WO2025171925A1

WO2025171925A1 - Broadcast of satellite connectivity times for store and forward operation

Info

Publication number: WO2025171925A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/086692
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeroen Wigard; Mads LAURIDSEN; Enric Juan
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Current assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2024-02-16
Filing date: 2024-12-17
Publication date: 2025-08-21
Anticipated expiration: 2026-08-16

Abstract

An apparatus, method, and computer-readable medium are provided. In the context of a method, the method receives a first system information block indicating a second time based on when a first satellite is expected to connect to at least one network node. The method transmits uplink data satellite. The method receives a second system information block indicating a third time in which a second satellite was previously connected to the at least one network node and a fourth time based on when the second satellite is expected to connect to the at least one network node. The method determines whether the third time is before the second time. The method includes, if the third time is not before the second time monitoring a paging channel associated with the second satellite. The method includes, if the third time is before the second time, withholding monitoring of the paging channel associated with the second satellite.

Description

BROADCAST OF SATELLITE CONNECTIVITY TIMES FOR STORE AND FORWARD OPERATION

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0001] An example embodiment relates generally to broadcast of satellite connectivity times and, more particularly, to broadcast of satellite connectivity times for a store and forward operation.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In traditional systems, a user equipment may transmit uplink data to a satellite. The satellite may then immediately relay the uplink data to a network node (e.g., through a gateway to a core network) and an application. The network node and/or application then immediately transmits a response including downlink data to the user equipment, including an acknowledgment of the uplink data. There are many issues with traditional systems, including having to have a large number of satellites active to be available to immediately relay data between a user equipment and a network node.

[0003] In non-terrestrial networks, a store and forward operation may be used to reduce the number of satellites that are in operation. The store and forward operation involves a discontinuous coverage scenario where satellites are not always connected with user equipment or network nodes. Using store and forward operations, a user equipment may transmit uplink data to a satellite which is not currently connected to a network node. The satellite stores this data and relays the data to a network node once it is connected to a non-terrestrial network gateway or ground station. Downlink data is transmitted from the network node to a satellite or another satellite, which may not be connected at that time to the user equipment. The receiving satellite stores the downlink data until it is connected with the user equipment and relays it to the user equipment at that time. Using this method, low-cost deployment of fewer satellites and ground stations is possible. Connectivity cost per device is further reduced if only delay tolerant data is supported. However, a number of challenges are presented by the store and forward scenario. Unnecessary retransmissions may occur from the user equipment while it is waiting to receive an answer from a network node or application. In addition, a user equipment may waste power monitoring paging from satellites that are not storing a response from the network node or application.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the user equipment (110) to receive (504), from a first satellite (114), a first system information block (504a), where the first system information block (504a) indicates a second time (514a) based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) is further caused to transmit (506) uplink data (506a) to the first satellite (114). The user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (510), from a second satellite (116), a second system information block (510a), where the second system information block (510a) indicates a third time (508a) in which the second satellite (116) was previously connected (508) to the at least one network node (112) and a fourth time based on when the second satellite (116) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (512) whether the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a). The user equipment (110) is further caused to, if the third time (508a) is not before the second time (514a), monitor (526) a paging channel associated with the second satellite (116). The user equipment is further caused to, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), withhold (512a) monitoring of the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116).

[0005] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the network node (112) to generate a first satellite information (504a), where the first satellite information (504a) indicates a first time (502a) in which a satellite (114) was previously connected (502) to the network node (112) and a second time (514a) based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). The network node (112) is further caused to transmit the first satellite information (504) to the satellite (114).

[0006] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the user equipment (110) to receive (602), from a first satellite (114), a paging configuration (602a) including a first configuration (608) and a second configuration (606), where the first configuration (608) defines a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity defined by the second configuration (606). The user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (504), from the first satellite (114), a first system information block (504a), where the first system information block (504a) indicates a second time (514a) based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) is further caused to transmit (506) uplink data (506a) to the first satellite (114). The user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (510), from a second satellite (116), a second system information block (510a), where the second system information block (510a) indicates a third time (508a) in which the second satellite (116) was previously connected (508) to the at least one network node (112) and a fourth time based on when the second satellite (116) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (512) whether the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a). The user equipment (110) is further caused to, if the third time (508a) is not before the second time (514a), monitor a paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) according to the first configuration (608). The user equipment (110) is further caused to, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), monitor the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) according to the second configuration (606).

[0007] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the network node (112) to configure a paging configuration (602a) including a first configuration (608) and a second configuration (606), wherein the first configuration (608) describes a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity described by the second configuration. The network node is further caused to generate a first satellite information (504a), where the first satellite information (504a) indicates a first time (502a) in which a satellite (114) was previously connected (502) to the network node (112) and a second time (514a) based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). The network node (112) is further caused to transmit at least one of the first satellite information (504) and the paging configuration (602a) to the satellite (114).

[0008] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method is provided that is performed by a user equipment (110) and includes receiving (504), from a first satellite (114), a first system information block (504a), where the first system information block (504a) indicates a second time (514a) based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to at least one network node (112). The method further includes transmitting (506) uplink data (506a) to the first satellite (114). The method further includes receiving (510), from a second satellite (116), a second system information block (510a), where the second system information block (510a) indicates a third time (508a) in which the second satellite (116) was previously connected (508) to the at least one network node (112), or the gateway and a fourth time based on when the second satellite (116) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112). The method further includes determining (512) whether the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a). The method further includes, if the third time (508a) is not before the second time (514a), monitoring (526) a paging channel associated with the second satellite (116). The method further includes, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), withholding (512a) monitoring of the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116).

[0009] In one or more embodiments, a method is provided that is performed by a network node and includes generating a first satellite information (504a), where the first satellite information (504a) indicates a first time (502a) in which a satellite (114) was previously connected (502) to the network node (112) and a second time (514a) based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). The method further includes transmitting the first satellite information (504) to the satellite (114).

[0010] In one or more embodiments, a method is provided that is performed by a user equipment (110) and includes receiving (602), from a first satellite (114), a paging configuration (602a) including a first configuration (608) and a second configuration (606), where the first configuration (608) defines a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity defined by the second configuration (606). The method further includes receiving (504), from the first satellite (114), a first system information block (504a), where the first system information block (504a) indicates a second time (514a) based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to at least one network node (112). The method further includes transmitting (506) uplink data (506a) to the first satellite (114). The method further includes receiving (510), from a second satellite (116), a second system information block (510a), where the second system information block (510a) indicates a third time (508a) in which the second satellite (116) was previously connected (508) to the at least one network node (112) and a fourth time based on when the second satellite (116) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112). The method further includes determining (512) whether the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a). The method further includes, if the third time (508a) is not before the second time (514a), monitoring a paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) according to the first configuration (608). The method further includes, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), monitoring the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) according to the second configuration (606).

[0011] In one or more embodiments, a method is provided that is performed by a network node (112) and includes configuring a paging configuration (602a) including a first configuration (608) and a second configuration (606) where the first configuration (608) defines a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity defined by the second configuration (606). The method further includes generating a first satellite information (504a), where the first satellite information (504a) indicates a first time (502a) in which a satellite (114) was previously connected (502) to the network node (112) and a second time (514a) based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). The method further includes transmitting at least one of the first satellite information (504) and the paging configuration (602a) to the satellite (114).

[0012] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (110), cause the user equipment (110) to receive (504), from a first satellite (114), a first system information block (504a), where the first system information block (504a) indicates a second time (514a) based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) is further caused to transmit (506) uplink data (506a) to the first satellite (114). The user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (510), from a second satellite (116), a second system information block (510a), where the second system information block (510a) indicates a third time (508a) in which the second satellite (116) was previously connected (508) to the at least one network node (112) and a fourth time based on when the second satellite (116) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (512) whether the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a). The user equipment (110) is further caused to, if the third time (508a) is not before the second time (514a), monitor (526) a paging channel associated with the second satellite (116). The user equipment is further caused to, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), withhold (512a) monitoring of the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116).

