Non-terrestrial network dual connectivity method, master node device and communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a non-terrestrial network dual connectivity method, a master node device and a communication system, relating to the technical field of wireless communication. According to the ephemeris information of each satellite, a satellite corresponding to a secondary node device in the future is predicted, and a secondary node device addition request message is sent to the secondary node device corresponding to the predicted satellite, which includes the service time of the master node device and the service quality requirement for the secondary node device, used to assist the secondary node device to make a non-terrestrial network dual connectivity decision, so as to reasonably match the secondary node device satisfying the service time of the master node device, and improve the condition of frequent addition, change or deletion of the secondary node device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a dual-connection method for non-terrestrial networks, a master node device, and a communication system. Background Technology

[0002] Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) dual connectivity refers to dual connectivity via non-terrestrial networks (such as satellite networks). The network-side control devices corresponding to dual connectivity are called the master node (MN) and the secondary node (SN).

[0003] Compared to terrestrial network dual-connectivity scenarios, in non-terrestrial network dual-connectivity scenarios, even if the satellite uses a fixed ground beam—meaning it covers a fixed location on the ground by adjusting its beam direction within a certain time—the high-speed movement of the satellite still leads to frequent additions, modifications, or deletions of auxiliary node devices. For example, for an LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite orbiting at an altitude of 600km and a speed of 7.56km / s, its beam coverage diameter is approximately 700km. If the satellite supports 6 beams, terminals within its coverage cell will need to perform a SN handover less than once per minute. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In this embodiment, based on the ephemeris information of each satellite, the satellite corresponding to the future auxiliary node device is predicted, and an auxiliary node device addition request message is sent to the auxiliary node device corresponding to the predicted satellite. This message includes the service time of the primary node device and the service quality requirements for the auxiliary node device. This assists the auxiliary node device in making non-terrestrial network dual-connectivity decisions, thereby reasonably matching the primary node device with auxiliary node devices that meet its service time requirements and improving the situation of frequent addition, modification, or deletion of auxiliary node devices. Furthermore, the configuration information of multiple time-series auxiliary node devices is sent to the terminal at once, enabling the terminal to autonomously establish non-terrestrial network connections with the corresponding auxiliary node devices at different times. This effectively reduces the air interface signaling and latency overhead during the addition, modification, or deletion of auxiliary node devices, improving the robustness of the dual-connectivity service.

[0005] This disclosure provides several embodiments of a dual-connectivity method for non-terrestrial networks, applied to a master node device in a non-terrestrial network, including:

[0006] Obtain ephemeris information for each satellite;

[0007] Based on the ephemeris information of each satellite, predict the satellites corresponding to the auxiliary node equipment in the future;

[0008] Send a secondary node device addition request message to the secondary node device corresponding to the predicted satellite. This message includes the service time of the primary node device and the service quality requirements for the secondary node device, which is used to assist the secondary node device in making non-terrestrial network dual connectivity decisions.

[0009] In some embodiments, predicting the satellites corresponding to future auxiliary node devices includes: determining one or more satellites with relatively long available connection times based on the ephemeris information of each satellite, as the satellites corresponding to future auxiliary node devices.

[0010] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0011] The receiving terminal transmits the satellite signal quality measurement results of nearby cells when the current auxiliary node equipment does not meet the quality of service requirements;

[0012] Based on the ephemeris information of each satellite and the measurement results of satellite signal quality in nearby cells, the satellites corresponding to the auxiliary node equipment in the future are re-predicted;

[0013] Send a secondary node device addition request message to the secondary node device corresponding to the re-predicted satellite. This message includes the service time of the primary node device and the service quality requirements for the secondary node device, which is used to assist the secondary node device in making non-terrestrial network dual connectivity decisions.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a secondary node device addition confirmation message sent by the secondary node device, which includes service availability information of the secondary node device.

[0015] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0016] If multiple auxiliary node devices send auxiliary node device addition confirmation messages, the service time of the multiple auxiliary node devices is integrated into the service time of the primary node device according to the service time information of each auxiliary node device to obtain a time-series-based auxiliary node device sequence.

