A satellite communication method, device, apparatus and storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a satellite communication method, device, equipment and storage medium, comprising: a first node receiving a satellite quality of service (QoS) policy acquisition request sent by a policy control function (PCF) entity, wherein the satellite QoS policy acquisition request carries at least QoS data; the first node acquiring a first message from a second node, wherein the first message carries at least communication quality information, and the second node is used for monitoring the communication quality of a satellite; the first node generating satellite QoS policy data based on at least the QoS data and the communication quality information; and the first node sending the satellite QoS policy data to the PCF; the QoS policy can be matched with the actual communication quality of a satellite network, and end-to-end QoS guarantee is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and includes, but is not limited to, a satellite communication method, apparatus, device, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] 3GPP TS 23.501 defines the 5G Quality of Service (QoS) function to ensure end-to-end QoS for 5G terrestrial networks, and defines the Radio Access Technology (RAT) types for New Radio (NR) satellite access: NR (Low-Earth Orbit, LEO), NR (Medium-Earth Orbit, MEO), NR (Geostationary Earth Orbit, GEO), and NR (OthersAT) to support NR satellite access.

[0003] In related technologies, the QoS guarantee scheme for Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions involves the Session Management Function (SMF) acquiring satellite QoS policy data from the Policy Control Function / Unified Data Repository (UDR) by carrying parameters such as access type when a PDU session is established. This data is then distributed to the User Plane Function (UPF) and sent to the Radio Access Network (RAN) and the terminal via the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), thus achieving end-to-end QoS control.

[0004] In response to the high latency and high packet loss rate characteristics of satellite networks, related technologies have proposed that QoS should be differentiated according to the satellite network access type, and defined QoS policies for LEO, MEO and GEO, etc. However, the technical problem of QoS policy mismatch still exists. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a satellite communication method, apparatus, device, and storage medium that can ensure that the QoS policy matches the actual communication quality of the satellite network, thus achieving end-to-end QoS guarantee.

[0006] The technical solution of this application embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0007] This application provides a satellite communication method, the method comprising:

[0008] The first node receives a satellite QoS policy acquisition request sent by the Policy Control Function (PCF) entity, and the satellite QoS policy acquisition request carries at least QoS data.

[0009] The first node obtains a first message from the second node, and the first message carries at least communication quality information;

[0010] The first node generates satellite QoS policy data based at least on the QoS data and the communication quality information;

[0011] The first node sends the satellite QoS policy data to the PCF, and the satellite QoS policy data is used to enable the PCF to form a satellite QoS policy.

[0012] This application provides a satellite communication method, the method comprising:

[0013] The second node sends a first message to the first node. The first message carries at least communication quality information. The communication quality information is used by the first node to generate satellite QoS policy data by combining it with at least the carried QoS data. The carried QoS data is carried in the satellite QoS policy acquisition request sent by the Policy Control Function (PCF) to the first node. The satellite QoS policy data is used to enable the PCF to form a satellite QoS policy.

[0014] This application provides a satellite communication method, the method comprising:

[0015] The Policy Control Function (PCF) sends a Satellite Quality of Service (QoS) Policy Acquisition Request to the first node. The Satellite QoS Policy Acquisition Request carries at least QoS data. The QoS data is used by the first node to generate Satellite QoS Policy Data by combining at least the communication quality information obtained from the second node. The Satellite QoS Policy Data is used to enable the PCF to form a Satellite QoS Policy.

[0016] The PCF receives the satellite QoS policy data sent by the first node.

[0017] This application provides a satellite communication device, the device comprising:

[0018] The first receiving unit is used to receive a satellite QoS policy acquisition request sent by the Policy Control Function Entity (PCF), wherein the satellite QoS policy acquisition request carries at least QoS data.

[0019] The first receiving unit is further configured to obtain a first message from the second node, wherein the first message carries at least communication quality information;

[0020] The first generation unit is configured to generate satellite QoS policy data based at least on the QoS data and the communication quality information;

[0021] The first transmitting unit is used to transmit the satellite QoS policy data to the PCF, and the satellite QoS policy data is used to enable the PCF to form a satellite QoS policy.

[0022] This application provides a satellite communication device, the device comprising:

[0023] The second sending unit is used to send a first message to the first node. The first message carries at least communication quality information. The communication quality information is used by the first node to generate satellite QoS policy data by combining it with QoS data. The QoS data is carried in a satellite QoS policy acquisition request sent by the Policy Control Function (PCF) to the first node. The satellite QoS policy data is used to enable the PCF to form a satellite QoS policy.

[0024] This application provides a satellite communication device, the device comprising:

[0025] The third sending unit is used to send a satellite QoS policy acquisition request to the first node. The satellite QoS policy acquisition request carries at least QoS data. The QoS data is used by the first node to generate satellite QoS policy data by combining at least the communication quality information obtained from the second node.

[0026] The third receiving unit is used to receive the satellite QoS policy data sent by the first node, and the satellite QoS policy data is used to enable the PCF to form a satellite QoS policy.

[0027] This application also provides a communication device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps in the satellite communication method implemented by the first node, the second node, or the PCF described above.

[0028] This application also provides a storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the satellite communication method implemented by the first node, the second node, or the PCF.

[0029] The satellite communication method, apparatus, device, and storage medium provided in this application embodiment include: a first node receiving a satellite QoS policy acquisition request sent by a Policy Control Function (PCF), the satellite QoS policy acquisition request carrying at least QoS data; the first node acquiring a first message from a second node, the first message carrying at least communication quality information; the first node generating satellite QoS policy data based at least on the QoS data and the communication quality information; and the first node sending the satellite QoS policy data to the PCF, the satellite QoS policy data being used to enable the PCF to form a satellite QoS policy. Thus, in the first node, satellite QoS policy data is generated at least based on the communication quality information sent by the second node monitoring the satellite and the QoS data sent by the PCF, ensuring that the generated satellite QoS policy data matches the satellite monitoring results, guaranteeing that the QoS policy matches the actual communication quality of the satellite network, and achieving end-to-end QoS assurance. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an optional structure of a satellite communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an optional structure of a satellite communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic flowchart of an optional satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic flowchart of an optional satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic flowchart of an optional satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an optional structure of the satellite communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0036] Figure 7 A schematic flowchart of an optional satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 8 A schematic flowchart of an optional satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 9 A schematic flowchart of an optional satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 10 A schematic flowchart of an optional satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of an optional structure of the satellite communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of an optional structure of a satellite communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 13 A schematic flowchart of an optional satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 14 A schematic flowchart of an optional satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of an optional structure of the satellite communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of an optional structure of the satellite communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of an optional structure of the satellite communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of an optional structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the specific technical solutions of the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this application, but are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0049] The embodiments of this application can provide satellite communication methods and devices, and storage media. In practical applications, satellite communication methods can be implemented in communication devices, and the various functional entities in the communication devices can be collaboratively implemented by the hardware resources of the communication devices (such as terminal devices, servers), such as computing resources like processors, and communication resources (such as those used to support various communication methods such as optical cables and cellular networks).

[0050] The satellite communication method provided in this application is applied to a satellite communication system. For example... Figure 1As shown, the satellite communication system includes: terminal equipment 101, satellite 102, PCF 103, first node 104, and second node 105. Among them, PCF 103, first node 104, and second node 105 belong to the core network.

[0051] Terminal equipment 101 can refer to an access terminal, user equipment (UE), user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. Terminal equipment 101 supports satellite communication, can access satellite 102, and communicate with the core network through satellite 102.

[0052] Wireless communication is possible between terminal device 101 and satellite 102. The network formed between terminal device 101 and satellite 102 can also be called an NTN. Satellite 102 may function as a base station, allowing direct communication between terminal device 101 and satellite 102. Alternatively, satellite 102 may not function as a base station, requiring communication between terminal device 101 and the base station to be relayed through satellite 102.

[0053] Satellite 102 includes, but is not limited to, LEO satellites, MEO satellites, GEO satellites, and highly elliptical orbit (HEO) satellites. Satellites can use multiple beams to cover the ground; for example, a single satellite can generate dozens or even hundreds of beams to cover the ground. In other words, a single satellite beam can cover a ground area with a diameter of tens to hundreds of kilometers, ensuring satellite coverage and increasing the overall system capacity of the satellite communication system.

[0054] PCF103 includes user subscription data management functions, policy control functions, charging policy control functions, QoS control, etc. In 4G, PCF can be replaced by the policy charging rules function (PCRF). In future communications such as 6G, PCF can still be PCF, or other network elements that support policy control functions. This embodiment of the invention does not limit the scope of the invention.

[0055] The first node 104, also known as the satellite QoS policy data node, runs a satellite QoS policy data system, supports interaction with the PCF and the second node, and can generate satellite QoS policy data for satellite communication.

[0056] The second node 105, also known as the satellite communication monitoring node, operates a satellite communication monitoring system that supports monitoring the communication quality of satellite 102.

[0057] In this embodiment of the application, the first node 104 can perform the following processing: a satellite QoS policy acquisition request sent by PCF 103, the satellite QoS policy acquisition request carrying at least QoS data; acquiring a first message from the second node 105, the first message carrying at least communication quality information; generating satellite QoS policy data based at least on the QoS data and the communication quality information; and sending the satellite QoS policy data to PCF 103, the satellite QoS policy data being used to enable the PCF to form a satellite QoS policy.

[0058] The second node 105 can perform the following processing: send a first message to the first node 104, the first message carrying at least communication quality information.

[0059] PCF103 is capable of performing the following processes: sending a satellite QoS policy acquisition request to the first node 104, the satellite QoS policy acquisition request carrying at least QoS data; and receiving satellite QoS policy data sent by the first node.

[0060] based on Figure 1 The satellite communication system shown is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the core network may also include: AMF106, SMF107, and UPF108.

[0061] The AMF106 is primarily used for registration, mobility management, and tracking area update processes for terminal devices in mobile networks. The mobility management network element terminates non-access stratum (NAS) messages, completes registration management, connection management, reachability management, allocates tracking area lists (TA lists), and performs mobility management, and transparently routes session management (SM) messages to the session management network element. In future communications such as 6th generation (6G) communications, the AMF can still be an AMF, or a network element with other names that support mobility management functions; this invention does not limit this.

[0062] The SMF107 is primarily used for session management in mobile networks, such as session creation, modification, and release. Specific functions include assigning Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to users and selecting user plane network elements that provide packet forwarding capabilities. In future communications such as 6G, the SMF can still be an SMF or a network element with other names that support session management functions; this invention does not limit this.

