Access method and apparatus for non-terrestrial network

Abstract

The method and device for accessing non-terrestrial network are disclosed, which can be applied to the field of communication technology. The method executed by a first AMF comprises the following steps: receiving a first request for registering a non-terrestrial network (NTN) sent by a terminal device, wherein the first request comprises first location information and first indication information of the terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports accessing a terrestrial network (TN); determining an NTN registration result according to the first indication information, the first location information and the like; and sending the NTN registration result to the terminal device. Thus, it is ensured that the NTN registration result is determined based on reliable location information, and the reliability and security of the NTN are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for accessing a non-terrestrial network. Background Technology

[0002] The relevant communication systems have been enhanced to support the service requirements of the core network with satellite access capabilities. When a terminal device uses satellite access, to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, the network will verify, based on the terminal device's location information, whether the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) currently selected by the terminal device is permitted to operate in its country or region of origin. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a method and apparatus for accessing a non-terrestrial network.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a method for accessing a non-terrestrial network, the method being executed by a first AMF, the method comprising:

[0005] The terminal device receives a first request for registration with a non-terrestrial network (NTN), wherein the first request includes first location information and first indication information of the terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports accessing the terrestrial network (TN).

[0006] Determine the NTN registration result;

[0007] The NTN registration result is sent to the terminal device.

[0008] In this disclosure, after receiving a first request from the terminal device, the first AMF first determines the NTN registration result based on the first location information, first indication information, etc., in the first request, and then sends the NTN registration result to the terminal device. This ensures that the NTN registration result is determined based on reliable location information, improving the reliability and security of the NTN.

[0009] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a method for accessing a non-terrestrial network, the method being executed by a terminal device, the method comprising:

[0010] Send a first request to the first access and mobility management function (AMF) network element for registering with the non-terrestrial network (NTN), wherein the first request includes the first location information and first indication information of the terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports accessing the terrestrial network (TN);

[0011] Receive the NTN registration result sent by the first AMF network element.

[0012] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, including:

[0013] The transceiver module is used to receive a first request sent by a terminal device for registering with a non-terrestrial network (NTN), wherein the first request includes first location information and first indication information of the terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports accessing the terrestrial network (TN).

[0014] The processing module is used to determine the NTN registration result;

[0015] The transceiver module is also used to send the NTN registration result to the terminal device.

[0016] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, including:

[0017] The transceiver module is used to send a first request to the first access and mobility management function (AMF) network element for registering with the non-terrestrial network (NTN), wherein the first request includes the first location information and the first indication information of the terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports accessing the terrestrial network (TN).

[0018] The transceiver module is also used to receive the NTN registration result sent by the first AMF network element.

[0019] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor that, when the processor invokes a computer program in memory, executes the method described in the first aspect.

[0020] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor that, when the processor invokes a computer program in memory, executes the method described in the second aspect above.

[0021] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program; the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0022] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and a memory storing a computer program; the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method described in the second aspect above.

[0023] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, which is configured to execute the code instructions to cause the device to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0024] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, which is configured to execute the code instructions to cause the device to perform the method described in the second aspect above.

[0025] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, which includes the communication devices described in the third aspect and the fourth aspect, or the system includes the communication devices described in the fifth aspect and the sixth aspect, or the system includes the communication devices described in the seventh aspect and the eighth aspect, or the system includes the communication devices described in the ninth aspect and the tenth aspect.

[0026] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions for use by the aforementioned terminal device, which, when executed, cause the terminal device to perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0027] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions for use by the aforementioned terminal device, which, when executed, cause the terminal device to perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0028] In a fourteenth aspect, this disclosure also provides a computer program product including a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0029] In a fifteenth aspect, this disclosure also provides a computer program product including a computer program, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the second aspect above. In a sixteenth aspect, this disclosure provides a chip system including at least one processor and an interface for supporting a first AMF in implementing the functions involved in the first aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information involved in the above methods. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for the terminal device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0030] In a seventeenth aspect, this disclosure provides a chip system including at least one processor and an interface for supporting a terminal device in implementing the functions involved in the first aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information involved in the above methods. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for the terminal device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0031] In an eighteenth aspect, this disclosure provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0032] In a nineteenth aspect, this disclosure provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the second aspect above. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or background art of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments or background art of this disclosure will be described below.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for accessing a non-terrestrial network provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for accessing a non-terrestrial network provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for accessing a non-terrestrial network provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for accessing a non-terrestrial network provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for accessing a non-terrestrial network provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 7a This is a flowchart illustrating a method for accessing a non-terrestrial network provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 7b This is a flowchart illustrating a method for accessing a non-terrestrial network provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 7cThis is an interactive schematic diagram of a non-terrestrial network access method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 8 This is an interactive schematic diagram of another non-terrestrial network access method provided in this embodiment of the disclosure;

[0044] Figure 9 This is an interactive schematic diagram of another non-terrestrial network access method provided in this embodiment of the disclosure;

[0045] Figure 10 This is an interactive schematic diagram of another non-terrestrial network access method provided in this disclosure embodiment;

[0046] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0048] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To facilitate understanding, the terminology used in this disclosure will be introduced first.

[0050] 1. Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN)

[0051] A PLMN is a network established and operated by a government or its approved operators for the purpose of providing terrestrial mobile communication services to the public. A terminal device typically needs to maintain several different types of PLMN lists, each containing multiple PLMNs. These include lists of Registered PLMNs (RPLMNs), Home PLMNs (HPLMNs), Visited PLMNs (VPLMNs), and so on. Different types of PLMNs have different priorities. When selecting a PLMN, the terminal device can choose according to priority and report the selected PLMN to the network, such as sending it to access network equipment or access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements in the core network.

[0052] 2. Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)

[0053] The Access Module (AMF) is a logical node functional network element on the core network side. It serves as the core network control plane access point for terminals and radio. It receives all connection and session-related information from user equipment and performs registration, connection, reachability, and mobility management. Furthermore, the AMF provides a session management message transmission channel for terminal equipment and session management function (SMF) equipment, and provides authentication and authorization functions for user access.