[0013] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a network node (112), cause the network node (112) to generate a first satellite information (504a), where the first satellite information (504a) indicates a first time (502a) in which a satellite (114) was previously connected (502) to the network node (112) and a second time (514a) based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). The network node (112) is further caused to transmit the first satellite information (504) to the satellite (114).

[0014] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (110), cause the user equipment (110) to receive (602), from a first satellite (114), a paging configuration (602a) including a first configuration (608) and a second configuration (606), where the first configuration (608) defines a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity defined by the second configuration (606). The user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (504), from the first satellite (114), a first system information block (504a), where the first system information block (504a) indicates a second time (514a) based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) is further caused to transmit (506) uplink data (506a) to the first satellite (114). The user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (510), from a second satellite (116), a second system information block (510a), where the second system information block (510a) indicates a third time (508a) in which the second satellite (116) was previously connected (508) to the at least one network node (112) and a fourth time based on when the second satellite (116) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (512) whether the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a). The user equipment (110) is further caused to, if the third time (508a) is not before the second time (514a), monitor a paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) according to the first configuration (608). The user equipment (110) is further caused to, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), monitor the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) according to the second configuration (606). [0015] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a network node (112), cause the network node (112) to configure a paging configuration (602a) including a first configuration (608) and a second configuration (606), where the first configuration (608) defines a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity defined by the second configuration (606). The network node (112) is further caused to generate a first satellite information (504a), where the first satellite information (504a) indicates a first time (502a) in which a satellite (114) was previously connected (502) to the network node (112) and a second time (514a) based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). The network node (112) is further caused to transmit at least one of the first satellite information (504) and the paging configuration (602a) to the satellite (114).

[0016] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) is provided that includes means for receiving (504), from a first satellite (114), a first system information block (504a), wherein the first system information block (504a) indicates a second time (514a) based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) further includes means for transmitting (506) uplink data (506a) to the first satellite (114). The user equipment (110) further includes means for receiving (510), from a second satellite (116), a second system information block (510a), wherein the second system information block (510a) indicates a third time (508a) in which the second satellite (116) was previously connected (508) to at least one network node (112) and a fourth time based on when the second satellite (116) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) further includes means for determining (512) whether the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a). The user equipment (110) further includes means for, if the third time (508a) is not before the second time (514a), monitoring (526) a paging channel associated with the second satellite (116). The user equipment (110) further includes means for, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), withholding (512a) monitoring of the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116).

[0017] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) is provided that includes means for generating a first satellite information (504a), wherein the first satellite information (504a) indicates a first time (502a) in which a satellite (114) was previously connected (502) to the network node (112) and a second time (514a) based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). The network node (112) further includes means for transmitting the first system information block (504) to the satellite (114).

[0018] In one or embodiments, a user equipment (110) is provided including means for receiving (602), from a first satellite (114), a paging configuration (602a) comprising a first configuration (608) and a second configuration (606), wherein the first configuration (608) defines a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity defined by the second configuration (606). The user equipment (110) further includes means for receiving (504), from the first satellite (114), a first system information block (504a), wherein the first system information block (504a) indicates a second time (514a) based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) further includes means for transmitting (506) uplink data (506a) to the first satellite (114). The user equipment (110) further includes means for receiving (510), from a second satellite (116), a second system information block (510a), wherein the second system information block (510a) indicates a third time (508a) in which the second satellite (116) was previously connected (508) to the at least one network node (112) and a fourth time based on when the second satellite (116) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) further includes means for determining (512) whether the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a). The user equipment (110) further includes means for, if the third time (508a) is not before the second time (514a), monitoring a paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) according to the first configuration (608). The user equipment (110) further includes means for, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), monitoring the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) according to the second configuration (606).

[0019] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) is provided that includes means for configuring a paging configuration (602a) including a first configuration (608) and a second configuration (606), where the first configuration (608) defines a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity defined by the second configuration (606). The network node (112) further includes means for generating a first satellite information (504a), where the first satellite information (504a) indicates a first time (502a) in which a satellite (114) was previously connected (502) to the network node (112) and a second time (514a) based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). The network node (112) further includes means for transmitting the at least one of first satellite information (504) and the paging configuration (602a) to the satellite (114).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Having thus described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms, reference will hereinafter be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and where:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system including a user equipment, at least onenetwork node, and three satellites configured to communicate at least via uplink and downlink transmission in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example communication system in which the system of FIG. 1 may be deployed in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates problems with a store and forward operation in accordance with previous embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a user equipment entering a power savings mode between transmitting and receiving data in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a user equipment minimizing power consumption by skipping paging monitoring of a satellite in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a user equipment minimizing power consumption by monitoring at different frequencies in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating processes performed by a user equipment in order to monitor or withhold monitoring of a paging channel associated with a satellite in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating processes performed by a user equipment in order to monitor or withhold monitoring of a paging channel associated with a different satellite in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processes performed by a user equipment in order to delay acquiring system information blocks until a next time after a first set of times in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure; [0030] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processes performed by a network node in order to transmit a first satellite information to a satellite in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating processes performed by a user equipment in order to monitor for paging at first or second frequencies in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processes performed by a network node in order to transmit a first satellite information and the paging configuration to a satellite.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments are shown. Indeed, various embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the terms “data,” “content,” “information,” and similar terms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of being transmitted, received and/or stored in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Additionally, as used herein, the term “circuitry” refers to (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analog circuitry and/or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of circuits and computer program product(s) including software and/or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that work together to cause an apparatus to perform one or more functions described herein; and (c) circuits, such as, for example, a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of “circuitry” applies to all uses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term “circuitry” also includes an implementation including one or more processors and/or portion(s) thereof and accompanying software and/or firmware. As another example, the term “circuitry” as used herein also includes, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, other network device (such as a core network apparatus), field programmable gate array, and/or other computing device.

[0035] As used herein, the term “computer-readable medium” refers to non-transitory storage hardware, non-transitory storage device or non-transitory computer system memory that may be accessed by a controller, a microcontroller, a computational system or a module of a computational system to encored thereon computer-executable instructions or software programs. A non-transitory “computer readable medium” may be accessed by a computational system or a module of a computational system to retrieve and/or execute the computerexecutable instructions or software programs encoded on the medium. Examples of non- transitory computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, one or more types of hardware memory, non-transitory tangible media (for example, one or more magnetic storage disks, one or more optical disks, one or more universal synchronous bus (USB) flash drives), computer system memory or random-access memory (such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), extended data out random access memory (EDO RAM), and the like.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a system 100 is provided in accordance with an example embodiment in order to broadcast connectivity times for a store and forward operation. Although the system may be configured in various manners, the system of one embodiment is depicted in FIG. 1 and includes user equipment 110, at least one network node 112, and satellites 114-118 configured to communicate via uplink and downlink transmission and reception beams. Although one user equipment, one network node, and three satellites are depicted, the system may include and the user equipment 110, at least one network node 112, and satellites 114-118 may communicate with additional user equipment, network nodes, and satellites in other embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the user equipment 110, at least one network node 112, and satellites 114-118 may be configured to support, for example, 5G, 5G advanced, or 6G. In one or more embodiments, the system 100 may support carrier aggregation and/or dual connectivity. As described below, the system may support non-terrestrial networks and mobile originated traffic.

[0037] The data that is transmitted via the uplink and downlink beams between the user equipment 110, at least one network node 112, and satellites 114-118 may be any of a wide variety of data including, but not limited to digital imagery data including video data, audio data as well as data provided by sensors, radars, telescopes and radio receivers. In at least some instances, the data is encoded prior to communication of the data via the uplink and downlink beams and decoded upon reception. The resulting data received may be utilized for a variety of purposes including presentation to a user, storage of the data for subsequent use and/or provision of the data to one or more applications, such as applications that perform statistical inference on the data for various purposes including object recognition, image classification, spectrum sensing, speech transcription and/or prediction or detection of events.

