Access mode selection method, terminal device and network device

Abstract

The embodiment of the application relates to an access mode selection method, a terminal device and a network device, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a terminal device receives access indication information in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) from a first network device; and the terminal device selects a corresponding access mode according to the access indication information. The embodiment of the application can reduce signaling waste in a session establishment process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to access method selection methods, terminal equipment, and network equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), the long distances between user equipment (UE) and satellites, and between satellites and ground stations, result in significant latency between the UE and the data network. Therefore, some services, such as vehicle-to-everything (V2X) wireless communication technologies, are not suitable for NTN networks. Currently, only the network side is aware of which services are suitable for NTN networks; the UE cannot perceive which services are suitable. When a UE needs to establish a PDU session, it can carry the corresponding Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) and Data Network Name (DNN). Network-side devices, such as Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMFs) or Session Management Functions (SMFs), check whether the S-NSSAI and DNN are suitable for use in an NTN network. When the S-NSSAI and DNN requested by the UE cannot be accepted by the network, the network returns a rejection message to the UE. If the UE has multiple DNNs that are not suitable for use in the NTN network, the network will reject the UE's requests multiple times, resulting in wasted signaling. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an access method selection method, a terminal device, and a network device, which can reduce signaling waste during session establishment.

[0004] This application provides an access method selection method, including:

[0005] The terminal device receives access indication information from the non-terrestrial network (NTN) from the first network device;

[0006] The terminal device selects the corresponding access method based on the access instruction information.

[0007] This application also proposes an information indication method, including:

[0008] The first network device sends access indication information from the NTN to the terminal device. The access indication information is used by the terminal device to select the corresponding access method.

[0009] This application also proposes an information indication method, including:

[0010] The second network device sends access indication information from the NTN to the first network device. The access indication information is used by the terminal device to select the corresponding access method.

[0011] This application also proposes a terminal device, including:

[0012] The first receiving module is used to receive access indication information from a non-terrestrial network (NTN) from the first network device;

[0013] The selection module is used to select the corresponding access method based on the access instruction information.

[0014] This application also proposes a first network device, including:

[0015] The first sending module is used to send access indication information from the NTN to the terminal device. The access indication information is used for the terminal device to select the corresponding access method.

[0016] This application also proposes a second network device, including:

[0017] The second sending module is used to send access indication information from the NTN to the first network device. The access indication information is used for the terminal device to select the corresponding access method.

[0018] This application also proposes a terminal device, including: a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The memory is used to store computer programs, the processor is used to call and run the computer programs stored in the memory, and control the transceiver to execute the methods described in any of the above embodiments.

[0019] This application also proposes a network device, including: a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The memory is used to store a computer program, the processor is used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory, and control the transceiver to perform the method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0020] This application also proposes a chip, including: a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, causing a device on which the chip is installed to perform any of the methods described above.

[0021] This application also proposes a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that causes a computer to perform the methods described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0022] This application also proposes a computer program product, including computer program instructions that cause a computer to perform the method as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0023] This application also proposes a computer program that causes a computer to perform the methods described in any of the above embodiments.

[0024] This application embodiment selects the corresponding access method according to the access indication information in the NTN, thereby avoiding the situation where the network side rejects the request for a PDU session that is not suitable for the NTN network, thus reducing the waste of signaling during the session establishment process. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of an embodiment of this application.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the PDU session establishment process 200 in a 5G network.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of an access method selection method 300 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the implementation of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the implementation of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of an information indication method 600 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of an information indication method 700 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device 800 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network device 900 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network device 1000 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second network device 1100 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 12This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1200 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 13 This is a schematic structural diagram of chip 1300 according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. The objects described by "first" and "second" may be the same or different.

[0040] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A) system, New Radio (NR) system, evolution system of NR system, LTE-based access to unlicensed spectrum (LTE-U) system, NR-based access to unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), 5th Generation (5G) system, or other communication systems, etc.

[0041] Traditional communication systems typically support a limited number of connections and are easy to implement. However, with the development of communication technology, mobile communication systems will not only support traditional communication but also, for example, device-to-device (D2D) communication, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC) and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication. The embodiments of this application can also be applied to these communication systems.

[0042] Optionally, the communication system in this application embodiment can be applied to a carrier aggregation (CA) scenario, a dual connectivity (DC) scenario, or a standalone (SA) network deployment scenario.

[0043] The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum to which the application is applied. For example, the embodiments of this application can be applied to licensed spectrum or unlicensed spectrum.

[0044] This application describes various embodiments in conjunction with network devices and terminal devices, wherein: the terminal device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device, etc. The terminal device may be a station (STAION, ST) in a WLAN, a cellular phone, cordless phone, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) device, handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, and next-generation communication system, such as terminal device in an NR network or terminal device in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) network, etc.

[0045] By way of example and not limitation, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on a specific type of application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0046] Network devices can be devices used to communicate with mobile devices. Network devices can be access points (APs) in WLANs, base stations (BTSs) in GSM or CDMA, base stations (NodeBs, NBs) in WCDMA, evolved base stations (eNBs or eNodeBs) in LTE, relay stations or access points, or in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, and network devices (gNBs) in NR networks, or network devices in future evolved PLMN networks, etc.

