Radio access network system, data transmission control method and apparatus

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a kind of wireless access network system, data transmission control method and device, wherein the wireless access network system includes: first access network equipment arranged on the first satellite and second access network equipment arranged outside the first satellite;First access network equipment includes distribution unit entity and first centralized unit user plane entity;Second access network equipment includes second centralized unit user plane entity;First access network equipment and / or second access network equipment includes centralized unit control plane entity;Centralized unit control plane entity is used to control distribution unit entity to carry out the transmission of user plane data by first link in first access network equipment, and / or, second link between first access network equipment and second access network equipment.From then on, it can satisfy large capacity data transmission and on-board light weight and on-board chip's ability demand, realize the optimal design of low-orbit satellite communication system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a wireless access network system, a data transmission control method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In satellite communication systems, due to the controllable communication latency between low-Earth orbit satellites and the ground, and the link budget meeting requirements, low-Earth orbit satellite communication systems based on 5G technology are receiving increasing attention from the industry.

[0003] However, due to the constraints of satellite weight and power consumption, the processing power of the central processing unit (CPU) chip in the current satellite payload is relatively weak, which makes it difficult for the satellite base station to process a large amount of data services and meet the demand for high-capacity data transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems existing in the prior art, embodiments of this application provide a wireless access network system, a data transmission control method, and an apparatus.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a wireless access network system, including:

[0006] A first access network device located on a first satellite and a second access network device located outside the first satellite;

[0007] The first access network device includes a distributed unit entity and a first centralized unit user plane entity; the second access network device includes a second centralized unit user plane entity; the first access network device and / or the second access network device includes a centralized unit control plane entity;

[0008] The centralized unit control plane entity is used to control the distributed unit entity to transmit user plane data through the first link within the first access network device, and / or the second link between the first access network device and the second access network device;

[0009] The first link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the first centralized unit user plane entity, and the second link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity.

[0010] Optionally, the first access network device includes the centralized unit control plane entity, which is also communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity, respectively; or,

[0011] The second access network device includes the centralized unit control plane entity, which is also communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity; or,

[0012] Both the first access network device and the second access network device include a centralized unit control plane entity, and each of the centralized unit control plane entities is communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity, respectively.

[0013] Optionally, when both the first access network device and the second access network device include a centralized unit control plane entity, the centralized unit control plane entity of the first access network device or the centralized unit control plane entity of the second access network device is also used to control and manage the initial access user, and determine, based on the user's type or attributes, that the user will be connected and managed by the centralized unit control plane entity of the first access network device or the centralized unit control plane entity of the second access network device after the initial access.

[0014] Optionally, the first satellite is provided with a user plane functional entity, which is communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity.

[0015] Optionally, the centralized unit control plane entity controls the distributed unit entity to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link, including one or more of the following:

[0016] The centralized unit control plane entity controls the distributed unit entity to transmit the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link according to the service type of the user plane data;

[0017] The centralized unit control plane entity controls the distributed unit entity to transmit the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link based on the terminal associated with the user plane data;

[0018] The centralized unit control plane entity controls the distributed unit entity to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link according to the load status on the first satellite;

[0019] The centralized unit control plane entity controls the distributed unit entity to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link according to a pre-configured strategy.

[0020] Optionally, the centralized unit control plane entity controls the distributed unit entity to transmit the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link according to the service type of the user plane data, including:

[0021] When the user plane data service type is a terminal-to-terminal service, the centralized unit control plane entity controls the distributed unit entity to transmit the user plane data between satellites via the first link. Data is transmitted from one terminal to another via the inter-satellite link, without passing through terrestrial network equipment; or...

[0022] When the user plane data service type is a high-security level service, the centralized unit control plane entity controls the distributed unit entity to transmit the user plane data inter-satellite via the first link, and the data does not pass through ground network equipment; or...

[0023] When the service type of the user plane data is a non-end-to-end service, the centralized unit control plane entity controls the distributed unit entity to transmit the user plane data through the second link, and the data passes through the terrestrial network equipment.

[0024] Optionally, the second access network device includes one or more of the following: a ground-based access network device, an access network device on a satellite other than the first satellite, an access network device on an airborne platform, or an access network device on a UAV.

[0025] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a data transmission control method applied to a centralized unit control plane entity in a wireless access network system, wherein the wireless access network system includes a first access network device located on a first satellite and a second access network device located outside the first satellite, the first access network device including a distributed unit entity and a first centralized unit user plane entity, the second access network device including a second centralized unit user plane entity, and the first access network device and / or the second access network device including the centralized unit control plane entity, the method comprising:

[0026] Determine the data transmission link, which includes a first link within the first access network device and / or a second link between the first access network device and the second access network device;

[0027] Control the distribution unit entity to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link;

[0028] The first link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the first centralized unit user plane entity, and the second link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity.

[0029] Optionally, the first access network device includes the centralized unit control plane entity, which is also communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity, respectively; or,

[0030] The second access network device includes the centralized unit control plane entity, which is also communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity; or,

[0031] Both the first access network device and the second access network device include a centralized unit control plane entity, and each of the centralized unit control plane entities is communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity, respectively.

[0032] Optionally, when both the first access network device and the second access network device include a centralized unit control plane entity, the method further includes:

[0033] The centralized unit control plane entity of the first access network device or the centralized unit control plane entity of the second access network device controls and manages the initial access user, and determines, based on the user's type or attributes, that the user's connection management will be transferred to the centralized unit control plane entity of the first access network device or the centralized unit control plane entity of the second access network device after the initial access.

[0034] Optionally, the first satellite is provided with a user plane functional entity, which is communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity.

[0035] Optionally, the control distribution unit entity transmits user plane data through the first link and / or the second link, including one or more of the following:

[0036] Based on the service type of the user plane data, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link;

[0037] Based on the terminal associated with the user plane data, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link;

[0038] Based on the load status on the first satellite, the control distribution unit entity transmits user plane data through the first link and / or the second link;

[0039] According to the pre-configured strategy, the control distribution unit entity transmits user plane data through the first link and / or the second link.

[0040] Optionally, controlling the distribution unit entity to transmit the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link according to the service type of the user plane data includes:

[0041] When the user plane data service type is a terminal-to-terminal service, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data between satellites via the first link. Data is transmitted from one terminal to another via the inter-satellite link, without passing through terrestrial network equipment; or...

[0042] When the user plane data service type is a high-security level service, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data inter-satellite via the first link, and the data does not pass through ground network equipment; or...

[0043] When the service type of the user plane data is a non-terminal-to-terminal service, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data through the second link, and the data passes through the terrestrial network equipment.

[0044] Optionally, the second access network device includes one or more of the following: a ground-based access network device, an access network device on a satellite other than the first satellite, an access network device on an airborne platform, or an access network device on a UAV.

[0045] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a centralized unit control plane entity in a wireless access network system. The wireless access network system includes a first access network device located on a first satellite and a second access network device located outside the first satellite. The first access network device includes a distributed unit entity and a first centralized unit user plane entity. The second access network device includes a second centralized unit user plane entity. The first access network device and / or the second access network device include the centralized unit control plane entity. The centralized unit control plane entity includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor.

