DE102022206736A1 - METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING MASS INITIAL ACCESS - Google Patents

Abstract

Improve the random access access and power consumption of a large group of user equipment (UE) in a cellular network by having a lead user device forward network-related measurements to a target network cell, receive device-specific random access configurations from the target network cell, and the device-specific ones Random access configurations for concurrent access to the target network cell to the group of user devices.

Description

AREA OF EXPERTISE

The present application relates to cellular networks and in particular to a method and a system for improving random access and energy consumption of a large group of user equipment (UE) in a cellular network.

STATE OF THE ART

Next-generation wireless and cellular networks, such as fifth-generation networks (5G), may include a terrestrial network (TN)-based system and a non-terrestrial network (TN)-based system. Terrestrial Network - NTN) based system (3GPP Rel. 18 Wl: NR NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) Enhancements). For example, a 5G system may include a satellite-based, non-terrestrial network-based system in addition to a traditional terrestrial system.

To improve overall network coverage, non-terrestrial network-based systems can provide service coverage capabilities on a larger geographic scale to areas that are underserved or not served by traditional terrestrial network-based systems. Such areas may include remote areas, areas that are difficult to access, or areas over which terrestrial networks cannot be deployed, such as lakes and oceans.

In addition, systems based on a non-terrestrial network can provide reduced vulnerability to infrastructure failures, such as physical attacks and natural disasters affecting terrestrial networks and systems. In addition, non-terrestrial network-based systems can provide enhanced service reliability, such as service continuity for machine-to-machine (M2M) devices and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. loT) or to passengers on board moving platforms such as aircraft or ships. Finally, systems based on a non-terrestrial network can provide efficient multicasting or broadcasting for data delivery to network edges or to user terminals.

As a result, non-terrestrial network-based systems and components affect the coverage, user bandwidth, system capacity, service reliability or service availability, energy consumption and connection density of the entire next-generation cellular network-based system.

SHORT PRESENTATION

Aspects of embodiments of the present application relate to a method and a system for improving random access access and power consumption of a large group of user equipment (UE) in a cellular network.

According to one aspect of an embodiment, a cellular network system is provided that includes a network cell, a first user device connected to the network cell; and a second user device connected to the first user device via a local communication protocol, wherein the first user device is configured to request a random access configuration of the second user device from the network cell, and wherein the first user device is configured to do so is to send the random access configuration to the second user device.

The network cell can be a network cell of a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

The random access configuration may be random access information for the second user device to access a terrestrial network (TN) via random access.

The second user device may be a plurality of user devices.

The first user device may be configured to request random access configurations of the plurality of user devices from the network cell based on a cell-related measurement report of the first user device.

The first user device may be configured to request random access configurations of the plurality of user devices from the network cell based on cell-related measurement reports of the plurality of user devices.

The first user device may be connected to the network cell in an RRC_CONNECTED state.

The majority of user devices may be in an RRC_INACTIVE state relative to the network cell.

The first user device may be configured to control the plurality of user devices to receive the cell-related measurement reports in order to access the terrestrial network (TN) via random access.

The majority of user devices can be designed to access the terrestrial network (TN) via random access based on the random access information.

According to one aspect of an embodiment, a user device is provided that includes a transceiver and a control unit configured to control the transceiver to connect the user device to a network cell, to control the transceiver to communicate via a local communication protocol to connect to a second user device, control the transceiver to request from the network cell a random access configuration of the second user device, and control the transceiver to send the random access configuration to the second user device.

The network cell can be a network cell of a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

The random access configuration may be random access information for the second user device to access a terrestrial network (TN) via random access.

The second user device may be a plurality of user devices.

The control unit may be configured to control the transceiver to request random access configurations of the plurality of user devices from the network cell based on a cell-related measurement report of the user device.

The control unit may be configured to control the transceiver to request random access configurations of the plurality of user devices from the network cell based on cell-related measurement reports of the plurality of user devices.

The user device may be connected to the network cell in an RRC_CONNECTED state.

The majority of user devices may be in an RRC_INACTIVE state relative to the network cell.

The control unit can be designed to control the plurality of user devices to receive the cell-related measurement reports in order to access the terrestrial network (TN) via random access.

The majority of user devices can be designed to access the terrestrial network (TN) via random access based on the random access information.