[0054] 3. Location Management Function (LMF)

[0055] The Location Management Function (LMF) coordinates and schedules the overall resources required for the location of terminal devices registering or accessing the 5G core network, calculates and authenticates a final location, and estimates speed, with achievable accuracy. The LMF obtains a location request from the AMF (Advanced Location Function) for a target terminal device through the Nlmf interface. The LMF and the terminal device interact to exchange location information applicable to terminal-assisted and terminal-based location methods, and interact with next-generation radio access networks (NG-RAN) to obtain location information.

[0056] 4. Unified Data Management (UDM) Function

[0057] UDM is responsible for the management of terminal device identification, subscription data, authentication data, and the registration management of service network elements for terminal devices (such as the AMF currently providing services to the terminal device; if the terminal device switches to a different AMF, UDM will also send a deregistration message to the old AMF, requesting the old AMF to delete the user's relevant information).

[0058] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication system may include, but is not limited to, a network device and a terminal device. Figure 1 The number and form of devices shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this disclosure. In actual applications, two or more network devices and two or more terminal devices may be included. Figure 1 The communication system shown is an example comprising one AMF11, one LMF12, one UDM13, and one terminal device 14.

[0059] It should be noted that the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. For example, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems, 5G New Radio (NR) systems, or other future new mobile communication systems.

[0060] Optionally, the communication system may also include access network equipment. Access network equipment refers to entities on the network side used for transmitting or receiving signals. Examples include evolved NodeBs (eNBs), transmission reception points (TRPs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs) in NR systems, base stations in other future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems. The embodiments of this disclosure do not limit the specific technologies or equipment forms used in the network equipment. The network equipment provided in the embodiments of this disclosure can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU can also be called a control unit. Using a CU-DU structure allows the protocol layers of a network device, such as a base station, to be separated. Some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU.

[0061] In this embodiment of the disclosure, there can be one or more AMF11, LMF12, and UDM13. They are different network function (NF) elements in the control plane of the 5G core network.

[0062] In this disclosure, the terminal device 14 is a user-side entity used to receive or transmit signals, such as a mobile phone. The terminal device can also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. The terminal device can be a car with communication capabilities, a smart car, a mobile phone, a wearable device, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, a wireless terminal device in a smart home, and so on. This disclosure does not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0063] It is understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0064] In this system, the AMF network element can realize the disclosure. Figures 2 to 6 The terminal device can implement the method shown in any embodiment. Figures 7a to 7b The method shown in any of the embodiments.

[0065] It is understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0066] When terminal devices use satellite access, to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, network devices need to verify whether the PLMN currently selected by the terminal device is allowed to operate in its country or region of origin based on the terminal device's location information. However, the location information generated when the terminal device uses satellite access, such as the location information generated when the terminal device registers using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), may be unreliable. Therefore, this disclosure proposes that when a terminal device connects to a non-terrestrial network (NTN), the network device can verify the reported location information by combining information such as whether the terminal device supports access to a terrestrial network (TN) and the coverage area of ​​the TN. Based on the verified location information, the network device can then determine the registration result and return the registration result to the terminal device.

[0067] The following describes in detail the access method for non-terrestrial networks provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, with reference to the flowcharts.

[0068] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a non-terrestrial network access method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method provided in this embodiment can be executed by a first AMF network element. Figure 2 As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0069] Step 201: Receive a first request sent by the terminal device for registering with the non-terrestrial network NTN, wherein the first request includes the terminal device's first location information and first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports accessing the terrestrial network TN.

[0070] Optionally, the first request can be a reused NTN registration request from the prior art, or it can be a new NTN registration request; this disclosure does not limit this.

[0071] Optionally, the first location information is location information generated when the terminal device uses satellite access, such as GNSS location information. The first indication information can be a specified field in the first request, where different values ​​indicate whether the terminal device supports access to the TN. For example, a value of 1 indicates that the terminal device supports access to the TN, and a value of 0 indicates that the terminal device does not support access to the TN. Alternatively, the first indication information can also be a specified information field in the first request. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0072] Optionally, the first request may also include other NTN registration parameters, such as registration type, subscription concealed identifier (SUCI) or 5G globally unique temporary UE identity (5G-GUTI), security parameters, etc., which are not limited in this disclosure.

[0073] Optionally, the first request may be sent by the terminal device to the NTN access network device first, and then forwarded by the NTN access network device to the first AMF. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0074] Step 202: Determine the NTN registration result.

[0075] In this disclosure, after receiving the first request, the first AMF can first determine whether the terminal device supports accessing the TN based on the first instruction information. If the terminal device supports accessing the TN and is within the TN's coverage area, then the terminal device can be triggered to report its location information again via the TN; if the terminal device does not support accessing the TN or is not within the TN's coverage area, then the NTN can be used to relocate the terminal device to obtain new location information. Then, the first location information is verified based on the newly acquired location information, and the NTN registration result is determined based on the verification result.

[0076] Optionally, the coverage area of ​​the TN can be information about the TN pre-stored in the first AMF. It can be used to characterize the area that the TN can cover.

[0077] Optionally, if the PLMN currently selected by the terminal device is allowed to operate in the country or region to which its verified location information belongs, then the NTN registration result can be "Allowed to register the network through NTN"; or if the PLMN currently selected by the terminal device is not allowed to operate in the country or region to which its verified location information belongs, then the NTN registration result can be "Not allowed to register the network through NTN".

[0078] Step 203: Send the NTN registration result to the terminal device.

[0079] Optionally, the first AMF can send the NTN registration result to the terminal device via a registration response message, such as a registration response.

[0080] Optionally, the first AMF can indicate the NTN registration result through a field in the registration response message, where different values ​​of this field indicate different registration results.

[0081] In this disclosure, after receiving a first request from the terminal device, the first AMF first determines the NTN registration result based on the first location information and first indication information in the first request, and then sends the NTN registration result to the terminal device. This ensures that the NTN registration result is determined based on reliable location information, improving the reliability and security of the NTN.

[0082] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating another non-terrestrial network access method provided in this embodiment. The method provided in this embodiment can be executed by a first AMF network element. Figure 3 As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0083] Step 301: Receive a first request sent by the terminal device for registering with the NTN, wherein the first request includes the terminal device's first location information and first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports accessing the terrestrial network TN.