[0063] UPF108 is primarily used for user plane service processing, such as service routing, packet forwarding, anchoring, QoS mapping and enforcement, uplink identification and routing to the data network, downlink packet buffering and downlink data arrival notification triggering, and connection to external data networks. In future communications such as 6G, UPF can still be UPF, or other network elements with names that support user plane functions; this invention does not limit this.

[0064] In practical applications, Satellite 102 can interact with the core network through a ground gateway.

[0065] Combination Figure 1 or Figure 2 The satellite communication system shown in this embodiment proposes a satellite communication method that can ensure that the QoS policy matches the actual communication quality of the satellite network, thus achieving end-to-end QoS guarantee.

[0066] Below, in conjunction with Figure 1 or Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the satellite communication system shown illustrates various embodiments of the satellite communication method, equipment, and storage medium provided in this application.

[0067] This embodiment provides a satellite communication method applied to a communication device. The functions implemented by this method can be achieved by a processor in the communication device calling program code. Of course, the program code can be stored in a computer storage medium. Therefore, the communication device includes at least a processor and a storage medium.

[0068] The communication device can be any device with information processing capabilities. In one embodiment, the communication device can be implemented as a first node. In another embodiment, the communication device can be implemented as a second node. In yet another embodiment, the communication device can be implemented as a PCF.

[0069] Of course, the embodiments of this application are not limited to providing methods and hardware, and can also be implemented in various ways, such as providing a storage medium (stored with instructions for executing the satellite communication method provided in the embodiments of this application).

[0070] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation flow of the satellite communication method according to an embodiment of this application, applied to the first node, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0071] S301, The first node receives the satellite service quality (QoS) policy acquisition request sent by the policy control function entity PCF.

[0072] The satellite QoS policy acquisition request must carry at least QoS data.

[0073] In this embodiment, after the terminal device completes registration by accessing the core network via the first satellite, it sends a PDU session establishment request to the SMF via the first satellite and the AMF. The PDU session request may carry information such as the access type of the first satellite. Optionally, the PDU session establishment request received by the AMF carries the access type and satellite identifier of the first satellite. In addition to carrying the access type and satellite identifier of the first satellite, the PDU session request sent by the AMF to the SMF may also carry the location information of the terminal device. The first satellite is the satellite that the terminal device accessed during registration with the core network.

[0074] After receiving the PDU session request, the SMF selects the PCF to obtain the policy and sends a session policy establishment request to the selected PCF.

[0075] After receiving a session policy establishment request, the PCF sends a satellite QoS policy retrieval request to the first node. The first node receives the satellite QoS policy retrieval request. Specifically, upon receiving the session policy establishment request, the PCF retrieves the QoS data subscribed to by the terminal device based on information such as the satellite access type carried in the session policy establishment request, and includes this QoS data in the sent satellite QoS policy retrieval request.

[0076] In this application, in addition to carrying QoS data, the satellite QoS policy acquisition request may also carry other data, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0077] S302, The first node obtains the first message from the second node.

[0078] The first message carries at least communication quality information.

[0079] The second node is used to monitor the communication quality of the satellite.

[0080] The second node monitors the first satellite, obtains its communication quality information, and sends this information back to the first node. The first node then retrieves the communication quality information from the second node. This communication quality information is characterized by its ability to represent the communication quality of the first satellite. The first satellite can be any one of the satellites monitored by the second node.

[0081] S303. The first node generates satellite QoS policy data based at least on the QoS data and the communication quality information.

[0082] The satellite QoS policy data is used to control the quality of service of the terminal device, which communicates based on the first satellite.

[0083] The first node generates satellite QoS policy data for the corresponding PDU session, i.e., QoS policy rule data for the corresponding user PDU session, based at least on the QoS data and communication quality information sent by the PCF.

[0084] S304. The first node sends the satellite QoS policy data to the PCF, and the satellite QoS policy data is used to enable the PCF to form a satellite QoS policy.

[0085] After the first node generates satellite QoS policy data, it sends the satellite QoS policy data to the PCF.

[0086] After receiving the satellite QoS policy data, the PCF generates a satellite QoS policy based on the received data and distributes the satellite QoS policy to the SMF. The satellite QoS policy can be understood as QoS control requirements. Upon receiving the satellite QoS policy, the SMF selects a UPF and sends QoS rules and a QoS monitoring request to the selected UPF, instructing the UPF to monitor the communication between the first satellite and the terminal device based on the received QoS rules. Here, the SMF also sends the satellite QoS policy to the AMF, enabling the AMF to send QoS rule information to the terminal device, thus achieving end-to-end QoS control for the PDU session.

[0087] The satellite communication method provided in this application is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, it includes:

[0088] S401, PCF sends a satellite QoS policy acquisition request to the first node.

[0089] The satellite QoS policy acquisition request includes QoS data from the terminal device.

[0090] S402, The second node sends the first message to the first node;

[0091] The first message carries at least communication quality information. Specifically, the first message carries the communication quality information of the first satellite obtained by the second node through monitoring of the first satellite.

[0092] In this embodiment of the application, in addition to monitoring the first satellite, the second node can also monitor other satellites.

[0093] The second node can proactively report the communication quality information of the first satellite, or it can report the communication quality information of the first satellite based on the request of the first node.

[0094] S403. The first node generates satellite QoS policy data based on at least QoS data and communication quality information.

[0095] S403, The first node sends satellite QoS policy data to the PCF.

[0096] The satellite communication method provided in this application includes a first node receiving a satellite QoS policy acquisition request sent by a Policy Control Function (PCF), wherein the satellite QoS policy acquisition request carries at least QoS data; the first node obtains a first message from a second node, wherein the first message carries at least communication quality information; the first node generates satellite QoS policy data based at least on the QoS data and the communication quality information; the first node sends the satellite QoS policy data to the PCF, wherein the satellite QoS policy data is used to enable the PCF to form a satellite QoS policy; thereby, in the first node, satellite QoS policy data is generated at least based on the communication quality information sent by the second node monitoring the satellite and the QoS data sent by the PCF, so that the generated satellite QoS policy data matches the satellite monitoring results, ensuring that the QoS policy matches the actual communication quality of the satellite network, and achieving end-to-end QoS assurance.

[0097] In some embodiments, the satellite QoS policy acquisition request may also carry at least one of the following information: a first identifier, the access type of the first satellite, the location information of the terminal device, and a second identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to identify the terminal device and the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

[0098] Here, the session policy establishment request received by the PCF from the SMF carries information such as satellite access type, UE location, and satellite identifier. The satellite QoS policy acquisition request sent by the PCF to the first node may carry one or more of the following information: terminal user identifier, access type of the first satellite, user-subscribed QoS data, UE location, and satellite identifier. The access type of the first satellite may be one of the following: LEO, MEO, GEO, and HEO. At this time, the first node can generate satellite QoS policy data based on communication quality information, QoS data, and satellite access type, making the generated satellite QoS policy data targeted and enabling precise QoS control.

[0099] In some embodiments, the implementation of S302, in which the first node obtains the first message from the second node, includes:

[0100] The first node sends a second message to the second node, the second message being used to request the communication quality information;

[0101] Receive the first message fed back by the second node based on the second message.

[0102] like Figure 5 As shown, before S402, the first node also implements:

[0103] S400, the first node sends a second message to the second node, the second message being used to request the communication quality information.

[0104] After receiving the QoS policy acquisition request sent by the PCF, the first node can send a second message, namely the satellite monitoring information acquisition request, to the second node to request the second node to report communication quality information to the first node.

[0105] In this embodiment of the application, the second message sent by the first node to the second node is also used to subscribe to the communication quality data of the first satellite by the second node, so that the second node sends the result of the monitored communication quality information, i.e., the communication quality data, to the first node when a first condition is met. The first condition may include one of the following:

[0106] The sending interval is the set duration;

[0107] The changes in the monitoring results of the first satellite were greater than the communication quality threshold.

[0108] When the first condition is that the change in the communication quality data of the first satellite exceeds the communication quality threshold, the communication quality data reported by the second node can be referred to as the first communication quality data. The second node can periodically monitor the communication quality of the first satellite, obtain communication quality data, and compare the currently monitored communication quality data with the previously monitored communication quality data to obtain the change in the monitoring result of the first satellite.

[0109] The second node responds to the second message by sending communication quality information to the first node.

[0110] In this embodiment of the application, when the first node sends a second message to the second node, the second node feeds back communication quality information to the first node based on the first message, so that the second node feeds back communication quality information in a targeted manner, thereby reducing the signaling overhead between the first node and the second node.

[0111] In some embodiments, the second message includes at least one of the following: a second identifier and location information of the terminal device, wherein the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

[0112] The second message may carry the satellite identifier of the first satellite to instruct the second node to send communication quality information of the first satellite to the first node.

[0113] The second message may carry the location information of the terminal device, which is used by the second node to determine the second satellite, where the second satellite is the next satellite covering the area of ​​the terminal device.

[0114] In some embodiments, the communication quality information includes at least one of the following: bandwidth, latency, packet loss rate, and bit error rate.

[0115] Here, the second node monitors the communication quality of the first satellite based on communication quality information. At this time, the second node monitors the bandwidth, latency, packet loss rate and bit error rate of the first satellite, thereby ensuring that the second node can effectively monitor the communication quality of the first satellite.

[0116] In this embodiment of the application, the communication quality information may be the same or different for different satellites.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first message further carries a third identifier, which is used to identify a second satellite, the second satellite being the next satellite to be accessed by the terminal device, and the third identifier is used to generate the satellite QoS policy data.

[0118] When the first satellite is a non-Geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite, the second node can calculate the information of the next satellite covering the area, i.e., the second satellite, based on the ephemeris and the UE position, obtain the third identifier, and send the third identifier to the first node.

[0119] Upon receiving the third identifier, the first node can generate satellite QoS policy data based on the QoS data, the communication quality information, and the third identifier. This allows the generated satellite QoS policy data to precisely control the communication quality between the terminal device and the first satellite, thereby improving the call quality between the terminal device and the satellite.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first node also performs the following processing:

[0121] The first node generates a first monitoring identifier corresponding to the satellite QoS policy data;

[0122] The first node sends the first monitoring identifier to the PCF, so that the PCF matches the target QoS monitoring data using the first monitoring identifier.

[0123] When the first node generates satellite QoS policy data corresponding to the PDU session, it generates a first monitoring identifier based on the satellite QoS policy data. The satellite QoS policy data and the first monitoring identifier sent by the first node to the PCF can be carried in the same message or in different messages.

[0124] In this application, based on the satellite QoS policy data corresponding to the current PDU session, the first monitoring identifier corresponds to the current PDU session. Different monitoring identifiers correspond to different PDU sessions. These different monitoring identifiers can be identifiers with different values ​​but the same representation.