[0046] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory and performing the following operations:

[0047] Determine the data transmission link, which includes a first link within the first access network device and / or a second link between the first access network device and the second access network device;

[0048] Control the distribution unit entity to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link;

[0049] The first link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the first centralized unit user plane entity, and the second link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity.

[0050] Optionally, the first access network device includes the centralized unit control plane entity, which is also communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity, respectively; or,

[0051] The second access network device includes the centralized unit control plane entity, which is also communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity; or,

[0052] Both the first access network device and the second access network device include a centralized unit control plane entity, and each of the centralized unit control plane entities is communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity, respectively.

[0053] Optionally, when both the first access network device and the second access network device include a centralized unit control plane entity, the operation further includes:

[0054] The centralized unit control plane entity of the first access network device or the centralized unit control plane entity of the second access network device controls and manages the initial access user, and determines, based on the user's type or attributes, that the user's connection management will be transferred to the centralized unit control plane entity of the first access network device or the centralized unit control plane entity of the second access network device after the initial access.

[0055] Optionally, the first satellite is provided with a user plane functional entity, which is communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity.

[0056] Optionally, the control distribution unit entity transmits user plane data through the first link and / or the second link, including one or more of the following:

[0057] Based on the service type of the user plane data, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link;

[0058] Based on the terminal associated with the user plane data, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link;

[0059] Based on the load status on the first satellite, the control distribution unit entity transmits user plane data through the first link and / or the second link;

[0060] According to the pre-configured strategy, the control distribution unit entity transmits user plane data through the first link and / or the second link.

[0061] Optionally, controlling the distribution unit entity to transmit the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link according to the service type of the user plane data includes:

[0062] When the user plane data service type is a terminal-to-terminal service, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data between satellites via the first link. Data is transmitted from one terminal to another via the inter-satellite link, without passing through terrestrial network equipment; or...

[0063] When the user plane data service type is a high-security level service, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data inter-satellite via the first link, and the data does not pass through ground network equipment; or...

[0064] When the service type of the user plane data is a non-terminal-to-terminal service, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data through the second link, and the data passes through the terrestrial network equipment.

[0065] Optionally, the second access network device includes one or more of the following: a ground-based access network device, an access network device on a satellite other than the first satellite, an access network device on an airborne platform, or an access network device on a UAV.

[0066] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a data transmission control device applied to a centralized unit control plane entity in a wireless access network system, wherein the wireless access network system includes a first access network device located on a first satellite and a second access network device located outside the first satellite, the first access network device including a distributed unit entity and a first centralized unit user plane entity, the second access network device including a second centralized unit user plane entity, and the first access network device and / or the second access network device including the centralized unit control plane entity, the device comprising:

[0067] A determining unit is configured to determine a data transmission link, wherein the data transmission link includes a first link within the first access network device and / or a second link between the first access network device and the second access network device;

[0068] A control unit is used to control the distribution unit entity to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link;

[0069] The first link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the first centralized unit user plane entity, and the second link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity.

[0070] Fifthly, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing a computer to perform the data transmission control method described in the second aspect above.

[0071] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device, wherein the communication device stores a computer program, the computer program being used to cause the communication device to execute the data transmission control method described in the second aspect above.

[0072] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a processor-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing a processor to execute the data transmission control method described in the second aspect above.

[0073] Eighthly, embodiments of this application also provide a chip product, wherein the chip product stores a computer program, the computer program being used to cause the chip product to execute the data transmission control method described in the second aspect above.

[0074] The wireless access network system, data transmission control method, and apparatus provided in this application embodiment, through the design of a network architecture that integrates the second access network device and the first access network device on the satellite, allow user plane data to be processed and transmitted through the first link and / or the second link. This enables flexible and adaptive data diversion processing, meeting the requirements for high-capacity data transmission, satellite-borne lightweighting, and satellite-borne chip capabilities, thereby achieving the optimal design of the low-Earth orbit satellite communication system. Attached Figure Description

[0075] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or related technologies of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0076] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the wireless access network system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0077] Figure 2 This is one of the schematic diagrams of an implementation of the wireless access network system provided in this application;

[0078] Figure 3 This is a second schematic diagram of the implementation of the wireless access network system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0079] Figure 4 This is the third schematic diagram of the implementation of the wireless access network system provided in this application embodiment;

[0080] Figure 5 This is the fourth schematic diagram of the implementation of the wireless access network system provided in this application embodiment;

[0081] Figure 6 This is the fifth schematic diagram of the implementation of the wireless access network system provided in this application embodiment;

[0082] Figure 7 This is the sixth schematic diagram of the implementation of the wireless access network system provided in this application embodiment;

[0083] Figure 8 This is the seventh schematic diagram of the implementation of the wireless access network system provided in this application embodiment;

[0084] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the CU-UP change process provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0085] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the inter-satellite handover process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the data transmission control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the centralized unit control plane entity in the wireless access network system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0088] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the data transmission control device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0089] In the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following associated objects have an "or" relationship.

[0090] In the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0091] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0092] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the wireless access network system provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the system includes:

[0093] A first access network device 110 located on the first satellite and a second access network device 120 located outside the first satellite;

[0094] The first access network device 110 includes a Distributed Unit (DU) entity 111 and a first Centralized Unit User Plane (CU-UP) entity 112; the second access network device 120 includes a second Centralized Unit User Plane entity 121; the first access network device 110 and / or the second access network device 120 include a Centralized Unit Control Plane (CU-CP) entity 101;

[0095] The centralized unit control plane entity 101 is used to control the distributed unit entity 111 to transmit user plane data through the first link within the first access network device 110, and / or the second link between the first access network device 110 and the second access network device 120.

[0096] The first link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity 111 and the first centralized unit user plane entity 112, and the second link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity 111 and the second centralized unit user plane entity 121.

[0097] Specifically, the wireless access network system provided in this application includes two parts: one part is on a satellite, which is the first access network device 110, and the first satellite where the first access network device 110 is located can be any satellite; the other part is located at a location other than the satellite where the first access network device 110 is located, which is the second access network device 120.

[0098] Optionally, the first access network device 110 may be a satellite-borne base station (e.g., gNB), and the first access network device 110 includes at least DU 111 and a first CU-UP 112.

[0099] Optionally, the second access network device 120 may include one or more of the following: a ground-based access network device (e.g., a ground base station), an access network device on a satellite other than the first satellite (e.g., a satellite-borne base station on a satellite other than the first satellite), an access network device on a High Altitude Platform System (HAPS) (e.g., a base station on the HAPS), or an access network device on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

[0100] Optionally, the second access network device 120 includes at least a second CU-UP 121.

[0101] Optionally, the wireless access network system includes a CU-CP 101, which may be included in the first access network device 110 and / or the second access network device 120.

[0102] Optionally, the wireless access network system provided in this application embodiment can flexibly and adaptively perform data splitting processing when transmitting user plane data. It can transmit user plane data through the first link, the second link, or both the first and second links.

[0103] The first link includes a data transmission link connected by DU 111 and the first CU-UP 112, meaning that user plane data can be processed and transmitted within the first access network device 110, and user plane data can be transmitted without passing through the second access network device 120.