[0017] The configuration information of the time-series secondary node device sequence is sent to the terminal to instruct the terminal to establish non-terrestrial network connections with the corresponding secondary node device at different times.

[0018] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0019] If the terminal successfully establishes a non-terrestrial network connection with the corresponding secondary node device at a different time before the access time expires, it receives a connection success message from the corresponding secondary node device and sends the terminal's context information to the corresponding secondary node device; or,

[0020] If the terminal fails to connect to the corresponding secondary node device at a different time after the access time expires, the terminal sends a connection release message to the corresponding secondary node device and a dual connection re-establishment message to the terminal.

[0021] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0022] If the service time of the secondary node device to which the terminal is connected expires, a connection release message is sent to that secondary node device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the service availability information of the secondary node device includes the service start time and the longest connection time.

[0024] In some embodiments, integrating the service time of multiple secondary node devices into the service time of the primary node device includes:

[0025] According to the service start time of the auxiliary node devices in the order from earliest to latest, after the service time of the previous auxiliary node device expires, the next auxiliary node device will take over, until the overall service time of all auxiliary node devices covers the service time of the main node device. If the service times of adjacent auxiliary node devices overlap, the auxiliary node device with better service quality will be selected to provide service during the overlapping time period.

[0026] In some embodiments, the primary or secondary node device of the non-terrestrial network is one or more of a satellite and a corresponding base station.

[0027] This disclosure provides embodiments of a master node device for use in non-terrestrial networks, including:

[0028] Memory; and,

[0029] A processor coupled to the memory is configured to execute a non-terrestrial network dual connectivity method based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0030] This disclosure provides embodiments of a master node device for use in non-terrestrial networks, including:

[0031] The acquisition unit is configured to acquire ephemeris information for each satellite;

[0032] The prediction unit is configured to predict the satellites corresponding to future auxiliary node devices based on the ephemeris information of each satellite; and,

[0033] The sending unit is configured to send a secondary node device addition request message to the secondary node device corresponding to the predicted satellite. The message includes the service time of the primary node device and the service quality requirements for the secondary node device, which is used to assist the secondary node device in making a decision on non-terrestrial network dual connectivity.

[0034] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0035] The integration unit is configured to, if it receives a secondary node device addition confirmation message from multiple secondary node devices, integrate the service time of the multiple secondary node devices into the service time of the primary node device according to the service time information of each secondary node device, so as to obtain a time-series-based secondary node device sequence.

[0036] The sending unit is configured to send configuration information of a time-series-based sequence of auxiliary node devices to the terminal, which is used to instruct the terminal to establish a non-terrestrial network connection with the corresponding auxiliary node device at different times.

[0037] Some embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication system for use in non-terrestrial networks, comprising: a master node device configured to perform a non-terrestrial network dual-connectivity method; and at least one auxiliary node device.

[0038] Some embodiments of this disclosure propose a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of a non-terrestrial network dual connectivity method. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. This disclosure can be more clearly understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1a A schematic diagram of an NTN dual-connection architecture based on transparent forwarding, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, is shown.

[0042] Figure 1b A schematic diagram of an NTN dual-connectivity architecture based on a satellite-borne base station is shown, representing some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0043] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating an NTN dual-connection configuration according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0044] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the establishment and maintenance of NTN dual connections according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0045] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating NTN dual-connection reconfiguration (update) of some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0046] Figure 5aA schematic diagram of NTN dual connectivity is shown, representing some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0047] Figure 5b Show Figure 5a A schematic diagram of the SN satellite timing sequence fed back by each satellite in the scenario shown.

[0048] Figure 5c Showing the Figure 5b A schematic diagram of the integrated SN satellite timing sequence.

[0049] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the structure of a master node device applied to a non-terrestrial network according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the structure of a master node device applied to a non-terrestrial network according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the structure of a communication system applied to a non-terrestrial network according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Unless otherwise stated, the terms "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure are used to distinguish different objects and are not used to indicate size or sequence.

[0054] NTN dual-connectivity architectures include, but are not limited to, NTN dual-connectivity architectures based on transparent forwarding and NTN dual-connectivity architectures based on satellite base stations.

