700) configured to perform the method of any of the Group B embodiments.50. A network node (410, 510, 700) comprising processing circuitry (702) configured to cause the network node to perform the method of any of the Group B embodiments.51. The network node (410, 510, 700) of the previous embodiment, wherein the network node comprises at least one memory (704) for storing instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry (702), cause the network node to perform the method of any of the Group B embodiments.52. A wireless device (412, 512, 600) for managing a measurement performed by a wireless device, comprising:processing circuitry (602) configured to cause the wireless device to perform any of the operations of any of the Group A embodiments; anda power source (608) configured to supply power to the processing circuitry (602).53. A network node (410, 510, 700) for managing a measurement performed by a wireless device, the network node comprising:processing circuitry (702) configured to cause the network node to perform any of the operations of any of the Group B embodiments;a power source (708) configured to supply power to the processing circuitry (702).54. A wireless device for managing a measurement performed by a wireless device, the wireless device comprising:one or more antennas;communication interface connected to the one or more antennas and to processing circuitry;the processing circuitry being configured to cause the wireless device to perform any of the operations of any of the Group A embodiments;an input interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to allow input of information into the wireless device to be processed by the processing circuitry;an output interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to output information from the wireless device that has been processed by the processing circuitry; and a power source connected to the processing circuitry and configured to supply power to the wireless device.Group D Embodiments55. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by processingcircuitry of a wireless device, cause the wireless device to perform the method according to any of the Group A embodiments.56. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by processing circuitry of a network node, cause the network node to perform the method according to any of the Group B embodiments.57. A computer program product, embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising instructions which are executable by processing circuitry of a wireless device to cause the wireless device to perform the method according to any of the Group A embodiments.58. A computer program product, embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising instructions which are executable by processing circuitry of a network node to cause the network node to perform the method according to any of the Group B embodiments.59. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-readable code embodied therein, the computer-readable code being configured such that, on execution by a suitable computer or processing circuitry, the computer or processing circuitry is caused to perform the method of any of the Group A embodiments and / or any of the Group B embodiments.

[0111] There is thus also provided a method performed by a wireless device (e.g. UE 412, station 512 or wireless device 600 as described later with reference to Figs. 4, 5 and 6 respectively). The method can comprise any one or more of the steps described herein in respect of a wireless device. There is thus provided a method performed by a network node (e.g. network node 410, access point 510 or network node 700 as described later with reference to Figs. 4, 5 and 7 respectively). The method can comprise any one or more of the steps described herein in respect of a network node.

[0112] There is also provided a method performed by a system comprising any one or more of the steps described herein in respect of a wireless device and any one or more of the steps described herein in respect of a network node. There is also provided a system comprising a wireless device as described herein and a network node as described herein.

[0113] The methods disclosed herein can be applied to the 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.331, Version 19.1.0, Section 5.5a.3.2.

[0114] Fig.4 shows an example of a communication system 400 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0115] In the example, the communication system 400 includes a telecommunications network 402 that includes an access network 404, such as a radio access network (RAN), and a core network 406, which includes one or more core network nodes 408. The access network 404 includes one or more access network nodes or base stations of various types, access network nodes 410A and 410B are depicted (which may be collectively referred to as network nodes 410), or any other similar 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP) access nodes or non-3GPP access points (APs). Some embodiments of the access network 404 may include more than one access network technology. The network nodes 410 of access network 404 facilitate direct or indirect connection of wireless devices, also referred to as user equipments (UEs), such as by connecting UEs 412A, 412B, 412C, and 412D (one or more of which may be generally referred to as UEs 412) to the core network 406 over one or more wireless connections.

[0116] Moreover, a network node is not necessarily limited to an implementation in which a radio portion and a baseband portion are supplied and integrated by a single vendor. Thus, it will be understood that network nodes include disaggregated implementations or portions thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the telecommunications network 402 includes one or more Open-RAN (ORAN) network nodes. An ORAN network node is a network node in the telecommunications network 402 that supports an ORAN specification (e.g., a specification published by the O-RAN Alliance, or any similar organization) and may operate alone or together with other network nodes to implement one or more functionalities of any network node in the telecommunications network 402, including one or more access network nodes 410 and / or core network nodes 408.

[0117] Examples of an ORAN network node include an open radio unit (O-RU), an open distributed unit (O-DU), an open central unit (O-CU), including an O-CU control plane (O-CU-CP) or an O-CU user plane (O-CU-UP), a RAN intelligent controller (near-real time or non-real time) hosting software or software plug-ins, such as a near-real time control application (e.g., xApp) or a non-real time control application (e.g., rApp), or any combination thereof (the adjective “open” designating support of an ORAN specification). An ORAN network node may support a specification by, for example, supporting an interface defined by the ORAN specification, such as an Al, Fl, Wl, El, E2, X2, Xn interface, an open fronthauluser plane interface, or an open fronthaul management plane interface. Moreover, an ORAN network node may be a logical node in a physical node. Furthermore, an ORAN network node may be implemented in a virtualization environment (described further below) in which one or more network functions are virtualized. For example, the virtualization environment may include an O-Cloud computing platform orchestrated by a Service Management and Orchestration Framework via an 0-2 interface defined by the 0-RAN Alliance or comparable technologies.

[0118] The network nodes 410 facilitate direct or indirect connection of one or more UEs 412 to the core network 406 over one or more wireless connections. Example wireless communications over a wireless connection include transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and / or other types of signals suitable for conveying information without the use of wires, cables, or other material conductors. Moreover, in different embodiments, the communication system 400 may include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, UEs, and / or any other components or systems that may facilitate or participate in the communication of data and / or signals whether via wired or wireless connections. The communication system 400 may include and / or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular, radio network, and / or other similar type of system.

[0119] The UEs 412 may be any of a wide variety of communication devices, including wireless devices arranged, configured, and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with the network nodes 410 and other communication devices. Similarly, the network nodes 408, 410 are arranged, capable, configured, and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly (e.g., via other devices of telecommunications network 402) with the UEs 412 and / or with other network nodes or equipment in the telecommunications network 402 to enable and / or provide network access, such as wireless network access, and / or to perform other functions, such as administration in the telecommunications network 402. More specifically, UEs 412 may send messages, data, and / or other signals to network nodes 408, 410 or other elements of the telecommunications network 402 by transmitting such signals to the relevant device directly without the signals passing through any intervening devices or by transmitting such signals to the relevant device indirectly through an intervening device (or multiple intervening devices) that then transmit the signal to the relevant device. Similarly, network nodes 408, 410 may send messages, data, and other signals to UEs 4122, other network nodes 408, 410, and other devices in telecommunications network 402 directly or indirectly. As one specific example, a core network node 108 may transmit a particular message to a UE 412 by transmitting the messageto an access network node 410 that will then transmit the message to the intended UE 412. Similarly, a core network node 408 may receive a particular message from a UE 412 by receiving the message from an access network node 410 that itself received the message from the UE412.