According to one aspect of an embodiment, a user device is provided that includes a transceiver and a control unit configured to control the transceiver to connect the user device to a relay user device connected to a network cell via a local communications protocol. controlling the transceiver to request from the forwarding user device a random access configuration of the user device, and controlling the transceiver to connect the user device to a cellular network system based on the random access configuration.

The network cell can be a network cell of a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

The cellular network system may be a terrestrial network (TN) and the random access configuration includes random access information for the user device to randomly access the terrestrial network (TN).

The user device may be one of a plurality of user devices connected as a group to the relay user device via the local communication protocol.

The control unit may be configured to control the transceiver to request the random access information based on a cell-related measurement report of the forwarding user device.

The control unit may be configured to control the transceiver to perform a cell-related measurement report and to control the transceiver to request the random access information based on the cell-related measurement report.

The forwarding user device may be connected to the network cell in an RRC_CONNECTED state.

The user device may be in an RRC_INACTIVE state relative to the network cell.

The control unit may be configured to control the transceiver to send the cell-related measurement report to the forwarding user device.

The control unit can be designed to control the transceiver to access the terrestrial network (TN) via random access based on the random access information.

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

Many industries, such as agriculture, construction, trucking, and the like, are seeing a move toward integrating higher levels of system and vehicle automation. This includes automated interactions between automated machines and vehicles. Therefore, network connectivity for interconnected machines and vehicles in these industries is likely to enable improved operations.

Limited, insufficient or unavailable mobile network coverage in remote areas poses a challenge for operations in some geographical environments. Integrated fifth generation (5G) non-terrestrial communications facilities, such as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and high-altitude platforms (High-Altitude Platforms - HAPS), can enable modern use cases in remote areas that traditional terrestrial-based communications facilities are inadequate or unable to serve.

Accordingly, automated machines and vehicles can exploit non-terrestrial network (NTN) based systems and communications to provide connectivity. When serving a large number of devices, access attempts by a large group of user devices (UE) can result in significant random access (RA) contention, such as when members of the group of user devices attempt to access at the same time or substantially simultaneously to access the network. This results in random access collisions, increased numbers of subsequent random access retries, and consequently increased processing and energy consumption by the user device and the network.

THE SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM

In light of the foregoing, aspects of embodiments of the present application relate to a method and system for improving random access and power consumption of a large group of user equipment (UE) in a cellular network. In particular, when a large number of devices attempt to concurrently connect to a network via Random Access (RA), a leading device may provide device-specific Quality of Service (QoS) profiles and cell-related measurement reports to a serving cell. A QoS profile is a set of parameters and metadata that characterize user, application and/or device specific service requirements. This allows device-specific random access configurations to be forwarded from the lead device to the devices within the group. As a result, random access collisions can be avoided if the devices within the group competely request network access via random access.

BENEFICIAL EFFECTS

Aspects of embodiments of the present application provide a technique for reducing the probability of random access collisions and energy consumption of user devices when they are concurrently requesting network access by means of a leading or forwarding user device prior to the concurrent random access access device-specific Requests and receives random access configurations for user devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• 1 ein Blockdiagramm, das ein Kommunikationsnetz gemäß einer Ausführungsform darstellt;
• 2 ein Ablaufdiagramm, das ein Verfahren zum Ausbilden einer Gruppe von Benutzergeräten gemäß einer Ausführungsform darstellt;
• 3 ein Ablaufdiagramm, das ein Verfahren zum Erzeugen von netzbezogenen Messberichten gemäß einer Ausführungsform darstellt;
• 4 ein Ablaufdiagramm, das ein Verfahren zum Erzeugen von benutzergerätspezifischen Random-Access-Konfigurationen gemäß einer Ausführungsform darstellt;
• 5 ein Ablaufdiagramm, das ein Verfahren zum Initiieren eines Netzzugangs gemäß einer Ausführungsform darstellt; und
• 6 ein Blockdiagramm eines Benutzergeräts gemäß einer Ausführungsform.

The foregoing and other aspects will be better understood from the following brief description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It shows:

• 1 a block diagram illustrating a communications network according to an embodiment;
• 2 a flowchart illustrating a method for forming a group of user devices according to an embodiment;
• 3 a flowchart illustrating a method for generating network-related measurement reports according to an embodiment;
• 4 a flowchart showing a method for generating user device-specific represents random access configurations according to one embodiment;
• 5 a flowchart illustrating a method for initiating network access according to an embodiment; and
• 6 a block diagram of a user device according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

1 is a block diagram illustrating a communications network according to one embodiment.

