Information transmission method and apparatus, communication device, and storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an information transmission device, a device, a communication apparatus and a storage medium. A policy control function (PCF) formulates a quality of service (QoS) monitoring policy and sends it to a session management function (SMF), wherein the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with QoS monitoring of a satellite backhaul link.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of wireless communication, and particularly relates to an information transmission method and device, a communication device and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] User equipment (User Equipment) and control plane data (i.e., signaling interaction) and user plane data (i.e., service interaction data) of a mobile communication core network can use a space-based backhaul network. The space-based backhaul network can include a satellite backhaul network constructed based on a single satellite, or a satellite backhaul network based on a star chain. The satellite backhaul network based on a star chain can include multiple satellites for transmitting data. How to ensure that data transmission of the satellite backhaul network can meet service requirements is a problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0003] Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information transmission method, device, communication device and storage medium.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an information transmission method is provided, wherein the method is performed by a policy control function (PCF), and includes:

[0005] Formulating a quality of service (QoS) monitoring policy and sending the QoS monitoring policy to a session management function (SMF), wherein the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with QoS monitoring of a satellite backhaul link.

[0006] In one embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy includes at least one of the following:

[0007] A QoS parameter for indicating detection of a time delay of the satellite backhaul link.

[0008] A monitoring instruction for indicating that the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with the satellite backhaul link, and / or reporting the time delay of the satellite backhaul link.

[0009] In one embodiment, the time delay of the satellite backhaul link includes:

[0010] A time delay of at least one direction between a user plane function (UPF) and a radio access network (RAN), wherein the UPF and the RAN establish the satellite backhaul link through at least one satellite.

[0011] In an embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0012] In response to the PCF receiving the indication information that a user equipment (UE) communicates through the satellite backhaul link, the method further comprises:

[0013] In an embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0014] receiving a QoS monitoring report sent by the SMF, wherein the QoS monitoring report is used to at least indicate a latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0015] In an embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0016] determining or updating a QoS control policy and / or a charging policy according to the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0017] According to a second aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for information transmission is provided, wherein the method is performed by a session management function (SMF) and comprises:

[0018] receiving a quality of service (QoS) monitoring policy sent by a policy control function (PCF), wherein the QoS monitoring policy is associated with QoS monitoring of a satellite backhaul link.

[0019] In an embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy comprises at least one of:

[0020] a QoS parameter used to indicate detection of a latency of the satellite backhaul link;

[0021] a monitoring indication used to indicate that the QoS monitoring policy is associated with the satellite backhaul link and / or to report the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0022] In an embodiment, the latency of the satellite backhaul link comprises:

[0023] a latency of at least one direction between a user plane function (UPF) and a radio access network (RAN), wherein the UPF and the RAN establish the satellite backhaul link through at least one satellite.

[0024] In an embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy is determined and sent by the PCF in response to a user equipment (UE) communicating through the satellite backhaul link.

[0025] In an embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0026] sending the QoS monitoring policy to a UPF.

[0027] In an embodiment, the method further includes:

[0028] receiving a QoS monitoring report sent by the UPF based on the QoS monitoring policy, wherein the QoS monitoring report is used to at least indicate a latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0029] In an embodiment, the receiving the QoS monitoring report sent by the UPF based on the QoS monitoring policy includes:

[0030] receiving the QoS monitoring report sent by each of the UPFs;

[0031] The method further includes:

[0032] determining, according to the QoS monitoring report, the latency of the satellite backhaul link corresponding to each of the UPFs;

[0033] selecting, based on the latency of the satellite backhaul link corresponding to each of the UPFs, a satellite backhaul link between a UPF and a RAN.

[0034] In an embodiment, the method further includes sending the QoS monitoring report to the PCF.

[0035] According to a third aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, an information transmission method is provided, wherein the method is performed by a user plane function (UPF) and includes:

[0036] receiving a quality of service (QoS) monitoring policy sent by a session management function (SMF), wherein the QoS monitoring policy is associated with QoS monitoring of a satellite backhaul link, and wherein the QoS monitoring policy is sent to the SMF by a policy control function (PCF).

[0037] In an embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy includes:

[0038] a QoS parameter used to indicate detection of a latency of the satellite backhaul link;

[0039] a monitoring instruction used to indicate that the QoS monitoring policy is associated with the satellite backhaul link and / or to report the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0040] In an embodiment, the latency of the satellite backhaul link includes at least one of:

[0041] a latency of at least one direction between a user plane function (UPF) and an access network (RAN), wherein the UPF and the RAN establish the satellite backhaul link through at least one satellite.

[0042] In an embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy is determined by the PCF for a user equipment (UE) to communicate over the satellite backhaul link and sent to the SMF.

[0043] In an embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0044] measuring and determining a latency of the satellite backhaul link based on the QoS monitoring policy.

[0045] In an embodiment, the method further comprises at least one of:

[0046] sending a QoS monitoring report to the SMF;

[0047] sending the QoS monitoring report to a sending object indicated by the QoS monitoring policy;

[0048] wherein the QoS monitoring report is at least used to indicate the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0049] According to a fourth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, an information transmission apparatus is provided, wherein the apparatus is executed by a policy control function (PCF), and comprises:

[0050] a transceiver configured to determine a quality of service (QoS) monitoring policy and send the QoS monitoring policy to a session management function (SMF), wherein the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with QoS monitoring of a satellite backhaul link.

[0051] In an embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy comprises at least one of:

[0052] a QoS parameter used to indicate detection of a latency of the satellite backhaul link;

[0053] a monitoring instruction used to indicate that the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with the satellite backhaul link, and / or to report the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0054] In an embodiment, the latency of the satellite backhaul link comprises:

[0055] a latency of at least one direction between a user plane function (UPF) and a radio access network (RAN), wherein the UPF and the RAN establish the satellite backhaul link through at least one satellite.

[0056] In an embodiment, the transceiver is specifically configured to:

[0057] determine the QoS monitoring policy and send the QoS monitoring policy to the SMF in response to the PCF receiving indication information that a user equipment (UE) communicates over the satellite backhaul link.

[0058] In an embodiment, the transceiver module is further configured to:

[0059] receive a QoS monitoring report sent by the SMF, wherein the QoS monitoring report is at least used to indicate a latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0060] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

[0061] a processing module configured to formulate or update a QoS control policy and / or a charging policy according to the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0062] According to a fifth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, an information transmission apparatus is provided, wherein the apparatus is executed by a session management function (SMF), and comprises:

[0063] a transceiver module configured to receive a quality of service (QoS) monitoring policy sent by a policy control function (PCF), wherein the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with QoS monitoring of a satellite backhaul link.

[0064] In an embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy comprises at least one of:

[0065] a QoS parameter used to indicate detection of the latency of the satellite backhaul link;

[0066] a monitoring instruction used to indicate that the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with the satellite backhaul link, and / or to report the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0067] In an embodiment, the latency of the satellite backhaul link comprises:

[0068] a latency of at least one direction between a user plane function (UPF) and a radio access network (RAN), wherein the UPF and the RAN establish the satellite backhaul link through at least one satellite.

[0069] In an embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy is formulated and sent by the PCF based on determination that a user equipment (UE) communicates through the satellite backhaul link.

[0070] In an embodiment, the transceiver module is further configured to:

[0071] send the QoS monitoring policy to the UPF.

[0072] In an embodiment, the transceiver module is further configured to:

[0073] receive a QoS monitoring report sent by the UPF based on the QoS monitoring policy, wherein the QoS monitoring report is at least used to indicate the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0074] In an embodiment, the transceiver module is specifically configured to:

[0075] receive the QoS monitoring reports respectively sent by the plurality of UPFs;

[0076] The apparatus further comprises:

[0077] The processing module is configured to determine, according to the QoS monitoring reports, a delay of the satellite backhaul link corresponding to each UPF.

[0078] The processing module is further configured to select, based on the delay of the satellite backhaul link corresponding to each UPF, a satellite backhaul link between a UPF and a RAN.

[0079] In an embodiment, the transceiver module is further configured to send the QoS monitoring reports to the PCF.

[0080] According to a sixth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, an information transmission apparatus is provided, wherein the apparatus is executed by a user plane function (UPF), and comprises:

[0081] The transceiver module is configured to receive a quality of service (QoS) monitoring policy sent by a session management function (SMF), wherein the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with QoS monitoring of a satellite backhaul link; and wherein the QoS monitoring policy is sent to the SMF by a policy control function (PCF).

[0082] In an embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy comprises:

[0083] a QoS parameter for instructing to detect a delay of the satellite backhaul link;

[0084] a monitoring instruction for instructing that the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with the satellite backhaul link, and / or for reporting the delay of the satellite backhaul link.

[0085] In an embodiment, the delay of the satellite backhaul link comprises at least one of:

[0086] a delay of at least one direction between a user plane function (UPF) and an access network (RAN), wherein the UPF and the RAN establish the satellite backhaul link through at least one satellite.

[0087] In an embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy is determined by the PCF and sent to the SMF, for a user equipment (UE) to communicate through the satellite backhaul link.

[0088] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

[0089] The processing module is configured to measure and determine the delay of the satellite backhaul link based on the QoS monitoring policy.

[0090] In one embodiment, the transceiving module is further configured to at least one of:

[0091] sending a QoS monitoring report to the SMF;

[0092] sending the QoS monitoring report to a sending object indicated by the QoS monitoring policy;

[0093] The QoS monitoring report is at least used to indicate the delay of the satellite backhaul link.

[0094] According to a seventh aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, and the communication device comprises:

[0095] a processor;

[0096] a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor;

[0097] The processor is configured to implement the information transmission method of the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect when the executable instructions are executed.

