User plane handover control and capability determination methods and communication systems and related devices

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a user plane switching control and capability determination method, a communication system and related equipment, and relates to the technical field of communication. According to the capability level supported by the user plane function device of each satellite recorded in the capability level mapping table, the target user plane function device of the target satellite satisfying the capability level requirement of the terminal is determined, and the terminal is switched to be served by the target user plane function device of the target satellite. Thus, the capability level requirement of the user terminal device is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, particularly to the field of satellite-terrestrial converged network technology, and specifically to a user plane handover control method, a user plane capability determination method, a session management function device, a communication system, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Satellite-terrestrial converged networks represent a current trend in network development. In these networks, different services (such as voice, video, and data) correspond to different quality-of-service (QoS) indicators (such as transmission rates), and user terminal equipment has specific capability level requirements for each service. Meeting these capability level requirements of user terminal equipment is a problem that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This embodiment of the disclosure determines the target user plane functional equipment of a target satellite that meets the terminal's capability level requirements based on the capability level supported by the user plane functional equipment of each satellite recorded in the capability level mapping table, and switches the terminal to be served by the target user plane functional equipment of the target satellite. This satisfies the capability level requirements of the user terminal equipment.

[0004] This disclosure provides a user plane handover control method in some embodiments, including:

[0005] The original user plane functional equipment of the original satellite currently serving the terminal was detected to not meet the capability level requirements of the terminal.

[0006] Based on the capability levels supported by the user plane functional equipment of each satellite as recorded in the capability level mapping table, determine the target user plane functional equipment of the target satellite that meets the capability level requirements of the terminal.

[0007] The terminal is switched to be served by the target user plane function equipment of the target satellite.

[0008] In some embodiments, determining the target user plane functional equipment of a target satellite that meets the capability level requirements of the terminal includes:

[0009] Based on the capability levels supported by the user plane functional equipment of each satellite as recorded in the capability level mapping table, candidate user plane functional equipment of candidate satellites that meet the capability level requirements of the terminal are selected.

[0010] Based on the current status information of the candidate user plane functional equipment of the candidate satellites reported, determine the current capability level supported by the candidate user plane functional equipment of the candidate satellites;

[0011] If the current capability level supported by the candidate user plane function equipment of the candidate satellite meets the capability level requirements of the terminal, the candidate user plane function equipment of the candidate satellite shall be determined as the target user plane function equipment of the target satellite.

[0012] In some embodiments, determining the target user plane functional equipment of a target satellite that meets the capability level requirements of the terminal includes:

[0013] Based on the capability levels supported by the user plane functional equipment of each satellite as recorded in the capability level mapping table, candidate user plane functional equipment of candidate satellites that meet the capability level requirements of the terminal are selected.

[0014] Select one target user plane function device from the candidate user plane function devices of the candidate satellite and determine it as the target satellite.

[0015] In some embodiments, the capability levels currently supported by the candidate user plane function devices of the candidate satellites are updated to the capability level mapping table.

[0016] In some embodiments, determining the current capability levels supported by the candidate user plane function equipment of a candidate satellite includes:

[0017] Based on at least one of the reported satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and payload of the candidate user plane functional equipment of the candidate satellites, determine the current capability level supported by the candidate user plane functional equipment of the candidate satellites; or

[0018] Based on at least one of the following: the current satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and load of the candidate user plane functional equipment of the reported candidate satellite, and in conjunction with latency, determine the current capability level supported by the candidate user plane functional equipment of the candidate satellite.

[0019] This disclosure provides a method for determining user plane capabilities through several embodiments, including:

[0020] Receive and report the status information of the user plane function equipment of the satellite;

[0021] Based on the status information of the satellite's user plane functional equipment, determine the capability level supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment;

[0022] Record the capability levels supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment in the capability level mapping table.

[0023] In some embodiments, the status update information of the user plane function equipment of the satellite is received;

[0024] Based on the status update information of the satellite's user plane functional equipment, the capability level supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment is re-determined;

[0025] Update the capability levels supported by the user plane function equipment of the newly determined satellites to the capability level mapping table.

[0026] In some embodiments, determining the capability level supported by the satellite's user plane function equipment includes:

[0027] The capability level supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment is determined based on at least one of the following: satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and payload; or

[0028] Based on at least one of the satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and payload of the satellite's user plane functional equipment, and in conjunction with latency, determine the capability level supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment.