[0084] The specific implementation of step 301 can be found in the detailed description of any embodiment of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0085] Step 302: In response to the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports accessing the TN and the location indicated by the first location information is within the coverage area of ​​the TN, a first message is sent to the terminal device, wherein the first message is used to instruct the terminal device to report location information through the TN.

[0086] Optionally, the first message can be a registration request confirmation message. The first AMF can directly trigger the terminal device to report its location information via the TN by sending the first message. For example, as long as the first AMF sends the first message to the terminal device, the terminal device needs to report its location information via the TN; however, if the first AMF does not send the first message to the terminal device after receiving the first request, the terminal device does not need to report its location information via the TN.

[0087] Alternatively, the first AMF can also instruct the terminal device whether it needs to report its location information via the TN through a specified field or information field in the first message. For example, if the specified field or information field in the first message takes a first preset value, it instructs the terminal device to report its location information via the TN; if the specified field or information field in the first message takes a second preset value, it instructs the terminal device not to report its location information via the TN, and so on. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0088] Step 303: Receive the second location information of the terminal device, wherein the second location information is determined by TN.

[0089] Optionally, the second location information is the location information of the terminal device generated by the TN, which can be sent by the Unified Data Management (UDM) network element.

[0090] Optionally, the first AMF can receive the second location information sent by the UDM via a Nudm notification message. For example, the first AMF can receive the second location information sent by the UDM via a Nudm_SDM_notification message; this disclosure does not limit this.

[0091] In this disclosure, after receiving a first message from a first AMF instructing it to report its location information through the TN, the terminal device can send a second request to the AMF for registration with the TN, requesting verification of its location information through the TN. If the second AMF receiving the second request from the terminal device is different from the first AMF receiving the first request, then the second AMF receiving the TN registration request can send the obtained second location information to the UDM, which in turn sends it to the first AMF receiving the first request.

[0092] Optionally, since the purpose of the second request is to verify the first location information via the TN, the second request may include second indication information in addition to the second location information. The second indication information is used to indicate that the location information should be verified via the TN. Therefore, upon receiving the second request, the second AMF can determine that the purpose of the request is to verify the location information of the terminal device, and thus the second AMF can send the received second location information and second indication information to the UDM.

[0093] Optionally, to ensure that the UDM can accurately determine which AMF needs to be synchronized with the second location information when it receives the second location information sent by the second AMF, the first AMF can also send the terminal device's identifier and the first location information to the UDM after receiving the first request. In other words, this disclosure also includes sending a second message to the UDM network element, wherein the second message includes the first location information and the terminal device's identifier.

[0094] Optionally, the second message can be a UE registration message, such as Nudm_UECM_Registration, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0095] Optionally, the second location information may be the same as or different from the first location information.

[0096] In one possible implementation of this disclosure, if the second location information is the same as the first location information, the UDM can send the second location information to the first AMF, and the first AMF can determine whether the first location information is reliable based on whether the second location information matches the first location information; or, the UDM can also not send the second location information to the first AMF, but only send a first location information confirmation instruction to indicate to the first AMF that the first location information is reliable.

[0097] Alternatively, the second location information can also be sent by the terminal device via a second request. That is, the first AMF can also receive a second request sent by the terminal device, wherein the second request includes the second location information and the second indication information, the second indication information being used to instruct the location information to be verified via the TN.

[0098] Optionally, the second request may be sent by the terminal device to the first AMF through the TN access network device, and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0099] In other words, in this disclosure, the second AMF that receives the second request can be the same as the first AMF that receives the first request, meaning that the terminal device accesses the NTN and TN through the same AMF; or the second AMF that receives the second request can be different from the first AMF that receives the first request, meaning that the terminal device accesses the NTN and TN through different AMFs respectively. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0100] Step 304: Determine the NTN registration result based on the second location information.

[0101] In this disclosure, after receiving the second location information, the first AMF can directly determine whether the PLMN currently selected by the terminal device is allowed to operate in the country or region to which the second location information belongs. If it is allowed to operate in the country or region to which the second location information belongs, then the NTN registration result can be "allowed to register the network through the NTN"; or if the PLMN currently selected by the terminal device is not allowed to operate in the country or region to which the second location information belongs, then the NTN registration result can be "not allowed to register the network through the NTN".

[0102] Step 305: Send the NTN registration result to the terminal device.

[0103] In this disclosure, after receiving a first request from a terminal device, the first AMF first determines whether the terminal device supports access to the TN based on the first indication information in the first request. If the terminal device supports access to the TN and the location indicated by the first location information is within the coverage area of ​​the TN, the first AMF instructs the terminal device to report the TN location information. Upon receiving the second location information from the terminal device, the first AMF determines the NTN registration result based on the second location information and then sends the NTN registration result to the terminal device. Therefore, by determining the NTN registration result based on the second location information determined by the TN, the first AMF ensures that the NTN registration result is based on reliable location information, thus improving the reliability and security of the NTN.

[0104] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for accessing a non-terrestrial network provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The method provided in this embodiment can be executed by a first AMF. Figure 4 As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0105] Step 401: Receive a first request sent by the terminal device for registering with the NTN, wherein the first request includes the terminal device's first location information and first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports accessing the terrestrial network TN.

[0106] Step 402: In response to the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports accessing the TN and the location indicated by the first location information is within the coverage area of ​​the TN, a first message is sent to the terminal device, wherein the first message is used to instruct the terminal device to report location information through the TN.

[0107] The specific implementation of steps 401 and 402 can be found in the detailed description of any embodiment of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0108] Step 403: If no second location information is received within a preset time period after sending the first message, a location service request is sent to the LMF network element of the location management function, wherein the location service request includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0109] Optionally, the first AMF may determine the preset duration according to the agreement; or, it may determine the preset duration according to the preset information. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0110] In this disclosure, when the first AMF determines that the terminal device supports access to the TN and that the location of the terminal device is covered by the TN, it can trigger the terminal device to verify the first location information through the TN. However, if the first location information does not accurately represent the actual location of the terminal device—for example, if the first location information is within the coverage area of ​​the TN, but the actual location of the terminal device is not—then the terminal device, after receiving the first message, cannot access the TN and verify the first location information through the TN. Therefore, in this disclosure, the first AMF can start timing after sending the first message to the terminal device. If the second location information is not received after a preset time, it can be determined that the first location information cannot be verified through the TN, and thus a location service request can be sent to the LMF to request the LMF to locate the terminal device through the location service (LCS).