[0098] According to an eighth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer storage medium is provided, and the computer storage medium stores computer executable programs, and the executable programs are executed by a processor to implement the information transmission method of the first aspect or the second aspect or the third aspect.

[0099] According to a ninth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, and the communication system comprises a policy control function (PCF), a session management function (SMF) and a user plane function (UPF); the PCF is configured to implement the method of the first aspect, the SMF is configured to implement the method of the second aspect, and the UPF is configured to implement the method of the third aspect.

[0100] According to a tenth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, and the method is executed by a core network device, and the method comprises:

[0101] in response to receiving indication information that a user equipment (UE) communicates through a satellite backhaul link, formulating or updating a QoS control policy and / or a charging policy;

[0102] measuring and determining the delay of the satellite backhaul link based on the QoS monitoring policy.

[0103] According to a twelfth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, and the system is configured to perform the method according to the tenth aspect.

[0104] The PCF formulates a quality of service (QoS) monitoring policy and sends the QoS monitoring policy to the SMF, wherein the QoS monitoring policy is associated with at least QoS monitoring of a satellite backhaul link.

[0105] The SMF sends the QoS monitoring policy to the UPF.

[0106] The UPF measures and determines a delay of the satellite backhaul link based on the QoS monitoring policy.

[0107] The UPF sends a QoS monitoring report to the SMF, and the QoS monitoring report is used to at least indicate the delay of the satellite backhaul link.

[0108] According to a twelfth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, and the system is configured to perform the method according to the tenth aspect.

[0109] The information transmission method and device, communication device, and storage medium provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. The policy control function (PCF) formulates a quality of service (QoS) monitoring policy and sends the QoS monitoring policy to the session management function (SMF), wherein the QoS monitoring policy is associated with at least QoS monitoring of a satellite backhaul link. In this way, by sending the QoS monitoring policy associated with the QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul link from the PCF to the SMF, the QoS of the satellite backhaul link can be monitored, which can be used as a basis for selecting the satellite backhaul link and dynamically updating the QoS control policy of the service using the backhaul link according to the delay of the satellite backhaul link, thereby improving the control of the satellite backhaul link.

[0110] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0111] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments.

[0112] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a wireless communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0113] Figure 2is a satellite backhaul link structure diagram according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0114] Figure 3 is a satellite backhaul link structure diagram according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0115] Figure 4 is a flow diagram of an information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0116] Figure 5 is a flow diagram of an information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0117] Figure 6 is a flow diagram of an information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0118] Figure 7 is a flow diagram of an information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0119] Figure 8 is a flow diagram of an information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0120] Figure 9 is a flow diagram of an information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0121] Figure 10 is a flow diagram of an information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0122] Figure 11 is a flow diagram of an information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0123] Figure 12 is a flow diagram of an information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0124] Figure 13 is a flow diagram of an information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0125] Figure 14 is a flow diagram of an information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0126] Figure 15 is a block diagram of an information transmission device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0127] Figure 16 is a block diagram of an information transmission device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0128] Figure 17is a block diagram of an information transmission apparatus according to an example embodiment;

[0129] Figure 18 is a block diagram of a UE according to an example embodiment;

[0130] Figure 19 is a block diagram of a base station according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0131] The example embodiments will be described in detail herein with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description, like reference numerals refer to like elements, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The following description is not meant to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure to one or more particular embodiments. Rather, the scope of the present disclosure is to be indicated by the appended claims, alone or in combination with the description. The following example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0132] The terminology used in the present disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0133] It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various information, the information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one piece of information from another. For example, a first indication information can also be termed a second indication information, similarly, a second indication information can also be termed a first indication information, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Depending on the context, the word "if' as used herein can be interpreted as meaning "when" or "in response to determining" or "in response to ascertaining".

[0134] Reference is made to Figure 1 which shows a structure schematic diagram of a wireless communication system provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1 the wireless communication system can include at least one terminal 11 and at least one base station 12.

[0135] The terminal 11 can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user. The terminal 11 can communicate with one or more core network devices via a Radio Access Network (RAN), and the terminal 11 can be an Internet of Things terminal, such as a sensor device, a mobile phone (or called "cellular" phone), and a computer with an Internet of Things terminal, for example, which can be a fixed, portable, pocket, handheld, built-in, or vehicle-mounted device. For example, a Station (STA), a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile, a remote station, an access point, a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user terminal, a user agent, a user device, or a user equipment (UE). Alternatively, the terminal 11 can also be a device of an unmanned aerial vehicle. Alternatively, the terminal 11 can also be a vehicle-mounted device, for example, it can be a vehicle-mounted computer with wireless communication function, or a wireless communication device externally connected to the vehicle-mounted computer. Alternatively, the terminal 11 can also be a roadside device, for example, it can be a street lamp, a signal lamp, or other roadside devices with wireless communication function, etc.

[0136] The base station 12 can be a network device in a wireless communication system. The wireless communication system can be a 4th generation mobile communication (4G) system, also known as a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, or the wireless communication system can be a 5G system, also known as a new radio (NR) system or a 5G NR system. Alternatively, the wireless communication system can be a further next generation system of the 5G system. In the 5G system, the access network can be referred to as a NG-RAN (New Generation-Radio Access Network). Alternatively, the MTC system.

[0137] The base station 12 can be an evolved NodeB (eNB) used in a 4G system. Alternatively, the base station 12 can be a base station (gNB) using a centralized and distributed architecture used in a 5G system. When the base station 12 uses a centralized and distributed architecture, it generally includes a central unit (CU) and at least two distributed units (DUs). The central unit is provided with a protocol stack of a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, and a media access control (MAC) layer; and the distributed unit is provided with a protocol stack of a physical (PHY) layer. The specific implementation of the base station 12 is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0138] The base station 12 and the terminal 11 can establish a wireless connection through a wireless air interface. In different embodiments, the wireless air interface is a wireless air interface based on a fourth generation mobile communication network technology (4G) standard; or the wireless air interface is a wireless air interface based on a fifth generation mobile communication network technology (5G) standard, such as a new radio (NR) air interface; or the wireless air interface can also be a wireless air interface based on a more next generation mobile communication network technology standard of 5G.

[0139] In some embodiments, the terminals 11 can also establish an E2E (End to End) connection. For example, V2V (vehicle to vehicle) communication, V2I (vehicle to infrastructure) communication, and V2P (vehicle to pedestrian) communication in vehicle to everything (V2X) communication, and the like.

[0140] In some embodiments, the wireless communication system can also include a core network device 13.

[0141] A plurality of base stations 12 are connected to a core network device 13. The core network device 13 can be a core network device in a wireless communication system, for example, the core network device 13 can be a mobility management entity (MME) in an evolved packet core (EPC). Alternatively, the network management device can also be other core network devices, such as a serving gateway (SGW), a public data network gateway (PGW), a policy and charging rules function (PCRF), or a home subscriber server (HSS), etc. The implementation form of the core network device 13 is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0142] In order to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art, the embodiments of the present disclosure enumerate a plurality of embodiments to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Of course, those skilled in the art can understand that the plurality of embodiments provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be executed alone, or can be executed together with the method of other embodiments of the present disclosure, or can be executed alone or together with some methods in other related technologies; the present disclosure does not make any limitation in this regard.

[0143] As shown in Figure 2 , the 3GPP R17 (Release 17) standard defines the use of satellite connections as a backhaul link for data transmission between an access network (such as NR) and a core network (such as a 5G core network), and assumes that control plane data (i.e., signaling interaction) and user plane data (i.e., service interaction data) between the UE and the core network use the same satellite backhaul network, and a single satellite establishes the backhaul link.

[0144] As shown in Figure 3 , the 3GPP R18 (Release 18) defines the need for dynamic backhaul between an access network (such as a gNB) and a core network (such as a 5G core network) using a satellite network, i.e., the gNB and the 5G core network can use a star chain composed of multiple satellites as a satellite backhaul link, and each user / service can use a different satellite backhaul link.

[0145] Different satellite backhaul links (i.e., different satellite backhaul networks) have different time delays and QoS, so when a user (UE) accesses a network or conducts business, the UE needs to select a satellite backhaul link or evaluate a satellite backhaul link that meets the time delay requirement in combination with the time delay of each satellite backhaul link. The time delay of the satellite backhaul link also needs to be combined when formulating a QoS control strategy for a service. Since the time delay of the satellite backhaul link is dynamic, the time delay of the satellite backhaul link needs to be obtained in combination with a time delay measurement mechanism.

[0146] A QoS monitoring mechanism is used for time delay measurement of a service data flow under Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (uRLLC) service, and the implementation mechanism is as follows.

[0147] If the PCF decides to perform time delay detection on the service data flow of the uRLLC, the QoS monitoring policy needs to be included in the PCC rule issued by the PCF, and the QoS monitoring policy includes:

[0148]

[0149] When the SMF receives the PCC rule of the PCF containing the above QoS monitoring policy, the SMF sends a QoS monitoring indication to the UPF through an N4 interface and to the RAN through an N2 interface. After receiving the QoS monitoring indication, the RAN completes the wireless side time delay monitoring and reports it to the UPF. The UPF completes the time delay monitoring between the UE and the UPF. The UPF reports the time delay (wireless side time delay plus time delay between the RAN and the UPF) between the UE and the UPF to the SMF according to the QoS monitoring policy (for example, according to the time report, timing report, etc.), and reports it to the network element (for example, PCF, AF) that needs the information through a related mechanism

[0150] The QoS monitoring mechanism realizes the time delay detection and reporting mechanism between the UE and the UPF for the data flow. However, in the satellite backhaul (satellite chain backhaul) scenario involving multiple satellites, the time delay between the gNB and the UPF needs to be detected and obtained. Currently, the QoS monitoring mechanism cannot be applied to the time delay detection of the satellite chain backhaul in the satellite chain backhaul scenario.

