WO2021037327A1

WO2021037327A1 - Configuration in satellite system

Info

Publication number: WO2021037327A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/072568
Authority: WO
Inventors: István Zsolt KOVÁCS; Jeroen Wigard; Hans Thomas HÖHNE; Ingo Viering; Rafhael AMORIM; Mads LAURIDSEN
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2019-08-23
Filing date: 2019-08-23
Publication date: 2021-03-04

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus comprising means for performing:configuring a satellite system to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite to the apparatus; receiving, from the satellite system, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite; and using the one or more reports to manage downlink and uplink radio links between the apparatus and one or more user equipment.

Description

CONFIGURATION IN SATELLITE SYSTEM

Field

This disclosure relates to communications, and more particularly to satellite configuration in a wireless communication system such as a non-terrestrial network.

Background

A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication between two or more devices such as user terminals, machine-like terminals, base stations and/or other nodes by providing communication channels for carrying information between the communicating devices. A communication system can be provided for example by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. The communication may comprise, for example, communication of data for carrying data for voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and/or content data communications and so on. Non-limiting examples of services provided include two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services and access to a data network system, such as the Internet.

In a wireless system at least a part of communications occurs over wireless interfaces. Examples of wireless systems include public land mobile networks (PLMN), satellite based communication systems and different wireless local networks, for example wireless local area networks (WLAN). A local area wireless networking technology allowing devices to connect to a data network is known by the tradename WiFi (or Wi-Fi). WiFi is often used synonymously with WLAN. The wireless systems can be divided into cells, and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems. A base station provides at least one cell. A user can access a communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal capable of communicating with a base station. Flence nodes like base stations are often referred to as access points. A communication device of a user is often referred to as user equipment (UE). A communication device is provided with an appropriate signal receiving and transmitting apparatus for enabling communications, for example enabling communications with the base station and/or communications directly with other user devices. The communication device can communicate on appropriate channels, e.g. listen to a channel on which a station, for example a base station of a cell, transmits.

A communication system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols and/or parameters which shall be used for the connection are also typically defined. Non-limiting examples of standardised radio access technologies include GSM (Global System for Mobile), EDGE (Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution) Radio Access Networks (GERAN), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Networks (UTRAN) and evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN). An example communication system architecture is the long-term evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio-access technology. The LTE is standardized by the third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The LTE employs the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) access and a further development thereof which is sometimes referred to as LTE Advanced (LTE- A).

Since introduction of fourth generation (4G) services increasing interest has been paid to the next, or fifth generation (5G) standard. 5G may also be referred to as a New Radio (NR) network. It has been recognized that there may be several issues when using satellites for 5G NR service.

Summary

According to a first aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means for performing: configuring a satellite system to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite to the apparatus; receiving, from the satellite system, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite; and using the one or more reports to manage downlink and uplink radio links between the apparatus and one or more user equipment.

According to some examples, the manage a radio link comprises performing radio resource management.

According to some examples, the radio resource management comprises one or more of: interpreting downlink measurement reports from the one or more user equipment; performing uplink measurements of the one or more user equipment; setting open-loop power control parameters of the one or more user equipment; beamforming of the apparatus with the one or more user equipment; initiating handover of the one or more user equipment to a different radio link.

According to some examples the manage a radio link comprises controlling one or more of the radio transceiver parameters of the satellite, including one or more of: transmit power; carrier frequency; bandwidth; bandwidth parts.

According to some examples the one or more reports are received with regular periodicity or are event based.

According to some examples the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite comprise information of a downlink transmit power spectral density on a service link with the one or more user equipment.

According to some examples the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite comprise information of a gain factor.

According to some examples the gain factor comprises a downlink receive- transmit gain factor when relaying downlink signals to the one or more user equipment; or the gain factor comprises an uplink receive-transmit gain factor when relaying uplink signals from the one or more user equipment to a gateway node.

According to some examples the means are further configured to perform sending a command to the satellite indicating which carrier bands or portions of the bands on a radio link between the apparatus and the satellite are to be carried on which frequency and which beam at the satellite.

According to some examples the one or more reports comprise information of a round-trip-time between a non-terrestrial-network gateway node and the satellite.

According to some examples the means comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

According to some examples the apparatus comprises a base station.

According to some examples the base station comprises a gNB. According to some examples the apparatus is an apparatus in the base station.

According to a second aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: configuring a satellite system to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite to the apparatus receiving, from the satellite system, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite; and using the one or more reports to manage downlink and uplink radio links between the apparatus and one or more user equipment.

According to an example, the manage a radio link comprises performing radio resource management.

According to an example, the radio resource management comprises one or more of: interpreting downlink measurement reports from the one or more user equipment; performing uplink measurements of the one or more user equipment; setting open-loop power control parameters of the one or more user equipment; beamforming of the apparatus with the one or more user equipment; initiating handover of the one or more user equipment to a different radio link.

According to an example the manage a radio link comprises controlling one or more of the radio transceiver parameters of the satellite, including one or more of: transmit power; carrier frequency; bandwidth; bandwidth parts.

According to some examples, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: sending a command to the satellite indicating which carrier bands or portions of the bands on a radio link between the apparatus and the satellite are to be carried on which frequency and which beam at the satellite.

According to some examples the apparatus comprises a base station.

According to some examples the base station comprises a gNB.

According to some examples the apparatus is an apparatus in the base station.

According to a third aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising: configuring circuitry for configuring a satellite system to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite to the apparatus; receiving circuitry for receiving, from the satellite system, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite; and using circuitry for using the one or more reports to manage downlink and uplink radio links between the apparatus and one or more user equipment.

According to a fourth aspect there is provided a method comprising: configuring a satellite system to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite to the apparatus; receiving, from the satellite system, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite; and using the one or more reports to manage downlink and uplink radio links between the apparatus and one or more user equipment.

According to some examples the manage a radio link comprises performing radio resource management.

According to some examples the radio resource management comprises one or more of: interpreting downlink measurement reports from the one or more user equipment; performing uplink measurements of the one or more user equipment; setting open-loop power control parameters of the one or more user equipment; beamforming of the apparatus with the one or more user equipment; initiating handover of the one or more user equipment to a different radio link.

According to some examples the method comprises sending a command to the satellite indicating which carrier bands or portions of the bands on a radio link between the apparatus and the satellite are to be carried on which frequency and which beam at the satellite.

According to a fifth aspect there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: configuring a satellite system to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite to the apparatus; receiving, from the satellite system, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite; and using the one or more reports to manage downlink and uplink radio links between the apparatus and one or more user equipment. According to a sixth aspect there is provided a computer program comprising instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: configuring a satellite system to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite to an apparatus; receiving, from the satellite system, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite; and using the one or more reports to manage downlink and uplink radio links between the apparatus and one or more user equipment.

According to a seventh aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: configuring a satellite system to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite to the apparatus; receiving, from the satellite system, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite; and using the one or more reports to manage downlink and uplink radio links between the apparatus and one or more user equipment. According to an eighth aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: configuring a satellite system to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite to an apparatus; receiving, from the satellite system, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite; and using the one or more reports to manage downlink and uplink radio links between the apparatus and one or more user equipment.