[0047] In this embodiment, the network device provides services to the cell, and the terminal device communicates with the network device through the transmission resources (e.g., frequency domain resources, or spectrum resources) used by the cell. The cell can be the cell corresponding to the network device (e.g., base station). The cell can belong to a macro base station or to a base station corresponding to a small cell. The small cell can include: metro cell, micro cell, pico cell, femto cell, etc. These small cells have the characteristics of small coverage area and low transmission power, and are suitable for providing high-speed data transmission services.

[0048] It should be understood that the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably in this document. The term "and / or" in this document merely describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0049] It should be understood that the term "instruction" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a direct instruction, an indirect instruction, or an indication of a relationship. For example, A instructing B can mean that A directly instructs B, such as B being able to obtain information through A; it can also mean that A indirectly instructs B, such as A instructing C, so B can obtain information through C; or it can mean that there is a relationship between A and B.

[0050] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "correspondence" may indicate that there is a direct or indirect correspondence between two things, or that there is an association between two things, or that there is a relationship of instruction and being instructed, configuration and being configured, etc.

[0051] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the relevant technologies of the embodiments of this application are described below. The following relevant technologies are optional solutions and can be combined with the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application in any way, and they all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture 100 of a 5G NTN network. (For example...) Figure 1 As shown, the UE establishes a communication connection with the Radio Frequency Remote Unit through the NR-Uu interface, the Radio Frequency Remote Unit establishes a communication connection with the Remote Radio Unit (RRU) in the base station through the NR-Uu interface, the base station establishes a communication connection with the 5G Core Network (CN) through the N1 / 2 / 3 interface, and the 5G Core Network establishes a connection with the data network through the N6 interface.

[0053] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the Packet Data Unit (PDU) session establishment process 200 in a 5G network, including:

[0054] Step 1: The UE initiates the registration process. During the registration process, the network side assigns a 5G globally unique temporary UE identity (5G-GUTI) to the UE.

[0055] Step 2: When the UE needs to send data, it requests to establish a PDU session. The UE sends an uplink NAS transmission message to the AMF. This NAS transmission message carries the PDU session identifier (ID), S-NSSAI, DNN, request type, and PDU session establishment request message. The PDU session establishment request message includes parameters such as PDU session ID and PDU session type. S-NSSAI identifies a network slice, and network slicing is mainly used for admission control, network selection, and resource separation.

[0056] Step 3: The AMF selects the SMF based on S-NSSAI and DNN, and sends an Nsmf_PDUsession_CreateSMcontext Request message to the selected SMF. The message carries the PDU session ID, AMF ID and PDU session establishment request message.

[0057] Step 4: SMF obtains the contract data from UDM. The request message may include S-NSSAI and DNN.

[0058] Step 5: UDM returns subscription data to SMF, which includes allowed PDU session types, default QoS parameters, etc.

[0059] Step 6: SMF sends a Session Management Policy Association Establishment Request Message to PCF.

[0060] Step 7: The PCF returns a Session Management Policy Association Establishment Response Message to the SMF, carrying the default policy and the Charging Control (PCC, Policy and Charging Control Rules) rules.

[0061] Step 8: SMF returns an Nsmf_PDUsession_CreateSMcontext Response message to AMF, which carries the SMF index identifier (context ID).

[0062] Step 10: The SMF selects the UPF and sends an N4 establishment request message to the UPF, which carries the PDU session ID, QoS flow ID, and QoS parameters.

[0063] Step 11: UPF returns an N4 setup response message, which carries the IP address and TEID assigned by UPF.

[0064] Step 12: The SMF sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2Message Transfer to the AMF. The message carries the PDU session ID, the PDU session establishment acceptance message, and the N2-PDU session establishment request message. The PDU session establishment acceptance message carries the PDU session ID, QoS flow ID, QoS parameters, and QoS rules. The N2-PDU session establishment request message carries the PDU session ID, QoS parameters, QoS flow ID, and the IP address and tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID) assigned by the UPF.

[0065] Step 13: The AMF forwards the N2-PDU session establishment request message to the 5G radio access network (NG-RAN, NextGeneration Radio Access Network).

[0066] Step 14: NG-RAN performs RRC reconfiguration and carries a NAS container-PDU session establishment accept message.

[0067] Step 15: The UE returns an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the NG-RAN.

[0068] Step 16: NG-RAN returns an N2-PDU session establishment acceptance message to AMF, which carries the PDU session ID, the IP address assigned by NG-RAN, and the TEID.

[0069] Step 17: The AMF forwards the N2-PDU session establishment acceptance to the SMF via the Nsmf_PDUsession_UpdateSMcontextRequest message.

[0070] Step 18: SMF sends an N4 modification request message to UPF, which carries the IP address and TEID assigned by NG-RAN.

[0071] Step 19, UPF returns the N4 modified response message.