[0120] In the depicted example, the core network 406 connects elements of the access network 404 (e.g., one or more of the network nodes 410) to one or more host computing systems, such as host 416. These connections may be direct or indirect via one or more intermediary networks or devices. In other examples, network nodes may be directly coupled to hosts. The core network 406 includes one or more core network nodes (e.g., core network node 408) of various types, one or more of which may be generally referred to as network nodes 408. Network nodes 408 are structured with hardware and software components. Features of these components may be substantially similar to those described with respect to the UEs, access network nodes, and / or hosts, such that the descriptions thereof are generally applicable to the corresponding components of the core network node 408. Example core network nodes provide functions of one or more of a Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Mobility Management Entity (MME), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Subscription Identifier De-concealing function (SIDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP), Network Exposure Function (NEF), and / or a User Plane Function (UPF).

[0121] The host 416 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider other than an operator or provider of the access network 404 and / or the telecommunications network 402. The host 416 may be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. The host 416 may host a variety of applications to provide one or more service. Examples of such applications include live and pre-recorded audio / video content, data collection services such as retrieving and compiling data on various ambient conditions detected by a plurality of UEs, analytics functionality, social media, functions for controlling or otherwise interacting with remote devices, functions for an alarm and surveillance center, or any other such function performed by a server.

[0122] As a whole, the communication system 400 of Fig. 4 enables connectivity between the UEs, network nodes, and hosts. In that sense, the communication system 400 may be configured to operate according to predefined rules or procedures, such as specific standards that include, but are not limited to: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM); Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS); Long Term Evolution (LTE), and / orother suitable Second Generation (2G), Third Generation (3G), Fourth Generation (4G), Fifth Generation (5G) standards, or any applicable future generation standard (e.g., Sixth Generation (6G)); wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards (Wi-Fi); and / or any other appropriate wireless communication standard, such as the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wi-Max), Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Near Field Communication (NFC) ZigBee, Li-Fi, and / or any low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) standards such as LoRa and Sigfox. Moreover, the communication system 400 may be configured to support multiple different standards, protocols, or other rule sets, with individual components supporting all of the relevant rule sets or with different components or sub-systems within the communication system 400 supporting different standards, protocols, or rule sets.

[0123] As one example, in certain embodiments, access network 404 may contain some access network nodes 410 that support 3GPP radio access technologies (RAT), such as LTE or NR, while other access network nodes 410 support (or the same access network nodes 410 additionally support) non-3GPP RATs, such as Wi-Fi or a proprietary RAT. As another example, telecommunications network 402 may support multiple generations of related communication standards (e.g., 4G and 5G 3GPP communication standards) and, as a result, may include an access network 104 and / or a core network 106 that supports multiple different standard generations or may include multiple access networks 104 and / or multiple core networks 106 with individual networks 104, 106 supporting different standard generations.

[0124] Telecommunications network 402 may support network slicing to provide different logical networks to different devices that are connected to the telecommunications network 402. For example, the telecommunications network 402 may provide Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) services to some UEs, while providing Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) services to other UEs, and / or Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) / Massive loT services to yet further UEs.

[0125] In some examples, one or more of the UEs 412 are configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For instance, a UE may be designed to transmit information to the access network 404 on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the access network 404. Additionally, a UE may be configured for operating in single- or multi-RAT or multi -standard mode. For example, a UE may operate with any one or combination of Wi-Fi, NR (New Radio) and LTE, i.e. being configured for multi -radio dual connectivity (MR-DC), such as E-UTRAN(Evolved-UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) New Radio - Dual Connectivity (EN-DC).

[0126] In the example, the hub 414 communicates with the access network 404 to facilitate indirect communication between one or more UEs (e.g., UE 412C and / or 412D) and network nodes (e.g., network node 410B). In some examples, the hub 414 may be a controller, router, content source and analytics, or any of the other communication devices described herein regarding UEs. For example, the hub 414 may be a broadband router enabling access to the core network 406 for the UEs. As another example, the hub 414 may be a controller that sends commands or instructions to one or more actuators in the UEs. Commands or instructions may be received from the UEs, network nodes 410, or by executable code, script, process, or other instructions in the hub 414.

[0127] As another example, the hub 414 may be a data collector that acts as temporary storage for UE data and, in some embodiments, may perform analysis or other processing of the data. As another example, the hub 414 may be a content source. For example, for a UE that is a VR headset, display, loudspeaker or other media delivery device, the hub 414 may retrieve VR assets, video, audio, or other media or data related to sensory information via a network node, which the hub 414 then provides to the UE either directly, after performing local processing, and / or after adding additional local content. In still another example, the hub 414 acts as a proxy server or orchestrator for the UEs, in particular if one or more of the UEs are low energy loT devices.

[0128] The hub 414 may have a constant / persistent or intermittent connection to the network node 410B. The hub 414 may also allow for a different communication scheme and / or schedule between the hub 414 and UEs (e.g., UE 412C and / or 412D), and between the hub 414 and the core network 406. In other examples, the hub 414 is connected to the core network 406 and / or one or more UEs via a wired connection. Moreover, the hub 414 may be configured to connect to an M2M service provider over the access network 404 and / or to another UE over a direct connection. In some scenarios, UEs may establish a wireless connection with the network nodes 410 while still connected via the hub 414 via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the hub 414 may be a dedicated hub - that is, a hub whose primary function is to route communications to / from the UEs from / to the network node 410B. In other embodiments, the hub 414 may be a non-dedicated hub - that is, a device which is capable of operating to route communications between the UEs and network node 410B, but which is additionally capable of operating as a communication start and / or end point for certain data channels.