[0151] Therefore, how to realize the detection of the time delay of the satellite chain backhaul link and obtain the detection report, further realize the selection of the satellite chain backhaul link according to the time delay of the satellite chain backhaul link, and realize the QoS control for the service in combination with the time delay of the satellite chain backhaul link is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0152] As shown in Figure 4 The present exemplary embodiment provides an information transmission method, which can be executed by a policy control function (PCF), and includes:

[0153] Step 401: Formulate a QoS monitoring policy and send it to the SMF, wherein the QoS monitoring policy is at least related to the QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul link.

[0154] Satellite backhaul links include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: static satellite backhaul link; dynamic satellite backhaul link.

[0155] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, a static satellite backhaul link is a satellite backhaul link between the RAN and UPF implemented through a single satellite. When a satellite backhaul link is implemented through a single satellite, the latency of the satellite backhaul link is relatively fixed.

[0156] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, a dynamic satellite backhaul link is a satellite backhaul link established between the RAN and UPF via multiple satellites. Furthermore, multiple dynamic satellite backhaul links can be selected between the UE and the core network.

[0157] In one possible implementation, the QoS monitoring policy is associated with the QoS monitoring of at least multiple satellite backhaul links.

[0158] For example, the QoS monitoring policy is at least related to the QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul links between all UEs and core network equipment.

[0159] QoS monitoring policies should be at least related to QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul link and may include:

[0160] The QoS monitoring policy must instruct that at least one satellite backhaul link be monitored.

[0161] QoS monitoring policies can instruct the monitoring of transmission characteristics of satellite backhaul links, such as latency, and instruct the configuration for QoS monitoring report reporting.

[0162] In one possible implementation, the QoS monitoring policy can be sent from the SMF to the UPF, and the UPF can execute the QoS monitoring policy, such as the UPF monitoring the satellite backhaul link based on the QoS monitoring policy and reporting the QoS monitoring report.

[0163] In one possible implementation, the PCF can formulate the QoS monitoring policy. The QoS monitoring policy is used to instruct latency detection and reporting for the satellite backhaul link.

[0164] In one possible implementation, the latency of the satellite backhaul link includes: the latency between the RAN and the UPF; the latency between the RAN and the UPF may include at least one of the following: uplink latency, downlink latency, or bidirectional latency.

[0165] In a possible implementation, the PCF can send a QoS monitoring policy to the SMF in a UE registration procedure and / or in a PDU session procedure. The SMF informs the UPF to start QoS monitoring for the satellite backhaul link.

[0166] In this way, by sending the QoS monitoring policy associated with the QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul link to the SMF through the PCF, the QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul link can be achieved, which can be used as a basis for selecting the satellite backhaul link and improving the control of the satellite backhaul link.

[0167] In an embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy comprises at least one of the following:

[0168] a QoS parameter for indicating detection of the latency of the satellite backhaul link;

[0169] a monitoring indication for indicating that the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with the satellite backhaul link, and / or reporting the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0170] The QoS parameter can be a QoS that the QoS monitoring policy requires to monitor.

[0171] The monitoring indication can explicitly or implicitly indicate that the QoS monitoring policy is used for monitoring the satellite backhaul link.

[0172] In a possible implementation, the QoS parameter included in the QoS monitoring policy indicates the detection of the latency of the satellite backhaul link, i.e., implicitly indicates that the QoS monitoring policy is used for monitoring the satellite backhaul link.

[0173] In a possible implementation, the monitoring indication can explicitly indicate that the QoS monitoring policy is used for monitoring the satellite backhaul link through one or more bits carried by the QoS monitoring policy.

[0174] The monitoring indication can also explicitly or implicitly indicate that the UPF reports the QoS monitoring report of the satellite backhaul link.

[0175] In a possible implementation, the QoS monitoring policy can indicate a reporting configuration (reporting condition) for reporting the QoS monitoring report.

[0176] In a possible implementation, the reporting configuration comprises at least one of the following, but is not limited to the following:

[0177] a reporting frequency;

[0178] a reporting period;

[0179] an event triggering the reporting.

[0180] In a possible implementation, the QoS monitoring policy can indicate a reporting object of the QoS monitoring report, i.e., a target to which the QoS monitoring report is sent.

[0181] In a possible implementation, the reporting object of the QoS monitoring report includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: an SMF, a PCF, an AF, and an NEF.

[0182] In a possible implementation, the delay of the satellite backhaul link includes a delay of a GPRS Tunnelling Protocol for the user plane (GTP-U) between the UPF and the RAN.

[0183] In an embodiment, the delay of the satellite backhaul link includes:

[0184] a delay of at least one direction between a user plane function (UPF) and an access network (RAN), wherein the UPF and the RAN establish the satellite backhaul link through at least one satellite.

[0185] In a possible implementation, the delay of the satellite backhaul link includes at least one of the following:

[0186] an uplink delay of the satellite backhaul link between the UPF and the RAN;

[0187] a downlink delay of the satellite backhaul link between the UPF and the RAN;

[0188] an uplink and downlink round-trip delay of the satellite backhaul link between the UPF and the RAN.

[0189] The satellite backhaul link between the UPF and the RAN can be a static satellite backhaul link (i.e., the satellite backhaul link includes one satellite) or a dynamic satellite backhaul link (i.e., the satellite backhaul link includes multiple satellites).

[0190] In an embodiment, the formulating the QoS monitoring policy and sending the QoS monitoring policy to the SMF includes:

[0191] formulating the QoS monitoring policy and sending the QoS monitoring policy to the SMF in response to the PCF receiving indication information that a user equipment (UE) communicates through the satellite backhaul link.

[0192] Here, whether the UE communicates through the satellite backhaul link can be perceived by a network side (an access network device and / or a core network device).

[0193] In a possible implementation, the AMF can perceive whether the UE communicates through the satellite backhaul link. The AMF can send, to the PCF via the SMF, indication information indicating that the UE communicates through the satellite backhaul link.

[0194] In a possible implementation, the AMF can perceive whether the UE communicates through the satellite backhaul link during UE registration and / or UE PDU session procedure, and determine whether the UE communicates through the satellite backhaul link when it is determined that the UE communicates through the satellite backhaul link.

[0195] In a possible implementation, the SMF can send the received QoS monitoring report (indicating the latency of the satellite backhaul link) to the PCF, and the PCF updates the QoS monitoring policy based on the QoS monitoring report.

[0196] As shown in Figure 5 the present example embodiment provides an information transmission method, which can be performed by a policy control function PCF, comprising:

[0197] Step 501: receiving the QoS monitoring report sent by the SMF, wherein the QoS monitoring report is at least used to indicate the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0198] After the SMF receives the QoS monitoring policy, it determines, according to the information contained in the monitoring policy, that monitoring (such as latency detection) needs to be started for the satellite backhaul link, and can send the QoS monitoring policy to the UFP.

[0199] In a possible implementation, the SMF can send the QoS monitoring notification to the UPF, and carry the QoS monitoring policy in the QoS monitoring notification.

[0200] In a possible implementation, the SMF can send the QoS monitoring policy to multiple UPFs.

[0201] In a possible implementation, the SMF can send the QoS monitoring policy to multiple UPFs, wherein the multiple UPFs can be different UPFs connected by the RAN through different satellite backhaul links.

[0202] The UPF can monitor the satellite backhaul link and monitor the corresponding QoS parameters based on the QoS monitoring policy. And send the QoS monitoring report to the sending object of the QoS monitoring report based on the reporting configuration.

[0203] In a possible implementation, the UPF can determine the uplink latency of the satellite backhaul link based on the sending time of the RAN uplink signal and the receiving time of the uplink signal received by the UPF.

[0204] In a possible implementation, the UPF can determine the downlink delay of the satellite backhaul link based on a sending time of the UPF downlink signal and a receiving time of the RAN receiving the downlink signal.

[0205] In a possible implementation, the UPF can determine the uplink-downlink round-trip delay of the backhaul link based on at least the uplink delay of the satellite backhaul link and the downlink delay of the satellite backhaul link.

[0206] In a possible implementation, in response to the UE performing registration, the UPF can send the QoS monitoring report to the SMF.

[0207] In a possible implementation, during the PDU session, the UPF can monitor the satellite backhaul link performing PDU session interaction, and send the QoS monitoring report to a sending object of the QoS monitoring report.

[0208] In a possible implementation, the sending object of the QoS monitoring report can be indicated by the QoS monitoring policy.

[0209] The SMF can send the received QoS monitoring report (indicating the delay of the satellite backhaul link) to the PCF, and the PCF updates the QoS control policy based on the QoS monitoring report.

[0210] As shown in Figure 6 the present example embodiment provides an information transmission method, which can be executed by a policy control function PCF, comprising:

[0211] Step 601: Formulate or update the QoS control policy and / or the charging policy according to the delay of the satellite backhaul link.

[0212] For example, when the PCF updates the QoS control policy applied to the data flow using the satellite backhaul link based on the delay of the satellite backhaul link indicated in the QoS monitoring report, for example, updates the 5G Quality of Service Identifier (5G QoS Identifier, 5QI) applied to the data flow.

[0213] For example, the PCF can formulate or update the charging policy based on the QoS monitoring report.

[0214] As shown in Figure 7 the present example embodiment provides an information transmission method, which can be executed by a session management function SMF, comprising:

[0215] Step 701: Receive the QoS monitoring policy sent by the PCF, wherein the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with the QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul link.

