Location calculation

Abstract

Aspects and embodiments relate to an apparatus and method for evaluating location of a terrestrial network node in a non-terrestrial network. In particular, one aspect provides an apparatus, comprising means for receiving an indication of propagation delay between a terrestrial network node and a non-terrestrial node in a non-terrestrial wireless communication network; means for receiving an indication of location of the non-terrestrial node; and means for evaluating location of the terrestrial network node in dependence upon the received indication of propagation delay between the terrestrial network node and the non-terrestrial node, and the indication of location of the non-terrestrial node. A further aspect provides a method of evaluating location of a terrestrial network node, and a computer program product operable, when executed on a computer, to perform that method. Aspects and embodiments recognise that having a knowledge of gNB and NTN-GW location in a non-terrestrial network can allow UE to simplify procedures in relation to the updating and tracking of forward link delay. Since it has been agreed that a network will not directly provide the gNB and/or NTN-GW location to UE, due to security and privacy reasons in some countries, apparatus can be configured to perform methods according to which a UE is operable to calculate or obtain information which can assist its ongoing operation and reduce an ongoing need to decode SIB in support of calculation of an appropriate Uplink timing advance (TA) to apply in relation to communications exchanged with a network.