[0129] Fig. 5 is another example of a communication system 500 according to some embodiments. As used herein, the communication system 500 includes multiple access points (APs) 510 (with four exemplary APs 510A, 510B, 510C, and 510D being depicted) and multiple wireless devices, referred to in the context of communication system 500 as stations (STAs) 512 (referred to individually as STA 512A, STA 512B, STA 512C, STA 512D, and STA 512E). STA 512A is served by AP 510A in a first basic service set (BSS) 520A. STA 510B and STA 510C are served by AP 510B in a second BSS, BSS 520B. STA 512D is served by AP 510C in a third BSS, BSS 520C. STA 512E is served by AP 510D in a fourth BSS, BSS 520D. Stations 512 may be non-AP STAs and correspond to various kinds of wireless devices, for example, user terminals, such as mobile or stationary computing devices like smartphones, laptop computers, desktop computers, tablet computers, gaming devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs) for Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR), or the like. Further, stations 512 could, for example, correspond to other kinds of equipment like smart home devices, printers, multimedia devices, data storage devices, or the like.

[0130] Each of STAs 512 may connect through a radio link to one of APs 510. For example, depending on location or channel conditions experienced by a given STA 512, the STA may select an appropriate AP and BSS for establishing the radio link. The radio link may be based on one or more orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) carriers from a frequency spectrum that is shared on the basis of a contention-based mechanism, e.g., an unlicensed or license exempt band like 2.4 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band, the 5 GHz band, the 6 GHz band, or the 60 GHz band.

[0131] Each AP 510 may provide data connectivity to STAs 512 connected to a particular AP 510. As illustrated, APs 510 may be connected to adatanetwork 530. In this way, APs 510 may also provide data connectivity between STAs 512 and other entities, e.g., to one or more servers, service providers, data sources, data sinks, user terminals, or the like. Accordingly, the radio link established between a given STA 512 and its serving AP 510 may be used for providing various kinds of services to STA 512, e.g., a voice service, a multimedia service, or other data service. Such services may be based on applications that are executed on STA 512 and / or on a device linked to STA 512. By way of example, Fig. 5 illustrates an application service platform 532 provided in data network 530. The application(s) executed on STA 512 and / or on one or more other devices linked to STA 512 may use the radio link for data communication with one or more other STA 512 and / or the application service platform 532, thereby enabling utilization of the corresponding service(s) at STA 512.

[0132] Fig. 6 shows a wireless device 600, which may be configured to operate in communication system 400 of Fig. 4 or in communication system 500 of Fig. 5. The wireless device 600 may be alternatively referred to as a UE 600, like a UE 412 within the context of communication system 400, or as a station (STA) 600 or as a non-access-point station (non-AP STA) 600, like a STA 512 within the context of the communication system 500, in accordance with respective embodiments. As used herein, a wireless device refers to a device capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with network nodes and / or other wireless devices. Examples of a wireless device include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, mobile phone, cell phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phone, wireless local loop phone, desktop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), wireless cameras, gaming console or device, music storage device, playback appliance, wearable terminal device, wireless endpoint, mobile station, tablet, laptop, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), smart device, wireless customer-premise equipment (CPE), vehicle, vehicle-mounted or vehicle embedded / integrated wireless device, and wireless terminal. Other examples include any type of UE identified by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including a narrow band internet of things (NB-IoT) UE, a machine type communication (MTC) UE, and / or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE.

[0133] A wireless device 600 may support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example by implementing a 3GPP standard for sidelink communication, Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), or vehicle-to-everything (V2X). In other examples, wireless device 600 may not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and / or operates the relevant device. Instead, wireless device 600 may represent a device that is intended for sale to, or operation by, a human user but which may not, or which may not initially, be associated with a specific human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, wireless device 600 may represent a device that is not intended for sale to, or operation by, an end user but which may be associated with or operated for the benefit of a user (e.g., a smart power meter).

[0134] In particular embodiments, wireless device 600 includes processing circuitry 602 that is operatively coupled via a bus 604 to an input / output interface 606, a power source 608, a memory 610, a communication interface 612, and / or any other component, or any combination thereof. Certain embodiments of wireless device 600 may include all or a subset of the components shown in Fig. 6. The level of integration between the components may vary from one embodiment of wireless device 600 to another. In general, in a particular embodiment of wireless device 600, processing circuitry 602, input / output interface 606, power source 608,memory 610, and communication interface 612 may, in whole or in part, represent or include physical components common to or shared by one or more of the other elements of wireless device 600. Further, certain embodiments of wireless devices 600 may contain multiple instances of a component, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0135] The processing circuitry 602 is configured to process instructions and data and may be configured to implement any sequential state machine operative to execute instructions stored as machine-readable computer programs in the memory 610. The processing circuitry 602 may be implemented as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., in discrete logic, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.); programmable logic together with appropriate firmware; one or more stored computer programs, general -purpose processors, such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP), together with appropriate software; or any combination of the above. For example, the processing circuitry 602 may include multiple central processing units (CPUs). The processing circuitry 602 may be configured to cause the wireless device 600 to perform the methods as described with reference to Fig. 2, or any other method described herein in respect of a wireless device.

[0136] In the example, the input / output interface 606 may be configured to provide an interface or interfaces to an input device, output device, or one or more input and / or output devices. Examples of an output device include a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, an emitter, a smartcard, another output device, or any combination thereof. An input device may allow a user to capture information into wireless device 600. Examples of an input device include a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a web camera, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a directional pad, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smartcard, and the like. The presence-sensitive display may include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor to sense input from a user. A sensor may be, for instance, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, etc., or any combination thereof. An output device may use the same type of interface port as an input device. For example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port may be used to provide an input device and an output device.

[0137] In some embodiments, the power source 608 is structured as a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources, such as an external power source (e.g., an electricity outlet), photovoltaic device, or power cell, may be used to supply power to circuitry or tocharge an associated battery. The power source 608 may further include power circuitry for delivering power from the power source 608 itself, and / or an external power source, to the various parts of wireless device 600 via input circuitry or an interface such as an electrical power cable. Power source 608 may perform any formatting, converting, or other modification to make accessible power suitable for the respective components of the wireless device 600 to which power is supplied.

