Communication method and related equipment

Abstract

The disclosed embodiment provides a communication method and related equipment, which relates to the field of communication technology. The method is executed by a first core network element, and the method includes: receiving a registration request, the registration request includes indication information, the indication information includes first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is allowed to access a satellite that supports the integrated access backhaul IAB function; responding to the registration request, obtaining the contract data of the terminal, the contract data includes second indication information, the second indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal has the authority to access a satellite that supports the IAB function; generating a registration response according to the contract data, the registration response includes third indication information, the third indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to access a satellite that supports the IAB function; sending the registration response.

Description

Background Art

[0002] IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) is an important concept in NR (New Radio) networks. It aims to integrate access and backhaul networks through wireless connections, thereby improving the flexibility and efficiency of network deployment and reducing the cost of network deployment. Summary of the invention

[0003] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is executed by a first core network element. The method includes: receiving a registration request, the registration request includes indication information, the indication information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that a terminal is allowed to access a satellite that supports an integrated access backhaul (IAB) function; responding to the registration request, obtaining subscription data of the terminal, the subscription data includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal has permission to access a satellite that supports the IAB function; generating a registration response according to the subscription data, the registration response includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to access a satellite that supports the IAB function; and sending the registration response.

[0004] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is executed by a second core network element, and the method includes: receiving a first request; responding to the first request to generate a first response, wherein the first response includes subscription data of a terminal, and the subscription data includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal has the authority to access a satellite supporting an IAB function; and sending the first response.

[0005] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which includes: the method is executed by a satellite supporting an integrated access backhaul (IAB) function, and the method includes: receiving a registration request, the registration request includes indication information, the indication information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that a terminal is allowed to access the satellite supporting the integrated access backhaul (IAB) function; selecting a first core network element according to the registration request; sending the registration request to the selected first core network element; receiving a registration response, the registration response includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to access the satellite supporting the IAB function; and sending the registration response.

[0006] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method, which is executed by a terminal, and includes: sending a registration request to a satellite supporting an integrated access backhaul (IAB) function, wherein the registration request includes indication information, wherein the indication information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is allowed to access the satellite supporting the integrated access backhaul (IAB) function; and receiving a registration response, wherein the registration response includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to access the satellite supporting the IAB function.

[0007] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which is arranged in a first core network element, and includes: a first receiving unit, used to receive a registration request, the registration request includes indication information, the indication information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that a terminal is allowed to access a satellite that supports an integrated access backhaul (IAB) function; a first processing unit, used to respond to the registration request, obtain contract data of the terminal, the contract data includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal has the authority to access a satellite that supports the IAB function; the first processing unit is also used to generate a registration response according to the contract data, the registration response includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to access a satellite that supports the IAB function; a first sending unit, used to send the registration response.

[0008] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which is arranged in a second core network element, and the device includes: a second receiving unit, used to receive a first request; a second processing unit, used to respond to the first request and generate a first response, the first response includes contract data of the terminal, the contract data includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal has the authority to access a satellite supporting the IAB function; a second sending unit, used to send the first response.

[0009] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which is arranged on a satellite supporting an integrated access backhaul (IAB) function, and includes: a third receiving unit, used to receive a registration request, wherein the registration request includes indication information, wherein the indication information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that a terminal is allowed to access the satellite supporting the integrated access backhaul (IAB) function; a third processing unit, used to select a first core network element according to the registration request; a third sending unit, used to send the registration request to the selected first core network element; the third receiving unit is also used to receive a registration response, wherein the registration response includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to access the satellite supporting the IAB function; the third sending unit is also used to send the registration response.

[0010] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, which is arranged in a terminal, and includes: a fourth sending unit, used to send a registration request to a satellite supporting an integrated access backhaul IAB function, wherein the registration request includes indication information, and the indication information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is allowed to access the satellite supporting the integrated access backhaul IAB function; a fourth receiving unit, used to receive a registration response, wherein the registration response includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to access the satellite supporting the IAB function.

[0011] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, the communication device comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute the method in any embodiment of the present disclosure by executing the executable instructions.

[0012] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method in any embodiment of the present disclosure is implemented.

[0013] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the method in any embodiment of the present disclosure is executed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a communication system in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 An architecture diagram showing a terminal accessing a network based on a satellite base station in a regeneration mode in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the architecture of an integrated access backhaul network in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a terminal accessing a satellite integrated access backhaul network in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 5 A flow chart of a communication method in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an access process for authorizing a terminal to access a satellite integrated backhaul operation in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 7 A flow chart showing another communication method in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 8 A flow chart of yet another communication method in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Fig. 9 A flow chart of another communication method in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Fig.10 A structural block diagram of a communication device in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Fig.11 A structural block diagram of another communication device in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Fig.12 A structural block diagram of yet another communication device in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Fig.13 A structural block diagram of another communication device in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Fig.14 A structural block diagram of a communication device in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, example embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0029] The terms "a", "an", "the" and "said" used in this specification are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements / components, etc.; the terms "including" and "having" are used to express an open-ended inclusion, and mean that in addition to the listed elements / components, etc., there may be additional elements / components, etc.; the terms "first" and "second" etc. are used only as labels and are not intended to limit the quantity of their objects.