[0111] Optionally, the first AMF can send a location service request to the LMF through a location determination request, such as by sending a location service request to the LMF through the Nlmf_Location_Determine Location service. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0112] Step 404: Receive the third location information of the terminal device sent by the LMF network element.

[0113] The third location information is the location information of the terminal device determined by the LMF network element through calling the LCS service.

[0114] Step 405: Determine the NTN registration result based on the third location information.

[0115] Step 406: Send the NTN registration result to the terminal device.

[0116] The specific implementation process of steps 405 and 406 can be referred to any embodiment of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0117] Optionally, after receiving the third location information sent by the LMF, the first AMF can directly determine whether the country or region where the third location information is located is within the area where the PLMN selected by the terminal device is allowed to operate. If it is, the NTN registration is successful; otherwise, the NTN registration is deemed to have failed.

[0118] Alternatively, after receiving the third location information, the first AMF can first compare the third location information with the first location information. If they are the same, the first location information is considered reliable. Then, it can be determined whether the country or region where the first location information is located is within the country or region allowed to operate by the PLMN currently selected by the terminal device. If it is, the NTN registration is considered successful; otherwise, the NTN registration is considered to have failed. Alternatively, if the first location information and the third location information are different, the first AMF can assume that the third location information reliably reflects the actual location of the terminal device. Therefore, it can determine whether the country or region where the third location information is located is within the region allowed to operate by the PLMN selected by the terminal device. If it is, the NTN registration is considered successful; otherwise, the NTN registration is considered to have failed.

[0119] In this disclosure, after receiving a first request from a terminal device, the first AMF first determines whether the terminal device supports access to the TN based on the first indication information in the first request. If the terminal device supports access to the TN and the location indicated by the first location information is within the coverage area of ​​the TN, the first AMF instructs the terminal device to report the TN location information. If the second location information from the terminal device is not received within a preset time period, a location service request is sent to the LMF. Subsequently, upon receiving the third location information from the LMF, the first AMF determines the NTN registration result based on the third location information and then sends the NTN registration result to the terminal device. Therefore, by determining the NTN registration result based on the third location information determined by the LMF, the NTN registration result is ensured to be determined based on reliable location information, thus improving the reliability and security of the NTN.

[0120] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating another non-terrestrial network access method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, which is executed by a first AMF. Figure 5 As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0121] Step 501: Receive a first request sent by the terminal device for registering with the NTN, wherein the first request includes the terminal device's first location information and first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports accessing the terrestrial network TN.

[0122] Step 502: In response to the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports accessing the TN and the location indicated by the first location information is not within the coverage area of ​​the TN, a location service request is sent to the location management function LMF network element, wherein the location service request includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0123] In this disclosure, if the first LMF determines that the terminal device supports accessing the TN based on the first instruction information, but the first location information is not within the coverage area of ​​the TN, that is, the terminal device cannot be located through the TN at present, then the LMF can be triggered to locate the terminal device through the LCS service.

[0124] Optionally, the first LMF may also send a location service request to the LMF network element when the first indication information indicates that the terminal device does not support access to the TN, wherein the location service request includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0125] Step 503: Receive the third location information of the terminal device sent by the LMF network element.

[0126] Step 504: Determine the NTN registration result based on the third location information.

[0127] Step 505: Send the NTN registration result to the terminal device.

[0128] The specific implementation of steps 503 to 505 can be found in the detailed description of any embodiment of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0129] In this disclosure, after receiving a first request from the terminal device, the first AMF first determines whether the terminal device supports access to the TN based on the first indication information in the first request. If the terminal device supports access to the TN, but the location indicated by the first location information is not within the TN's coverage area, the LMF can be triggered to locate the terminal device. Upon receiving third location information from the LMF, the AMF then determines the NTN registration result based on the third location information and sends the NTN registration result to the terminal device. Therefore, by determining the NTN registration result based on the third location information determined by the LMF, the reliability and security of the NTN are ensured to be based on reliable location information, thus improving the reliability and security of the NTN.

[0130] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for accessing a non-terrestrial network provided in this disclosure, the method being executed by a first AMF. Figure 6 As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0131] Step 601: Receive a first request sent by the terminal device for registering with the NTN, wherein the first request includes the terminal device's first location information and first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports accessing the terrestrial network TN.

[0132] Step 602: If the first indication information indicates that the terminal device supports access to the TN, proceed to step 603; otherwise, proceed to step 607.

[0133] Step 603: If the location indicated by the first location information is within the coverage area of ​​the TN, proceed to step 604; otherwise, proceed to step 607.

[0134] Step 604: Send a first message to the terminal device, wherein the first message is used to instruct the terminal device to report location information through the TN.

[0135] Step 605: If the second location information is received within a preset time after the first message is sent, proceed to step 606; otherwise, proceed to step 607.

[0136] Step 606: Determine the NTN registration result based on the second location information.

[0137] Step 607: Send a location service request to the LMF network element of the location management function, wherein the location service request includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0138] Step 608: Receive the third location information of the terminal device sent by the LMF network element.

[0139] Step 609: Determine the NTN registration result based on the third location information.

[0140] Step 610: Send the NTN registration result to the terminal device.

[0141] The specific implementation process of each of the above steps can be referred to in the detailed description of any embodiment of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0142] In this disclosure, after receiving a first request from the terminal device, the first AMF first determines whether the terminal device supports accessing the TN. If it does, the terminal device can be triggered to report its location information through the TN; otherwise, the LMF is triggered to locate the terminal device and determine the NTN registration result based on the newly obtained location information of the terminal device, and then sends the registration result to the terminal device. This ensures that the NTN registration result is determined based on reliable location information, improving the reliability and security of the NTN.

[0143] Please see Figure 7a , Figure 7a This is a flowchart illustrating another method for accessing a non-terrestrial network provided in this disclosure, which is executed by a terminal device. Figure 7a As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0144] Step 71: Send a first request to the first access and mobility management function (AMF) network element for registration with the non-terrestrial network (NTN). The first request includes the terminal device's first location information and first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports accessing the terrestrial network (TN).