According to a ninth aspect there is provided an apparatus of a satellite system comprising means for performing: receiving a configuration from a base station, the configuration for causing the apparatus to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus; sending, to the base station, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus in accordance with the configuration.

According to some examples, the one or more reports are sent with regular periodicity or are event based. According to some examples, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite comprise information of a downlink transmit power spectral density on a service link with one or more user equipment. According to some examples, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite comprise information of a gain factor.

According to some examples, the gain factor comprises a downlink receive- transmit gain factor when relaying downlink signals to one or more user equipment; or the gain factor comprises an uplink receive-transmit gain factor when relaying uplink signals from one or more user equipment to a gateway node.

According to some examples, the means are further configured to perform receiving a command at the apparatus indicating which carrier bands or portions of the bands on the radio link between the base station and the satellite are to be carried on which frequency and which beam at the satellite.

According to some examples, the one or more reports comprise information of a round-trip-time between a non-terrestrial-network gateway node and the satellite.

According to some examples, the means are further configured to perform sending the one or more reports along with telemetry data of the satellite.

According to some examples the apparatus is comprised in a satellite.

According to a tenth aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving a configuration from a base station, the configuration for causing the apparatus to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus; sending, to the base station, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus in accordance with the configuration.

According to some examples, the one or more reports are sent with regular periodicity or are event based.

According to some examples, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite comprise information of a downlink transmit power spectral density on a service link with one or more user equipment.

According to some examples, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite comprise information of a gain factor. According to some examples, the gain factor comprises a downlink receive- transmit gain factor when relaying downlink signals to one or more user equipment; or the gain factor comprises an uplink receive-transmit gain factor when relaying uplink signals from one or more user equipment to a gateway node. According to some examples, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving a command at the apparatus indicating which carrier bands or portions of the bands on the radio link between the base station and the satellite are to be carried on which frequency and which beam at the satellite. According to some examples, the one or more reports comprise information of a round-trip-time between a non-terrestrial-network gateway node and the satellite.

According to some examples, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to perform: sending the one or more reports along with telemetry data of the satellite.

According to some examples the apparatus is comprised in a satellite.

According to an eleventh aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising: receiving circuitry for receiving a configuration from a base station, the configuration for causing the apparatus to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus; and sending circuitry for sending, to the base station, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus in accordance with the configuration.

According to a twelfth aspect there is provided a method comprising: receiving at an apparatus a configuration from a base station, the configuration for causing the apparatus to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus; sending, to the base station, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus in accordance with the configuration.

According to some examples the one or more reports are sent with regular periodicity or are event based. According to some examples the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite comprise information of a downlink transmit power spectral density on a service link with one or more user equipment.

According to some examples the gain factor comprises a downlink receive- transmit gain factor when relaying downlink signals to one or more user equipment; or the gain factor comprises an uplink receive-transmit gain factor when relaying uplink signals from one or more user equipment to a gateway node. According to some examples the method comprises receiving a command at the apparatus indicating which carrier bands or portions of the bands on a radio link between the base station and the satellite are to be carried on which frequency and which beam at the satellite.

According to some examples the method comprises sending the one or more reports along with telemetry data of the satellite.

According to a thirteenth aspect there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving a configuration from a base station, the configuration for causing the apparatus to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus; sending, to the base station, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus in accordance with the configuration.

According to a fourteenth aspect there is provided a computer program comprising instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: receiving a configuration from a base station at an apparatus, the configuration for causing the apparatus to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus; sending, to the base station, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus in accordance with the configuration. According to a fifteenth aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving a configuration from a base station, the configuration for causing the apparatus to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus; sending, to the base station, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus in accordance with the configuration.

According to a sixteenth aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: receiving a configuration from a base station at an apparatus, the configuration for causing the apparatus to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus; sending, to the base station, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus in accordance with the configuration.

According to a seventeenth aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means for performing: sending configuration information to a satellite, the configuration information for controlling gain of the satellite.

According to some examples, the means are further configured to control the gain of the satellite by controlling gain timing at the satellite.

According to some examples, the controlling gain timing comprises defining one or more time slot boundaries during which the satellite can perform adjustment of the gain.

According to some examples, the controlling gain timing comprises periodically instructing the satellite to perform gain adjustment.

According to some examples, the configuration information causes the satellite to perform autonomous gain control in accordance with the configuration.

According to some examples, the means are further configured to perform sending the configuration information to the satellite on a sidelink communication channel between the apparatus and the satellite.

According to some examples, the means are further configured to perform receiving one or more gain measurements from the satellite. According to some examples, the means are further configured to perform using the received gain measurements in order to determine a subsequent configuration to be sent to the satellite.

According to some examples, the means are further configured to perform measurements at the satellite at a specific time, such as a DRS transmission window.

According to some examples, the apparatus comprises a base station.

According to some examples, the means comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

According to an eighteenth aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: sending configuration information to a satellite, the configuration information for controlling gain of the satellite.

According to some examples, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform controlling the gain of the satellite by controlling gain timing at the satellite.

According to some examples, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform sending the configuration information to the satellite on a sidelink communication channel between the apparatus and the satellite.

According to some examples, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform receiving one or more gain measurements from the satellite.

According to some examples, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform using the received gain measurements in order to determine a subsequent configuration to be sent to the satellite. According to some examples, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform measurements at the satellite at a specific time, such as a DRS transmission window.

According to some examples, the apparatus comprises a base station. According to some examples the base station comprises a gNB.

According to some examples the apparatus comprises an apparatus in the. base station.

According to a nineteenth aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising: sending circuitry for sending configuration information to a satellite, the configuration information for controlling gain of the satellite.

According to a twentieth aspect there is provided a method comprising: sending configuration information to a satellite, the configuration information for controlling gain of the satellite.

According to some examples, the method comprises controlling the gain of the satellite by controlling gain timing at the satellite.

According to some examples, the controlling gain timing comprises defining one or more time slot boundaries during which the satellite can perform adjustment of the gain. According to some examples, the controlling gain timing comprises periodically instructing the satellite to perform gain adjustment.

According to some examples, the configuration information causes the satellite to perform autonomous gain control in accordance with the configuration. According to some examples, the method comprises sending the configuration information to the satellite on a sidelink communication channel between the apparatus and the satellite.

According to some examples, the method comprises receiving one or more gain measurements from the satellite. According to some examples, the method comprises using the received gain measurements in order to determine a subsequent configuration to be sent to the satellite.

According to some examples, the method comprises performing measurements at the satellite at a specific time, such as a DRS transmission window. According to a twenty first aspect there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: sending configuration information to a satellite, the configuration information for controlling gain of the satellite.

According to a twenty second aspect there is provided a computer program comprising instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: sending configuration information to a satellite, the configuration information for controlling gain of the satellite.

According to a twenty third aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: sending configuration information to a satellite, the configuration information for controlling gain of the satellite.