As in 1 As shown, the communications network 100 includes a terrestrial network (TN)-based system 110, a non-terrestrial network (NTN)-based system 120, and a plurality of user equipment (UE) 130.

The terrestrial network-based system 110 may include one or more network cells or a Node B, such as an eNodeB, a gNB, and the like.

The non-terrestrial network-based system 120 may include one or more low Earth orbit (LEO) and high altitude platform (HAPS) satellites.

The terrestrial network 110 and the non-terrestrial network 120 of the communications network 100 may provide cellular network communications in accordance with one or more cellular communications standards such as third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), long term evolution (LTE), fifth generation (5G), sixth generation ( 6G) etc., support. The terrestrial network 110 and the non-terrestrial network 120 of the communication network 100 can wireless data communication according to Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and/or or implement Enhanced Data for Global Evolution (EDGE) and the like.

The plurality of user devices 130 may be a group of user devices that include a first user device 140, which may be referred to as a master, lead device, or relay device, and one or more second user devices 145, which may be referred to as a slave, downstream device, or affiliated device , includes.

The plurality of user devices 130 may be implemented as a swarm of automated vehicles configured or controlled to perform one or more automated tasks of an application-specific program, such as harvesting crops or sowing crops, and other functions associated with navigation and location control of the plurality of user devices 130.

The first user device 140 may be connected to the non-terrestrial network 120. For example, for cost reasons, only the first user device 140 of the plurality of user devices 130 may be equipped with a transceiver and an antenna system capable of performing communication with the non-terrestrial network 120. This allows the first user device 140 to perform network communication over the non-terrestrial network 120 and the terrestrial network 110.

The first user device 140 may also be connected to each user device of the one or more second user devices 145. The communication link between the first user device 140 and the second user device 145 may be established locally according to one or more communication protocols, such as Multi-Hop Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) via WiFi, ZigBee, LoRa, Sigfox, Bluetooth or 3GPP Sidelink. Accordingly, an application layer of the first user device 140 may control the communication between the first user device 140 and the second user device 145 for coordination and control, including task scheduling, group formation, group dissolution, and the like.

Because only the first user device 140 may be connected to the non-terrestrial network 120, within the scope of coverage by the non-terrestrial network, the first user device performs all network communication on behalf of the plurality of user devices 130. Therefore, the first user device 140 may function as a relay device for the second user device 145 for performing network communication over the non-terrestrial network 120 and the terrestrial network 110.

To reduce the power consumption of the plurality of user devices 130, although capable of communicating with the terrestrial network 110, the plurality of user devices may not be connected to the terrestrial network 110 while operating in conjunction with the first user device 120. For example, due to the geographical range of the terrestrial network 110, the majority of user devices 130 may be geographically located outside the communication range of the terrestrial network 110. Alternatively, the first can/can User device 140 and/or the second user device 145 are controlled to be separated from the terrestrial network 110 for security reasons, quality of service requirements and the like.

In such scenarios, for example, in a transition between coverage by a non-terrestrial network and coverage by a terrestrial network, or simultaneously or substantially simultaneously under the control of the application-specific program of the first user device 140, network access attempts by a large group of user devices may involve significant competition Random access (RA) with respect to the terrestrial network 110 results in an increased number of subsequent random access retries and consequently increased energy consumption by the second user device 145.

To avoid contention in the context of random access to the terrestrial network 110 by the plurality of user devices 130, the second user device 145 can be supported by the first user device 130 to establish a connection to the terrestrial network under the direction of the application-specific program of the first user device 140 110 to produce.

Accordingly, the first user device 140 and/or the second user device 145 of the plurality of user devices 130 may detect the coverage of the terrestrial network 110 to individually establish a connection to the terrestrial network 110. For example, the first user device 140 can be controlled to perform network detection and signal measurements of the terrestrial network 110. Alternatively, the first user device 140 may control the second user device 145 to perform network detection and signal measurements of the terrestrial network 110. The network detection and signal measurements of the terrestrial network 110 may be sent from the second user device 145 to the first user device 140.