[0138] The memory 610 may be or be configured to include memory such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disks, optical disks, hard disks, removable cartridges, flash drives, and so forth. In one example, the memory 610 includes one or more programs 614, such as an operating system, web browser application, a widget, gadget engine, or other application, and corresponding data 616. The memory 610 may store, for use by wireless device 600, any of a variety of various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

[0139] The memory 610 may be configured to include a number of physical drive units, such as redundant array of independent disks (RAID), flash memory, USB flash drive, external hard disk drive, thumb drive, pen drive, key drive, high-density digital versatile disc (HD-DVD) optical disc drive, internal hard disk drive, Blu-Ray optical disc drive, holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical disc drive, external mini-dual in-line memory module (DIMM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), external micro-DIMM SDRAM, smartcard memory such as tamper resistant module in the form of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) including one or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs), such as a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) and / or International Subscriber Identity Module (ISIM), other memory, or any combination thereof. The UICC may for example be an embedded UICC (eUICC), integrated UICC (iUICC) or a removable UICC commonly known as ‘SIM card.’ The memory 610 may allow wireless device 600 to access instructions, programs and the like, stored on transitory or non-transitory memory media, to off-load data, or to upload data. An article of manufacture, such as one utilizing a communication system may be tangibly embodied as or in the memory 610, which may be or comprise a device-readable storage medium.

[0140] The processing circuitry 602 may be configured to communicate with an access network or other network via or using the communication interface 612. The communication interface 612 may comprise one or more communication subsystems and may include or becommunicatively coupled to an antenna 622. The communication interface 612 may include one or more transceivers used to communicate, such as by communicating with one or more remote transceivers of another device capable of wireless communication (e.g., another wireless device or a network node in an access network). Each transceiver may include a transmitter 618 and / or a receiver 620 appropriate to provide network communications (e.g., optical, electrical, frequency allocations, and so forth). Moreover, the transmitter 618 and receiver 620 may be coupled to one or more antennas (e.g., antenna 622) and may share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively be implemented separately.

[0141] In the illustrated embodiment, communication functions of the communication interface 612 may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication (e.g., according to an IEEE 802.11 family standard), LPWAN communication, data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communications such as Bluetooth, near-field communication, location-based communication such as the use of the global positioning system (GPS) to determine a location, another like communication function, or any combination thereof. Communications may be implemented according to one or more communication protocols and / or standards, such as IEEE 802.11, Code Division Multiplexing Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), GSM, LTE, New Radio (NR), UMTS, WiMax, Ethernet, transmission control protocol / intemet protocol (TCP / IP), synchronous optical networking (SONET), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), QUIC, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and so forth.

[0142] In particular embodiments, wireless device 600 may provide an output of data captured via a sensor, through its communication interface 612, via a wireless connection to a network node, and / or in any appropriate manner. Data captured by sensors of a wireless device 600 can be communicated through a wireless connection to a network node via another wireless device 600. In particular embodiments, such output may be periodic (e.g., once every 15 minutes if it reports the sensed temperature), random (e.g., to even out the load from reporting from several sensors), in response to a triggering event (e.g., when moisture is detected an alert is sent), in response to a request (e.g., a user initiated request), or a continuous stream (e.g., a live video feed of a patient).

[0143] As another example, wireless device 600 comprises an actuator, a motor, or a switch, related to a communication interface configured to receive wireless input from a network node via a wireless connection. In response to the received wireless input the states of the actuator, the motor, or the switch may change. For example, wireless device 600 may comprise a motor that adjusts the control surfaces or rotors of a drone in flight according to thereceived input or to a robotic arm performing a medical procedure according to the received input.

[0144] Wireless device 600, when in the form of an Internet of Things (loT) device, may be a device for use in one or more application domains, these domains comprising, but not limited to, wearable technology, extended industrial application and healthcare. Non-limiting examples of such an loT device are a device which is or which is embedded in: a connected refrigerator or freezer, a TV, a connected lighting device, an electricity meter, a robot vacuum cleaner, a voice controlled smart speaker, a home security camera, a motion detector, a thermostat, a smoke detector, a door / window sensor, a flood / moisture sensor, an electrical door lock, a connected doorbell, an air conditioning system like a heat pump, an autonomous vehicle, a surveillance system, a weather monitoring device, a vehicle parking monitoring device, an electric vehicle charging station, a smart watch, a fitness tracker, a wearable for tactile augmentation or sensory enhancement, a water sprinkler, an animal- or item-tracking device, a sensor for monitoring a plant or animal, an industrial robot, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), and any kind of medical device, like a heart rate monitor or a remote controlled surgical robot. In particular embodiments, wireless device 600 represents an loT device that comprises circuitry and / or software in dependence of the intended application of the loT device in addition to other components as described in relation to the example embodiment of wireless device 600 shown in Fig. 6.

[0145] As yet another specific example, in an loT scenario, wireless device 600 may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurements, and transmits the results of such monitoring and / or measurements to another wireless device and / or a network node. Wireless device 600 may in this case be an M2M device, which may in a 3GPP context be referred to as an MTC device. As one particular example, wireless device 600 may implement the 3GPP NB-IoT standard. In other scenarios, wireless device 600 may represent a vehicle, such as a car, a bus, a truck, a ship and an airplane, or other equipment that is capable of monitoring and / or reporting on its operational status or other functions associated with its operation.

[0146] In practice, any number of wireless devices 600 may be used together with respect to a single use case. For example, a first wireless device 600 might be or be integrated in a drone and provide the drone’s speed information (obtained through a speed sensor) to a second wireless device 600 that is a remote controller operating the drone. When a user makes changes from the remote controller, the first wireless device 600 may adjust the throttle on the drone (e.g. by controlling an actuator) to increase or decrease the drone’s speed. The first and / or thesecond wireless device 600 can also include more than one of the functionalities described above. For example, wireless device 600 might comprise the sensor and the actuator, and handle communication of data for both the speed sensor and the actuators.

[0147] Fig. 7 shows a network node 700 in accordance with some embodiments. As used herein, network node refers to equipment capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a UE and / or with other network nodes or equipment, in a telecommunications network. In accordance with respective embodiments, network node 700 may be configured to operate in communication system 400 of Fig. 4, like network nodes 408 or 410, or in communication system 500 of Fig. 5, like an AP 510 or a station 512. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., radio access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs) and NR NodeBs (gNBs)), O-RAN nodes or components of an O-RAN node (e.g., O-RU, O-DU, O-CU).

[0148] Network nodes 700 may be categorized based on the amount of coverage they provide (or, stated differently, their transmit power level) and so, depending on the provided amount of coverage, may be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. Network node 700 may be a relay node or a relay donor node controlling a relay. Network nodes 700 may also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station such as centralized digital units, distributed units (e.g., in an O-RAN access node) and / or remote radio units (RRUs), sometimes referred to as Remote Radio Heads (RRHs). Such remote radio units may or may not be integrated with an antenna as an antenna integrated radio. Parts of a distributed radio base station may also be referred to as nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS).