[0055] Figure 1a A schematic diagram of an NTN dual-connection architecture based on transparent forwarding, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, is shown.

[0056] like Figure 1a As shown, in the NTN dual-connectivity architecture based on transparent forwarding, the satellite acts as a relay node between the ground base station (such as gNB) and the terminal (such as UE (User Equipment)), transparently forwarding only radio signals. One ground base station acts as the master node (MN) device, performing radio resource management and connection control, while the other ground base station acts as the slave node (SN) device, which can be added or removed as needed. Furthermore, an NTN gateway can be set up between the satellite and the ground base station. The ground base station connects to the terrestrial core network (such as the 5G core network (CN)), which in turn connects to the data network. Here, NR-Uu, NG, Xn, and N6 represent network interfaces.

[0057] Figure 1b A schematic diagram of an NTN dual-connectivity architecture based on a satellite-borne base station is shown, representing some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0058] like Figure 1b As shown, satellites possess some or all of the functions of a base station, and can directly act as either a master node (MN) or a slave node (SN) device. Satellites can directly exchange information through the Xn interface to share ephemeris information and air interface status. Furthermore, an NTN gateway can be set up between the satellite and the ground, connecting to the terrestrial core network (such as a 5G CN), which in turn connects to the data network. Here, NR-Uu, NG, Xn, N6, NGover SRI (i.e., NG based on SRI) represent network interfaces, and SRI stands for Satellite Radio Interface.

[0059] In the subsequent embodiments of this disclosure, the primary node device and secondary node device can be a satellite, a satellite and a base station, or a base station. For example, in Figure 1a In this architecture, the primary node device and the secondary node device can be base stations, and they establish an air interface connection with the terminal via satellite; Figure 1b Under this architecture, if the satellite has all the functions of a base station, the main node device and the auxiliary node device can be the satellite; if the satellite has some of the functions of a base station, the main node device and the auxiliary node device can be both the satellite and the base station.

[0060] In this embodiment, based on the ephemeris information of each satellite, the satellite corresponding to the future auxiliary node device is predicted, and an auxiliary node device addition request message is sent to the auxiliary node device corresponding to the predicted satellite. This message includes the service time of the primary node device and the service quality requirements for the auxiliary node device. This assists the auxiliary node device in making non-terrestrial network dual-connectivity decisions, thereby reasonably matching the primary node device with auxiliary node devices that meet its service time requirements and improving the situation of frequent addition, modification, or deletion of auxiliary node devices. Furthermore, the configuration information of multiple time-series auxiliary node devices is sent to the terminal at once, enabling the terminal to autonomously establish non-terrestrial network connections with the corresponding auxiliary node devices at different times. This effectively reduces the air interface signaling and latency overhead during the addition, modification, or deletion of auxiliary node devices, improving the robustness of the dual-connectivity service.

[0061] The following is combined Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 The dual-connection method for non-terrestrial networks is described.

[0062] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating an NTN dual-connection configuration according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0063] Step 20: In the NTN dual-connectivity architecture, the Core Network (CN) maintains the ephemeris information and corresponding service area for each satellite. Therefore, before establishing dual connectivity, the MN device can send a request to the CN to obtain the ephemeris information of its nearby satellites.

[0064] Ephemeral information can take two forms:

[0065] Format 1: Satellite's three-dimensional position and velocity;

[0066] Form 2: Right ascension of the ascending node, inclination of the orbit, distance from perigee, major radius, eccentricity, and angle of anterior mean.

[0067] Step 21: The MN device selects the satellites corresponding to the SN device that can establish dual connections based on the ephemeris information of other satellites provided by the CN and their corresponding service areas. The MN device can determine the connection time that the satellite can provide for the target area based on the satellite's orbital altitude and motion speed in the ephemeris information, and select one or more satellites with relatively long available connection times to correspond to the SN device, in order to avoid frequent connection releases and reconstructions.

