Method and apparatus for managing ng interface connection

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a kind of method and device for managing NG interface connection, wherein the method is applied to spaceborne network equipment, comprising: if it is determined that the service area of AMF served by the established NG interface connection is no longer served, first request is sent to the AMF;Save the context of the established NG interface connection between the spaceborne network equipment and the AMF;Wherein, the first request is used to indicate that all or part of TNLA using the NG interface is suspended.This embodiment of the application provides a kind of method and device for managing NG interface connection, by the case that the data plane and user plane of spaceborne network equipment are simultaneously located on the star, according to the service area position of spaceborne network equipment, when all or part of TNLA using the established NG interface is suspended, the context of NG interface is locally saved, the signaling overhead of NG interface is reduced, the signaling connection establishment of NG interface is accelerated, and NG interface connection is facilitated to be managed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for managing NG interface connections. Background Technology

[0002] In 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology) satellite networks, if a satellite provides service in a given country, it needs to connect to that country's terrestrial core network and broadcast the country's PLMN ID (Public Land Mobile Network Identification). This process is easily implemented when the base station gNB's CU (Control Unit) is on the ground. However, once the base station gNB is deployed entirely on a non-geostationary satellite (i.e., both the CU and DU (Data Unit) are on the satellite), the gNB needs to establish connections with the terrestrial core networks of the countries it passes through as it moves, and broadcast air interface information based on the configuration information issued by the terrestrial core networks. Due to the high speed of satellites, in densely populated areas, frequent NG interface connections with the core networks of different countries will occur. Furthermore, due to the large number of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, core networks in some smaller countries will frequently establish transport layer connections with the satellite base station gNB. This leads to the following disadvantages:

[0003] 1. Frequent NG interface signaling interactions between the base station gNB and the core network result in significant signaling transmission and processing overhead.

[0004] 2. When the base station gNB starts up, the transport layer connection needs to be rebuilt, so the base station startup process has a large delay. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems existing in the prior art, embodiments of this application provide a method and apparatus for managing NG interface connections.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for managing NG interface connections, applied to spaceborne network equipment, including:

[0007] If it is determined that the service area of ​​an AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, a first request is sent to the AMF.

[0008] Save the context of the established NG interface connection between the onboard network device and the AMF;

[0009] The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0010] Optionally, all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface to be suspended is determined by the indication information carried in the first request, or by the onboard network equipment and the AMF when the NG interface is established.

[0011] Optionally, before sending the first request to the AMF if it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, the method further includes:

[0012] Send an NG interface establishment request to the AMF within the service area of ​​the onboard network device, and the NG interface establishment request carries first indication information;

[0013] Receive the response message of the NG interface establishment request sent by the AMF;

[0014] Based on the response message of the NG interface establishment request, when it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, the suspension applies to all TNLAs or only some TNLAs of the NG interface;

[0015] The first indication information is used to instruct the AMF to suspend the use of all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface when the onboard network equipment no longer serves the AMF's service area;

[0016] The response message to the NG interface establishment request is used to indicate whether the AMF accepts the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0017] Optionally, all TNLAs include TNLAs for user data transmission and TNLAs for interface signaling transmission; the partial TNLAs are TNLAs for interface signaling transmission.

[0018] Optionally, determining whether to no longer serve the service area of ​​the AMF that has established an NG interface connection includes one or more of the following methods:

[0019] The beam coverage area of ​​the satellite network equipment does not overlap with the service area of ​​the AMF.

[0020] The location of the onboard network equipment, determined by the motion trajectory of the non-synchronous satellite, is outside the service area of ​​the AMF.

[0021] The satellite control system or network management system receives instructions that the onboard network equipment cease serving the AMF.

[0022] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0023] If the onboard network equipment can resume serving the service area of ​​the AMF, then a second request is sent to the AMF;

[0024] The second request is used to restore all or part of the previously suspended TNLA.

[0025] Optionally, the second request may include at least: message type, global radio access network node identifier, and AMF identifier.

[0026] Optionally, suspending the use of all or part of the TNLA means stopping the use of the TNLA transmission interface signaling and / or user data for a specified period; the specified period is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network equipment is located.

[0027] Optionally, all or some of the TNLAs may have their lifespan controlled by a timer configured thereon, the period of which is slightly longer than the specified period.

[0028] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a method for managing NG interface connections, including:

[0029] Applied to AMF, including:

[0030] Receive the first request sent by the onboard network equipment;

[0031] Within a preset time threshold, the context of the established NG interface connection between the onboard network device and the AMF is saved;

[0032] The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0033] Optionally, all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface to be suspended is determined by the indication information carried in the first request, or by the onboard network equipment and the AMF when the NG interface is established.

[0034] Optionally, before receiving the first request sent by the onboard network device, the method further includes:

[0035] Receive the NG interface establishment request sent by the onboard network device, and the NG interface establishment request carries first indication information;

[0036] Send a response message for the NG interface establishment request to the onboard network device;

[0037] Based on the response message of the NG interface establishment request, when it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, the suspension applies to all TNLAs or only some TNLAs of the NG interface;

[0038] The first indication information is used to instruct the AMF to suspend the use of all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface between the onboard network device and the AMF when the onboard network device no longer serves the service area of ​​the AMF;

[0039] The response message to the NG interface establishment request is used to indicate whether the AMF accepts the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0040] Optionally, all TNLAs include TNLAs for user data transmission and TNLAs for interface signaling transmission; the partial TNLAs are TNLAs for interface signaling transmission.

[0041] Optionally, the preset time threshold is based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network device is located to determine the time when the onboard network device can resume serving the service area of ​​the AMF.

[0042] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0043] Receive the second request sent by the onboard network device;

[0044] A second response message is sent to the onboard network device, the second response message indicating whether all or part of the TNLA has been successfully restored;

[0045] The second request is used to restore all or part of the previously suspended TNLA.

[0046] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0047] If it is determined that all TNLAs that were suspended between the onboard network equipment and the AMF have been successfully restored;

[0048] Then a first NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device, the first NGAP message being used to add the TNLA; or

[0049] A second NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device, which is used to notify the onboard network device to update the configuration parameters of the NG interface.

[0050] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0051] If it is determined that the portion of TNLA that was temporarily suspended between the onboard network equipment and the AMF has been successfully restored;

[0052] Then a third NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device. The third NGAP message is used to create a new user signaling TNLA corresponding to the partial TNLA. The third NGAP message is sent through the restored partial TNLA.

[0053] Optionally, the suspension of all or part of the TNLA means stopping the use of the TNLA transmission interface signaling or user data for a specified period; the specified period is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network equipment is located.

[0054] Optionally, all or some of the TNLAs may have their lifespan controlled by a timer configured thereon, the period of which is slightly longer than the specified period.

[0055] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a spaceborne network device, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor, wherein:

[0056] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program from the memory and implementing the following steps:

[0057] If it is determined that the service area of ​​an AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, a first request is sent to the AMF.

[0058] Save the context of the established NG interface connection between the onboard network device and the AMF;

[0059] The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0060] Optionally, all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface to be suspended is determined by the indication information carried in the first request, or by the onboard network equipment and the AMF when the NG interface is established.

[0061] Optionally, before sending the first request to the AMF if it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, the method further includes:

[0062] Send an NG interface establishment request to the AMF within the service area of ​​the onboard network device, and the NG interface establishment request carries first indication information;

[0063] Receive the response message of the NG interface establishment request sent by the AMF;

[0064] Based on the response message of the NG interface establishment request, when it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, the suspension applies to all TNLAs or only some TNLAs of the NG interface;

[0065] The first indication information is used to instruct the AMF to suspend the use of all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface when the onboard network equipment no longer serves the AMF's service area;

[0066] The response message to the NG interface establishment request is used to indicate whether the AMF accepts the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0067] Optionally, all TNLAs include TNLAs for user data transmission and TNLAs for interface signaling transmission; the partial TNLAs are TNLAs for interface signaling transmission.

[0068] Optionally, determining whether to no longer serve the service area of ​​the AMF that has established an NG interface connection includes one or more of the following methods:

[0069] The beam coverage area of ​​the satellite network equipment does not overlap with the service area of ​​the AMF.

[0070] The location of the onboard network equipment, determined by the motion trajectory of the non-synchronous satellite, is outside the service area of ​​the AMF.

[0071] The satellite control system or network management system receives instructions that the onboard network equipment cease serving the AMF.

[0072] Optionally, the steps further include:

[0073] If the onboard network equipment can resume serving the service area of ​​the AMF, then a second request is sent to the AMF;

[0074] The second request is used to restore all or part of the previously suspended TNLA.

[0075] Optionally, the second request may include at least: message type, global radio access network node identifier, and AMF identifier.

[0076] Optionally, suspending the use of all or part of the TNLA means stopping the use of the TNLA transmission interface signaling and / or user data for a specified period; the specified period is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network equipment is located.

[0077] Optionally, all or some of the TNLAs may have their lifespan controlled by a timer configured thereon, the period of which is slightly longer than the specified period.

[0078] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide an AMF electronic device, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor, wherein:

[0079] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program from the memory and implementing the following steps:

[0080] Receive the first request sent by the onboard network equipment;

[0081] Within a preset time threshold, the context of the established NG interface connection between the onboard network device and the AMF is saved;

[0082] The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0083] Optionally, all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface to be suspended is determined by the indication information carried in the first request, or by the onboard network equipment and the AMF when the NG interface is established.

[0084] Optionally, before receiving the first request sent by the onboard network device, the method further includes:

[0085] Receive the NG interface establishment request sent by the onboard network device, and the NG interface establishment request carries first indication information;

[0086] Send a response message for the NG interface establishment request to the onboard network device;

[0087] Based on the response message of the NG interface establishment request, when it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, the suspension applies to all TNLAs or only some TNLAs of the NG interface;

[0088] The first indication information is used to instruct the AMF to suspend the use of all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface between the onboard network device and the AMF when the onboard network device no longer serves the service area of ​​the AMF;

[0089] The response message to the NG interface establishment request is used to indicate whether the AMF accepts the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0090] Optionally, all TNLAs include TNLAs for user data transmission and TNLAs for interface signaling transmission; the partial TNLAs are TNLAs for interface signaling transmission.