[0149] Other examples of network nodes 700 include multiple transmission point (multi-TRP) 5G access nodes, multi-standard radio (MSR) equipment such as MSR BSs, network controllers such as radio network controllers (RNCs) or base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), transmission points, transmission nodes, multi-cell / multicast coordination entities (MCEs), Operation and Maintenance (O&M) nodes, Operations Support System (OSS) nodes, Self-Organizing Network (SON) nodes, positioning nodes (e.g., Evolved Serving Mobile Location Centers (E-SMLCs)), and / or Minimization of Drive Tests (MDTs).

[0150] In particular embodiments, network node 700 includes a processing circuitry 702, a memory 704, a communication interface 706, and a power source 708. In general, in a particular embodiment of network node 700, processing circuitry 702, memory 704, communication interface 706, and power source 708 may, in whole or in part, represent orinclude physical components common to or shared by one or more of the other elements of network node 700.

[0151] The network node 700 may be composed of multiple distinct network entities (e.g. , a NodeB entity and a RNC entity, or a BTS entity and a BSC entity, etc.), which may each have or utilize their own respective physical components. In certain scenarios in which the network node 700 comprises multiple such entities (e.g., BTS and BSC), one or more of the separate entities may be shared among several network nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple NodeBs. In such a scenario, each unique NodeB and RNC pair, may in some instances be considered a single separate network node. In some embodiments, the network node 700 may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components may be duplicated (e.g., separate memories 704 or portions of memory 704 for different RATs) and some components may be reused (e.g., a same antenna 710 may be shared by different RATs). The network node 700 may also include multiple sets of the various illustrated components for different wireless technologies integrated into network node 700, for example GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, Wi-Fi (e.g., according to an IEEE 802.11 family standard), Zigbee, Z-wave, LoRaWAN, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or Bluetooth wireless technologies. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chip or set of chips and other components within network node 700.

[0152] The processing circuitry 702 may comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software and / or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other components, such as the memory 704, to provide network node 700 functionality. For example, the processing circuitry 702 may be configured to cause the network node 700 to perform the methods as described with reference to Fig. 3, or any other method described herein in respect of a network node.

[0153] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 702 includes a system on a chip (SOC). In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 702 includes one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 712 and baseband processing circuitry 714. In some embodiments, the RF transceiver circuitry 712 and the baseband processing circuitry 714 may be on separate chips (or sets of chips), boards, or units, such as radio units and digital units. In alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry 712 and baseband processing circuitry 714 may be on the same chip or set of chips, boards, or units.

[0154] The memory 704 may comprise any form of volatile or non-volatile computer-readable memory including, without limitation, persistent storage, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a flash drive, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device-readable and / or computerexecutable memory devices that store information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by the processing circuitry 702. The memory 704 may store any suitable instructions, data, or information, including a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, and / or other instructions capable of being executed by the processing circuitry 702 and utilized by the network node 700. The memory 704 may be used to store any calculations made by the processing circuitry 702 and / or any data received via the communication interface 706. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 702 and memory 704 is integrated.

[0155] The communication interface 706 is used in wired or wireless communication of signaling and / or data with UEs, other network nodes, and / or any other network equipment. In the illustrated embodiment, communication interface 706 comprises port(s) / terminal(s) 716 to send and receive data, for example to and from a network over a wired connection. In particular embodiments, network node 600 may be capable of wireless communication and communication interface 706 may also include radio front-end circuitry 718 that may be coupled to, or in certain embodiments a part of, an antenna 710. Particular embodiments of radio front-end circuitry 718 include filter(s) 720 and amplifier(s) 722. The radio front-end circuitry 718 may be connected to an antenna 710 and processing circuitry 702. The radio frontend circuitry may be configured to condition signals communicated between antenna 710 and processing circuitry 702. The radio front-end circuitry 718 may receive digital data that is to be sent out to other network nodes or UEs via a wireless connection. The radio front-end circuitry 718 may convert the digital data into a radio signal(s) having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 720 and / or amplifiers 722. The radio signal(s) may then be transmitted via the antenna 710. Similarly, when receiving data, the antenna 710 may collect radio signals which are then converted into digital data by the radio front-end circuitry 718. The digital data may be passed to the processing circuitry 702. In other embodiments, the communication interface may comprise different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0156] In certain alternative embodiments, network node 700 may be capable of wireless communication but does not include separate radio front-end circuitry 718, instead, the processing circuitry 702 includes radio front-end circuitry and is connected to the antenna 710. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of the RF transceiver circuitry 712 is part of the communication interface 706. In still other embodiments, the communication interface 706 includes one or more ports or terminals 716, the radio front-end circuitry 718, and the RF transceiver circuitry 712, as part of a radio unit (not shown), and the communication interface 706 communicates with the baseband processing circuitry 714, which is part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0157] The antenna 710 may include one or more antennas, or antenna arrays, configured to send and / or receive wireless signals. The antenna 710 may be coupled to the radio front-end circuitry 718 and may be any type of antenna capable of transmitting and receiving data and / or signals wirelessly. In certain embodiments, the antenna 710 is separate from the network node 700 and connectable to the network node 700 through one or more interfaces or ports.

[0158] The antenna 710, communication interface 706, and / or the processing circuitry 702 may be configured to perform some or all of the receiving operations and / or obtaining operations described herein as being performed by the network node 700. Any information, data and / or signals may be received from a UE, another network node and / or any other network equipment. Similarly, the antenna 710, the communication interface 706, and / or the processing circuitry 702 may be configured to perform some or all of the transmitting or sending operations described herein as being performed by the network node 700. Any information, data and / or signals may be transmitted to a UE, another network node and / or any other network equipment.

[0159] The power source 708 provides power to the various components of network node 700 in a form suitable for the respective components (e.g., at a voltage and current level needed for each respective component). The power source 708 may further comprise, or be coupled to, power management circuitry to supply the components of the network node 700 with power for performing the functionality described herein. For example, the network node 700 may be connectable to an external power source (e.g., the power grid, an electricity outlet) via an input circuitry or interface such as an electrical cable, whereby the external power source supplies power to power circuitry of the power source 708. As a further example, the power source 708 may comprise a source of power in the form of a battery or battery pack which is connected to, or integrated in, power circuitry. The battery may provide backup power should the external power source fail.