[0038] The user equipment 110 of FIG. 1 (also called UE, user device, user terminal, terminal device, etc.) illustrates a type of an apparatus which resources on an air interface are allocated and assigned. The user equipment 110 typically refers to a portable computing device that includes wireless mobile communication devices operating with or without a subscriber identification module (SIM), including, but not limited to, the following types of devices: a mobile station (mobile phone), smartphone, personal digital assistance (PDA), handset, device using a wireless modem (alarm or measurement device, etc.), laptop and/or touch screen computer, tablet, game console, notebook, and multimedia device. User equipment 110 may also be a device having capability to operate in Internet of Things (loT) network which is a scenario in which objects are provided with the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human- to-human or human- to-computer interaction. The user equipment 110 may also be called a subscriber unit, mobile station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, or user equipment (UE) just to mention but a few names or apparatuses. The user equipment 110 may be connected via radio resource control. The user equipment may be in a radio resource control inactive mode or a radio resource control idle mode.

[0039] The network node 112 of FIG. 1 may include, for example, a gateway, core network, application, or other network node on the ground. In some examples, at least one network node 112 is configured to communicate with user equipment 110 through a store and forward operation.

[0040] The satellites 114-118 may be configured to relay signals from, for example, at least one network nodes 112 to user equipment 110. The satellites 114-118 may be configured to store signals from user equipment 110 and/or at least one network node 112 and later forward them to a user equipment 110 and/or at least one network node 112. [0041] FIG. 2 depicts an example apparatus 200 that may be configured to function as user equipment 110, at least one network node 112, and/or satellites 114-118. As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus includes, is associated with, or is in communications with processing circuitry 220, a memory 240, and a communication interface 260. The processing circuitry 220 may be in communication with the memory device 240 via a bus for passing information among components of the apparatus. The memory device may be non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatile and/or non-volatile memories. In other words, for example, the memory device may be an electronic storage device (e.g., a computer readable storage medium) including gates configured to store data (e.g., bits) that may be retrievable by a machine (e.g., a computing device like the processing circuitry). The memory device may be configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, or the like for enabling the apparatus to carry out various functions in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the memory device could be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processing circuitry. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device could be configured to store instructions for execution by the processing circuitry.

[0042] The apparatus 200 may, in some embodiments, be embodied in various computing devices described as above. However, in some embodiments, the apparatus may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the apparatus may include one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) including materials, components and/or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. The apparatus may therefore, in some cases, be configured to implement an embodiment on a single chip or as a single “system on a chip.” As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein.

[0043] The processing circuitry 220, also referenced as a processor, may be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, the processing circuitry may be embodied as one or more of various hardware processing means such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing element with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other circuitry including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. As such, in some embodiments, the processing circuitry may include one or more processing cores configured to perform independently. A multi-core processing circuitry may enable multiprocessing within a single physical package. Additionally or alternatively, the processing circuitry may include one or more processors configured in tandem via the bus to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and/or multithreading.

[0044] In an example embodiment, the processing circuitry 220 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory device 240 or otherwise accessible to the processing circuitry. Alternatively or additionally, the processing circuitry may be configured to execute hardcoded functionality. As such, whether configured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, the processing circuitry may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry) capable of performing operations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processing circuitry is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, the processing circuitry may be specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processing circuitry is embodied as an executor of instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor to perform the algorithms and/or operations described herein when the instructions are executed. However, in some cases, the processing circuitry may be a processor of a specific device (e.g., an image or video processing system) configured to employ an embodiment by further configuration of the processing circuitry by instructions for performing the algorithms and/or operations described herein. The processing circuitry may include, among other things, a clock, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and logic gates configured to support operation of the processing circuitry.

[0045] The communication interface 260 may be any means such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit data including media content in the form of video or image files, one or more audio tracks or the like. In this regard, the communication interface may include, for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supporting hardware and/or software for enabling communications with a wireless communication network. Additionally or alternatively, the communication interface may include the circuitry for interacting with the antenna(s) to cause transmission of signals via the antenna(s) or to handle receipt of signals received via the antenna(s). In some environments, the communications interface may alternatively or also support wired communication. As such, for example, the communication interface may include a communication modem and/or other hardware/software for supporting communication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), universal serial bus (USB) or other mechanisms.

[0046] Turning now to FIG. 3, an illustration of problems with the store and forward operation is provided in accordance with previous embodiments. In this scenario, a user equipment 110 connects to satellites 114-118 as they are passing between a first gateway 302 and a second gateway 304. The satellites 114-118 are configured to receive and store uplink data from a user equipment until they can connect again to a core network via second gateway 304. The satellites 114-118 are also configured to receive and store downlink data from a core network via first gateway 302 and transmit it to user equipment 110.

[0047] At step 306, a user equipment 110 connects to satellite 114. The user equipment 110 uploads uplink data to satellite 114 and expects a response from the application at the other end. The user equipment 110 may expect an acknowledgment or some other response, so it begins monitoring the paging channel.

[0048] At step 308, satellite 116 arrives and the user equipment 110 monitors the paging channel for it. However, satellite 116 cannot carry an acknowledgment as it had connectivity with the core network through gateway 302 before satellite 114 was able to connect to the core network through gateway 304. Therefore, the application had not yet received the uplink data from satellite 114 and could not provide feedback. The user equipment 110 is wasting energy monitoring paging for satellite 116 as it could otherwise be in a power saving mode.

[0049] At step 310, the user equipment is able to receive the acknowledgment via satellite 118. Satellite 118 was last connected with the core network via gateway 302 after satellite 114 connected via gateway 304. Therefore, satellite 118 carries application data from the core network in response to the uplink data and is able to transmit it to user equipment 110.

[0050] Turning now to FIG. 4, a user equipment entering a power savings mode between transmitting and receiving data is provided in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example embodiment, each of satellites 114-118 broadcasts a system information block (SIB) indicating the time in which the satellite last connected to the core network and the time it expects to be connected to the core network in the future.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, at step 306, the user equipment 110 connects to satellite 114. In one or more embodiments, user equipment 110 reads SIB 406 indicating times when the satellite was last connected to core network (e.g., through gateway 302) and when it expects to connect again (e.g., through gateway 304). In one or more embodiments, the user equipment 110 uploads the uplink data. In some examples, the user equipment records the time that satellite 114 expects to be connected to the core network.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, at step 308, the user equipment 110 reads SIB 404 broadcast from satellite 116 indicating that the satellite 116 was last connected to the core network before satellite 114 expects to connect to the core network again. In some examples, the user equipment 110 remains in a power saving mode and does not monitor paging. In some examples, the user equipment will not monitor paging (i.e., check any paging message) until it reads a SIB from a satellite indicating that it previously connected to the core network after the time that satellite 114 expects to be connected to the core network. In further examples, the user equipment 110 may factor in a safety margin after the time that satellite 114 expects to connect to the core network to cover for transport to the application and application processing.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, at step 310, the user equipment 110 reads SIB 406 from satellite 118. In some examples, the user equipment 110 determines that satellite 118 was last connected to the core network via gateway 302 after satellite 114 expected to connect with the core network via gateway 304. In this example, the user equipment 110 monitors paging and receives the acknowledgment from the core network.