[0030] In addition, the accompanying drawings are only schematic illustrations of the present disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same or similar parts, and their repeated descriptions will be omitted. Some of the block diagrams shown in the accompanying drawings are functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically or logically independent entities.

[0031] First, some terms involved in this disclosure are explained.

[0032] UDM: User Data Management, or user data management network element, is a component responsible for managing and storing user-related data, providing authentication, authorization, and user configuration functions for the network. For example, it is responsible for storing and managing user identity information, including user identification, security policies, and service configuration. UDM also provides functions such as user authentication and key management to ensure the security of user identity and data. For another example, it can also be used to manage user access policies and service quality policies. According to the policy requirements of the network operator, users are assigned corresponding access rights and service levels to ensure the reasonable allocation and optimized use of network resources.

[0033] PCF: Policy Control Function, which is a policy control function or policy control network element or policy control function network element. It supports a unified policy framework to manage network behavior and provides policy rules for network entities to implement.

[0034] AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function, that is, access and mobility management function network element. It is mainly responsible for terminal registration management, terminal connection management, terminal reachability management, terminal access authorization and access authentication, terminal security functions, terminal mobility management and other functions. AMF is a mobile management network element in the 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology) system.

[0035] The technical solution of the disclosed embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system, machine to machine (M2M) system, non-terrestrial network (NTN) system, 5G system or NR, etc., or future wireless communication systems. Among them, the NTN system can also be called a satellite communication system. In addition, the non-terrestrial communication system can also include a high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication system.

[0036] The NTN system refers to a communication network that uses an air or space platform as a transmission equipment relay node or base station. The air or space platform includes but is not limited to drones, hot air balloons, airplanes, satellites, etc. The following uses satellites as examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0037] The specific implementation of the embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system architecture includes a wireless access network and a core network. The wireless access network may include at least one wireless access network device (such as Figure 1 The network device 20 in the embodiment may further include at least one terminal (such as Figure 1The terminal 10 in the figure is connected to the wireless access network device by wireless means. The wireless access network device is connected to the core network by wireless or wired means. The core network device and the wireless access network device can be independent and different physical devices, or the functions of the core network device and the logical functions of the wireless access network device can be integrated on the same physical device, or part of the functions of the core network device and part of the functions of the wireless access network device can be integrated on one physical device. Terminals and terminals, as well as wireless access network devices and wireless access network devices, can be connected to each other by wired or wireless means. Figure 1 This is just a schematic diagram. The communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices. Figure 1 Not shown.

[0039] The network device 20 may be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G system, a next generation base station in a 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi (wireless fidelity) system, etc.; it may also be a module or unit that completes some functions of a base station, for example, a centralized unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). The network device 20 may be a macro base station, a micro base station or an indoor station, a relay node or a donor node, etc. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the network device 20. For ease of description, the following description takes a base station as an example of the network device 20.

[0040] The terminal 10 may also be referred to as a terminal device, a user equipment (UE), a mobile station, a mobile terminal, etc. The terminal can be widely used in various scenarios, for example, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle to everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wear, smart transportation, smart city, etc. The terminal may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a wearable device, a vehicle, a drone, a helicopter, an airplane, a ship, a robot, a robotic arm, a smart home device, etc. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the terminal.

[0041] Base stations and terminals can be fixed or movable. Base stations and terminals can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on the water surface; they can also be deployed on airplanes, balloons, and artificial satellites. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the application scenarios of base stations and terminals.

[0042] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative. For example, a helicopter or drone can be configured as a mobile base station. For those terminals that access the wireless access network through the helicopter or drone, the helicopter or drone is a base station; but for the base station, the helicopter or drone is a terminal, that is, the base station and the helicopter or drone communicate through the wireless air interface protocol. Of course, the base station and the helicopter or drone can also communicate through the interface protocol between base stations. In this case, relative to the base station, the helicopter or drone is also a base station. Therefore, base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices / communication equipment. Figure 1 The network device 20 in the embodiment may be referred to as a communication device / communication device having a base station function. Figure 1 The terminal 10 in the figure can be called a communication device / communication equipment with terminal function.