[0104] The second link includes a data transmission link connected by DU 111 and the second CU-UP 121. That is, user plane data can be processed and transmitted via DU 111 in the first access network device 110 and the second CU-UP 121 in the second access network device 120. The second access network device 120 can perform traffic offloading processing on the user plane data.

[0105] Optionally, the DU 111 can handle the processing of the Physical (PHY) layer, Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and Radio Link Control (RLC) layer.

[0106] Optionally, the CU-CP 101 can be responsible for the processing of the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer and the management of network interfaces (such as Xn, NG, E1, F1).

[0107] Optionally, the first CU-UP 112 and the second CU-UP 121 can be responsible for processing the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) and the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP).

[0108] Optionally, DU 111 and CU-CP 101 can be connected via the F1 interface control plane (F1-C).

[0109] Optionally, DU 111 and the first CU-UP 112 or the second CU-UP 121 can be connected via the F1 interface user plane (F1-U).

[0110] Optionally, CU-CP 101 and the first CU-UP 112 or the second CU-UP 121 can be connected via an E1 interface.

[0111] Optionally, the first satellite may be equipped with a User Plane Function (UPF), which is communicatively connected to the first CU-UP 112. User plane data can be transmitted to other satellites through the onboard UPF.

[0112] It should be noted that in the various embodiments of this application, the interfaces between various functional entities (such as DU, CU-CP, CU-UP) in the same access network device may not be actual physical interfaces or protocol interfaces, but only internal interfaces of software functional modules, which will not be described in detail later.

[0113] It should be noted that in the various embodiments of this application, the interfaces between the various functional entities (such as DU, CU-CP, CU-UP) can be of any form, as long as they can complete the information interaction between the two network element functional entities. The various embodiments of this application are only used as examples of E1, F1-U and F1-C interfaces, and are not intended to limit the interface form. They will not be described again later.

[0114] The wireless access network system provided in this application embodiment, through the design of a network architecture that integrates the second access network device and the first access network device on the satellite, allows user plane data to be processed and transmitted through the first link and / or the second link. This enables flexible and adaptive data diversion processing, meeting the requirements for high-capacity data transmission, satellite-borne lightweighting, and satellite-borne chip capabilities, thus achieving the optimal design of the low-Earth orbit satellite communication system.

[0115] Optionally, the first access network device 110 includes a centralized unit control plane entity 101, which is also communicatively connected to a first centralized unit user plane entity 112 and a second centralized unit user plane entity 121.

[0116] In one implementation, Figure 2 This is one of the implementation diagrams of the wireless access network system provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the wireless access network system comprises two parts: a spaceborne base station and a ground base station. The spaceborne base station includes complete base station functions (including CU and DU functions), responsible for addressing user access management and service processing needs. The ground base station only includes the CU-UP portion, used to process higher-layer data, enabling user services to be transmitted on the ground. Optionally, the E1 and F1-U communication interfaces between the ground base station and the spaceborne base station are both carried on the feeder link.

[0117] Figure 2 In the diagram, S-UPF refers to the onboard UPF, which is a core network functional entity. The diagram also includes the core network's UPF and Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). The meanings of S-UPF, AMF, and UPF in other diagrams are the same and will not be repeated hereafter.

[0118] In one implementation, Figure 3 This is a second schematic diagram of the implementation of the wireless access network system provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the wireless access network system consists of two parts: satellite-borne base station 1 and satellite-borne base station 2 (or base stations on HAPS or UAV). Satellite-borne base station 1 includes complete base station functions (including CU and DU functions) and is responsible for solving users' access management and service processing needs. Satellite-borne base station 2 (or base stations on HAPS or UAV) only includes the CU-UP part and complements satellite-borne base station 1, and is responsible for user data offloading.

[0119] Optionally, both the first access network device 110 and the second access network device 120 include a centralized unit control plane entity 101, and each centralized unit control plane entity 101 is communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity 112 and the second centralized unit user plane entity 121, respectively.

[0120] Specifically, CU-CP 101 can be configured in both the first access network device 110 and the second access network device 120. The CU-CP 101 of the first access network device 110 is communicatively connected to the first CU-UP 112 and the second CU-UP 121, respectively. Similarly, the CU-CP 101 of the second access network device 120 is also communicatively connected to the first CU-UP 112 and the second CU-UP 121, respectively. This allows for flexible selection of the CU-CP 101 of the first access network device 110 and the second access network device 120 for service data offloading processing according to actual needs.

[0121] Optionally, when both the first access network device 110 and the second access network device 120 include a centralized unit control plane entity, the centralized unit control plane entity 101 of the first access network device 110 or the centralized unit control plane entity 101 of the second access network device 120 is also used to control and manage the initial access user, and determine, based on the user's type or attributes, whether the user's connection management is switched to the centralized unit control plane entity 101 of the first access network device 110 or the centralized unit control plane entity 101 of the second access network device 120 after the initial access.

[0122] Specifically, when both the first access network device 110 and the second access network device 120 include CU-CP 101, one of the CU-CP 101 can be set as the primary CU-CP and the other as the secondary CU-CP. The primary CU-CP can control and manage the initial access user and determine whether the user should be connected to the CU-CP 101 of the first access network device 110 or the CU-CP 101 of the second access network device 120 after the initial access based on the user's type or attributes.

[0123] In one embodiment, the second access network device 120 is described as a ground base station. Figure 4 This is the third schematic diagram of the implementation of the wireless access network system provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the wireless access network system consists of two parts: a satellite-based base station and a ground base station. The satellite-based base station includes complete base station functions (including CU and DU functions) and is responsible for service processing requirements. The ground base station includes CU-UP and CU-CP functions, which enable user services to be transmitted on the ground.

[0124] Figure 4 The characteristic of this architecture is that the ground also has the control plane and user plane functions of the CU, which can complete user access or other management and control functions on the ground.

[0125] Optionally, the second access network device 120 includes a centralized unit control plane entity 101, which is also communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity 112 and the second centralized unit user plane entity 121.

[0126] In one embodiment, the second access network device 120 is described as a ground base station. Figure 5 This is the fourth schematic diagram of the implementation of the wireless access network system provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the wireless access network system consists of two parts: a satellite-based base station and a ground base station. The satellite-based base station includes DU and CU-UP functions and can act as a slave station. The ground base station acts as the master station and includes CU-UP and CU-CP functions. The control plane is entirely on the ground.

[0127] Taking terminal-to-terminal (T2T) data transmission on satellite as an example, users can first connect to the ground, and after the connection is established, the T2T data is transferred to the satellite.

[0128] Optionally, the centralized unit control plane entity 101 controls the distributed unit entity 111 to transmit user plane data via a first link and / or a second link, including one or more of the following:

[0129] (1) The centralized unit control plane entity 101 controls the distributed unit entity 111 to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link according to the service type of the user plane data.

[0130] (2) The centralized unit control plane entity 101 controls the distributed unit entity 111 to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link according to the terminal associated with the user plane data.

[0131] (3) The centralized unit control plane entity 101 controls the distributed unit entity 111 to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link according to the load status on the first satellite.

[0132] (4) The centralized unit control plane entity 101 controls the distributed unit entity 111 to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link according to the pre-configured strategy.