[0029] In some embodiments, redetermining the capability levels supported by the satellite's user plane function equipment includes:

[0030] Based on at least one of the following: the updated satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and payload of the satellite's user plane functional equipment, the capability level supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment is re-determined; or

[0031] Based on at least one of the updated satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and payload of the satellite's user plane functional equipment, and in conjunction with the updated latency, the capability level supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment is re-determined.

[0032] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a session management function device, including: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the methods described in the embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0033] This disclosure provides a communication system in some embodiments, including:

[0034] A ground-based session management device is configured to perform the methods described in each embodiment;

[0035] The user plane functional equipment located on the satellite is configured to report its own status information, including at least one of the following: satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and payload.

[0036] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the methods described in the embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. This disclosure can be more clearly understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0039] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining user plane capabilities according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0040] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining user plane capabilities according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0041] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a user plane switching control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0042] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a user plane switching control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a user plane switching control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0044] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a session management function device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0045] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a communication system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Unless otherwise stated, the terms "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure are used to distinguish different objects and are not used to indicate size or sequence.

[0048] In this embodiment of the disclosure, user plane handover control and user plane capability determination are achieved through the interaction between a ground-based Session Management Function (SMF) device and a satellite-based User Plane Function (UPF) device. The following is a detailed description of various embodiments and their accompanying drawings.

[0049] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining user plane capabilities according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the user plane capability determination method in this embodiment includes steps 110-130.

[0051] In step 110, the session management function device receives the reported status information of the user plane function devices of the satellite.

[0052] Among them, the status information of the satellite's user plane functional equipment includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and payload.

[0053] The theoretical trajectory of a satellite can be determined through satellite ephemeris tables. The constellation trajectory represents the actual trajectory of the satellite. Based on the satellite's theoretical trajectory and its historical actual trajectory, its future trajectory can be predicted. The distance information between the satellite and the user terminal can be determined based on the satellite's future trajectory. In other words, the distance information between the satellite and the user terminal can be determined based on the satellite ephemeris tables and constellation trajectories.

[0054] In step 120, the session management function device determines the capability level supported by the satellite's user plane function devices based on the status information of the satellite's user plane function devices.

[0055] In some embodiments, the capability level supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment is determined based on at least one of the satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and payload of the satellite's user plane functional equipment.

[0056] Generally, the closer a satellite is to the user terminal and the lighter its load, the higher the capability level supported by its user plane functional equipment. As mentioned earlier, the distance information between the satellite and the user terminal can be determined based on the satellite ephemeris and constellation trajectory.

[0057] In some embodiments, the capability level supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment is determined based on at least one of the satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and payload, combined with latency. Here, latency refers to the satellite-to-ground latency.

[0058] Generally, the closer a satellite is to the user terminal, the lighter its load, and the lower its latency, the higher the capability level of its user plane functional equipment. As mentioned earlier, the distance information from the satellite to the user terminal can be determined based on the satellite ephemeris and constellation trajectory.

[0059] In step 130, the session management function device records the capability levels supported by the user plane function devices of the satellite into the capability level mapping table. Thus, the capability level mapping table can record the capability levels supported by the user plane function devices of each satellite.

[0060] Because the satellite environment is significantly more complex than the existing ground environment, the capability level of the UPF supported on the satellite is calculated by comprehensively considering various factors that affect the quality of service. Thus, when switching UPFs on the satellite in the satellite-ground integrated network, the capability level can be used as the basis for switching, thereby meeting the capability level requirements of user terminal equipment.

[0061] In some embodiments, when a satellite initially joins the network, it can report the initial status information of its user plane functional equipment, thereby determining the initial capability level supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment and recording it in a capability level mapping table. If the status information of the satellite's user plane functional equipment changes subsequently, the capability level can be updated. The following section combines... Figure 2 Describe the user-facing capabilities update process.

[0062] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining user plane capabilities according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, the user plane capability determination method in this embodiment includes steps 210-230.

[0064] In step 210, the session management function device receives the reported status update information of the user plane function device of the satellite.

[0065] Among them, the status update information of the satellite's user plane functional equipment includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory (i.e., location information), and payload.

[0066] Specifically, the future trajectories of satellites can be re-predicted based on updated satellite ephemeris and constellation trajectories. The distance information between the satellite and the user terminal can then be determined based on the future satellite trajectories. In other words, the distance information between the satellite and the user terminal can be re-determined based on updated satellite ephemeris and constellation trajectories.

[0067] In step 220, the session management function device re-determines the capability level supported by the satellite's user plane function devices based on the status update information of the satellite's user plane function devices.

[0068] In some embodiments, the capability level supported by the satellite's user plane function equipment is re-determined based on at least one of the satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and payload of the satellite's user plane function equipment.