[0043] Base stations and terminals, base stations and base stations, and terminals and terminals can communicate through authorized spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both; they can communicate through spectrum below 6 gigahertz (GHz), spectrum above 6 GHz, or spectrum below 6 GHz and spectrum above 6 GHz. The disclosed embodiments do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0044] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the functions of the base station may also be performed by a module (such as a chip) in the base station, or by a control subsystem including the base station functions. The control subsystem including the base station functions here may be a control center in the above-mentioned application scenarios such as smart grid, industrial control, smart transportation, smart city, etc. The functions of the terminal may also be performed by a module (such as a chip or a modem) in the terminal, or by a device including the terminal functions.

[0045] The technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to wireless communication between communication devices. Wireless communication between communication devices may include: wireless communication between network devices and terminals, wireless communication between network devices and network devices, and wireless communication between terminals. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "wireless communication" may also be referred to as "communication", and the term "communication" may also be described as "data transmission", "information transmission" or "transmission".

[0046] Those skilled in the art will know that Figure 1 The number of terminals and network devices in the figure is only for illustration, and any number of terminals and network devices may be provided according to actual needs, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0047] Under the above system architecture, a communication method is provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the method can be executed by any communication device with information processing capabilities. In some embodiments, the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be executed by a terminal of the above system architecture; in other embodiments, the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented by a network device in the above system architecture. In some other embodiments, the communication method provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented by a terminal and a network device in the above system architecture through interaction.

[0048] The solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure belongs to the field of wireless communications and the field of air-ground-space communications, and can be used to assist in achieving air-ground-space integration.

[0049] In some embodiments, satellite access scenarios based on regeneration mode are defined. Figure 2 Figure 2 shows the architecture of the terminal accessing the network based on the satellite base station in the regenerative mode. Figure 2 As shown, the terminal 10 can establish a data transmission channel with the satellite 21 through the NR Uu interface to transmit data to the satellite 21. Figure 2In the embodiment, the base station or part of the base station can be set on the satellite 21, so the satellite 21 can also be called a satellite base station. The satellite 21 can transmit data to the gateway station 22 for connection, the gateway station 22 can forward the data to the core network 30, and the core network 30 can transmit the data to the data network 40 to form a network path.

[0050] The satellite base station in the embodiments of the present disclosure refers to a base station that uses satellite communication to transmit to the core network. The main difference between satellite base stations lies in their backhaul mode, that is, the data connection between the base station and the core network room is not through optical fiber cable, network cable or microwave, but through satellite transmission. For example, base stations or part of base stations are deployed on GEO satellites, and base stations or part of base stations are deployed on LEO satellites.

[0051] Regeneration mode means that after receiving the signal, the satellite not only performs simple frequency conversion amplification, but also performs more in-depth processing on the signal, including demodulation, baseband signal exchange, remodulation, etc. Since the satellite regenerates the signal, it can use spectrum resources more effectively and increase the communication rate. At the same time, regeneration processing helps to eliminate noise and interference in the signal transmission process and improve signal quality. And the satellite can flexibly adjust resource allocation according to network load and user needs to improve the overall performance of the network. The regeneration mode can be applied to satellite networks that require high-speed and high-quality communications, such as satellite Internet, satellite mobile communications, etc. Especially in the context of the compatible development of 5G and satellite access, the regeneration mode has become one of the technical routes to achieve integrated satellite-ground networking.

[0052] In the disclosed embodiments, satellite access in regeneration mode is studied. With the development of satellite communications, single-layer satellite networks can no longer meet business needs. A single-layer satellite network refers to satellites that include only one type of orbit, such as only high-orbit satellites (also called high-orbit synchronous satellites) or low-orbit constellations. Although high-orbit synchronous satellites remain stationary with the earth, their propagation delay is relatively long and cannot meet the requirements of delay-sensitive services. Low-orbit satellites can meet low-latency requirements, but the frequent switching problem caused by their rapid movement is a hot topic that the current satellite field is attempting to study and solve. Therefore, it is important for satellite communications to integrate multi-orbit satellites to build a multi-orbit satellite network or a multi-layer satellite network. In the following embodiments, the construction of a multi-orbit satellite network by integrating GEO (geostationary orbit, which may be called high-orbit satellite or high-orbit satellite or geostationary orbit satellite) and LEO (Low Earth Orbit Satellite, which may be called low-orbit earth satellite or low-orbit satellite or low-orbit satellite) satellites is taken as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the multi-orbit satellite network may include at least one of GEO satellites, LEO satellites and MEO (Medium Earth Orbit, which may be called medium-earth orbit satellite or medium-orbit satellite or medium-orbit satellite) satellites.