[0072] Step 20: SMF returns an Nsmf_PDUsession_UpdateSMcontext Response message to AMF.

[0073] During the PDU session establishment process described above, if the S-NSSAI and DNN requested by the UE in step 2 cannot be accepted by the network, the network will return a rejection message to the UE (this rejection message can be returned after step 2 or step 3). If multiple S-NSSAIs or DNNs of a UE are not suitable for use in the NTN network, the UE's requests will be rejected by the network multiple times, resulting in wasted signaling.

[0074] In view of this, embodiments of this application propose an access method selection method. Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of an access method selection method 300 according to an embodiment of this application. This method can optionally be applied to... Figure 1 The system shown is not limited to this. The method includes at least a portion of the following.

[0075] S310: The terminal device receives access indication information from the NTN from the first network device;

[0076] S320: The terminal device selects the corresponding access method based on the access instruction information.

[0077] Based on the access instruction information in the NTN, the terminal device can select the appropriate access method for the NTN network, avoiding multiple access requests being rejected by the network, thereby reducing signaling waste during the session establishment process.

[0078] The access indication information proposed in this disclosure may include at least the following two forms:

[0079] The first type includes access indication information that includes at least one DNN applicable to NTN;

[0080] The second type is access indication information, which is used to indicate whether a PDU session is suitable for use in NTN.

[0081] The two forms described above are explained in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0082] In one implementation, the access indication information includes at least one DNN applicable to the NTN. This access indication information may be in the form of a DNN list, which includes at least one DNN applicable to the NTN. The terminal device can select a DNN from the at least one DNN applicable to the NTN based on the access indication information and initiate a PDU session establishment request using the selected DNN.

[0083] For example, in step S102 above, the terminal device selects the corresponding access method according to the access indication information, including:

[0084] The terminal device determines a first DNN from at least one DNN applicable to the NTN;

[0085] The terminal device uses the first DNN to request the establishment of a PDU session.

[0086] Optionally, the first network device mentioned above can be an AMF.

[0087] Example 1:

[0088] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the implementation of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. In this embodiment, the first network device is an AMF, which will be used as an example for description. Figure 4 As shown, Embodiment 1 of this disclosure includes the following steps:

[0089] S401: The UE initiates the registration process and sends a registration request message to the AMF, which carries the user ID and registration type.

[0090] S402: The AMF sends an NPCF Access and Mobility Policy Control Establishment Request (Npcf_AMPolicyControlCreate Request) message to the PCF. This message carries the Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI), access type, and location information service network identifier (such as Public Land Mobile Network ID).

[0091] S403: The PCF sends an Npcf_AMPolicyControlCreate Response message to the AMF, which carries policy information related to access and mobility management; the policy information related to access and mobility management carries at least one DNN applicable to the NTN network, such as a DNNlist applicable to the NTN network.

[0092] S404: The AMF carries the 5G-GUTI and the registration area in the registration acceptance message, and carries at least one DNN applicable to the NTN network, such as a list of DNNs applicable to the NTN network, in the registration acceptance message.

[0093] S405: The UE returns a registration completion message to the AMF to confirm that the 5G-GUTI allocated in step S404 has taken effect.

[0094] S406: The UE selects a DNN from at least one DNN applicable to the NTN network, such as selecting a first DNN from at least one DNN applicable to the NTN network; the UE sends an uplink NAS transmission message to the AMF, which carries the first DNN and a PDU session establishment request message. The NAS transmission message may also carry a PDU session identifier, S-NSSAI, and request type; the PDU session establishment request message includes parameters such as PDU session ID and PDU session type.

[0095] The following steps are performed and Figure 2 Steps 3 through 20 are the same. Since the UE selects to use the DNN applicable to the NTN network to request the establishment of a PDU session during the registration process, there will be no situation where the network rejects the PDU session establishment request because the DNN carried in the PDU session establishment request is not applicable to the NTN, thus avoiding signaling waste.

[0096] In another implementation, the access indication information described above is used to indicate whether a PDU session is suitable for use in an NTN. Specifically, it can indicate whether a PDU session to be established is suitable for use in an NTN.

[0097] Accordingly, the terminal device can select the corresponding access method based on the access instruction information, which may include:

[0098] If the access indication information indicates that the PDU session is suitable for use in NTN, the terminal device initiates a PDU session establishment request;

[0099] Alternatively, if the access indication information indicates that the PDU session is not suitable for use in NTN, the terminal device will not initiate a PDU session establishment request.

[0100] Optionally, the first network device mentioned above can be an AMF.

[0101] Example 2:

[0102] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the implementation of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. In this embodiment, the first network device is an AMF, which will be used as an example for description. Figure 5 As shown, Embodiment 2 of this disclosure includes the following steps:

[0103] S501: The UE initiates the registration process and sends a registration request message to the AMF, which carries the user ID and registration type.

[0104] S502: The AMF sends an NPCF Access and Mobility Policy Control Establishment Request (Npcf_AMPolicyControlCreate Request) message to the PCF. This message carries the Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI), access type, and location information service network identifier (such as Public Land Mobile Network ID).