[0145] The trial forms of the first request, the first location information, and the first instruction, etc., can be referred to in the detailed description of any embodiment of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0146] Optionally, the first AMF is any AMF selected by the terminal device when accessing the network.

[0147] In this disclosure, when a terminal device needs to access the network via satellite, it can send a first request to the first AMF and carry first indication information indicating whether it supports accessing the TN in the first request. This allows the first AMF to determine, based on the first indication information, how to verify the first location information in order to determine whether its current location allows the PLMN selected by the terminal device to operate.

[0148] Optionally, the first request may be sent by the terminal device to the NTN access network device first, and then forwarded by the NTN access network device to the first AMF. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0149] Step 72: Receive the NTN registration result sent by the first AMF network element.

[0150] Optionally, the terminal device can receive the NTN registration result sent by the first AMF via a registration response message, such as a registration response.

[0151] Optionally, the terminal device can determine the NTN registration result based on a field in the registration response message. Different values ​​for this field indicate different registration results.

[0152] In this disclosure, after receiving the NTN registration result, the terminal device can determine whether it is currently allowed to communicate based on the selected PLMN. If allowed, it can use the selected PLMN to communicate.

[0153] In this disclosure, when a terminal device accesses a network via satellite, it can first send a first request to a first AMF containing first indication information indicating whether it supports accessing the TN. This allows the first AMF to select an appropriate method to verify the first location information based on whether the terminal device supports TN access. This ensures that the NTN registration result is determined based on reliable location information, improving the reliability and security of the NTN.

[0154] Please see Figure 7b , Figure 7b This is a flowchart illustrating another method for accessing a non-terrestrial network provided in this disclosure, which is executed by a terminal device. Figure 7b As shown, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0155] Step 73: Send a first request to the first access and mobility management function (AMF) network element for registration with the non-terrestrial network (NTN). The first request includes the terminal device's first location information and first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports accessing the terrestrial network (TN).

[0156] The specific implementation of step 73 can be found in the detailed description of any embodiment of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0157] Step 74: Receive the first message sent by the first AMF network element. The first message is used to instruct the terminal device to report location information through the TN.

[0158] Step 75: Send a second request to the second AMF network element for registration with the TN, wherein the second request includes second location information determined by the TN and second indication information, and the second indication information is used to instruct the location information to be verified by the TN.

[0159] Optionally, the second AMF network element and the first AMF network element may be the same network element or different network elements, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0160] In other words, the AMF selected by the terminal device when accessing the NTN may be the same as or different from the AMF selected when accessing the TN.

[0161] In this disclosure, if the terminal device supports access to the TN, the first AMF can send a first message to the terminal device to instruct the terminal device to report location information through the TN. Thus, the first AMF can obtain the location determined by the terminal device through the TN, and then determine the NTN registration result based on the reliable location information.

[0162] Optionally, if the second AMF is the same as the first AMF, the terminal device can directly send the second location information determined by the TN to the first AMF through the second request, so that the first AMF can directly determine the NTN registration result based on the second location information.

[0163] Alternatively, if the second AMF is different from the first AMF, then after the terminal device sends the second location information to the second AMF through the second request, the second AMF can resynchronize the second location information to the first AMF through the UDM, so that the first AMF can determine the NTN registration result based on the second location information.

[0164] Furthermore, since the purpose of the terminal device sending the second request is not to access the TN, but to verify the location of the NTN through the TN, the second request may also include second indication information. The implementation of the second indication information can be found in the detailed description of any embodiment of this disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0165] Optionally, after the terminal device sends the second request, the second AMF, after synchronizing the second location information to the UDM, may also return a request response to the terminal device to notify the terminal device that the location information verification has been completed. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0166] Step 76: Receive the NTN registration result sent by the first AMF network element.

[0167] In this disclosure, when a terminal device accesses the network via satellite, it can first send a first request to a first AMF containing first indication information indicating whether it supports accessing the TN. After receiving a first message returned by the first AMF, it then sends a second request to a second AMF to request verification of the NTN location via the TN. This allows the first AMF to determine the NTN registration result based on the verified location information. Therefore, the NTN registration result is ensured to be determined based on reliable location information, improving the reliability and security of the NTN.

[0168] Please see Figure 7c , Figure 7c This is an interactive schematic diagram of a non-terrestrial network access method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 7c As shown, this embodiment takes an example where the terminal device supports accessing the TN and the location indicated by the first location information is within the TN coverage area. Furthermore, this embodiment assumes that the AMFs of the first request and the second request sent by the receiving terminal device are different AMFs. The method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0169] Step 701: The first AMF receives a first request sent by the terminal device for registering with the NTN. The first request includes first location information and first indication information.

[0170] Step 702: The first AMF sends the first location information and the identifier of the terminal device to the UDM.

[0171] Step 703: The first AMF sends a first message to the terminal device, which instructs the terminal device to report location information through the TN.

[0172] Steps 702 and 703 can be executed simultaneously, or step 703 can be executed first and then step 702. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0173] Step 704: The terminal device sends a second request to the second AMF for registration with the TN. The second request includes second location information and second indication information determined by the TN.

[0174] Step 705: The second AMF sends the second location information and the second indication information to the UDM.

[0175] Step 706: UDM sends the second location information to the first AMF.

[0176] Step 707: The first AMF determines the NTN registration result based on the second location information.

[0177] Step 708: Return the NTN registration result to the terminal device.

[0178] Step 709: UDM returns a rejection message to the second AMF.

[0179] Optionally, the rejection message may include a reason for rejection, such as NTN location information verification, but this disclosure does not limit this.

[0180] Steps 706 and 709 can be executed simultaneously, or step 709 can be executed first and then step 706. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0181] Step 710: The second AMF returns an NTN location verification completion message to the terminal device.

[0182] In this disclosure, after receiving a first request from the terminal device, the first AMF first sends the first location information and the terminal device identifier to the UDM, and then triggers the terminal device to report its location information via the TN. The terminal device can then report its location via the TN. After receiving the second location information returned by the UDM, the first AMF can determine the NTN registration result based on the second location information and send the registration result to the terminal device. This ensures that the NTN registration result is determined based on reliable location information, improving the reliability and security of the NTN.

