WO2022025637A1

WO2022025637A1 - Method and system to access the moving network

Info

Publication number: WO2022025637A1
Application number: PCT/KR2021/009827
Authority: WO
Inventors: Neha Sharma; Anup Chaudhari; Anshuman Nigam
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2020-07-28
Filing date: 2021-07-28
Publication date: 2022-02-03

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a method (900) for a user equipment (UE) to the access a moving wireless communication network. The method includes monitoring (902), at least one of a plurality of network characteristics of the UE in connection with a stationary network node, wherein the UE is currently connected to the stationary network node. The method includes determining (904), the availability of a moving network node near the UE. The method includes measuring (906), at least one of speed or proximity of the UE relative to the moving network node. The method includes performing (910a) movement of the UE from the stationary network node to the moving network node if the speed of the UE relative to the moving network node is above a pre-defined threshold.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM TO ACCESS THE MOVING NETWORK

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for wireless communication, in particular, relates to methods and systems to access the moving network for a mobile station and other devices.

In recent years, several broadband wireless technologies have been developed for providing better applications and services to meet the growing requirements of broadband subscribers. Second generation wireless communication system has been developed to provide voice services while ensuring the mobility of users.

Third generation wireless communication system supports not only the voice service but also data service. In recent years, the fourth-generation wireless communication system has been developed to provide high-speed data service. However, currently, the fourth-generation wireless communication system has suffered from a lack of resources to meet the growing demand for high-speed data services. The fifth-generation wireless communication system overcomes this issue and meet the ever-growing demand for high speed data services. Furthermore, the fifth-generation wireless communication system provides ultra-reliability and supports low latency applications.

For the sixth generation of wireless communication systems i.e., 6G, various technologies have been under consideration, for example, Visible Light Communication (VLC), Terahertz band (THz) i.e., frequencies from 100 GHz to 3 THz, Infrared wave, and Ultraviolet wave, etc. Among all the technologies, the THz band is envisioned as a potential technology for a diverse range of applications, which exist within the nano, micro as well as macro scales. The various features of THz band are such as it may provide terabits per second (Tbps) data rates, reliable transmission, and minimal latency.

The frequencies from 100 GHz to 3 THz are promising bands for the next generation of wireless communication systems because of the wide range of the unused and unexplored spectrum. The THz band communication system also may have revolutionary applications in the realm of devices, circuits, software, signal processing, and systems. The ultra-high data rates facilitated by mmWave and THz wireless local area and cellular networks enable super-fast download speeds for computer communication, autonomous vehicles, robotic controls, information shower, high-definition holographic gaming, entertainment, video conferencing, and high-speed wireless data distribution in data centers. In addition to the extremely high data rates, THz band communication system also may have applications for future mmWave and THz systems that are likely to evolve in 6G networks, and beyond.

For THz band communication system, Terahertz band has specific characteristics like high path loss which includes the spreading as well as absorption loss. The terahertz band may be absorbed by raindrops, ice and grass and any medium containing water molecule. The link is more sensitive than the mmWave system and therefore, it is more fragile. Thus, there are high chances that the THz link may be lost easily in such a sensitive system. Further, noise is an important characteristic of the THz band which may impact the interference model and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) in the THz band. Due to the small wavelength at THz frequencies which is in the order of hundreds of micro-meters, THz waves scatter from almost any object in a real scenario, both indoor as well as outdoor causing scattering and reflection. Due to the characteristics of THz band a highly directional antenna that may generate very narrow beams in case of THz band is required.

The transmission and/or reception in a THz band system are based on narrow beams, which suppress the interference from neighbouring base stations and extend the range of a THz link. However, due to high path loss, heavy shadowing and rain attenuation, reliable transmission at higher frequencies is one of the key issues that need to be overcome to make the THz band wave systems a practical reality.

The cellular phone users travel and spend considerable amount of time in vehicles, such as, high speed trains or buses etc. These users are served by the macro-cell base stations and receive poor QoS due to Vehicular Penetration Losses (VPL). Therefore, providing continuous services for cellular users on high-speed trains is a significant issue. Because, during this trip, users may hope to use the corresponding communication services, such as making a phone call, accessing to their email address, and even viewing some video streaming. Existing mechanism suffers from severe penetration loss, compared with pedestrian UE due to metallic walls and glasses. Penetration loss from vehicle for standard glass is 10db ~18 dB for 28 GHz, 18 ~26 dB for 73GHz. Penetration loss for train carriage is usually in the range between 20 dB to 35 dB. The coverage inside various vehicles is poor compared to the outdoor coverage. This result in high outage probability, less reliable connection, causes poor call quality, frequent dropped calls, low throughput/data rate and low UE battery life. The UE's uplink transmission is attenuated by vehicular penetrative losses without moving relays. In addition, human blockage loss is typically of the order of 10-15 dB while vehicular penetration losses are of the order of 20-30 dB. This increases the required uplink transmit power for the UEs drastically.

Further, high-speed public transportation is being deployed worldwide at an increased pace. Hence, providing multiple services of good quality to users on high-speed vehicles is important yet more challenging than typical cellular wireless environments due to the following reasons:

Frequent handover: The handover rate may significantly increase due to high-speed vehicles. Frequent handover due to mobility may become far more non-trivial with fixed node Internet　Architecture　Board (IAB) architecture.

Reduced handover success rate: For high speed UEs, handover occurs much more frequently. With a substantial number of users performing handover at the same time, the handover success rate is reduced due to a sudden excessive signalling overhead in a short time period.

Less accurate Measurements: UE measurements in high-speed environments are typically less accurate than low speed environments. The common assumption of perfect channel state information (CSI) adopted for the design of low mobility systems is no longer valid for high mobility systems.

Low UE battery life: The UE battery life is shortened in fast-moving environment. To overcome the high penetration loss, the UEs inside a vehicle needs to increase their transmission power. In addition, performing measurements, handover and TAU frequently also increases the UE's battery consumption. Therefore, the users traveling by vehicle are often bothered by the low battery life.

Vehicular penetration loss (VPL): In high-speed railway (HSR) systems, the well-sealed train carriages introduce severe penetration loss of the wireless signals. Radio signals travelling from the BS into the vehicle are severely attenuated by the vehicular penetration loss (VPL).