[0105] S503: The PCF sends an NPCF_AMPolicyControlCreate Response message to the AMF.

[0106] S504: AMF carries the 5G-GUTI and registration area in the registration acceptance message.

[0107] S505: The UE returns a registration completion message to the AMF to confirm that the 5G-GUTI allocated in step S504 has taken effect.

[0108] S506: The PCF sends a UE Policy Control Update Notify Request (Npcf_UEPolicyControlUpdateNotify Request) message to the AMF. This message carries UE policy data, which includes UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) rules. The URSP rules may carry indication parameters, which are used to indicate whether the PDU session to be established by the UE is suitable for use in the NTN.

[0109] Table 1 is an example of the content of URSP rules.

[0110]

[0111]

[0112] Table 1

[0113] Table 2 is an example of the contents of the Route Selection Descriptors (RSD) list in the URSP rule.

[0114]

[0115] Table 2

[0116] In this embodiment, the RSD list in the URSP rule carries an indication parameter to represent the aforementioned access indication information. This access indication information indicates whether the PDU session to be established by the UE is suitable for use in the NTN, that is, whether the PDU session to be established by the UE is suitable for access via the cellular network or the NTN network. If the indication is that the PDU session to be established by the UE is suitable for access via the cellular network, it means that the PDU session to be established by the UE is not suitable for use in the NTN; if the indication is that the PDU session to be established by the UE is suitable for access via the NTN, it means that the PDU session to be established by the UE is suitable for use in the NTN.

[0117] S507: AMF returns an Npcf_UEPolicyControl UpdateNotify Response message to PCF.

[0118] S508: The AMF sends a downlink NAS delivery message to the UE. This downlink NAS delivery message carries UE policy data (UEPolicy), which in turn carries URSP rules. These URSP rules carry the aforementioned access indication information. The way the access indication information is carried in the URSP rules is the same as in step S506, i.e., the URSP rules include an RSD list, which carries the aforementioned access indication information. Specifically, as shown in Table 2, the RSD list carries indication parameters to represent the access indication information. This access indication information indicates whether the PDU session to be established by the UE is suitable for use in the NTN, i.e., whether the PDU session to be established by the UE is suitable for access via the cellular network or the NTN network.

[0119] S509: The UE returns an uplink NAS transmission message to the AMF to confirm successful reception of UE policy data;

[0120] S510: The AMF sends an Npcf_UEPolicyControl Update Request message to the PCF to confirm successful reception of UE policy data;

[0121] S511: PCF returns an Npcf_UEPolicyControl Update Response message to AMF.

[0122] S512: When the UE needs to send data, it decides whether to initiate a PDU session establishment request based on the access indication information received in step S508. If the access indication information indicates that the PDU session to be established by the UE is suitable for use in the NTN, the UE requests to establish the PDU session, as follows: Figure 2Steps 2 to 20 shown will not be repeated here. If the access indication information indicates that the PDU session to be established by the UE is not suitable for use in the NTN, the UE will not initiate a PDU session establishment request.

[0123] Since the UE can know whether the PDU session to be established is suitable for use in NTN through the access indication information, if it is not suitable, the UE will not initiate a PDU session establishment request in the NTN network, thus avoiding signaling rejection and unnecessary signaling overhead problems that may occur in NTN.

[0124] This disclosure also proposes an information indication method. Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of an information indication method 600 according to an embodiment of this application. The method can optionally be applied to... Figure 1 The system shown is not limited to this. The method includes at least a portion of the following.

[0125] S610: The first network device sends access indication information from the NTN to the terminal device. This access indication information is used for the terminal device to select the corresponding access method.

[0126] Optionally, the above access indication information includes: at least one DNN applicable to NTN.

[0127] Optionally, the first network device sends access indication information from the NTN to the terminal device, including:

[0128] The first network device sends a registration acceptance message to the terminal device, the registration acceptance message carrying at least one DNN applicable to the NTN.

[0129] Optionally, the above method further includes: a first network device receiving an Access and Mobility Policy Establishment Response message from a second network device, the Access and Mobility Policy Establishment Response message carrying at least one DNN applicable to the NTN.

[0130] Optionally, the access indication information described above indicates whether the PDU session is suitable for use in the NTN.

[0131] Optionally, the first network device sends access indication information from the NTN to the terminal device, including:

[0132] The first network device sends a downlink NAS transmission message to the terminal device. The downlink NAS transmission message carries UE policy data, the UE policy data carries URSP rules, and the URSP rules carry the access indication information.

[0133] Optionally, the above method further includes:

[0134] The first network device receives a UE policy control update indication request message from the second network device. The UE policy control update indication request message carries UE policy data, the UE policy data carries URSP rules, and the URSP rules carry the access indication information.

[0135] Optionally, the first network device mentioned above includes AMF.

[0136] Optionally, the second network device mentioned above includes a policy control function (PCF).