[0183] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a non-terrestrial network access method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 8 As shown, this embodiment takes an example where the terminal device supports accessing the TN and the location indicated by the first location information is within the TN coverage area. Furthermore, this embodiment assumes that the AMFs of the first request and the second request sent by the receiving terminal device are the same AMF. The method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0184] Step 801: The first AMF receives a first request sent by the terminal device for registering with the NTN. The first request includes first location information and first indication information.

[0185] Step 802: The first AMF sends a first message to the terminal device, which instructs the terminal device to report location information through the TN.

[0186] Step 803: The terminal device sends a second request to the first AMF for registration with the TN. The second request includes second location information and second indication information.

[0187] Step 804: The first AMF determines the NTN registration result based on the second location information.

[0188] Step 805: Return the NTN registration result to the terminal device.

[0189] In this disclosure, after receiving a first request from the terminal device, the first AMF first triggers the terminal device to report its location information via the TN. The terminal device can then report its location via the TN. Upon receiving the second location information returned by the terminal device, the first AMF determines the NTN registration result based on the second location information and sends the registration result to the terminal device. This ensures that the NTN registration result is determined based on reliable location information, improving the reliability and security of the NTN.

[0190] Please see Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a non-terrestrial network access method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 9 As shown, this embodiment takes an example where the terminal device supports accessing the TN and the location indicated by the first location information is within the TN coverage area. Furthermore, this embodiment assumes that the AMFs of the first request and the second request sent by the receiving terminal device are the same AMF. The method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0191] Step 901: The first AMF receives a first request sent by the terminal device for registering with the NTN. The first request includes first location information and first indication information.

[0192] Step 902: The first AMF sends a first message to the terminal device, which instructs the terminal device to report location information through the TN.

[0193] Step 903: If the first AMF does not receive the second location information within a preset time after sending the first message, it sends a location service request to the LMF network element, wherein the location service request includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0194] Step 904: Receive the third location information of the terminal device sent by the LMF network element.

[0195] Step 905: Determine the NTN registration result based on the third location information.

[0196] Step 906: Return the NTN registration result to the terminal device.

[0197] In this disclosure, after receiving a first request from the terminal device, the first AMF first triggers the terminal device to report its location information via the TN. The terminal device can then report its location via the TN. If the first AMF does not receive second location information from the terminal device within a preset time period, it then triggers the LMF to locate the terminal device. Upon receiving third location information from the LMF, the first AMF determines the NTN registration result based on the third location information and sends the registration result to the terminal device. This ensures that the NTN registration result is determined based on reliable location information, improving the reliability and security of the NTN.

[0198] Please see Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a non-terrestrial network access method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 10 As shown, this embodiment takes as an example where the terminal device supports accessing the TN, but the location indicated by the first location information is within the TN coverage area, or the terminal device does not support accessing the TN. The method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0199] Step 1001: The first AMF receives a first request sent by the terminal device for registering with the NTN. The first request includes first location information and first indication information.

[0200] Step 1002: Send a location service request to the LMF network element of the location management function, wherein the location service request includes the identifier of the terminal device.

[0201] Step 1003: Receive the third location information of the terminal device sent by the LMF network element.

[0202] Step 1004: Determine the NTN registration result based on the third location information.

[0203] Step 1005: Return the NTN registration result to the terminal device.

[0204] In this disclosure, after receiving a first request from the terminal device, the first AMF first triggers the LMF to locate the terminal device. Then, upon receiving third location information returned by the LMF, the first AMF determines the NTN registration result based on the third location information and sends the registration result to the terminal device. This ensures that the NTN registration result is determined based on reliable location information, improving the reliability and security of the NTN.

[0205] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 9 The communication device 1100 shown may include a transceiver module 1101 and a processing module 1102. The transceiver module 1101 may include a sending module and / or a receiving module. The sending module is used to implement the sending function, and the receiving module is used to implement the receiving function. The transceiver module 1101 can implement the sending function and / or the receiving function.

[0206] It is understood that the communication device 1100 may be the first AMF, or a device in the first AMF, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the first AMF.

[0207] Communication device 1100 is on the first AMF side, wherein:

[0208] Transceiver module 1101 is used to receive a first request sent by a terminal device for registering with a non-terrestrial network (NTN), wherein the first request includes first location information and first indication information of the terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports accessing the terrestrial network (TN).

[0209] Processing module 1102 is used to determine the NTN registration result;

[0210] The transceiver module 1101 is also used to send the NTN registration result to the terminal device.

[0211] Optionally, the above-mentioned processing module 1102 is further configured to send a first message to the terminal device in response to the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports accessing the TN and the location indicated by the first location information is within the coverage area of ​​the TN, wherein the first message is used to instruct the terminal device to report location information through the TN;

[0212] The transceiver module 1101 described above is also used to receive second location information of the terminal device, wherein the second location information is determined by TN;

[0213] The aforementioned processing module 1102 is further configured to determine the NTN registration result based on the second location information.

[0214] Optionally, the transceiver module 1101 described above is also used for:

[0215] The system receives the second location information sent by the Unified Data Management (UDM) network element, wherein the second location information is sent to the UDM by a second AMF (Application Function), and the second AMF is the AMF that receives the second request for registration with the TN (Network TN) sent by the terminal device; or...

[0216] Receive a second request sent by the terminal device for registration with the TN;

[0217] The second request includes the second location information and the second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate that the location information is verified by TN.

[0218] Optionally, the transceiver module 1101 described above is also used for:

[0219] A second message is sent to the UDM network element, wherein the second message includes the first location information and the identifier of the terminal device.

[0220] Optionally, the transceiver module 1101 described above is also used for:

[0221] If the second location information is not received within a preset time period after the first message is sent, a location service request is sent to the location management function (LMF) network element, wherein the location service request includes the identifier of the terminal device;

[0222] Receive the third location information of the terminal device sent by the LMF network element;

[0223] The aforementioned processing module 1102 is also used to determine the NTN registration result based on the third location information.