[0068] Step 22: The MN device sends an SN device add request message to the SN device it selects. This request message may contain information such as the MN device's own service time and expected quality of service requirements for the SN device, in order to assist the SN device in making dual-connection decisions.

[0069] Step 23: The SN device can determine whether it can provide effective and reliable dual-connectivity service within the MN device's service time based on the request message added by the SN device, in order to meet the MN device's expected quality of service requirements for the SN device. Factors considered include radio interface conditions, number of radio resources, and service time. Among these, if the satellite service time of the SN device can cover part or all of the MN device's service time, it is considered to meet the MN device's expected quality of service requirements for the SN device, provided that other conditions are met.

[0070] Step 24: The SN device makes a dual-connection decision and replies to the MN device with an SN device add confirmation / rejection message. If the SN device decides to establish a dual connection with the MN device, it reserves a certain amount of radio resources for the terminal and provides the SN device's service availability information (such as service start time, maximum connection time, etc.) in the SN device add confirmation message sent to the MN device. In addition, the SN device can determine the amount of radio resources to be reserved based on the SN device service quality requirements provided by the MN device.

[0071] Step 25: If the MN device receives multiple SN device add confirmation messages, it integrates the service time of the multiple auxiliary node devices into the service time of the primary node device to obtain a time-series-based auxiliary node device sequence, so that the terminal can establish, release and reconfigure the SN devices according to the integrated time sequence.

[0072] According to the service start time of the auxiliary node devices in the order from earliest to latest, after the service time of the previous auxiliary node device expires, the next auxiliary node device will take over, until the overall service time of all auxiliary node devices covers the service time of the main node device. If the service times of adjacent auxiliary node devices overlap, the auxiliary node device with better service quality will be selected to provide service during the overlapping time period.

[0073] In other words, the service start time and longest connection time of multiple satellites are integrated so that the terminal establishes, releases, and reconfigures the SN device according to the integrated timing sequence. For example, if the connection times of satellites of multiple SN devices overlap, the satellite of the SN device that can provide the best service quality is selected, and the service start time and connection time of that SN device's satellite are added to the timing information.

[0074] Step 26: The MN device sends a time-based SN device sequence configuration information (26a) to the terminal, instructing the terminal to establish a non-terrestrial network connection with the corresponding SN device at different times. The time-based SN device sequence configuration information can be sent via Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration messages. This information includes not only SN device identification and radio resource configuration information, but also the radio connection establishment time and connection duration of these SN devices. After configuration, the terminal replies with a configuration completion message (26b), such as an RRC configuration completion message. This allows the terminal, upon receiving the time-based SN device sequence configuration information, to perform initial random access with the corresponding SN device at the target SN device's radio connection establishment time, and to set a timer 1 based on the connection duration of the SN device. After timer 1 expires, the terminal automatically releases the radio bearer with the SN device.

[0075] Step 27: After receiving the configuration completion message from the terminal, the MN device sends an SN configuration completion message to the corresponding SN device. The message may include, as needed, the wireless connection establishment time and connection duration of the SN device determined after integration.

[0076] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the satellite corresponding to the future auxiliary node device is predicted based on the ephemeris information of each satellite, and an auxiliary node device addition request message is sent to the auxiliary node device corresponding to the predicted satellite. This message includes the service time of the primary node device and the service quality requirements for the auxiliary node device. This is used to assist the auxiliary node device in making a decision on non-terrestrial network dual connectivity, thereby reasonably matching the primary node device with an auxiliary node device that meets its service time requirements and improving the situation of frequent addition, modification or deletion of auxiliary node devices.

[0077] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the establishment and maintenance of NTN dual connections according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0078] After obtaining the configuration information of the time-series SN device sequence, the terminal obtains the configuration information of multiple time-series SN devices at once. The terminal autonomously establishes non-terrestrial network connections with the corresponding SN devices at different times, while maintaining the connection with the MN device, thus achieving the establishment and release of dual connections according to the time sequence. The NTN dual connection establishment and successful maintenance process is as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0079] Step 31: Based on timing, the terminal waits for the wireless connection establishment time of the SN device to arrive.