[0133] Specifically, in this embodiment of the application, the processing and transmission of user plane data can be flexibly switched between the first access network device 110 and the second access network device 120.

[0134] For example, user plane data processing and transmission can be performed based on service type, terminal, or per terminal per service granularity (per UE per service).

[0135] For example, adaptive data offloading can be accomplished based on operator policies or pre-configured policies, or on algorithms or implementations based on information such as satellite load status.

[0136] In one implementation, taking the second access network device 120 as a ground base station as an example, under the space-ground converged adaptive network architecture, if user plane data is processed at the ground level, it can be processed in three different granularities:

[0137] Method 1: Decentralize processing based on service granularity, classifying and processing each service flow of the terminal. For example, retain some Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions for complete on-board processing, while decentralizing the remaining PDU sessions to the CU-UP of the ground base station for processing.

[0138] Method 2: Decentralize at the terminal level, decentralizing all user plane data of certain terminals to the CU-UP processing of the ground base station.

[0139] Method 3: Classify and process T2T and non-T2T services, and decentralize all non-T2T services to the CU-UP of the ground base station.

[0140] Method 4: For the launch strategy of satellite-to-ground traffic offloading, it is also possible to determine whether data should be offloaded to the CU-UP of the ground base station based on the load on the satellite. For example, when the processing load of the satellite base station reaches a threshold, the data service offloading is initiated.

[0141] When to perform on-board data downlink processing and what granularity to use (for which terminals or services) can be determined by the first CU-CP (e.g., based on operator policies, base station algorithms or implementations). For example, real-time data offlinking between satellite and ground can be adjusted based on the load of the on-board CPU.

[0142] Optionally, the centralized unit control plane entity 101 controls the distributed unit entity 111 to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link, depending on the service type of the user plane data. This may include any of the following:

[0143] (1) When the service type of user plane data is terminal-to-terminal service, the centralized unit control plane entity 101 controls the distributed unit entity 111 to transmit user plane data between satellites through the first link. The data is transmitted from one terminal to another through the inter-satellite link, and the data does not pass through the ground network equipment.

[0144] In other words, for T2T services, complete data processing and inter-satellite transmission can be carried out on the satellite through the first link. Data is transmitted from one terminal to another through the inter-satellite link, and the service data does not land on the ground.

[0145] (2) When the service type of the user plane data is a high-security-level service, the centralized unit control plane entity 101 controls the distributed unit entity 111 to transmit the user plane data between satellites through the first link, and the data does not pass through the ground network equipment.

[0146] In other words, for high-security services, complete data processing and inter-satellite transmission can be carried out on the satellite via the first link, and the service data does not land on the ground.

[0147] (3) When the service type of the user plane data is a non-terminal-to-terminal service, the centralized unit control plane entity 101 controls the distributed unit entity 111 to transmit the user plane data through the second link, and the data passes through the ground network equipment.

[0148] In other words, for non-T2T services, service data can be transmitted through a second link, and the service data can be split, processed and transmitted through terrestrial access network equipment.

[0149] In one implementation, Figure 6 This is the fifth schematic diagram of the implementation of the wireless access network system provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the signaling and service processing flow of T2T service is illustrated. The dashed curve represents the control plane signaling path, where the UE's control plane signaling interacts between the S-gNB (i.e., the satellite base station gNB) and the ground AMF through the N2 interface. The solid curve represents the PDU session data path where complete data processing is performed on the satellite. The UE's service data does not land on the ground. After processing by the S-gNB, it is directly handed over to the satellite S-UPF for routing. The target S-UPF then passes it to the target S-gNB, processes it, and forwards it to the target UE.

[0150] Figure 7 This is the sixth schematic diagram of the implementation of the wireless access network system provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, for non-T2T services, considering flexibility, some services (PDU sessions) of a UE can be fully processed on the satellite and connected to the ground-based UPF via the N3 interface; other services (PDU sessions) only undergo DU processing on the satellite and are then processed via the F1-U interface down to the ground-based CU-UP for related higher-level protocol processing. In the diagram, the dashed curves represent the control plane signaling path, where the UE's control plane signaling interacts between the satellite-based base station and the ground-based AMF via the N2 interface; the solid curves represent the PDU session data path for full data processing on the satellite and the PDU session data path for processing down to the ground, respectively. All interfaces between the satellite payload and the ground payload are carried on the feeder link.

[0151] Figure 8This is the seventh schematic diagram of the implementation of the wireless access network system provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown, for non-T2T services, the PDCP and SDAP processing of all user plane services for a UE can be offloaded to the ground. All user data for this UE only undergoes DU processing on the satellite, while CU-UP processing is completed on the ground. In the diagram, the dashed curve represents the control plane signaling path, where the UE's control plane signaling interacts between the satellite base station and the ground-based AMF via the N2 interface. The solid curve represents the PDU session data path offloaded to the ground. The user plane data processed offloaded only needs to undergo gNB-DU processing at the satellite base station, i.e., only PHY, MAC, and RLC processing, before being handed over to the ground-based gNB-CU-UP for further processing (PDCP, SDAP). All interfaces between the satellite payload and the ground payload are carried on the feeder link.

[0152] The following examples illustrate the service processing mode conversion and switching process of the wireless access network system provided in the above embodiments of this application through specific application scenarios.

[0153] Example 1: Conversion of service processing methods between satellite and ground.

[0154] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the CU-UP change process provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 9 As shown, whether it is switching all or part of the UE's services from satellite to ground or from ground back to satellite, it is essentially a change of gNB-CU-UP under the same gNB-CU-CP.

[0155] Its main process is as follows:

[0156] 1. gNB-CU-CP decides to make changes to CU-UP, such as switching some or all of the UE's bearers from the satellite CU-UP to the ground CU-UP, and vice versa.

[0157] 2-3. Establish a bearer between gNB-CU-CP and the target gNB-CU-UP.

[0158] 4. gNB-CU-CP initiates a UE context modification process on the F1 interface to adjust the uplink data channel of F1-U.

[0159] 5-6. gNB-CU-CP initiates a Bearer Context Modification process to the source gNB-CU-UP to obtain PDCP uplink / downlink status information and forward relevant information before exchanging data.

[0160] 7-8. gNB-CU-CP initiates a Bearer ContextModification process to the target gNB-CU-UP.

[0161] 9. Data forwarding may be performed between the source gNB-CU-UP and the target gNB-CU-UP.

[0162] 10-12. gNB-CU-CP initiates a path conversion process to AMF to update the downlink address of the N3 tunnel.

[0163] 13-14. gNB-CU-CP initiates the Bearer ContextRelease process to the source gNB-CU-UP.

[0164] Example 2: Switching process.

[0165] (1) Inter-satellite switching.

[0166] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the inter-satellite handover process provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 10 As shown, if the current satellite cannot continue to provide service to a UE, an inter-satellite handover needs to be performed. The inter-satellite handover process involves coordinating relevant contexts and preparing for the handover between two gNB-CU-CPs. The target gNB-CU-CP selects a CU-UP and establishes a corresponding E1 bearer to accept the UE; this can be an on-board CU-UP or a ground-based CU-UP. The main process is as follows:

[0167] 1. The source base station decides to perform an inter-satellite handover and sends a handover request message to the target base station on the Xn interface. In a split architecture, this message is sent from the source gNB-CU-CP to the target gNB-CU-CP.