[0137] This disclosure also proposes an information indication method. Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of an information indication method 700 according to an embodiment of this application. This method can optionally be applied to... Figure 1 The system shown is not limited to this. The method includes at least a portion of the following.

[0138] S710: The second network device sends access indication information from the NTN to the first network device. This access indication information is used for the terminal device to select the corresponding access method.

[0139] Optionally, the above access indication information includes: at least one DNN applicable to NTN.

[0140] Optionally, the second network device sends access indication information in the NTN network to the first network device, including:

[0141] The second network device sends an Access and Mobility Policy Establishment Response (AMPPR) message to the first network device, the AMPPR message carrying at least one DNN applicable to the NTN.

[0142] Optionally, the access indication information described above indicates whether the PDU session to be established is suitable for use in NTN.

[0143] Optionally, the second network device sends access indication information in the NTN network to the first network device, including:

[0144] The second network device sends a UE policy control update indication request message to the first network device. The UE policy control update indication request message carries UE policy data, the UE policy data carries URSP rules, and the URSP rules carry the access indication information.

[0145] Optionally, the first network device mentioned above includes AMF.

[0146] Optionally, the second network device mentioned above includes a PCF.

[0147] This application also proposes a terminal device. Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device 800 according to an embodiment of this application, including:

[0148] The first receiving module 810 is used to receive access indication information from a non-terrestrial network (NTN) from the first network device;

[0149] The selection module 820 is used to select the corresponding access method based on the access indication information.

[0150] Optionally, the access indication information mentioned above includes: at least one data network name (DNN) applicable to NTN.

[0151] Optionally, the selection module 820 described above is used for:

[0152] A first DNN is determined from at least one DNN applicable to NTN, and a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session is requested to be established using the first DNN.

[0153] Optionally, the first receiving module 810 described above is used for:

[0154] Receive a registration acceptance message from the first network device, the registration acceptance message carrying at least one data network name (DNN) applicable to the NTN.

[0155] Optionally, the selection module 820 described above is used for:

[0156] Send a non-access stratum (NAS) transport message to the first network device. The NAS transport message carries a first DNN and PDU session establishment request message.

[0157] Optionally, the access indication information described above is used to indicate whether a PDU session is suitable for use in NTN.

[0158] Optionally, the selection module 820 described above is used for:

[0159] If the access indication information indicates that the PDU session is suitable for use in NTN, then a PDU session establishment request is initiated.

[0160] Optionally, the selection module 820 described above is used for:

[0161] If the access indication information indicates that the PDU session is not suitable for use in NTN, then no PDU session establishment request will be initiated.

[0162] Optionally, the first receiving module 810 described above is used for:

[0163] The first network device receives a downlink NAS transmission message, which carries UE policy data, which carries the User Equipment Routing Policy (URSP) rule, and the URSP rule carries access indication information.

[0164] Optionally, the aforementioned first network device includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0165] It should be understood that the above and other operations and / or functions of the modules in the terminal device according to the embodiments of this application are respectively for implementing Figure 3 The corresponding procedures for the terminal devices in Method 300 are omitted here for the sake of brevity.

[0166] This application also proposes a first network device. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network device 900 according to an embodiment of this application, including:

[0167] The first sending module 910 is used to send access indication information in NTN to the terminal device, which is used for the terminal device to select the corresponding access method.

[0168] Optionally, the above access indication information includes: at least one DNN applicable to NTN.

[0169] Optionally, the first transmitting module 910 described above is used for:

[0170] Send a registration acceptance message to the terminal device, the registration acceptance message carrying at least one DNN applicable to NTN.

[0171] This application also proposes another first network device. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first network device 1000 according to an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 10 As shown, the first network device also includes:

[0172] The second receiving module 1020 is used to receive an Access and Mobility Policy Control Establishment Response message from the second network device. The Access and Mobility Policy Control Establishment Response message carries at least one DNN applicable to the NTN.

[0173] Optionally, the access indication information described above indicates whether the PDU session is suitable for use in the NTN.

[0174] Optionally, the first transmitting module 910 described above is used for:

[0175] Send a downlink NAS transmission message to the terminal device. The downlink NAS transmission message carries UE policy data. The UE policy data carries URSP rules. The URSP rules carry access indication information.

[0176] Optionally, such as Figure 10 As shown, the first network device also includes:

[0177] The third receiving module 1030 is used to receive a UE policy control update indication request message from the second network device. The UE policy control update indication request message carries UE policy data, the UE policy data carries URSP rules, and the URSP rules carry access indication information.

[0178] Optionally, the first network device mentioned above includes AMF.

[0179] Optionally, the second network device mentioned above includes a policy control function (PCF).

[0180] It should be understood that the above and other operations and / or functions of the modules in the first network device according to the embodiments of this application are respectively for implementing Figure 6 The corresponding process of the first network device in method 600 will not be elaborated here for the sake of brevity.

[0181] This application also proposes a second network device. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second network device 1100 according to an embodiment of this application, including:

[0182] The second sending module 1110 is used to send access indication information in NTN to the first network device. The access indication information is used for the terminal device to select the corresponding access method.