[0125] The first monitoring identifier is used to determine whether the QoS monitoring data monitored by the UPF is the QoS monitoring data corresponding to the current PDU session. That is, the PCF and SMF can identify the QoS monitoring data corresponding to different PDU sessions through the first monitoring identifier. Here, the QoS monitoring data corresponding to the current PDU session is called the target QoS monitoring data.

[0126] In this embodiment of the application, for a PDU session, the values ​​of the target monitoring data at different times of the current PDU session may be the same or different.

[0127] In this embodiment, when the first node generates satellite QoS policy data corresponding to the PDU session, it generates a monitoring identifier for the current PDU session, so that the UPF and PCF can distinguish the monitoring data of different PDU sessions through different monitoring identifiers, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the monitoring data.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first node also performs the following processing:

[0129] The first node receives first communication quality data sent by the second node; the first communication quality data is communication quality data under the condition that the change in communication quality data is greater than the communication quality threshold.

[0130] The first node receives the target QoS monitoring data sent by the PCF, and the target QoS monitoring data matches the first monitoring identifier corresponding to the satellite QoS policy data;

[0131] The first node updates the satellite QoS policy data based on the first communication quality data and the target QoS monitoring data to obtain the updated satellite QoS policy data;

[0132] The first node sends the updated satellite QoS policy data to the PCF.

[0133] When the second node detects a change in the first communication quality data that exceeds the communication quality threshold, it sends the first communication quality data back to the first node. Specifically, during the subscription period, if the second node detects a change in the monitored communication quality data that exceeds the communication quality threshold due to satellite switching, changes in the electromagnetic environment or climate of the satellite orbit, signal attenuation, or interference, the second node sends a satellite communication quality change notification to the first node. This notification carries the currently detected satellite identifier and communication quality data.

[0134] When the UPF detects the target QoS monitoring data corresponding to the current PDU session, it sends the target QoS monitoring data to the PCF, and the PCF sends the target QoS monitoring data to the first node.

[0135] Upon receiving the first communication quality data and the target QoS monitoring data, the first node updates the current satellite QoS policy data based on the first communication quality data and the target QoS monitoring data.

[0136] It should be noted that the first node can update the satellite QoS policy data multiple times, and after each update, it sends the updated satellite QoS policy data to the PCF, so that the PCF can synchronize the updated satellite QoS policy data to the UPF and terminal equipment, thereby realizing the end-to-end update of QoS control requirements.

[0137] In this embodiment, the first node supports updating the existing satellite QoS policy data based on the satellite monitoring results received from the second node (i.e., satellite communication quality data) and the UPF satellite monitoring results (i.e., call QoS monitoring results). This allows the satellite QoS policy data to be updated based on the communication between the terminal device and the satellite, enabling the PCF to dynamically adjust the satellite QoS policy. This achieves rapid updates of the satellite QoS policy based on changes in network communication quality, improving the efficiency of QoS assurance adjustments.

[0138] In some embodiments, the first node also performs the following processing:

[0139] The first node sends the communication quality threshold to the second node.

[0140] Here, the communication quality threshold used by the second node to determine the first communication quality data is configured by the first node. This communication quality threshold configured by the first node corresponds to the satellite QoS rules corresponding to the satellite QoS policy data.

[0141] In some embodiments, the first node also performs the following processing:

[0142] When the first node obtains communication quality information from the second node, it receives a subscription identifier sent by the second node. The subscription identifier is used to instruct the first node to send the communication quality threshold to the second node.

[0143] In this application, when the first node obtains communication quality information from the second node, it can simultaneously receive a subscription identifier sent by the second node. Different PDU sessions can correspond to different subscription identifiers. When the second node sends communication quality information to the first node, it also sends a subscription identifier to the first node. The subscription identifier and communication quality information can be carried in the first message simultaneously, or they can be carried in other messages besides the first message.

[0144] After receiving the subscription identifier, the first node sends a communication quality threshold to the second node based on the subscription identifier. In this embodiment, when the first node obtains communication quality information from the second node, the second node generates a subscription period for the PDU session and reports the first communication quality data to the first node within the subscription period. The duration of the subscription period may be the same or different for different PDU sessions.

[0145] In this embodiment, the first node and the second node can interact on the basis of the subscription identifier to ensure the relevance of the communication quality threshold. Different PDU sessions can correspond to different communication quality thresholds, thereby achieving the relevance of the first communication quality data and improving the accuracy of QoS guarantee.

[0146] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation flow of the satellite communication method according to an embodiment of this application, applied to the second node, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0147] S601, The second node sends the first message to the first node.

[0148] The first message carries at least communication quality information.

[0149] The second node is used to monitor the communication quality of the satellite. The communication quality information is used by the first node to generate satellite QoS policy data by combining it with the carried QoS data. The satellite QoS policy data is used to control the QoS of the terminal device. The terminal device communicates based on the first satellite. The carried QoS data is carried in the satellite QoS policy acquisition request sent by the Policy Control Function Entity (PCF) to the first node. The satellite QoS policy data is used to enable the PCF to form a satellite QoS policy.

[0150] The second node monitors the first satellite, obtains the communication quality information of the first satellite, and sends the communication quality information of the first satellite to the first node. The first node receives the communication quality information sent by the second node. The communication quality information is information that can characterize the communication quality of the first satellite.

[0151] In this embodiment, in addition to monitoring the first satellite, the second node can also monitor other satellites. The second node can proactively report the communication quality information of the first satellite, or it can report the communication quality information of the first satellite based on a request from the first node.

[0152] Here, after receiving the communication quality information, the first node generates satellite QoS policy data, i.e., the QoS policy rule data corresponding to the user PDU session, based at least on the QoS data and the communication quality information.

[0153] The satellite communication method provided in this application involves a second node sending a first message to a first node. This first message carries at least communication quality information. This communication quality information is used by the first node to generate satellite QoS policy data, at least in conjunction with QoS data. The QoS data is carried in a satellite QoS policy acquisition request sent by a Policy Control Function (PCF) entity to the first node. This satellite QoS policy data enables the PCF to formulate a satellite QoS policy. Thus, when the second node monitors the satellite based on the communication quality information, sending this information to the first node allows the first node to generate satellite QoS policy data based on at least the communication quality information and the QoS data sent by the PCF. This ensures that the satellite QoS policy data matches the satellite monitoring results, guaranteeing that the QoS policy matches the actual communication quality of the satellite network, and achieving end-to-end QoS assurance.

[0154] In some embodiments, the satellite QoS policy acquisition request may also carry at least one of the following information: a first identifier, the location information of the terminal device, and a second identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to identify the terminal device and the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

[0155] Here, the session policy establishment request received by the PCF from the SMF carries information such as satellite access type, UE location, and satellite identifier. The satellite QoS policy acquisition request sent by the PCF to the first node may carry one or more of the following information: terminal user identifier, access type of the first satellite, user-subscribed QoS data, UE location, and satellite identifier. This allows the first node to generate satellite QoS policy data based on communication quality information, QoS data, and satellite access type, making the generated satellite QoS policy data targeted and enabling precise QoS control. The access type of the first satellite may be one of the following: LEO, MEO, GEO, and HEO.

[0156] In some embodiments, the second node also performs the following processing:

[0157] The second node receives a second message sent by the first node, the second message being used to request the communication quality information.

[0158] After receiving the QoS policy acquisition request sent by the PCF, the first node can send a second message, namely the satellite monitoring information acquisition request, to the second node to request the second node to report communication quality information to the first node.

[0159] In this embodiment of the application, the second message sent by the first node to the second node is also used to subscribe to the communication quality data of the first satellite by the second node, so that the second node sends the result of the monitored communication quality information, i.e., the communication quality data, to the first node when a first condition is met. The first condition may include one of the following:

[0160] The sending interval is the set duration;

[0161] The changes in the monitoring results of the first satellite were greater than the communication quality threshold.

[0162] When the first condition is that the change in the communication quality data of the first satellite exceeds the communication quality threshold, the communication quality data reported by the second node can be referred to as the first communication quality data. The second node can periodically monitor the communication quality of the first satellite, obtain communication quality data, and compare the currently monitored communication quality data with the previously monitored communication quality data to obtain the change in the monitoring result of the first satellite.

[0163] The second node responds to the second message by sending communication quality information to the first node.

[0164] In this embodiment of the application, when the first node sends a second message to the second node, the second node feeds back communication quality information to the first node based on the first message, so that the second node feeds back communication quality information in a targeted manner, thereby reducing the signaling overhead between the first node and the second node.

[0165] In some embodiments, the second message includes at least one of the following: a second identifier and location information of the terminal device, wherein the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

[0166] The second message may carry the satellite identifier of the first satellite to instruct the second node to send communication quality information of the first satellite to the first node.

[0167] The second message may carry the location information of the terminal device, which is used by the second node to determine the second satellite, where the second satellite is the next satellite covering the area of ​​the terminal device.

[0168] In some embodiments, the communication quality information includes at least one of the following: bandwidth, latency, packet loss rate, and bit error rate.

[0169] Here, the second node monitors the communication quality of the first satellite based on communication quality information. At this time, the second node monitors the bandwidth, latency, packet loss rate and bit error rate of the first satellite, thereby ensuring that the second node can effectively monitor the communication quality of the first satellite.

[0170] In this embodiment of the application, the communication quality information may be the same or different for different satellites.

[0171] In some embodiments, the first message further includes a third identifier, which is used to identify a second satellite, the second satellite being the next satellite to be accessed by the terminal device, and the third identifier is used to generate the satellite QoS policy data.

[0172] When the first satellite is a non-Geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite, the second node can calculate the information of the next satellite covering the area, i.e., the second satellite, based on the ephemeris and the UE position, obtain the third identifier, and send the third identifier to the first node.

[0173] Upon receiving the third identifier, the first node can generate satellite QoS policy data based on the QoS data, the communication quality information, and the third identifier. This allows the generated satellite QoS policy data to precisely control the communication quality between the terminal device and the first satellite, thereby improving the call quality between the terminal device and the satellite.

[0174] In some embodiments, the second node also performs the following processing:

[0175] The second node sends first communication quality data to the first node; the first communication quality data is the communication quality data when the change in communication quality data is greater than the communication quality threshold; the first communication quality data is used to update the satellite QoS policy data in combination with the target QoS monitoring data to obtain updated satellite QoS policy data, and the target QoS monitoring data is the QoS monitoring data sent by the PCF that matches the first monitoring identifier corresponding to the satellite QoS policy data.