[0168] 2-3. The target gNB-CU-CP selects gNB-CU-UP and initiates bearer establishment.

[0169] 4. The target gNB-CU-CP initiates the UE context establishment process on the F1 interface, tells the gNB-CU-UP the F1-U uplink address, and also obtains the downlink data channel of F1-U allocated by the gNB-DU.

[0170] 5. The target gNB-CU-CP sends a handover request confirmation (HANDOVER REQUESTACKNOWLEDGE) message to the source gNB-CU-CP.

[0171] 6. The source gNB-CU-CP initiates the UE context modification process, including giving the UE a handover command, and also instructing the gNB-DU to stop the UE's downlink data transmission.

[0172] 7-8. The source gNB-CU-CP initiates the bearer context modification process on the E1 interface to obtain the PDCP uplink / downlink status and data forwarding information.

[0173] 9. The source gNB-CU-CP sends a sequence number status transfer (SN STATUS TRANSFER) to the target gNB-CU-CP.

[0174] 10-11. The target gNB-CU-CP initiates a bearer context modification process on the E1 interface, which may include uplink and downlink status information of PDCP if necessary.

[0175] 12. Data forwarding process between source gNB-CU-UP and target gNB-CU-UP.

[0176] 13-15. The target base station performs a path switching process, switching the downlink address of the user data N3 tunnel.

[0177] 16-18. The target gNB-CU-CP sends a UE context release message on the Xn interface to the source gNB-CU-CP. The source gNB-CU-CP correspondingly sends context release messages for source-side E1 and F1.

[0178] (2) Power supply switching

[0179] For mobility processes, such as satellite switching between different gateway stations, it is equivalent to gNB-CU-CP and gNB-DU remaining unchanged, but the landing gNB-CU-UP changing with the change of gateway station.

[0180] If, during the power supply switchover, the gNB-CU-CP already has an E1 interface with the gNB-CU-UP of the target gateway station, then the gNB-CU-CP can initiate the UP change process directly after the new power supply is established, and the procedure is the same as above. Figure 9 The process is shown below.

[0181] If, during the power supply switching process, the gNB-CU-CP needs to establish a new interface with the gNB-CU-UP of the target gateway station, then in the above... Figure 9 Before step 2 of the process shown, an E1 establishment process needs to be added between gNB-CU-CP and the gNB-CU-UP corresponding to the target gateway station. The rest of the process is the same. Figure 9 The process is shown below.

[0182] Figure 11This is a flowchart illustrating a data transmission control method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method is applied to a Centralized Unit Control Plane Entity (CU-CP) in a wireless access network system. The wireless access network system includes a first access network device located on a first satellite and a second access network device located outside the first satellite. The first access network device includes a Distributed Unit Entity (DU) and a first Centralized Unit User Plane Entity (first CU-UP). The second access network device includes a second Centralized Unit User Plane Entity (second CU-UP). The first access network device and / or the second access network device include the CU-CP, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0183] Step 1100: Determine the data transmission link, which includes a first link within the first access network device and / or a second link between the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0184] Step 1101: Control the distribution unit entity to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link.

[0185] The first link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the first centralized unit user plane entity, and the second link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity.

[0186] Specifically, the wireless access network system provided in this application includes two parts: one part is on a satellite, which is a first access network device, and the first satellite where the first access network device is located can be any satellite; the other part is located in a location other than the satellite where the first access network device is located, which is a second access network device.

[0187] Optionally, the first access network device may be a satellite-borne base station (e.g., gNB), and the first access network device includes at least a DU and a first CU-UP.

[0188] Optionally, the second access network device may include one or more of the following: ground-based access network device (e.g., ground base station), access network device on a satellite other than the first satellite (e.g., satellite-borne base station on a satellite other than the first satellite), access network device on HAPS (e.g., base station on a near-space platform), or access network device on UAV.

[0189] Optionally, the second access network device includes at least a second CU-UP.

[0190] Optionally, the CU-CP included in the wireless access network system may be located within the first access network device and / or the second access network device.

[0191] Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, the CU-CP in the wireless access network system can flexibly and adaptively perform data diversion processing for user plane data transmission of access terminals. After determining the data transmission link, the DU can be controlled to transmit user plane data through different links. For example, user plane data can be transmitted through the first link, or through the second link, or user plane data can be transmitted through both the first and second links.

[0192] The first link includes a data transmission link connecting the DU and the first CU-UP, meaning that user plane data can be processed and transmitted within the first access network device, and user plane data can be transmitted without passing through the second access network device.

[0193] The second link includes a data transmission link connected by the DU and the second CU-UP. That is, user plane data can be processed and transmitted via the DU in the first access network device and the second CU-UP in the second access network device, so that the second access network device can perform traffic offloading of user plane data.

[0194] Optionally, DU can be responsible for processing the PHY layer, MAC layer, and RLC layer.

[0195] Optionally, CU-CP can be responsible for the processing of the RRC layer and the management of network interfaces (such as Xn, NG, E1, F1).

[0196] Optionally, the first CU-UP and the second CU-UP can be responsible for PDCP and SDAP processing.

[0197] Optionally, the DU and CU-CP can be connected via the F1 interface control plane (F1-C).

[0198] Optionally, the DU and the first CU-UP or the second CU-UP can be connected via the F1 interface user plane (F1-U).

[0199] Optionally, the CU-CP and the first CU-UP or the second CU-UP can be connected via an E1 interface.

[0200] Optionally, the first satellite may be equipped with a UPF, which is connected to the first CU-UP for communication, so that user plane data can be transmitted to other satellites through the onboard UPF.

[0201] It should be noted that in the various embodiments of this application, the interfaces between various functional entities (such as DU, CU-CP, CU-UP) in the same access network device may not be actual physical interfaces or protocol interfaces, but only internal interfaces of software functional modules, which will not be described in detail later.

[0202] It should be noted that in the various embodiments of this application, the interfaces between the various functional entities (such as DU, CU-CP, CU-UP) can be of any form, as long as they can complete the information interaction between the two network element functional entities. The various embodiments of this application are only used as examples of E1, F1-U and F1-C interfaces, and are not intended to limit the interface form. They will not be described again later.

[0203] The data transmission control method provided in this application provides a network architecture that integrates the second access network device and the first access network device on the satellite. User plane data can be processed and transmitted through the first link and / or the second link, thereby enabling flexible adaptive data splitting and processing. This meets the requirements for high-capacity data transmission, satellite lightweighting, and satellite chip capabilities, achieving the optimal design of the low-Earth orbit satellite communication system.

[0204] Optionally, the first access network device includes a centralized unit control plane entity, which is also communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity.

[0205] In one implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the wireless access network system comprises two parts: a spaceborne base station and a ground base station. The spaceborne base station includes complete base station functions (including CU and DU functions), responsible for addressing user access management and service processing needs. The ground base station only includes the CU-UP portion, used to process higher-layer data, enabling user services to be transmitted on the ground. Optionally, the E1 and F1-U communication interfaces between the ground base station and the spaceborne base station are both carried on the feeder link.