[0069] Generally, the closer a satellite is to the user terminal and the lighter its load, the higher the capability level supported by its user plane functional equipment. As mentioned earlier, the distance information between the satellite and the user terminal can be re-determined based on updated satellite ephemeris and constellation trajectories.

[0070] In some embodiments, the capability level supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment is re-determined based on at least one of the satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and payload of the satellite's user plane functional equipment, combined with the updated latency. Here, the latency refers to the satellite-to-ground latency.

[0071] Generally, the closer a satellite is to the user terminal, the lighter its load, and the lower its latency, the higher the capability level supported by its user plane functional equipment. As mentioned earlier, the distance information between the satellite and the user terminal can be re-determined based on updated satellite ephemeris tables and constellation trajectories.

[0072] In step 230, the session management function device updates the capability level mapping table with the newly determined capability levels supported by the user plane function devices of each satellite. Thus, the capability level mapping table can record the latest supported capability levels of the user plane function devices for each satellite.

[0073] Because the satellite environment is significantly more complex than the existing ground environment, the capability level of the UPF supported on the satellite is updated by comprehensively considering various factors that affect the quality of services. This allows the latest capability level to be used as the basis for switching onboard UPFs in the satellite-ground fusion network, thereby meeting the capability level requirements of user terminal equipment.

[0074] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a user plane switching control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0075] like Figure 3 As shown, the user plane switching control method in this embodiment includes steps 310-330.

[0076] In step 310, the session management function device detects that the original user plane function device of the original satellite currently serving the terminal does not meet the capability level requirements of the terminal.

[0077] In step 320, the session management function device determines the target user plane function device of the target satellite that meets the capability level requirements of the terminal based on the capability level supported by the user plane function devices of each satellite as recorded in the capability level mapping table.

[0078] Among them, there may be one or more user plane functional devices of the satellite that meet the capability level requirements of the terminal. If there are multiple devices, one can be selected as the target user plane functional device of the target satellite according to a preset selection strategy (such as the highest capability level).

[0079] In step 330, the session management function device switches to the target user plane function device of the target satellite serving the terminal.

[0080] This embodiment of the disclosure determines the target user plane functional equipment of a target satellite that meets the terminal's capability level requirements based on the capability level supported by the user plane functional equipment of each satellite recorded in the capability level mapping table, and switches the terminal to be served by the target user plane functional equipment of the target satellite. This satisfies both the capability level requirements and the quality of service requirements of the user terminal equipment.

[0081] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a user plane switching control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, the user plane switching control method in this embodiment includes steps 410-440.

[0083] In step 410, the session management function device detects that the original user plane function device of the original satellite currently serving the terminal does not meet the capability level requirements of the terminal.

[0084] In step 420, the session management function device selects candidate user plane function devices of candidate satellites that meet the capability level requirements of the terminal, based on the capability level supported by the user plane function devices of each satellite as recorded in the capability level mapping table.

[0085] In step 430a, the session management function device requests the candidate satellite to report the current status information of its candidate user plane function device.

[0086] In step 430b, the session management function device receives the reported current status information of the candidate user plane function devices of the candidate satellites, and determines the current capability level supported by the candidate user plane function devices of the candidate satellites based on the reported current status information of the candidate user plane function devices of the candidate satellites.

[0087] In some embodiments, the current capability level supported by the candidate user plane function equipment of a candidate satellite is determined based on at least one of the reported satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and payload of the candidate user plane function equipment.

[0088] In some embodiments, the current capability level supported by the candidate user plane function equipment of a candidate satellite is determined based on at least one of the reported satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and load of the candidate user plane function equipment, combined with latency.

[0089] In addition, the latest supported capability levels of candidate user plane function equipment for candidate satellites can be updated to the capability level mapping table.

[0090] In step 440, if the current capability level supported by the candidate user plane function device of the candidate satellite meets the capability level requirements of the terminal, the session management function device determines the candidate user plane function device of the candidate satellite as the target user plane function device of the target satellite, and switches the terminal to be served by the target user plane function device of the target satellite.

[0091] This embodiment of the disclosure preliminarily determines candidate user plane functional devices (MPDs) of candidate satellites that meet the terminal's capability level requirements based on the capability levels supported by the user plane functional devices of each satellite recorded in the capability level mapping table. Then, based on the latest current status information of the candidate MPDs of the candidate satellites reported by the disclosure, it determines the latest supported capability level of the candidate MPDs, and finally determines a suitable target MPD and performs a switchover. This satisfies both the user terminal's capability level requirements and service quality requirements. This embodiment can be applied, for example, to a working mode where user plane functional devices periodically report updated status information, in which the capability levels recorded in the level mapping table may not be the latest.