[0054] Turning now to FIG. 5, a flow diagram of a user equipment 110 minimizing power consumption by skipping paging monitoring of a satellite 116 is provided in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, at operation 502, first satellite 114 is connected to at least one network node 112 (core network). In some examples, at a first time 502a, the first satellite 114 releases connection from the at least one network node 112. In some examples, this may result from first satellite 114 flying out of reach from a gateway.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, at operation 504, the first satellite 114 broadcasts a SIB 504a. In some examples, the SIB 504a indicates the first time 502a in which the first satellite 114 was previously connected to the at least one network node 112 and a second time 514a in which the first satellite 114 expects to next connect to the at least one network node 112. In some examples, the user equipment 110 reads the SIB 504a and stores the second time 514a. In some examples, SIB 504a includes a safety margin applied to second time 514a to allow time for data Y1 to be transmitted to and from a core network. In some examples, the SIB 504a may be used to determine whether and when user equipment 110a should retransmit certain application data, because the user equipment 110a will have a better understanding of whether data has reached the at least one network node 112.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, at operation 506, the user equipment 110 uploads uplink data 506a to the first satellite 114.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, at operation 508, second satellite 116 is connected to network node 112 (core network). In some examples, at a third time 508a, the second satellite 116 releases connection from the at least one network node 112. In some examples, this may result from second satellite 116 flying out of reach from a gateway.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, at operation 510, the second satellite 116 broadcasts a SIB 510a. In some examples, the SIB 510a indicates the third time 508a in which the second satellite 116 was previously connected to the at least one network node 112 and a fourth time in which the second satellite 116 expects to next connect to the at least one network node 112. In some examples, the user equipment 110 reads the SIB 510a.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, at operation 512, the user equipment 110 determines that the second time 514a occurs after the third time 508a. In this case, the user equipment 110 determines that the second satellite 116 cannot carry an answer to the uplink data 506a. In some examples, the user equipment goes into a power saving mode and withholds 512a monitoring of a paging channel associated with second satellite 116. In some examples, user equipment 110 may enter the power savings mode even when third time 508a is after second time 514a if the time difference is within a safety margin. In some examples, going into a power saving mode saves energy for the user equipment 110.

[0061] In one or more embodiments, at operation 514, the first satellite 114 reconnects to the at least one network node 112. In some examples, first satellite 114 reconnects to the at least one network node 112 at second time 514a.

[0062] In one or more embodiments, at operation 516, the first satellite 114 forwards the uplink data 506a to the network node 112.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, at operation 518, the at least one network node 112 transmits downlink data 528a including an acknowledgment of uplink data 506a to third satellite 118. In some examples, the downlink data 528a is intended for user equipment 110 and third satellite 118 will be covering the area of user equipment 110.

[0064] In one or more embodiments, at operation 520, third satellite 118 is connected to network node 112 (core network). In some examples, at a fifth time 520a, the third satellite 118 releases connection from the at least one network node 112. In some examples, this may result from third satellite 118 flying out of reach from a gateway.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, at operation 522, the third satellite 118 broadcasts a SIB 522a. In some examples, the SIB 522a indicates the fifth time 520a in which the third satellite 118 was previously connected to at least one network node 112 and a sixth time in which the third satellite 118 expects to next connect to the at least one network node 112. In some examples, the user equipment 110 reads the SIB 522a.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, at operation 524, user equipment 110 determines that the fifth time 520a in which the third satellite 118 was last connected to the at least one network node 112 is after the second time 514a in which the first satellite 114 expected to connect with the at least one network node 112. In some examples, user equipment 110 determines that third satellite 118a may carry an answer to the uplink data 506a.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, at operation 526, user equipment 110 monitors the paging of third satellite 118. In some examples, user equipment 110 determines that third satellite 118 has data from the at least one network node 112.

[0068] In one or more embodiments, at operation 528, user equipment 110 receives, from third satellite 118, downlink data 528a. In some examples, downlink data 528a includes an acknowledgment of uplink data 506a.

[0069] In some examples, third satellite 118 may not connect prior to the second time 514a due to, for example, weather conditions. In these examples, the user equipment 110 may continue to monitor other satellites until downlink data 528a is received. In some examples, the satellites 114-118 may indicate a next number of times in which they may connect to the at least one network node 112, such that if user equipment 110 deducts that a satellite 114-118 did not connect at the first expected opportunity (e.g., by missing a gateway), the user equipment 110 determines a next possible opportunity and enters a power saving mode until then. In some embodiments, a particular satellite may carry a list of satellites which connected to the core network within a window of time prior to the particular satellite losing core network connection. [0070] Turning now to FIG. 6, a flow diagram of a user equipment 110 minimizing power consumption by monitoring at different frequencies is provided in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, at operation 602, first satellite 114 is configured with a paging configuration 602a. In some examples, the paging configuration 602a includes a first configuration 608 and a second configuration 606. In some examples, the first configuration 608 describes a greater paging frequency than the second configuration 606. In some examples, the second configuration 606 is based on extended discontinuous reception. For example, the second configuration 606 may describe monitoring paging hourly or daily. In some examples, the first configuration 608 is based on discontinuous reception.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, at operation 502, first satellite 114 is connected to at least one network node 112 (core network). In some examples, at a first time 502a, the first satellite 114 releases connection from the at least one network node 112. In some examples, this may result from first satellite 114 flying out of reach from a gateway.

[0073] In one or more embodiments, at operation 504, the first satellite 114 broadcasts a SIB 504a. In some examples, the SIB 504a indicates the first time 502a in which the first satellite 114 was previously connected to at least one network node 112 and a second time 514a in which the first satellite 114 expects to next connect to at least one network node 112. In some examples, the user equipment 110 reads the SIB 504a and stores the second time 514a. In some examples, SIB 504a includes a safety margin applied to second time 514a to allow time for data to be transmitted to and from a core network. In some examples, the SIB 504a may be used to determine whether and when user equipment 110a should retransmit certain application data, because the user equipment 110a will have a better understanding of whether data has reached the at least one network node 112.

[0074] In one or more embodiments, at operation 604, the user equipment 110 receives, from first satellite 114, the paging configuration 602a. In some examples, the user equipment 110 is configured with both the first configuration 608 and the second configuration 606.

[0075] In one or more embodiments, at operation 506, the user equipment 110 uploads uplink data 506a to the first satellite 114.

[0076] In one or more embodiments, at operation 508, second satellite 116 is connected to network node 112 (core network). In some examples, at a third time 508a, the second satellite 116 releases connection from the at least one node 112. In some examples, this may result from second satellite 116 flying out of reach from a gateway.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, at operation 510, the second satellite 116 broadcasts a SIB 510a. In some examples, the SIB 510a indicates the third time 508a in which the second satellite 116 was previously connected to the at least one network node 112 and a fourth time in which the second satellite 116 expects to next connect to the at least one network node 112. In some examples, the user equipment 110 reads the SIB 510a.

[0078] In one or more embodiments, at operation 512, the user equipment 110 determines that the second time 514a occurs after the third time 508a. In this case, the user equipment 110 determines that the second satellite 116 cannot carry an answer to the uplink data 506a. In some examples, the user equipment monitors a paging channel associated with second satellite 116 according to the less frequent second configuration 606. In some examples, user equipment 110 may monitor paging according to the second configuration 606 when third time 508a is after second time 514a if the time difference is within a safety margin. In some examples, monitoring paging according to the second configuration 606 saves energy for the user equipment 110.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, at operation 514, the first satellite 114 reconnects to the at least one network node 112. In some examples, first satellite 114 reconnects to the at least one network node 112 at second time 514a.

[0080] In one or more embodiments, at operation 516, the first satellite 114 forwards the uplink data 506a to the at least one network node 112.

[0081] In one or more embodiments, at operation 518, the network node 112 transmits downlink data 528a including an acknowledgment of uplink data 506a to third satellite 118. In some examples, the downlink data 528a is intended for user equipment 110 and third satellite 118 will be covering the area of user equipment 110.

[0082] In one or more embodiments, at operation 520, third satellite 118 is connected to at least one network node 112 (core network). In some examples, at a fifth time 520a, the third satellite 118 releases connection from the at least one network node 112. In some examples, this may result from third satellite 118 flying out of reach from a gateway.

[0083] In one or more embodiments, at operation 522, the third satellite 118 broadcasts a SIB 522a. In some examples, the SIB 522a indicates the fifth time 520a in which the third satellite 118 was previously connected to the at least one network node 112 and a sixth time in which the third satellite 118 expects to next connect to the at least one network node 112. In some examples, the user equipment 110 reads the SIB 522a.

[0084] In one or more embodiments, at operation 524, user equipment 110 determines that the fifth time 520a in which the third satellite 118 was last connected to the at least one network node 112 is after the second time 514a in which the first satellite 114 expected to connect with the at least one network node 112. In some examples, user equipment 110 determines that third satellite 118a may carry an answer to the uplink data 506a. In some examples, user equipment 110 monitors the paging of third satellite 118 according to the more frequent first configuration 608. In some examples, user equipment 110 determines that third satellite 118 has data from the at least one network node 112.