[0206] In one implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the wireless access network system consists of two parts: satellite-borne base station 1 and satellite-borne base station 2 (or base stations on HAPS or UAV). Satellite-borne base station 1 includes complete base station functions (including CU and DU functions) and is responsible for solving users' access management and service processing needs. Satellite-borne base station 2 (or base stations on HAPS or UAV) only includes the CU-UP part and complements satellite-borne base station 1, and is responsible for user data offloading.

[0207] Optionally, the second access network device includes a centralized unit control plane entity, which is also communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity, respectively.

[0208] In one implementation, such as Figure 5As shown, the wireless access network system consists of two parts: a satellite-based base station and a ground base station. The satellite-based base station includes DU and CU-UP functions and can act as a slave station; the ground base station acts as the master station and includes CU-UP and CU-CP functions, with the entire control plane located on the ground. Taking terminal-to-terminal (T2T) data transmission from the satellite as an example, the user can first access the ground, and after establishing a connection, the T2T data is transferred to the satellite.

[0209] Optionally, both the first access network device and the second access network device include a centralized unit control plane entity, and each centralized unit control plane entity is communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity, respectively.

[0210] Specifically, CU-CPs can be configured in both the first and second access network devices. The CU-CP of the first access network device is communicatively connected to both the first and second CU-UPs, and the CU-CP of the second access network device is also communicatively connected to both the first and second CU-UPs. This allows for flexible selection of the CU-CPs of the first and second access network devices for service data offloading processing according to actual needs.

[0211] Optionally, when both the first access network device and the second access network device include a centralized unit control plane entity, the centralized unit control plane entity of the first access network device or the centralized unit control plane entity of the second access network device is also used to control and manage the initial access user, and determine, based on the user's type or attributes, whether the user's connection management is switched to the centralized unit control plane entity of the first access network device or the centralized unit control plane entity of the second access network device after the initial access.

[0212] Specifically, when both the first access network device and the second access network device include CU-CP, one CU-CP can be set as the primary CU-CP and the other as the secondary CU-CP. The primary CU-CP can control and manage the initial access user and determine whether the user should be transferred to the CU-CP of the first access network device or the CU-CP of the second access network device for connection management after the initial access based on the user's type or attributes.

[0213] In one implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, the wireless access network system comprises two parts: a spaceborne base station and a ground base station. The spaceborne base station includes complete base station functions (including CU and DU functions) and is responsible for service processing requirements. The ground base station includes CU-UP and CU-CP functions, enabling user services to be transmitted on the ground. Since the ground also has CU control plane and user plane functions, user access or other management functions can be completed on the ground.

[0214] Optionally, the control distribution unit entity may transmit user plane data via the first link and / or the second link, including one or more of the following:

[0215] (1) Based on the service type of the user plane data, control the distribution unit entity to transmit the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link.

[0216] (2) Based on the terminal associated with the user plane data, control the distribution unit entity to transmit the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link.

[0217] (3) Based on the load status on the first satellite, control the distribution unit entity to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link.

[0218] (4) According to the pre-configured strategy, control the distribution unit entity to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link.

[0219] Specifically, in this embodiment of the application, the processing and transmission of user plane data can be flexibly switched between the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0220] For example, user plane data processing and transmission can be performed based on service type, terminal, or per terminal per service granularity (per UE per service).

[0221] For example, adaptive data offloading can be accomplished based on operator policies or pre-configured policies, or on algorithms or implementations based on information such as satellite load status.

[0222] In one implementation, taking the second access network device as a ground base station as an example, under the space-ground converged adaptive network architecture, if user plane data is processed on the ground, it can be processed in the following three different granularities:

[0223] Method 1: Decentralize processing by service granularity, classifying and processing each service flow of the terminal. For example, retain some PDU sessions for complete on-board processing, while decentralizing the remaining PDU sessions to the CU-UP of the ground base station for processing.

[0224] Method 2: Decentralize at the terminal level, decentralizing all user plane data of certain terminals to the CU-UP processing of the ground base station.

[0225] Method 3: Classify and process T2T and non-T2T services, and decentralize all non-T2T services to the CU-UP of the ground base station.

[0226] Method 4: For the launch strategy of satellite-to-ground traffic offloading, it is also possible to determine whether data should be offloaded to the CU-UP of the ground base station based on the load on the satellite. For example, when the processing load of the satellite base station reaches a threshold, the data service offloading is initiated.

[0227] When to perform on-board data downlink processing and what granularity to use (for which terminals or services) can be determined by the first CU-CP (e.g., based on operator policies, base station algorithms or implementations). For example, real-time data offlinking between satellite and ground can be adjusted based on the load of the on-board CPU.

[0228] Optionally, depending on the service type of the user plane data, the control distribution unit entity may transmit the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link, which may include any of the following:

[0229] (1) When the service type of user plane data is terminal-to-terminal service, the control distribution unit entity transmits user plane data between satellites through the first link. The data is transmitted from one terminal to another through the inter-satellite link, and the data does not pass through the ground network equipment.

[0230] In other words, for T2T services, complete data processing and inter-satellite transmission can be carried out on the satellite through the first link. Data is transmitted from one terminal to another through the inter-satellite link, and the service data does not land on the ground.

[0231] (2) When the service type of the user plane data is a high-security-level service, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data between satellites through the first link, and the data does not pass through the ground network equipment.

[0232] In other words, for high-security services, complete data processing and inter-satellite transmission can be carried out on the satellite via the first link, and the service data does not land on the ground.

[0233] (3) When the service type of the user plane data is a non-terminal-to-terminal service, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data through the second link, and the data passes through the ground network equipment.

[0234] In other words, for non-T2T services, service data can be transmitted through a second link, and the service data can be split, processed and transmitted through terrestrial access network equipment.

[0235] The methods and systems provided in the various embodiments of this application are based on the same concept. Since the methods and systems solve problems in similar ways, their implementations can be referred to each other, and repeated details will not be repeated.

[0236] Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a centralized unit control plane entity in a wireless access network system provided in an embodiment of this application. The wireless access network system includes a first access network device located on a first satellite and a second access network device located outside the first satellite. The first access network device includes a distributed unit entity and a first centralized unit user plane entity. The second access network device includes a second centralized unit user plane entity. The first access network device and / or the second access network device include the centralized unit control plane entity, as shown below. Figure 12 As shown, the centralized unit control plane entity includes a memory 1220, a transceiver 1210, and a processor 1200; wherein the processor 1200 and the memory 1220 can also be physically arranged separately.

[0237] The memory 1220 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1210 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1200.

[0238] Specifically, transceiver 1210 is used to receive and send data under the control of processor 1200.

[0239] Among them, Figure 12 In this application, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1200 and memory represented by memory 1220 together. The bus architecture may also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1210 may be multiple elements, including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical fibers, and other transmission media.

[0240] The processor 1200 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, while the memory 1220 can store the data used by the processor 1200 when performing operations.

[0241] The processor 1200 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0242] The processor 1200 invokes a computer program stored in the memory 1220 to execute any of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application according to the obtained executable instructions, such as: determining a data transmission link, the data transmission link including a first link within a first access network device, and / or a second link between the first access network device and a second access network device; controlling the distributed unit entity to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link; the first link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the first centralized unit user plane entity, and the second link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity.