[0092] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a user plane switching control method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0093] like Figure 5 As shown, the user plane switching control method in this embodiment includes steps 510-540.

[0094] In step 510, the session management function device detects that the original user plane function device of the original satellite currently serving the terminal does not meet the capability level requirements of the terminal.

[0095] In step 520, the session management function device selects the candidate user plane function devices of the candidate satellites that meet the capability level requirements of the terminal, based on the capability level supported by the user plane function devices of each satellite as recorded in the capability level mapping table.

[0096] In step 530, the session management function device selects a target user plane function device from the candidate user plane function devices of the candidate satellites and determines it as the target satellite.

[0097] The session management function device selects a target user plane function device from the candidate user plane function devices of the candidate satellites according to a preset selection strategy. The selection strategy includes, but is not limited to, selecting the target user plane function device with the highest capability level.

[0098] In step 540, the session management function device switches to the target user plane function device of the target satellite serving the terminal.

[0099] This embodiment of the disclosure preliminarily determines candidate user plane functional devices (MPDs) of candidate satellites that meet the capability level requirements of the terminal based on the capability level supported by the user plane functional devices of each satellite as recorded in the capability level mapping table. Then, it selects one MPD as the target satellite and switches to it. This satisfies both the capability level requirements and service quality requirements of the user terminal equipment. This embodiment can be applied, for example, to a working mode where user plane functional devices report updated status information when there are updates. In this mode, the capability levels recorded in the level mapping table are generally the most up-to-date.

[0100] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a session management function device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0101] like Figure 6 As shown, the session management function device 600 of this embodiment includes: a memory 610 and a processor 620 coupled to the memory 610. The processor 620 is configured to execute the methods in any of the foregoing embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory 610.

[0102] The session management function device 600 may also include an input / output interface 630, a network interface 640, a storage interface 650, etc. These interfaces 630, 640, 650, as well as the memory 610 and the processor 620, can be connected, for example, via a bus 660.

[0103] The memory 610 may include, for example, system memory, fixed non-volatile storage media, etc. The system memory may store, for example, the operating system, application programs, boot loader, and other programs.

[0104] The processor 620 can be implemented using a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates, or transistors, or other discrete hardware components.

[0105] The input / output interface 630 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as monitors, mice, keyboards, and touchscreens. The network interface 640 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. The storage interface 650 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as SD cards and USB flash drives. The bus 660 can use any bus architecture from a variety of bus structures. For example, bus architectures include, but are not limited to, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0106] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a communication system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0107] like Figure 7 As shown, the communication system 700 of this embodiment includes: a session management function device 710 located on the ground, and a user plane function device 720 located on a satellite.

[0108] The session management function device 710 is configured to perform the methods in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0109] For example, if it is detected that the original user plane function equipment of the original satellite currently serving the terminal does not meet the capability level requirements of the terminal; based on the capability levels supported by the user plane function equipment of each satellite recorded in the capability level mapping table, determine the target user plane function equipment of the target satellite that meets the capability level requirements of the terminal; and switch to have the target user plane function equipment of the target satellite serve the terminal.

[0110] The process of determining the target user plane function equipment of the target satellite that meets the capability level requirements of the terminal includes: selecting candidate user plane function equipment of candidate satellites that meet the capability level requirements of the terminal based on the capability levels supported by the user plane function equipment of each satellite as recorded in the capability level mapping table; determining the current capability level supported by the candidate user plane function equipment of the candidate satellite based on the reported current status information of the candidate user plane function equipment of the candidate satellite; and determining the candidate user plane function equipment of the candidate satellite as the target user plane function equipment of the target satellite if the current supported capability level of the candidate user plane function equipment of the candidate satellite meets the capability level requirements of the terminal.

[0111] The process of determining the target user plane functional equipment of the target satellite that meets the capability level requirements of the terminal includes: selecting candidate user plane functional equipment of candidate satellites that meet the capability level requirements of the terminal based on the capability level supported by the user plane functional equipment of each satellite as recorded in the capability level mapping table; and selecting one target user plane functional equipment from the candidate user plane functional equipment of the candidate satellites to be determined as the target user plane functional equipment of the target satellite.

[0112] For example, receiving the reported status information of the satellite's user plane functional equipment; determining the capability levels supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment based on the status information; and recording the capability levels supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment in a capability level mapping table.

[0113] For example, receiving the reported status update information of the satellite's user plane function equipment; re-determining the capability levels supported by the satellite's user plane function equipment based on the status update information; and updating the capability levels supported by the re-determined user plane function equipment to the capability level mapping table.