[0085] In one or more embodiments, at operation 528, user equipment 110 receives, from third satellite 118, downlink data 528a. In some examples, downlink data 528a includes an acknowledgment of uplink data 506a.

[0086] Turning now to FIG. 7, an example flowchart is illustrated for a process 700 performed by an apparatus embodied by, associated with or otherwise in communication with (hereinafter generally referenced as being embodied by) a user equipment (110) in order to determine whether to monitor or skip monitoring a paging channel of a satellite.

[0087] As shown in block 710 of FIG. 7, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for receiving (504), from a first satellite (114), a first system information block (504a), wherein the first system information block (504a) indicates a second time (514a) based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (112). In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a time in which the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (112). In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a delayed time after a time in which the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (112). In one or more embodiments, after receiving (504) the first system information block (504a), the user equipment (110) is further caused to delay acquiring subsequent system information blocks (510a/522a) at least until the second time (514a). In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) is in a power saving mode after receiving (504) the first system information block (504a) and prior to monitoring (526) the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) or the paging channel associated with the third satellite (118). In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a plurality of times based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (112). In one or more embodiments, the first system information block (504a) further indicates a list of satellites which connected to the at least one network node (112) within a time window after the second time (502a). In one or more embodiments, the at least one network node (112) is one of: a core network node, a gateway, an application server, or a transport node on Earth, where the at least one network node is utilized either as a same network node or as a different network node in network node connections.

[0088] As shown in block 720 of FIG. 7, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for transmitting (506) uplink data (506a) to the first satellite (114).

[0089] As shown in block 730 of FIG. 7, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for receiving (510), from a second satellite (116), a second system information block (510a), where the second system information block (510a) indicates a third time (508a) in which the second satellite (116) was previously connected (508) to the at least one network node (112) and a fourth time based on when the second satellite (116) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112).

[0090] As shown in block 740 of FIG. 7, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for determining (512) whether the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a).

[0091] As shown in block 750 of FIG. 7, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for if the third time (508a) is not before the second time (514a), monitoring (526) a paging channel associated with the second satellite (116).

[0092] As shown in block 760 of FIG. 7, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), withholding (512a) monitoring of the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116).

[0093] Turning now to FIG. 8, an example flowchart is illustrated for a process 800 performed by an apparatus embodied by, associated with or otherwise in communication with (hereinafter generally referenced as being embodied by) a user equipment (110) in order to determine whether to monitor or skip monitoring a paging channel of a different satellite.

[0094] As shown in block 810 of FIG. 8, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for receiving (522), from a third satellite (118), a third system information block (522a), where the third system information block (522a) indicates a fifth time (520a) in which the third satellite (118) was previously connected (520) to the at least one network node (112) and a sixth time based on when the third satellite (118) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112).

[0095] As shown in block 820 of FIG. 8, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for determining (524) whether the fifth time (520a) is before the second time (514a).

[0096] As shown in block 830 of FIG. 8, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for if the fifth time (520a) is not before the second time (514a), monitoring (526) a paging channel associated with the third satellite (118). Additionally or alternatively, the user equipment (110) may monitor a paging channel associated with the third satellite (118) according to a first configuration (608). In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (528), via the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) or the paging channel associated with the third satellite (118), an indication of downlink data (528a) in response to the uplink data (506a).

[0097] As shown in block 840 of FIG. 8, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for, if the fifth time (520a) is before the second time (514a), withholding (512a) monitoring of the paging channel associated with the third satellite (118). Additionally or alternatively, the user equipment (110) may monitor the paging channel associated with the third satellite (118) according to a second configuration (606).

[0098] Turning now to FIG. 9, an example flowchart is illustrated for a process 900 performed by an apparatus embodied by, associated with or otherwise in communication with (hereinafter generally referenced as being embodied by) a user equipment (110) in order to determine whether to delay acquiring a system information block. [0099] As shown in block 910 of FIG. 9, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for determine that the first satellite (114) did not connect to a first of the at least one network node (112) during a first set of times of the plurality of times.

[0100] As shown in block 920 of FIG. 9, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for delaying acquiring the subsequent system information blocks (510a/522a) at least until a next time of the plurality of times after the first set of times.

[0101] Turning now to FIG. 10, an example flowchart is illustrated for a process 1000 performed by an apparatus embodied by, associated with or otherwise in communication with (hereinafter generally referenced as being embodied by) a network node (112) in order to transmit a first satellite information to a satellite.

[0102] As shown in block 1010 of FIG. 10, the apparatus embodied by the network node (112) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for generating a first satellite information (504a), where the first satellite information (504a) indicates a first time (502a) in which a satellite (114) was previously connected (502) to the network node (112) and a second time (514a) based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a time in which the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a delayed time after a time in which the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a plurality of times based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). In one or more embodiments, the first satellite information (504a) further indicates a list of satellites which connected to the network node (112) within a time window prior to the first time (502a). In one or more embodiments, the network node is one of: a core network node, a gateway, an application server, or a transport node on Earth, where the network node (112) is utilized either as a same network node or as a different network node.

[0103] As shown in block 1020 of FIG. 10, the apparatus embodied by the network node (112) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for transmitting the first satellite information (504) to the satellite (114). [0104] Turning now to FIG. 11, an example flowchart is illustrated for a process 1100 performed by an apparatus embodied by, associated with or otherwise in communication with (hereinafter generally referenced as being embodied by) a user equipment (110) in order to monitor paging according to first and second configurations.

[0105] As shown in block 1110 of FIG. 11 , the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for receiving (602), from a first satellite (114), a paging configuration (602a) including a first configuration (608) and a second configuration (606), where the first configuration (608) defines a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity defined by the second configuration (606). In one or more embodiments, the second configuration (606) is based on extended discontinuous reception. In one or more embodiments, the first configuration (608) is based on discontinuous reception.

[0106] As shown in block 1120 of FIG. 11, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for receiving (504), from the first satellite (114), a first system information block (504a), where the first system information block (504a) indicates a second time (514a) based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to at least one network node (112). In one or more embodiments, after receiving (504) the first system information block (504a), the user equipment (110) is further caused to monitor paging according to the second configuration (606) at least until the second time (514a).

[0107] As shown in block 1130 of FIG. 11, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for transmitting (506) uplink data (506a) to the first satellite (114).

[0108] As shown in block 1140 of FIG. 11, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for receiving (510), from a second satellite (116), a second system information block (510a), where the second system information block (510a) indicates a third time (508a) in which the second satellite (116) was previously connected (508) to the at least one network node (112) and a fourth time based on when the second satellite (116) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112). [0109] As shown in block 1150 of FIG. 11, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for determining (512) whether the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a).

[0110] As shown in block 1160 of FIG. 11, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for if the third time (508a) is not before the second time (514a), monitoring a paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) according to the first configuration (608).

[0111] As shown in block 1170 of FIG. 11, the apparatus embodied by the user equipment (110) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), monitor the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) according to the second configuration (606).

[0112] Turning now to FIG. 12, an example flowchart is illustrated for a process 1200 performed by an apparatus embodied by, associated with or otherwise in communication with (hereinafter generally referenced as being embodied by) a network node (112) in order to transmit a first satellite information and a paging configuration to a satellite.

[0113] As shown in block 1210 of FIG. 12, the apparatus embodied by the network node (112) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for configuring a paging configuration (602a) including a first configuration (608) and a second configuration (606), where the first configuration (608) defines a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity defined by the second configuration (606).

[0114] As shown in block 1220 of FIG. 12, the apparatus embodied by the network node (112) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for generating a first satellite information (504a), where the first satellite information (504a) indicates a first time (502a) in which a satellite (114) was previously connected (502) to the network node (112) and a second time (514a) based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). In some examples, the second configuration (606) is based on extended discontinuous reception. In some examples, the first configuration (608) is based on discontinuous reception.