[0243] Optionally, the first access network device includes a centralized unit control plane entity, which is also communicatively connected to a first centralized unit user plane entity and a second centralized unit user plane entity; or,

[0244] The second access network device includes a centralized unit control plane entity, which is also communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity; or...

[0245] Both the first access network device and the second access network device include a centralized unit control plane entity, and each centralized unit control plane entity is communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity, respectively.

[0246] Optionally, when both the first access network device and the second access network device include a centralized unit control plane entity, the method further includes:

[0247] The centralized unit control plane entity of the first access network device or the centralized unit control plane entity of the second access network device controls and manages the initial access users, and determines the connection management of the user after the initial access based on the user's type or attributes.

[0248] Optionally, the first satellite is equipped with a user plane functional entity, which is communicatively connected to the user plane entity of the first centralized unit.

[0249] Optionally, the control distribution unit entity transmits user plane data via the first link and / or the second link, including one or more of the following:

[0250] Based on the service type of the user plane data, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link;

[0251] Based on the terminal associated with the user plane data, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link;

[0252] Based on the load status of the first satellite, the control distribution unit entity transmits user plane data through the first link and / or the second link;

[0253] According to the pre-configured strategy, the control distribution unit entity transmits user plane data through the first link and / or the second link.

[0254] Optionally, depending on the service type of the user plane data, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link, including:

[0255] When the user plane data service type is end-to-end service, the control distribution unit entity transmits user plane data between satellites via the first link. Data is transmitted from one terminal to another via the inter-satellite link, without passing through terrestrial network equipment; or...

[0256] When the user plane data service type is a high-security service, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data between satellites via the first link, and the data does not pass through ground network equipment; or...

[0257] When the user plane data service type is a non-end-to-end service, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data through the second link, and the data passes through the terrestrial network equipment.

[0258] Optionally, the second access network equipment includes one or more of the following: ground-based access network equipment, access network equipment on satellites other than the first satellite, access network equipment on an airborne platform, or access network equipment on a UAV.

[0259] The methods and apparatus provided in the various embodiments of this application are based on the same concept. Since the methods and apparatus solve problems in similar ways, their implementations can be referred to each other, and repeated details will not be repeated.

[0260] It should be noted that the centralized unit control surface entity provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0261] Figure 13This is a schematic diagram of the data transmission control device provided in an embodiment of this application. The device is applied to a centralized unit control plane entity in a wireless access network system. The wireless access network system includes a first access network device located on a first satellite and a second access network device located outside the first satellite. The first access network device includes a distributed unit entity and a first centralized unit user plane entity. The second access network device includes a second centralized unit user plane entity. The first access network device and / or the second access network device includes a centralized unit control plane entity, such as... Figure 13 As shown, the device includes:

[0262] The determining unit 1300 is used to determine the data transmission link, which includes a first link within the first access network device and / or a second link between the first access network device and the second access network device;

[0263] Control unit 1310 is used to control the distribution unit entity to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link;

[0264] The first link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the first centralized unit user plane entity, and the second link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity.

[0265] Optionally, the first access network device includes a centralized unit control plane entity, which is also communicatively connected to a first centralized unit user plane entity and a second centralized unit user plane entity; or,

[0266] The second access network device includes a centralized unit control plane entity, which is also communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity; or...

[0267] Both the first access network device and the second access network device include a centralized unit control plane entity, and each centralized unit control plane entity is communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity, respectively.

[0268] Optionally, if both the first access network device and the second access network device include a centralized unit control plane entity, the device further includes an access unit for:

[0269] The centralized unit control plane entity of the first access network device or the centralized unit control plane entity of the second access network device controls and manages the initial access users, and determines the connection management of the user after the initial access based on the user's type or attributes.

[0270] Optionally, the first satellite is equipped with a user plane functional entity, which is communicatively connected to the user plane entity of the first centralized unit.

[0271] Optionally, the control distribution unit entity transmits user plane data via the first link and / or the second link, including one or more of the following:

[0272] Based on the service type of the user plane data, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link;

[0273] Based on the terminal associated with the user plane data, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link;

[0274] Based on the load status of the first satellite, the control distribution unit entity transmits user plane data through the first link and / or the second link;

[0275] According to the pre-configured strategy, the control distribution unit entity transmits user plane data through the first link and / or the second link.

[0276] Optionally, depending on the service type of the user plane data, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link, including:

[0277] When the user plane data service type is end-to-end service, the control distribution unit entity transmits user plane data between satellites via the first link. Data is transmitted from one terminal to another via the inter-satellite link, without passing through terrestrial network equipment; or...

[0278] When the user plane data service type is a high-security service, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data between satellites via the first link, and the data does not pass through ground network equipment; or...

[0279] When the user plane data service type is a non-end-to-end service, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data through the second link, and the data passes through the terrestrial network equipment.

[0280] Optionally, the second access network equipment includes one or more of the following: ground-based access network equipment, access network equipment on satellites other than the first satellite, access network equipment on an airborne platform, or access network equipment on a UAV.

[0281] It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated units described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional units.

[0282] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0283] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0284] On the other hand, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing a computer to execute the data transmission control methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0285] It should be noted that the computer-readable storage medium provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0286] The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device that a computer can access, including but not limited to magnetic storage (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks (MOs), etc.), optical storage (e.g., CDs, DVDs, BDs, HVDs, etc.), and semiconductor storage (e.g., ROMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, non-volatile memory (NAND flash), solid-state drives (SSDs)).

[0287] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various systems, especially 5G systems. For example, applicable systems include Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and 5G New Radio (NR). All of these systems include terminal equipment and network equipment. The systems may also include a core network component, such as Evolved Packet System (EPS) and 5G system (5GS).

[0288] The terminal involved in the embodiments of this application can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. The name of the terminal may differ in different systems; for example, in a 5G system, the terminal can be called a User Equipment (UE). Wireless terminal devices can communicate with one or more core networks (CNs) via a Radio Access Network (RAN). Wireless terminal devices can be mobile terminal devices, such as mobile phones (or "cellular" phones) and computers with mobile terminal devices, for example, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices that exchange voice and / or data with the RAN. Examples include Personal Communication Service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Wireless terminal equipment can also be referred to as a system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, access point, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, or user device, but is not limited to these terms in the embodiments of this application.

[0289] The access network device involved in this application embodiment can be a base station, which may include multiple cells providing services to terminals. Depending on the specific application, the base station may also be called an access point, or it may be a device in the access network that communicates with wireless terminal devices through one or more sectors on the air interface, or other names. The access network device can be used to exchange received air frames with Internet Protocol (IP) packets, acting as a router between the wireless terminal device and the rest of the access network, where the rest of the access network may include an Internet Protocol (IP) communication network. The access network device can also coordinate the attribute management of the air interface. For example, the access network equipment involved in the embodiments of this application can be the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) in Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), or the NodeB in Wide-band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), or the evolved Node B (eNB or e-NodeB) in a long term evolution (LTE) system, or the 5G base station (gNB) in a next-generation system, or the Home evolved Node B (HeNB), relay node, femto, pico, etc., and is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0290] Access network devices and terminals can each use one or more antennas for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission. MIMO transmission can be single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) or multiple-user MIMO (MU-MIMO). Depending on the configuration and number of antenna combinations, MIMO transmission can be 2D-MIMO, 3D-MIMO, FD-MIMO, or massive-MIMO, and can also be diversity transmission, precoding transmission, or beamforming transmission, etc.