The first user device 140 reports the network detection and signal measurements to the terrestrial network 110, for example via the non-terrestrial network 120 or directly via the terrestrial network 110. When configuring a connection to the terrestrial network 110 via the non-terrestrial network 120, the network detection and Signal measurements by a serving cell from the non-terrestrial network 120 to a target cell of the terrestrial network 110 via a logical interface, such as the Xn interface for connection between nodes of radio access networks (RAN), such as gNB, eLTE and the like, can be forwarded.

The network detection and signal measurements may include an identity and quantity of the plurality of user devices 130, user device-specific quality of service profiles, and cell-related measurement reports. Accordingly, the first user device 140 requests user device-specific random access configurations from the terrestrial network 110.

A serving cell of the terrestrial network 110 may provide the user device-specific random access configurations for the plurality of user devices 130 to the first user device 140. For example, the first user device 140 may transmit the user device-specific random access configurations from a target cell of the terrestrial network 110 via the serving cell of the non-terrestrial network 120 and a logical interface, such as the Xn interface for connecting nodes of radio access networks Network - RAN), such as gNB, eLTE and the like.

The first user device 140 may communicate the user device-specific random access configurations to the second user device 145 via locally established communication according to one or more communication protocols, such as Multi-Hop Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) over WiFi, ZigBee, LoRa, Sigfox, Bluetooth or 3GPP Sidelink, send.

As a result, each of the second user devices 145 can connect to the terrestrial network 110 using the user device-specific random access configurations.

According to one embodiment, the user device-specific random access configurations may include a Random Access Channel (RACH) delay timer and a Random Access Channel (RACH) backoff value - in addition to a RACH preamble assignment, a Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI) of the target cell, an identifier of a target data radio bearer (DRB) (Uplink UL / Downlink DL) and a security algorithm of a target eNodeB - in a radio resource control reconfiguration message .Radio Resource Control, RRC, reconfiguration message). The RRC reconfiguration message may be forwarded from the first user device 140 to the second user device 145. Accordingly, if a random access attempt of the second user device 145 fails, a backoff is applied according to the backoff value as determined by the target network cell priori determined based on activity. For example, a higher priority user device may be provided with a smaller backoff value and a lower priority user device may be provided with a higher backoff value. This can avoid a collision in the context of random access.

With respect to the random access delay timer and the random access backoff value, the target network may store a mapping table between a quality of service requirement and a random access backoff value and the random access delay timer. For example, a user device with QoS1 can apply the RACH delay timer D1 and the backoff value B1. On the other hand, a UE2 with QoS2 can apply the RACH delay timer D2 and the backoff value B2. The user device applies the RACH delay timer and backoff values based on the QoS (and known mapping), and thereby the destination network (gNB) configures the QoS for the user device via a dedicated RRC signaling message.

According to one embodiment, the first user device 140 proposes a user device-specific random access configuration based on a ProSe application ID and application layer triggered group segregation, resulting in smaller groups routed by the new forwarding/leading user device. Only a new lead user device is required to perform initial access to a terrestrial network.

According to an embodiment based on a specified Quality of Service (QoS) Class Identifier (QCI) mechanism - 5Q1, the destination network (gNB) determines a mapping between random access opportunities and required QoS (5QI) and transmits this across the network. Accordingly, the first network device may perform allocation of RACH resources to remote UEs (depending on QoS profiles of the remote user devices). This allows the user device-specific random access configuration to be provided from the first user device to the second user device.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for forming a group of user devices according to an embodiment.

As in 2 shown, an application can be executed by a leading user device. Accordingly, the embodiments are directed to the “application-controlled behavior” case. Alternatively, all processing may occur within the 3GPP layers and therefore the lead user device may trigger a measurement report, but also configure the companion user device to periodically provide measurement reports, as similarly referred to 2 and 3 described below.

As also in 2 shown, the leading user device can do so with reference to 1 described first user device 140. As also in 2 As shown, the lead user device can communicate with a companion user device and a network. The attached user device can do this with reference to 1 described second user device 145 and the network may do so with reference to 1 be the non-terrestrial network 120 described.

In step 205, the application executed by the lead user device activates a connection of the lead user device. The application can be a related to 1 described application-specific program for communicating with a plurality of user devices and controlling them to perform one or more tasks.

In step 210, the lead user device may send a connection request to the network. The connection request may be made via any suitable radio communications protocol appropriate to the communications capabilities of the network, such as cellular communications or communications to non-terrestrial infrastructure. For example, the connection request may be a connection request for establishing ProSe capability and ProSe authorized by the network in the context of 5G. Accordingly, the leading user device may be in an RRC_CONNECTED state with respect to the network.