[0091] Optionally, the preset time threshold is based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network device is located to determine the time when the onboard network device can resume serving the service area of ​​the AMF.

[0092] Optionally, the steps further include:

[0093] Receive the second request sent by the onboard network device;

[0094] A second response message is sent to the onboard network device, the second response message indicating whether all or part of the TNLA has been successfully restored;

[0095] The second request is used to restore all or part of the previously suspended TNLA.

[0096] Optionally, the steps further include:

[0097] If it is determined that all TNLAs that were suspended between the onboard network equipment and the AMF have been successfully restored;

[0098] Then a first NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device, the first NGAP message being used to add the TNLA; or

[0099] A second NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device, which is used to notify the onboard network device to update the configuration parameters of the NG interface.

[0100] Optionally, the steps further include:

[0101] If it is determined that the portion of TNLA that was temporarily suspended between the onboard network equipment and the AMF has been successfully restored;

[0102] Then a third NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device. The third NGAP message is used to create a new user signaling TNLA corresponding to the partial TNLA. The third NGAP message is sent through the restored partial TNLA.

[0103] Optionally, the suspension of all or part of the TNLA means stopping the use of the TNLA transmission interface signaling or user data for a specified period; the specified period is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network equipment is located.

[0104] Optionally, all or some of the TNLAs may have their lifespan controlled by a timer configured thereon, the period of which is slightly longer than the specified period.

[0105] Fifthly, embodiments of this application also provide an apparatus for managing NG interface connections, applied to spaceborne network equipment, comprising:

[0106] The first sending module is configured to send a first request to the AMF if it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served;

[0107] The first storage module is used to store the context of the established NG interface connection between the spaceborne network device and the AMF;

[0108] The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0109] Sixthly, embodiments of this application also provide an apparatus for managing NG interface connections, applied to an AMF, comprising:

[0110] The second receiving module is used to receive the first request sent by the onboard network device;

[0111] The second storage module is used to save the context of the established NG interface connection between the spaceborne network device and the AMF within a preset time threshold.

[0112] The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0113] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a processor-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing the processor to perform the steps of the method for managing NG interface connections as described in the first aspect, or to perform the steps of the method for managing NG interface connections as described in the second aspect.

[0114] The method and apparatus for managing NG interface connections provided in this application, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, determine the TNLA of all or part of the established NG interface to be suspended based on the service area location of the onboard network device, locally save the context of the NG interface, reduce the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerate the establishment of the signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitate the management of NG interface connections. Attached Figure Description

[0115] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0116] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the 5G architecture supporting spaceborne gNB provided in this application;

[0117] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the service area relationship between the spaceborne gNB and the terrestrial 5G core network provided in this application;

[0118] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction process between the NG radio access network node and the AMF provided in this application;

[0119] Figure 4 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application embodiment;

[0120] Figure 5 This is a second flowchart illustrating the method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application embodiment;

[0121] Figure 6 This is one of the schematic diagrams illustrating an implementation of the method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application.

[0122] Figure 7 This is a second schematic diagram illustrating the implementation of the method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application embodiment;

[0123] Figure 8 This is the third schematic diagram illustrating the implementation of the method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application.

[0124] Figure 9 This is the fourth schematic diagram illustrating the implementation of the method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application embodiment;

[0125] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the physical structure of the spaceborne network device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0126] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the physical structure of the AMF device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0127] Figure 12 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the device for managing NG interface connections provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0128] Figure 13 This is a second schematic diagram of the device for managing NG interface connections provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0129] In the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following associated objects have an "or" relationship.

[0130] In the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0131] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0132] To facilitate a clearer understanding of the embodiments of this application, some relevant background information is first introduced as follows: Spaceborne network equipment refers to network equipment located on a satellite. Spaceborne network equipment may include one or more of the following: spaceborne base stations, spaceborne power supply equipment, spaceborne routing equipment, and spaceborne switching equipment. The following description uses a spaceborne gNB as an example, but does not limit the scope of protection of this application to the spaceborne gNB.

[0133] I. 5G architecture supporting onboard gNB

[0134] When a gNB deployed on a satellite connects to a terrestrial 5G system, the satellite base station gNB needs to support N1 / N2 / N3 interfaces, which also need to be carried on the satellite radio interface, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0135] Due to the mobility of low-Earth orbit satellites, onboard gNBs periodically enter and leave the service area of ​​a terrestrial 5G core network, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0136] When a satellite-borne gNB enters the service area of ​​a terrestrial 5G core network, it will establish an association with the NG interface of the 5G core network. Once the satellite-borne gNB leaves the service area of ​​the currently connected AMF, it will lose the association with the NG interface established with the 5G core network.

[0137] The above example is based on a 5G core network, but it does not limit this application to only 5G core networks.

[0138] II. The process of establishing the NG interface

[0139] The NG interface is a logical interface between NG-RAN (Next Generation Radio Access Network) and 5GC (5G Core Network), used to transmit NGAP (Next Generation Application Protocol) signaling messages. To carry NGAP signaling messages, an SCTP (Stream Control Transmission Protocol) association, or TNLA (Transport Network Layer Association), needs to be established on the NG interface.

[0140] To establish an NG interface, each node pair consisting of the onboard gNB and the AMF must support at least one SCTP association configuration. When multiple SCTP associations are supported between the onboard gNB and the AMF, the AMF requests the onboard gNB to add or remove SCTP associations. The AMF can also specify the purpose of the SCTP association, such as transmitting a specific type of NGAP signaling.

[0141] The interaction flow diagram between NG radio access network nodes and AMF is shown below. Figure 3 As shown, after the SCTP connection is available, the onboard gNB can initiate an NG Setup request to establish an NG interface with the AMF. After successfully completing the NG Setup process, the onboard gNB can begin processing user signaling.

[0142] Figure 4 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application embodiment, such as... Figure 4 As shown in the figure, this application provides a method for managing NG interface connections, the execution subject of which is a spaceborne network device. The method includes:

[0143] Step 401: If it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, then a first request is sent to the AMF;

[0144] Step 402: Save the context of the established NG interface connection between the onboard network device and the AMF;

[0145] The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0146] Specifically, spaceborne network equipment refers to network equipment located on a satellite. This equipment can include one or more of the following: spaceborne base stations, spaceborne power supply equipment, spaceborne routing equipment, and spaceborne switching equipment. Based on the coverage area determined by its beam, the spaceborne network equipment identifies the AMF (Advanced Feature Provider) requiring an NG interface connection. There may be multiple AMFs requiring an NG interface connection. In other words, the service area determined by the spaceborne network equipment based on its beam overlaps with the service area of ​​the AMF requiring the NG interface connection, and there may be multiple overlapping areas.

[0147] Because the position of a spaceborne network device relative to Earth changes depending on the mobility of its satellite, the coverage area corresponding to the beam of the spaceborne network device will also change accordingly. If the spaceborne network device no longer serves the service area of ​​an AMF that has established an NG interface connection, that is, when the coverage area of ​​the spaceborne network device's beam does not overlap with the service area of ​​the AMF that has established an NG interface connection, the spaceborne network device needs to switch / migrate the users it serves to other spaceborne network devices that can provide services. It can do this by sending a first request to the AMF, instructing the AMF that has established an NG interface connection to suspend the use of all or part of the TNLA (Transport Network Layer Association) of the NG interface, and saving the context of the corresponding NG interface connection.

[0148] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, determines whether to suspend the use of all or part of the established NG interface TNLA based on the service area location of the onboard network device, and locally saves the context of the NG interface connection, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerating the establishment of the signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitating the management of the NG interface connection.

[0149] Optionally, all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface to be suspended is determined by the indication information carried in the first request, or by the onboard network equipment and the AMF when the NG interface is established.

[0150] Specifically, the onboard network device may include indication information in the first request to indicate the suspension of all or part of the TNLAs for the specific NG interface; alternatively, it may omit this indication information in the first request, instead relying on information already determined when the onboard network device and the AMF establish the NG interface connection. The first request informs the AMF, which has already established the NG interface connection, to suspend all or part of the previously determined NG interface TNLAs.

[0151] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, determines whether to suspend the use of all or part of the established NG interface TNLA based on the service area location of the onboard network device, and locally saves the context of the NG interface connection, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerating the establishment of the signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitating the management of the NG interface connection.

[0152] Optionally, before sending the first request to the AMF if it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, the method further includes:

[0153] Send an NG interface establishment request to the AMF within the service area of ​​the onboard network device, and the NG interface establishment request carries first indication information;

[0154] Receive the response message of the NG interface establishment request sent by the AMF;

[0155] Based on the response message of the NG interface establishment request, when it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, the suspension applies to all TNLAs or only some TNLAs of the NG interface;

[0156] The first indication information is used to instruct the AMF to suspend the use of all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface when the onboard network equipment no longer serves the AMF's service area;

[0157] The response message to the NG interface establishment request is used to indicate whether the AMF accepts the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0158] Specifically, before suspending the use of some or all TNLAs between AMFs with established NG interface connections, the onboard network equipment can suspend the use of all or some TNLAs using the NG interface when it is determined that the onboard network equipment no longer serves the service area of ​​the AMF after establishing an NG interface connection between the onboard network equipment and the AMF.

[0159] After the spaceborne network equipment starts up, it determines the PLMN to be served based on the coverage area defined by each of its beams, and then determines the AMF to establish NG interface connections based on the PLMN information. At this time, there may be multiple AMFs that need to establish NG interface connections. That is, there is an overlap between the service area determined by the spaceborne network equipment based on the beams and the service area of ​​the AMF establishing NG interface connections, and there may be multiple overlapping areas.