Doppler issues: Vehicular deployment scenarios are characterized by the high mobility, e.g., speeds of 140 km/h for cars driving on highways and 500 km/h for high-speed trains. These high mobility requirements for vehicular scenarios greatly affect the system design and implementation, which is quite different from the traditional cellular environments that is usually optimized to low-to-mid mobility scenarios. In an example, such low mobile scenarios include stationary IAB nodes supporting both access and backhaul. Due to such highly mobile nature of the vehicular scenarios, there arise several technical challenges to be overcome, particularly in fast channel variations due to large Doppler shift/spread and unstable handover operations.

In case of higher mmWave / THz frequency band, to achieve the above-mentioned multi-Gbps data rate, it is necessary to have a frequency band as wide as a few GHz, which is not generally feasible in conventional below-6 GHz frequency bands. A wide bandwidth of over a few GHz and higher is indeed available in the mmWave/ higher mmWave and THz bands, but it also comes with additional challenges. Since the Doppler shift/spread is proportional to the carrier frequency, the above mentioned doppler-induced problems aggravate further. Higher mmWave communication is prone to certain inherent challenges arising due to beam blockages. With mobility factor taken into account, random link blockages especially in the urban scenarios could turn out to be a major bottleneck. In certain use cases, a direct access link between macro-BS and intra vehicular UEs (VUEs) may still be possible for example high speed train where it was assumed the VUEs are limited in number and movement of the intra vehicular UEs are somewhat predictable following a linear track (for example Hotspot Network (MHN) system operating in the unlicensed band called Flexible Access Common Spectrum (FACS) at Seoul subway line 1 to line 9). However, for generalized and less sophisticated vehicular scenarios, for example buses, public transports, cars such direct access between macro base station and VUEs are not feasible. This may lead to massive signalling overhead for a single cell macro base station to handle for a stationary IAB architecture.

For fast-moving environment, special efforts on network planning are needed to improve the network performance, which may cost much Capital expenditures　(CAPEX) and operating expenses (OPEX). Not only the Traffic hotspot is temporary, but also deploying classic small cells may be costly and inefficient. Deploying moving small cells to offload traffic in the congested macro cell may be a beneficial solution when the small cell is moving near the traffic hotspot and covers a significant proportion of it.

Next generation communication networks envisage providing extreme mobile broadband (xMBB) services to different class of users. One of the requirements is to provide ultrahigh data throughout for high-definition video streaming, multiplayer gaming and a plethora of other high data rate applications. In current LTE-A and 5G NR systems, vehicular UE (VUEs) experience extremely low data rate and a comparatively less reliable connection due to the obstruction caused by the metallic walls and glasses of the vehicles, the signal penetrating the vehicle from the outside undergoes significant amount of attenuation which is known as vehicular penetration loss (VPL). This has significant impact on the quality of the received signal by the VUEs which may experience a loss of around 25 to 30 dB or more at higher operating frequencies causing low data rate, high outage probability and less reliable connection.

Thus, as may be seen, there exists a need to overcome at least one of the aforementioned problems related to access of the mobile telephony and data services by user device located in high or mid-speed transit systems such as mass transit system.

The principal object of the embodiments herein is to provide methods and systems to access the moving network for a mobile station and other devices.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the present disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the present disclosure, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a method for a user equipment (UE) to provide the access a moving wireless communication network. The method includes monitoring, at least one of a plurality of network characteristics of the UE in connection with a stationary network node, wherein the UE is currently connected to the stationary network node. The method includes determining, the availability of a moving network node near the UE. The method includes measuring, at least one of speed or proximity of the UE relative to the moving network node. The method includes performing movement of the UE from the stationary network node to the moving network node if the speed of the UE relative to the moving network node is above a pre-defined threshold.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a system for a user equipment (UE) to provide access a moving wireless communication network. The system is configured to monitor, at least one of a plurality of network characteristics of the UE in connection with a stationary network node, wherein the UE is currently connected to the stationary network node. The system is configured to determine, the availability of a moving network node near the UE. The system is configured to measure, at least one of speed or proximity of the UE relative to the moving network node. The system is configured to perform movement of the UE from the stationary network node to the moving network node if the speed of the UE relative to the moving network node is above a pre-defined threshold.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the present disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The present disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a system with a moving network (MN) architecture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates configuration between UE and NW which can be used to detect the proximity of MN cell with one or more MN member cells, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3a illustrates triggering of an event when UE speed is above the configured threshold, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3b illustrates triggering of an event when UE speed is below the configured threshold, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of conditional based mechanism when user boards the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of conditional based mechanism when user is de-boarding the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 6a illustrates a procedure for MN cell re-selection (Speed measured for certain duration of time with respect to UE), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 6b illustrates a procedure for MN cell re-selection (Single check for UE speed), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate availing MN subscription service, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 9 illustrates a method for a user equipment (UE) to provide the access a moving wireless communication network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 10 illustrates a method to configure a user equipment (UE) to a wireless communication network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

Reference throughout this specification to "an aspect", "another aspect" or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this present disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Embodiments of the present subject matter are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates a system with a moving network architecture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the system 100 of the present disclosure may include, but is not limited to, a processor 102, memory 104 in a user equipment to provide access a moving wireless communication network.

The processor 102 can be a single processing unit or a number of units, all of which could include multiple computing units. The processor 102 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 102 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory 104.

The memory 104 may include any non-transitory computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random-access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a system 100 for a user equipment (UE) to provide access a moving wireless communication network. The system 100 is configured to monitor, at least one of a plurality of network characteristics of the UE in connection with a stationary network node, wherein the UE is currently connected to the stationary network node. The system 100 is configured to determine, the availability of a moving network node near the UE. The system 100 is configured to measure, at least one of speed or proximity of the UE relative to the moving network node. The system 100 is configured to perform movement of the UE from the stationary network node to the moving network node if the speed of the UE relative to the moving network node is above a pre-defined threshold.

In an embodiment, the system 100 is configured to measure, at least speed of the UE relative to the moving network node. The system 100 is configured to perform movement of the UE from the moving network node to the stationary network node if the speed of the UE relative to the moving network node is below the pre-defined threshold.

In an embodiment, the movement is through handover or cell selection/reselection procedure.

In an embodiment, the system 100 is configured to access the moving wireless communication network is based on proximity of the UE to the one or more of the moving network cells. Further, the moving network cells and the moving network node are interchangeably used.

In another embodiment, the system 100 is configured to access the moving wireless communication network is based on subscription of the UE to the one or more of the moving network cells. Further, the subscription may be based on the conditions prescribed by the network operator for providing the access to the moving wireless communication network to the UE.