[0216] The satellite backhaul link includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: a static satellite backhaul link; a dynamic satellite backhaul link.

[0217] In one possible implementation, as shown in FIG. 4A, the static satellite backhaul link is implemented by a single satellite between the RAN and the UPF. When the satellite backhaul link is implemented by the single satellite, the latency of the satellite backhaul link is relatively fixed. Figure 2

[0218] In one possible implementation, as shown in FIG. 4B, the dynamic satellite backhaul link is implemented by multiple satellites between the RAN and the UPF. There can be multiple dynamic satellite backhaul links between the UE and the core network for selection. Figure 3

[0219] In one possible implementation, the QoS monitoring policy is associated with at least the QoS monitoring of the multiple satellite backhaul links.

[0220] For example, the QoS monitoring policy is associated with at least the QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul links between all UEs and the core network device.

[0221] The QoS monitoring policy associated with at least the QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul link can include:

[0222] The QoS monitoring policy indicates at least monitoring of one satellite backhaul link.

[0223] The QoS monitoring policy can indicate monitoring of transmission characteristics, such as latency, of the satellite backhaul link, and indicate reporting configuration of the QoS monitoring report.

[0224] In one possible implementation, the QoS monitoring policy can be sent by the SMF to the UPF, and the UPF performs the QoS monitoring policy, such as monitoring the satellite backhaul link based on the QoS monitoring policy, and reporting the QoS monitoring report.

[0225] In one possible implementation, the QoS monitoring policy can be formulated by the PCF. The QoS monitoring policy is used to indicate latency detection and reporting for the satellite backhaul link.

[0226] In one possible implementation, the latency of the satellite backhaul link includes: the latency between the RAN and the UPF; the latency between the RAN and the UPF can include at least one of the following: uplink latency, or downlink latency, or bidirectional latency.

[0227] In one possible implementation, the PCF can send the QoS monitoring policy to the SMF in the UE registration process and / or in the PDU session process. The SMF informs the UPF to start the QoS monitoring for the satellite backhaul link.​​

[0228] Thus, by sending the QoS monitoring policy associated with the QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul link to the SMF through the PCF, the QoS of the satellite backhaul link can be monitored, and then the satellite backhaul link can be selected as a basis, and the QoS control policy of the service using the satellite backhaul link can be dynamically updated according to the delay of the satellite backhaul link, thereby improving the control of the satellite backhaul link.

[0229] In one embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy comprises at least one of the following:

[0230] a QoS parameter for indicating detecting the delay of the satellite backhaul link;

[0231] a monitoring indication for indicating that the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with the satellite backhaul link, and / or reporting the delay of the satellite backhaul link.

[0232] The QoS parameter can be a QoS that the QoS monitoring policy requires to monitor.

[0233] The monitoring indication can indicate that the QoS monitoring policy is used for monitoring the satellite backhaul link in an explicit or implicit manner.

[0234] In one possible implementation, the QoS parameter included in the QoS monitoring policy indicates detecting the delay of the satellite backhaul link, that is, implicitly indicating that the QoS monitoring policy is used for monitoring the satellite backhaul link.

[0235] In one possible implementation, the monitoring indication can explicitly indicate that the QoS monitoring policy is used for monitoring the satellite backhaul link through one or more bits carried by the QoS monitoring policy.

[0236] The monitoring indication can also indicate that the UPF reports the QoS monitoring report of the satellite backhaul link in an explicit or implicit manner.

[0237] In one possible implementation, the QoS monitoring policy can indicate the reporting configuration (reporting condition) of reporting the QoS monitoring report.

[0238] In one possible implementation, the reporting configuration comprises at least one of the following, but is not limited to:

[0239] reporting frequency;

[0240] reporting period;

[0241] triggering event.

[0242] In one possible implementation, the QoS monitoring policy can indicate the reporting object of the QoS monitoring report.

[0243] In one possible implementation, the QoS monitoring report is reported to at least one of the following: SMF; PCF; AF; NEF.

[0244] In one possible implementation, the latency of the satellite backhaul link includes the latency of the GPRS Tunnelling Protocol for the user plane (GTP-U) between the UPF and the RAN.

[0245] In one embodiment, the latency of the satellite backhaul link includes:

[0246] The time delay in at least one direction between the User Plane Function (UPF) and the Access Network (RAN), wherein the UPF and the RAN establish the satellite backhaul link through at least one satellite.

[0247] In one possible implementation, the latency of the satellite backhaul link includes at least one of the following:

[0248] Uplink latency of the satellite backhaul link between UPF and RAN;

[0249] Downlink latency of the satellite backhaul link between UPF and RAN;

[0250] Uplink and downlink round-trip delays of the satellite backhaul link between UPF and RAN.

[0251] The satellite backhaul link between UPF and RAN can be a static satellite backhaul link (i.e., the satellite backhaul link contains one satellite) or a dynamic satellite backhaul link (i.e., the satellite backhaul link contains multiple satellites).

[0252] In one embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy is formulated and sent by the PCF after determining that the user equipment (UE) communicates through the satellite backhaul link.

[0253] Here, the network side (access network equipment and / or core network equipment) can detect whether the UE is communicating through the satellite backhaul link.

[0254] In one possible implementation, the AMF can detect whether the UE is communicating via the satellite backhaul link. The AMF can send an indication message to the PCF via the SMF, instructing the UE to communicate via the satellite backhaul link.

[0255] In a possible implementation, the AMF can perceive whether the UE communicates through the satellite backhaul link in a UE registration and / or a UE PDU session procedure, and determine whether the UE communicates through the satellite backhaul link when it is determined that the UE communicates through the satellite backhaul link.

[0256] In a possible implementation, the SMF can send the received QoS monitoring report (indicating the latency of the satellite backhaul link) to the PCF, and the PCF updates the QoS control policy based on the QoS monitoring report.

[0257] As shown in Figure 8 The present example embodiment provides an information transmission method, which can be executed by a session management function (SMF), and includes the following steps.

[0258] Step 801: sending the QoS monitoring policy to a UPF.

[0259] After the SMF receives the QoS monitoring policy, the SMF determines, according to information contained in the monitoring policy, that monitoring (such as latency detection) needs to be started for the satellite backhaul link, and can send the QoS monitoring policy to the UFP.

[0260] In a possible implementation, the SMF can send a QoS monitoring notification to the UPF, and carry the QoS monitoring policy in the QoS monitoring notification.

[0261] In a possible implementation, the SMF can send the QoS monitoring policy to multiple UPFs.

[0262] In a possible implementation, the SMF can send the QoS monitoring policy to multiple UPFs, wherein the multiple UPFs can be different UPFs connected by different satellite backhaul links by the RAN.

[0263] As shown in Figure 9 The present example embodiment provides an information transmission method, which can be executed by a session management function (SMF), and includes the following steps.

[0264] Step 901: receiving a QoS monitoring report sent by a UPF based on the QoS monitoring policy, wherein the QoS monitoring report is at least used to indicate the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0265] The UPF can monitor the satellite backhaul link, and monitor corresponding QoS parameters based on the QoS monitoring policy. The UPF sends the QoS monitoring report to a sending object of the QoS monitoring report based on reporting configuration.

[0266] In a possible implementation, in response to the UE performing registration, the UPF can send the QoS monitoring report to the SMF.

[0267] In a possible implementation, during a PDU session process, the UPF can monitor a satellite backhaul link for PDU session interaction, and send a QoS monitoring report to a sending object of the QoS monitoring report.

[0268] In a possible implementation, the sending object of the QoS monitoring report can be indicated by a QoS monitoring policy.

[0269] In a possible implementation, for example, the RAN and the UPF are time-synchronized, then:

[0270] The UPF can determine a downlink delay of the satellite backhaul link based on a sending time T1 of a UPF downlink signal and a receiving time T2 of the RAN receiving the downlink signal.

[0271] The UPF can determine an uplink delay of the satellite backhaul link based on a sending time T3 of a RAN uplink signal and a receiving time T4 of the UPF receiving the uplink signal.

[0272] The UPF can determine an uplink-downlink round-trip delay of the backhaul link based on at least the uplink delay of the satellite backhaul link and the downlink delay of the satellite backhaul link.

[0273] In a possible implementation, for example, the RAN and the UPF are not time-synchronized, then

[0274] The UPF determines an uplink or downlink delay of the satellite backhaul link as (T2-T1+T4-T3) / 2, based on a sending time T1 of a UPF downlink signal and a receiving time T2 of the RAN receiving the downlink signal, and a sending time T3 of a RAN uplink signal and a receiving time T4 of the UPF receiving the uplink signal.

[0275] The UPF determines an uplink-downlink round-trip delay of the backhaul link as T2-T1+T4-T3.

[0276] In a possible implementation, the UPF as a GTP-U sender tests an uplink-downlink round-trip delay between the UPF and the RAN (GTP-U receiver) by sending an Echo message on a GTP-U path.

[0277] In an embodiment, the receiving UPF sends a QoS monitoring report based on the QoS monitoring policy, including:

[0278] The receiving UPF receives a plurality of the QoS monitoring reports sent by the UPFs respectively;

[0279] The method further includes:

[0280] The method further includes:

[0281] select a satellite backhaul link between the UPF and the RAN based on the latency of the satellite backhaul link corresponding to the UPF.

[0282] In a possible implementation, the QoS monitoring policy can indicate to monitor multiple satellite backhaul links.