[0160] The onboard network device sends an NG interface establishment request to the corresponding AMF, i.e., an AMF whose service areas overlap, and carries a first indication information in the request. This first indication information is used to notify the AMF to suspend the use of all or part of the TNLAs of the NG interface established between the AMF and the onboard network device when the onboard network device no longer serves the AMF's service area.

[0161] In another scenario, when an onboard network device moves and can no longer serve a certain AMF A service area but can serve another AMF B service area, and if it has not previously established an NG interface connection with AMF B or AMF B does not locally store the context of the NG interface connection associated with the onboard network device, the onboard network device can also send an NG interface establishment request, carrying first indication information in the request, to establish an NG interface connection with AMF B. Simultaneously, if it is determined that the onboard network device no longer serves the AMF B service area, all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface is suspended.

[0162] The first indication information can be implemented using one or more bits. For example, the first indication information is 1 bit, which can be set to 0 or 1. When it is 0, it means that all TNLAs are suspended. When it is 1, it means that the TNLA used for interface signaling (non-UE signaling) transmission is suspended. Specifically, the corresponding TNLA can be set to invalid to avoid using the TNLA for NGAP signaling transmission.

[0163] Subsequently, upon receiving the NG interface establishment request, the corresponding AMF may, based on its own load and the access priority and QoE requirements related to TNLA carried in the NG interface establishment request, determine whether it supports the relevant parameters in the request. Then, it determines whether it supports suspending all or part of the TNLAs on the NG interface between the onboard network device and the AMF when the onboard network device no longer serves the AMF's service area. Finally, it sends a response message to the NG interface establishment request to the onboard network device.

[0164] If the AMF itself is heavily loaded, the response message for the request established through the NG interface will send a message indicating whether it does not support suspending all or part of the TNLAs on the NG interface between the onboard network device and the AMF when the onboard network device no longer serves the AMF's service area. Otherwise, a response message indicating support will be sent.

[0165] If the AMF itself cannot meet the access priority or QoE requirements related to suspending the TNLA carried in the NG interface establishment request, then it sends a message indicating that it does not support suspending all or part of the TNLAs using the NG interface between the onboard network device and the AMF when the onboard network device no longer serves the AMF's service area. Otherwise, it sends a support response message.

[0166] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, determines whether to suspend the use of all or part of the established NG interface TNLA based on the service area location of the onboard network device, and locally saves the context of the NG interface connection, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerating the establishment of the signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitating the management of the NG interface connection.

[0167] Optionally, all TNLAs include TNLAs for user data transmission and TNLAs for interface signaling transmission; the partial TNLAs are TNLAs for interface signaling transmission.

[0168] Specifically, after the NG interface connection is established between the spaceborne network device and the AMF, an SCTP association carrying NGAP signaling messages and a TNLA association are established simultaneously. That is, each node pair consisting of the spaceborne network device and the AMF must support at least one SCTP association and a TNLA association configuration. The SCTP is located at the transport layer and the TNLA is located at the network layer.

[0169] The TNLA can be used for both user data transmission and interface signaling transmission. All TNLAs include those for user data transmission and those for interface signaling transmission. Therefore, suspending the use of all TNLAs means that the TNLA for the NG interface between the onboard network equipment and the AMF is no longer used for transmitting user data and interface signaling. The partial TNLAs are those used for interface signaling transmission; therefore, suspending the use of partial TNLAs means that the TNLA for the NG interface between the onboard network equipment and the AMF is no longer used for transmitting interface signaling, but can be used for transmitting user data.

[0170] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, determines whether to suspend the use of all or part of the established NG interface TNLA based on the service area location of the onboard network device, and locally saves the context of the NG interface connection, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerating the establishment of the signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitating the management of the NG interface connection.

[0171] Optionally, determining whether to no longer serve the service area of ​​the AMF that has established an NG interface connection includes one or more of the following methods:

[0172] The beam coverage area of ​​the satellite network equipment does not overlap with the service area of ​​the AMF.

[0173] The location of the onboard network equipment, determined by the motion trajectory of the non-synchronous satellite, is outside the service area of ​​the AMF.

[0174] The satellite control system or network management system receives instructions that the onboard network equipment cease serving the AMF.

[0175] Specifically, the onboard network equipment determines whether to serve the service area of ​​an AMF that has established an NG interface connection, which may include any one or a combination of the following methods:

[0176] 1. Based on the beam of the satellite network equipment, determine the corresponding ground coverage area and the AMF service area. If there is no overlap between the two, it means that the satellite network equipment will no longer serve the satellite network equipment.

[0177] 2. Determine the specific location of the onboard network equipment based on the motion trajectory of the non-synchronous satellite where the onboard network equipment is located. When the onboard network equipment is located in the designated orbit, it is considered that the onboard equipment can serve the service area of ​​AMF (at this time, the beam coverage area can be adjusted by scheduling the beam pointing of the onboard network equipment).

[0178] 3. Receive instructions from the satellite operation and control system or network management system, wherein the instructions indicate that the onboard network equipment no longer serves the AMF.

[0179] Correspondingly, the onboard network equipment needs to save the context of the established NG interface connection and establish an NG interface connection with the new AMF that can be served.

[0180] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, determines whether to suspend the use of all or part of the established NG interface TNLA based on the service area location of the onboard network device, and locally saves the context of the NG interface connection, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerating the establishment of the signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitating the management of the NG interface connection.

[0181] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0182] If the onboard network equipment can resume serving the service area of ​​the AMF, then a second request is sent to the AMF;

[0183] The second request is used to restore all or part of the previously suspended TNLA.

[0184] Specifically, the onboard network equipment moves with the satellite it is on and is periodic. An AMF that has previously established an NG interface connection with the onboard network equipment may re-enter the service area of ​​the onboard network equipment. At this time, the onboard network equipment sends a second request to the AMF to restore all or part of the previously suspended TNLA.

[0185] For example, if the onboard network device and the AMF previously determined to suspend all TNLAs using the NG interface between the onboard network device and the AMF through the first request, then after sending the first request, both the onboard network device and the AMF will save the context of the corresponding NG interface connection. When the onboard network device can serve the AMF again, it will send a second request to restore all previously suspended TNLAs based on the NG interface connection context saved on both sides.

[0186] Similarly, if the onboard network device and the AMF determine through the first request that the TNLA of the NG interface between the onboard network device and the AMF be suspended, then after sending the first request, the onboard network device and the AMF will each save the context of the corresponding NG interface connection. When the onboard network device can serve the AMF again, the onboard network device will restore the previously suspended TNLA by sending a second request, based on the context of the NG interface connection saved on both sides.

[0187] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, determines whether to suspend the use of all or part of the established NG interface TNLA based on the service area location of the onboard network device, and locally saves the context of the NG interface connection, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerating the establishment of the signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitating the management of the NG interface connection.

[0188] Optionally, the second request may include at least: message type, global radio access network node identifier, and AMF identifier.

[0189] Specifically, when the onboard network device moves to an AMF service area where an NG interface was previously established, it sends a second request to restore the previously established NG interface. The second request can be an NG Resume request and includes at least the message type, the global radio access network node identifier, and the AMF identifier.

[0190] The message type indicates that the message is a second request, such as an NG Resume request;

[0191] Global wireless access network node identifier, used to identify specific spaceborne network devices;

[0192] The AMF identifier is used to mark AMF; each AMF device has a unique AMF identifier.

[0193] Optionally, the second request may also include information such as the global wireless access network node name, as shown in the table below:

[0194] IE / Group Name Presence Description Message Type M Global RAN Node ID M RAN Node Name O AMF Name M

[0195] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, determines whether to suspend the use of all or part of the established NG interface TNLA based on the service area location of the onboard network device, and locally saves the context of the NG interface connection, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerating the establishment of the signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitating the management of the NG interface connection.

[0196] Optionally, suspending the use of all or part of the TNLA means stopping the use of the TNLA transmission interface signaling and / or user data for a specified period; the specified period is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network equipment is located.

[0197] Specifically, when an onboard network device suspends the use of all or part of its TNLA (Transmission Management Interface) for a certain period, it means that the TNLA will not be used for transmitting user data and / or interface signaling. In this case, the TNLA for the NG (Next Generation Interface) between the onboard network device and the AMF (Aircraft Functions Frame) may still exist, even if it is not used for the period, or the TNLA for the NG interface between the onboard network device and the AMF may not exist. At the end of the certain period, the corresponding TNLA will be restored based on the locally stored context of the NG interface connection. This certain period is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network device is located; it can be understood as the onboard network device returning to the position where it establishes an NG interface connection with the AMF after orbiting the Earth once.

[0198] If the suspension uses all TNLAs, then the TNLA will not be used for transmitting user data and interface signaling for a certain period of time.

[0199] If a partial TNLA is used for the pause, then that TNLA will not be used for transmission interface signaling for a certain period of time.

[0200] The specified period is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite on which the onboard network equipment is located. Satellite ephemeris, also known as two-line orbital element (TLE), is an expression used to describe the position and velocity of a spacecraft. Satellite ephemeris can accurately calculate, predict, depict, and track the time, position, velocity, and other operational status of satellites and spacecraft; it can express the precise parameters of celestial bodies, satellites, spacecraft, missiles, space debris, and other spacecraft; it can place spacecraft in three-dimensional space; and it can depict the past, present, and future of celestial bodies in a three-dimensional timeline.

[0201] The period during which a satellite network device can suspend all or part of its TNLA (Total Network Area Access) service is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite on which the device is located. This period is usually determined by the time it takes for the satellite carrying the device to orbit the Earth once, for example, a period greater than or equal to one orbit.

[0202] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, determines whether to suspend the use of all or part of the established NG interface TNLA based on the service area location of the onboard network device, and locally saves the context of the NG interface connection, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerating the establishment of the signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitating the management of the NG interface connection.