[0053] It is to be understood that the high, medium and low orbit satellites in the embodiments of the present disclosure are relative. For example, the orbit of LEO is generally between 500-2000 kilometers from the ground. GEO refers to a perfect circular geosynchronous orbit of a satellite or artificial satellite perpendicular to the earth's equator. MEO is an artificial satellite orbit between the low earth orbit and the geostationary orbit.

[0054] Therefore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, based on the regeneration mode, research is conducted to support multi-orbit satellite access for different services, such as supporting collaborative communications between high-orbit and low-orbit satellites.

[0055] In order to achieve flexible and cost-effective network densification and deployment, the integrated access backhaul (IAB) and mobile base station relay (MBSR) of the terrestrial network are studied. MBSR is a relay device located in the mobile communication network. It is mainly responsible for forwarding signals from one base station to another, or from a base station to user equipment (such as mobile phones, IoT devices, etc.) to achieve signal coverage expansion and communication quality improvement. MBSR equipment helps solve problems such as signal blind spots and weak areas by receiving, processing and forwarding radio signals, thereby improving the overall coverage capability and service quality of the network. In an environment where relays are limited, a 5G NTN network architecture based on integrated access and backhaul technology can be considered.

[0056] Figure 3 Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of UE accessing the satellite IAB network. IAB is a wireless relay in the 5G network architecture. Figure 3 As shown, an IAB network (a network including IAB nodes) includes an anchor point IAB / IAB anchor point (IAB-donor, also called a host base station) and an IAB node (IAB-node). For example, Figure 3 IAB-node1 to IAB-node5 are shown as examples, and it is assumed that UE1 is connected to IAB-node1 (i.e., there is a wireless access link between the two), UE2 is connected to IAB-node4, and UE3 is connected to IAB-node3, but the present disclosure does not limit the number of IAB-nodes in the IAB network and the connection relationship between the UE and the IAB-node.

[0057] IAB-donor can be a base station with a backhaul connection, which can be connected to the core network 30. IAB-donor can provide wireless access services to UE and wireless backhaul services to other IAB nodes at the same time. For example, IAB-donor has wireless backhaul links with IAB-node1, IAB-node2, and IAB-node3 respectively. IAB-donor is equivalent to the host base station of Relay, which is a site or node for backhaul. IAB-donor can be a complete entity, or it can be separated from CU and DU. The CU in IAB-donor can also be in the form of user plane (UP, referred to as CU-UP) and control plane (CP, referred to as CU-CP) separation, that is, the CU in IAB-donor is composed of CU-CP and CU-UP. For example, IAB-donor includes DU1 and DU2 as well as CU-CP1 and CU-CP2, and optionally, other functions can also be included. Among them, DU and CU are connected through wireless IP (Internet Protocol).

[0058] Continue to refer Figure 3 The IAB node may further include an IAB mobile terminal (IAB mobile terminal, IAB-MT) and an IAB base station (IAB-DU, also known as IAB-RN (Radio Node)). Figure 3 IAB-node1 is used as an example. IAB-MT is the terminal part of IAB-node, which handles the communication with UE; while IAB-DU is the wireless backhaul part of IAB-node, which handles the wireless backhaul connection with other IAB-nodes (such as IAB-MT of other IAB-nodes) or IAB-donors. The IAB-DU in one IAB-node communicates with the IAB-MT in other IAB-nodes through the NR Uu interface.

[0059] IAB technology can achieve coverage blind spots and extended coverage. In actual applications, when the UE cannot receive the 5G signal of the IAB-donor due to being blocked by buildings, it can access through the signal transmitted by the IAB-node, and the IAB-node will then transmit the processed signal back to the IAB-donor. For example, Figure 3In the example, UE1 transmits the signal back to IAB-donor through IA-node1, and UE3 transmits the signal back to IAB-donor through IA-node3. In addition, if the connection between IAB-donor and IAB-node is blocked, IAB-Nodes can also relay the signal back to IAB-Donor. Figure 3 In the example, UE2 transmits the signal back to IAB-donor through IA-node4 and IA-node2 in turn. IAB technology can also save optical module resources (number of optical fibers) and reduce the cost of network deployment. At the same time, since IA-node can be wirelessly backhauled, it can be more flexibly deployed in areas that are not covered by macro stations, improving the coverage and flexibility of the network.

[0060] The interactive decision between the satellite and the ground network will consume a lot of time. In order to achieve fast switching between LEO satellites and GEO satellites (switching information is exchanged through the ground and the core network), the disclosed embodiment uses the GEO satellite as the IAB-donor and the LEO satellite as the IAB-node. The introduction of this architecture reduces the interaction between the satellite and the core network to a certain extent, while achieving global service coverage for different services. For example, the integration of GEO satellites and LEO satellites can meet the requirements of different services. For example, GEO satellites are used to provide services for services that are not sensitive to latency, and LEO satellites provide services for low-latency services.