[0283] In a process of registration of a UE, a SMF can send a satellite backhaul link to all UPFs associated with the satellite backhaul link. The RAN connects the UPFs through different satellite backhaul links. The multiple UPFs can monitor and report the latency of the corresponding satellite backhaul link respectively. The SMF can select a satellite backhaul link (i.e., a selected UPF) that meets a predetermined condition from the reported satellite backhaul links for data communication (e.g., a PDU session) between the UE and the core network. The predetermined condition includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: the latency of the satellite backhaul link meets the service requirement of the UE; the latency of the satellite backhaul link meets a predetermined latency range; and the latency of the satellite backhaul link meets the transmission requirement of the UE corresponding to a UE type.

[0284] In a possible implementation, in a process of registration of a UE, the SMF can determine a satellite backhaul link (i.e., a selected UPF) for data communication between the UE and the core network according to the QoS monitoring reports sent by the multiple UPFs respectively, and perform QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul link for data communication between the UE and the core network based on the QoS monitoring policy by the selected UPF.

[0285] In a possible implementation, the SMF can send the received QoS monitoring report (indicating the latency of the satellite backhaul link) to the PCF, and the PCF can update the QoS control policy based on the QoS monitoring report.

[0286] As shown in FIG. 10, the present exemplary embodiment provides an information transmission method, which can be performed by a session management function (SMF), and includes the following steps. Figure 10

[0287] Step 1001: sending the QoS monitoring report to the PCF.

[0288] In a possible implementation, the sending object of the QoS monitoring report can be indicated by the QoS monitoring policy.

[0289] The SMF can send the received QoS monitoring report (indicating the latency of the satellite backhaul link) to the PCF, and the PCF can update the QoS control policy based on the QoS monitoring report.

[0290] For example, the PCF can formulate or update a charging policy based on the QoS monitoring report.

[0291] As shown in FIG. 11, the present exemplary embodiment provides an information transmission method, which can be performed by a session management function (SMF), and includes the following steps. Figure 11 ​As shown, the present exemplary embodiment provides an information transmission method, which can be executed by a user plane function (UPF), comprising:

[0292] Step 1101: receiving a QoS monitoring policy sent by an SMF, wherein the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with QoS monitoring of a satellite backhaul link; wherein the QoS monitoring policy is sent to the SMF by a policy control function (PCF).

[0293] The satellite backhaul link includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: a static satellite backhaul link; a dynamic satellite backhaul link.

[0294] In one possible implementation, as shown in Figure 2 The static satellite backhaul link is implemented by a single satellite between the RAN and the UPF. When the satellite backhaul link is implemented by a single satellite, the delay of the satellite backhaul link is relatively fixed.

[0295] In one possible implementation, as shown in Figure 3 The dynamic satellite backhaul link is implemented by multiple satellites between the RAN and the UPF. There can be multiple dynamic satellite backhaul links between the UE and the core network for selection.

[0296] In one possible implementation, the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with QoS monitoring of multiple satellite backhaul links.

[0297] For example, the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with QoS monitoring of satellite backhaul links between all UEs and core network devices.

[0298] The QoS monitoring policy at least associated with QoS monitoring of a satellite backhaul link can include:

[0299] The QoS monitoring policy at least indicates monitoring of one satellite backhaul link.

[0300] The QoS monitoring policy can indicate monitoring of transmission characteristics, such as delay, of the satellite backhaul link, and indicate reporting configuration of a QoS monitoring report.

[0301] In one possible implementation, the QoS monitoring policy can be sent by the SMF to the UPF, and the UPF executes the QoS monitoring policy, such as monitoring the satellite backhaul link based on the QoS monitoring policy, and reporting a QoS monitoring report.

[0302] In one possible implementation, the QoS monitoring policy can be formulated by the PCF. The QoS monitoring policy is used to indicate delay detection and reporting for the satellite backhaul link,

[0303] In a possible implementation, the latency of the satellite backhaul link includes: latency between the RAN and the UPF; the latency between the RAN and the UPF can include at least one of: uplink latency, or downlink latency, or bidirectional latency.

[0304] In a possible implementation, the PCF can send the QoS monitoring policy to the SMF in a UE registration procedure and / or in a PDU session procedure. The SMF informs the UPF to start QoS monitoring for the satellite backhaul link.

[0305] In this way, by sending the QoS monitoring policy associated with the QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul link to the SMF through the PCF, the QoS of the satellite backhaul link can be monitored, which can be used as a basis for selecting the satellite backhaul link and improving the control of the satellite backhaul link.

[0306] After the SMF receives the QoS monitoring policy, the SMF determines that the monitoring (such as latency detection) needs to be started for the satellite backhaul link according to the information contained in the monitoring policy, and can send the QoS monitoring policy to the UFP.

[0307] In a possible implementation, the SMF can send the QoS monitoring policy to the UPF.

[0308] In a possible implementation, the SMF can send the QoS monitoring policy to multiple UPFs.

[0309] In a possible implementation, the SMF can send the QoS monitoring policy to multiple UPFs, wherein the multiple UPFs can be different UPFs connected by different satellite backhaul links by the RAN.

[0310] In this way, by sending the QoS monitoring policy associated with the QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul link to the UPF through the SMF by the PCF, the QoS of the satellite backhaul link can be monitored, which can be used as a basis for selecting the satellite backhaul link and dynamically updating the QoS control policy of the service using the backhaul link according to the latency of the satellite backhaul link, thereby improving the control of the satellite backhaul link.

[0311] In an embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy includes:

[0312] a QoS parameter for indicating detection of the latency of the satellite backhaul link;

[0313] a monitoring indication for indicating that the QoS monitoring policy is associated with at least the satellite backhaul link, and / or reporting the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0314] The QoS parameter can be a QoS required to be monitored by the QoS monitoring policy.

[0315] The monitoring indication can indicate the QoS monitoring policy for monitoring the satellite backhaul link in an explicit or implicit manner.

[0316] In a possible implementation, the QoS parameter included in the QoS monitoring policy indicates the latency of detecting the satellite backhaul link, i.e., implicitly indicates the QoS monitoring policy for monitoring the satellite backhaul link.

[0317] In a possible implementation, the monitoring indication can explicitly indicate the QoS monitoring policy for monitoring the satellite backhaul link through one or more bits carried by the QoS monitoring policy.

[0318] The monitoring indication can also indicate the reporting of the QoS monitoring report of the UPF for the satellite backhaul link in an explicit or implicit manner.

[0319] In a possible implementation, the QoS monitoring policy can indicate the reporting configuration (reporting condition) of reporting the QoS monitoring report.

[0320] In a possible implementation, the reporting configuration includes but is not limited to at least one of the following:

[0321] Reporting frequency;

[0322] Reporting period;

[0323] Triggered event of reporting.

[0324] In a possible implementation, the QoS monitoring policy can indicate the reporting object of the QoS monitoring report.

[0325] In a possible implementation, the reporting object of the QoS monitoring report includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: SMF, PCF, AF, and NEF.

[0326] In a possible implementation, the latency of the satellite backhaul link includes the latency of a GPRS Tunnelling Protocol for the user plane (GTP-U) between the UPF and the RAN.

[0327] In an embodiment, the latency of the satellite backhaul link includes at least one of the following:

[0328] Latency of at least one direction between the UPF and the RAN, wherein the UPF and the RAN establish the satellite backhaul link through at least one satellite.

[0329] In one possible implementation, the latency of the satellite backhaul link includes at least one of the following:

[0330] Uplink latency of the satellite backhaul link between UPF and RAN;

[0331] Downlink latency of the satellite backhaul link between UPF and RAN;

[0332] Uplink and downlink round-trip delays of the satellite backhaul link between UPF and RAN.

[0333] The satellite backhaul link between UPF and RAN can be a static satellite backhaul link (i.e., the satellite backhaul link contains one satellite) or a dynamic satellite backhaul link (i.e., the satellite backhaul link contains multiple satellites).

[0334] In one embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy is formulated by the PCF and sent to the SMF after determining that the User Equipment (UE) communicates through the satellite backhaul link.

[0335] Here, the network side (access network equipment and / or core network equipment) can detect whether the UE is communicating through the satellite backhaul link.

[0336] In one possible implementation, the AMF can detect whether the UE is communicating via the satellite backhaul link. The AMF can send an indication message to the PCF via the SMF, instructing the UE to communicate via the satellite backhaul link.

[0337] In one possible implementation, the AMF can detect whether the UE is communicating via the satellite backhaul link during UE registration and / or UE PDU session, and determine whether the UE is communicating via the satellite backhaul link when it is determined that the UE is communicating via the satellite backhaul link.

[0338] In one possible implementation, the SMF can send the received QoS monitoring report (indicating the latency of the satellite backhaul link) to the PCF, which then updates the QoS control policy based on the QoS monitoring report.

[0339] like Figure 12 As shown, this exemplary embodiment provides an information transmission method, which can be executed by a User Plane Function (UPF), including:

[0340] Step 1201: Based on the QoS monitoring policy, measure and determine the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0341] UPF can monitor satellite backhaul links and monitor corresponding QoS parameters based on QoS monitoring policies.

[0342] In one possible implementation, for example, the RAN and the UPF are time synchronized, then:

[0343] The UPF can determine the downlink delay of the satellite backhaul link based on a transmission time T1 of a UPF downlink signal and a reception time T2 of the downlink signal received by the RAN.

[0344] The UPF can determine the uplink delay of the satellite backhaul link based on a transmission time T3 of a RAN uplink signal and a reception time T4 of the uplink signal received by the UPF.

[0345] The UPF can determine the uplink and downlink round-trip delay of the backhaul link based on at least the uplink delay of the satellite backhaul link and the downlink delay of the satellite backhaul link.