[0183] Optionally, the above access indication information includes: at least one DNN applicable to NTN.

[0184] Optionally, the second transmitting module 1110 described above is used for:

[0185] Send an Access and Mobility Policy Control Establishment Response Message to the first network device. The Access and Mobility Policy Control Establishment Response Message carries at least one DNN applicable to the NTN.

[0186] Optionally, the access indication information described above indicates whether the PDU session to be established is suitable for use in NTN.

[0187] Optionally, the second transmitting module 1110 described above is used for:

[0188] A UE policy control update indication request message is sent to the first network device. The UE policy control update indication request message carries UE policy data, the UE policy data carries URSP rules, and the URSP rules carry access indication information.

[0189] Optionally, the first network device mentioned above includes AMF.

[0190] Optionally, the second network device mentioned above includes a PCF.

[0191] It should be understood that the above and other operations and / or functions of the modules in the second network device according to the embodiments of this application are respectively for implementing Figure 7 The corresponding process for the second network device in Method 700 will not be elaborated here for the sake of brevity.

[0192] It should be noted that the functions described in the various modules (sub-modules, units, or components, etc.) of the terminal device 800, the first network device 900, the first network device 1000, and the second network device 1100 in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by different modules (sub-modules, units, or components, etc.) or by the same module (sub-module, unit, or component, etc.). For example, the first sending module and the second sending module can be different modules or the same module, both of which can realize their corresponding functions in the embodiments of this application. In addition, the sending module and the receiving module in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by the transceiver of the device, and some or all of the other modules can be implemented by the processor of the device.

[0193] Figure 12 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1200 according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 The communication device 1200 shown includes a processor 1210, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0194] Optionally, such as Figure 12 As shown, the communication device 1200 may further include a memory 1220. The processor 1210 can retrieve and run computer programs from the memory 1220 to implement the methods described in this embodiment.

[0195] The memory 1220 can be a separate device independent of the processor 1210, or it can be integrated into the processor 1210.

[0196] Optionally, such as Figure 12 As shown, the communication device 1200 may also include a transceiver 1230. The processor 1210 can control the transceiver 1230 to communicate with other devices. Specifically, it can send information or data to other devices or receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0197] The transceiver 1230 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 1230 may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0198] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may be a terminal device in the embodiments of this application, and the communication device 1200 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the terminal device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0199] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may be the first network device or the second network device in the embodiments of this application, and the communication device 1200 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the first network device or the second network device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0200] Figure 13 This is a schematic structural diagram of chip 1300 according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 13 The chip 1300 shown includes a processor 1310, which can call and run computer programs from memory to implement the methods in the embodiments of this application.

[0201] Optionally, such as Figure 13 As shown, chip 1300 may further include memory 1320. Processor 1310 can retrieve and run computer programs from memory 1320 to implement the methods described in this embodiment.

[0202] The memory 1320 can be a separate device independent of the processor 1310, or it can be integrated into the processor 1310.

[0203] Optionally, the chip 1300 may also include an input interface 1330. The processor 1310 can control the input interface 1330 to communicate with other devices or chips; specifically, it can acquire information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0204] Optionally, the chip 1300 may also include an output interface 1340. The processor 1310 can control the output interface 1340 to communicate with other devices or chips, specifically, to output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0205] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the terminal device in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the terminal device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0206] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the network device in the embodiments of this application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the network device in the various methods of the embodiments of this application. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0207] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[0208] The processors mentioned above can be general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. Among them, the general-purpose processors mentioned above can be microprocessors or any conventional processor.

[0209] The aforementioned memory can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination of both. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM).

[0210] It should be understood that the above-described memory is exemplary and not a limiting description. For example, the memory in the embodiments of this application may also be static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct memory bus RAM (DR RAM), etc. That is to say, the memory in the embodiments of this application is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0211] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When these computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state drives (SSDs)).

[0212] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the 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.

[0213] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0214] The above description is merely a specific 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 method for selecting an access method, comprising: The terminal device receives access indication information from the non-terrestrial network (NTN) from the first network device; The terminal device selects the corresponding access method according to the access indication information; The access indication information includes: a list of Data Network Names (DNNs), wherein the list of DNNs includes at least one DNN applicable to the NTN; The terminal device receives access indication information from the NTN from the first network device, including: The terminal device receives a registration acceptance message from the first network device, the registration acceptance message carrying at least one DNN applicable to the NTN, as well as 5G-GUTI and the registration area; The terminal device selects the corresponding access method according to the access indication information, including: The terminal device determines a first DNN from at least one DNN suitable for NTN included in the DNN list; The terminal device uses the first DNN to request the establishment of a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session; The terminal device uses the first DNN to request the establishment of a PDU session, including: The terminal device sends a non-access stratum (NAS) transmission message to the first network device. The NAS transmission message carries the first DNN and a PDU session establishment request message. The NAS transmission message also carries a PDU session identifier, S-NSSAI, and a request type. The PDU session establishment request message includes a PDU session ID and a PDU session type parameter.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the access indication information is further used to indicate whether the PDU session is suitable for use in NTN.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the terminal device selects a corresponding access method according to the access indication information, including: If the access indication information indicates that the PDU session is suitable for use in NTN, then the terminal device initiates a PDU session establishment request.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the terminal device selects a corresponding access method according to the access indication information, including: If the access indication information indicates that the PDU session is not suitable for use in NTN, the terminal device will not initiate a PDU session establishment request.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the terminal device receives access indication information from the first network device in the NTN, comprising: The terminal device receives a downlink NAS transmission message from the first network device. The downlink NAS transmission message carries UE policy data. The UE policy data carries the User Equipment Routing Policy (URSP) rule. The URSP rule carries the access indication information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first network device includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