In step 215, the network may send a connection configuration to the lead user device and in step 220, the lead user device establishes connectivity with the network. The connection configuration may indicate that the lead user device is authorized for 5G ProSe.

In step 225, the lead user device application may send an application registration request to a server. The server may be associated with the application, such as an application host corresponding to the application. The application registration request may be a request for a set of instructions or tasks for controlling operations and locations of the lead user device and the companion user device, including task schedules, vehicle or object information jectory, network preferences (e.g. NTN) during group operations and handover policies. Handover policy may be to switch each user device from a control mode in which the lead user device controls the affiliated user device via local communications to a remote control mode in which each affiliated user device is connected to the network for control via cellular network communications over the terrestrial network can.

In step 230, the server may send application data to the lead user device. The application data may include a set of instructions or tasks for controlling operations and locations of the lead user device and the companion user device.

In step 240, the lead user device application may initiate a group formation with the affiliated user device, and in step 245, the lead user device may send a request to the affiliated user device, a group of user devices that is related to the associated user device 1 described plurality of user devices 130 can correspond to join. The request may include a plurality of tasks and control instructions for the associated user device to perform, as well as parameters for group-related communication, group formation, task scheduling and status reporting. While grouping is broadly illustrated as the distribution of tasks from the lead user device to the companion user device, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that group registration and the distribution of tasks for controlling the companion user device may be performed separately.

The communication between the lead user device and the companion user device may occur via locally established communications according to one or more communication protocols, such as Multi-Hop Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) over WiFi, ZigBee, LoRa, Sigfox, Bluetooth, or 3GPP Sidelink. Accordingly, the attached user device may be in an RRC_IDLE state with respect to the network.

In step 250, the affiliated user device sends an acknowledgment or positive feedback message to the lead user device, thereby confirming its participation in the group.

In step 255, the attached user device sends a status report to the lead user device. The status report may include information indicating progress of a task assigned to the attached user device, a location of the attached user device, and any other information indicating an operational status of the attached user device.

Finally, in step 260, the lead user device and the companion user device jointly perform their respective tasks.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating network-related measurement reports according to one embodiment.

As in 3 shown, an application can be executed by a leading user device. The leading user device can do this with reference to 1 described first user device 140. As also in 3 shown, the leading user device can communicate with an attached user device. The attached user device can do this with reference to 1 be the second user device 145 described.

In step 305, the lead user device may complete a task or operation assigned to the lead user device by the lead user device application. Accordingly, submission policy criteria can be triggered according to parameters of the application.

In step 310, the lead user device may initiate network discovery and signal measurements. The lead user device can be in either an RRC_CONNECTED state or an RRC_INACTIVE state.

In step 315, the lead user device may send a request to, or provide a measurement configuration for, the companion user device to perform network discovery and signal measurements. Alternatively, as discussed above, the lead user device may perform measurements relating to the serving cell and neighboring cells.

In steps 320 and 325, the associated user device may perform network detection and signal measurements and send results of the network detection and signal measurements to the lead user device.

In step 330, the lead user device, in its capacity as a forwarding node (ProSe Application Identifier ID), may determine whether conditions exist that are sufficient for the attached user device to associate with a cell of a target network. The target network can do this with reference to 1 correspond to the terrestrial network 110 described. If the lead user device determines that conditions are sufficient for the attached user device to connect to the target network, the lead user device may send a user device-specific random access configuration to the attached user device. Alternatively, if the lead user device determines that conditions do not exist for the attached user device to connect to the destination network, the lead user device may send instructions to move the attached user device to a handover location.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating user device-specific random access configurations according to one embodiment.

As in 4 shown, an application can be executed by a leading user device. The leading user device can do this with reference to 1 described first user device 140. As also in 4 As shown, the lead user device can communicate with a companion user device and a network. The attached user device can do this with reference to 1 described second user device 145 and the network may be the terrestrial network 110 or the non-terrestrial network 120, which are referred to 1 have been described.

In step 405, the lead user device application may determine that the lead user device and the companion user device have completed their respective tasks and operations.

In step 410, the leading user device may determine to activate a forwarding mode. The forwarding mode may be a mode in which the leading user device can request and receive user device-specific random access configurations from a target network cell.