According to a twenty fourth aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: sending configuration information to a satellite, the configuration information for controlling gain of the satellite. According to a twenty fifth aspect there is provided an apparatus of a satellite, comprising means for performing: receiving configuration information at the apparatus from a base station, the configuration information for controlling gain of the apparatus.

According to some examples the received configuration information controls gain timing at the apparatus.

According to some examples the means are further configured to perform receiving information of one or more slot boundaries during which the apparatus can perform adjustment of the gain.

According to some examples the means are further configured to perform autonomous gain control in accordance with the received configuration.

According to some examples the means are further configured to perform receiving the configuration information at the apparatus on a sidelink communication channel between the apparatus and the base station.

According to some examples the means are further configured to perform sending one or more gain measurements to the base station.

According to some examples the means comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus. According to some examples the apparatus comprises the satellite.

According to some examples the apparatus comprises an apparatus in the satellite.

According to a twenty sixth aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving configuration information at the apparatus from a base station, the configuration information for controlling gain of the apparatus.

According to some examples the received configuration information controls gain timing at the apparatus. According to some examples the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform receiving information of one or more slot boundaries during which the apparatus can perform adjustment of the gain. According to some examples the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform autonomous gain control in accordance with the received configuration.

According to some examples the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform receiving the configuration information at the apparatus on a sidelink communication channel between the apparatus and the base station.

According to some examples the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform sending one or more gain measurements to the base station.

According to some examples the apparatus comprises the satellite.

According to a twenty seventh aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising receiving circuitry for receiving configuration information at the apparatus from a base station, the configuration information for controlling gain of the apparatus.

According to a twenty eighth aspect there is provided a method comprising: receiving configuration information at the apparatus from a base station, the configuration information for controlling gain of the apparatus. According to some examples the received configuration information controls gain timing at the apparatus.

According to some examples the method comprises receiving information of one or more slot boundaries during which the apparatus can perform adjustment of the gain. According to some examples the method comprises performing autonomous gain control in accordance with the received configuration.

According to some examples the method comprises receiving the configuration information at the apparatus on a sidelink communication channel between the apparatus and the base station.

According to some examples the method comprises sending one or more gain measurements to the base station.

According to a twenty ninth aspect there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving configuration information at the apparatus from a base station, the configuration information for controlling gain of the apparatus.

According to a thirtieth aspect there is provided a computer program comprising instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: receiving configuration information at an apparatus from a base station, the configuration information for controlling gain of the apparatus.

According to a thirty first aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving configuration information at the apparatus from a base station, the configuration information for controlling gain of the apparatus. According to a thirty second aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: receiving configuration information at an apparatus from a base station, the configuration information for controlling gain of the apparatus.

According to a thirty third aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means for performing: sending configuration information to a satellite, the configuration information for controlling timing of measurements at the satellite.

According to some examples the configuration information comprises one or more transmission windows during which the satellite can perform the measurements.

According to some examples the means are further configured to perform periodically instructing the satellite to perform the measurements. According to some examples the configuration causes the satellite to autonomously control the timing of the measurements.

According to some examples the means are further configured to perform sending the configuration information on a sidelink communication channel between the apparatus and the satellite.

According to some examples the apparatus comprises a base station.

According to some examples the base station comprises a gNB.

According to some examples apparatus comprises an apparatus in the base station.

According to a thirty fourth aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: sending configuration information to a satellite, the configuration information for controlling timing of measurements at the satellite.

According to some examples the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: periodically instructing the satellite to perform the measurements.

According to some examples the configuration causes the satellite to autonomously control the timing of the measurements.

According to some examples the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: sending the configuration information on a sidelink communication channel between the apparatus and the satellite. According to some examples the apparatus comprises a base station.

According to some examples the base station comprises a gNB.

According to some examples apparatus comprises an apparatus in the base station. According to a thirty fifth aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising sending circuitry for sending configuration information to a satellite, the configuration information for controlling timing of measurements at the satellite.

According to a thirty sixth aspect there is provided a method comprising sending configuration information to a satellite, the configuration information for controlling timing of measurements at the satellite.

According to some examples the method comprises periodically instructing the satellite to perform the measurements. According to some examples the configuration causes the satellite to autonomously control the timing of the measurements.

According to some examples the method comprises sending the configuration information on a sidelink communication channel between the apparatus and the satellite. According to a thirty seventh aspect there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: sending configuration information to a satellite, the configuration information for controlling timing of measurements at the satellite.

According to a thirty eighth aspect there is provided a computer program comprising instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: sending configuration information to a satellite, the configuration information for controlling timing of measurements at the satellite.

According to a thirty ninth aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: sending configuration information to a satellite, the configuration information for controlling timing of measurements at the satellite.

According to a fortieth aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: sending configuration information to a satellite, the configuration information for controlling timing of measurements at the satellite.

According to a forty first aspect there is provided an apparatus of a satellite, comprising means for performing: receiving configuration information at the apparatus, the configuration information for controlling timing of measurements at the apparatus; and performing measurements at the apparatus in accordance with the configuration.

According to some examples the means are further configured to perform using information from the performed measurements to carry out gain adjustments at the apparatus.

According to some examples the configuration information comprises one or more transmission windows during which the apparatus can perform the measurements.

According to some examples the means are further configured to perform periodically receiving instructions to perform the measurements.

According to some examples the configuration causes the apparatus to autonomously control the timing of the measurements.

According to some examples the means are further configured to perform receiving the configuration information on a sidelink communication channel between the apparatus and a base station.

According to some examples the apparatus comprises an apparatus in the satellite. According to a forty second aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving configuration information at the apparatus, the configuration information for controlling timing of measurements at the apparatus; and performing measurements at the apparatus in accordance with the configuration.

According to some examples the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform using information from the performed measurements to carry out gain adjustments at the apparatus.

According to some examples the configuration information comprises one or more transmission windows during which the apparatus can perform the measurements. According to some examples the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform periodically receiving instructions to perform the measurements.

According to some examples the configuration causes the apparatus to autonomously control the timing of the measurements. According to some examples the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform receiving the configuration information on a sidelink communication channel between the apparatus and a base station.

According to a forty third aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising receiving circuitry for receiving configuration information at the apparatus, the configuration information for controlling timing of measurements at the apparatus; and measuring circuitry for performing measurements at the apparatus in accordance with the configuration. According to a forty fourth aspect there is provided a method comprising receiving configuration information at an apparatus of a satellite, the configuration information for controlling timing of measurements at the apparatus; and performing measurements at the apparatus in accordance with the configuration. According to some examples the method comprises using information from the performed measurements to carry out gain adjustments at the apparatus.

According to some examples the configuration information comprises one or more transmission windows during which the apparatus can perform the measurements. According to some examples the method comprises periodically receiving instructions to perform the measurements.

According to some examples the method comprises the configuration causing the apparatus to autonomously control the timing of the measurements.

According to some examples the method comprises receiving the configuration information on a sidelink communication channel between the apparatus and a base station.