[0061] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a terminal accessing a satellite integrated access backhaul network in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 The satellite 21 in the embodiment is a satellite supporting the IAB function, for example, the satellite may be a GEO satellite serving as an IAB-donor and / or a LEO satellite serving as an IAB-node. Figure 4 As shown, the terminal 10 and the satellite 21 supporting the IAB function communicate via a service link (the service link is also an access link). The satellite 21 supporting the IAB function communicates with the gateway 22 via a feeder link (the feeder link is also a backhaul link). The gateway (satellite gateway, also known as satellite gateway) 22 communicates with the core network (CN) via a non-IAB link.

[0062] Figure 4The illustrated example may be an NTN system, in which the gateway 22 can provide functions similar to those of a gateway in a terrestrial communication system, such as establishing a connection with a UE and communicating with a server. The gateway 22 also has functions such as satellite monitoring, fault query, packet switching of communication data, and interface protocol conversion.

[0063] Considering the high bandwidth trend of wireless networks, 5G NR introduces the IAB solution to further reduce deployment costs and improve deployment flexibility, and thereby introduces integrated access and backhaul relays. The present disclosure refers to the relay node that supports integrated access and backhaul as an IAB node, and the system including the IAB node is also referred to as a relay system. In the scenario of satellite communication, the solution provided by the present disclosure can also be applied to the relay system.

[0064] It should be understood that the names of all nodes and messages in the present disclosure are merely names set for the convenience of description in the present disclosure, and the names in the actual network may be different. The present disclosure should not be understood as limiting the names of various nodes and messages. On the contrary, any name having the same or similar function as the node or message used in the present disclosure is regarded as a method or equivalent replacement of the present disclosure, and is within the scope of protection of the present disclosure, and will not be repeated below.

[0065] Figure 5 A flow chart of a communication method in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5 The embodiment may be performed by the first core network element. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the core network element refers to a functional entity or element in the core network. The first core network element may be any core network element that can implement the following steps provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the first core network element comprises an access and mobility management function (AMF) element.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the first core network element is a core network element supporting an IAB satellite function. For example, the AMF may communicate with a satellite supporting the IAB function.

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0069] In S510, a registration request is received, where the registration request includes indication information, where the indication information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is allowed to access a satellite supporting an integrated access backhaul (IAB) function.

[0070] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first indication information is used to indicate that the UE is allowed to access a satellite that supports the IAB function, so the first indication information can also be referred to as satellite IAB indication information, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any suitable method can be used in the registration request to indicate that the UE is allowed to access a satellite that supports the IAB function. For example, when the registration request carries the first indication information, it indicates that the UE or UE group is allowed to access a satellite that supports the IAB function. When the registration request does not carry the first indication information, it indicates that the UE or UE group is not allowed to access a satellite that supports the IAB function. Alternatively, when the value of the first indication information included in the registration request is a first value, it indicates that the UE or UE group is allowed to access a satellite that supports the IAB function. When the value of the first indication information carried in the registration request is a second value, it indicates that the UE or UE group is not allowed to access a satellite that supports the IAB function. The specific values ​​of the first value and the second value are not limited.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, receiving the registration request includes: receiving an N2 message from a satellite supporting the IAB function, wherein the N2 message includes an N2 parameter and the registration request.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, the satellites supporting the IAB function include low-orbit satellites and high-orbit satellites.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the low-orbit satellite serves as an IAB node in an IAB network, and the high-orbit satellite serves as an IAB anchor point in the IAB network.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the first indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0075] Allowing the terminal to access a low-orbit satellite;

[0076] Allowing the terminal to access a high-orbit satellite;

[0077] Allows handover between low-orbit satellites;

[0078] Allows switching between high-orbit satellites.

[0079] In S520, in response to the registration request, the subscription data of the terminal is acquired, the subscription data includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal has the authority to access the satellite supporting the IAB function.

[0080] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second indication information can be used to indicate whether the UE or UE group has the authority to access the satellite supporting the IAB function, so the second indication information can also be referred to as a satellite IAB operation permission indication or a satellite IAB operation permission indication entry. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and any suitable method can be used in the contract data to indicate whether the terminal has the authority to access the satellite supporting the IAB function. For example, when the contract data carries the second indication information, it means that the terminal has the authority to access the satellite supporting the IAB function. When the second indication information is not carried in the contract data, it means that the terminal does not have the authority to access the satellite supporting the IAB function. Alternatively, when the value of the second indication information included in the contract data is the first value, it indicates that the terminal has the authority to access the satellite supporting the IAB function. When the value of the second indication information carried in the contract data is the second value, it means that the terminal does not have the authority to access the satellite supporting the IAB function. The specific values ​​of the first value and the second value are not limited.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, obtaining the subscription data of the terminal includes: sending a first request to a second core network element; receiving a first response returned by the second core network element in response to the first request, wherein the first response includes the subscription data of the terminal.