[0203] Optionally, all or some of the TNLAs may have their lifespan controlled by a timer configured thereon, the period of which is slightly longer than the specified period.

[0204] Specifically, all or some of the TNLAs are equipped with a timer that controls the TNLA's lifespan. If the timer expires, the SCTP protocol's own heartbeat timeout mechanism shuts down the SCTP, and the corresponding TNLA will also be shut down. Therefore, the timer period for the aforementioned TNLA is set to be slightly longer than the TNLA's suspension period to prevent the TNLA's connection from being closed or released before the suspension period is reached. In this case, the TNLA cannot be restored through a second request, and a request must be established through the NG interface to rebuild the NG interface between the onboard network equipment and the AMF, as well as the TNLA on the NG interface.

[0205] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, determines whether to suspend the use of all or part of the established NG interface TNLA based on the service area location of the onboard network device, and locally saves the context of the NG interface connection, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerating the establishment of the signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitating the management of the NG interface connection.

[0206] Figure 5 This is a second flowchart illustrating the method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application embodiment; as follows: Figure 5 As shown, this application provides a method for managing NG interface connections, applied to AMF, including:

[0207] Step 501: Receive a first request sent by the onboard network device; wherein the first request is used to indicate the suspension of all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface.

[0208] Step 502: Within a preset time threshold, save the context of the established NG interface connection between the onboard network device and the AMF.

[0209] Specifically, the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) is a corresponding AMF entity. When the service area determined by the satellite network device based on the beam overlaps with the service area of ​​the ground-based AMF and an NG interface connection has been established, and the satellite network device no longer serves the service area of ​​the AMF, that is, when the coverage area corresponding to the beam of the satellite network device and the service area of ​​the AMF with the established NG interface connection do not overlap, the satellite network device needs to switch / migrate the users it serves to other satellite network devices that can provide services. It can do so by sending a first request to the AMF. The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface.

[0210] After receiving the first request, both the onboard network device and the AMF save the context for establishing the NG interface connection between them. The AMF can save the NG interface connection context locally or in an entity with storage capabilities connected to the AMF, such as a DSF (Data Storage Function).

[0211] Furthermore, the AMF saves the context of the NG interface connection within a preset time threshold. If the preset time threshold is exceeded, the stored NG interface connection context is released, improving storage space utilization. This preset time threshold applies to the pair of onboard network devices and AMF nodes; the AMF releasing the stored NG interface connection context also refers to the NG interface connection context between the onboard network device and the AMF.

[0212] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, determines whether to suspend the use of all or part of the established NG interface TNLA based on the service area location of the onboard network device, and locally saves the context of the NG interface connection, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerating the establishment of the signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitating the management of the NG interface connection.

[0213] Optionally, all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface to be suspended is determined by the indication information carried in the first request, or by the onboard network equipment and the AMF when the NG interface is established.

[0214] Specifically, the first request received by the AMF may carry indication information to specify the suspension of all or part of the TNLAs for the NG interface; alternatively, the first request may not carry this indication information, but rather the information has already been determined when the NG interface connection is established between the onboard network equipment and the AMF. The first request informs the AMF, which has already established the NG interface connection, to suspend the use of all or part of the previously determined NG interface TNLAs.

[0215] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, determines whether to suspend the use of all or part of the established NG interface TNLA based on the service area location of the onboard network device, and locally saves the context of the NG interface connection, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerating the establishment of the signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitating the management of the NG interface connection.

[0216] Optionally, before receiving the first request sent by the onboard network device, the method further includes:

[0217] Receive the NG interface establishment request sent by the onboard network device, and the NG interface establishment request carries first indication information;

[0218] Send a response message for the NG interface establishment request to the onboard network device;

[0219] Based on the response message of the NG interface establishment request, when it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, the suspension applies to all TNLAs or only some TNLAs of the NG interface;

[0220] The first indication information is used to instruct the AMF to suspend the use of all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface between the onboard network device and the AMF when the onboard network device no longer serves the service area of ​​the AMF;

[0221] The response message to the NG interface establishment request is used to indicate whether the AMF accepts the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0222] Specifically, before suspending the use of some or all TNLAs between AMFs with established NG interface connections, the onboard network equipment can suspend the use of all or some TNLAs using the NG interface when it is determined that the onboard network equipment no longer serves the service area of ​​the AMF after establishing an NG interface connection between the onboard network equipment and the AMF.

[0223] After the spaceborne network equipment starts up, it determines the PLMN to be served based on the coverage area determined by each of its beams. Then, based on the PLMN information, it determines the AMF that needs to establish an NG interface connection. At this time, there may be multiple AMFs that need to establish an NG interface connection. That is, multiple AMFs may receive NG interface establishment requests from the same spaceborne network equipment. There may be overlap between the service area determined by the spaceborne network equipment based on the beams and the service area of ​​the AMF establishing the NG interface connection, and there may be multiple overlapping areas.

[0224] The AMF receives an NG interface establishment request sent by the onboard network device, and the NG interface establishment request carries first indication information. The first indication information is used to notify the AMF to suspend the use of all or part of the TNLAs of the NG interface already established between the AMF and the onboard network device when the onboard network device no longer serves the AMF's service area.

[0225] The first indication information can be implemented using one or more bits. For example, the first indication information is 1 bit, which can be set to 0 or 1. When it is 0, it means that all TNLAs are suspended. When it is 1, it means that the TNLA used for interface signaling (non-UE signaling) transmission is suspended. Specifically, the corresponding TNLA can be set to invalid to avoid using the TNLA for NGAP signaling transmission.

[0226] Subsequently, after receiving the NG interface establishment request, the corresponding AMF sends a response message to the onboard network device to determine whether it supports suspending all or part of the TNLAs of the NG interface between the onboard network device and the AMF when the onboard network device no longer serves the AMF's service area.

[0227] The AMF may determine whether it supports the relevant parameters in the NG interface establishment request based on its own load and other factors, or based on the access priority and QoE requirements related to TNLA carried in the NG interface establishment request. After determining whether it supports the relevant parameters in the NG interface establishment request, the AMF may decide whether to suspend the use of all or part of the TNLAs of the NG interface between the onboard network equipment and the AMF.

[0228] If the AMF itself is heavily loaded, the response message for the request established through the NG interface will send a message indicating whether it does not support suspending all or part of the TNLAs on the NG interface between the onboard network device and the AMF when the onboard network device no longer serves the AMF's service area. Otherwise, a response message indicating support will be sent.

[0229] If the AMF itself cannot meet the access priority or QoE requirements related to suspending the TNLA carried in the NG interface establishment request, then it sends a message indicating that it does not support suspending all or part of the TNLAs using the NG interface between the onboard network device and the AMF when the onboard network device no longer serves the AMF's service area. Otherwise, it sends a support response message.

[0230] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, determines whether to suspend the use of all or part of the established NG interface TNLA based on the service area location of the onboard network device, and locally saves the context of the NG interface connection, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerating the establishment of the signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitating the management of the NG interface connection.

[0231] Optionally, all TNLAs include TNLAs for user data transmission and TNLAs for interface signaling transmission; the partial TNLAs are TNLAs for interface signaling transmission.

[0232] Specifically, after the NG interface connection is established between the spaceborne network device and the AMF, an SCTP association carrying NGAP signaling messages and a TNLA association are established simultaneously. That is, each node pair consisting of the spaceborne network device and the AMF must support at least one SCTP association and a TNLA association configuration. The SCTP is located at the transport layer and the TNLA is located at the network layer.

[0233] The TNLA can be used for both user data transmission and interface signaling transmission. All TNLAs include those for user data transmission and those for interface signaling transmission. That is, if all TNLAs are suspended, the TNLA for the NG interface between the onboard network equipment and the AMF will no longer be used for transmitting user data and interface signaling. The partial TNLAs are those used for interface signaling transmission; that is, if partial TNLAs are suspended, the TNLA for the NG interface between the onboard network equipment and the AMF will no longer be used for transmitting interface signaling, but can be used for transmitting user data.

[0234] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, determines whether to suspend the use of all or part of the established NG interface TNLA based on the service area location of the onboard network device, and locally saves the context of the NG interface connection, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerating the establishment of the signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitating the management of the NG interface connection.

[0235] Optionally, the preset time threshold is based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network device is located to determine the time when the onboard network device can resume serving the service area of ​​the AMF.

[0236] Specifically, the onboard network device moves according to the movement of the satellite it is on. When the service area determined by the beam of the onboard network device does not overlap with the service area of ​​the AMF that has established an NG interface connection, the device sends a first request to the AMF. After receiving the first request, the AMF sends a corresponding response message. At the same time, the onboard network device and the AMF immediately suspend the use of all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface, and both the onboard network device and the AMF save the context of the corresponding NG interface connection.

[0237] The AMF stores the context of the NG interface connection for a limited time. This timeframe is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite hosting the onboard network device, specifying the time it takes for the onboard network device to resume service within the AMF's service area. In other words, it's the time it takes for the onboard network device to complete one orbit around the Earth before it can again serve the AMF's service area.

[0238] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, determines whether to suspend the use of all or part of the established NG interface TNLA based on the service area location of the onboard network device, and locally saves the context of the NG interface connection, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerating the establishment of the signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitating the management of the NG interface connection.

[0239] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0240] Receive the second request sent by the onboard network device;

[0241] A second response message is sent to the onboard network device, the second response message indicating whether all or part of the TNLA has been successfully restored;

[0242] The second request is used to restore all or part of the previously suspended TNLA.

[0243] Specifically, the onboard network equipment moves with the satellite it is on and has a periodicity. An AMF that has previously established an NG interface connection with the onboard network equipment may re-enter the service area of ​​the onboard network equipment. At this time, the onboard network equipment sends a second request to the AMF to restore all or part of the previously suspended TNLA.