[0176] When the second node detects a change in the first communication quality data that exceeds the communication quality threshold, it sends the first communication quality data back to the first node. Specifically, during the subscription period, if the second node detects a change in the monitored communication quality data that exceeds the communication quality threshold due to satellite switching, changes in the electromagnetic environment or climate of the satellite orbit, signal attenuation, or interference, the second node sends a satellite communication quality change notification to the first node. This notification carries the currently detected satellite identifier and communication quality data.

[0177] Upon receiving the first communication quality data and the target QoS monitoring data sent by the PCF, the first node updates the current satellite QoS policy data based on the first communication quality data and the target QoS monitoring data. The target QoS monitoring data refers to the monitoring results of the PDU sessions monitored by the UPF.

[0178] It should be noted that the first node can update the satellite QoS policy data multiple times, and after each update, it sends the updated satellite QoS policy data to the PCF, so that the PCF can synchronize the updated satellite QoS policy data to the UPF and terminal equipment, thereby realizing the end-to-end update of QoS control requirements.

[0179] In this embodiment, the first node supports updating the existing satellite QoS policy data based on the satellite monitoring results received from the second node (i.e., satellite communication quality data) and the UPF satellite monitoring results (i.e., call QoS monitoring results). This allows the satellite QoS policy data to be updated based on the communication between the terminal device and the satellite, enabling the PCF to dynamically adjust the satellite QoS policy. This achieves rapid updates of the satellite QoS policy based on changes in network communication quality, improving the efficiency of QoS assurance adjustments.

[0180] In some embodiments, the second node also performs the following processing:

[0181] The second node compares the change in communication quality data obtained from monitoring the first satellite with the communication quality threshold.

[0182] The second node determines the communication quality data corresponding to the change amount that is greater than the communication quality threshold as the target communication quality data.

[0183] In this embodiment, the second node can periodically monitor the communication quality of the first satellite based on communication quality information, obtain communication quality data corresponding to multiple time points, and compare the currently monitored communication quality data with a set communication quality data threshold or the communication quality data of the previous time point to obtain the change in the communication quality data corresponding to the current time point. When the change in the communication quality data corresponding to the current time point is greater than the communication quality threshold, the communication quality data corresponding to the current time point is determined as the first communication quality data, and the first communication quality data is sent to the first node.

[0184] In this embodiment of the application, the communication quality threshold can be configured for either the first node or the second node. The corresponding communication threshold may be different for different PDU sessions.

[0185] In some embodiments, the second node also performs the following processing:

[0186] The second node receives the communication quality threshold sent by the first node.

[0187] Here, the communication quality threshold used by the second node to determine the first communication quality data is configured by the first node. This communication quality threshold configured by the first node corresponds to the satellite QoS rules corresponding to the satellite QoS policy data.

[0188] In some embodiments, the second node also performs the following processing:

[0189] When the second node sends communication quality information to the first node, it sends a subscription identifier to the first node. The subscription identifier is used to instruct the first node to send the communication quality threshold to the second node.

[0190] In the implementation of this application, when the second node sends communication quality information to the first node, it also sends a subscription identifier to the first node. The subscription identifier and the communication quality information can be carried in the first message at the same time, or they can be carried in other messages other than the first message.

[0191] After receiving the subscription identifier, the first node sends a communication quality threshold to the second node based on the subscription identifier.

[0192] In this embodiment, the first node and the second node can interact on the basis of the subscription identifier to ensure the relevance of the communication quality threshold. Different PDU sessions can correspond to different communication quality thresholds, thereby achieving the relevance of the first communication quality data and improving the accuracy of QoS guarantee.

[0193] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation flow of the satellite communication method according to an embodiment of this application, applied to PCF, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0194] S701 and PCF send a request to the first node to obtain the satellite service quality (QoS) policy.

[0195] The satellite QoS policy acquisition request carries at least QoS data, which is used by the first node to generate satellite QoS policy data by combining communication quality information obtained from the second node. The satellite QoS policy data is used to enable the PCF to form a satellite QoS policy.

[0196] In this embodiment, after the terminal device completes registration by accessing the core network via the first satellite, it sends a PDU session establishment request to the SMF via the first satellite and the AMF. The PDU session request may carry information such as the access type of the first satellite. Optionally, the PDU session establishment request received by the AMF carries the access type and satellite identifier of the first satellite. In addition to carrying the access type and satellite identifier of the first satellite, the PDU session request sent by the AMF to the SMF may also carry the location information of the terminal device. The first satellite is the satellite that the terminal device accessed during registration with the core network.

[0197] After receiving the PDU session request, the SMF selects the PCF to obtain the policy and sends a session policy establishment request to the selected PCF.

[0198] After receiving a session policy establishment request, the PCF sends a satellite QoS policy retrieval request to the first node. The first node receives the satellite QoS policy retrieval request. Specifically, upon receiving the session policy establishment request, the PCF retrieves the QoS data subscribed to by the terminal device based on information such as the satellite access type carried in the session policy establishment request, and includes this QoS data in the sent satellite QoS policy retrieval request.

[0199] In this application, in addition to carrying QoS data, the satellite QoS policy acquisition request may also carry other data, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0200] After receiving the QoS data sent by the PCF, the first node generates satellite QoS policy data for the corresponding PDU session, i.e., QoS policy rule data for the corresponding user PDU session, based at least on the QoS data and communication quality information sent by the PCF.

[0201] S702, The PCF receives the satellite QoS policy data sent by the first node.

[0202] After the first node generates satellite QoS policy data, it sends the satellite QoS policy data to the PCF. At this time, the PCF receives the satellite QoS policy data sent by the first node.

[0203] After receiving satellite QoS policy data, PCF generates satellite QoS policies based on the received QoS policy data. Satellite QoS policies can be understood as QoS control requirements.

[0204] This application implements a satellite communication method in which the PCF sends a satellite QoS policy acquisition request to a first node. The satellite QoS policy acquisition request carries at least QoS data, which is used by the first node to generate satellite QoS policy data by combining communication quality information obtained from a second node. The PCF receives the satellite QoS policy data sent by the first node. Thus, the PCF sends the QoS data subscribed by the terminal device to the first node, and the first node generates satellite QoS policy data based at least on the QoS data and the communication quality information sent by the second node. This ensures that the generated satellite QoS policy data matches the satellite monitoring results, guarantees that the QoS policy matches the actual communication quality of the satellite network, and achieves end-to-end QoS assurance.

[0205] In some embodiments, the satellite QoS policy acquisition request may also carry at least one of the following information: a first identifier, the location information of the terminal device, and a second identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to identify the terminal device and the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

[0206] Here, the session policy establishment request received by the PCF from the SMF carries information such as satellite access type, UE location, and satellite identifier. The satellite QoS policy acquisition request sent by the PCF to the first node may carry one or more of the following information: terminal user identifier, access type of the first satellite, user-subscribed QoS data, UE location, and satellite identifier. At this time, the first node can generate satellite QoS policy data based on communication quality information, QoS data, and satellite access type. The access type of the first satellite may be one of the following: LEO, MEO, GEO, and HEO.

[0207] In some embodiments, the PCF also performs the following processing:

[0208] The PCF receives a session policy establishment request sent by the Session Management Function Entity (SMF). The session policy establishment request carries at least one of the following information: a first identifier, the access type of the first satellite, the location information of the terminal device, and a second identifier. The first identifier is used to identify the terminal device, and the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

[0209] When the SMF receives the PDU session request sent by the AMF, it selects the PCF to obtain the policy and sends a session policy establishment (SM Policy Establishment) request to the selected PCF. The SM Policy Establishment request carries information such as the UE's device identifier, satellite access type, UE location, and satellite identifier of the first satellite.

[0210] In some embodiments, the PCF also performs the following processing:

[0211] The PCF sends the QoS policy corresponding to the satellite QoS policy data to the SMF.

[0212] After generating a satellite QoS policy based on satellite QoS policy data, the PCF (Predicted QoS Function) distributes the satellite QoS policy to the SMF (Signaling QoS Function). Upon receiving the satellite QoS policy, the SMF selects a UPF (Universal QoS Function) and sends QoS rules and a QoS monitoring request to the selected UPF, instructing the UPF to monitor the communication between the first satellite and the terminal device based on the received QoS rules. Here, the SMF also sends the satellite QoS policy to the AMF (Advanced Management Function), enabling the AMF to send QoS rule information to the terminal device, thus achieving end-to-end QoS control for the PDU session.

[0213] In some embodiments, the PCF also performs the following processing:

[0214] The PCF receives the first monitoring identifier sent by the first node;

[0215] The PCF sends the first monitoring identifier to the SMF, and the first monitoring identifier is used by the PCF and the SMF to match target QoS monitoring data.

[0216] When the first node generates satellite QoS policy data corresponding to a PDU session, it generates a first monitoring identifier corresponding to the satellite QoS policy data and sends the first monitoring identifier to the PCF, enabling the PCF to identify the QoS monitoring data corresponding to different PDU sessions through the first monitoring identifier. In this implementation, since the satellite QoS policy data is the QoS policy data corresponding to the current PDU session, the first monitoring identifier corresponds to the current PDU session. Different monitoring identifiers correspond to different PDU sessions.

[0217] The satellite QoS policy data sent by the first node to the PCF and the first monitoring data can be carried in the same message or in different messages.

[0218] After receiving the first monitoring identifier sent by the first node, the PCF sends the first monitoring identifier to the SMF. The satellite QoS policy and the first monitoring identifier sent by the PCF to the SMF can be carried in the same message or in different messages.

[0219] Here, the first monitoring identifier is used to determine whether the QoS monitoring data monitored by the UPF is the QoS monitoring data corresponding to the current PDU session. That is, the PCF and SMF can identify the QoS monitoring data corresponding to different PDU sessions through the first monitoring identifier.

[0220] In this embodiment, when the first node generates satellite QoS policy data corresponding to the PDU session, it generates a monitoring identifier for the current PDU session, so that the UPF and PCF can distinguish the monitoring data of different PDU sessions through different monitoring identifiers, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the monitoring data.

[0221] In some embodiments, the PCF also performs the following processing:

[0222] The PCF sends target monitoring data to the first node. The target QoS monitoring data matches the first monitoring identifier corresponding to the satellite QoS policy data. The target QoS monitoring data is used by the first node to update the satellite QoS policy data in conjunction with the first communication quality data sent by the second node, so as to obtain the updated satellite QoS policy data. The first communication quality data is carried in the satellite communication quality change notification sent by the second node to the first node. The first communication quality data is the communication quality data when the change in communication quality data is greater than the communication quality threshold.

[0223] The PCF receives the updated satellite QoS policy data sent by the first node.