[0115] As shown in block 1230 of FIG. 12, the apparatus embodied by the network node (112) includes means, such as the processing circuitry (220), the communication interface (260), or the like, for transmitting at least one of the first satellite information (504) and the paging configuration (602a) to the satellite (114).

[0116] FIGS. 7-12 illustrate flowcharts depicting methods according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowcharts and combination of blocks in the flowcharts may be implemented by various means, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry, and/or other communication devices associated with execution of software including one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the procedures described above may be embodied by computer program instructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions which embody the procedures described above may be stored by a memory device 240 of an apparatus employing an embodiment and executed by a processor 220. As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded into a computer or other programmable apparatus (for example, hardware) to produce a machine, such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that may direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture the execution of which implements the function specified in the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded into a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart blocks.

[0117] Accordingly, blocks of the flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions and combinations of operations for performing the specified functions for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0118] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the user equipment (110) to receive (504), from a first satellite (114), a first system information block (504a), where the first system information block (504a) indicates a second time (514a) based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) is further caused to transmit (506) uplink data (506a) to the first satellite (114). The user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (510), from a second satellite (116), a second system information block (510a), where the second system information block (510a) indicates a third time (508a) in which the second satellite (116) was previously connected (508) to the at least one network node (112) and a fourth time based on when the second satellite (116) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (512) whether the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a). The user equipment (110) is further caused to, if the third time (508a) is not before the second time (514a), monitor (526) a paging channel associated with the second satellite (116). The user equipment is further caused to, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), withhold (512a) monitoring of the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116).

[0119] In one or more embodiments, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), the user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (522), from a third satellite (118), a third system information block (522a), where the third system information block (522a) indicates a fifth time (520a) in which the third satellite (118) was previously connected (520) to the at least one network node (112) and a sixth time based on when the third satellite (118) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (524) whether the fifth time (520a) is before the second time (514a). The user equipment (110) is further caused to, if the fifth time (520a) is not before the second time (514a), monitor (526) a paging channel associated with the third satellite (118). The user equipment (110) is further caused to, if the fifth time (520a) is before the second time (514a), withhold (512a) monitoring of the paging channel associated with the third satellite (118).

[0120] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (528), via the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) or the paging channel associated with the third satellite (118), an indication of downlink data (528a) in response to the uplink data (506a).

[0121] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a time in which the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (112). [0122] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a delayed time after a time in which the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (H2).

[0123] In one or more embodiments, after receiving (504) the first system information block (504a), the user equipment (110) is further caused to delay acquiring subsequent system information blocks (510a/522a) at least until the second time (514a).

[0124] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) is in a power saving mode after receiving (504) the first system information block (504a) and prior to monitoring (526) the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) or the paging channel associated with the third satellite (118).

[0125] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a plurality of times based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (H2).

[0126] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) is further caused to determine that the first satellite (114) did not connect to a first of the at least one network node (112) during a first set of times of the plurality of times. The user equipment (110) is further caused to delay acquiring the subsequent system information blocks (510a/522a) at least until a next time of the plurality of times after the first set of times.

[0127] In one or more embodiments, the first system information block (504a) further indicates a list of satellites which connected to the at least one network node (112) within a time window after the second time (502a).

[0128] In one or more embodiments, the at least one network node (112) is one of: a core network node, a gateway, an application server, or a transport node on Earth, where the at least one network node (12) is utilized either as a same network node or as a different network node in network node connections.

[0129] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the network node (112) to generate a first satellite information (504a), where the first satellite information (504a) indicates a first time (502a) in which a satellite (114) was previously connected (502) to the network node (112) and a second time (514a) based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). The network node (112) is further caused to transmit the first satellite information (504) to the satellite (114).

[0130] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a time in which the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112).

[0131] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a delayed time after a time in which the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112).

[0132] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a plurality of times based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112).

[0133] In one or more embodiments, the first satellite information (504a) further indicates a list of satellites which connected to the network node (112) within a time window prior to the first time (502a).

[0134] In one or more embodiments, the network node (112) is one of: a core network node, a gateway, an application server, or a transport node on Earth, where the network node (12) is utilized either as a same network node or as a different network node in network node connections.

[0135] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the user equipment (110) to receive (602), from a first satellite (114), a paging configuration (602a) including a first configuration (608) and a second configuration (606), where the first configuration (608) defines a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity defined by the second configuration (606). The user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (504), from the first satellite (114), a first system information block (504a), where the first system information block (504a) indicates a second time (514a) based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) is further caused to transmit (506) uplink data (506a) to the first satellite (114). The user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (510), from a second satellite (116), a second system information block (510a), where the second system information block (510a) indicates a third time (508a) in which the second satellite (116) was previously connected (508) to the at least one network node (112) and a fourth time based on when the second satellite (116) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112) The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (512) whether the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a). The user equipment (110) is further caused to, if the third time (508a) is not before the second time (514a), monitor a paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) according to the first configuration (608). The user equipment (110) is further caused to, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), monitor the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) according to the second configuration (606).

[0136] In one or more embodiments, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), the user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (522), from a third satellite (118), a third system information block (522a), where the third system information block (522a) indicates a fifth time (520a) in which the third satellite (118) was previously connected (520) to the at least one network node (112) and a sixth time based on when the third satellite (118) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112),. The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (524) whether the fifth time (520a) is before the second time (514a). The user equipment (110) is further caused to, if the fifth time (520a) is not before the second time (514a), monitor a paging channel associated with the third satellite (118) according to the first configuration (608). The user equipment (110) is further caused to, if the fifth time (520a) is before the second time (514a), monitor the paging channel associated with the third satellite (118) according to the second configuration (606).

[0137] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (528), via the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) or the paging channel associated with the third satellite (118), an indication of downlink data (528a) in response to the uplink data (506a).

[0138] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a time in which the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (112).

[0139] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a delayed time after a time in which the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (H2).

[0140] In one or more embodiments, after receiving (504) the first system information block (504a), the user equipment (110) is further caused to monitor paging according to the second configuration (606) at least until the second time (514a). [0141] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a plurality of times based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (H2).

[0142] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) is further caused to determine that the first satellite (114) did not connect to a first of the at least one network node (112) during a first set of times of the plurality of times. The user equipment (110) is further caused to delay acquiring the subsequent system information blocks (510a/522a) at least until a next time of the plurality of times after the first set of times.

[0143] In one or more embodiments, the first system information block (504a) further indicates a list of satellites which connected to the at least one network node (112) within a time window after the second time (502a).

[0144] In one or more embodiments, the second configuration (606) is based on extended discontinuous reception.

[0145] In one or more embodiments, the first configuration (608) is based on discontinuous reception.

[0146] In one or more embodiments, the at least one network node (112) is one of: a core network node, a gateway, an application server, or a transport node on Earth, where the at least one network node (12) is utilized either as a same network node or as a different network node in network node connections.

[0147] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) is provided, including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the network node (112) to configure a paging configuration (602a) including a first configuration (608) and a second configuration (606), where the first configuration (608) defines a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity defined by the second configuration (606). The network node (112) is further caused to generate a first satellite information (504a), where the first satellite information (504a) indicates a first time (502a) in which a satellite (114) was previously connected (502) to the network node (112) and a second time (514a) based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). The network node (112) is further caused to transmit at least one of the first satellite information (504) and the paging configuration (602a) to the satellite (114). [0148] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a time in which the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112).

[0149] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a delayed time after a time in which the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112).

[0150] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a plurality of times based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112).

[0151] In one or more embodiments, the first satellite information (504a) further indicates a list of satellites which connected to the network node (112) within a time window prior to the first time (502a).

[0152] In one or more embodiments, the second configuration (606) is based on extended discontinuous reception.

[0153] In one or more embodiments, the first configuration (608) is based on discontinuous reception.

[0154] In one or more embodiments, the at least one network node (112) is one of: a core network node, a gateway, an application server, or a transport node on Earth, where the at least one network node (12) is utilized either as a same network node or as a different network node in network node connections.