According to a forty fifth aspect there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus of a satellite to perform at least the following: receiving configuration information at the apparatus, the configuration information for controlling timing of measurements at the apparatus; and performing measurements at the apparatus in accordance with the configuration.

According to a forty sixth aspect there is provided a computer program comprising instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: receiving configuration information at an apparatus of a satellite, the configuration information for controlling timing of measurements at the apparatus; and performing measurements at the apparatus in accordance with the configuration.

According to a forty seventh aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving configuration information at the apparatus, the configuration information for controlling timing of measurements at the apparatus; and performing measurements at the apparatus in accordance with the configuration.

According to a forty eighth aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: receiving configuration information at an apparatus of a satellite, the configuration information for controlling timing of measurements at the apparatus; and performing measurements at the apparatus in accordance with the configuration.

Brief description of Figures

The invention will now be described in further detail, by way of example only, with reference to the following examples and accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 schematically shows a non-terrestrial network (NTN) scenario based on a transparent payload according to an example;

Figure 2 schematically shows a user plane and a control plane protocol stack for a PDU session, according to an example;

Figure 3 schematically shows uplink radio channel parameters relevant for NTN connectivity, according to an example;

Figure 4 schematically shows downlink radio channel parameters relevant for NTN connectivity, according to an example;

Figure 5 schematically shows a satellite and NTN system according to an example;

Figure 6 schematically shows a satellite and NTN system according to an example;

Figure 7 schematically shows a satellite and NTN system according to an example;

Figure 8 schematically shows a signalling diagram of a method according to an example; Figure 9 schematically shows a signalling diagram of a method according to an example;

Figure 10 schematically shows a signalling diagram of a method according to an example; Figure 11 schematically shows a signalling diagram of a method according to an example;

Figure 12 schematically shows an example of a communication device, according to an example;

Figure 13 schematically shows an example of a control apparatus, according to an example;

Figure 14 schematically shows a flow-chart of a method according to an example;

Figure 15 schematically shows a flow-chart of a method according to an example;

Figure 16 schematically shows a flow-chart of a method according to an example;

Figure 17 schematically shows a flow-chart of a method according to an example; Figure 18 schematically shows a flow-chart of a method according to an example;

Figure 19 schematically shows a flow-chart of a method according to an example.

Detailed description

The 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Networks (5G NR) SI [TR 38.821] describes a number of different scenarios. Some of the scenarios are based on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, and it has been recognized that there may be several issues when using satellites for 5G NR service. For reference, Figure 1 shows a non-terrestrial network typical scenario 100 based on transparent payload (from TR38.821); and Figure 2 shows a UE user plane protocol stack 202 and a control plane protocol stack 204 204 for a PDU session (transparent satellite), also from TR38.821. Some problems which the present disclosure has recognized include:

1. In the transparent (bent-pipe) satellite scenarios (LEO or geostationary earth orbit (GEO)), the payload (5G NR) signal processing on-board the satellite is assumed to be “amplify and forward/ frequency switching”: Or in other words the bent-pipe scenario may be considered to include (a) reception amplification, (b) frequency conversion/switch, (c) transmission amplification. See Figures 1 and 2. This is valid for both directions: Non terrestrial-networks (NTN) gateway/gNB to Satellite to UE (DL); and UE to Satellite to NTN gateway/gNB (UL).

2. The satellite NTN gateway provides means to relay the 5G NR signals generated by a gNB to the satellites using the feeder links (gateway to satellite). See Figure 2.

3. The feeder link 102 and service link 104 can operate in the same or different frequency bands, depending on the satellite NTN gateway implementation solution and available frequency bands in different regions.

4. The service link 104 (satellite to UEs) has to comply with 3GPP specifications and be detectable by the NTN UEs as the normal NR-Uu interface (i.e. 5G NR UEs are able to connect to an NTN satellite in the same way as they would connect to a terrestrial network).

5. The feeder link 102 can be transmitted on an ITU (International Telecommunication Union) satellite specific, but not 3GPP specified, carrier frequency. In Figure 2 the NR-Uu interface is specified which is to be transparently transmitted and received via the service and feeder link.

6. The satellite network operator has to be able to control each individual satellite via its own (potentially proprietary) so called “Telemetry, Tracking and Command” (TT&C) communication channel. The TT&C channel is transmitted and received on the feeder link: a. The TT&C communication channel can be operated in any of the VFIF/S/C/X/Ku/Ka bands, and typically uses wide(r)-beam antenna on the satellites, b. The Gateway-to-Space TT&C is used for telecommand, ranging and spacecraft tracking c. The Space-to-Gateway TT&C is used for telemetry, ranging and earth station tracking d. Example: “The uplink carrier with the telecommand (TC) signal from the ground station is received by one of the low gain antennas and applied to both receiver inputs via the diplexer. The signal consists of a 2 GFIz carrier, phase-modulated by an 8 kFIz or 16 kFIz subcarrier, itself BPSK-modulated by the TC data at a rate of less than 10 kbit/s.” [ESA] e. TT&C typical Command BER is 10^L-6, while Telemetry BER is 10^L- 5 [Rec. ITU-R S.17161 f. The “operational availability” of the command link is 99.97650% to 99.99856% [Rec. ITU-R S.17161

7. The fast movement of the LEO/MEO (medium earth orbit) satellite (LEO satellites move with orbital velocities of approx. 7.5 km/second) requires that the satellite TT&C link is maintained to at least 2 different gateways and/or there is a TT&C hand-over procedure implemented.

As recognized in the present disclosure, the “amplify-and-forward” processing (which may also comprise a frequency translation) of the 5G NR signals on board the transparent NTN satellite (see Figure 2) may generate several problems for the correct 5G NTN operation:

1 ) The correct interpretation of the downlink UE measurement reports (Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Channel State Information (CSI)) are all based on the knowledge of the transmit power level and channel bandwidth used at the gNB. In the transparent satellite case, the transmit power level corresponds to the transmit power at the satellite, rather than the transmit power at the gNB. In some examples a gateway may include gNB functionality.

2) The UL Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) measurements, and UL power control settings, all depend on the signal levels received at the satellite, rather than at gNB.

3) The satellite 5G feeder link handover procedure between two gateways has impact on the connectivity to the served UEs, including the need to perform/trigger UE radio handovers when the serving gNB also changes (different gNBs and different gateways).

4) The TT&C link hand-over and the 5G NR Uu link hand-over can occur at different times, because the TT&C link is operational at lower satellite elevation angles compared to the 5G NR links. Figures 3 and 4 show the relevant radio channel parameters relevant in NTN with transparent satellite for UL and DL connectivity.

More particularly Figure 3 shows uplink (from UE perspective) radio channel parameters relevant for NTN connectivity. The UE nodes UE1 and UE2 in Figure 3 are to be interpreted as one or more UEs (e.g. several UEs). Figure 4 shows downlink (from UE perspective) radio channel parameters relevant for NTN connectivity (in particular for the reference signals). The UE node depicted in Figure 4 is to be interpreted as one or more UEs (e.g. several UEs). The notation with H_a(f), Hf(f), l_a(f), lf(f), to indicate the frequency transfer functions of the channels for the: access link, feeder link, interference on service link, interference on feeder link, respectively. Note the service link is sometimes also referred to as the access link.

