Patent ID: 11349550

Abstract:
An integrated terrestrial/non-terrestrial network may allow for enhanced network coverage. However, there are control and management challenges associated with an integrated terrestrial/non-terrestrial network because the network and user equipments (UEs) are no longer confined to only using conventional cellular communication via terrestrial transmit-and-receive points (T-TRPs). One challenge is how to perform beam management. In some embodiments, methods and systems are disclosed in which an indication of angular direction (e.g. beam direction) is provided by the T-TRP. The indication of angular direction may be used by a UE for communicating with a non-terrestrial TRP (NT-TRP), e.g. using beamforming. However, the methods are not limited to integrated terrestrial/non-terrestrial networks or the involvement of NT-TRPs, but apply more generally to indicating angular direction for directional communication.