[0224] In this embodiment, the first node supports updating the existing satellite QoS policy data based on the satellite monitoring results received from the second node (i.e., satellite communication quality data) and the UPF satellite monitoring results (i.e., call QoS monitoring results). This allows the satellite QoS policy data to be updated based on the communication between the terminal device and the satellite, enabling the PCF to dynamically adjust the satellite QoS policy. This achieves rapid updates of the satellite QoS policy based on changes in network communication quality, improving the efficiency of QoS assurance adjustments.

[0225] In some embodiments, the PCF also performs the following processing:

[0226] The PCF receives target QoS monitoring data and a second monitoring identifier sent by the SMF; wherein, if the second monitoring identifier and the first monitoring identifier match, the PCF sends the target monitoring data to the first node.

[0227] UPF monitors the established PDU session based on QoS policies to obtain monitoring data characterizing the call quality between the terminal device and the satellite. It sends the monitoring data and the second monitoring identifier corresponding to the PDU session to SMF. SMF matches the received second monitoring identifier with the first monitoring identifier sent by PCF based on the stored first monitoring identifier. If a match is found, the received monitoring data is determined to be the target monitoring data, and the second monitoring identifier and the target monitoring data are sent to PCF.

[0228] After receiving the target monitoring data and the second monitoring identifier sent by the SMF, the PCF matches the second monitoring identifier with the stored first monitoring identifier. If a match is found, the target monitoring data is verified, and the target monitoring data is sent to the first node. This allows the first node to update the satellite QoS policy data based on the target monitoring data and the first communication quality data of the first satellite from the second node.

[0229] In some embodiments, the PCF also performs the following processing:

[0230] The PCF sends the updated QoS policy corresponding to the updated satellite QoS policy data to the SMF.

[0231] After receiving the updated satellite QoS policy data, the PCF determines the QoS policy corresponding to the updated satellite QoS policy data, which is the updated QoS policy, and sends the updated QoS policy to the SMF.

[0232] After receiving the updated satellite QoS policy, the SMF sends the updated QoS rules and a QoS monitoring request to the selected UPF, instructing the UPF to monitor the communication between the first satellite and the terminal device based on the received QoS rules. Here, the SMF also sends the updated satellite QoS policy to the AMF, enabling the AMF to send the updated QoS rule information to the terminal device, thus achieving end-to-end QoS control for the PDU session.

[0233] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of the satellite communication method according to an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0234] S401, PCF sends a request to the first node to obtain the satellite service quality (QoS) policy.

[0235] After the terminal device completes registration by accessing the core network via the first satellite, it sends a PDU session establishment request to the SMF via the first satellite and the AMF. The PDU session request may carry information such as the access type of the first satellite. Optionally, the PDU session establishment request received by the AMF carries the access type and satellite identifier of the first satellite. In addition to carrying the access type and satellite identifier of the first satellite, the PDU session request sent by the AMF to the SMF may also carry the location information of the terminal device. The first satellite is the satellite that the terminal device accessed during its registration with the core network.

[0236] After receiving the PDU session request, the SMF selects the PCF to obtain the policy and sends a session policy establishment request to the selected PCF.

[0237] After receiving a session policy establishment request, the PCF sends a satellite QoS policy retrieval request to the first node. The first node receives the satellite QoS policy retrieval request. Specifically, upon receiving the session policy establishment request, the PCF retrieves the QoS data subscribed to by the terminal device based on information such as the satellite access type carried in the session policy establishment request, and includes this QoS data in the sent satellite QoS policy retrieval request.

[0238] S402, The second node sends the first message to the first node.

[0239] The first message carries at least communication quality information.

[0240] The second node monitors the first satellite, obtains the communication quality information of the first satellite, and sends the communication quality information of the first satellite to the first node. The first node receives the communication quality information sent by the second node. The communication quality information is information that can characterize the communication quality of the first satellite.

[0241] In this embodiment, in addition to monitoring the first satellite, the second node can also monitor other satellites. The second node can proactively report the communication quality information of the first satellite, or it can report the communication quality information of the first satellite based on a request from the first node.

[0242] S403. The first node generates satellite QoS policy data based at least on the QoS data and the communication quality information. The satellite QoS policy data is used to control the quality of service of the terminal device, and the terminal device communicates based on the first satellite.

[0243] The first node generates satellite QoS policy data for the corresponding PDU session, i.e., QoS policy rule data for the corresponding user PDU session, based at least on the QoS data and communication quality information sent by the PCF.

[0244] S404, The first node sends the satellite QoS policy data to the PCF.

[0245] After the first node generates satellite QoS policy data, it sends the satellite QoS policy data to the PCF. At this time, the PCF receives the satellite QoS policy data sent by the first node.

[0246] After receiving the satellite QoS policy data, the PCF generates a satellite QoS policy based on the received data and distributes the satellite QoS policy to the SMF. The satellite QoS policy can be understood as QoS control requirements. Upon receiving the satellite QoS policy, the SMF selects a UPF and sends QoS rules and a QoS monitoring request to the selected UPF, instructing the UPF to monitor the communication between the first satellite and the terminal device based on the received QoS rules. Here, the SMF also sends the satellite QoS policy to the AMF, enabling the AMF to send QoS rule information to the terminal device, thus achieving end-to-end QoS control for the PDU session.

[0247] In some embodiments, the satellite QoS policy acquisition request may also carry at least one of the following information: a first identifier, the access type of the first satellite, the location information of the terminal device, and a second identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to identify the terminal device and the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

[0248] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0249] The first node sends a second message to the second node, the second message being used to request the communication quality information.

[0250] In response to the second message, the second node sends the first message to the first node.

[0251] In some embodiments, the second message includes at least one of the following: a second identifier and location information of the terminal device, wherein the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

[0252] In some embodiments, the communication quality information includes at least one of the following: bandwidth, latency, packet loss rate, and bit error rate.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first message further carries a third identifier, which is used to identify a second satellite, the second satellite being the next satellite to be accessed by the terminal device, and the third identifier is used to generate the satellite QoS policy data.

[0254] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, it includes:

[0255] S801, the second node sends first communication quality data to the first node. The first communication quality data is the communication quality data under the condition that the change in communication quality data is greater than the communication quality threshold.

[0256] S802, the PCF sends target QoS monitoring data to the first node.

[0257] S803. The first node updates the satellite QoS policy data based on the first communication quality data and the target QoS monitoring data to obtain updated satellite QoS policy data.

[0258] S804, the first node sends the updated satellite QoS policy data to the PCF.

[0259] The updated satellite QoS policy data is used to enable the PCF to update the satellite QoS policy, resulting in the updated satellite QoS policy.

[0260] In some embodiments, the first node sends the communication quality threshold to the second node. The second node receives the communication quality threshold sent by the first node.

[0261] At this time, the second node compares the change in communication quality data obtained from monitoring the first satellite with the communication quality threshold; the second node determines the communication quality data corresponding to the change that is greater than the communication quality threshold as the target communication quality data.

[0262] In some embodiments, when the second node sends communication quality information to the first node, it sends a subscription identifier to the first node, the subscription identifier being used to instruct the first node to send the communication quality threshold to the second node.

[0263] At this time, the first message also carries a subscription icon.

[0264] In the embodiments of this application, the descriptions of the first node, the second node, and the PCF can be found in [references to be inserted here]. Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 The description of the satellite communication method will not be repeated here.

[0265] The satellite communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be further described below.

[0266] 3GPP TS 23.501 defines 5G QoS functions to ensure end-to-end quality of service for 5G terrestrial networks, and defines RAT types NR(LEO), NR(MEO), NR(GEO), and NR(OTHERSAT) for NR satellite access to support NR satellite access.

[0267] In related technologies, the QoS guarantee scheme for PDU sessions involves the SMF (Service Provider Function) retrieving satellite QoS policy data from the PCF / Unified Data Repository (UDR) function, carrying parameters such as access type, during PDU session establishment. This data is then distributed to the UPF (User Provider Function), and further sent to the RAN (Radio RAN) and terminal via the AMF (Application Manager Function), achieving end-to-end QoS control. The process of the PDU session QoS guarantee scheme is as follows: Figure 9 As shown, it includes:

[0268] S901, the UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF through the RAN.

[0269] A PDU session establishment request is used to establish a PDU session. The PDU session establishment request may carry information such as slice identifier and data network name (DNN).

[0270] S902, AMF selects the corresponding SMF based on the received PDU session establishment request.

[0271] The AMF selects the corresponding SMF based on information such as the slice identifier and DNN. Specifically, if the PDU session establishment request carries the slice identifier and DNN, the AMF selects the corresponding SMF based on these information. If the PDU session establishment request does not carry the slice identifier and DNN, a slice identifier and DNN are assigned to the UE, allowing the AMF to select the corresponding AMF based on the assigned slice identifier and DNN.

[0272] S903, AMF sends a request to create session context to SMF.

[0273] The Create Session Context Request is used to request the context for creating a PDU session. The Create Session Context Request can carry the following information: Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI), DNN, slice identifier, etc.

[0274] S904, SMF sends a session context creation response to AMF.

[0275] The SMF creates a session context based on the Create Session Context request and sends a Create Session Context response to the AMF, indicating that the SMF has received the AMF's request and is able to handle subsequent processes.

[0276] For S905 and SMF, select the corresponding PCF.

[0277] SMF selects the corresponding PCF based on information such as SUPI, slice identifier, and DNN.

[0278] S906, SMF sends a session creation policy request to PCF.

[0279] The Create Session Policy Request is used to request the establishment of a session policy association with PCF.

[0280] S907, PCF sends a session creation policy response to SMF.

[0281] The PCF obtains the user's subscribed QoS data from the UDR based on the session creation policy request, forms a satellite QoS policy based on the obtained QoS data, and sends a session creation policy response carrying the QoS policy to the SMF.

[0282] S908, SMF selects UPF.

[0283] SMF selects the corresponding UPF from the available UPFs based on information such as UE location information, DNN information, and Session and Service Continuity Support (SSC) mode.

[0284] S909, SMF sends an N4 session establishment request to UPF.

[0285] SMF sends QoS rules to UPF through an N4 session establishment request.

[0286] S9010 and UPF send an N4 session establishment response to SMF.

[0287] UPF saves the received QoS rules and sends an N4 session establishment response to SMF.

[0288] S9011 and SMF carry QoS parameter information to AMF through Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer.

[0289] S9012 and AMF send QoS parameter information to RAN by sending N2 PDU session requests.

[0290] S9013, RAN and UE interact to complete the transmission of QoS parameter information;

[0291] S9014, RAN sends N2 PDU session response to AMF.