In an embodiment, to monitor the at least one of the plurality of network characteristics of the UE in connection with the stationary network node, the system 100 is configured to determine if the UE is entering or leaving proximity of one or more of the moving network cells. The system 100 is configured to generate an indication of proximity of the UE to the moving network node.

In an embodiment, the plurality of network characteristics includes speed of motion of the UE and time of motion of the UE. Further, the moving network node may also be an Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB). In addition, the pre-defined threshold is configured by the stationary network and is the UE entering the cell.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a system 100 to enable a user equipment (UE) to communicate with a wireless communication network. The system 100 is configured to receive, by the UE connected to a stationary network node, a message indicative of presence of a moving network node in proximity to the UE. The system 100 is configured to perform movement of the UE from the stationary network node to the moving network node if the proximity of the UE with the moving network node is above a pre-defined threshold.

In an embodiment, the system 100 is configured to perform movement of the UE from the moving network node to the stationary network node if the proximity of the UE with the moving network node is below the pre-defined threshold. The pre-defined threshold is configured by the stationary network and is the UE entering the cell.

In an embodiment, the message is one of a broadcast mode, a unicast mode, a multicast mode, or can make use of discovery signals based on side link to indicate presence or availability of the moving network.

In an embodiment, the moving network node may also be an Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB). Further, mobile cells or mobile IAB or moving network (MN) may extend the cellular range to the regions with low or no network coverage. It may provide connectivity to mobile black-spot regions, i.e., regions with poor cellular coverage where it is difficult to build an infrastructure due to difficult terrain or low return on investment for mobile operators. Moving network can be moving terrestrial network or non- terrestrial network or UAV or HAPS or any other type of network which can be moving.

In an exemplary embodiment as shown in Figure 1, in the system of the present disclosure, a dedicated in-vehicle unit serves as front haul access for the UEs in the vehicles and an outside-unit mounted on the vehicle that is connected to the fixed base station (BS) that serves as the backhaul access connecting the UEs in the vehicles to the network. The in-vehicle unit and the outside-unit are collectively termed as Moving Relay. Further, instead of fixed BS, the outside-unit of the vehicle may also be connected with the distributed unit (DU) of the fixed IAB node connected with the donor IAB node as defined in 3GPP Release 16 IAB.

Further, there are two links in the architecture, as shown, with new mechanism with a link between gNB and moving Relay and further between moving relays to moving user link. This enables signal improvement and better user experience as vehicular penetration loss is overcome. In addition, outage probability (OP) may also be reduced, and more reliable connection is obtained with the system of the present disclosure.

In a scenario, operators may require an on-demand deployment of base stations to support the sudden and short surge traffic demands such as due cricket or football matches, festivals, etc. In order to cater to such sudden traffic demand, the operators currently deploy fixed base stations which otherwise are very costly solution in terms of CAPEX and OPEX. Therefore, the present disclosure acts as a hotspot and is used to serve adaptive traffic demands and to temporally expand the network coverage.

In a scenario, the present disclosure is useful during complete or partial breakdown of fixed network due to natural calamity or disaster. It may provide network services to the out-of-coverage UEs during these conditions by connecting to neighboring in-coverage MN and to the core network.

In addition, the present disclosure is used to support Mobile Cache. The mobile data traffic has exponentially soared in the last few years due to popularity of applications such as video streaming, online gaming, video calling, or plain web surfing. Mobile caches may save significant network bandwidth by reducing the number of frequent data requests to the core network.

Further, the present disclosure enables increase in cellular coverage. Mobile relays may be used to increase the coverage of out-of-vehicle cellular users though cooperative relaying to improve network connectivity for out-of-vehicle users. Mobile cells use side haul links to extend the cellular coverage to the unconnected regions and also for connecting a mobile IAB to a fixed IAB, and potentially over multiple hops in UE.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure may be accessed by all the users or may be restricted to specific set of users only depending on the network deployment or requirement.

In an example embodiment, the restricted access of UE may be defined based on the presence or distance, speed and its location based upon the scenarios. UE inside the vehicle need to have access to moving nodes (MN) and any outside located UE need not access the Moving Node. The present disclosure may deploy the moving nodes with such requirement. The same may be attributed to the fact that if outside UEs access these Mobile Nodes then they may undergo frequent handovers which may interrupt its services. Accordingly, it may be recommended for outside users to not access the moving nodes which is mounted over the vehicle.

Further in an example embodiment, the restricted access may be based on subscription services. The access may be based on UE subscription. UE may be subscribed to Moving node or MN services. UE with subscription services may be only authorized to access the MN Node. UE subscription information of MN may be stored with other subscription information in the user's profile.

In an example embodiment, segregating the normal user from the premium users where premium users who subscribe to the mobile hotspot service may get access to MN and may get high data rates.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure may be used to increase the coverage of out-of-coverage cellular users though cooperative relaying. This could be achieved using side link channel.

In an example embodiment, there may be scenarios where UE have restricted access, which may be based on whether UE is inside vehicle, or not. The access may be based on subscription service or access to the moving node may be applicable for all the users (which may be optionally subject to certain conditions). Accordingly, there may be a need to define the mechanism where access to the moving node need to be defined. The UE also need to discover the MN in different scenario as mentioned above.

There may be a handful of underlying example issues as follows:

● Issue 1: UE should perform the discovery of MN node only if it has access or has not been restricted based on subscription.

● Issue 2: UE association with Mobile IAB nodes may be defined such that where only UE inside the vehicles, such UEs should have access to mobile IAB nodes.

● Issue 3: UEs should discover or detect Mobile IAB and connect for better QOS and connectivity.

● Issue 4: Detection of UEs that whether it is inside the vehicle or not.

Further, in order to discover or detect the MN, network may indicate the MN indication to the UE either using broadcast, unicast, multicast mode, or it may make use of discovery signals based on side link to indicate the MN presence or availability. Broadcast, unicast, multicast modes allow the network to indicate the MN presence in a different way. In case of MN Broadcast discovery message, MN indication is sent to all stations in the network using appropriate system information block (SIB). In the case of unicast, MN indication message is only sent to one specific user in the network and in case of Multicast, MN indication message is sent to a group of users.