In step 415, the leading user device may send a forwarding mode connection request to the destination network.

In step 420, the destination network may send a connection configuration to the lead user device. The connection configuration may indicate that the lead user device is authorized to act as a ProSe device under 5G.

In step 425, forwarding mode may be established in the lead user device and in step 430, the lead user device may collect user device-specific data and measurement reports to obtain user device-specific random access configurations from the target network cell.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for initiating network access according to one embodiment.

As in 5 shown, an application can be executed by a leading user device. The leading user device can do this with reference to 1 described first user device 140. As also in 5 As shown, the leading user device can communicate with an attached user device, a source network and a destination network. The attached user device can do this with reference to 1 described second user device 145, the source network can be that with reference to 1 described non-terrestrial network 120 and the target network can be that with reference to 1 terrestrial network 110 described.

In step 505, the lead user device may collect network detection and signal measurements of the target network from the companion user device.

In steps 510 and 515, the lead user device may send the network detection and signal measurements to the source network. The network detection and signal measurements may include an identity and quantity of the associated user device(s), quality of service profiles specific to an associated user device(s), and cell-related measurement reports of the associated user device(s).

In steps 520 and 525, the source network may forward the network detection and signal measurements to the destination network via a logical interface, such as the Xn interface for connection between nodes of radio access networks (RAN), such as gNB, eLTE, and the like.

In step 530, the destination network receives the request for user device-specific random access configurations corresponding to the group of associated user devices and generates corresponding user device-specific random access configurations.

In steps 535 and 540, the destination network sends the user device-specific random access configurations over the source network to the leading user device.

In step 545, the lead user device sends the user device-specific random access configurations via locally established communications according to one or more communication protocols, such as Multi-Hop Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) over WiFi, ZigBee, LoRa, Sigfox, Bluetooth, or 3GPP Sidelink , to the attached user device.

In step 550, the attached user device may initiate access to the target network via random access using the user device-specific random access configurations.

6 is a block diagram of a user device according to an embodiment.

This in 6 The user device shown may be the first user device 140 or the second user device 145, which are referred to 1 have been described.

The user device 600 includes a control unit 610 and a transceiver 620.

The control unit 610 includes a memory 615 and a processor 617. Although in 6 The user device 600 is shown as including the memory 615 and the processor 617, but one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the user device 600 may include additional components for performing transmit and receive functions of the user device 600.

The memory 615 may be a random access memory (RAM), solid state memory or flash memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or any other suitable data storage element for storing data and/or operating instructions, computer-readable codes, application programming, etc. of the user device 600. For example, memory 615 may store an application for controlling operations of the lead user device or the companion user device.

The processor 617 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or other suitable data processing element for controlling operations of the user device 105 by executing the operating instructions, computer-readable code, application programming, etc. stored in the memory 615 of the user device 600 is/are stored.

Memory 615 and processor 617 may communicate via one or more buses.

Although there are 6 Memory 615 and processor 617 are shown as being implemented as separate components connected via a bus, but one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that memory 615 and processor 617 are incorporated into a single component, such as an application specific integrated circuit .Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or another suitable electronic component for performing cellular transmission and reception functions of the user device 600 may be integrated.

The transceiver 620 may be a communication circuit arrangement designed to wirelessly communicate between the control unit 610 of the user device 600 and other units of the cellular network, such as the terrestrial network 110, the non-terrestrial network 120, or another user device 140, 145. The transceiver 620 may be configured to operate in accordance with one or more cellular communications networks or protocols, such as 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, 6G, GSM, GPRS, UMTS, CDMA, EDGE, and the like, as well as one or more local communications protocols. such as Multi-Hop Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) via WiFi, ZigBee, LoRa, Sigfox, Bluetooth or 3GPP Sidelink to communicate wirelessly.

The transceiver 620 may include a control unit and an antenna. While the transceiver 620 is described as including the control unit and the antenna, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the transceiver 620 may include additional components for performing communication functions of the user device 600.