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, the second core network element comprises a user data management element (UDM).

[0083] In an exemplary embodiment, the first request includes a contract data acquisition request, and the first response includes a contract data acquisition response.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, sending the first request to the second core network element includes: after completing the registration operation according to the registration request, if the subscription data of the terminal is not obtained, sending the first request to the second core network element.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure also includes: sending a subscription message to the second core network element to subscribe to a service for receiving a notification when the subscription data of the terminal in the second core network element is modified.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: storing the subscription data of the terminal as a part of the terminal context data (UE context data).

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the second indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0088] Whether the terminal has the authority to access the low-orbit satellite and / or the high-orbit satellite;

[0089] Whether the high-orbit satellite as the IAB anchor point has the ability to perform handover. The handover here refers to, for example, handover between GEO satellites and / or handover between LEO satellites.

[0090] In an exemplary embodiment, the subscription data type of the second indication information is access and mobility subscription data.

[0091] In S530, a registration response is generated according to the subscription data, wherein the registration response includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to access a satellite supporting the IAB function.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: receiving ephemeris information from a satellite supporting the IAB function, wherein the satellite supports a switching operation according to the ephemeris information.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment, generating a registration response according to the subscription data includes: determining whether the terminal is authorized to access a satellite supporting an IAB function according to the subscription data and the ephemeris information, so as to generate the registration response.

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment, whether to authorize the terminal to access a satellite supporting the IAB function is determined according to the contract data and the ephemeris information, including: if it is determined according to the contract data that the terminal has the authority to access a satellite supporting the IAB function, and it is obtained according to the ephemeris information that a low-orbit satellite or a high-orbit satellite has the ability to support IAB (for example, a GEO satellite as an IAB-donor, a LEO satellite as an IAB-node), then the terminal is authorized to access a satellite supporting the IAB function.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, when the third indication information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access a satellite supporting the IAB function, the registration response includes a registration acceptance. Optionally, when the third indication information indicates that the terminal is not authorized to access a satellite supporting the IAB function, the registration response includes a registration rejection.

[0096] In S540, the registration response is sent.

[0097] For example, the AMF returns the registration response to a satellite supporting the IAB function, and the satellite supporting the IAB function returns the registration response to the terminal.

[0098] The communication method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure carries first indication information in a registration request, wherein the first indication information indicates that the UE is allowed to access a satellite supporting the IAB function, thereby triggering acquisition of the subscription data of the UE, wherein the subscription data includes second indication information indicating whether the UE has the authority to access a satellite supporting the IAB function, thereby making it possible to determine whether the UE is authorized to access a satellite supporting the IAB function based on the second indication information.

[0099] Combining at least two of LEO satellites, MEO satellites, and GEO satellites, and deploying a multi-orbit satellite network with a 5G system will support multi-orbit satellite access for different services. For high- and low-orbit satellite collaborative communication scenarios, the disclosed embodiment designs the introduction of the IAB architecture into the high- and low-orbit collaborative architecture, which can reduce the load on the ground network to a certain extent while achieving global service coverage of the business. At the same time, based on the integrated access backhaul architecture of the satellite network in the regeneration mode, the disclosed embodiment designs a method for authorizing satellite access to the terminal in the IAB fusion satellite scenario, and determines the authorization through the AMF, thereby providing the terminal with satellite access capabilities that support IAB fusion.

[0100] In the regeneration mode, the integrated access backhaul architecture of the satellite network requires the authorized terminal to have the access capability to the satellite supporting the IAB function. In an exemplary embodiment, for the IAB architecture in the satellite scenario, an IAB operation contract data type entry (Satellite IAB Operation Indication, i.e., the second indication information mentioned above) is added to the UDM, and the authorization is determined by the AMF, thereby providing the terminal with satellite access capability supporting IAB integration and providing users with a better user experience.

[0101] In order to support the satellite access capability of IAB integration, it is necessary to authorize the terminal to access the network through satellite (LEO satellite and / or GEO satellite) as an IAB node. Accordingly, a satellite IAB operation subscription data type entry (i.e. the second indication information mentioned above) is added to the UDM. Subsequent network elements (such as AMF) can obtain relevant subscription data from the UDM.

[0102] The goal of future wireless networks is to provide ubiquitous connectivity for users anywhere, including users in rural areas that lack modern telecommunication infrastructure, as well as users on ships and cruise ships in the middle of the ocean, or on airplanes flying in the air where ground RAN (Radio Access Network) nodes cannot be installed. In this case, LEO / MEO / GEO satellites can be used to provide IAB services to provide connectivity. Figure 3As shown in the figure, UE can connect to the IAB fusion satellite network, access the low-orbit satellite as an IAB-node, or access the high-orbit satellite as an IAB-donor. When the ground IAB node cannot cope with the continuous demand, the satellite supporting the IAB function can reduce the load of the ground network. That is, the satellite supporting the IAB function can divert the ground business and share the ground network load through the satellite.