[0160] Embodiments of the network node 700 may include additional components beyond those shown in Fig. 7 for providing certain aspects of the network node’s functionality, including any of the functionality described herein and / or any functionality necessary to support the subject matter described herein. For example, the network node 700 may include user interface equipment to allow input of information into the network node 700 and to allow output of information from the network node 700. This may allow a user to perform diagnostic, maintenance, repair, and other administrative functions for the network node 700.

[0161] Fig. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment 800 in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized. In the present context, virtualizing means creating virtual versions of apparatuses or devices which may include virtualizing hardware platforms, storage devices and networking resources. As used herein, virtualization can be applied to any device described herein, or components thereof, and relates to an implementation in which at least a portion of the functionality is implemented as one or more virtual components. Some or all of the functions described herein may be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines (VMs) implemented in one or more virtual environments 800 hosted by one or more of hardware nodes, such as a hardware computing device that operates as an access network node, UE, core network node, or host. Further, in embodiments in which a virtual node does not require radio connectivity (e.g., a core network node or host), then the node may be entirely virtualized. In some embodiments, the virtualization environment 800 includes components defined by the O-RAN Alliance, such as an O-Cloud environment orchestrated by a Service Management and Orchestration Framework via an O-2 interface.

[0162] Applications 802 (which may alternatively be called software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) are run in the virtualization environment 800 to implement some of the features, functions, and / or benefits of some of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0163] Hardware 804 includes processing circuitry, memory that stores software and / or instructions executable by hardware processing circuitry, and / or other hardware devices as described herein, such as a network interface, input / output interface, and so forth. Software may be executed by the processing circuitry to instantiate one or more virtualization layers 806 (also referred to as hypervisors or virtual machine monitors (VMMs)), provide VM 808A and VM 808B (which may be collectively referred to as VMs 808), and / or perform any of the functions, features and / or benefits described in relation with some embodiments describedherein. The virtualization layer 806 may present a virtual operating platform that appears like networking hardware to one or more of the VMs 808.

[0164] The VMs 808 comprise virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interface and virtual storage, and may be run by virtualization layer 806. Different embodiments of the instance of a virtual appliance 802 may be implemented on one or more of VMs 808, and the implementations may be made in different ways. Virtualization of the hardware is in some contexts referred to as network function virtualization (NFV). NFV may be used to consolidate many network equipment types onto industry standard high volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage, which can be located in data centers, and customer premise equipment.

[0165] In the context of NFV, each of the VMs 808 may be a software implementation of a physical machine that runs programs as if they were executing on a physical, non- virtualized machine. Each of the VMs 808, and that part of hardware 804 that executes that VM, be it hardware dedicated to that VM and / or hardware shared by that VM with others of the VMs, forms separate virtual network elements. Still in the context of NFV, a virtual network function is responsible for handling specific network functions that run in one or more of the VMs 808 on top of the hardware 804 and corresponds to an application 802.

[0166] Hardware 804 may be implemented in a standalone network node with generic or specific components. Hardware 804 may implement some functions via virtualization. Alternatively, hardware 804 may be part of a larger cluster of hardware (e.g. such as in a data center or CPE) where many hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and orchestration 810, which, among others, oversees lifecycle management of applications 802. In some embodiments, hardware 804 is coupled to one or more radio units that each include one or more transmitters and one or more receivers that may be coupled to one or more antennas. Radio units may communicate directly with other hardware nodes via one or more appropriate network interfaces and may be used in combination with the virtual components to provide a virtual node with radio capabilities, such as a radio access node or a base station. In some embodiments, some signaling can be provided with the use of a control system 812 which may alternatively be used for communication between hardware nodes and radio units.

[0167] Although the computing devices described herein (e.g., UEs, network nodes, hosts) may include the illustrated combination of hardware components, other embodiments may comprise computing devices with different combinations of components. It is to be understood that these computing devices may comprise any suitable combination of hardware and / or software needed to perform the tasks, features, functions and methods disclosed herein.Determining, calculating, obtaining or similar operations described herein may be performed by processing circuitry, which may process information by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or converted information to information stored in the network node, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or converted information, and as a result of said processing making a determination. Moreover, while components are depicted as single boxes located within a larger box, or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, computing devices may comprise multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component, and functionality may be partitioned between separate components. For example, a communication interface may be configured to include any of the components described herein, and / or the functionality of the components may be partitioned between the processing circuitry and the communication interface. In another example, non-computationally intensive functions of any of such components may be implemented in software or firmware and computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