[0155] In one or more embodiments, a computer-implemented method is provided that is performed by a user equipment (110) and includes receiving (504), from a first satellite (114), a first system information block (504a), where the first system information block (504a) indicates a second time (514a) based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (112). The method further includes transmitting (506) uplink data (506a) to the first satellite (114). The method further includes receiving (510), from a second satellite (116), a second system information block (510a), where the second system information block (510a) indicates a third time (508a) in which the second satellite (116) was previously connected (508) to the at least one network node (112), or the gateway and a fourth time based on when the second satellite (116) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112). The method further includes determining (512) whether the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a). The method further includes, if the third time (508a) is not before the second time (514a), monitoring (526) a paging channel associated with the second satellite (116). The method further includes, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), withholding (512a) monitoring of the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116).

[0156] In one or more embodiments, a method is provided that is performed by a network node and includes generating a first satellite information (504a), where the first satellite information (504a) indicates a first time (502a) in which a satellite (114) was previously connected (502) to the network node (112) and a second time (514a) based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). The method further includes transmitting the first satellite information (504) to the satellite (114).

[0157] In one or more embodiments, a method is provided that is performed by a user equipment (110) and includes receiving (602), from a first satellite (114), a paging configuration (602a) including a first configuration (608) and a second configuration (606), where the first configuration (608) defines a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity defined by the second configuration (606). The method further includes receiving (504), from the first satellite (114), a first system information block (504a), where the first system information block (504a) indicates a second time (514a) based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to at least one network node (112). The method further includes transmitting (506) uplink data (506a) to the first satellite (114). The method further includes receiving (510), from a second satellite (116), a second system information block (510a), where the second system information block (510a) indicates a third time (508a) in which the second satellite (116) was previously connected (508) to the at least one network node (112) and a fourth time based on when the second satellite (116) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112). The method further includes determining (512) whether the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a). The method further includes, if the third time (508a) is not before the second time (514a), monitoring a paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) according to the first configuration (608). The method further includes, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), monitoring the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) according to the second configuration (606).

[0158] In one or more embodiments, a method is provided that is performed by a network node (112) and includes configuring a paging configuration (602a) including a first configuration (608) and a second configuration (606) where the first configuration (608) defines a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity defined by the second configuration (606). The method further includes generating a first satellite information (504a), where the first satellite information (504a) indicates a first time (502a) in which a satellite (114) was previously connected (502) to the network node (112) and a second time (514a) based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). The method further includes transmitting at least one of the first satellite information (504) and the paging configuration (602a) to the satellite (114).

[0159] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (110), cause the user equipment (110) to receive (504), from a first satellite (114), a first system information block (504a), where the first system information block (504a) indicates a second time (514a) based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) is further caused to transmit (506) uplink data (506a) to the first satellite (114). The user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (510), from a second satellite (116), a second system information block (510a), where the second system information block (510a) indicates a third time (508a) in which the second satellite (116) was previously connected (508) to the at least one network node (112) and a fourth time based on when the second satellite (116) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (512) whether the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a). The user equipment (110) is further caused to, if the third time (508a) is not before the second time (514a), monitor (526) a paging channel associated with the second satellite (116). The user equipment is further caused to, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), withhold (512a) monitoring of the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116).

[0160] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a network node (112), cause the network node (112) to generate a first satellite information (504a), where the first satellite information (504a) indicates a first time (502a) in which a satellite (114) was previously connected (502) to the network node (112) and a second time (514a) based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). The network node (112) is further caused to transmit the first satellite information (504) to the satellite (114). [0161] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (110), cause the user equipment (110) to receive (602), from a first satellite (114), a paging configuration (602a) including a first configuration (608) and a second configuration (606), where the first configuration (608) defines a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity defined by the second configuration (606). The user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (504), from the first satellite (114), a first system information block (504a), where the first system information block (504a) indicates a second time (514a) based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) is further caused to transmit (506) uplink data (506a) to the first satellite (114). The user equipment (110) is further caused to receive (510), from a second satellite (116), a second system information block (510a), where the second system information block (510a) indicates a third time (508a) in which the second satellite (116) was previously connected (508) to the network node (112) and a fourth time based on when the second satellite (116) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) is further caused to determine (512) whether the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a). The user equipment (110) is further caused to, if the third time (508a) is not before the second time (514a), monitor a paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) according to the first configuration (608). The user equipment (110) is further caused to, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), monitor the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) according to the second configuration (606).

[0162] In one or more embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium is provided including computer instructions that, when executed by a network node (112), cause the network node (112) to configure a paging configuration (602a) including a first configuration (608) and a second configuration (606), where the first configuration (608) defines a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity defined by the second configuration (606). The network node (112) is further caused to generate a first satellite information (504a), where the first satellite information (504a) indicates a first time (502a) in which a satellite (114) was previously connected (502) to the network node (112) and a second time (514a) based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). The network node (112) is further caused to transmit at least one of the first satellite information (504) and the paging configuration (602a) to the satellite (114).

[0163] In one or more embodiments, a user equipment (110) is provided that includes means for receiving (504), from a first satellite (114), a first system information block (504a), wherein the first system information block (504a) indicates a second time (514a) based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) further includes means for transmitting (506) uplink data (506a) to the first satellite (114). The user equipment (110) further includes means for receiving (510), from a second satellite (116), a second system information block (510a), wherein the second system information block (510a) indicates a third time (508a) in which the second satellite (116) was previously connected (508) to the at least one network node (112) and a fourth time based on when the second satellite (116) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) further includes means for determining (512) whether the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a). The user equipment (110) further includes means for, if the third time (508a) is not before the second time (514a), monitoring (526) a paging channel associated with the second satellite (116). The user equipment (110) further includes means for, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), withholding (512a) monitoring of the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116).

[0164] In one or more embodiments, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), the user equipment (110) further includes means for receiving (522), from a third satellite (118), a third system information block (522a), where the third system information block (522a) indicates a fifth time (520a) in which the third satellite (118) was previously connected (520) to the at least one network node (112) and a sixth time based on when the third satellite (118) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) further includes means for determining (524) whether the fifth time (520a) is before the second time (514a). The user equipment (110) is further includes means for, if the fifth time (520a) is not before the second time (514a), monitoring (526) a paging channel associated with the third satellite (118). The user equipment (110) further includes means for, if the fifth time (520a) is before the second time (514a), withholding (512a) monitoring of the paging channel associated with the third satellite (H8). [0165] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) further includes means for receiving (528), via the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) or the paging channel associated with the third satellite (118), an indication of downlink data (528a) in response to the uplink data (506a).

[0166] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a time in which the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (112).

[0167] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a delayed time after a time in which the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (H2).

[0168] In one or more embodiments, after receiving (504) the first system information block (504a), the user equipment (110) further includes means for delaying acquiring subsequent system information blocks (510a/522a) at least until the second time (514a).

[0169] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) is in a power saving mode after receiving (504) the first system information block (504a) and prior to monitoring (526) the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) or the paging channel associated with the third satellite (118).

[0170] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a plurality of times based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (H2).

[0171] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) further includes means for determining that the first satellite (114) did not connect to a first of the at least one network node (112) during a first set of times of the plurality of times. The user equipment (110) further includes means for delaying acquiring the subsequent system information blocks (510a/522a) at least until a next time of the plurality of times after the first set of times.

[0172] In one or more embodiments, the first system information block (504a) further indicates a list of satellites which connected to the at least one network node (112) within a time window after the second time (502a).

[0173] In one or more embodiments, the at least one network node (112) is one of: a core network node, a gateway, an application server, or a transport node on Earth, wherein the at least one network node (112) is utilized either as a same network node or as a different network node in network node connections. [0174] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) is provided that includes means for generating a first satellite information (504a), wherein the first satellite information (504a) indicates a first time (502a) in which a satellite (114) was previously connected (502) to the network node (112) and a second time (514a) based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). The network node (112) further includes means for transmitting the first satellite information (504) to the satellite (114).

[0175] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a time in which the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112).

[0176] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a delayed time after a time in which the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112).

[0177] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a plurality of times based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112).