[0291] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage and optical storage) containing computer-usable program code.

[0292] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0293] These processor-executable instructions may also be stored in a processor-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0294] These processors can execute instructions that can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device, causing a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable device for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0295] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A wireless access network system, characterized in that, include: A first access network device located on a first satellite and a second access network device located outside the first satellite; The first access network device includes a distributed unit entity and a first centralized unit user plane entity; the second access network device includes a second centralized unit user plane entity; the first access network device and / or the second access network device includes a centralized unit control plane entity; The centralized unit control plane entity is used to control the distributed unit entity to transmit user plane data through the first link within the first access network device, and / or the second link between the first access network device and the second access network device; The first link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the first centralized unit user plane entity, and the second link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity.

2. The wireless access network system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first access network device includes the centralized unit control plane entity, which is also communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity; or, The second access network device includes the centralized unit control plane entity, which is also communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity; or, Both the first access network device and the second access network device include a centralized unit control plane entity, and each of the centralized unit control plane entities is communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity, respectively.

3. The wireless access network system according to claim 2, characterized in that, When both the first access network device and the second access network device include a centralized unit control plane entity, the centralized unit control plane entity of the first access network device or the centralized unit control plane entity of the second access network device is also used to control and manage the initial access user, and determine, based on the user's type or attributes, that the user will be connected and managed by the centralized unit control plane entity of the first access network device or the centralized unit control plane entity of the second access network device after the initial access.

4. The wireless access network system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first satellite is equipped with a user plane functional entity, which is communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity.

5. The wireless access network system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The centralized unit control plane entity controls the distributed unit entity to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link, including one or more of the following: The centralized unit control plane entity controls the distributed unit entity to transmit the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link according to the service type of the user plane data; The centralized unit control plane entity controls the distributed unit entity to transmit the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link based on the terminal associated with the user plane data; The centralized unit control plane entity controls the distributed unit entity to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link according to the load status on the first satellite; The centralized unit control plane entity controls the distributed unit entity to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link according to a pre-configured strategy.

6. The wireless access network system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The centralized unit control plane entity controls the distributed unit entity to transmit the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link according to the service type of the user plane data, including: When the user plane data service type is a terminal-to-terminal service, the centralized unit control plane entity controls the distributed unit entity to transmit the user plane data between satellites via the first link. Data is transmitted from one terminal to another via the inter-satellite link, without passing through terrestrial network equipment; or... When the user plane data service type is a high-security level service, the centralized unit control plane entity controls the distributed unit entity to transmit the user plane data inter-satellite via the first link, and the data does not pass through ground network equipment; or... When the service type of the user plane data is a non-end-to-end service, the centralized unit control plane entity controls the distributed unit entity to transmit the user plane data through the second link, and the data passes through the terrestrial network equipment.

7. The wireless access network system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second access network device includes one or more of the following: ground-based access network device, access network device on satellites other than the first satellite, access network device on an airborne platform, and access network device on a drone.

8. A data transmission control method, characterized in that, A centralized unit control plane entity is applied to a wireless access network system, wherein the wireless access network system includes a first access network device located on a first satellite and a second access network device located outside the first satellite, the first access network device includes a distributed unit entity and a first centralized unit user plane entity, the second access network device includes a second centralized unit user plane entity, and the first access network device and / or the second access network device includes the centralized unit control plane entity, the method comprising: Determine the data transmission link, which includes a first link within the first access network device and / or a second link between the first access network device and the second access network device; Control the distribution unit entity to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link; The first link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the first centralized unit user plane entity, and the second link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity.

9. The data transmission control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first access network device includes the centralized unit control plane entity, which is also communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity; or, The second access network device includes the centralized unit control plane entity, which is also communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity; or, Both the first access network device and the second access network device include a centralized unit control plane entity, and each of the centralized unit control plane entities is communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity, respectively.

10. The data transmission control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, When both the first access network device and the second access network device include a centralized unit control plane entity, the method further includes: The centralized unit control plane entity of the first access network device or the centralized unit control plane entity of the second access network device controls and manages the initial access user, and determines, based on the user's type or attributes, that the user's connection management will be transferred to the centralized unit control plane entity of the first access network device or the centralized unit control plane entity of the second access network device after the initial access.

11. The data transmission control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first satellite is equipped with a user plane functional entity, which is communicatively connected to the first centralized unit user plane entity.

12. The data transmission control method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, The control distribution unit entity transmits user plane data through the first link and / or the second link, including one or more of the following: Based on the service type of the user plane data, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link; Based on the terminal associated with the user plane data, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link; Based on the load status on the first satellite, the control distribution unit entity transmits user plane data through the first link and / or the second link; According to the pre-configured strategy, the control distribution unit entity transmits user plane data through the first link and / or the second link.

13. The data transmission control method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The step of controlling the distribution unit entity to transmit the user plane data through the first link and / or the second link according to the service type of the user plane data includes: When the user plane data service type is a terminal-to-terminal service, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data between satellites via the first link. Data is transmitted from one terminal to another via the inter-satellite link, without passing through terrestrial network equipment; or... When the user plane data service type is a high-security level service, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data inter-satellite via the first link, and the data does not pass through ground network equipment; or... When the service type of the user plane data is a non-terminal-to-terminal service, the control distribution unit entity transmits the user plane data through the second link, and the data passes through the terrestrial network equipment.

14. The data transmission control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second access network device includes one or more of the following: ground-based access network device, access network device on satellites other than the first satellite, access network device on an airborne platform, and access network device on a drone.

15. A centralized unit control plane entity in a wireless access network system, characterized in that, The wireless access network system includes a first access network device located on a first satellite and a second access network device located outside the first satellite. The first access network device includes a distributed unit entity and a first centralized unit user plane entity. The second access network device includes a second centralized unit user plane entity. The first access network device and / or the second access network device includes the centralized unit control plane entity. The centralized unit control plane entity includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor. Memory, used to store computer programs; Transceiver, used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; Processor, configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Determine the data transmission link, which includes a first link within the first access network device and / or a second link between the first access network device and the second access network device; Control the distribution unit entity to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link; The first link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the first centralized unit user plane entity, and the second link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity.

16. A data transmission control device, characterized in that, A centralized unit control plane entity applied in a wireless access network system, wherein the wireless access network system includes a first access network device located on a first satellite and a second access network device located outside the first satellite, the first access network device including a distributed unit entity and a first centralized unit user plane entity, the second access network device including a second centralized unit user plane entity, the first access network device and / or the second access network device including the centralized unit control plane entity, the device comprising: A determining unit is configured to determine a data transmission link, wherein the data transmission link includes a first link within the first access network device and / or a second link between the first access network device and the second access network device; A control unit is used to control the distribution unit entity to transmit user plane data through the first link and / or the second link; The first link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the first centralized unit user plane entity, and the second link includes a data transmission link connecting the distributed unit entity and the second centralized unit user plane entity.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that enables a computer to perform the method described in any one of claims 8 to 14.

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