[0292] After a PDU session is established, if the PDU session changes, the SMF will send a policy update request to the PCF. Upon receiving the updated policy data, the SMF will then issue the updated QoS policy. The process of a session change triggering a QoS policy update is as follows: Figure 10 As shown, it includes:

[0293] S1001, SMF sends a session QoS policy update request to PCF.

[0294] After the SMF detects a change in the session, it sends a session QoS policy update request to the PCF. The SMF can detect the change in the session after receiving a notification from the UPF.

[0295] S1002, PCF sends a session QoS policy update response to SMF.

[0296] After receiving the session QoS policy update request, the PCF sends the updated session QoS policy to the SMF via the session QoS policy update response.

[0297] S1003 and SMF update and distribute QoS information.

[0298] For the execution of S1003, refer to the execution of S909 to S9014.

[0299] When an application invokes QoS capabilities, the PCF sends a policy update notification to the SMF. Upon receiving the updated policy data, the SMF then distributes the updated QoS policy. The process of an application triggering a QoS policy update is as follows: Figure 11 As shown, it includes:

[0300] S1101, PCF sends a session QoS policy update request to SMF.

[0301] After receiving a request from the application to update QoS, the PCF sends a Session QoS Policy Update Request to the SMF.

[0302] S1102, SMF sends a session QoS policy update notification response to PCF.

[0303] After receiving the session QoS policy update request, the SMF sends a session QoS policy update notification response to the PCF.

[0304] S1103 and SMF update and distribute QoS information.

[0305] For the execution of S1103, refer to the execution of S909 to S9014.

[0306] Among related technologies, a QoS policy distribution mechanism for terrestrial communication networks has been proposed, achieving end-to-end QoS control. Regarding the high latency and high packet loss rate characteristics of satellite networks, related technologies propose that QoS should be differentiated according to the satellite network access type, defining QoS policies for LEO, MEO, and GEO, etc. However, these technologies still have the following problems:

[0307] Problem 1: QoS policy mismatch. Because the QoS policy in the relevant technology is not associated with the current actual communication status of the satellite network, the actual communication quality of the satellite network is difficult to match the pre-set QoS policy under the influence of high-altitude weather or electromagnetic interference, resulting in the failure of QoS policy control.

[0308] Problem 2: Low adjustment efficiency. In related technologies, QoS monitoring and reporting of monitoring information are carried out through UPF. In satellite + terrestrial communication network networking, because there is a ground station (i.e., satellite-ground gateway) between the satellite network and UPF, the UPF's collection of session QoS monitoring information cannot accurately reflect the communication quality of the satellite network. As a result, the PCF's adjustment of QoS policies based on the QoS monitoring information reported by UPF is inefficient and cannot meet the actual QoS guarantee requirements.

[0309] This application proposes a QoS guarantee method and system for satellite network access to 5G. When establishing a PDU session, the satellite QoS policy data system creates a satellite session QoS policy based on relevant communication monitoring information of a specified satellite reported by the satellite communication monitoring system and PCF network policy information. The QoS is then distributed between the terrestrial and satellite communication networks via PCF to SMF. When the communication monitoring information of the satellite communication monitoring system changes, the satellite QoS policy data system generates updated policy data based on the reported changes and session monitoring information reported by UPF. The QoS of the terrestrial and satellite communication networks is then updated via PCF to SMF.

[0310] In this embodiment of the application, when establishing a PDU session, the SMF reports the accessed satellite information to the PCF, the PCF reports the relevant information to the satellite QoS policy data system, the satellite QoS policy data system receives the policy data information reported by the PCF, generates the corresponding satellite QoS policy according to the relevant communication monitoring information of the specified satellite reported by the satellite communication monitoring system, and sends it to the PCF, which then sends it to the ground communication network element and the satellite network element.

[0311] When updates to communication monitoring information cause changes in satellite QoS policy data, the satellite QoS policy data system generates updated policy data based on the monitoring data reported by the satellite communication monitoring system and UPF, and sends it to the terrestrial communication network elements and satellite network elements via PCF.

[0312] The structure of the satellite communication system provided in this application embodiment is as follows: Figure 12 As shown, it includes:

[0313] The system comprises UE1201, satellite 1202, ground station 1203, satellite communication monitoring system 1204, satellite QoS policy data system 1205, AMF1206, SMF1207, PCF1208, and UPF1209. Specifically, the interface between ground station 1203 and UPF1209 is the N3 interface; the interface between ground station 1203 and AMF1206 is the N2+ interface; the interface between UPF1209 and SMF1207 is the N4 interface; and the interface between SMF1207 and PCF1208 is the N7+ interface.

[0314] Figure 12 The satellite communication system shown here, compared to the satellite communication systems in related technologies, adds a satellite monitoring system 1204 and a satellite QoS policy data system.

[0315] Satellite 1202 supports including satellite identification information in the PDU session establishment request message sent to AMF1206.

[0316] AMF1206 supports including satellite identifier and UE1201's location information in the PDU session establishment request message sent to SMF1207.

[0317] The SMF1207 supports selecting the matching UPF1208 based on the UE location information and satellite QoS policy rules data, and sending communication QoS monitoring requests to the AMF1206.

[0318] The SMF1207 also supports sending the QoS monitoring results of the call to the PCF1208 along with the monitoring identifier after receiving QoS monitoring results information with a monitoring identifier.

[0319] PCF1208 supports sending satellite QoS policy acquisition requests to satellite QoS policy data system 1205 based on information such as satellite access type carried in the received policy request, and supports carrying information such as user identifier, user-subscribed QoS data, UE location and satellite identifier.

[0320] PCF1208 also supports sending QoS policy data carrying monitoring identifiers. After receiving QoS monitoring result information with monitoring identifiers, it can match the monitoring identifiers and send the QoS monitoring result information of the call to the satellite QoS policy data system 1205.

[0321] The satellite communication monitoring system 1204 supports the storage of satellite data and the ability to locate corresponding satellites based on satellite identifiers. It monitors the communication quality information of designated satellites, including bandwidth, latency, packet loss rate, and bit error rate. For NGSO satellites, the system 1204 also supports calculating the identifier of the next satellite covering the area based on ephemeris and UE location. The system then transmits the communication quality information of the designated satellite and the identifier of the next satellite to the satellite QoS policy data system 1205.

[0322] The satellite communication monitoring system 1204 also supports sending a satellite communication quality change notification to the satellite QoS policy data system 1205 after the monitored communication quality data changes and exceeds the threshold, carrying the monitored current satellite identifier and communication quality data.

[0323] The satellite QoS policy data system 1205 supports subscribing to and obtaining specified satellite monitoring data from the satellite communication monitoring system. The subscription request carries information such as satellite identifier and UE location.

[0324] The satellite QoS policy data system 1205 also supports generating QoS policy rule data for the corresponding user PDU session based on the communication quality information of the specified satellite, the user's subscribed QoS data, and the satellite access type, and sending it to the PCF along with a monitoring identifier.

[0325] The satellite QoS policy data system 1205 also supports generating communication quality change thresholds corresponding to the satellite QoS rules selected for the session based on the subscription identifier, and sending them to the satellite communication monitoring system.

[0326] The Satellite QoS Policy Data System 1205 also supports updating existing satellite QoS policy data based on received satellite communication quality data and call QoS monitoring results.

[0327] The satellite communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 13 As shown, it includes:

[0328] S1301. After the UE completes registration through the satellite access network (RAN), it sends a PDU session establishment request to the satellite.

[0329] S1302. After receiving the PDU session establishment request, the satellite sends the PDU session establishment request to the AMF through the N2 interface. The request carries information such as satellite access type (RAT-TYPE) and satellite identifier.

[0330] S1303, AMF sends a PDU session establishment request to SMF.

[0331] After receiving the PDU session establishment request, the AMF selects the SMF and sends the PDU session establishment request to the selected SMF, carrying information such as satellite access type, satellite identifier, and UE location.

[0332] S1304, SMF sends a session policy establishment request to PCF.

[0333] After receiving the PDU session establishment request from the AMF, the SMF selects the PCF that obtains the policy and sends a session policy establishment request (SM Policy Establishment request) to the PCF. The session policy establishment request carries the following information: terminal user identifier, satellite access type, UE location and satellite identifier, etc.

[0334] S1305, PCF sends a satellite QoS policy retrieval request to the satellite QoS policy data system.

[0335] After receiving the session policy establishment request from the SMF, the PCF sends a satellite QoS policy acquisition request to the satellite QoS policy data system based on the satellite access type and other information carried in the session policy establishment request. The satellite QoS policy acquisition request carries information such as: terminal user identifier, satellite access type, user-subscribed QoS data, UE location, and satellite identifier.

[0336] S1306, The satellite QoS policy data system sends a request to the satellite communication monitoring system to obtain satellite monitoring information.

[0337] After receiving the satellite QoS policy acquisition request sent by the PCF, the satellite QoS policy data system sends a satellite monitoring information acquisition request to the satellite communication monitoring system to subscribe to and acquire the specified satellite monitoring data. The satellite monitoring information acquisition request carries information such as satellite identifier and UE location.

[0338] S1307. The satellite communication monitoring system sends communication quality information of designated satellites to the satellite QoS policy data system.

[0339] After receiving a satellite monitoring information retrieval request from the satellite QoS policy data system, the satellite communication monitoring system locates the corresponding satellite based on its satellite identifier and monitors the communication quality information (bandwidth, latency, packet loss rate, and bit error rate, etc.) of the specified satellite. For NGSO satellites, the system calculates the information of the next satellite covering the area based on the ephemeris and the UE's location.

[0340] The satellite communication monitoring system will notify the satellite QoS policy data system of the communication quality information of the designated satellite and the identification information of the next satellite.

[0341] S1308, Satellite QoS Policy Data System generates satellite QoS policy data.

[0342] The satellite QoS policy data system stores the received subscription identifier and the next satellite identifier. Based on the received communication quality information of the specified satellite, user-subscribed QoS data, and satellite access type, it generates satellite QoS policy data for the corresponding user PDU session.

[0343] S1309, The satellite QoS policy data system sends satellite QoS policy data to the PCF.

[0344] The satellite QoS policy data system sends satellite QoS policy data to the PCF, along with a monitoring identifier corresponding to the current satellite QoS policy data.

[0345] S1310 and PCF send satellite QoS policy data to SMF.

[0346] After receiving the satellite QoS policy data, the PCF sends the corresponding satellite QoS policy to the SMF based on the received satellite QoS policy data, along with a monitoring identifier. The satellite QoS policy can be understood as QoS control requirements.

[0347] S1311, SMF sends satellite QoS policy to UPF.