[0244] For example, if the onboard network device and the AMF previously determined to suspend all TNLAs using the NG interface between the onboard network device and the AMF through the first request, then after sending the first request, both the onboard network device and the AMF will save the context of the corresponding NG interface connection. When the onboard network device can serve the AMF again, it will restore all previously suspended TNLAs by sending a second request.

[0245] Similarly, if the onboard network device and the AMF determine, through the first request, to suspend the use of a portion of the TNLA using the NG interface between the onboard network device and the AMF, then after sending the first request, both the onboard network device and the AMF save the context of the corresponding NG interface connection. When the onboard network device can serve the AMF again, it restores the previously suspended portion of the TNLA by sending a second request.

[0246] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, determines whether to suspend the use of all or part of the established NG interface TNLA based on the service area location of the onboard network device, and locally saves the context of the NG interface connection, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerating the establishment of the signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitating the management of the NG interface connection.

[0247] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0248] If it is determined that all TNLAs that were suspended between the onboard network equipment and the AMF have been successfully restored;

[0249] Then a first NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device, the first NGAP message being used to add the TNLA; or

[0250] A second NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device, which is used to notify the onboard network device to update the configuration parameters of the NG interface.

[0251] Specifically, all TNLAs of the NG interface between the onboard network equipment and the AMF were successfully restored, meaning that the TNLAs of the NG interface between the onboard network equipment and the AMF can be used to transmit interface signaling and user data.

[0252] If the AMF determines that a new TNLA needs to be added, it sends an NGAP message to add the TNLA. Subsequently, the AMF and the onboard network equipment can also exchange interface signaling and user data.

[0253] Based on the saved context of the NG interface connection, if the AMF finds that the information in the context needs to be updated, it can also send an NGAP message to notify the onboard network equipment to update the configuration of the NG interface, such as updating the served GUAMI or backupAMF.

[0254] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application embodiment, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, can flexibly realize the suspension or resumption of TNLA of the NG interface through NG interface signaling interaction, reduce the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerate the establishment of signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitate the management of NG interface connections.

[0255] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0256] If it is determined that the portion of TNLA that was temporarily suspended between the onboard network equipment and the AMF has been successfully restored;

[0257] Then a third NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device. The third NGAP message is used to create a new user data TNLA corresponding to the partial TNLA. The third NGAP message is sent through the restored partial TNLA.

[0258] Specifically, the partial TNLA of the NG interface between the spaceborne network equipment and the AMF was successfully restored, meaning that the TNLA of the NG interface between the spaceborne network equipment and the AMF can be used to transmit interface signaling.

[0259] The AMF can send an NGAP message through the recovered TNLA of the transport interface signaling to create a new TNLA for transmitting user data corresponding to the TNLA of the transport interface signaling. Subsequently, the AMF and the onboard network equipment can also exchange user data.

[0260] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application embodiment, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, can flexibly realize the suspension or resumption of TNLA of the NG interface through NG interface signaling interaction, reduce the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerate the establishment of signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitate the management of NG interface connections.

[0261] Optionally, the suspension of all or part of the TNLA means stopping the use of the TNLA transmission interface signaling or user data for a specified period; the specified period is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network equipment is located.

[0262] Specifically, when an onboard network device suspends the use of all or part of its TNLA (Transmission Management Interface) for a certain period, it means that the TNLA will not be used for transmitting user data and / or interface signaling. In this case, the TNLA for the NG (Next Generation Interface) between the onboard network device and the AMF (Aircraft Functions Frame) may still exist, even if it is not used for the period, or the TNLA for the NG interface between the onboard network device and the AMF may not exist. At the end of the certain period, the corresponding TNLA will be restored based on the locally stored context of the NG interface connection. This certain period is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network device is located; it can be understood as the onboard network device returning to the position where it establishes an NG interface connection with the AMF after orbiting the Earth once.

[0263] If the suspension uses all TNLAs, then the TNLA will not be used for transmitting user data and interface signaling for a certain period of time.

[0264] If a partial TNLA is used for the pause, then that TNLA will not be used for transmission interface signaling for a certain period of time.

[0265] The specified period is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite on which the onboard network equipment is located.

[0266] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, determines whether to suspend the use of all or part of the established NG interface TNLA based on the service area location of the onboard network device, and locally saves the context of the NG interface connection, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerating the establishment of the signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitating the management of the NG interface connection.

[0267] Optionally, all or some of the TNLAs may have their lifespan controlled by a timer configured thereon, the period of which is slightly longer than the specified period.

[0268] Specifically, all or some of the TNLAs are equipped with timers that control the TNLA's lifespan. If the timer expires, the SCTP protocol's own heartbeat timeout mechanism shuts down the SCTP, and the corresponding TNLA will also be shut down. Therefore, the timer period for the aforementioned TNLA is set to be slightly longer than the TNLA's suspension period. This is to prevent the TNLA connection from being closed before the suspension period is reached, thus preventing the TNLA from being restored via a second request. Instead, a request is established through the NG interface to rebuild the NG interface between the onboard network equipment and the AMF, thereby rebuilding the TNLA via the NG interface.

[0269] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application, when the data plane and user plane of the onboard network device are both located on the satellite, determines whether to suspend the use of all or part of the established NG interface TNLA based on the service area location of the onboard network device, and locally saves the context of the NG interface connection, thereby reducing the signaling overhead of the NG interface, accelerating the establishment of the signaling connection of the NG interface, and facilitating the management of the NG interface connection.

[0270] The method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application will be illustrated below with specific embodiments. A satellite-borne network device is a network device located on a satellite. A satellite-borne network device may include one or more of a satellite-borne base station, a satellite-borne power supply device, a satellite-borne routing device, and a satellite-borne switching device. The following description primarily uses a satellite-borne base station (gNB) as an example, but it does not limit the scope of the satellite-borne network device described in this application.

[0271] Figure 6 This is one of the schematic diagrams illustrating an implementation of the method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the specific steps for the initial establishment of the NG interface between the onboard gNB and AMF are as follows:

[0272] 1. After the onboard gNB starts up, it determines which AMFs it should establish NG interfaces with based on the service area corresponding to its beam. Specifically, it determines the PLMN to be served based on its service area, and then determines the AMFs (which can be multiple) to establish NG interfaces with based on the PLMN information. The onboard gNB initiates the NG Setup procedure, carrying an instruction in the request. This instruction is used to notify the AMF to suspend the use of all or part of the onboard gNB's TNLA when the onboard gNB leaves the AMF's service area. For example, this instruction can be set to 0 and 1, where 0 means suspending the use of all TNLAs and 1 means suspending the use of TNLAs used for interface signaling (non-UE signaling) transmission. The so-called "suspending the use of all or part of the TNLA" here means invalidating the TNLA to avoid using it for NGAP signaling transmission, and extending the heartbeat interval on the TNLA to a specified period (which can be calculated based on ephemeris information), such as 2 hours or 4 hours, to prevent the SCTP protocol from closing the SCTP connection (i.e., TNLA) due to its own heartbeat timeout mechanism.

[0273] 2. When responding to the NG Setup procedure, the AMF may confirm with the onboard gNB whether it supports suspending all or part of the TNLA of the onboard gNB after the onboard gNB leaves (using the TNLA used for transmission interface signaling).

[0274] 3. When an onboard gNB leaves the current AMF1 service area, after switching / migrating the serviced users to other gNBs, it can send a leaving notification to AMF1. AMF1 will determine whether to accept the notification based on its own capabilities or load conditions. If it accepts the notification, it will promptly suspend the TNLA of the onboard gNB.

[0275] A spaceborne gNB can determine whether it leaves the service area of ​​an AMF based on the following criteria:

[0276] 3.1 The onboard gNB determines whether it has left the AMF's service range based on the beam coverage area (e.g., the beam coverage area no longer overlaps with the configured current AMF service range or the current PLMN range).

[0277] 3.2 The onboard gNB determines whether it is no longer serving the service area of ​​the current AMF based on the preset constellation position. When the onboard gNB is located in a designated orbit, it is considered that the onboard gNB can serve the service area of ​​the AMF (at this time, the beam coverage area can be adjusted by scheduling the beam pointing of the onboard gNB).

[0278] 3.3 The onboard gNB receives instructions from the satellite operation and control system or network management system to determine whether to no longer serve the current AMF's service area.

[0279] 4. The onboard gNB and AMF promptly suspend the use of TNLA, ceasing signaling interaction via the NG interface. After TNLA is suspended, the NG interface connection context is retained on both the onboard gNB and AMF. The AMF may save the context locally or in the DSF (data storage function). Based on the ephemeris information of the satellite hosting the gNB, the AMF determines the next reconnection time for the gNB and sets the context's lifecycle accordingly, starting a timer. The stored context is released after the timer expires. The specific content of the NG interface connection context differs between the onboard gNB and AMF sides.

[0280] The context of the NG interface connection on the spaceborne gNB side can include:

[0281] Global RAN Node ID RAN Node Name AMF Name Served GUAMI List >Served GUAMI Item >>GUAMI >>Backup AMF Name >>GUAMI Type PLMN Support List PLMN Support Item >>PLMN Identity >>Slice Support List >>Extended Slice Support List TNL Associations gNB TNL Association Address AMF TNL Association Address TNL Association Usage TNL Address Weight Factor

[0282] The context of the NG interface connection on the AMF side can include:

[0283]

[0284]

[0285] 5. After the onboard gNB enters the new AMF2 service area, it initiates the NG Setup procedure to AMF2.

[0286] The spaceborne gNB can determine the service range of a new AMF based on the following criteria:

[0287] 5.1 The onboard gNB determines the new AMF service area based on the beam coverage area (e.g., the beam coverage enters the configured AMF service area or PLMN area).