[0168] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be provided by processing circuitry executing instructions stored on in memory, which in certain embodiments may be a computer program product in the form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuitry without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable storage medium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any of those particular embodiments, whether executing instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or not, the processing circuitry can be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuitry alone or to other components of the computing device, but are enjoyed by the computing device as a whole, and / or by end users and a wireless network generally.APPENDIX3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 #129bis R2-25xxxxx Wuhan, China, April 7 -11, 2025Agenda Item: 8.10.4Source: EricssonTitle: Discussion on the reply LS to RAN3 on SON-MDT enhancements for NTNDocument for: Discussion / DecisionIntroductionRAN#103 decided to support further data collection for Self-organizing Networks (SON). One of the topics that was endorsed was the SON and MDT enhancements for mobility in non-terrestrial networks.RAN2 had no discussion on SON and MDT enhancement for NTN in previous meetings. Now, we think RAN2 should trigger the related discussion due to the LSO from RAN3 on this subject. An excerpt from the LS is listed here for reference:DiscussionRAN2 #129 discussed and agreed on how the UE reports the fulfilled CHO trigger conditions in case of time- or location-based and measurement-based CHO.Thus, we are focusing on the remaining question from RAN3 on MDT for NTN.MDT for NTNRAN2 agreements regarding the geographical area defined for MBS NTN are copied in the Annex.2 of the contribution. In summary, based on the MBS NTN agreements, a new System Information Block (SIB) is to be introduced to indicate the MBS service area, which is defined by a geographical area represented by a (set of) referenceLocation and radius or by a (set of) polygon(s). Furthermore, the tn-ReferenceLocation-r18 and tn-DistanceRadius-r18 is reused for the geographical area of the circle and the encoding of Polygon in TS37.355 is reused for the geographical area of the Polygon. The definition of geographical area for MBS service can also apply to MDT area scope which can be implemented by tn-ReferenceLocation-r18 and tn-DistanceRadius-r18 or the encoding of Polygon in TS37.355.RAN2 to confirm that the geographical area for MBS NTN can apply to MDT area scope, i.e. a geographical area represented by a (set of) referenceLocation and radius or by a (set of) polygon(s).During last meeting, some companies mentioned that there is no UE requirement in RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE to check the position which would drain the UE battery. The intention of the geographical area scope is to log the MDT measurement only when the UE is within the geographical area scope. Checking the UE location is a prerequisite for determining the geographical area scope of logged MDT. To enhance UE energy efficiency, it is essential to address whether and how checking the UE location for logged MDT can be optimized / simplified for the sake of energy saving. For instance, when the UE is outside the geographical area the UE can check the location less often than being inside the area, or checking the location can be less or more frequent based on the UE mobility speed.RAN2 to discuss how to optimize location checking for logged MDT for the sake of UE energy saving. Detailed solutions can be For Further Study (FFS).If geographical area scope is to be used for NTN logged MDT, then the logged MDT configuration would consist of three area scope configurations, including MDT PLMN List, the legacy area scope in the form of cells, tracking area codes / frequencies, PNI-NPN identities or the SNPN identities, and the geographical area scope under discussion now.Foran NTN UE, it is important to clarify how MDT logging should be performed based on the three area scope configurations mentioned above. Specifically, it should be determined which area scope configuration applies when the NTN UE is camped on an NTN cell, a TN cell, or is in any cell selection state. This will enable the network to accurately identify the area corresponding to the received logged MDT report.RAN2 to discuss how the geographical area scope configuration applies when the NTN UE is camped on an NTN cell, a TN cell, or is in any cell selection state. ConclusionBased on the discussion in the previous sections we propose the following:Proposal 1 RAN2 to confirm that the geographical area for MBS NTN can apply to MDT area scope, i.e. a geographical area represented by a (set of) referenceLocation and radius or by a (set of) polygon(s).Proposal 2 RAN2 to discuss how to optimize position checking for logged MDT for the sake of UE energy saving. Detailed solutions can be FFS.Proposal 3 RAN2 to discuss how the geographical area scope configuration applies when the NTN UE is camped on an NTN cell, a TN cell, or is in any cell selection state.ReferencesRP-234038, “New WID: Data collection for SON (Self-Organising Networks) / MDT (Minimization of Drive Tests) in NR standalone and MR-DC (Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity) Phase 4”, RAN#102, Edinburgh, Scotland, December 2023.R3-247908, LS on RAN3 agreements with impact on UE related to the Rel-19 SON / MDT.AnnexAnnex. 1 Draft LS reply to RAN33GPP TSG-RAN WG2 #129bis R2-25xxxxx Wuhan, China, April 7 -11, 2025Title: [Draft] Reply LS on RAN3 agreements on SON / MDT for NTN Response to: R3-247908Release: Rel-19Work Item: NR_ENDC_SON_MDT_Ph4-CoreSource: TSG RAN WG2To: TSG RAN WG3Cc: N / AContact Person:Name:E-mail Address:Attachments: None1 Overall descriptionRAN2 would like to thank RAN3 for the LS on RAN3 agreements with impact on UE related to the Rel-19 SON / MDT.Regarding the MRO for NTN, RAN2 confirms that the existing IE in RLF-Report can be reused for the UE to report the fulfilled CHO trigger conditions before RLF occurs in case of “time and measurement-based trigger condition” or “location and measurement-based trigger condition”.Regarding the MDT for NTN, RAN2 confirms that same as the geographical area defined for MBS NTN, the MDT area scope can be extended to a geographical area represented by a (set of) referenceLocation and radius or by a (set of) polygon(s). Furthermore, the encoding of TN coverage introduced inRel-18 in TS38.331, including Va-ReferenceLocation-rl8 and tn-DistanceRadius-rl8, can be reused for the geographical area of the circle. And the encoding of Polygon in TS37.355 can be reused for the geographical area of the Polygon.2 ActionsTo RAN3ACTION : RAN2 kindly requests RAN3 to take the above information into consideration.3 Dates of next TSG WG2 meetingsTSG-RANWG2 Meeting #130 19 - 23 May 2025 St Julian, Malta TSG-RAN WG2 Meeting #131 25 - 29 Aug 2025 Bengaluru, IndiaAnnex. 2Agreements from NTN sessions in RAN2 meetings

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for managing a measurement performed by a wireless device, wherein the method is performed by the wireless device, the method comprising:acquiring (202) first information indicative of a geographical location of the wireless device, wherein the first information is acquired according to at least one first requirement placed on a first timing for the wireless device to acquire the first information; and performing (204) a first measurement according to at least one second requirement placed on a second timing for the wireless device to perform the first measurement.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein:the at least one first requirement is selected by the wireless device; orthe at least one first requirement is configured by a network node and the method comprises receiving the at least one first requirement from the network node.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein:the at least one first requirement is received from the network node via at least one satellite of a non-terrestrial network, NTN, or via a terrestrial network, TN.

4. The method of any of the previous claims, wherein:the at least one second requirement is selected by the wireless device; orthe at least one second requirement is configured by a network node and the method comprises receiving the at least one second requirement from the network node.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein:the at least one second requirement is received from the network node via at least one satellite of a non-terrestrial network, NTN, or via a terrestrial network, TN.

6. The method of any of the previous claims, wherein:the at least one second requirement comprises:a requirement that the wireless device is to stop performing the first measurement in response to one or both of:the first information becoming unavailable; andthe first information being indicative that the wireless device has changedfrom being within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement to being outside the first geographical area.

7. The method of claim 6, the method comprising:acquiring a LoggedMeasurementConfiguration comprising an areaConfiguration, wherein the areaConfiguration is indicative of the first geographical area.

8. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein:the first geographical area is defined as any one or more of:one or more polygons;one or more circles; andone or more ellipses.

9. The method of any of the previous claims, the method comprising:if the first information is available:acquiring the first information; andtransmitting the first information to a network node; orif the first information is unavailable:transmitting third information to the network node, wherein the third information is indicative that the first information is unavailable.

10. The method of claim 9, the method comprising:transmitting the first information to the network node with one or more of:a time at which the wireless device acquired the first information;a time interval in which the wireless device acquired the first information; a distance between the wireless device and a reference location;an indication of whether the distance between the wireless device and the reference location exceeds a threshold distance; andan indication of whether the wireless device acquired the first information when the wireless device was within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement or when the wireless device was outside the first geographical area.