The following definitions apply for Figure 3:

Hai(f) Frequency response of service link UE1 Ha2(f) Frequency response of service link UE2 Hf(f) Frequency response of feeder link la(f) Interference on service link lf(f) Interference on feeder link

GuL(f,t) Amplification of satellite (access link to feeder link) Xi(f) transmit signal of UE1

X2(f) transmit signal of UE2

The following definitions apply for Figure 4:

Ha(f) Frequency response of service link Hf(f) Frequency response of feeder link la(f) Interference on service link lf(f) Interference on feeder link

GoL(f,t) Amplification of satellite (feeder link to access link) X(f) transmit signal of gNB (in particular reference signals)

For the UL case in Figure 3, the received signal at the satellite is:

The received signal at the gNB is:

Therefore the gNB would measure the composite service-feeder channel and the composite interference

and it would adapt to this composite link.

For the DL case in Figure 4, the received signal at the satellite is:

The received signal at the UE is:

The UE would measure the composite channel H_tot(f ) = H_f(f)G_DL(f, t)H_a(f) and the composite interference /_tot(/) = l_a(f)G_DL(f, t) + /_f(/), and it would adapt to this composite link.

So far, for non-terrestrial networks it has been proposed to use the ephemeris data (e.g. orbital location, orbital trajectory) of the satellites in combination with UE geo-location information instead of, or in addition to, traditional radio measurements to trigger handovers between NR cells from different satellites (inter-satellite) or between NR cells from the same satellite (intra-satellite).

Satellite broadcast services require high availability and reliability control of the satellites via the TT&C. Most of the broadcast satellites are, however, GEO satellites and therefore the feeder link mobility is not really an issue.

Broadband satellite services, such as Iridium Next, operate with satellites in LEO/MEO orbits and typically make use of inter-satellite-links in order to minimize the number of gateways (on Earth) needed to control the satellite network.

As will be discussed in more detail below, the present disclosure proposes regular and/or event based configurable reports from the satellite radio system to the base station (gNB) (i.e. a gNB located on earth). The gNB can then use the reports to manage downlink and uplink radio links between the gNB and one or more UEs.

With reference to Figure 5, this shows an example system 500 with a minimum number of satellite radio transceiver parameter(s) needed to be provided from the satellite TT&C system 502 to 5G NTN system 504. In one example the parameters comprise spectral density. In some examples the spectral density comprises the satellite transmission power spectral density on the service link (ServiceDL TX Power Spectral Density). The parameters may also include a receive-transmit gain (Service- UL RX-TX gain) at the satellite. According to some examples, by “gain” is meant the ability to amplify a received signal, or indeed the process of amplifying a received signal (e.g. amplification of power or amplitude). In some examples the time periodicity of the reports of the parameter(s) is configurable (which may be within certain limits) by the 5G system 504 and/or gNB.

With reference to Figure 6, this shows an example system 600 with a minimum number of satellite radio transceiver parameter(s) needed to be provided from the satellite TT&C system 602 to the 5G NTN system 604. In one example the parameter(s) comprises a downlink gain of the transceiver. More particularly the parameter(s) may comprise a ServiceDL Receive-Transmit Gain factor (including service/feeder antenna gain effects) when relaying the downlink signals (from the gNB on the feeder link) back to the UEs on the service link. In some examples the time periodicity of the reports of the parameter(s) is configurable (which may be within certain limits), by the 5G system 604 and/or gNB.

In some examples the regular and/or event based configurable reports are configured to indicate an uplink gain of the satellite transceiver. More particularly the configurable report may be configured to indicate the satellite ServiceUL Receive- Transmit Gain factor (which may include service/feeder antenna gain effects) when relaying the uplink signals (from the UEs on the service link) back to the gateway on the feeder link. In some examples a time periodicity of these reports is configurable (which may be within certain limits), by the 5G system/ gNB. For completeness, another example is where the same type of report is configured for the downlink gain, Service-DL-RX-TX gain.

In some examples comprising transparent multi-beam satellites, configuration commands may be sent from the gNB to the satellite radio system indicating carrier and frequency information of the beams. For example the commands may comprise information of which carriers bands or portions of the band on the feeder link are to be carried on which frequency and on which beam on the satellite.

In some examples the configurable reports comprise round-trip-time information between NTN GW and the satellite via the TT&C system. More particularly the configurable reports may comprise reports of the Feeder Round-Trip- Time between NTN GW and satellite via the TT&C system. This allows the 5G system/gNB to determine whether it should “handover” from one NTN GW to another NTN GW. If the decision is only based on power measurements, weather conditions may falsely trigger “handover” from an NTN GW close to the satellite, but affected by weather conditions, to a NTN GW further away.

In some examples the above mentioned report or configuration parameters such as gain factors may be indicated per frequency carrier, frequency band, and/or per radio beam. The configurable reports enable correct operation of DL measurements and UL open loop (OL) power control (PC) mechanisms.

For conciseness, the parameters which are reported in the configurable reports (discussed with respect to Figures 5 and 6) may be referred to as satellite radio transceiver parameters (SRTP). The corresponding measurement and reports are denoted as SRTP measurements and SRTP reports, respectively.

Reference is made to Figure 7 which schematically shows a system 700 comprising a terrestrial or earth side 702 and a non-terrestrial or satellite side 704. The terrestrial side 702 comprises TT&C system 706 and 5GS/gNB 708. The satellite side 704 comprises TT&C system 710, radio telemetry 712, and frequency switch 714.

The main steps of a method according to an example are numbered 1 to 4 in Figure 7. These are discussed in more detail below.

At step 1, the SRTP measurements/monitoring and reporting period(s) are configured by the 5GS NTN/ gNB 708. According to an example this signaling includes at least configurations for: ServiceDL TX PSD and/or ServiceDL Receive- Transmit Gain, and ServiceUL Receive-Transmit Gain. Optionally, the signaling also includes a configuration for the Feeder Round-Trip-Time. According to some examples the signaling is implemented as a ‘hand-shake’, request/answer type of signaling, where the satellite system confirms the requests from the 5GS. Alternatively, this step is preceded by a ‘satellite system capability exposure’ mechanism where the 5GS finds out which SRTP are available (and configurations).

As shown at step 2, the configured SRTPs are monitored on-board the satellite’s radio telemetry system 712.

As shown at step 3, the configured SRTP measurement reports are included in the Telemetry data and transmitted to the satellite gateway on the terrestrial side 702 on the Satellite TT&C link. It will also be noted that in Figure 7 there is also an arrow between the TT&C system and 5GS/gNB at step 3. This represents the reports being forwarded to the gNB.

As shown at step 4, the gNB uses the received SRTP reports in the RRM mechanism, for example to perform one or more of: correctly interpret the DL measurement reports from the UEs; perform UL UE measurements; set the OLPC parameters of the UEs; NR beamforming; feeder handover (HO).