[0288] 5.2 The onboard gNB determines the service area of ​​a certain AMF based on the preset constellation position. When the onboard gNB is located in the specified orbit, it is considered that the onboard gNB can serve the service area of ​​the AMF (at this time, the beam coverage area can be adjusted by scheduling the beam pointing of the onboard gNB).

[0289] 5.3 The onboard gNB receives instructions from the satellite operation and control system or network management system to determine the service area of ​​a certain AMF.

[0290] Figure 7 This is a second schematic diagram illustrating the implementation of the method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application embodiment, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, the specific steps for the onboard gNB and AMF to restore all or part of the TNLA interface include:

[0291] 1. Due to the relocation of the onboard gNB, it may re-enter the service range of AMF1. If there is a suspended TNLA between the onboard gNB and AMF1, the onboard gNB can initiate a process to restore the NG interface association, for example, by sending an NG Resume request:

[0292] IE / Group Name Presence Description Message Type M Global RAN Node ID M RAN Node Name O AMF Name M

[0293] 2. The AMF stores the NG interface connection context based on the RAN node ID and AMF name index, and then restores all or part of the TNLA based on the NG interface connection context. The AMF sends back an acknowledgment message, which may carry the Relative AMFCapacity. Subsequent user signaling interactions can then occur between the onboard gNB and the AMF.

[0294] Figure 8 This is the third schematic diagram illustrating an implementation of the method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application. For example... Figure 8 As shown, when the onboard gNB and AMF restore the TNLA of the NG interface, the specific steps are as follows:

[0295] 1. When the onboard gNB and AMF1 establish an association, if there are some or all TNLAs that are temporarily suspended between the onboard gNB and AMF1, the onboard gNB can initiate a recovery request to restore the association of the NG interface.

[0296] 2. The AMF restores all or part of the suspended TNLAs. If it is determined that a new TNLA needs to be added, the new TNLA is added by sending an NGAP message (e.g., AMF CONFIGURATIONUPDATE) through the TNLAs available for transmitting interface signaling among the restored TNLAs. Subsequent user signaling interaction can then occur between the onboard gNB and the AMF.

[0297] 3. If the AMF finds that the information in the context of the saved NG interface connection needs to be updated, it can also send an NGAP message (e.g., AMF CONFIGURATION UPDATE) through all or part of the restored TNLAs that can be used to transmit interface signaling to notify the onboard gNB to update the configuration of the NG interface, such as updating the servedGUAMI or backup AMF.

[0298] Figure 9 This is the fourth schematic diagram illustrating an implementation of the method for managing NG interface connections provided in this application. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the onboard gNB and AMF failed to restore the TNLA of the NG interface. The specific steps are as follows:

[0299] 1. Due to the relocation of the onboard gNB, it may re-enter the service range of AMF1. If there is a suspended TNLA between the onboard gNB and AMF1, the onboard gNB can initiate a recovery request to restore the association of the NG interface.

[0300] 2. If the AMF cannot find the context of the NG interface connection, the NG Resume process will fail, and the AMF will report that all or part of the TNLA recovery has failed.

[0301] 3. After receiving the failure response from the AMF, the onboard gNB initiates a normal NG Setup process to rebuild the association of the NG interface.

[0302] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the physical structure of the spaceborne network device provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the terminal includes a memory 1020, a transceiver 1010, and a processor 1000; wherein the processor 1000 and the memory 1020 can also be physically arranged separately.

[0303] The memory 1020 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1010 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1000.

[0304] Specifically, the transceiver 1010 is used to receive and send data under the control of the processor 1000.

[0305] Among them, Figure 10 In this application, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1000 and memory represented by memory 1020 together. The bus architecture can also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1010 can be multiple elements, including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical fibers, and other transmission media.

[0306] The processor 1000 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, while the memory 1020 can store the data used by the processor 1000 when performing operations.

[0307] The processor 1000 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0308] The processor 1000 executes any of the methods described in the embodiments of this application according to the obtained executable instructions by calling the computer program stored in the memory 1020. For example:

[0309] If it is determined that the service area of ​​an AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, a first request is sent to the AMF.

[0310] Save the context of the established NG interface connection between the onboard network device and the AMF;

[0311] The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0312] Optionally, all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface to be suspended is determined by the indication information carried in the first request, or by the onboard network equipment and the AMF when the NG interface is established.

[0313] Optionally, before sending the first request to the AMF if it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, the method further includes:

[0314] Send an NG interface establishment request to the AMF within the service area of ​​the onboard network device, and the NG interface establishment request carries first indication information;

[0315] Receive the response message of the NG interface establishment request sent by the AMF;

[0316] Based on the response message of the NG interface establishment request, when it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, the suspension applies to all TNLAs or only some TNLAs of the NG interface;

[0317] The first indication information is used to instruct the AMF to suspend the use of all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface when the onboard network equipment no longer serves the AMF's service area;

[0318] The response message to the NG interface establishment request is used to indicate whether the AMF accepts the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0319] Optionally, all TNLAs include TNLAs for user data transmission and TNLAs for interface signaling transmission; the partial TNLAs are TNLAs for interface signaling transmission.

[0320] Optionally, determining whether to no longer serve the service area of ​​the AMF that has established an NG interface connection includes one or more of the following methods:

[0321] The beam coverage area of ​​the satellite network equipment does not overlap with the service area of ​​the AMF.

[0322] The location of the onboard network equipment, determined by the motion trajectory of the non-synchronous satellite, is outside the service area of ​​the AMF.

[0323] The satellite control system or network management system receives instructions that the onboard network equipment cease serving the AMF.

[0324] Optionally, the steps further include:

[0325] If the onboard network equipment can resume serving the service area of ​​the AMF, then a second request is sent to the AMF;

[0326] The second request is used to restore all or part of the previously suspended TNLA.

[0327] Optionally, the second request may include at least: message type, global radio access network node identifier, and AMF identifier.

[0328] Optionally, suspending the use of all or part of the TNLA means stopping the use of the TNLA transmission interface signaling and / or user data for a specified period; the specified period is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network equipment is located.

[0329] Optionally, all or some of the TNLAs may have their lifespan controlled by a timer configured thereon, the period of which is slightly longer than the specified period.

[0330] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the physical structure of the AMF device provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the network-side device includes a memory 1120, a transceiver 1110, and a processor 1100; wherein the processor 1100 and the memory 1120 can also be physically arranged separately.

[0331] The memory 1120 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1110 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1100.

[0332] Specifically, transceiver 1110 is used to receive and send data under the control of processor 1100.

[0333] Among them, Figure 11 In this application, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1100 and memory represented by memory 1120 together. The bus architecture may also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1110 may be multiple elements, including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical fibers, and other transmission media.

[0334] The processor 1100 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1120 can store the data used by the processor 1100 when performing operations.

[0335] The processor 1100 can be a CPU, ASIC, FPGA or CPLD, and the processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0336] The processor 1100 executes any of the methods described in the embodiments of this application according to the obtained executable instructions by calling the computer program stored in the memory 1120, for example:

[0337] Receive the first request sent by the onboard network equipment;

[0338] Within a preset time threshold, the context of the established NG interface connection between the onboard network device and the AMF is saved;

[0339] The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0340] Optionally, all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface to be suspended is determined by the indication information carried in the first request, or by the onboard network equipment and the AMF when the NG interface is established.

[0341] Optionally, before receiving the first request sent by the onboard network device, the method further includes:

[0342] Receive the NG interface establishment request sent by the onboard network device, and the NG interface establishment request carries first indication information;

[0343] Send a response message for the NG interface establishment request to the onboard network device;

[0344] Based on the response message of the NG interface establishment request, when it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, the suspension applies to all TNLAs or only some TNLAs of the NG interface;

[0345] The first indication information is used to instruct the AMF to suspend the use of all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface between the onboard network device and the AMF when the onboard network device no longer serves the service area of ​​the AMF;

[0346] The response message to the NG interface establishment request is used to indicate whether the AMF accepts the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0347] Optionally, all TNLAs include TNLAs for user data transmission and TNLAs for interface signaling transmission; the partial TNLAs are TNLAs for interface signaling transmission.

[0348] Optionally, the preset time threshold is based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network device is located to determine the time when the onboard network device can resume serving the service area of ​​the AMF.

[0349] Optionally, the steps further include:

[0350] Receive the second request sent by the onboard network device;

[0351] A second response message is sent to the onboard network device, the second response message indicating whether all or part of the TNLA has been successfully restored;

[0352] The second request is used to restore all or part of the previously suspended TNLA.

[0353] Optionally, the steps further include:

[0354] If it is determined that all TNLAs that were suspended between the onboard network equipment and the AMF have been successfully restored;

[0355] Then a first NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device, the first NGAP message being used to add the TNLA; or

[0356] A second NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device, which is used to notify the onboard network device to update the configuration parameters of the NG interface.

[0357] Optionally, the steps further include:

[0358] If it is determined that the portion of TNLA that was temporarily suspended between the onboard network equipment and the AMF has been successfully restored;

[0359] Then a third NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device. The third NGAP message is used to create a new user signaling TNLA corresponding to the partial TNLA. The third NGAP message is sent through the restored partial TNLA.

[0360] Optionally, the suspension of all or part of the TNLA means stopping the use of the TNLA transmission interface signaling or user data for a specified period; the specified period is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network equipment is located.

[0361] Optionally, all or some of the TNLAs may have their lifespan controlled by a timer configured thereon, the period of which is slightly longer than the specified period.

[0362] It should be noted that the spaceborne network equipment and AMF equipment provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Therefore, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail here.

[0363] Figure 12 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the device for managing NG interface connections provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the device includes:

[0364] The first sending module 1201 is used to send a first request to the AMF if it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served;

[0365] The first storage module 1202 is used to store the context of the established NG interface connection between the spaceborne network device and the AMF;

[0366] The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0367] Optionally, all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface to be suspended is determined by the indication information carried in the first request, or by the onboard network equipment and the AMF when the NG interface is established.