11. The method of any of the previous claims, the method comprising:if the first information is available:determining, based on the acquired first information, whether the wireless device is within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement; orif the first information is unavailable:determining, based on fourth information previously acquired by the wireless device, whether the wireless device is within the first geographical area, wherein the fourth information is indicative of a previous geographical location of the wireless device.

12. The method of claim 11, the method comprising:determining whether the wireless device is within the first geographical area based on the fourth information if a time period since acquiring the fourth information is less than a maximum time period.

13. The method of any of the previous claims, wherein:the first information is acquired while the wireless device is in a Radio Resource Control, RRC, idle state or an RRC inactive state; and / orthe first measurement is performed while the wireless device is in a Radio Resource Control, RRC, idle state or an RRC inactive state.

14. The method of any of the previous claims, the method comprising:receiving, from a network node, information indicative of a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein:the information is received from the network node via at least one satellite of a nonterrestrial network, NTN, or via a terrestrial network, TN.

16. A method for managing a measurement performed by a wireless device, wherein the method is performed by a network node, the method comprising:transmitting (302), to the wireless device, one or both of at least one first requirementand at least one second requirement according to which the wireless device is to operate, wherein the at least one first requirement is placed on a first timing forthe wireless device to acquire first information indicative of a geographical location of the wireless device, andwherein the at least one second requirement is placed on a second timing for the wireless device to perform a first measurement.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein:one or both of the at least one first requirement and the at least one second requirement is transmitted to the wireless device via at least one satellite of a non-terrestrial network, NTN, or via a terrestrial network, TN.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein:the at least one second requirement comprises:a requirement that the wireless device is to stop performing the first measurement in response to one or both of:the first information becoming unavailable; andthe first information being indicative that the wireless device has changed from being within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement to being outside the first geographical area.

19. The method of any of claims 16 to 18, the method comprising:receiving the first information from the wireless device; orreceiving third information from the wireless device, wherein the third information is indicative that the first information is unavailable.

20. The method of claim 19, the method comprising:receiving the first information from the wireless device with one or more of:a time at which the wireless device acquired the first information;a time interval in which the wireless device acquired the first information; a distance between the wireless device and a reference location;an indication of whether the distance between the wireless device and the reference location exceeds a threshold distance; andan indication of whether the wireless device acquired the first information when the wireless device was within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement or when the wireless device was outside the first geographical area.

21. The method of any of claims 16 to 20, the method comprising:transmitting, to the wireless device, information indicative of a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein:the information is transmitted to the wireless device via at least one satellite of a nonterrestrial network, NTN, or via a terrestrial network, TN.

23. The method of any of the previous claims, wherein:the at least one first requirement comprises any one or more of:a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information in each period within which the wireless device is to perform the first measurement or in only some of the periods within which the wireless device is to perform the first measurement;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the geographical location of the wireless device changes or when the geographical location of the wireless device has changes by more than a threshold amount;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information frequently enough to identify when the wireless device enters a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device is within a maximum allowed distance from a border of the first geographical area; anda requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device is within a predefined coverage area.

24. The method of any of the previous claims, wherein:the at least one first requirement comprises:a requirement that the wireless device is to provide second information when thefirst information is indicative that the geographical location of the wireless device has not changed since the wireless device performed a second measurement that precedes the first measurement, wherein the second information is indicative that the geographical location of the wireless device has not changed since the wireless device performed the second measurement.

25. The method of any of the previous claims, wherein:the first timing is based on any one or more of:a battery level of the wireless device;a speed of the wireless device;an accuracy with which the wireless device is capable of performing the first measurement; anda type of wireless device that the wireless device is.

26. The method of any of the previous claims, wherein:the at least one first requirement comprises a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information based on information acquired from one or more sensors internal to the wireless device.

27. The method of any of the previous claims, wherein:the at least one first requirement comprises any one or more of:a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device leaves a Radio Resource Control, RRC, connected state;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information at the time the wireless device starts performing the first measurement;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information once at the start of a time period within which the wireless device performs the first measurement;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device transitions from one coverage area to another coverage area;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information once every set unit of time;a requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information according to a periodicity calculated based on a factor associated with a frequency range of acarrier associated with the wireless device; anda requirement that the wireless device is to acquire the first information when the wireless device is within a set coverage area.

28. The method of any of the previous claims, wherein:the at least one second requirement is based on the at least one first requirement.

29. The method of any of the previous claims, wherein:the at least one second requirement comprises any one or more of:a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the wireless device has acquired the first information or irrespective of whether the wireless device has acquired the first information;a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the first information is indicative that the geographical location of the wireless device is within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement;a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the first information is indicative that the geographical location of the wireless device has changed from being outside the first geographical area to being within the first geographical area; anda requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement when the first information is indicative that geographical location of the wireless device is within a first coverage area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement.

30. The method of any of the previous claims, wherein:the at least one second requirement comprises:a requirement that the wireless device is to perform the first measurement for a set time period if the first information is unavailable; anda requirement that the wireless device is to stop performing the first measurement if the first information continues to be unavailable during the set time period or to continue performing the first measurement after the set time period if the first information becomes available during the set time period.

31. The method of any of the previous claims, wherein:an availability of the first information is indicative that the wireless device is within a first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement; andan unavailability of the first information is indicative that the wireless device is outside the first geographical area in which the wireless device is allowed to perform the first measurement.

32. The method of any of the previous claims, wherein:the first measurement is a Minimization of Drive Test, MDT, measurement.

33. A wireless device (412, 512, 600) comprising processing circuitry (602) configured to cause the wireless device (412, 512, 600) to:acquire first information indicative of a geographical location of the wireless device, wherein the first information is acquired according to at least one first requirement placed on a first timing for the wireless device to acquire the first information; andperform a first measurement according to at least one second requirement placed on a second timing for the wireless device to perform the first measurement.

34. A network node (410, 510, 700) comprising processing circuitry (702) configured to cause the network node (410, 510, 700) to:transmit, to the wireless device, one or both of at least one first requirement and at least one second requirement according to which the wireless device is to operate,wherein the at least one first requirement is placed on a first timing for the wireless device to acquire first information indicative of a geographical location of the wireless device, andwherein the at least one second requirement is placed on a second timing for the wireless device to perform a first measurement.

35. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform the method according to any one or more of claims 1 to 32.

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