In some examples the TT&C reports may be available at the UE. In some examples this is implemented by applying a TT&C receiver in the UE based on a down-scaled version of the interface available at the gNB. In another embodiment the TT&C reports may be shared with a UE through the NR connection (Uu interface on the feeder and service link).

According to some examples, in embodiments there is possibility for the 5G system/gNB to dynamically and flexibly control the satellite transponder(s) radio parameters for the service link. For example, these may be parameters such as the transmit power, carrier frequency, carrier bandwidth, bandwidth parts, indicated via short control messages either in absolute values or as indices in predefined table/list.

The examples may allow for more precise knowledge at the 5GS side of the radio channel conditions on the combined feeder and service links (valid for both transparent and regenerative satellites).

According to examples, in case of transparent multi-beam satellites, the interface would allow an indication to be given of which carriers or portions of the band on the feeder link are to be carried on which frequency and which beam on the satellite. The “interface” may be considered to be the signaling link between the 5GS/gNB and the TT&C system (NTN GW & Satellite) in Fig. 7.

Examples may also enable optimized RRM mechanisms which can better adapt to the NTN radio channel conditions (low signal levels and large propagation delays).

Some use cases will now be described in more detail.

Referring back to Figures 3 and 4, the satellite’s Gain G may comprise different components, including: G.a.rx; G.a.tx; G.f._rx; G.f.tx.

In the following the term access link is used. One may also understand access link as service link.

For simplicity it may be assumed that the interference l_a and transfer function H_a on the access links is the same for different UEs.

Therefore in UL we have

For the UL (UE -> gNB) case in Figures 3 and 4 and a single UE transmitting, the received signal at the satellite’s antenna is:

The UL signal received by the gNB is:

The satellite’s receive and transmit gain setting may be combined:

^GDL,sat (f , t = ^G .r x (.f ) ^Ga.tx (f ,

Where the symbols signify:

Ha(f) transfer function access link

Hf(f) transfer function feeder link la(f) interference on access link lf(f) interference on feeder link

G_a._rx (f , satellite gain in access link in reception

^Ga.tx (f , satellite gain in access link in transmission

G_{f rx} (f , satellite gain in feeder link in reception

G_f.tx (f , satellite gain in feeder link in transmission

G_UL,sat (f , Amplification of satellite (access link to feeder link) H_tot (f) composite channel transfer function

I_tot(f) total interference X(f) UL transmitted signals from all UEs Y_gNB gNB received signal

Y_SAT (f) UL satellite received signal from all UEs

The gNB on the ground would measure the composite channel

H_tot (f) = H_a (/) G_{a rx} (f, t) G_fXx (f, t) H_f (f) = H_a (f)G_{UL Sat} (J, t)H_f (/) and the composite interference

I_totf) = l_a(f)G_UL,sat(.f_> t)H_f(f) + /_f (f).

In DL the equations are written in analog fashion.

The gain adjustment strategies of the satellite may be to apply constant or quasi-constant gain or may be to seek to invert the channel response. Options for UL gain settings (“Service-UL” RX-TX gain), DL gain settings (“Service-DL” RX-TX gain), and Gain configuration strategies are discussed in more detail below.

UL gain setting options

Option 1 : Constant Gain: G_{UL sat}(f, t) is a constant, or it is changing slowly. In particular, the Gain does not depend on the transmitted UL or DL signal.

Option 2: Constant EIRP (Equivalently Isotropically Radiated Power): In the case of UL traffic, G_{UL sat}(t) is chosen such that the satellite always emits a pre-defined average transmit power P_SAT,O,UL · ^|n this case G_{UL sat}(t ) will not depend on the frequency, but will depend on the frequency responses of the access links and their power:

In some examples this satellite gain depends on the received power of all UE transmissions and the pre-defined transmitted signal power.

For instance, assume at time to, ten UEs which are close to each other (so that they all have similar UL TX power) are scheduled (this may be considered a first group of UEs), then the gain might be small. If at time t0+1 (i.e. one subframe later), two UEs which are further away from the gNB than the first group of UEs are scheduled, then the gain will be much larger. The number of Physical Resource Blocks (PRB) used for UL transmission by the UEs may have an impact: if at to two UEs with two PRBs are scheduled (e.g. low bit rate users), then the gain will be larger, and if at t0+1 similar UEs (two at a similar distance) are scheduled with 20 PRBs, the gain goes down by 10 dB.

Option 3: Constant PSD: The satellite amplifies the total received UL signals from all UEs such that the transmitted power per subcarrier is, on average, constant. This scheme leads to amplification of noise when some subcarriers do not carry a signal.

Option 4: Constant received power at gNB: this would mean that there is another power control on the feeder link. This may look similar to the case above, assuming that the feeder link doesn’t change too quickly:

DL gain setting options

In DL the same options as in UL exist:

Option 1 : Constant Gain: G_{DL sat}(f, t ) is a constant, or is changing slowly. In particular, the Gain does not depend on the transmitted UL or DL signal.

Option 2: Constant EIRP: In some examples, in DL the gain is chosen so that the satellite transmits a constant average power P_SAT,O,DL ·

where interference is neglected for the sake of simplicity. Note that in some examples the P_gNB may change considerably with the load (i.e. with the number of transmitted PRBs).

Option 3: Constant PSD: The constant PSD will lead to amplifying subcarriers which have no signal. For instance, assume at time to in DL the gNB schedules UEs on one Bandwidth Part (BWP) 1 , and at t0+1 another UE2 on another BWP2 is activated and scheduled. The BWP1 will continue to be amplified as before, and BWP2 will be brought to the same level as BWP1.

A trade-off with this approach is the amplification of noise when no signal is present, which could lead to system interference.

Option 4: Equalizing feeder link by means of feeder-link embedded pilots. In such a case the satellite is able to adjust the gain considering the channel only:

In examples the feeder link pilots may be part of a logical side channel which is not visible in the access link. The feeder link pilots may also be the DRS (Dedicated Reference Signals) that the gNB is transmitting in DL. In some examples this option involves configuring the satellite by the gNB to recognize the DRS transmissions.

In general, the satellite gain settings for UL and DL will differ.

Gain configuration strategies

Different gain configuration strategies may be employed by the satellite and gNB. That is, beyond determining the desired gain setting as explained above, the activation of the desired gain setting may also be executed in different ways. Option 1 :

1) satellite adjusts (average) gains in autonomous fashion (AGO)

2) satellite informs gNB about gain settings via a side channel 3) gNB adjusts UEs’ power offset

Option 2:

1 ) satellite measures and informs gNB of power, or power spectral, measurements 2) gNB configures satellite gain change

3) gNB informs UEs, and gNB adjusts UEs’ power offset as needed

The gain adjustments in the satellite may happen in rapid fashion or slowly. In some examples the adjustments may happen in a step-wise fashion. One problem present in a DL constant-EIRP gain approach is that the transparent satellite is not aware when e.g. the gNB is not transmitting signals, and large swings in amplification are carried out by the satellite.

A similar problem may appear in UL constant-EIRP gain approach, where in case there are no UE transmission in UL in given TTIs, the satellite may simply amplify the received noise.