[0346] In one possible implementation, for example, the RAN and the UPF are not time synchronized, then

[0347] The UPF determines the uplink or downlink delay of the satellite backhaul link as (T2-T1+T4-T3) / 2, based on a transmission time T1 of a UPF downlink signal and a reception time T2 of the downlink signal received by the RAN. The UPF determines the uplink or downlink delay of the satellite backhaul link as (T2-T1+T4-T3) / 2, based on a transmission time T3 of a RAN uplink signal and a reception time T4 of the uplink signal received by the UPF.

[0348] The UPF determines the uplink and downlink round-trip delay of the backhaul link as T2-T1+T4-T3.

[0349] In one possible implementation, the UPF, as a GTP-U sender, tests the uplink and downlink round-trip delay between the UPF and the RAN (GTP-U receiver) by sending an Echo message on the GTP-U path.

[0350] In one embodiment, the method further comprises at least one of:

[0351] sending a QoS monitoring report to the SMF;

[0352] sending the QoS monitoring report to a sending object indicated by the QoS monitoring policy;

[0353] wherein the QoS monitoring report is at least used to indicate the delay of the satellite backhaul link.

[0354] In one possible implementation, in response to the UE performing registration, the UPF can send a QoS monitoring report to the SMF.

[0355] In one possible implementation, during a PDU session, the UPF can monitor the satellite backhaul link performing PDU session interaction, and send a QoS monitoring report to a sending object of the QoS monitoring report.

[0356] In one possible implementation, the recipient of the QoS monitoring report can be indicated by the QoS monitoring policy.

[0357] In one possible implementation, the QoS monitoring policy could instruct the monitoring of multiple satellite backhaul links.

[0358] During UE registration, the SMF can send satellite backhaul links to all associated UPFs. The RAN connects to UPFs via different satellite backhaul links. Multiple UPFs can monitor and report the latency of their respective satellite backhaul links. Based on the reported satellite backhaul links, the SMF can select satellite backhaul links (i.e., select UPFs) that meet predetermined conditions for data communication (such as PDU sessions) between the UE and the core network. These predetermined conditions include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: the satellite backhaul link latency meets the UE's service requirements; the satellite backhaul link latency meets a predetermined latency range; and the satellite backhaul link latency meets the transmission requirements of the UE's corresponding UE type.

[0359] In one possible implementation, during the UE registration process, the SMF can determine the satellite backhaul link (i.e., select the UPF) for data communication between the UE and the core network based on the QoS monitoring reports sent by multiple UPFs respectively, and the selected UPF will perform QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul link for data communication between the UE and the core network based on the QoS monitoring policy.

[0360] This disclosure presents information transmission methods executed by PCF, SMF, and UPF. It should be noted that the PCF, SMF, and UPF embodiments are corresponding. Therefore, identical explanations or features will not be repeated, and the embodiments on each side can be referred to interchangeably.

[0361] The following provides a specific example in conjunction with any of the above embodiments:

[0362] This invention proposes a QoS monitoring method for Starlink backhaul links, enabling latency detection and acquisition for Starlink backhaul links, such as... Figure 13 As shown, the specific steps include:

[0363] Step 1301: The PCF formulates a QoS monitoring policy. The QoS monitoring policy is applied to latency detection and reporting for satellite backhaul links, including static and / or dynamic satellite backhaul links. The QoS monitoring policy includes at least QoS parameters and monitoring indication information.

[0364] The QoS parameters indicate the QoS parameters that need to be detected, such as the uplink latency, downlink latency, or bidirectional latency of the backhaul link.

[0365] The monitoring indication information is used to indicate that the QoS monitoring is applied to the satellite backhaul link, or to indicate the reporting of delay detection results between the UPF and RAN.

[0366] Step 1302: PCF obtains information that the user has applied the dynamic satellite backhaul link, and formulates a QoS monitoring strategy based on the information.

[0367] Step 1303: The PCF provides a QoS monitoring policy. The QoS monitoring policy is provided by the PCF to the SMF, and the SMF notifies the UPF to start the QoS monitoring according to the QoS monitoring policy.

[0368] Step 1304: The UPF receives the QoS monitoring notification and, according to the indication information in the monitoring policy, starts latency monitoring of GTP-U between the UPF and the RAN.

[0369] Step 1305: The UPF performs latency detection on the satellite backhaul link and reports the latency detection results (QoS monitoring report) to the target.

[0370] The targets include: SMF, PCF, AF, NEF, etc.

[0371] The reporting conditions can be indicated in the QoS monitoring policy, such as reporting periodically or reporting when a threshold is met.

[0372] The QoS monitoring policy can be notified to the SMF during UE registration or during PDU session (including PDU session creation and modification), and the SMF will then notify the UPF to initiate the QoS monitoring for the satellite backhaul link.

[0373] like Figure 14 As shown, the specific steps include:

[0374] Step 1401: After completing access registration, the UE initiates a PDU session establishment request.

[0375] Step 1402: The AMF receives the PDU session establishment request initiated by the UE and performs SMF selection.

[0376] Step 1403: The AMF detects that the UE is using a dynamic satellite backhaul link and includes a dynamic satellite backhaul indication in the PDU session context creation request initiated to the SMF, indicating that the UE is using a dynamic satellite backhaul link.

[0377] Step 1404: A policy session is established between the SMF and the PCF, and the dynamic satellite backhaul link information indication is included in the policy session establishment request.

[0378] Step 1405: The PCF formulates a policy for the PDU session, formulates a QoS monitoring policy according to the dynamic satellite backhaul link information, requires delay detection for the dynamic satellite backhaul link, and requires reporting.

[0379] Step 1406: The PCF issues a policy to the SMF, and the policy contains the QoS monitoring policy. The QoS monitoring policy at least contains (QoS parameter, indication of satellite backhaul link, indication of delay detection between RAN and UPF).

[0380] Step 1407: The SMF receives the QoS monitoring policy, and according to the indication information contained in the monitoring policy, needs to start delay detection for the satellite backhaul link. The SMF issues a QoS monitoring indication to all UPFs related to the satellite backhaul, and requires reporting of the delay detection result.

[0381] Step 1408: The UPF starts delay detection between the RAN (gNB),

[0382] Step 1409: The UPF reports the delay detection result (QoS monitoring report) to the SMF.

[0383] Step 1410: According to the delay detection result reported by each UPF, a suitable UPF is selected.

[0384] Step 1411: The SMF establishes an N4 session with the UPF, and notifies the UPF to continue to perform QoS monitoring.

[0385] Step 1412: The UE and the network complete the remaining PDU session establishment process.

[0386] Step 1413: The UPF starts QoS monitoring for the satellite backhaul link, and when the reporting condition indicated in the monitoring policy is met, reports the delay detection result of the satellite backhaul link to the SMF.

[0387] Step 1414: The SMF reports the delay detection result to the PCF.

[0388] Step 1415: The PCF adjusts the QoS policy according to the reported delay detection result.

[0389] When the UPF detects the delay of the satellite backhaul link, the AF can also be reported, so that the AF can determine whether to continue to provide services according to the delay.

[0390] As Figure 15 shown, the present exemplary embodiment provides an information transmission device 100 arranged in a PCF, comprising:

[0391] The transceiver module 110 is configured to formulate a quality of service (QoS) monitoring policy and send the QoS monitoring policy to a session management function (SMF), wherein the QoS monitoring policy is associated with at least QoS monitoring of a satellite backhaul link.

[0392] In one embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy comprises at least one of:

[0393] a QoS parameter for indicating detection of a latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0394] a monitoring instruction for indicating that the QoS monitoring policy is associated with at least the satellite backhaul link, and / or reporting the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0395] In one embodiment, the latency of the satellite backhaul link comprises:

[0396] a latency of at least one direction between a user plane function (UPF) and a radio access network (RAN), wherein the UPF and the RAN establish the satellite backhaul link via at least one satellite.

[0397] In one embodiment, the transceiver module is specifically configured to:

[0398] formulate the QoS monitoring policy and send the QoS monitoring policy to the SMF in response to the PCF receiving indication information that a user equipment (UE) communicates via the satellite backhaul link.

[0399] In one embodiment, the transceiver module is further configured to:

[0400] receive a QoS monitoring report sent by the SMF, wherein the QoS monitoring report is at least used to indicate the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0401] In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 further comprises:

[0402] a processing module 120 configured to formulate or update a QoS control policy and / or a charging policy according to the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0403] As shown in Figure 16 the present exemplary embodiment provides an information transmission apparatus 200 arranged in an SMF, comprising:

[0404] a transceiver module 210 configured to receive a quality of service (QoS) monitoring policy sent by a policy control function (PCF), wherein the QoS monitoring policy is associated with at least QoS monitoring of a satellite backhaul link.

[0405] In one embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy comprises at least one of:

[0406] a QoS parameter, used to indicate a latency of the satellite backhaul link;

[0407] a monitoring instruction, used to indicate that the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with the satellite backhaul link, and / or report the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0408] In an embodiment, the latency of the satellite backhaul link comprises:

[0409] a latency of at least one direction between a user plane function (UPF) and a radio access network (RAN), wherein the UPF and the RAN establish the satellite backhaul link through at least one satellite.

[0410] In an embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy is determined and sent by the PCF based on a communication of a user equipment (UE) through the satellite backhaul link.

[0411] In an embodiment, the transceiver module is further configured to:

[0412] send the QoS monitoring policy to the UPF.