[0103] The disclosed embodiment designs a method for authorizing satellite access to a terminal in an IAB-integrated satellite scenario. Specifically, a satellite IAB operation indication contract data entry (e.g., Satellite IAB OperationIndication) is added to the UDM, and through AMF authorization, the terminal is provided with satellite access capability that supports IAB integration, thereby supplementing multi-orbit satellite access and further improving the space-ground integrated system. Figure 6 Give an example.

[0104] like Figure 6 As shown, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0105] S1. In the original registration process, by adding a Satellite IAB Operation Permission Indication entry or a Satellite IAB Operation Indication (Table 1 below is an example) entry to the UDM, the subsequent network element can obtain the relevant subscription data from the UDM.

[0106] For example, when the subscription data of the UE is pre-stored in the UDM, a Satellite IAB Operation Indication is added to the subscription data, and the Satellite IAB Operation Indication is used to indicate whether the UE has the authority to access the satellite supporting the IAB function.

[0107] For example, based on Figure 3 The contract information / data in the UDM adds a contract data entry about satellite IAB operation (Satellite IAB Operation Indication) to indicate whether the user / terminal has the authority to access the satellite IAB node (i.e., a satellite that supports the IAB function). Optionally, it can also indicate whether the high-orbit satellite has the ability to perform switching as an IAB-donor.

[0108] In an exemplary embodiment, the user subscription rights for the satellite IAB operation function in the contract information in the UDM can be modified or deleted at any time, or the user subscription rights of the user supporting the satellite IAB operation can be revoked. That is, according to the needs or scenarios, the Satellite IAB Operation Indication in the contract data of the UE stored in the UDM can be deleted, or the value of the Satellite IAB Operation Indication can be modified. That is, the UE can be allowed to have the right to access the satellite IAB node, or the UE can be not allowed to have the right to access the satellite IAB node.

[0109] The contract data items, namely Satellite IAB Operation Indication, are shown in Table 1 below.

[0110] Table 1. Terminal contract data types

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, UE accessing an IAB-node means that the UE is directly connected to the IAB-node, and its final interaction with the core network does not necessarily require going through the IAB-donor. UE accessing a high-orbit satellite means that the UE is directly connected to the IAB-donor, and does not necessarily have to go through the IAB-node.

[0112] Access and mobility subscription data mainly involves how UE accesses the network and the management strategy when moving in the network. In a network environment that supports multiple access technologies, the network can select the most suitable access network for the user based on the user's subscription information and network status.

[0113] S2. The terminal sends a registration request to the (R)AN (the (R)AN is deployed on a satellite, where the satellite supports the IAB function). The registration request carries indication information, which includes satellite IAB indication information.

[0114] For example, the registration request carries indication information, including satellite IAB access indication, to indicate that the UE is allowed to access a low-orbit satellite (IAB-node) or a high-orbit satellite (IAB-donor), and to allow switching between low-orbit satellites (IAB-node) or high-orbit satellites (IAB-donor). Step S1 is pre-configuration, the network configures the function in advance, and if a user wants to request the service later, the satellite IAB indication information is sent to trigger the corresponding authorization function.

[0115] S3. After receiving the registration request, the satellite supporting the IAB function selects an AMF based on the information carried in the registration request.

[0116] For example, the selected AMF is an AMF that can support the IAB-satellite function.

[0117] S4. The satellite supporting the IAB function sends the registration request to the selected AMF.

[0118] For example, a satellite supporting the IAB function sends an N2 message to the selected AMF, where the N2 message carries N2 parameters and the above registration request.

[0119] Optionally, if the satellite supports switching operations based on the ephemeris or ephemeris information, the ephemeris information stored by the base station is also sent to the AMF. In such a subsequent switching process, the network side can assist the GEO satellite in switching.

[0120] S5a. After AMF successfully completes the Nudm_UECM_Registration operation (i.e., the registration operation), if there is no subscription data about the terminal, AMF will obtain the subscription data of the terminal supporting the satellite IAB access function through Nudm_SDM_Get (i.e., subscription data acquisition request).

[0121] Nudm_UECM_Registration is mainly used to save the context management information of UE in UDM. The Nudm_UECM_Registration message contains at least one of the following: AMF ID (Identity), which is used to identify the AMF currently interacting with UDM; access type; other information.