One problem that needs to be solved, as identified in the present disclosure, is that a step-wise gain setting may impact the decoding performance at the receiver, because the channel estimates are no longer valid.

The different satellite gain adjustment strategies discussed above (UL gain settings, DL gain settings, gain configuration strategies) may be addressed with the following methods A to C discussed below. A. Satellite with gain timing controlled by gNB

In this example the gNB configures the satellite with timing information, such as slot boundaries, at which the satellite may carry out gain adjustments.

In some examples the specific timing information configuration requires that the satellite has the same understanding of absolute time as the gNB. Alternatively the satellite possesses additional processing in order to detect and align timing to the time-slot boundaries

Alternatively, the timing information is not provided to the satellite, and instead the gNB periodically communicates to the satellite when the gain adjustments can take place.

In some examples the configuration (e.g. timing information) can happen via sidelink (out-band or in-band) communication channel between the gNB and the satellite.

The satellite can then perform autonomous gain control respecting the configured timing information.

In a variant of option A, the gNB queries the satellite’s measurements and calculates the necessary gains. This is set-out as option B below.

B. Satellite with gain controlled by gNB

According to this option, steps are as follows:

1) The satellite performs a measurement to assess necessary gain adjustments

2) The gNB queries the satellite’s measurements a. In some examples the queries can happen via a sidelink (out-band or in-band) communication channel between the gNB and the satellite

3) The gNB configures the satellite to perform gain adjustments a. At specific times, such as slot boundaries, the gNB periodically communicates to the satellite the required gain adjustments b. The configuration can happen via a sidelink (out-band or in-band) communication channel between the gNB and the satellite

C. Satellite with measurement controlled by qNB

According to this option:

1) The gNB configures the satellite with tinning information such as slot boundaries, or (DM)RS transmission windows, at which the satellite shall carry out measurements that will be used by the satellite for gain adjustments. a. In some examples the specific timing information configuration requires that the satellite has the same understanding of absolute time, or NR system frame time, as the gNB. Alternatively the satellite possesses additional processing in order to detect and align timing to the time-slot boundaries. b. Alternatively, the timing information is not provided to the satellite and instead the gNB periodically communicates to the satellite when the measurements have to take place. c. The configuration can happen via sidelink (out-band or in-band) communication channel between the gNB and the satellite.

2) The satellite performs measurements respecting the configured timing information.

3) Gain control may be applied in autonomous fashion by the satellite, or by the gNB according to above methods.

Some specific examples will now be described with respect to Figures 8 to 10.

Figure 8 shows a satellite 802 in communication with a gNB 804. In this example the gNB controls satellite gains by providing information referring to the gNB frame structure. At S1 , the gNB 804 configures the satellite 802 with timing information, such as slot boundaries, at which the satellite may carry out gain adjustments. The timing information may be time instances, or time windows, which may be repeated periodically. At S2, the satellite performs autonomous gain control, respecting the configured timing information.

Figure 9 shows an example where a satellite 902 has its gain controlled by the gNB 904.

At S1, the satellite 902 performs channel measurements and optionally determines which gain settings the satellite would apply.

At S2, the gNB 904 queries the satellite’s 902 measurements or gain setting assessment. In some examples this may be implemented by the satellite 902 having been configured to update the gNB 904 whenever a measurement or assessment has changed and reached a threshold. The querying may be also implemented as the gNB 904 polling the satellite in periodic intervals.

At S3, the gNB 904 determines satellite gain settings and the UEs’ UL power setting. The gNB 904 may further determine the time t_activate when the gain setting is to take effect at the satellite. For example the gNB could have determined a future sequence (length one or more) of power settings to be applied at the satellite. In particular, the gNB 904 may align t_activate to coincide with a slot- or TB boundary. Thereby an impact of gain changes on the decoding performance of a TB (transport block) will be avoided or lessened.

At S4 the gNB 904 configures the satellite 902 to adjust gain settings. The message may include the time t_activate. At S5 the satellite 902 takes into use the gain configuration. In some examples the taking into use may be timed according to t_activate.

Figure 10 shows an example where a satellite 1002 performs gain control with measurements controlled by a gNB 1004. At S1, the gNB 1004 configures the satellite 1002 with timing information, such as DMRS transmission windows, at which the satellite 1002 shall carry out measurements that will be used by the satellite 1002 for gain adjustments.

At S2, the satellite 1002 performs measurements respecting the configured timing information, and may assess gain adjustment options.

At S3, the satellite 1002 performs gain control according to any of the methods described above. For example, the satellite may perform gain control in an autonomous fashion, or by the gNB 1004 according to the above described methods.

Figure 11 shows a further example.

At S1 , the gNB 1104 inform the satellite 1102 at t1 of a transmission configuration that happened at time to. The transmission configuration may be for instance a DL DMRS transmission, or an UL transmission over the whole bandwidth at constant PSD.

At S2 the satellite has kept a trace of its measurements. The satellite 1102 checks the measurement of to and applies gains accordingly at t2.

For all of the variants shown in Figures 8 to 11 the following may apply:

• The specific timing information configuration may be a. an absolute timestamp or relative timestamp, window and periodicity: For instance, if the gNB sends reference signals every 40 msec in a 5 msec window starting at absolute time, or relative to a NR system frame, to, the gNB and satellite will run a synchronization protocol to establish to at both ends. From then on the satellite can perform e.g. RSSI measurements in the 5 msec window. Alternatively, b. the satellite requires additional processing in order to detect and align timing to the time-slot boundaries • Alternatively, the tinning information is not provided to the satellite and instead the gNB periodically communicates to the satellite when the required commands (measurements, gain adjustments, etc) need to be performed

• The configuration can happen via sidelink (out-band or in-band) communication channel between the gNB and the satellite.

A possible wireless communication device will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 12 showing a schematic, partially sectioned view of a communication device 1200. Such a communication device is often referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminal. An appropriate mobile communication device may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples comprise a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, or any combinations of these or the like. A mobile communication device may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and so on. Users may thus be offered and provided numerous services via their communication devices. Non-limiting examples of these services comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services or simply an access to a data communications network system, such as the Internet. Users may also be provided broadcast or multicast data. Non-limiting examples of the content comprise downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts and other information.

A wireless communication device may be for example a mobile device, that is, a device not fixed to a particular location, or it may be a stationary device. The wireless device may need human interaction for communication, or may not need human interaction for communication. In the present teachings the terms UE or “user” are used to refer to any type of wireless communication device.

The wireless device 1200 may receive signals over an air or radio interface 1207 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Figure 12 transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 1206. The transceiver apparatus 1206 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the wireless device.

A wireless device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 1201, at least one memory 1202 and other possible components 1203 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The data processing, storage and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and/or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 1204. The user may control the operation of the wireless device by means of a suitable user interface such as key pad 1205, voice commands, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. A display 1208, a speaker and a microphone can be also provided. Furthermore, a wireless communication device may comprise appropriate connectors (either wired or wireless) to other devices and/or for connecting external accessories, for example hands-free equipment, thereto.