7. An information indication method, comprising: The first network device sends access indication information from the NTN to the terminal device, and the access indication information is used to allow the terminal device to select the corresponding access method. The access indication information includes: a list of Data Network Names (DNNs), wherein the list of DNNs includes at least one DNN applicable to the NTN; The first network device sends access indication information from the NTN to the terminal device, including: The first network device sends a registration acceptance message to the terminal device, the registration acceptance message carrying at least one DNN applicable to NTN, as well as 5G-GUTI and the registration area; The DNN list is used by the terminal device to determine a first DNN from at least one DNN applicable to NTN included in the DNN list, and to send a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) transmission message to the first network device using the first DNN. The NAS transmission message carries the first DNN and a PDU session establishment request message, wherein the NAS transmission message also carries a PDU session identifier, S-NSSAI, and request type; wherein the PDU session establishment request message includes a PDU session ID and a PDU session type parameter.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: The first network device receives an Access and Mobility Policy Establishment Response (APM) message from the second network device, the APM message carrying at least one DNN applicable to the NTN.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the access indication information indicates whether the PDU session is suitable for use in NTN.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first network device sends access indication information in the NTN to the terminal device, comprising: The first network device sends a downlink NAS transmission message to the terminal device. The downlink NAS transmission message carries UE policy data, the UE policy data carries URSP rules, and the URSP rules carry the access indication information.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising: The first network device receives a UE policy control update indication request message from the second network device. The UE policy control update indication request message carries UE policy data, the UE policy data carries URSP rules, and the URSP rules carry the access indication information.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the first network device comprises an AMF.

13. The method according to claim 8 or 11, wherein the second network device includes a policy control function (PCF).

14. An information indication method, comprising: The second network device sends access indication information from the NTN to the first network device. The access indication information is used for the terminal device to select the corresponding access method. The access indication information includes: a list of Data Network Names (DNNs), wherein the list of DNNs includes at least one DNN applicable to the NTN; The first network device sends access indication information from the NTN to the terminal device, including: The access indication information in the NTN sent by the second network device to the first network device is sent to the terminal device by the first network device sending a registration acceptance message to the terminal device. The registration acceptance message carries at least one DNN applicable to the NTN, as well as 5G-GUTI and the registration area. The DNN list is used by the terminal device to determine a first DNN from at least one DNN applicable to NTN included in the DNN list, and to send a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) transmission message to the first network device using the first DNN. The NAS transmission message carries the first DNN and a PDU session establishment request message, wherein the NAS transmission message also carries a PDU session identifier, S-NSSAI, and request type; wherein the PDU session establishment request message includes a PDU session ID and a PDU session type parameter.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the second network device sends access indication information in the NTN network to the first network device, comprising: The second network device sends an Access and Mobility Policy Control Establishment Response Message to the first network device, the Access and Mobility Policy Control Establishment Response Message carrying at least one DNN applicable to the NTN.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the access indication information indicates whether the PDU session to be established is suitable for use in NTN.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the second network device sends access indication information in the NTN network to the first network device, comprising: The second network device sends a UE policy control update indication request message to the first network device. The UE policy control update indication request message carries UE policy data, the UE policy data carries URSP rules, and the URSP rules carry the access indication information.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the first network device comprises an AMF.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the second network device comprises a PCF.

20. A terminal device, comprising: The first receiving module is used to receive access indication information from a non-terrestrial network (NTN) from the first network device; The selection module is used to select the corresponding access method according to the access indication information; The access indication information includes: a list of Data Network Names (DNNs), wherein the list of DNNs includes at least one DNN applicable to the NTN; The first receiving module is specifically used for: Receive a registration acceptance message from the first network device, the registration acceptance message carrying at least one DNN applicable to the NTN, as well as 5G-GUTI and the registration area; Specifically, the selection module is used for: A first DNN is determined from at least one DNN suitable for NTN included in the DNN list; The terminal device uses the first DNN to request the establishment of a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session; Specifically, the selection module is used for: A non-access stratum (NAS) transmission message is sent to the first network device. The NAS transmission message carries the first DNN and a PDU session establishment request message. The NAS transmission message also carries a PDU session identifier, S-NSSAI, and a request type. The PDU session establishment request message includes a PDU session ID and a PDU session type parameter.