In an embodiment, NW may configure the MC Node indication for current serving cell inMaster Information block (MIB), SIB 1, Six or any other SIB. NW through other system information (SI) say 3,4, 5 or any other SIB may configure the MC node indication for candidate cells. The information element for the same may be "MN_indication". This indication may be for inter, intra or inter RAT frequency cells. It may be per cell or NW may share the list of cells which belong to moving node. UE based on the measurements and this indication may decide to move to the MN node. In RRC_CONNECTED, a cell broadcasting the identity of the Registered PLMN or Equivalent PLMN and for which MN whitelist of the UE includes an entry comprising of cell's MN ID and the respective PLMN identity. The network may send mn-Indication. UE based on same may determine if the cell is MN cell or not. Another way to interpret this is if set to TRUE, the UE is only allowed to access the cell if it is MN member cell or subscribed to MN services. It may also provide MN-PhysCellIdRange parameters which refers to set of physical cell identities reserved for MN cells on the frequency on which this field was received. The received MN-PhysCellIdRange applies if less than 24 hours have elapsed since it was received, and it was received in the same primary PLMN. New PCI range may be defined for MN node.

In an embodiment, NW may also configure the UE with measurement configuration in RRC message. NW may also configure MC node identity or indication along with the cells. The reporting parameters and measurement associated with this may be different from the fixed cells. UE based on these indications may prioritize its measurements and report to the NW. NW may share MN-allowed Reporting Cells which refers to one or more ranges of physical cell identities for which frequency reporting is allowed. All other indication as mentioned above may be applicable for this message also. It may also configure MN report Proximity Config which indicates that whether or not MN proximity indication is enabled for MN member cells of the concerned RAT.

Further, UE may get the notification of MC node indication along with cell details through Multicast mechanism. This may be applicable when UE enters into particular region which may be better served by MN. UE may get the notification over MCCH or any other multicast channel. On receiving the same UE may further read the SIB to get more details and follow the procedure as mentioned for broadcast information.

In addition, NW may also send the discovery signals when UE comes in vicinity of the MN node through side link interface. MN node may send discovery signals as UE enters vicinity of its area. UE may decode the signals with existing mechanism and may decide to move the MN by releasing the connection or may be done through NW mechanism. In NW based mechanism UE may prioritize and send the measurements to the NW node and move to MN node. UE may also inform the network it is in proximity of MN node. It may also indicate the discovery signals it receives over sidelink interface. All parameters mentioned above are applicable in all such possible indications.

Figure 2 illustrates configuration between UE and NW which can be used to detect the proximity of MN cell with one or more MN member cells, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It indicates UE is entering or leaving the proximity of one or more MN member cells and thereby indicates proximity indication for an MN node. That is, while the UE and NW are in the RRC connection reconfiguration state at step 210, the UE transmits an Proximity Indication message at step 230. The detection of proximity may be based on an autonomous search function or based on measurement configuration.

A UE in RRC_CONNECTED initiates transmission of the Proximity Indication message as follows:

1) if the UE enters the proximity of one or more MN/ member cell(s) on an NR or THz frequency while proximity indication is enabled for such NR or 6G cells; or

1) if the UE enters the proximity of one or more MN member cell(s) on an NR or THz frequency while proximity indication is enabled for such NR or THz cells; or

1) if the UE leaves the proximity of all MN member cell(s) on an NR or THz frequency while proximity indication is enabled for such NR or THz cells; or

1) if the UE leaves the proximity of all MN member cell(s) on an NR or THz frequency while proximity indication is enabled for such NR or THz cells.

and

2) if the UE has previously not transmitted a ProximityIndication for the RAT and frequency during the current RRC connection, or if more than 5 s has elapsed since the UE has last transmitted a ProximityIndication (either entering or leaving) for the RAT and frequency:

Further, the UE shall set the contents of ProximityIndication message as follows:

1) if the UE applies the procedure to report entering the proximity of MN member cell(s):

2) set type to 'entering';

1) else if the UE applies the procedure to report leaving the proximity of MN member cell(s):

2) set type to 'leaving';

1) if the proximity indication was triggered for one or more MN member cell(s) on an NR or THz frequency:

2) set the carrierFreq to NR with the value set to the frequency value of the NR cell(s) for which proximity indication was triggered;

1) else if the proximity indication was triggered for one or more MN member cell(s) on a 6G frequency:

2) set the carrierFreq to 6G with the value set to the ARFCN value of the 6G cell(s) for which proximity indication was triggered;

The UE may submit the ProximityIndication message to lower layers for transmission. This message may include type which is used to indicate whether the UE is entering or leaving the proximity of MN member cell(s) and also it should include the RAT also. It should also inlude carrierFreq (carrier frequency) which indicates the RAT and frequency of the MN member cell(s) for which the proximity indication is sent. For NR and 6G frequencies, the UE shall set the absolute RF channel number (ARFCN) according to a band it previously considered suitable for accessing (one of) the MN member cell(s), for which the proximity indication is sent.

The forthcoming description of Figs. 3a till Fig. 5 refer a scenario of Speed Based Reporting in Connected Mode of the UE.

In the conventional system, UE performs the signal level measurement and connects to the best available base station. However, this may be problematic in the case of Moving networks scenario where MN is mounted on a vehicle (E.g., car, bus, train, etc.) as any external UE may also connect to the MN, which is not the expected behavior. When Moving Node is mounted on vehicles, it is expected that only on-board UEs should be able to connect to MN and use the MN services. Therefore, there is a need to enhance the existing measurement mechanism to handle this issue. UE inside the vehicles have constant speed as it is moving along with the vehicle. Further, additional measurement of speed along with existing measurements is provided to guarantee the correct association of moving UEs.

When UE is in connected mode, speed-based reporting may be utilized. In this technique, UE reports its speed to the network when it satisfies the required criteria. Speed based reporting may be easily realized on the existing smartphones and devices because of the availability of various sensors available. UE may use any of the available methodologies to measure its speed. To measure the speed, various sensors like GPS, accelerometer, linear accelerometer, etc. Speed based measurements may be event-triggered or may be conditional based or periodic are used as discussed in the description of the subsequent Figs. 3a, 3b, 4 and 5.

In an event-based speed reporting mechanism for MN synchronization and discovery, a UE may be configured with an event-based speed reporting mechanism. UE sends speed report when the speed of the UE is above or below a configured threshold. In that case, two events may be defined as follows and as illustrated in Figure 3a and Figure 3b:

● Event S1 (330): This event is triggered when UE speed is above the pre-defined threshold, at step 310.

● Event S2 (370): This event is triggered when UE speed is below the pre-defined threshold, at step 350.

Multiple events may also be defined based on a different range of speed values. Hence, the network or NW may provide multiple threshold values in the configuration message. Network may also control the frequency of reporting required. It means the rate with which the UE should report its speed to network. This may help to prevent the signaling overhead and saving UE battery.