[0368] Optionally, in a further description of the above apparatus, before the first sending module 1201 sends the first request to the AMF if it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, it is further configured to:

[0369] Send an NG interface establishment request to the AMF within the service area of ​​the onboard network device, and the NG interface establishment request carries first indication information;

[0370] Receive the response message of the NG interface establishment request sent by the AMF;

[0371] Based on the response message of the NG interface establishment request, when it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, the suspension applies to all TNLAs or only some TNLAs of the NG interface;

[0372] The first indication information is used to instruct the AMF to suspend the use of all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface when the onboard network equipment no longer serves the AMF's service area.

[0373] Optionally, all TNLAs include TNLAs for user data transmission and TNLAs for interface signaling transmission; the partial TNLAs are TNLAs for interface signaling transmission.

[0374] Optionally, determining whether to no longer serve the service area of ​​the AMF that has established an NG interface connection includes one or more of the following methods:

[0375] The beam coverage area of ​​the satellite network equipment does not overlap with the service area of ​​the AMF.

[0376] The location of the onboard network equipment, determined by the motion trajectory of the non-synchronous satellite, is outside the service area of ​​the AMF.

[0377] The satellite control system or network management system receives instructions that the onboard network equipment cease serving the AMF.

[0378] Optionally, the first sending module 1201 is further configured to:

[0379] If the onboard network equipment can resume serving the service area of ​​the AMF, then a second request is sent to the AMF;

[0380] The second request is used to restore all or part of the previously suspended TNLA.

[0381] Optionally, the second request may include at least: message type, global radio access network node identifier, and AMF identifier.

[0382] Optionally, suspending the use of all or part of the TNLA means stopping the use of the TNLA transmission interface signaling and / or user data for a specified period; the specified period is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network equipment is located.

[0383] Optionally, all or some of the TNLAs may have their lifespan controlled by a timer configured thereon, the period of which is slightly longer than the specified period.

[0384] Figure 13 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the device for managing NG interface connections provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 13 As shown, the device includes:

[0385] The second receiving module 1301 is used to receive the first request sent by the spaceborne network device;

[0386] The second storage module 1302 is used to store the context of the established NG interface connection between the spaceborne network device and the AMF within a preset time threshold.

[0387] The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0388] Optionally, all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface to be suspended is determined by the indication information carried in the first request, or by the onboard network equipment and the AMF when the NG interface is established.

[0389] Optionally, before the second receiving module 1302 receives the first request sent by the spaceborne network device, it is further configured to receive an NG interface establishment request sent by the spaceborne network device, and the NG interface establishment request carries first indication information.

[0390] The first indication information is used to instruct the AMF to suspend the use of all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface between the onboard network device and the AMF when the onboard network device no longer serves the service area of ​​the AMF.

[0391] The device further includes a second sending module 1303 for sending a response message of the NG interface establishment request to the onboard network device; the response message of the NG interface establishment request is used to indicate whether the AMF accepts the suspension of all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface;

[0392] The second receiving module 1302 is further configured to determine, based on the response message of the NG interface establishment request, whether to pause all TNLAs or only some TNLAs of the NG interface when no longer serving the service area of ​​the AMF with the established NG interface connection.

[0393] Optionally, all TNLAs include TNLAs for user data transmission and TNLAs for interface signaling transmission; the partial TNLAs are TNLAs for interface signaling transmission.

[0394] Optionally, the preset time threshold is based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network device is located to determine the time when the onboard network device can resume serving the service area of ​​the AMF.

[0395] Optionally, the second receiving module 1302 is further configured to:

[0396] Receive a second request sent by the onboard network device; wherein the second request is for restoring all or part of the previously suspended TNLA.

[0397] The second sending module 1303 is further configured to send a second response message to the onboard network device, the second response message being used to indicate whether all or part of the TNLA has been successfully restored;

[0398] Optionally, the second transmitting module 1303 is further configured to:

[0399] If it is determined that all TNLAs that were suspended between the onboard network equipment and the AMF have been successfully restored;

[0400] Then a first NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device, the first NGAP message being used to add the TNLA; or

[0401] A second NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device, which is used to notify the onboard network device to update the configuration parameters of the NG interface.

[0402] Optionally, the second transmitting module 1303 is further configured to:

[0403] If it is determined that the portion of TNLA that was temporarily suspended between the onboard network equipment and the AMF has been successfully restored;

[0404] Then a third NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device. The third NGAP message is used to create a new user signaling TNLA corresponding to the partial TNLA. The third NGAP message is sent through the restored partial TNLA.

[0405] Optionally, the suspension of all or part of the TNLA means stopping the use of the TNLA transmission interface signaling or user data for a specified period; the specified period is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network equipment is located.

[0406] Optionally, all or some of the TNLAs may have their lifespan controlled by a timer configured thereon, the period of which is slightly longer than the specified period.

[0407] It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated units described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional units.

[0408] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0409] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0410] On the other hand, embodiments of this application also provide a processor-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing the processor to execute the method for managing NG interface connections provided in the above embodiments, including:

[0411] If it is determined that the service area of ​​an AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, a first request is sent to the AMF.

[0412] Save the context of the established NG interface connection between the onboard network device and the AMF;

[0413] The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0414] On the other hand, embodiments of this application also provide a processor-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing the processor to execute the method for managing NG interface connections provided in the above embodiments, including:

[0415] Receive the first request sent by the onboard network equipment;

[0416] Within a preset time threshold, the context of the established NG interface connection between the onboard network device and the AMF is saved;

[0417] The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

[0418] The processor-readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device that the processor can access, including but not limited to magnetic memory (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, magneto-optical disk (MO)), optical memory (e.g., CD, DVD, BD, HVD), and semiconductor memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, non-volatile memory (NAND FLASH), solid-state drive (SSD)).

[0419] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various systems, especially 5G systems. For example, applicable systems include Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and 5G New Radio (NR). All of these systems include terminal equipment and network equipment. The systems may also include a core network component, such as Evolved Packet System (EPS) and 5G system (5GS).

[0420] The network-side equipment involved in this application embodiment can be a base station, which may include multiple cells providing services to terminals. Depending on the specific application, a base station may also be called an access point, or a device in the access network that communicates with wireless terminal devices through one or more sectors on the air interface, or other names. The network device can be used to exchange received air frames with Internet Protocol (IP) packets, acting as a router between the wireless terminal device and the rest of the access network, where the rest of the access network may include an Internet Protocol (IP) communication network. The network device can also coordinate the attribute management of the air interface. For example, the network equipment involved in the embodiments of this application can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), a NodeB in a Wide-band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, an evolved Node B (eNB or e-NodeB) in a long term evolution (LTE) system, a 5G base station (gNB) in a next generation system, a Home evolved Node B (HeNB), a relay node, a femto, a pico, etc., and is not limited in the embodiments of this application. In some network structures, the network equipment may include centralized unit (CU) nodes and distributed unit (DU) nodes, and the centralized unit and distributed unit may be geographically separated.

[0421] The terminal involved in the embodiments of this application can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. The name of the terminal may differ in different systems; for example, in a 5G system, the terminal can be called a user terminal or user equipment (UE). Wireless terminal devices can communicate with one or more core networks (CNs) via a radio access network (RAN). Wireless terminal devices can be mobile terminal devices, such as mobile phones (or "cellular" phones) and computers with mobile terminal devices, for example, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices that exchange voice and / or data with the radio access network. Examples include Personal Communication Service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Wireless terminal equipment can also be referred to as a system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, access point, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, or user device, but is not limited to these terms in the embodiments of this application.

[0422] Network devices and terminals can each use one or more antennas for Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) transmission. MIMO transmission can be Single-User MIMO (SU-MIMO) or Multiple-User MIMO (MU-MIMO). Depending on the configuration and number of antenna combinations, MIMO transmission can be 2D-MIMO, 3D-MIMO, FD-MIMO, or massive-MIMO, and can also be diversity transmission, precoding transmission, or beamforming transmission, etc.

[0423] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage and optical storage) containing computer-usable program code.

[0424] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0425] These processor-executable instructions may also be stored in a processor-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0426] These processors can execute instructions that can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device, causing a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable device for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0427] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for managing NG interface connections, characterized in that, Applications in spaceborne network equipment include: If it is determined that the service area of ​​an AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, a first request is sent to the AMF. Save the context of the established NG interface connection between the onboard network device and the AMF; The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface; The method further includes: If the onboard network equipment can resume serving the service area of ​​the AMF, then a second request is sent to the AMF; The second request is used to restore all or part of the previously suspended TNLA.

2. The method for managing NG interface connections according to claim 1, characterized in that, The TNLA of all or part of the NG interface to be suspended is determined by the indication information carried in the first request, or by the onboard network equipment and the AMF when the NG interface is established.

3. The method for managing NG interface connections according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before sending the first request to the AMF if it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, the method further includes: Send an NG interface establishment request to the AMF within the service area of ​​the onboard network device, and the NG interface establishment request carries first indication information; Receive the response message of the NG interface establishment request sent by the AMF; Based on the response message of the NG interface establishment request, when it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, the suspension applies to all TNLAs or only some TNLAs of the NG interface; The first indication information is used to instruct the AMF to suspend the use of all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface when the onboard network equipment no longer serves the AMF's service area; The response message to the NG interface establishment request is used to indicate whether the AMF accepts the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

4. The method for managing NG interface connections according to claim 1, characterized in that, All TNLAs include TNLAs for user data transmission and TNLAs for interface signaling transmission; the partial TNLAs are TNLAs for interface signaling transmission.

5. The method for managing NG interface connections according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination to no longer serve the service area of ​​the AMF that has established an NG interface connection includes one or more of the following methods: The beam coverage area of ​​the satellite network equipment does not overlap with the service area of ​​the AMF. The location of the onboard network equipment, determined by the motion trajectory of the non-synchronous satellite, is outside the service area of ​​the AMF. The satellite control system or network management system receives instructions that the onboard network equipment cease serving the AMF.