[0080] Step 32: The terminal sets Timer 1 based on the connection duration in the SN device sequence timing information, sets Timer 2 based on the set access time, and starts Timer 1 and Timer 2 at the wireless connection establishment time of the SN device.

[0081] Step 33: When the wireless connection establishment time of the SN device arrives, the terminal initiates random access to the SN device.

[0082] Step 34: If the random access process is successfully completed before Timer 2 expires, the SN device sends a connection success message to the MN device to notify the MN device that its time-based SN configuration is proceeding smoothly; otherwise, if the random access process is not successfully completed before Timer 2 expires, the MN device sends a connection release message to the SN device to release resources in a timely manner, and sends a dual connection re-establishment message to the terminal to rebuild the dual connection and reselect a suitable SN device.

[0083] Step 35: After receiving the connection success message, the MN device sends a serial number state transition message to the SN device, which contains the terminal's context information.

[0084] Step 36: The SN device establishes a Data Radio Bearer (DRB) and a Signaling Radio Bearer (SRB) for the terminal, and uses the reserved radio resources to provide effective and reliable services to the terminal during the connection duration, so as to meet the MN device's expected quality of service requirements for the SN device.

[0085] Step 37: When Timer 1 expires, the terminal automatically releases the wireless connection of the SN device and deletes the configuration information of the SN device (37a). Simultaneously, the MN device sends a connection release message to the SN device (37b) to cause the SN device to release radio bearers such as DRB and SRB and delete the terminal's context information. Then, for the next SN device in the timeline, the terminal can continue executing steps 31-37.

[0086] In this embodiment, configuration information of multiple time-series auxiliary node devices is sent to the terminal at once, enabling the terminal to autonomously establish non-terrestrial network connections with the corresponding auxiliary node devices at different times. This effectively reduces air interface signaling and latency overhead during the addition, modification, or deletion of auxiliary node devices, and improves the robustness of dual-connectivity services.

[0087] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating NTN dual-connection reconfiguration (update) of some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0088] The following is combined Figure 4 Describe the NTN dual-connection reconfiguration (update) process.

[0089] Step 41: If the current SN device cannot meet the terminal's quality of service requirements, the terminal reports the satellite signal quality measurement results of nearby cells to the MN device.

[0090] Step 42: After receiving the satellite signal quality measurement results of the nearby cell sent by the terminal, the MN device sends a connection release request to the SN device satellite.

[0091] Step 43: The SN device sends a connection release confirmation message to the MN device.

[0092] Step 44: After receiving the connection release confirmation from the SN device, the MN device selects a new SN device based on the ephemeris information and the satellite signal quality measurement results of the nearby cells.

[0093] Step 45: The MN device sends an SN device addition request to the new SN device, which includes the service time information and terminal service quality requirements that need to be met (i.e., the service quality requirements for the SN device).

[0094] Step 46: If the new SN device can meet the requirements, reserve sufficient wireless resources and send an SN device add request confirmation message to the MN device containing its own service time information (such as service start time and longest connection time); otherwise, the new SN device replies with an SN device add request rejection message.

[0095] Step 47: After receiving the confirmation message for the addition request of the new SN device, the MN device updates the configuration information of the time-series SN device sequence and sends it to the terminal (47a). After completing the configuration update, the terminal sends back a confirmation message (47b).

[0096] Step 48: The MN device sends back a message indicating that the SN reconfiguration is complete.

[0097] In this embodiment of the disclosure, based on the ephemeris information of each satellite and the measurement results of satellite signal quality of nearby cells, the satellites corresponding to the auxiliary node equipment in the future are re-predicted, and the auxiliary node equipment is reconfigured to ensure the service quality of the terminal.

[0098] Here is an example of its application.

[0099] like Figure 5a As shown, the MN device is a geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite that provides fixed coverage to the MN cell area, while the SN device is a low-Earth orbit satellite that covers the area where the SN cell is located for a certain period of time. The start time and the longest connection time for each SN satellite to cover the SN cell may be different.