[0348] Upon receiving the satellite QoS policy, the monitoring identifier is saved locally. Based on the UE location information and satellite QoS policy rule data, a matching UPF is selected, and QoS rules and QoS monitoring requests are sent to the UPF.

[0349] S1312, SMF sends satellite QoS policy to AMF.

[0350] S1313 and AMF forward QoS rule information to the satellite via ground stations.

[0351] S1314. The satellite sends QoS control to the UE.

[0352] The satellite sends QoS control to the UE to achieve end-to-end session QoS control.

[0353] After the PDU session of a satellite user is established, the QoS policy data update process is as follows: Figure 14 As shown, it includes:

[0354] S1401, the satellite QoS policy data system sends the communication quality change threshold to the satellite communication monitoring system.

[0355] The satellite QoS policy data system, based on the subscription identifier, sends the communication quality change threshold, i.e. the communication quality threshold, corresponding to the satellite QoS rule selected for the session to the satellite communication monitoring system.

[0356] S1402, The satellite communication monitoring system sends a notification of changes in satellite communication quality to the satellite QoS policy data system.

[0357] During the period from the satellite QoS policy data system to the satellite communication monitoring system subscribing to the designated satellite monitoring data, if the satellite switches, or if the electromagnetic environment, climate, etc. of the satellite orbit changes, or if the signal is attenuated or interfered with, and the monitored communication quality data changes and exceeds the threshold, the satellite communication monitoring system sends a satellite communication quality change notification to the satellite QoS policy data system. The satellite communication quality change notification carries the monitored current satellite identifier and communication quality data.

[0358] S1403, UPF sends QoS monitoring reports to SMF.

[0359] The QoS monitoring report carries QoS monitoring data for the call.

[0360] S1404, SMF sends QoS monitoring data to PCF.

[0361] After receiving the QoS monitoring data, the SMF matches the monitoring identifier and sends the QoS monitoring information to the PCF. The QoS monitoring information carries the QoS monitoring data and monitoring identifier of the call.

[0362] S1405 and PCF send QoS monitoring data to the satellite QoS policy data system.

[0363] After receiving the QoS monitoring results, the PCF matches the monitoring identifier and sends the QoS monitoring data of the call to the satellite QoS policy data system.

[0364] S1406. The satellite QoS policy data system updates the existing satellite QoS policy data based on the received satellite communication quality data and call QoS monitoring data.

[0365] S1407. The Satellite QoS Policy Data System sends updated satellite QoS policies to the PCF.

[0366] S1408, PCF sends a QoS update request to SMF.

[0367] After receiving the updated satellite QoS policy, the PCF sends the corresponding QoS update request to the SMF based on the received updated QoS policy.

[0368] After receiving the QoS update request, S1409 and SMF send the QoS update request to UPF.

[0369] S1410, SMF sends a QoS update request to AMF.

[0370] S1411 and AMF relay QoS update information to the satellite via ground stations.

[0371] S1412, The satellite sends a QoS control update to the UE.

[0372] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, Figure 13 Hehe Figure 14 The RAN in this context includes satellites, or satellites and base stations.

[0373] This application provides a satellite communication device 1500, applied to a first node, such as... Figure 15 As shown, the satellite communication device 1500 includes:

[0374] The first receiving unit 1501 is used to receive a satellite QoS policy acquisition request sent by the policy control function entity PCF, wherein the satellite QoS policy acquisition request carries at least QoS data.

[0375] The first receiving unit 1501 is further configured to obtain a first message from the second node, wherein the first message carries at least the following:

[0376] The first generation unit 1502 is used to generate satellite QoS policy data based at least on the QoS data and the communication quality information;

[0377] The first transmitting unit 1503 is used to transmit the satellite QoS policy data to the PCF, and the satellite QoS policy data is used to enable the PCF to form a satellite QoS policy.

[0378] In some embodiments, the satellite QoS policy acquisition request may also carry at least one of the following information: a first identifier, the location information of the terminal device, and a second identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to identify the terminal device and the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

[0379] In some embodiments, the first sending unit 1503 is further configured to send a second message to the second node, the second message being used to request the acquisition of the communication quality information.

[0380] In some embodiments, the second message includes at least one of the following: a second identifier and location information of the terminal device, wherein the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

[0381] In some embodiments, the communication quality information includes at least one of the following: bandwidth, latency, packet loss rate, and bit error rate.

[0382] In some embodiments, the first message further includes a third identifier, which is used to identify a second satellite, the second satellite being the next satellite to be accessed by the terminal device, and the third identifier is used to generate the satellite QoS policy data.

[0383] In some embodiments, the satellite communication device 1500 further includes: a second generating unit,

[0384] The second generation unit is used to generate a first monitoring identifier corresponding to the satellite QoS policy data;

[0385] The first sending unit is further configured to send the first monitoring identifier to the PCF, so that the PCF matches the target QoS monitoring data through the first monitoring identifier.

[0386] In some embodiments, the satellite communication device 1500 further includes: an update unit,

[0387] The first receiving unit 1501 is further configured to receive first communication quality data sent by the second node; the first communication quality data is communication quality data under the condition that the change in communication quality data is greater than the communication quality threshold.

[0388] The first receiving unit 1501 is further configured to receive target QoS monitoring data sent by the PCF, wherein the target QoS monitoring data matches the first monitoring identifier corresponding to the satellite QoS policy data.

[0389] The updating unit is used to update the satellite QoS policy data based on the first communication quality data and the target QoS monitoring data to obtain the updated satellite QoS policy data.

[0390] The first transmitting unit 1503 is also used to transmit the updated satellite QoS policy data to the PCF.

[0391] In some embodiments, the first sending unit 1503 is further configured to send the communication quality threshold to the second node.

[0392] In some embodiments, the first receiving unit 1501 is further configured to receive a subscription identifier sent by the second node when obtaining communication quality information from the second node, the subscription identifier being used to instruct the first node to send the communication quality threshold to the second node.

[0393] This application provides a satellite communication device 1600, applied to a second node, such as... Figure 16 As shown, the satellite communication device 1600 includes:

[0394] The second sending unit 1601 is used to send a first message to the first node. The first message carries at least communication quality information. The communication quality information is used by the first node to generate satellite QoS policy data by combining it with QoS data. The QoS data is carried in a satellite QoS policy acquisition request sent by the Policy Control Function Entity (PCF) to the first node. The satellite QoS policy data is used to enable the PCF to form a satellite QoS policy.

[0395] In some embodiments, the satellite QoS policy acquisition request may also carry at least one of the following information: a first identifier, the location information of the terminal device, and a second identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to identify the terminal device and the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

[0396] In some embodiments, the device 1600 further includes: a second receiving unit,

[0397] The second receiving unit is used to receive a second message sent by the first node, the second message being used to request the communication quality information.

[0398] In some embodiments, the second message includes at least one of the following: a second identifier and location information of the terminal device, wherein the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

[0399] In some embodiments, the communication quality information includes at least one of the following: bandwidth, latency, packet loss rate, and bit error rate.

[0400] In some embodiments, the first message further includes a third identifier, which is used to identify a second satellite, the second satellite being the next satellite to be accessed by the terminal device, and the third identifier is used to generate the satellite QoS policy data.

[0401] In some embodiments, the second sending unit 1601 is further configured to send first communication quality data to the first node; the first communication quality data is communication quality data when the change in communication quality data is greater than the communication quality threshold; the first communication quality data is used to update the satellite QoS policy data in combination with target QoS monitoring data to obtain updated satellite QoS policy data, wherein the target QoS monitoring data is QoS monitoring information sent by the PCF that matches the first monitoring identifier corresponding to the satellite QoS policy data.

[0402] In some embodiments, the satellite communication device 1600 further includes: a comparison unit, configured to:

[0403] The change in communication quality data obtained from monitoring the first satellite is compared with the communication quality threshold.

[0404] The communication quality data corresponding to the change amount greater than the communication quality threshold is determined as the target communication quality data.

[0405] In some embodiments, the second receiving unit in the satellite communication device 1600 is used to receive the communication quality threshold sent by the first node.

[0406] In some embodiments, the second sending unit 1601 is further configured to send a subscription identifier to the second node when sending communication quality information to the first node, the subscription identifier being used to instruct the first node to send the communication quality threshold to the second node.

[0407] This application provides a satellite communication device 1700, applied to PCF, such as... Figure 17 As shown, the satellite communication device 1700 includes:

[0408] The third sending unit 1701 is used to send a satellite QoS policy acquisition request to the first node. The satellite QoS policy acquisition request carries at least QoS data. The QoS data is used by the first node to generate satellite QoS policy data by combining at least the communication quality information obtained from the second node. The satellite QoS policy data is used to control the service quality of the terminal device. The terminal device communicates based on the first satellite.

[0409] The third receiving unit 1702 is used to receive the satellite QoS policy data sent by the first node.

[0410] In some embodiments, the satellite QoS policy acquisition request may also carry at least one of the following information: a first identifier, the location information of the terminal device, and a second identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to identify the terminal device and the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

[0411] In some embodiments, the third receiving unit 1702 is further configured to receive a session policy establishment request sent by the session management function entity (SMF), wherein the session policy establishment request carries at least one of the following information: a first identifier, the access type of the first satellite, the location information of the terminal device, and a second identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to identify the terminal device and the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

[0412] In some embodiments, the third sending unit 1701 is further configured to send the QoS policy corresponding to the satellite QoS policy data to the SMF.

[0413] In some embodiments,

[0414] The third receiving unit 1702 is also used to receive the first monitoring identifier sent by the first node;

[0415] The third sending unit 1701 is further configured to send the first monitoring identifier to the SMF, wherein the first monitoring identifier is used by the PCF and the SMF to match target QoS monitoring data.

[0416] In some embodiments,

[0417] The third sending unit 1701 is further configured to send target monitoring data to the first node. The target QoS monitoring data matches the first monitoring identifier corresponding to the satellite QoS policy data. The target QoS monitoring data is used by the first node to update the satellite QoS policy data in conjunction with the first communication quality data sent by the second node to obtain updated satellite QoS policy data. The first communication quality data is carried in the satellite communication quality change notification sent by the second node to the first node. The first communication quality data is the communication quality data when the change in communication quality data is greater than the communication quality threshold.

[0418] The third receiving unit 1702 is also used to receive the updated satellite QoS policy data sent by the first node.

[0419] In some embodiments, the third receiving unit 1702 is further configured to receive target QoS monitoring data and a second monitoring identifier sent by the SMF; wherein, if the second monitoring identifier and the first monitoring identifier match, the PCF sends the target monitoring data to the first node.