NW may provide this configuration in RRC message which may be dedicated or broadcast or multicast or unicast and thresholds may be configured/pre-configured by the network based on the requirement and usage scenarios. NW may configure these thresholds through OAM server and these values may be based on type of subscription i.e., type of access to moving node.

NW may also configure the different category of speed which may be e.g., low, medium, and high and corresponding thresholds. All events associated with different kind of thresholds may be same or different. NW may configure the condition, measurement configuration which include thresholds, hysteresis, time to trigger for different type of speed or mobility i.e., low, medium and high. NW may also configure the speed value for different level of mobility. Whenever, UE speed enters into particular speed category, respective event is triggered, and its speed is reported to the Network. UE may send the speed information to the network using any of the existing technology or new technologies. For example, it may use LTE, NR, WCDMA, etc.

In an implementation, the Network may configure the below set of the parameters in order to enable speed-based reporting in any RRC message or MAC control element or physical layer.

● Event Type: This is the type of event which may be S1, S2 or any another measurement event say Sx.

● Evaluation criteria:

● Hys is the hysteresis parameter (time in motion). This parameter is used to define the handover margin, i.e., UE should be in time in motion for at least x time units.

● ThresS is the reference threshold parameter for this event given in

- Low speed threshold

- High speed threshold

- Medium speed threshold

- Speed threshold

- Offset value or speed value

For example,

Event S1 and S2 inequalities will be defined as follow

- Event S1

This Event S1 is triggered when UE speed is above the pre-defined threshold.

The UE shall:

1) consider the entering condition for this event to be satisfied when condition S1-1, as specified below, is fulfilled;

1) consider the leaving condition for this event to be satisfied when condition S1-2, as specified below, is fulfilled;

1) for this measurement, consider the UE speed corresponding to the associated measObjectNR associated with this event.

Inequality S1-1 (Entering condition)

Us - Hys > Thresh + offset

Inequality S1-2 (Leaving condition)

Us + Hys < Thresh + offset

The variables in the formula are defined as follows:

Us or Ms is the measurement of the speed not taking into account any offsets.

Hys is the hysteresis parameter for this event (i.e. hysteresis as defined within reportConfigNR for this event).

Thresh is the threshold parameter for this event (i.e. speed-Threshold as defined within reportConfigNR for this event).

Us is expressed in Km/h or m/s.

Thresh is expressed in the same unit as Ms.

Offset is the offset value to speedThreshRef to obtain the absolute threshold for this event. (i.e. s1-ThresholdOffset as defined within ReportConfigEUTRA )

- Event S2

This Event S2 is triggered when UE speed is below the pre-defined threshold.

The UE shall:

1) consider the entering condition for this event to be satisfied when condition S2-1, as specified below, is fulfilled;

1) consider the leaving condition for this event to be satisfied when condition S2-2, as specified below, is fulfilled;

Inequality S2-1 (Entering condition)

Us + Hys > Thresh + offset

Inequality S2-2 (Leaving condition)

Us - Hys > Thresh + offset

The variables in the formula are defined as follows:

Ms or Us is the UE speed , not taking into account any offsets.

Hys is the hysteresis parameter (i.e. s2-Hysteresis as defined within ReportConfigEUTRA) for this event.

Us is expressed in Km/h or m/s.

Thresh is expressed in the same unit as Ms.

UE may also report the type of speed instead of events i.e., low, medium and high. UE speed may be categorized into low, medium, and high values based on the different range of values. Network may configure multiple speed thresholds for this purpose. Whenever UE speed enters the particular range, UE may report that respective speed type to the network.

The UE may adjust the value of the following parameter configured by the NW depending on the UE speed state: timeToTrigger. The UE shall apply 3 different levels, which are selected as follows:

The UE shall:

1) perform speed state determination using speedStateParameters:

2) if UE speed is equal to or higher than Threshold-high, high speed state is determined;

2) if UE speed is lower than Threshold-high and higher than or equal to Threshold-medium, medium speed state is determined;

1) if high speed state is determined:

2) use the timeToTrigger value multiplied by sf-High within VarMeasConfig;

1) else if medium speed state is determined:

2) use the timeToTrigger value multiplied by sf-Medium within VarMeasConfig;

1) else:

2) no scaling is applied; or use the timeToTrigger value multiplied by sf-low within VarMeasConfig

Figure 4 illustrates a conditional based mechanism (e.g., user boarding the vehicle) as a part of Speed Based Reporting. When MN is used for catering the vehicular UEs such as bus, train, etc., it is very important to add speed based conditional checks apart from the radio condition checks. This may be very useful in identifying when user boards the vehicle and when leaves/deboards the vehicle and to take correct decisions for MN association and dis-association.

At step 401, in this case UE first detects the MN which it may determine from SIBs or dedicated message or unicast message. The UE first measures the radio condition of MN cell. Radio condition measurements may be based on RSRP, RSRQ, etc values. At step 403, the UE checks whether the radio condition for MN is satisfied. If UE satisfies the eligibility criteria for availing the radio conditions for MN cell or radio condition of current cell is not constant i.e., degrading or improving i.e, it signifies that UE is moving and current camped cell is not appropriate, as it may not be moving node cell. Thereafter, at step 405, UE checks the speed. If the speed of the UE is greater than the pre-defined threshold, then UE sends the speed or sends the event based on speed reporting to the Network, at step 407. This may help the NW to decide the MN cell to which UE should be moved. On receiving these reports fixed node may move the UE to MN node. On the other hand, at step 409, if the UE does not satisfy the radio condition for MN, UE performs a normal procedure.

As illustrated in Figure 4, for example the minimum speed threshold set by the network is s. UE_speed_in is the instantaneous speed at time t measured on satisfaction of radio conditions with MN. Then,

If (UE satisfies radio condition for MN) or (radio condition of current cell is not constant i.e. degrading or improving)

{

If (UE_speed_in > s) //Check the speed

{

Send the speed of UE along with MN cell

}

Apart from speed, another important parameter is a time in motion, which may be reported to the network, if configured. This may further help in enhancing the decision.

Figure 5 illustrates another conditional based mechanism (e.g., user leaving the vehicle) as a part of speed-based reporting. In an example embodiment, when UE inside the vehicle is connected to MN at step 501, and as soon as it leaves the vehicle it should move to the fixed node. UE may initiate this process by reporting the speed of the device and also by providing the measurement of current cell. When UE moves out of the vehicle, its current cell condition may start degrading due to vehicle penetration losses or it start changing, at step 503. That is, the UE identifies radio condition of current cell is not constant. The UE on determining this may check the speed of the device at step 505, if it is less than the pre-defined threshold then it should send the speed of the UE along with the current cell, at step 507. NW based on this report may move the UE to the fixed node. On the other hand, at step 509, if the radio condition of current cell is constant, UE performs a normal procedure.