The antenna may be a mobile multi-band antenna designed to support one or more communication protocols designed for wireless communication. The antenna may be an isotropic, omnidirectional or other antenna designed to wirelessly transmit or receive data over the communications network system.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Embodiments of the present application are for communication networks and in particular for providing energy savings in the case where a plurality of users devices may attempt to establish a network connection concurrently or substantially simultaneously via random access.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

100

Communication network

110

System based on a terrestrial network

120

System based on a non-terrestrial network

130

Multiple user devices

140

First user device

145

Second user device

600

User device

610

Control unit

620

Transceiver

615

Storage

617

processor

Claims (30)

Mobile network system, comprising: a network cell; a first user device connected to the network cell; and a second user device connected to the first user device via a local communication protocol, wherein the first user device is designed to request a random access configuration of the second user device from the network cell, and wherein the first user device is designed to send the random access configuration to the second user device. Mobile network system Claim 1 , wherein the network cell comprises a network cell of a non-terrestrial network (NTN). Mobile network system Claim 2 , wherein the random access configuration includes random access information for the second user device for randomly accessing a terrestrial network (TN). Mobile network system Claim 3 , wherein the second user device comprises a plurality of user devices. Mobile network system Claim 4 ,wherein the first user device is designed to request random access configurations of the plurality of user devices from the network cell based on a cell-related measurement report of the first user device. Mobile network system Claim 4 , wherein the first user device is configured to request random access configurations of the plurality of user devices from the network cell based on cell-related measurement reports of the plurality of user devices. Mobile network system Claim 6 , wherein the first user device is connected to the network cell in an RRC_CONNECTED state. Mobile network system Claim 7 , wherein the plurality of user devices are in an RRC_INACTIVE state relative to the network cell. Mobile network system Claim 8 , wherein the first user device is configured to control the plurality of user devices to receive the cell-related measurement reports in order to access the terrestrial network (TN) via random access. Mobile network system Claim 9 , wherein the majority of user devices are designed to access the terrestrial network (TN) via random access based on the random access information. User device comprising: a transceiver; and a control unit configured to control the transceiver to connect the user device to a network cell, to control the transceiver to connect to a second user device via a local communications protocol, to control the transceiver to connect from the Network cell to request a random access configuration of the second user device, and to control the transceiver to send the random access configuration to the second user device. user device Claim 11 , wherein the network cell comprises a network cell of a non-terrestrial network (NTN). user device Claim 12 , wherein the random access configuration includes random access information for the second user device for randomly accessing a terrestrial network (TN). user device Claim 13 , wherein the second user device comprises a plurality of user devices. user device Claim 14 , wherein the control unit is designed to control the transceiver to request random access configurations of the plurality of user devices from the network cell based on a cell-related measurement report of the user device. user device Claim 14 , wherein the control unit is designed to control the transceiver to request random access configurations of the plurality of user devices from the network cell based on cell-related measurement reports of the plurality of user devices. user device Claim 16 , where the user device is connected to the network cell in an RRC_CONNECTED state. user device Claim 17 , wherein the plurality of user devices are in an RRC_INACTIVE state relative to the network cell. user device Claim 18 , wherein the control unit is designed to control the plurality of user devices to receive the cell-related measurement reports in order to access the terrestrial network (TN) via random access. user device Claim 19 , wherein the majority of user devices are designed to access the terrestrial network (TN) via random access based on the random access information. User device comprising: a transceiver; and a control unit designed to control the transceiver to connect the user device to a relay user device connected to a network cell via a local communication protocol, to control the transceiver to receive a random access from the relay user device to request configuration of the user device and to control the transceiver to connect the user device to a cellular network system based on the random access configuration. user device Claim 21 , wherein the network cell comprises a network cell of a non-terrestrial network (NTN). user device Claim 22 , wherein the mobile network system includes a terrestrial network (TN) and wherein the random access configuration includes random access information for the user device to access the terrestrial network (TN) via random access. user device Claim 23 , wherein the user device comprises one of a plurality of user devices connected as a group to the relay user device via the local communication protocol. user device Claim 24 , wherein the control unit is configured to control the transceiver to request the random access information based on a cell-related measurement report of the forwarding user device. user device Claim 24 , wherein the control unit is configured to control the transceiver to perform a cell-related measurement report and to control the transceiver to request the random access information based on the cell-related measurement report. user device Claim 26 , wherein the forwarding user device is connected to the network cell in an RRC_CONNECTED state. user device Claim 27 , where the user device is in an RRC_INACTIVE state with respect to the network cell. user device Claim 28 , wherein the control unit is designed to control the transceiver to send the cell-related measurement report to the forwarding user device. user device Claim 29 , wherein the control unit is designed to control the transceiver to access the terrestrial network (TN) via random access based on the random access information.

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