[0100] The MN device predicts, based on ephemeris information, that SN1, SN2, and SN3 will cover the area where the SN cell is located in the future, sends an SN add request, and receives, as shown below. Figure 5b The SN satellite timing feedback shown includes the arrival time (i.e., service start time) and longest connection time of each SN satellite, and the service times of multiple SN satellites may overlap. The MN needs to integrate the timing information of multiple SNs and send it to the terminal. The integrated SN satellite timing information is as follows: Figure 5c As shown. Here, T represents a basic unit of time, such as an hour.

[0101] MN will Figure 5c The diagram shows that time-series-based SN satellite sequence configuration information is sent to the terminal. The terminal actively connects to satellite SN1 at time t0 and maintains the connection for 8T; the terminal actively connects to satellite SN2 at time t8 and maintains the connection for 7T; the terminal actively connects to satellite SN3 at time t15 and maintains the connection for 9T. This eliminates the need for frequent SN establishment, release, and reconfiguration processes via the air interface, effectively reducing terminal power consumption and radio signaling overhead.

[0102] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the structure of a master node device applied to a non-terrestrial network according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0103] like Figure 6 As shown, the master node device 600 of this embodiment includes a memory 610 and a processor 620 coupled to the memory 610. The processor 620 is configured to execute methods in any of the embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory 610.

[0104] The master node device 600 may also include an input / output interface 630, a network interface 640, a storage interface 650, etc. These interfaces 630, 640, 650, as well as the memory 610 and the processor 620, can be connected, for example, via a bus 660.

[0105] The memory 610 may include, for example, system memory, fixed non-volatile storage media, etc. The system memory may store, for example, the operating system, application programs, boot loader, and other programs.

[0106] The processor 620 can be implemented using a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates, or transistors, or other discrete hardware components.

[0107] The input / output interface 630 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as monitors, mice, keyboards, and touchscreens. The network interface 640 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. The storage interface 650 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as SD cards and USB flash drives. The bus 660 can use any bus architecture from a variety of bus structures. For example, bus architectures include, but are not limited to, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0108] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the structure of a master node device applied to a non-terrestrial network according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0109] like Figure 7As shown, the master node device 700 in this embodiment includes:

[0110] Acquisition unit 710 is configured to acquire ephemeris information of each satellite;

[0111] Prediction unit 720 is configured to predict the satellites corresponding to future auxiliary node devices based on the ephemeris information of each satellite; and,

[0112] The transmitting unit 730 is configured to send a secondary node device addition request message to the secondary node device corresponding to the predicted satellite, which includes the service time of the primary node device and the service quality requirements for the secondary node device, to assist the secondary node device in making a non-terrestrial network dual connectivity decision.

[0113] The prediction unit 720 is configured to determine one or more satellites with relatively long available connection times based on the ephemeris information of each satellite, as the satellites corresponding to future auxiliary node devices.

[0114] The master node device 700 further includes an integration unit 740, configured to, upon receiving auxiliary node device addition confirmation messages from multiple auxiliary node devices, integrate the service times of the multiple auxiliary node devices into the service time of the master node device based on the service time information of each auxiliary node device, to obtain a time-series-based auxiliary node device sequence. The sending unit 730 is configured to send configuration information of the time-series-based auxiliary node device sequence to the terminal, instructing the terminal to establish non-terrestrial network connections with the corresponding auxiliary node devices at different times.

[0115] The master node device 700 also includes: a reconfiguration unit 750, configured to receive the satellite signal quality measurement results of nearby cells sent by the terminal when the current secondary node device does not meet the quality of service requirements; re-predict the satellites corresponding to the future secondary node devices based on the ephemeris information of each satellite and the satellite signal quality measurement results of nearby cells; and send a secondary node device addition request message to the secondary node device corresponding to the re-predicted satellites, including the service time of the master node device and the quality of service requirements for the secondary node device, to assist the secondary node device in making non-terrestrial network dual connectivity decisions.

[0116] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the structure of a communication system applied to a non-terrestrial network according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0117] like Figure 8 As shown, the communication system includes a master node device 810 and at least one slave node device 820. The master node device 810 is configured to perform the methods in any of the embodiments.

[0118] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the methods in any of the embodiments.