Let suppose speed threshold set by the network is s. UE_speed_out is the instantaneous speed measured on satisfaction of when radio conditions degrade.

In order to determine UE is leaving a vehicle, the following mechanism is used, as illustrated in Figure 5.

If (radio condition of current cell is not constant i.e., degrading) // this may be MN cell

{

If (UE_speed_out < s) //Check the speed

{

Send the speed of UE along with current cell.

}

Further, the radio condition of MN is checked to determine whether it is degrading or not. If the radio condition is degrading, then it may measure the speed of UE and may perform speed check. When the speed of UE falls below the pre-defined threshold it sends its speed information to the current cell. This may help the NW to decide the UE to move from FN to MN cell. The same may be done with event-based reporting. On receiving these reports fixed node may move the UE from MN node.

Apart from speed, another important parameter is a time in motion, which may be reported to the network if configured. This may further help in enhancing the decision. UE may also preconfigure the conditional based handover for UE. A Conditional Handover (CHO) is defined as a handover that is executed by the UE when one or more handover execution conditions are met. The UE starts evaluating the execution condition(s) upon receiving the CHO configuration, and stops evaluating the execution condition(s) once the execution condition(s) is met. The CHO configuration contains the configuration of CHO candidate cell(s) generated by the candidate gNB(s) and execution condition(s) generated by the source gNB. The candidate gNB may be supporting Moving node i.e., Mobile IAB or Mobile gNB. An execution condition may consist of one or two trigger condition(s) CHO events). Only single RS type is supported and at most two different trigger quantities (e.g., RSRP and RSRQ, RSRP and SINR, speed etc.) may be configured simultaneously for the evaluation of CHO execution condition of a single candidate cell. Before any CHO execution condition is satisfied, upon reception of HO command (without CHO configuration), the UE executes the HO procedure, regardless of any previously received CHO configuration. While executing CHO, i.e., from the time when the UE starts synchronization with target cell, UE does not monitor source cell.

As a part of "MN cell selection" procedure, the UE selects the most suitable cell, which satisfies the cell selection criteria. However, conventional cell selection criteria only consider parameters like Srxlevel (Call selection RX level value) and Squal (Call selection quality value) and do not take speed into account, which could be important in the case of MN. Hence, cell selection may account for speed parameter also to take more appropriate cell selection decisions. Hence, a Sspeed parameter may be defined for UE speed checking and include in cell-selection criteria. MN cell selection may also be triggered based on the NAS request. UE may scan all the RFs and may select a suitable MN.

Network sends mnCSG-indication (moving network CSG-indication) and UEs which are subscribed or belongs to MN closed subscriber group may only connect to it. Network may also set a high priority for MN so that UE selects the MN with the highest priority. Priority information may be included in the System Information Block or SIB. If UE detects any MN node, UE shall consider itself to be in MN coverage if UE support for MN node is not restricted by upper layers and the cell selection criterion S for MN is fulfilled. Cell Selection criteria may be defined as below:

Srxlev > 0 AND Squal > 0 AND/or Sspeed > human_pedistarian_speed or threshold as provided by NW in SIB or any RRC message.

The Sspeed parameter may be optional parameters and may be added only if UE detects the MN cell or may be valid for all the cases of cell selection.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cell selection is based on NAS request for MN. In this case, UE receives request from NAS, the AS may scan all RF channels in the X bands according to its capabilities to find available MN cells. On each carrier, the UE may at least search for the strongest cell, read its system information and report available MN ID(s). The search for available MN may be stopped on request of the NAS. If NAS has selected a MN and provided this selection to AS, the UE may search an acceptable or suitable cell belonging to the selected MN to camp on. It may also perform stored cell selection process based on subscription or OAM based information. Once it has found the cell it may perform the cell selection criteria as describe above.

Network may also allocate and reserve the range of PCI (Physical Cell ID) for MN closed subscriber group. This may be included in SIB X along with other PCI information or in any other relevant SIB. The following information may be included in the SIB specific to MN PCI:

1) mn-PhysicalCellIdRange.start

2) mn-PhysicalCellIdRange.range

Here, mn-PhysicalCellIdRange.start defines the start of PCI and mn-PhysicalCellIdRange.range is the maximum range of PCI. UE may store the MN specific PCI information in the USIM or regularly update by OAM server. Whenever UE power on, based on the MN subscription, it detects these cells and will try to camp on it. UE may also be based on USIM or OAM server information may prioritize these cells from camping.

Network may send mnCSG-indication and UEs which are subscribed or belongs to MN closed subscriber group may only connect to it. Network may also set a high priority for MN so that UE selects the MN with the highest priority. This mnCSG-indication is set to false for other cells. This indication may be included in the SIB 1. Network may also use the existing CSG-indication for moving node indication also and may reserve a certain range of PCIs for MN.

Figures 6a and 6b refers a scenario of MN cell Reselection. As may be understood, the cell reselection is the procedure required to change the cell after UE is attached to a cell and remains in RRC IDLE state. This procedure is useful to let UE connected to the best-allowed available cell. Cell reselection procedure is even valid for Moving Networks also. State of the art solutions may not provide the best decision for cell reselection because they are designed specifically for fixed networks. By accounting mobile nature of moving networks, Figure 6a and Figure 6b refer various methods for cell reselection.

In one method as illustrated in Figure 6a, the network sends the MN indication by setting high frequency priority and cell priority for MN to UE. High frequency priority and cell priority information may be included in the SIB along with the other cell information, at step 601. At step 603, the UE may check measurement criteria and speed for certain duration of time. At step 605, checking speed for certain duration of time may delay the cell selection procedure but provides more precise results. At step 607, if UE satisfies the measurement criteria and speed for certain duration for time, then UE re-selects the MN, else, at step 609, the UE follows the normal reselection procedure. Monitoring speed for certain duration time may prevent ping-pong effect and increases the chances of association of on-board UEs only to MN.

In another method as illustrated in Figure 6b, UE may decide to reselect MN cell as soon as the speed criteria and measurement criteria satisfies and reselect the MN. At step 611, the network sends the MN indication by setting high frequency priority and cell priority for MN to UE. At

steps

613 and 615, the UE checks measurement criteria and speed based on parameters set by the NW. At step 617, if UE satisfies the configured measurement criteria and speed criteria, then UE re-selects the MN node, else, at step 619, the UE follows the normal reselection procedure.