21. The terminal device according to claim 20, wherein the access indication information is further used to indicate whether the PDU session is suitable for use in NTN.

22. The terminal device according to claim 21, wherein the selection module is used for: If the access indication information indicates that the PDU session is suitable for use in NTN, then a PDU session establishment request is initiated.

23. The terminal device according to claim 22, wherein the selection module is used for: If the access indication information indicates that the PDU session is not suitable for use in NTN, then no PDU session establishment request will be initiated.

24. The terminal device according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the first receiving module is configured to: The first network device receives a downlink NAS transmission message, the downlink NAS transmission message carries UE policy data, the UE policy data carries the User Equipment Routing Policy (URSP) rule, and the URSP rule carries the access indication information.

25. The terminal device according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the first network device includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

26. A first network device, comprising: The first sending module is used to send access indication information in NTN to the terminal device, the access indication information being used for the terminal device to select the corresponding access method; The access indication information includes: a list of Data Network Names (DNNs), wherein the list of DNNs includes at least one DNN applicable to the NTN; The first sending module is specifically used for: The first network device sends a registration acceptance message to the terminal device, the registration acceptance message carrying at least one DNN applicable to NTN, as well as 5G-GUTI and the registration area; The DNN list is used by the terminal device to determine a first DNN from at least one DNN applicable to NTN included in the DNN list, and to send a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) transmission message to the first network device using the first DNN. The NAS transmission message carries the first DNN and a PDU session establishment request message, wherein the NAS transmission message also carries a PDU session identifier, S-NSSAI, and request type; wherein the PDU session establishment request message includes a PDU session ID and a PDU session type parameter.

27. The first network device according to claim 26, further comprising: The second receiving module is configured to receive an Access and Mobility Policy Control Establishment Response (AMAC) message from the second network device, the AMAC message carrying at least one DNN applicable to the NTN.

28. The first network device according to claim 26, wherein the access indication information indicates whether the PDU session is suitable for use in the NTN.

29. The first network device according to claim 28, wherein the first transmitting module is configured to: A downlink NAS transmission message is sent to the terminal device. The downlink NAS transmission message carries UE policy data, the UE policy data carries URSP rules, and the URSP rules carry the access indication information.

30. The first network device according to claim 28 or 29, further comprising: The third receiving module is configured to receive a UE policy control update indication request message from the second network device. The UE policy control update indication request message carries UE policy data, the UE policy data carries URSP rules, and the URSP rules carry the access indication information.

31. The first network device according to any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the first network device includes an AMF.

32. The first network device according to claim 27 or 30, wherein the second network device includes a policy control function (PCF).

33. A second network device, comprising: The second sending module is used to send access indication information in NTN to the first network device. The access indication information is used to allow the terminal device to select the corresponding access method. The access indication information includes: a list of Data Network Names (DNNs), wherein the list of DNNs includes at least one DNN applicable to the NTN; The access indication information in the NTN sent by the second network device to the first network device is sent to the terminal device by the first network device through a registration acceptance message. The registration acceptance message carries at least one DNN applicable to the NTN, as well as 5G-GUTI and the registration area. The DNN list is used by the terminal device to determine a first DNN from at least one DNN applicable to NTN included in the DNN list, and to send a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) transmission message to the first network device using the first DNN. The NAS transmission message carries the first DNN and a PDU session establishment request message, wherein the NAS transmission message also carries a PDU session identifier, S-NSSAI, and request type; wherein the PDU session establishment request message includes a PDU session ID and a PDU session type parameter.

34. The second network device according to claim 33, wherein the second transmitting module is configured to: Send an Access and Mobility Policy Control Establishment Response Message to a first network device, the Access and Mobility Policy Control Establishment Response Message carrying at least one DNN applicable to the NTN.

35. The second network device according to claim 33, wherein the access indication information indicates whether the PDU session to be established is suitable for use in the NTN.

36. The second network device according to claim 35, wherein the second transmitting module is configured to: A UE policy control update indication request message is sent to the first network device. The UE policy control update indication request message carries UE policy data, the UE policy data carries URSP rules, and the URSP rules carry the access indication information.

37. The second network device according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the first network device includes an AMF.

38. The second network device according to any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein the second network device includes a PCF.

39. A terminal device, comprising: A processor, a memory, and a transceiver, the memory for storing a computer program, the processor for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory, and controlling the transceiver to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

40. A network device, comprising: A processor, a memory, and a transceiver, the memory for storing a computer program, the processor for calling and running the computer program stored in the memory, and controlling the transceiver to perform the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 19.

41. A chip, comprising: A processor for retrieving and running a computer program from memory, causing a device on which the chip is mounted to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

42. A chip, comprising: A processor for retrieving and running a computer program from memory, causing a device on which the chip is mounted to perform the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 19.

43. A computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that causes a computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

44. A computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that causes a computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 19.

45. A computer program product comprising computer program instructions that cause a computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

46. ​​A computer program product comprising computer program instructions that cause a computer to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 19.

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