[0178] In one or more embodiments, the system information block (504a) further indicates a list of satellites which connected to the network node (112) within a time window prior to the first time (502a).

[0179] In one or more embodiments, the network node (112) is one of: a core network node, a gateway, an application server, or a transport node on Earth, wherein the network node (112) is utilized either as a same network node or as a different network node in network node connections.

[0180] In one or embodiments, a user equipment (110) is provided comprising means for receiving (602), from a first satellite (114), a paging configuration (602a) comprising a first configuration (608) and a second configuration (606), wherein the first configuration (608) defines a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity defined by the second configuration (606). The user equipment (110) further includes means for receiving (504), from the first satellite (114), a first system information block (504a), wherein the first system information block (504a) indicates a second time (514a) based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to a at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) further includes means for transmitting (506) uplink data (506a) to the first satellite (114). The user equipment (110) further includes means for receiving (510), from a second satellite (116), a second system information block (510a), wherein the second system information block (510a) indicates a third time (508a) in which the second satellite (116) was previously connected (508) to the at least one network node (112) and a fourth time based on when the second satellite (116) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) further includes means for determining (512) whether the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a). The user equipment (110) further includes means for, if the third time (508a) is not before the second time (514a), monitoring a paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) according to the first configuration (608). The user equipment (110) further includes means for, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), monitoring the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) according to the second configuration (606).

[0181] In one or more embodiments, if the third time (508a) is before the second time (514a), the user equipment (110) further includes means for receiving (522), from a third satellite (118), a third system information block (522a), where the third system information block (522a) indicates a fifth time (520a) in which the third satellite (118) was previously connected (520) to the at least one network node (112) and a sixth time based on when the third satellite (118) is expected to connect to the at least one network node (112). The user equipment (110) further includes means for determining (524) whether the fifth time (520a) is before the second time (514a). The user equipment (110) further includes means for, if the fifth time (520a) is not before the second time (514a), monitoring a paging channel associated with the third satellite (118) according to the first configuration (608). The user equipment (110) further includes means for, if the fifth time (520a) is before the second time (514a), monitoring the paging channel associated with the third satellite (118) according to the second configuration (606).

[0182] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) further includes means for receiving (528), via the paging channel associated with the second satellite (116) or the paging channel associated with the third satellite (118), an indication of downlink data (528a) in response to the uplink data (506a).

[0183] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a time in which the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (112).

[0184] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a delayed time after a time in which the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (H2). [0185] In one or more embodiments, after receiving (504) the first system information block (504a), the user equipment (110) further includes means for monitoring paging according to the second configuration (606) at least until the second time (514a).

[0186] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a plurality of times based on when the first satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the at least one network node (H2).

[0187] In one or more embodiments, the user equipment (110) further includes means for determining that the first satellite (114) did not connect to a first of the at least one network node (112) during a first set of times of the plurality of times. The user equipment (110) further includes means for delaying acquiring the subsequent system information blocks (510a/522a) at least until a next time of the plurality of times after the first set of times.

[0188] In one or more embodiments, the first system information block (504a) further indicates a list of satellites which connected to the at least one network node (112) within a time window after the second time (502a).

[0189] In one or more embodiments, the second configuration (606) is based on extended discontinuous reception.

[0190] In one or more embodiments, the first configuration (608) is based on discontinuous reception.

[0191] In one or more embodiments, the at least one network node (112) is one of: a core network node, a gateway, an application server, or a transport node on Earth, wherein the at least one network node (112) is utilized either as a same network node or as a different network node in network node connections.

[0192] In one or more embodiments, a network node (112) is provided that includes means for configuring a paging configuration (602a) including a first configuration (608) and a second configuration (606), where the first configuration (608) defines a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity defined by the second configuration (606). The network node (112) further includes means for generating a first satellite information (504a), where the system information block (504a) indicates a first time (502a) in which a satellite (114) was previously connected (502) to the network node (112) and a second time (514a) based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112). The network node (112) further includes means for transmitting at least one of the first satellite information (504) and the paging configuration (602a) to the satellite (114).

[0193] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a time in which the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112).

[0194] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a delayed time after a time in which the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112).

[0195] In one or more embodiments, the second time (514a) includes a plurality of times based on when the satellite (114) is expected to connect (514) to the network node (112).

[0196] In one or more embodiments, the first satellite information (504a) further indicates a list of satellites which connected to the network node (112) within a time window prior to the first time (502a).

[0197] In one or more embodiments, the second configuration (606) is based on extended discontinuous reception.

[0198] In one or more embodiments, the first configuration (608) is based on discontinuous reception.

[0199] In one or more embodiments, the network node (112) is one of: a core network node, a gateway, an application server, or a transport node on Earth, wherein the network node (112) is utilized either as a same network node or as a different network node in network node connections.

[0200] Many modifications and other embodiments set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0201] Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A user equipment, comprising: means for receiving, from a first satellite, a paging configuration comprising a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the first configuration defines a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity defined by the second configuration; means for receiving, from the first satellite, a first system information block, wherein the first system information block indicates a second time based on when the first satellite is expected to connect to at least one network node; means for transmitting uplink data to the first satellite; means for receiving, from a second satellite, a second system information block, wherein the second system information block indicates a third time in which the second satellite was previously connected to the at least one network node, and a fourth time based on when the second satellite is expected to connect to the at least one network node; means for determining whether the third time is before the second time; means for, if the third time is not before the second time, monitoring a paging channel associated with the second satellite according to the first configuration; and means for, if the third time is before the second time, monitoring the paging channel associated with the second satellite according to the second configuration.

2. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein if the third time is before the second time, the user equipment further comprises: means for receiving, from a third satellite, a third system information block, wherein the third system information block indicates a fifth time in which the third satellite was previously connected to the at least one network node and a sixth time based on when the third satellite is expected to connect to the at least one network node; means for determining whether the fifth time is before the second time; means for, if the fifth time is not before the second time, monitoring a paging channel associated with the third satellite according to the first configuration; and means for, if the fifth time is before the second time, monitoring the paging channel associated with the third satellite according to the second configuration.

3. The user equipment of any one of claims 1-2, further comprising means for receiving, via the paging channel associated with the second satellite or the paging channel associated with the third satellite, an indication of downlink data in response to the uplink data.

4. The user equipment of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the second time comprises a time in which the first satellite is expected to connect to the at least one network node.

5. The user equipment of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the second time comprises a delayed time after a time in which the first satellite is expected to connect to the at least one network node.

6. The user equipment of any one of claims 1-5, wherein after receiving the first system information block, the user equipment further comprises monitoring paging according to the second configuration at least until the second time.

7. The user equipment of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the second time comprises a plurality of times based on when the first satellite is expected to connect to the at least one network node.

8. The user equipment of claim 7, further comprising: means for determining that the first satellite did not connect to a first of the at least one network node during a first set of times of the plurality of times; and means for delaying acquiring the subsequent system information blocks at least until a next time of the plurality of times after the first set of times.

9. The user equipment of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the first system information block further indicates a list of satellites which connected to the at least one network node within a time window after the second time.

10. The user equipment of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the second configuration is based on extended discontinuous reception.

11. The user equipment of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the first configuration is based on discontinuous reception.

12. The user equipment of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the at least one network node is one of: a core network node, a gateway, an application server, or a transport node on Earth, wherein the at least one network node is utilized either as a same network node or as a different network node in network node connections.

13. A network node, comprising: means for configuring a paging configuration comprising a first configuration and a second configuration, and wherein the first configuration describes a greater monitoring periodicity than a monitoring periodicity described by the second configuration; means for generating a first satellite information, wherein the first satellite information indicates a first time in which a satellite was previously connected to the network node and a second time based on when the satellite is expected to connect to the network node; and means for transmitting at least one of the first satellite information and the paging configuration to the satellite.

14. The network node of claim 13, wherein the second time comprises a time in which the satellite is expected to connect to the network node.

15. The network node of claim 13, wherein the second time comprises a delayed time after a time in which the satellite is expected to connect to the network node.