Further, the present subject matter renders a mechanism to prevent access control outside UEs to connect to MN. In other words, a mechanism is defined where external UEs do not have access to MN. UE speed-based reporting may set minimum threshold criteria as greater than average human pedestrian speed. This prevents external UEs to connect to MN as the speed of vehicle may always be more than the pedestrian speed. UE may perform the signal quality check of MN for at least k time units before associating it. Signal quality should change within a range during this time. This prevents external UEs to attach to the MN. As internal UEs are relatively fixed with respect to MN, their signal quality may not vary much with time as both UEs and moving nodes are moving together. Antenna placement and directional beamforming inside the vehicle may also prevent the external UEs to connect to MN. The external UE may not have good signal so they may not camp on the same. Network may configure the speed-based reporting only if UE reports signal strength is above a certain threshold for MN cell. In general, external UE may have weak signal strength due to high vehicle penetration loss. However, in certain cases like when UE may be very close to MN (in case of the bus), UE may still experience a good signal strength. Hence, while setting the signal strength threshold this corner case may be taken into account to prevent external UEs to connect to MN.　When user deboards the vehicle then Event S2 or conditional based reporting may help the NW to move from MN to FN. There may be cases where speed-based reporting may cause signal overhead at the network as vehicle may be of varying speed and UE may end up in sending multiple reports. If UE does not have access to moving node based on restriction or the absence of moving node then there is no need of each UE to report the speed. Speed based measurements may not be required for all the UEs. Reporting should be sent only If UE is camped on MN cell only (In this case UE may be aware of MN cell) or in the vicinity of MN cell based on measurement reports. If UE is not aware of MN cell and current cell signal conditions are not changing, then UE may avoid speed based reporting. Furthermore, vehicles may be recommended to be manufactured with the material having very high penetration loss. This will at least ensure that the signal strength of the internal antenna deteriorates significantly, and external users may not connect to the MN.

In an embodiment, the UE location may be detected when it enters the vehicle and only devices inside the vehicle should access the MN. There is need to define the mechanism where either UE or MN detects the NW or UE. NW may detect the UE based on position measurements. NW may configure the UE to report position-based measurements. These measurements may include UE measurements based on DL reference signals applicable for NR positioning. The following UE measurements are specified for serving, reference, and neighboring cells.

● DL RSTD (reference signal time difference) measurements for NR positioning;

● DL RSRP (reference signal received power) measurements for NR positioning;

● UE RX-TX time difference measurements for NR positioning;

gNB measurements based on UL reference signals applicable for NR positioning. The following gNB measurements are specified:

● UL RTOA (relative time of arrival) measurements for NR positioning;

● UL Angle of Arrival (AoA) measurements (including Azimuth and Zenith Angles) for NR positioning;

● UL RSRP (reference signal received power) measurements for NR positioning;

● gNB RX-TX time difference measurements for NR positioning.

NW may detect the exact location based on these measurements, distance and SINR within the vicinity of the Moving node and then the Network may redirect the UE under Moving Node cell.

In an embodiment, detection of MN node may be based on beacon signals. MN may send the beacon signals once any device enters its vicinity-Prose discovery mechanism. Special beacons may be transmitted with limited power so that only UEs boarded on the vehicle should be able to connect. External UEs should not be able to connect to MN. External UEs may not be able to detect these beacons due to limit power transmission and Vehicle penetration loss. UE may detect these signals based on resources provided in SIB for Prose. Once UE detect these signals, it may try to access the MN node. If UE is in connected mode, it may redirect to MN node by performing cell selection. It may send early measurements report, so that NW may move it to MN Node. If UE is in idle mode, it may perform cell reselection process by ignoring all the rules. It may use any broadcast, multicast mechanism to detect the MN node. Alternatively, UE may respond to the discovery signals to MN node and then NW may move the UE to serve through MN Node. If external UE detect these signals, then due to user speed or vehicular speed NW may detect the same and move the UE to fixed node. Moreover, signal condition from MN to UE may be very good and based on measurement reports NW may make out its external UE or inside UE.

In an embodiment, it is contemplated to prevent the outside user from accessing the MN node through RACH mechanism. Once UE enters the vehicle, UE may measure better signal condition for MN Node. This may also be true for the UE which are very near to vehicle. UE try to access the MN node and perform RACH procedure. When UE send RACH request, it should also indicate the measurement, signal power it is receiving from MN node. Based on these signal power, MN may make out that whether it is VUE or not. As one request it receive from outside will have low signal level. NW based on this may decide and choose to send RACH reject or RACH response.

Figure 7 and Figure 8 refer to an example of subscription-based access of MN services. More specifically, UE may only access the MN services if it is subscribed to these services. A MN Subscriber Group identifies subscribers of an operator who are permitted to access one or more cells of the MN Node. At subscription, one or more Access Classes are allocated to the subscriber and stored in the USIM. UE once detects through broadcast, multicast or unicast that the new node is MN node, it accesses the node only if it is subscribed to services else NW may reject its access request. All the other methods defined above remain applicable here also, i.e. based on subscription.

In addition, MN may be available as a paid service and only subscribed users may connect and use the MN services. UE supporting MN services need to undergo the phases or steps 701-711 in accordance with the Fig. 7 in order to connect to it.

In respect of UE MN Subscription, the user is allowed to receive MN specific multicast/broadcast service notifications. UE Subscription ID for MN needs to be defined. This may be revoked once the service expires. Figure 7 refers to availing subscription-based access of MN services through the following:

Step 701: MN Service announcement: This is to distribute to UEs information about the service, parameters required for service activation (e.g., IP multicast address(es)) and other service-related parameters.

● MN specific service announcement may be done in following ways:

a) Using SMS broadcast.

b) Using MMS

c) Dedicated IE in SIB to indicate MC service availability. (May be broadcasted/Multicasted)

d)vPUSH Notification by operator

Step 703: Start the MN service: After successfully receiving the MN service announcement, UE joins the MN service.

● Multicast Identifiers

- Each MC cell be identified using unique Moving Node Multicast ID (MNMID).

- Each user under a same MN is assigned common ID. This is to differentiate it from other MN users.

Step 705: Session Start: UE session starts with MN. This may be useful to track data usage and for charging purposes.

Step 707: 　Data transfer: UE transfers data using MN. Network updates various parameters like data remaining, etc.

Step 709:. Session end: No data to transfer.