[0119] (1) A dual-connection method for non-terrestrial networks, applied to the master node device of a non-terrestrial network, comprising:

[0120] Obtain ephemeris information for each satellite;

[0121] Based on the ephemeris information of each satellite, predict the satellites corresponding to the auxiliary node equipment in the future;

[0122] Send a secondary node device addition request message to the secondary node device corresponding to the predicted satellite. This message includes the service time of the primary node device and the service quality requirements for the secondary node device, which is used to assist the secondary node device in making non-terrestrial network dual connectivity decisions.

[0123] (2) Based on (1), the satellites corresponding to the future auxiliary node equipment are predicted to include: based on the ephemeris information of each satellite, one or more satellites with relatively long available connection time are determined as the satellites corresponding to the future auxiliary node equipment.

[0124] (3) Based on (1) or (2), it also includes:

[0125] The receiving terminal transmits the satellite signal quality measurement results of nearby cells when the current auxiliary node equipment does not meet the quality of service requirements;

[0126] Based on the ephemeris information of each satellite and the measurement results of satellite signal quality in nearby cells, the satellites corresponding to the auxiliary node equipment in the future are re-predicted;

[0127] Send a secondary node device addition request message to the secondary node device corresponding to the re-predicted satellite. This message includes the service time of the primary node device and the service quality requirements for the secondary node device, which is used to assist the secondary node device in making non-terrestrial network dual connectivity decisions.

[0128] (4) Based on (1) or (2) or (3), it also includes: receiving a secondary node device addition confirmation message sent by the secondary node device, which includes the service time information of the secondary node device.

[0129] (5) Based on (1) or (2) or (3) or (4), it also includes: if a secondary node device addition confirmation message is received from multiple secondary node devices, the service time of multiple secondary node devices is integrated into the service time of the primary node device according to the service time information of each secondary node device to obtain a time-series-based secondary node device sequence; the configuration information of the time-series-based secondary node device sequence is sent to the terminal to instruct the terminal to establish a non-terrestrial network connection with the secondary node device corresponding to that time at different times.

[0130] (6) Based on (1) or (2) or (3) or (4) or (5), it also includes:

[0131] If the terminal successfully establishes a non-terrestrial network connection with the corresponding secondary node device at a different time before the access time expires, it receives a connection success message from the corresponding secondary node device and sends the terminal's context information to the corresponding secondary node device; or,

[0132] If the terminal fails to connect to the corresponding secondary node device at a different time after the access time expires, the terminal sends a connection release message to the corresponding secondary node device and a dual connection re-establishment message to the terminal.

[0133] (7) Based on (1) or (2) or (3) or (4) or (5) or (6), it also includes: if the service time of the auxiliary node device to which the terminal is connected expires, sending a connection release message to the auxiliary node device.

[0134] (8) Based on (1) or (2) or (3) or (4) or (5) or (6) or (7), the serviceable time information of the auxiliary node device includes the service start time and the longest connection time.

[0135] (9) Based on (1) or (2) or (3) or (4) or (5) or (6) or (7) or (8), the service time of multiple auxiliary node devices is integrated into the service time of the main node device, including: in the order of the service start time of the auxiliary node devices from early to late, after the service time of the previous auxiliary node device expires, the next auxiliary node device is continued until the overall service time of each auxiliary node device covers the service time of the main node device. If the service time of adjacent auxiliary node devices overlaps, the auxiliary node device with better service quality is selected to provide services during the overlapping time period.

[0136] (10) Based on (1) or (2) or (3) or (4) or (5) or (6) or (7) or (8) or (9), the main node equipment or auxiliary node equipment of the non-terrestrial network is one or more of the satellite and the corresponding base station.

[0137] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this disclosure can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this disclosure can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this disclosure can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer program code.