[0224] Optionally, the transceiver module 1101 described above is also used for:

[0225] In response to the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports access to the TN and the location indicated by the first location information is not within the coverage area of ​​the TN, a location service request is sent to the location management function (LMF) network element, wherein the location service request includes the identifier of the terminal device;

[0226] Receive the third location information of the terminal device sent by the LMF network element;

[0227] The aforementioned processing module 1102 is also used to determine the NTN registration result based on the third location information.

[0228] Optionally, the transceiver module 1101 described above is also used for:

[0229] In response to the first indication information indicating that the terminal device does not support accessing the TN, a location service request is sent to the location management function (LMF) network element, wherein the location service request includes the identifier of the terminal device;

[0230] Receive the third location information of the terminal device sent by the LMF network element;

[0231] The aforementioned processing module 1102 is also used to determine the NTN registration result based on the third location information.

[0232] In this disclosure, after receiving a first request from a terminal device, the communication device first determines the NTN registration result based on the first location information, first indication information, etc., in the first request, and then sends the NTN registration result to the terminal device. This ensures that the NTN registration result is determined based on reliable location information, improving the reliability and security of the NTN.

[0233] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may be a terminal device, or a device within a terminal device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with a terminal device.

[0234] Communication device 1100 is on the terminal equipment side, wherein:

[0235] The transceiver module 1101 is used to send a first request for registration with a non-terrestrial network (NTN) to a first access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. The first request includes first location information and first indication information of the terminal device. The first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports access to the terrestrial network (TN).

[0236] The transceiver module 1101 is also used to receive the NTN registration result sent by the first AMF network element.

[0237] Optionally, the transceiver module 1101 is further configured to:

[0238] Receive a first message sent by the first AMF network element, wherein the first message is used to instruct the terminal device to report location information through the TN;

[0239] A second request for registration with the TN is sent to the second AMF network element. The second request includes second location information determined by the TN and second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to instruct the location information to be verified by the TN.

[0240] In this disclosure, when a terminal device accesses a network via satellite, it can first send a first request to a first AMF containing first indication information indicating whether it supports accessing the TN. This allows the first AMF to select an appropriate method to verify the first location information based on whether the terminal device supports TN access. This ensures that the NTN registration result is determined based on reliable location information, improving the reliability and security of the NTN.

[0241] Please see Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 1200 can be a first AMF (Automatic Component Array), or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the first AMF in implementing the above methods; alternatively, the communication device 1200 can also be a terminal device, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal device in implementing the above methods. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments, and specific details can be found in the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0242] The communication device 1200 may include one or more processors 1201. The processor 1201 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device (e.g., base station, baseband chip, terminal equipment, terminal equipment chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute computer programs, and process data from the computer programs.

[0243] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may further include one or more memories 1202, which may store a computer program 1204. The processor 1201 executes the computer program 1204 to cause the communication device 1200 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 1202 may also store data. The communication device 1200 and the memory 1202 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0244] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may also include a transceiver 1205 and an antenna 1206. The transceiver 1205 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmission and reception functions. The transceiver 1205 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver or receiving circuit, etc., and is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter or transmitting circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0245] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may further include one or more interface circuits 1207. The interface circuits 1207 are used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor 1201. The processor 1201 executes the code instructions to cause the communication device 1200 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0246] The transceiver 1205 in the communication device 1200 can be used to perform the transmission and reception steps in the above figures, and the processor 1201 can be used to perform the processing steps in the above figures.

[0247] In one implementation, the processor 1201 may include a transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit can be used for reading and writing code / data, or it can be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0248] In one implementation, processor 1201 may store computer program 1203, which runs on processor 1201 and causes communication device 1200 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Computer program 1203 may be embedded in processor 1201, in which case processor 1201 may be implemented in hardware.

[0249] In one implementation, the communication device 1200 may include circuitry capable of performing the functions of transmitting, receiving, or communicating as described in the foregoing method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this disclosure can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), positive-channel metal oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon-germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0250] The communication device described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a smart relay, but the scope of the communication device described in this disclosure is not limited to this, and the structure of the communication device may vary. Figure 12 The communication device may be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be:

[0251] (1) Independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0252] (2) A collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data and computer programs;

[0253] (3) ASIC, such as modem;

[0254] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0255] (5) Receivers, terminal equipment, smart terminal equipment, cellular phones, wireless equipment, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted equipment, network equipment, cloud equipment, artificial intelligence equipment, etc.

[0256] (6) Others, etc.

[0257] For cases where the communication device can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 13 The diagram shows the structure of the chip. Figure 13 The chip shown includes a processor 1301 and an interface 1302. There can be one or more processors 1301, and multiple interfaces 1302.

[0258] For cases where the chip is used to implement the functions of the terminal device in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0259] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory 1303, which is used to store necessary computer programs and data.

[0260] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and the overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality using various methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0261] This disclosure also provides a readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computer, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0262] This disclosure also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0263] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, it generates, in whole or in part, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this disclosure. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0264] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various numerical designations such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure are merely for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor do they indicate the order of events.

[0265] At least one of the features described in this disclosure can also be described as one or more, and multiple features can be two, three, four or more, and this disclosure does not impose any limitations. In the embodiments of this disclosure, for a technical feature, the technical features in that technical feature are distinguished by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D", etc., and there is no sequential order or size order among the technical features described by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D".