Step 711: Leaving MN services: UE leaves the MN service when no longer want to use MN and ready to switch to FN. This may be controlled by user. Just like turning off Wi-Fi, data/ services over MN may be Turned OFF as well by the UE.

As illustrated in Figure 8, UE in its capability may send the Network that it has MN subscription service (801). This helps the current node to take the decision to move the UE to the MN node. This new IE is only set if user have access to subscription service. This may be specific code which is provided by operator and may be stored in USIM. This may keep changing through OAM server. NW may verify this code (803) and redirect the UE to MN node. NW may further send RRC reconfiguration message for this purpose and send handover or redirect command to move to MN node (805). Once UE is redirected to MN, it may follow the further process of connection (such as authentication) and post it may use the MN services.

In some cases or based on the operator requirements, it may be required to provide MN service access to all the users. Here, MN will be treated like other base stations and UE will connect to the best available base station. This may be done using the following procedure:

● NW based on measurements i.e., Measurement report for Geographical location information or existing measurements may move the UE into MN. Geographical location may be obtained using GPS or may be estimated based on the signal strength.

● During the cell reselection if UE detects that this cell is associated with MN, then UE should move to MN.

● Existing mechanism may be used to decide for MN service.

Thus, the present disclosure supports large number of users with high throughput and reliable connection under different mobility scenarios for example high-speed trains, buses on the freeway etc.

Figure 9 discloses a method 900 for a user equipment (UE) to the access a moving wireless communication network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, at step 902, the method includes monitoring, at least one of a plurality of network characteristics of the UE in connection with a stationary network node, wherein the UE is currently connected to the stationary network node. At step 904, the method includes determining, the availability of a moving network node near the UE. At step 906, the method includes measuring, at least one of speed or proximity of the UE relative to the moving network node. At step 908, the method includes determining if the UE is entering or leaving proximity of one or more of the moving network cells and generating an indication of proximity of the UE to the moving network node. Thereafter, on determining, the stationary network node may send RRC reconfiguration message with handover or redirect command to move to MN node.

At step 910a, the method includes performing movement of the UE from the stationary network node to the moving network node if the speed of the UE relative to the moving network node is above a pre-defined threshold.

At step 910b, the method includes performing movement of the UE from the moving network node to the stationary network node if the speed of the UE relative to the moving network node is below the pre-defined threshold.

In an embodiment, the method includes accessing the moving wireless communication network is based on proximity of the UE to the one or more of the moving network cells. Further, the moving network cells and the moving network node are interchangeably used.

In another embodiment, the method includes accessing the moving wireless communication network is based on subscription of the UE to the one or more of the moving network cells. Further, the subscription may be based on the conditions prescribed by the network operator for providing the access to the moving wireless communication network to the UE.

In another embodiment, Figure 10 discloses a method 1000 to configure a UE to a wireless communication network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 1002, the method includes receiving, by the UE connected to a stationary network node, a message indicative of presence of a moving network node in proximity to the UE. At step 1004, the method includes performing movement of the UE from the stationary network node to the moving network node if the proximity of the UE with the moving network node is above a pre-defined threshold.

In an embodiment, the method includes performing movement of the UE from the moving network node to the stationary network node if the proximity of the UE with the moving network node is below the pre-defined threshold.

In an embodiment, the movement is one of handover and cell selection/reselection.

In an embodiment, the moving network node may also be an Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB). Further, the pre-defined threshold is configured by the stationary network and is the UE entering the cell.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure is highly beneficial in improving the coverage and capacity of the network and is helpful in providing on-demand services. For example, for temporarily increasing the network capacity i.e., to serve stadium, event, periodic traffic burst.

In addition, the present disclosure reduces the OPEX and CAPEX costs significantly due to its on-demand deployment nature as compared to fixed networks. Therefore, in the hotspot scenario of the system, UE access may be categorized into two cases 1) All UE having access to moving node 2) Only subscribed UEs have access to MN. In an example embodiment, increasing network capacity during events like cricket match, football match, festivals etc., it may be required to provide access to all the UEs. This serves an increased number of users in a certain area for a certain duration of time.

While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

Claims

A method for a user equipment (UE) to access a moving wireless communication network, the method comprising:

monitoring, at least one of a plurality of network characteristics of the UE in connection with a stationary network node, wherein the UE is currently connected to the stationary network node;

determining, the availability of a moving network node near the UE;

measuring, at least one of speed or proximity of the UE relative to the moving network node; and

performing movement of the UE from the stationary network node to the moving network node if the speed of the UE relative to the moving network node is above a pre-defined threshold.
The method of claim 1, further comprising:

measuring, at least speed of the UE relative to the moving network node; and

performing movement of the UE from the moving network node to the stationary network node if the speed of the UE relative to the moving network node is below the pre-defined threshold.
The method of claim 1, wherein monitoring the at least one of the plurality of network characteristics of the UE in connection with the stationary network node comprising:

determining if the UE is entering or leaving proximity of one or more of the moving network cells; and

generating an indication of proximity of the UE to the moving network node.
The method of claim 1, wherein accessing the moving wireless communication network is based on proximity of the UE to the one or more of the moving network cells.
The method of claim 1, wherein accessing the moving wireless communication network is based on subscription of the UE to the one or more of the moving network cells.
The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of network characteristics includes speed of motion of the UE and time of motion of the UE.
The method of claim 1, wherein the moving network node is an integrated access backhaul (IAB).
The method of claim 1, wherein the pre-defined threshold is configured by the stationary network and is the UE entering the cell.
The method of claim 1, wherein the movement is through handover or cell selection/reselection procedure.
A method to configure a user equipment (UE) to a wireless communication network, the method comprising:

receiving, by the UE connected to a stationary network node, a message indicative of presence of a moving network node in proximity to the UE; and

performing movement of the UE from the stationary network node to the moving network node if the proximity of the UE with the moving network node is above a pre-defined threshold.
The method of claim 10, further comprising:

performing movement of the UE from the moving network node to the stationary network node if the proximity of the UE with the moving network node is below the pre-defined threshold.
The method of claim 10, wherein the message is one of a broadcast mode, a unicast mode, a multicast mode, or can make use of discovery signals based on side link to indicate presence or availability of the moving network.
The method of claim 10, wherein the moving network node is integrated access backhaul (IAB).
The method of claim 10, wherein the pre-defined threshold is configured by the stationary network and is the UE entering the cell, and

wherein the movement is one of handover and cell selection/reselection.
A system for a user equipment (UE) to access a moving wireless communication network, wherein the apparatus is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-14.