[0413] In an embodiment, the transceiver module is further configured to:

[0414] receive a QoS monitoring report sent by the UPF based on the QoS monitoring policy, wherein the QoS monitoring report is used to at least indicate the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

[0415] In an embodiment, the transceiver module is specifically configured to:

[0416] receive a plurality of the QoS monitoring reports sent by the UPF respectively;

[0417] The apparatus 200 further comprises:

[0418] a processing module 220, configured to determine the latency of the satellite backhaul link corresponding to each UPF according to the QoS monitoring report;

[0419] The processing module 220 is further configured to select the satellite backhaul link between the UPF and the RAN based on the latency of the satellite backhaul link corresponding to each UPF.

[0420] In an embodiment, the transceiver module is further configured to send the QoS monitoring report to the PCF.

[0421] As shown in Figure 17 the present exemplary embodiment provides an information transmission apparatus 300, arranged in a UPF, comprising:

[0422] The transceiver module 310 is configured to receive a quality of service (QoS) monitoring policy sent by a session management function (SMF), wherein the QoS monitoring policy is associated with at least QoS monitoring of a satellite backhaul link; and the QoS monitoring policy is sent by a policy control function (PCF) to the SMF.

[0423] In an embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy comprises:

[0424] a QoS parameter for instructing to detect a delay of the satellite backhaul link;

[0425] a monitoring instruction for instructing that the QoS monitoring policy is associated with at least the satellite backhaul link, and / or reporting the delay of the satellite backhaul link.

[0426] In an embodiment, the delay of the satellite backhaul link comprises at least one of:

[0427] a delay of at least one direction between a user plane function (UPF) and a radio access network (RAN), wherein the UPF and the RAN establish the satellite backhaul link through at least one satellite.

[0428] In an embodiment, the QoS monitoring policy is determined by the PCF and sent to the SMF for a user equipment (UE) to communicate through the satellite backhaul link.

[0429] In an embodiment, the apparatus 300 further comprises:

[0430] a processing module 320 configured to measure and determine the delay of the satellite backhaul link based on the QoS monitoring policy.

[0431] In an embodiment, the transceiver module is further configured to at least one of:

[0432] send a QoS monitoring report to the SMF;

[0433] send the QoS monitoring report to a sending object indicated by the QoS monitoring policy;

[0434] wherein the QoS monitoring report is used to at least indicate the delay of the satellite backhaul link.

[0435] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, comprising:

[0436] a processor;

[0437] a memory for storing processor-executable instructions;

[0438] wherein the processor is configured to implement the information transmission method of any embodiment of the present disclosure when running the executable instructions.

[0439] In an embodiment, the communication device can include, but is not limited to, at least one of: a UE and a network device. Here, the network device can include a core network or an access network device, etc. Here, the access network device can include a base station; the core network can include an AMF, an SMF.

[0440] The processor can include various types of storage media, which is a non-transitory computer storage medium, capable of continuing to remember information stored thereon after the user equipment is powered off.

[0441] The processor can be connected with the memory through a bus or the like, for reading an executable program stored on the memory, for example, as shown in Figures 4 to 14 At least one of the methods.

[0442] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a computer storage medium, which stores a computer executable program, and the executable program is executed by a processor to implement the information transmission method of any of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, at least one of the methods as shown in Figures 4 to 14 At least one of the methods.

[0443] As to the apparatus or the storage medium in the above embodiments, the specific manner in which each module performs operations has been described in detail in the embodiments of the method, and will not be described in detail here.

[0444] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a communication method, which is executed by a core network device, and the method includes:

[0445] In response to the policy control function PCF receiving indication information that a user equipment UE communicates through a satellite backhaul link, formulating or updating a QoS control policy and / or a charging policy;

[0446] Based on the QoS monitoring policy, measuring and determining the delay of the satellite backhaul link.

[0447] As to the communication method in the above embodiments, the information transmission method of any of the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be included. For example, at least one of the methods as shown in Figures 4 to 14 At least one of the methods.

[0448] As to the communication method in the above embodiments, the specific manner has been described in detail in the embodiments of the above method, and will not be described in detail here.

[0449] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a communication method, which is executed by a core network device, and the core network device includes: a policy control function PCF, a session management function SMF and a user plane function UPF, and the method includes:

[0450] The PCF formulates a quality of service (QoS) monitoring policy and sends the QoS monitoring policy to the SMF, wherein the QoS monitoring policy is associated with at least QoS monitoring of a satellite backhaul link;

[0451] The SMF sends the QoS monitoring policy to the UPF;

[0452] The UPF measures and determines a delay of the satellite backhaul link based on the QoS monitoring policy;

[0453] The UPF sends a QoS monitoring report to the SMF, wherein the QoS monitoring report is used to at least indicate the delay of the satellite backhaul link; and the SMF sends the QoS monitoring report to the PCF.

[0454] With regard to the communication method in the above embodiments, the information transmission method of any of the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be included. For example, at least one of the methods shown in Figures 4 to 14

[0455] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a communication system, wherein the communication system includes a user plane function (UPF), a session management function (SMF), and a policy control function (PCF); the UPF is configured to implement the information transmission method of any of the embodiments of the present disclosure; the SMF is configured to implement the information transmission method of any of the embodiments of the present disclosure; and the PCF is configured to implement the information transmission method of any of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0456] With regard to the communication system in the above embodiments, the specific manners in which the respective components perform operations have been described in detail in the embodiments of the method, and thus will not be described in detail here.

[0457] With regard to the communication method in the above embodiments, the information transmission method of any of the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be included. For example, at least one of the methods shown in Figures 4 to 14

[0458] With regard to the communication method in the above embodiments, the specific manners have been described in detail in the embodiments of the method, and thus will not be described in detail here.

[0459] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a communication system, wherein the system is configured to perform the method of the tenth aspect.

[0460] With regard to the communication system in the above embodiments, the specific manners in which the respective components perform operations have been described in detail in the embodiments of the method, and thus will not be described in detail here.

[0461] Figure 18 ​​A block diagram of a user equipment 3000 according to an example embodiment is shown. The user equipment 3000 can be, for example, a mobile phone, a computer, a digital broadcast user equipment, a messaging equipment, a game console, a tablet equipment, a medical equipment, a fitness equipment, a personal digital assistant, or the like.

[0462] Referring to Figure 18 The user equipment 3000 can include one or more of the following components: a processing component 3002, a memory 3004, a power supply component 3006, a multimedia component 3008, an audio component 3010, an input / output (I / O) interface 3012, a sensor component 3014, and a communication component 3016.

[0463] The processing component 3002 usually controls overall operations of the user equipment 3000, such as operations associated with displaying, making phone calls, data communications, camera operations and recording operations. The processing component 3002 can include one or more processors 3020 to execute instructions to complete all or part of steps of the above-described methods. In addition, the processing component 3002 can include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between the processing component 3002 and other components. For example, the processing component 3002 can include a multimedia module to facilitate the interaction between the multimedia component 3008 and the processing component 3002.

[0464] The memory 3004 is configured to store various types of data to support operations of the user equipment 3000. Examples of these data include instructions for any application or method operating on the user equipment 3000, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, and the like. The memory 3004 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage devices or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk or optical disk.

[0465] The power supply component 3006 supplies electrical power for the various components of the user equipment 3000. The power supply component 3006 can include a power supply management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with generating, managing and distributing electrical power for the user equipment 3000.

[0466] The multimedia component 3008 includes a screen providing an output interface between the user and the user equipment 3000. In some embodiments, the screen includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen can be implemented as a touch screen to receive input signals from a user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense touch, slide and gesture on the touch panel. The touch sensor can not only sense a boundary of a touching or sliding action, but also detect duration and pressure applied by the user. In some embodiments, the multimedia component 3008 includes a front camera and / or a rear camera. When the user equipment 3000 is in an operation mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front camera and / or the rear camera can receive external multimedia data. Each of the front and rear cameras can be a fixed optical lens system or have a focal length and optical zoom capability.

[0467] The audio component 3010 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, the audio component 3010 includes a microphone (MIC) that is configured to receive an external audio signal when the user equipment 3000 is in an operation mode, such as a call mode, a recording mode, and a voice recognition mode. The received audio signal can be further stored in the memory 3004 or transmitted via the communication component 3016. In some embodiments, the audio component 3010 also includes a speaker for outputting an audio signal.

[0468] The I / O interface 3012 provides an interface between the processing component 3002 and peripheral interface modules, which can be a keyboard, a click wheel, a button, and the like. The buttons can include, but are not limited to, a home button, a volume button, a start button, and a lock button.

[0469] The sensor component 3014 includes one or more sensors to provide status assessments for various aspects of the user device 3000. For example, the sensor component 3014 can detect an on / off status of the user device 3000, relative positioning of components, such as a display and a keypad of the user device 3000, a change in position of the user device 3000 or a component of the user device 3000, presence or absence of user contact with the user device 3000, orientation or acceleration / deceleration of the user device 3000, and temperature changes of the user device 3000. The sensor component 3014 can include proximity sensor(s) configured to detect presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. The sensor component 3014 can further include an optical sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, the sensor component 3014 can further include an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0470] The communication component 3016 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between the user device 3000 and another device. The user device 3000 can access a wireless network based on a communication standard, such as WiFi, 4G, or 5G, or a combination thereof. In an example embodiment, the communication component 3016 receives a broadcast signal or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In an example embodiment, the communication component 3016 further includes a Near Field Communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module can be implemented based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, infrared data association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technology.

[0471] In an example embodiment, the user device 3000 can be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, or other electronic elements to perform the above-described methods.

[0472] In an example embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions, such as the memory 3004 including instructions, is also provided. The instructions can be executable by the processor 3020 of the user device 3000 to perform the above-described methods. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be a ROM, a random access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disc, and an optical data storage device, and the like.