[0138] This disclosure is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowchart illustrations and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0139] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0140] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0141] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A dual-connectivity method for non-terrestrial networks, applied to a master node device in a non-terrestrial network, comprising: Obtain ephemeris information for each satellite; Based on the ephemeris information of each satellite, predict the satellites corresponding to the auxiliary node equipment in the future; Send a secondary node device addition request message to the secondary node device corresponding to the predicted satellite, which includes the service time of the primary node device and the service quality requirements for the secondary node device, to assist the secondary node device in making non-terrestrial network dual connectivity decisions. If multiple auxiliary node devices send auxiliary node device addition confirmation messages, the service times of the multiple auxiliary node devices are sequentially integrated into the service time of the primary node device according to the service time information of each auxiliary node device to obtain a time-series-based auxiliary node device sequence. The configuration information of the time-series secondary node device sequence is sent to the terminal to instruct the terminal to establish non-terrestrial network connections with the corresponding secondary node device at different times.

2. The method according to claim 1, predicting the satellites corresponding to future auxiliary node devices includes: Based on the ephemeris information of each satellite, one or more satellites with relatively long available connection times are identified as the satellites corresponding to future auxiliary node equipment.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The receiving terminal transmits the satellite signal quality measurement results of nearby cells when the current auxiliary node equipment does not meet the quality of service requirements; Based on the ephemeris information of each satellite and the measurement results of satellite signal quality in nearby cells, the satellites corresponding to the auxiliary node equipment in the future are re-predicted; Send a secondary node device addition request message to the secondary node device corresponding to the re-predicted satellite. This message includes the service time of the primary node device and the service quality requirements for the secondary node device, which is used to assist the secondary node device in making non-terrestrial network dual connectivity decisions.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising: Receive a confirmation message from the secondary node device to confirm the addition of the secondary node device, which includes the service availability information of the secondary node device.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: If the terminal successfully establishes a non-terrestrial network connection with the corresponding secondary node device at different times before the access time expires, it receives the terminal connection success message sent by the corresponding secondary node device at that time and sends the terminal's context information to the corresponding secondary node device at that time. or, If the terminal fails to connect to the corresponding secondary node device at a different time after the access time expires, the terminal sends a connection release message to the corresponding secondary node device and a dual connection re-establishment message to the terminal.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: If the service time of the secondary node device to which the terminal is connected expires, a connection release message is sent to that secondary node device.

7. The method according to claim 4, wherein the service availability information of the auxiliary node device includes the service start time and the longest connection time.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the service time of multiple auxiliary node devices is continuously integrated into the service time of the primary node device, includes: According to the service start time of the auxiliary node devices in the order from earliest to latest, after the service time of the previous auxiliary node device expires, the next auxiliary node device will take over, until the overall service time of all auxiliary node devices covers the service time of the main node device. If the service times of adjacent auxiliary node devices overlap, the auxiliary node device with better service quality will be selected to provide service during the overlapping time period.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the primary node device or secondary node device of the non-terrestrial network is one or more of a satellite and a base station corresponding to the satellite.

10. A master node device for use in a non-terrestrial network, comprising: Memory; as well as, A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the non-terrestrial network dual connectivity method according to any one of claims 1-9 based on instructions stored in the memory.

11. A master node device for use in a non-terrestrial network, comprising: The acquisition unit is configured to acquire ephemeris information for each satellite; The prediction unit is configured to predict the satellites corresponding to the auxiliary node devices in the future based on the ephemeris information of each satellite. as well as, The sending unit is configured to send a secondary node device addition request message to the secondary node device corresponding to the predicted satellite, which includes the service time of the primary node device and the service quality requirements for the secondary node device, to assist the secondary node device in making a non-terrestrial network dual connectivity decision. The integration unit is configured to, if it receives a secondary node device addition confirmation message from multiple secondary node devices, integrate the service time of the multiple secondary node devices into the service time of the primary node device according to the service time information of each secondary node device, so as to obtain a time-series-based sequence of secondary node devices. The sending unit is configured to send configuration information of a time-series-based sequence of auxiliary node devices to the terminal, which is used to instruct the terminal to establish a non-terrestrial network connection with the corresponding auxiliary node device at different times.

12. A communication system for use in non-terrestrial networks, comprising: The master node device is configured to perform the non-terrestrial network dual connectivity method as described in any one of claims 1-9; And at least one auxiliary node device.

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

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