[0420] In some embodiments, the third sending unit 1701 is further configured to send the updated QoS policy corresponding to the updated satellite QoS policy data to the SMF.

[0421] The descriptions of the above device embodiments are similar to those of the above method embodiments, and have similar beneficial effects. For technical details not disclosed in the device embodiments of this application, please refer to the descriptions of the method embodiments of this application for understanding.

[0422] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, if the above-described satellite communication method is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of this application, or the part that contributes to the related technology, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), magnetic disks, or optical disks. Thus, the embodiments of this application are not limited to any specific hardware and software combination.

[0423] Correspondingly, this application provides a communication device including a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program that can run on the processor. When the processor executes the program, it implements the steps in the satellite communication method provided in the above embodiments.

[0424] Correspondingly, embodiments of this application provide a storage medium, namely a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, which, when executed by a processor, implements the satellite communication method provided in the above embodiments.

[0425] It should be noted that the descriptions of the storage medium and device embodiments above are similar to the descriptions of the method embodiments above, and have similar beneficial effects. For technical details not disclosed in the storage medium and device embodiments of this application, please refer to the descriptions of the method embodiments of this application for understanding.

[0426] It should be noted that, Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of a hardware entity of a communication device (first node, second node, or PCF) according to an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 18 As shown, the communication device 1800 includes: a processor 801, at least one communication bus 1802, a user interface 1803, at least one external communication interface 1804, and a memory 1805. The communication bus 1802 is configured to enable communication between these components. The user interface 1803 may include a display screen, and the external communication interface 1804 may include standard wired and wireless interfaces.

[0427] The memory 1805 is configured to store instructions and applications executable by the processor 1801, and can also cache data to be processed or already processed by the various modules in the processor 1801 and the communication device. It can be implemented by flash memory or random access memory (RAM).

[0428] It should be understood that the phrase "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, "in one embodiment" or "in some embodiments" appearing throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence numbers of the above-described processes do not imply a sequential order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. The sequence numbers of the above-described embodiments are merely descriptive and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0429] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0430] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as: multiple units or components can be combined, or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection between the various components shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0431] The units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units. They may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0432] In addition, each functional unit in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can be a separate unit, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit; the integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or in the form of hardware plus software functional units.

[0433] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above method embodiments can be implemented by hardware related to program instructions. The aforementioned program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it performs the steps of the above method embodiments. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program code, such as mobile storage devices, read-only memory (ROM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0434] Alternatively, if the integrated units described above are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, or the parts that contribute to related technologies, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as mobile storage devices, ROMs, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0435] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A satellite communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first node receives a satellite QoS policy acquisition request sent by the Policy Control Function (PCF) entity, and the satellite QoS policy acquisition request carries at least QoS data. The first node obtains a first message from the second node, and the first message carries at least communication quality information; The first node generates satellite QoS policy data based at least on the QoS data and the communication quality information; The first node sends the satellite QoS policy data to the PCF, and the satellite QoS policy data is used to enable the PCF to form a satellite QoS policy; The first message also carries a third identifier, which is used to identify the second satellite, which is the next satellite that the terminal device needs to access, and the third identifier is used to generate the satellite QoS policy data.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The satellite QoS policy acquisition request also carries at least one of the following information: a first identifier, the access type of the first satellite, the location information of the terminal device, and a second identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to identify the terminal device and the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first node obtains the first message from the second node, including: The first node sends a second message to the second node, the second message being used to request the communication quality information; Receive the first message fed back by the second node based on the second message.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second message includes at least one of the following: a second identifier and the location information of the terminal device, wherein the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The communication quality information includes at least one of the following: bandwidth, latency, packet loss rate, and bit error rate.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first node generates a first monitoring identifier corresponding to the satellite QoS policy data; The first node sends the first monitoring identifier to the PCF, so that the PCF matches the target QoS monitoring data using the first monitoring identifier.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first node receives first communication quality data sent by the second node; the first communication quality data is communication quality data under the condition that the change in communication quality data is greater than the communication quality threshold. The first node receives the target QoS monitoring data sent by the PCF, and the target QoS monitoring data matches the first monitoring identifier corresponding to the satellite QoS policy data; The first node updates the satellite QoS policy data based on the first communication quality data and the target QoS monitoring data to obtain the updated satellite QoS policy data; The first node sends the updated satellite QoS policy data to the PCF.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first node sends the communication quality threshold to the second node.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the first node obtains communication quality information from the second node, it receives a subscription identifier sent by the second node. The subscription identifier is used to instruct the first node to send the communication quality threshold to the second node.

10. A satellite communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The second node sends a first message to the first node. The first message carries at least communication quality information. The communication quality information is used by the first node to generate satellite QoS policy data by combining it with at least the carried QoS data. The carried QoS data is carried in the satellite QoS policy acquisition request sent by the Policy Control Function Entity (PCF) to the first node. The satellite QoS policy data is used to enable the PCF to form a satellite QoS policy. The first message further includes a third identifier, which is used to identify the second satellite, which is the next satellite that the terminal device needs to access, and the third identifier is used to generate the satellite QoS policy data.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The satellite QoS policy acquisition request also carries at least one of the following information: a first identifier, the location information of the terminal device, and a second identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to identify the terminal device and the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second node receives a second message sent by the first node, the second message being used to request the communication quality information.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second message includes at least one of the following: a second identifier and the location information of the terminal device, wherein the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that, The communication quality information includes at least one of the following: bandwidth, latency, packet loss rate, and bit error rate.

15. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second node sends first communication quality data to the first node; the first communication quality data is the communication quality data when the change in communication quality data is greater than the communication quality threshold; the first communication quality data is used to update the satellite QoS policy data in combination with the target QoS monitoring data to obtain updated satellite QoS policy data, and the target QoS monitoring data is the QoS monitoring information sent by the PCF that matches the first monitoring identifier corresponding to the satellite QoS policy data.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second node compares the change in communication quality data obtained from monitoring the first satellite with the communication quality threshold. The second node determines the communication quality data corresponding to the change amount that is greater than the communication quality threshold as the target communication quality data.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: The second node receives the communication quality threshold sent by the first node.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the second node sends communication quality information to the first node, it sends a subscription identifier to the first node. The subscription identifier is used to instruct the first node to send the communication quality threshold to the second node.

19. A satellite communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The Policy Control Function (PCF) sends a Satellite Quality of Service (QoS) Policy Acquisition Request to the first node. The QoS Policy Acquisition Request carries at least QoS data. The QoS data is used by the first node to generate satellite QoS policy data by combining the communication quality information carried in the first message obtained from the second node. The satellite QoS policy data is used to enable the PCF to form a satellite QoS policy. The first message also carries a third identifier, which is used to identify a second satellite. The second satellite is the next satellite that the terminal device needs to access. The third identifier is used to generate the satellite QoS policy data. The PCF receives the satellite QoS policy data sent by the first node.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The satellite QoS policy acquisition request also carries at least one of the following information: a first identifier, the location information of the terminal device, and a second identifier, wherein the first identifier is used to identify the terminal device and the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: The PCF receives a session policy establishment request sent by the Session Management Function Entity (SMF). The session policy establishment request carries at least one of the following information: a first identifier, the access type of the first satellite, the location information of the terminal device, and a second identifier. The first identifier is used to identify the terminal device, and the second identifier is used to identify the first satellite.

22. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: The PCF sends the QoS policy corresponding to the satellite QoS policy data to the SMF.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The method further includes: The PCF receives the first monitoring identifier sent by the first node; The PCF sends the first monitoring identifier to the SMF, and the first monitoring identifier is used by the PCF and the SMF to match target QoS monitoring data.

24. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: The PCF sends target QoS monitoring data to the first node. The target QoS monitoring data matches the first monitoring identifier corresponding to the satellite QoS policy data. The target QoS monitoring data is used by the first node to update the satellite QoS policy data in conjunction with the first communication quality data sent by the second node to obtain updated satellite QoS policy data. The first communication quality data is carried in the satellite communication quality change notification sent by the second node to the first node. The first communication quality data is the communication quality data when the change in communication quality data is greater than the communication quality threshold. The PCF receives the updated satellite QoS policy data sent by the first node.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The method further includes: The PCF receives target QoS monitoring data and a second monitoring identifier sent by the SMF; wherein, if the second monitoring identifier and the first monitoring identifier match, the PCF sends the target QoS monitoring data to the first node.

26. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The method further includes: The PCF sends the updated QoS policy corresponding to the updated satellite QoS policy data to the SMF.

27. A satellite communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: The first receiving unit is used to receive a satellite QoS policy acquisition request sent by the policy control function entity PCF, wherein the satellite QoS policy acquisition request carries at least QoS data. The first receiving unit is further configured to obtain a first message from the second node, wherein the first message carries at least communication quality information; The first generation unit is configured to generate satellite QoS policy data based at least on the QoS data and the communication quality information; The first transmitting unit is used to transmit the satellite QoS policy data to the PCF, and the satellite QoS policy data is used to enable the PCF to form a satellite QoS policy; The first message further includes a third identifier, which is used to identify the second satellite, which is the next satellite that the terminal device needs to access, and the third identifier is used to generate the satellite QoS policy data.

28. A satellite communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: The second sending unit is configured to send a first message to the first node. The first message carries at least communication quality information. The communication quality information is used by the first node to generate satellite QoS policy data by combining it with QoS data. The QoS data is carried in a satellite QoS policy acquisition request sent by the Policy Control Function (PCF) to the first node. The satellite QoS policy data is used to enable the PCF to form a satellite QoS policy. The first message further includes a third identifier, which identifies a second satellite, which is the next satellite that the terminal device needs to access. The third identifier is used to generate the satellite QoS policy data.

29. A satellite communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: The third sending unit is used to send a satellite QoS policy acquisition request to the first node. The satellite QoS policy acquisition request carries at least QoS data. The QoS data is used by the first node to generate satellite QoS policy data by combining at least the communication quality information carried in the first message obtained from the second node. The satellite QoS policy data is used to enable the PCF to form a satellite QoS policy. The first message also includes: a third identifier, which is used to identify a second satellite. The second satellite is the next satellite that the terminal device needs to access. The third identifier is used to generate the satellite QoS policy data. The third receiving unit is used to receive the satellite QoS policy data sent by the first node.

30. A communication device, the communication device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the satellite communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or the steps of the satellite communication method according to any one of claims 10 to 18, or the steps of the satellite communication method according to any one of claims 19 to 26.

31. A storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the satellite communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or the satellite communication method according to any one of claims 10 to 18, or the satellite communication method according to any one of claims 19 to 26.

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