6. The method for managing NG interface connections according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second request includes at least: message type, global radio access network node identifier, and AMF identifier.

7. The method for managing NG interface connections according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The suspension of all or part of the TNLA means stopping the use of the TNLA transmission interface signaling and / or user data for a specified period; the specified period is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network equipment is located.

8. The method for managing NG interface connections according to claim 7, characterized in that, All or some of the TNLAs have their lifespan controlled by a timer configured thereon, the period of which is slightly longer than the specified period.

9. A method for managing NG interface connections, characterized in that, Applied to AMF, including: Receive the first request sent by the onboard network equipment; Within a preset time threshold, the context of the established NG interface connection between the onboard network device and the AMF is saved; The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface; The method further includes: Receive a second request sent by the onboard network device; the second request is sent when the onboard network device resumes service to the AMF's service area; A second response message is sent to the onboard network device, the second response message indicating whether all or part of the TNLA has been successfully restored; The second request is used to restore all or part of the previously suspended TNLA.

10. The method for managing NG interface connections according to claim 9, characterized in that, The TNLA of all or part of the NG interface to be suspended is determined by the indication information carried in the first request, or by the onboard network equipment and the AMF when the NG interface is established.

11. The method for managing NG interface connections according to claim 9, characterized in that, Before receiving the first request sent by the onboard network device, the method further includes: Receive the NG interface establishment request sent by the onboard network device, and the NG interface establishment request carries first indication information; Send a response message for the NG interface establishment request to the onboard network device; Based on the response message of the NG interface establishment request, when it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, the suspension applies to all TNLAs or only some TNLAs of the NG interface; The first indication information is used to instruct the AMF to suspend the use of all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface between the onboard network device and the AMF when the onboard network device no longer serves the service area of ​​the AMF; The response message to the NG interface establishment request is used to indicate whether the AMF accepts the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

12. The method for managing NG interface connections according to claim 9, characterized in that, All TNLAs include TNLAs for user data transmission and TNLAs for interface signaling transmission; the partial TNLAs are TNLAs for interface signaling transmission.

13. The method for managing NG interface connections according to claim 9, characterized in that, The preset time threshold is based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network device is located, to determine the time when the onboard network device can resume serving the service area of ​​the AMF.

14. The method for managing NG interface connections according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: If it is determined that all TNLAs that were suspended between the onboard network equipment and the AMF have been successfully restored; Then a first NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device, the first NGAP message being used to add the TNLA; or A second NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device, which is used to notify the onboard network device to update the configuration parameters of the NG interface.

15. The method for managing NG interface connections according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: If it is determined that the portion of TNLA that was temporarily suspended between the onboard network equipment and the AMF has been successfully restored; Then a third NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device. The third NGAP message is used to create a new user signaling TNLA corresponding to the partial TNLA. The third NGAP message is sent through the restored partial TNLA.

16. The method for managing NG interface connections according to any one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that, The suspension of all or part of the TNLA means stopping the use of the TNLA transmission interface signaling or user data for a specified period; the specified period is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network equipment is located.

17. The method for managing NG interface connections according to claim 16, characterized in that, All or some of the TNLAs have their lifespan controlled by a timer configured thereon, the period of which is slightly longer than the specified period.

18. A spaceborne network device, characterized in that, Includes memory, transceiver, and processor: A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; a processor for reading the computer program from the memory and performing the following steps: If it is determined that the service area of ​​an AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, a first request is sent to the AMF. Save the context of the established NG interface connection between the onboard network device and the AMF; The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface; The steps also include: If the onboard network equipment can resume serving the service area of ​​the AMF, then a second request is sent to the AMF; The second request is used to restore all or part of the previously suspended TNLA.

19. The spaceborne network equipment according to claim 18, characterized in that, The TNLA of all or part of the NG interface to be suspended is determined by the indication information carried in the first request, or by the onboard network equipment and the AMF when the NG interface is established.

20. The spaceborne network equipment according to claim 18, characterized in that, Before sending the first request to the AMF if it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, the step further includes: Send an NG interface establishment request to the AMF within the service area of ​​the onboard network device, and the NG interface establishment request carries first indication information; Receive the response message of the NG interface establishment request sent by the AMF; Based on the response message of the NG interface establishment request, when it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, the suspension applies to all TNLAs or only some TNLAs of the NG interface; The first indication information includes information for the AMF to suspend the use of all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface when the onboard network equipment no longer serves the AMF's service area; The response message to the NG interface establishment request is used to indicate whether the AMF accepts the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

21. The spaceborne network equipment according to claim 18, characterized in that, All TNLAs include TNLAs for user data transmission and TNLAs for interface signaling transmission; the partial TNLAs are TNLAs for interface signaling transmission.

22. The spaceborne network equipment according to claim 18, characterized in that, The determination to no longer serve the service area of ​​the AMF that has established an NG interface connection includes one or more of the following methods: The beam coverage area of ​​the satellite network equipment does not overlap with the service area of ​​the AMF. The location of the onboard network equipment, determined by the motion trajectory of the non-synchronous satellite, is outside the service area of ​​the AMF. The satellite control system or network management system receives instructions that the onboard network equipment cease serving the AMF.

23. The spaceborne network equipment according to claim 18, characterized in that, The second request includes at least: message type, global radio access network node identifier, and AMF identifier.

24. The spaceborne network equipment according to any one of claims 18 to 23, characterized in that, The suspension of all or part of the TNLA means stopping the use of the TNLA transmission interface signaling and / or user data for a specified period; the specified period is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network equipment is located.

25. The spaceborne network equipment according to claim 24, characterized in that, All or some of the TNLAs have their lifespan controlled by a timer configured thereon, the period of which is slightly longer than the specified period.

26. An AMF electronic device, characterized in that, Includes memory, transceiver, and processor: A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; a processor for reading the computer program from the memory and performing the following steps: Receive the first request sent by the onboard network equipment; Within a preset time threshold, the context of the established NG interface connection between the onboard network device and the AMF is saved; The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface; The steps also include: Receive a second request sent by the onboard network device; the second request is sent when the onboard network device resumes service to the AMF's service area; A second response message is sent to the onboard network device, the second response message indicating whether all or part of the TNLA has been successfully restored; The second request is used to restore all or part of the previously suspended TNLA.

27. The AMF electronic device according to claim 26, characterized in that, The TNLA of all or part of the NG interface to be suspended is determined by the indication information carried in the first request, or by the onboard network equipment and the AMF when the NG interface is established.

28. The AMF electronic device according to claim 26, characterized in that, Before receiving the first request sent by the onboard network device, the step further includes: Receive the NG interface establishment request sent by the onboard network device, and the NG interface establishment request carries first indication information; Send a response message for the NG interface establishment request to the onboard network device; Based on the response message of the NG interface establishment request, when it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served, the suspension applies to all TNLAs or only some TNLAs of the NG interface; The first indication information is used to instruct the AMF to suspend the use of all or part of the TNLA of the NG interface between the onboard network device and the AMF when the onboard network device no longer serves the service area of ​​the AMF; The response message to the NG interface establishment request is used to indicate whether the AMF accepts the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface.

29. The AMF electronic device according to claim 26, characterized in that, All TNLAs include TNLAs for user data transmission and TNLAs for interface signaling transmission; the partial TNLAs are TNLAs for interface signaling transmission.

30. The AMF electronic device according to claim 26, characterized in that, The preset time threshold is based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network device is located, to determine the time when the onboard network device can resume serving the service area of ​​the AMF.

31. The AMF electronic device according to claim 26, characterized in that, The steps also include: If it is determined that all TNLAs that were suspended between the onboard network equipment and the AMF have been successfully restored; Then a first NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device, the first NGAP message being used to add the TNLA; or A second NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device, which is used to notify the onboard network device to update the configuration parameters of the NG interface.

32. The AMF electronic device according to claim 26, characterized in that, The steps also include: If it is determined that the portion of TNLA that was temporarily suspended between the onboard network equipment and the AMF has been successfully restored; Then a third NGAP message is sent to the onboard network device. The third NGAP message is used to create a new user signaling TNLA corresponding to the partial TNLA. The third NGAP message is sent through the restored partial TNLA.

33. The AMF electronic device according to any one of claims 26 to 32, characterized in that, The suspension of all or part of the TNLA means stopping the use of the TNLA transmission interface signaling or user data for a specified period; the specified period is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the onboard network equipment is located.

34. The AMF electronic device according to claim 33, characterized in that, All or some of the TNLAs have their lifespan controlled by a timer configured thereon, the period of which is slightly longer than the specified period.

35. A device for managing NG interface connections, characterized in that, include: The first sending module is configured to send a first request to the AMF if it is determined that the service area of ​​the AMF with an established NG interface connection will no longer be served; The first storage module is used to store the context of the established NG interface connection between the spaceborne network equipment and the AMF; The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface; The first sending module is also used for: If the onboard network equipment can resume serving the service area of ​​the AMF, then a second request is sent to the AMF; The second request is used to restore all or part of the previously suspended TNLA.

36. A device for managing NG interface connections, characterized in that, include: The second receiving module is used to receive the first request sent by the onboard network device; The second storage module is used to save the context of the established NG interface connection between the onboard network device and the AMF within a preset time threshold. The first request is used to instruct the suspension of all or part of the TNLA using the NG interface; The second receiving module is also used for: Receive a second request sent by the onboard network device; the second request is sent when the onboard network device resumes service to the AMF's service area; The second sending module is also used to send a second response message to the onboard network device, the second response message being used to indicate whether all or part of the TNLA has been successfully restored; The second request is used to restore all or part of the previously suspended TNLA.

37. A processor-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The processor-readable storage medium stores a computer program that causes the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or to perform the method according to any one of claims 9 to 17.

Images