[0473] Figure 19This disclosure illustrates an embodiment of a base station structure. For example, base station 900 can be provided as a network device. (See also...) Figure 19 As shown, base station 900 includes processing component 922, which further includes one or more processors, and memory resources represented by memory 932 for storing instructions, such as application programs, that can be executed by processing component 922. The application programs stored in memory 932 may include one or more modules, each corresponding to a set of instructions. Furthermore, processing component 922 is configured to execute instructions to perform any of the methods described above applied to the base station.

[0474] Base station 900 may also include a power supply component 926 configured to perform power management of base station 900, a wired or wireless network interface 950 configured to connect base station 900 to a network, and an input / output (I / O) interface 958. Base station 900 can operate on an operating system stored in memory 932, such as Windows Server™, Mac OS X™, Unix™, Linux™, FreeBSD™, or similar.

[0475] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0476] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An information transmission method, wherein, Executed by the policy control element PCF, including: In response to the PCF receiving an indication that the user equipment (UE) is communicating via a satellite backhaul link, the PCF formulates a QoS monitoring policy and sends it to the session management network element (SMF). The QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with the QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul link, and the satellite backhaul link includes a dynamic satellite backhaul link established through multiple satellites.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The satellite backhaul link also includes a static satellite backhaul link established through a single satellite.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The QoS monitoring policy includes at least one of the following: QoS parameters are used to indicate the latency of the satellite backhaul link. The monitoring instruction is used to indicate that the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with the satellite backhaul link and / or to report the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The satellite backhaul link is established between the user plane network element (UPF) and the access network RAN ​​equipment.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The method further includes: Receive the QoS monitoring report sent by the SMF, wherein the QoS monitoring report is used to indicate at least the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method further includes: In response to receiving the instruction information, formulate or update the QoS control policy and / or billing policy for services using the satellite backhaul link.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The indication information is sent by the SMF when the Access and Mobility Management Element (AMF) determines that the UE is communicating through the satellite backhaul link; The AMF is used to determine whether the UE communicates through the satellite backhaul link during the UE's registration and / or Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The indication information is included in the policy session establishment request sent by the SMF to the PCF; The policy session establishment request is sent by the SMF upon receiving the PDU session context establishment request from the AMF. The PDU session context establishment request is sent by the AMF when the UE determines that the UE is communicating through the satellite backhaul link during the PDU session. The PDU session context establishment request includes the indication information.

9. An information transmission method, wherein, Performed by the Session Management Element (SMF), including: The system receives a Quality of Service (QoS) monitoring policy sent by the Policy Control Element (PCF), wherein the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul link; the QoS monitoring policy is formulated and sent by the PCF upon receiving an indication from the User Equipment (UE) to communicate via the satellite backhaul link; the satellite backhaul link includes a dynamic satellite backhaul link established through multiple satellites.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The satellite backhaul link also includes a static satellite backhaul link established through a single satellite.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The QoS monitoring policy includes at least one of the following: QoS parameters are used to indicate the latency of the satellite backhaul link. The monitoring instruction is used to indicate that the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with the satellite backhaul link and / or to report the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The satellite backhaul link is established between the user plane network element (UPF) and the access network RAN ​​equipment.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The method further includes: Send the QoS monitoring policy to UPF.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The method further includes: Receive a QoS monitoring report sent by UPF based on the QoS monitoring policy, wherein the QoS monitoring report is used at least to indicate the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The receipt of the QoS monitoring report sent by the UPF based on the QoS monitoring policy includes: Receive the QoS monitoring reports sent by the multiple UPFs respectively; The method further includes: The latency of the satellite backhaul link corresponding to each UPF is determined based on the QoS monitoring report; Based on the latency of the satellite backhaul link corresponding to each UPF, a satellite backhaul link between the UPF and the RAN device is selected.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, The method further includes sending the QoS monitoring report to the PCF.

17. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The indication information is used to trigger the PCF to formulate or update the QoS control policy and / or billing policy for services using the satellite backhaul link.

18. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The indication information is sent by the SMF when the Access and Mobility Management Element (AMF) determines that the UE is communicating through the satellite backhaul link; The AMF is used to determine whether the UE communicates through the satellite backhaul link during the UE's registration and / or Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The indication information is included in the policy session establishment request sent by the SMF to the PCF; The policy session establishment request is sent by the SMF upon receiving the PDU session context establishment request from the AMF. The PDU session context establishment request is sent by the AMF when the UE determines that the UE is communicating through the satellite backhaul link during the PDU session. The PDU session context establishment request includes the indication information.

20. An information transmission method, wherein, Executed by the user plane network element UPF, including: The system receives a Quality of Service (QoS) monitoring policy sent by a Session Management Element (SMF), wherein the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul link; wherein the QoS monitoring policy is sent to the SMF by a Policy Control Element (PCF) upon receiving an indication from a User Equipment (UE) to communicate via the satellite backhaul link; the satellite backhaul link includes a dynamic satellite backhaul link established through multiple satellites.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The satellite backhaul link also includes a static satellite backhaul link established through a single satellite.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein, The QoS monitoring policy includes: QoS parameters are used to indicate the latency of the satellite backhaul link. The monitoring instruction is used to indicate that the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with the satellite backhaul link and / or to report the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein, The satellite backhaul link is established between the UPF and the access network RAN ​​equipment.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein, The method further includes: Based on the QoS monitoring strategy, the latency of the satellite backhaul link is measured and determined.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The method further includes at least one of the following: Send a QoS monitoring report to the SMF; Send the QoS monitoring report to the sending object indicated by the QoS monitoring policy; The QoS monitoring report is used, at least, to indicate the latency of the satellite backhaul link.

26. The method of claim 20, wherein, The indication information is used to trigger the PCF to formulate or update the QoS control policy and / or billing policy for services using the satellite backhaul link.

27. The method of claim 20, wherein, The indication information is sent by the SMF when the Access and Mobility Management Element (AMF) determines that the UE is communicating through the satellite backhaul link; The AMF is used to determine whether the UE communicates through the satellite backhaul link during the UE's registration and / or Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein, The indication information is included in the policy session establishment request sent by the SMF to the PCF; The policy session establishment request is sent by the SMF upon receiving the PDU session context establishment request from the AMF. The PDU session context establishment request is sent by the AMF when the UE determines that the UE is communicating through the satellite backhaul link during the PDU session. The PDU session context establishment request includes the indication information.

29. An information transmission device, wherein, Executed by the policy control element PCF, including: The transceiver module is configured to, in response to the PCF receiving an indication that the user equipment (UE) is communicating via a satellite backhaul link, formulate a Quality of Service (QoS) monitoring policy and send it to the Session Management Element (SMF). The QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with the QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul link, and the satellite backhaul link includes a dynamic satellite backhaul link established through multiple satellites.

30. An information transmission device, wherein, Performed by the Session Management Element (SMF), including: The transceiver module is configured to receive QoS monitoring policies sent by the policy control network element PCF, wherein the QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul link; the QoS monitoring policy is formulated and sent by the PCF upon receiving indication information from the user equipment UE to communicate via the satellite backhaul link; the satellite backhaul link includes dynamic satellite backhaul links established through multiple satellites.

31. An information transmission device, wherein, Executed by the user plane network element UPF, including: The transceiver module is configured to receive QoS monitoring policies sent by the Session Management Element (SMF), wherein the QoS monitoring policies are at least associated with QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul link; wherein the QoS monitoring policies are sent to the SMF by the Policy Control Element (PCF) upon receiving indication information from the User Equipment (UE) to communicate via the satellite backhaul link; the satellite backhaul link includes dynamic satellite backhaul links established through multiple satellites.

32. A communication device, wherein, The communication device includes: processor; Memory used to store the processor's executable instructions; The processor is configured to implement the information transmission method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 9 to 19, or 20 to 28 when running the executable instructions.

33. A computer storage medium, wherein, The computer storage medium stores a computer-executable program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the information transmission method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 9 to 19, or 20 to 28.

34. A communication system, wherein, The communication system includes a user equipment (UE), an access network (RAN) device, a policy control network element (PCF), a session management network element (SMF), and a user plane network element (UPF); the PCF is used to implement the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8, the SMF is used to implement the method described in any one of claims 9 to 19, and the UPF is used to implement the method described in any one of claims 20 to 28.

35. A communication method, executed by a core network device, wherein, The method includes: In response to receiving an indication that the user equipment (UE) is communicating via the satellite backhaul link, formulate or update the quality of service (QoS) control policy and / or charging policy for services using the satellite backhaul link. Based on the QoS monitoring strategy, the latency of the satellite backhaul link is measured and determined. The QoS monitoring strategy is formulated by the core network equipment when it receives an indication that the user equipment (UE) is communicating through the satellite backhaul link. The satellite backhaul link includes a dynamic satellite backhaul link established through multiple satellites.

36. A communication method, wherein, Performed by the core network, wherein the core network includes: Policy Control Element (PCF), Session Management Element (SMF), and User Plane Element (UPF), and the method includes: Upon receiving an indication from the user equipment (UE) to communicate via a satellite backhaul link, the PCF formulates a QoS monitoring policy and sends it to the SMF. The QoS monitoring policy is at least associated with the QoS monitoring of the satellite backhaul link, which includes a dynamic satellite backhaul link established through multiple satellites. The SMF sends the QoS monitoring policy to the UPF; The UPF measures and determines the latency of the satellite backhaul link based on the QoS monitoring strategy. The UPF sends a QoS monitoring report to the SMF, the QoS monitoring report being used at least to indicate the latency of the satellite backhaul link; the SMF sends the QoS monitoring report to the PCF.

37. A communication system, wherein, The system includes a user equipment (UE), an access network (RAN) device, and a core network device, wherein the core network device is used to perform the method as described in claim 35.

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