[0266] The correspondences shown in the tables of this disclosure can be covered or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can cover other values; this disclosure is not limiting. When covering the correspondences between the information and the parameters, it is not necessarily required to cover all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, the correspondences shown in some rows of the tables in this disclosure may not cover the entire range. Furthermore, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the headers of the above tables can also use other names that the communication device can understand, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations that the communication device can understand. In the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0267] The predefined terms in this disclosure can be understood as defined, predefined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-covered, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0268] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0269] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0270] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for accessing a non-terrestrial network, characterized in that, The method, executed by the first Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element, includes: Receive a first request sent by a terminal device for registering with a non-terrestrial network (NTN), wherein the first request includes first location information and first indication information of the terminal device, the first indication information being used to indicate whether the terminal device supports accessing the terrestrial network (TN); determine the NTN registration result; Send the NTN registration result to the terminal device; determining the NTN registration result includes any one of the following: In response to the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports access to the TN and the location indicated by the first location information is within the coverage area of ​​the TN, a first message is sent to the terminal device, wherein the first message is used to instruct the terminal device to report location information through the TN; second location information of the terminal device is received, wherein the second location information is determined through the TN; and the NTN registration result is determined based on the second location information. In response to the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports access to the TN and the location indicated by the first location information is not within the coverage area of ​​the TN, a location service request is sent to the location management function (LMF) network element, wherein the location service request includes the identifier of the terminal device; the third location information of the terminal device sent by the LMF network element is received; and the NTN registration result is determined based on the third location information. In response to the first indication information indicating that the terminal device does not support access to the TN, a location service request is sent to the location management function (LMF) network element, wherein the location service request includes the identifier of the terminal device; the third location information of the terminal device sent by the LMF network element is received; and the NTN registration result is determined based on the third location information.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second location information of the receiving terminal device includes: The system receives the second location information sent by the Unified Data Management (UDM) network element, wherein the second location information is sent to the UDM by a second AMF (Application Function), and the second AMF is the AMF that receives the second request for registration with the TN (Network TN) sent by the terminal device; or... Receive a second request sent by the terminal device for registration with the TN; The second request includes the second location information and the second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate that the location information is verified by TN.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Before receiving the second location information sent by the Unified Data Management (UDM) network element, the method further includes: A second message is sent to the UDM network element, wherein the second message includes the first location information and the identifier of the terminal device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Also includes: If the second location information is not received within a preset time period after the first message is sent, a location service request is sent to the location management function (LMF) network element, wherein the location service request includes the identifier of the terminal device; Receive the third location information of the terminal device sent by the LMF network element; Based on the third location information, the NTN registration result is determined.

5. A method for accessing a non-terrestrial network, characterized in that, The method, executed by a terminal device, includes: Send a first request to the first access and mobility management function (AMF) network element for registering with the non-terrestrial network (NTN), wherein the first request includes the first location information and first indication information of the terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports accessing the terrestrial network (TN); Receiving the NTN registration result sent by the first AMF network element, wherein the process by which the first AMF determines the NTN registration result includes any one of the following: In response to the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports access to the TN and the location indicated by the first location information is within the coverage area of ​​the TN, a first message is sent to the terminal device, wherein the first message is used to instruct the terminal device to report location information through the TN; second location information of the terminal device is received, wherein the second location information is determined through the TN; and the NTN registration result is determined based on the second location information. In response to the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports access to the TN and the location indicated by the first location information is not within the coverage area of ​​the TN, a location service request is sent to the location management function (LMF) network element, wherein the location service request includes the identifier of the terminal device; the third location information of the terminal device sent by the LMF network element is received; and the NTN registration result is determined based on the third location information. In response to the first indication information indicating that the terminal device does not support access to the TN, a location service request is sent to the location management function (LMF) network element, wherein the location service request includes the identifier of the terminal device; the third location information of the terminal device sent by the LMF network element is received; and the NTN registration result is determined based on the third location information.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, After sending a first request to the first Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element for registration with the Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN), the method further includes: in response to the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports access to the TN and the location indicated by the first location information being within the coverage area of ​​the TN, receiving a first message sent by the first AMF network element, wherein the first message is used to instruct the terminal device to report location information through the TN; A second request for registration with the TN is sent to the second AMF network element. The second request includes second location information determined by the TN and second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to instruct the location information to be verified by the TN.

7. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to receive a first request sent by a terminal device for registering with a non-terrestrial network (NTN), wherein the first request includes first location information and first indication information of the terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports accessing the terrestrial network (TN). The processing module is used to determine the NTN registration result; The transceiver module is also used to send the NTN registration result to the terminal device; In response to the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports access to the TN and the location indicated by the first location information is within the coverage area of ​​the TN, the transceiver module is further configured to send a first message to the terminal device, wherein the first message is used to instruct the terminal device to report location information through the TN; receive second location information of the terminal device, wherein the second location information is determined through the TN; the processing module is further configured to determine the NTN registration result based on the second location information; or, In response to the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports access to the TN and the location indicated by the first location information is not within the coverage area of ​​the TN, the transceiver module is further configured to send a location service request to the Location Management Function (LMF) network element, wherein the location service request includes the identifier of the terminal device; receive the third location information of the terminal device sent by the LMF network element; the processing module is further configured to determine the NTN registration result based on the third location information; or, In response to the first indication information indicating that the terminal device does not support access to the TN, the transceiver module is further configured to send a location service request to the location management function (LMF) network element, wherein the location service request includes the identifier of the terminal device; receive the third location information of the terminal device sent by the LMF network element; the processing module is further configured to determine the NTN registration result based on the third location information.

8. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to send a first request for registration with a non-terrestrial network (NTN) to a first access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, wherein the first request includes first location information and first indication information of the terminal device, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal device supports access to the terrestrial network (TN). The transceiver module is further configured to receive the NTN registration result sent by the first AMF network element, wherein the process by which the first AMF determines the NTN registration result includes any of the following: In response to the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports access to the TN and the location indicated by the first location information is within the coverage area of ​​the TN, a first message is sent to the terminal device, wherein the first message is used to instruct the terminal device to report location information through the TN; second location information of the terminal device is received, wherein the second location information is determined through the TN; and the NTN registration result is determined based on the second location information. In response to the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports access to the TN and the location indicated by the first location information is not within the coverage area of ​​the TN, a location service request is sent to the location management function (LMF) network element, wherein the location service request includes the identifier of the terminal device; the third location information of the terminal device sent by the LMF network element is received; and the NTN registration result is determined based on the third location information. In response to the first indication information indicating that the terminal device does not support access to the TN, a location service request is sent to the location management function (LMF) network element, wherein the location service request includes the identifier of the terminal device; the third location information of the terminal device sent by the LMF network element is received; and the NTN registration result is determined based on the third location information.

9. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes an AMF and a terminal device, wherein the AMF is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-4, and the terminal device is used to perform the method as described in claim 5 or 6.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, or to perform the method as claimed in claim 5 or 6.

11. A computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 4 to be implemented, or cause the method of claim 5 or 6 to be implemented.

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