[0114] User plane function device 720 is configured to report its own status information, including at least one of satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and load. Reporting methods include, but are not limited to, reporting upon initial network access, periodic reporting, reporting when status information is updated, and reporting according to the requirements of session management function devices.

[0115] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this disclosure can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this disclosure can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this disclosure can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer program code.

[0116] This disclosure is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create a machine for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0117] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0118] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0119] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A user plane handover control method, comprising: The original user plane functional equipment of the original satellite currently serving the terminal was detected to not meet the capability level requirements of the terminal. Based on the capability levels supported by the user plane functional devices of each satellite as recorded in the capability level mapping table, candidate user plane functional devices of candidate satellites that meet the capability level requirements of the terminal are selected. Then, based on the operating mode of the updated status information reported by the user plane functional devices, a decision is made as to whether to determine the target user plane functional device of the target satellite that meets the capability level requirements of the terminal from among the candidate user plane functional devices, according to the current status information of the reported candidate user plane functional devices. The operating mode is either a mode where the user plane functional devices periodically report updated status information or a mode where the user plane functional devices report updated status information when there is an update. Based on the theoretical trajectory of the satellite determined by the satellite ephemeris and the actual trajectory of the satellite characterized by the constellation trajectory, the future trajectory of the satellite is predicted. Based on the future trajectory of the satellite, the distance information from the satellite to the user terminal is determined. The closer the satellite is to the user terminal and the lighter its load, the higher the capability level supported by its user plane functional devices. The terminal is switched to be served by the target user plane function equipment of the target satellite.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The operating mode is one in which user plane function equipment periodically reports and updates status information. The target user plane function equipment for target satellites that meet the capability level requirements of the terminal includes: Based on the capability levels supported by the user plane functional equipment of each satellite as recorded in the capability level mapping table, candidate user plane functional equipment of candidate satellites that meet the capability level requirements of the terminal are selected. Based on the current status information of the candidate user plane functional equipment of the candidate satellites reported, determine the current capability level supported by the candidate user plane functional equipment of the candidate satellites; If the current capability level supported by the candidate user plane function equipment of the candidate satellite meets the capability level requirements of the terminal, the candidate user plane function equipment of the candidate satellite shall be determined as the target user plane function equipment of the target satellite.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The operating mode is the mode in which user plane function equipment reports updated status information when there is an update in the status information. The target user plane function equipment for target satellites that meet the capability level requirements of the terminal includes: Based on the capability levels supported by the user plane functional equipment of each satellite as recorded in the capability level mapping table, candidate user plane functional equipment of candidate satellites that meet the capability level requirements of the terminal are selected. Select one target user plane function device from the candidate user plane function devices of the candidate satellite and determine it as the target satellite.

4. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: Update the capability levels currently supported by the candidate user plane function equipment of the candidate satellites to the capability level mapping table.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The current capability levels supported by the candidate user plane function equipment for candidate satellites include: Based on the reported ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and payload of the candidate user plane functional equipment for the candidate satellites, determine the current capability level supported by the candidate user plane functional equipment for the candidate satellites; or Based on the reported ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and load of the candidate user plane functional equipment of the candidate satellites, and in conjunction with latency, determine the current capability level supported by the candidate user plane functional equipment of the candidate satellites.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Receive and report the status information of the user plane function equipment of the satellite; Based on the status information of the satellite's user plane functional equipment, determine the capability level supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment; Record the capability levels supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment in the capability level mapping table.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: Receive and report status update information of user plane function equipment of satellites; Based on the status update information of the satellite's user plane functional equipment, the capability level supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment is re-determined; Update the capability levels supported by the user plane function equipment of the newly determined satellites to the capability level mapping table.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The capability levels supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment include: Based on the satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and payload of the satellite's user plane functional equipment, determine the capability level supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment; or Based on the satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and load of the satellite's user plane functional equipment, and in conjunction with latency, determine the capability level supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The capability levels supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment have been redefined, including: Based on the updated satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and payload of the satellite's user plane functional equipment, the capability level supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment is re-determined; or Based on the updated satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and payload of the satellite's user plane functional equipment, and combined with the updated latency, the capability level supported by the satellite's user plane functional equipment is re-determined.

10. A session management function device, comprising: Memory; as well as A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1-9 based on instructions stored in the memory.

11. A communication system, comprising: A ground-based session management device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1-9; The user plane functional equipment located on the satellite is configured to report its own status information, including at least one of the following: satellite ephemeris, constellation trajectory, and payload.

12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1-9.

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