Figure 13 shows an example of a control apparatus for a communication system, for example to be coupled to and/or for controlling a station of an access system, such as a RAN node, e.g. a base station, gNB, a central unit of a cloud architecture or a node of a core network such as an MME or S-GW, a scheduling entity such as a spectrum management entity, or a server or host, or a satellite or apparatus of a satellite. The control apparatus may be integrated with or external to a node or module of a core network or RAN. In some embodiments, base stations comprise a separate control apparatus unit or module. In other embodiments, the control apparatus can be another network element such as a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. In some embodiments, each base station may have such a control apparatus as well as a control apparatus being provided in a radio network controller. The control apparatus 1300 can be arranged to provide control on communications in the service area of the system. The control apparatus 1300 comprises at least one memory 1301, at least one data processing unit 1302, 1303 and an input/output interface 1304. Via the interface the control apparatus can be coupled to a receiver and a transmitter of the base station. The receiver and/or the transmitter may be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head. For example the control apparatus 1300 or processor 1301 can be configured to execute an appropriate software code to provide the control functions. Figure 14 is a flow chart schematically showing a method according to an example. The method of Figure 14 is viewed from the perspective of an apparatus. The apparatus may be, for example, a gNB or an apparatus in a gNB.

At S1, the method comprises configuring a satellite system to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite to the apparatus.

At S2, the method comprises receiving, from the satellite system, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite.

At S3, the method comprises using the one or more reports to manage downlink and uplink radio links between the apparatus and one or more user equipment. Figure 15 is a flow chart schematically showing a method according to an example. The method of Figure 15 is viewed from the perspective of an apparatus. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus in a satellite or satellite system.

At S1 , the method comprises receiving a configuration from a base station, the configuration for causing the apparatus to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus.

At S2 the method comprises sending, to the base station, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus in accordance with the configuration.

Figure 16 is a flow chart schematically showing a method according to an example. The method of Figure 16 is viewed from the perspective of an apparatus. The apparatus may be, for example, a gNB or an apparatus in a gNB.

At S1 the method comprises sending configuration information to a satellite, the configuration information for controlling gain of the satellite.

Figure 17 is a flow chart schematically showing a method according to an example. The method of Figure 17 is viewed from the perspective of an apparatus. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus in a satellite or satellite system.

At S1 the method comprises receiving configuration information at the apparatus from a base station, the configuration information for controlling gain of the apparatus. Figure 18 is a flow chart schematically showing a method according to an example. The method of Figure 18 is viewed from the perspective of an apparatus. The apparatus may be, for example, a gNB or an apparatus in a gNB.

At S1 the method comprises sending configuration information to a satellite, the configuration information for controlling timing of measurements at the satellite. Figure 19 is a flow chart schematically showing a method according to an example. The method of Figure 19 is viewed from the perspective of an apparatus. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus in a satellite or satellite system.

At S1 the method comprises receiving configuration information at the apparatus, the configuration information for controlling timing of measurements at the satellite.

At S2, the method comprises performing measurements at the apparatus in accordance with the configuration.

In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the invention may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof. As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) and(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit(s) with software/firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

The embodiments of this invention may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of the mobile device, such as in the processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or program, also called program product, including software routines, applets and/or macros, may be stored in any apparatus-readable data storage medium and they comprise program instructions to perform particular tasks. A computer program product may comprise one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it.

Further in this regard it should be noted that any blocks of the logic flow as in the Figures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD. The physical media is a non-transitory media.

The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may comprise one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), FPGA, gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

Embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate. The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the exemplary embodiment of this invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims. Indeed there is a further embodiment comprising a combination of one or more embodiments with any of the other embodiments previously discussed.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising means for performing: configuring a satellite system to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite to the apparatus; receiving, from the satellite system, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite; and using the one or more reports to manage downlink and uplink radio links between the apparatus and one or more user equipment.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the manage a radio link comprises performing radio resource management.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the radio resource management comprises one or more of: interpreting downlink measurement reports from the one or more user equipment; performing uplink measurements of the one or more user equipment; setting open-loop power control parameters of the one or more user equipment; beamforming of the apparatus with the one or more user equipment; initiating handover of the one or more user equipment to a different radio link.

4. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the manage a radio link comprises controlling one or more of the radio transceiver parameters of the satellite, including one or more of: transmit power; carrier frequency; bandwidth; bandwidth parts.

5. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the one or more reports are received with regular periodicity or are event based.

6. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite comprise information of a downlink transmit power spectral density on a service link with the one or more user equipment.

7. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite comprise information of a gain factor.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the gain factor comprises a downlink receive-transmit gain factor when relaying downlink signals to the one or more user equipment; or the gain factor comprises an uplink receive-transmit gain factor when relaying uplink signals from the one or more user equipment to a gateway node.

9. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the means are further configured to perform sending a command to the satellite indicating which carrier bands or portions of the bands on a radio link between the apparatus and the satellite are to be carried on which frequency and which beam at the satellite.

10. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the one or more reports comprise information of a round-trip-time between a non-terrestrial-network gateway node and the satellite.

11. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the means comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

12. An apparatus of a satellite system comprising means for performing: receiving a configuration from a base station, the configuration for causing the apparatus to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus; sending, to the base station, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus in accordance with the configuration.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the one or more reports are sent with regular periodicity or are event based.

14. An apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite comprise information of a downlink transmit power spectral density on a service link with one or more user equipment.

15. An apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite comprise information of a gain factor.

16. An apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the gain factor comprises a downlink receive-transmit gain factor when relaying downlink signals to one or more user equipment; or the gain factor comprises an uplink receive-transmit gain factor when relaying uplink signals from one or more user equipment to a gateway node.

17. An apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 16, wherein the means are further configured to perform receiving a command at the apparatus indicating which carrier bands or portions of the bands on a radio link between the base station and the satellite are to be carried on which frequency and which beam at the satellite.

18. An apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 17, wherein the one or more reports comprise information of a round-trip-time between a non-terrestrial-network gateway node and the satellite.

19. An apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 18, wherein the means are further configured to perform sending the one or more reports along with telemetry data of the satellite.

20. An apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 19, wherein the means comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

21. A method comprising: configuring, by an apparatus, a satellite system to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite system to the apparatus; receiving, from the satellite system, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite system; and using the one or more reports to manage downlink and uplink radio links between the apparatus and one or more user equipment.

22. A method comprising: receiving a configuration from a base station at an apparatus of a satellite system, the configuration for causing the apparatus to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus; sending, to the base station, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus in accordance with the configuration.

23. A computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: configuring, by the apparatus, a satellite system to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite system to the apparatus; receiving, from the satellite system, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the satellite system; and using the one or more reports to manage downlink and uplink radio links between the apparatus and one or more user equipment.

24. A computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus of a satellite system to perform at least the following: receiving a configuration from a base station at the apparatus, the configuration for causing the apparatus to provide one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus; sending, to the base station, the one or more reports of radio transceiver parameters of the apparatus in accordance with the configuration.