[0122] AMF will send a Nudm_UECM_Registration request to UDM. After receiving the request, UDM will perform internal verification to ensure that it is not a fraudulent registration. If the verification is successful, UDM will update or create the UE's context management information based on the information in the request and return the corresponding response to AMF.

[0123] S5b. After receiving the Nudm_SDM_Get message sent by AMF, UDM can return a Nudm_SDM_Getresponse message (i.e., subscription data acquisition response) to AMF. The Nudm_SDM_Get response carries the UE's subscription data, which includes the Satellite IAB Operation Indication.

[0124] Optionally, after AMF obtains the terminal's subscription data about supporting the satellite IAB function from UDM, it can store it as part of the UE context data.

[0125] UE context data refers to a series of information about UE that the network needs to store when the UE establishes a connection with the network. UE context data includes the status, configuration, capabilities, security information, etc. of the UE in the network.

[0126] S5c. After AMF receives a successful response from UDM (i.e. the received Nudm_SDM_Get response includes the above Satellite IAB Operation Indication), AMF uses Nudm_SDM_Subscribe (i.e. subscription message) to subscribe to the service of receiving notification when the contract data is modified (e.g. Satellite IAB Operation Indication is deleted or updated).

[0127] S6.AMF decides to authorize the terminal to allow satellite IAB access and satellite-initiated handover.

[0128] The handover initiated by the satellite is optional. In an exemplary embodiment, the handover initiated by the satellite refers to the handover initiated by the GEO satellite as the IAB-donor.

[0129] In some embodiments, the AMF decides whether to authorize the terminal to support access to an IAB fusion satellite node (a satellite supporting the IAB function) based on satellite-based ephemeris information and the UE's subscription data, and switches based on the GEO's decision.

[0130] In some embodiments, the AMF decides to authorize the capability to support satellite IAB access to the network based on the switching capability supported by the base station and the satellite IAB node operation capability subscribed by the UE.

[0131] For example, when the AMF learns through the ephemeris information that the satellite supports the IAB function (including GEO and / or LEO), and learns based on the contract data that the UE has the right to access the satellite supporting the IAB function, the UE is authorized to have the ability to access the satellite supporting the IAB function.

[0132] For another example, when the AMF learns through the above-mentioned ephemeris information that the satellite supports the IAB function and the GEO satellite has the switching capability, and at the same time learns based on the above-mentioned contract data that the UE has the authority to access the satellite that supports the IAB function, the UE is authorized to have the ability to access the satellite that supports the IAB function.

[0133] In the disclosed embodiment, the ephemeris information is a table or document containing the position and motion information of celestial bodies (such as planets, satellites, stars, etc.). It lists the apparent position of the celestial body at a specific time (such as a specific time of day, such as noon or midnight), including coordinate information such as altitude, right ascension, declination, ecliptic longitude, and ecliptic latitude.

[0134] S7.AMF sends a registration acceptance (or a registration acceptance message) to the RAN (here, the satellite supporting the IAB function), and the RAN sends the registration acceptance to the UE. The registration acceptance includes the capability information of the terminal supporting satellite IAB access to the network, that is, the third indication information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the satellite supporting the IAB function.

[0135] In the disclosed embodiments, multi-orbit satellite access for different services is supported. In order to adapt to the multi-orbit satellite access scenario, a method for authorizing satellite access to the terminal in the IAB fusion satellite scenario is designed, and the satellite IAB indication information is carried in the registration request to indicate that the terminal can access the satellite IAB node (i.e., a satellite that supports the IAB function). The AMF obtains the contract data of the terminal from the UDM and authorizes the terminal to have the ability to support satellite IAB access to the network, further improving the air-ground-integrated system. In the air-ground-integrated communication network scenario, an IAB fusion satellite architecture is designed for the high- and low-orbit collaborative architecture. By authorizing the terminal to have satellite IAB access capabilities, global service coverage of high- and low-orbit satellite-borne services is achieved.

[0136] Figure 7 A flow chart showing another communication method in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 The method provided in the embodiment may be executed by the second core network element. Figure 7 As shown, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0137] In S710 , a first request is received.

[0138] In S720, in response to the first request, a first response is generated, the first response includes the subscription data of the terminal, the subscription data includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal has the authority to access the satellite supporting the IAB function.

[0139] In S730, the first response is sent.

[0140] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: storing the subscription data of the terminal.

[0141] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: modifying or deleting the stored subscription data of the terminal.

[0142] Figure 7 For other contents of the embodiment, reference can be made to other embodiments mentioned above and will not be repeated here.

[0143] Figure 8 A flow chart of yet another communication method in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 8The method provided in the embodiment may be executed by a satellite supporting the integrated access backhaul IAB function. Figure 8 As shown, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0144] In S810, a registration request is received, where the registration request includes indication information, where the indication information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is allowed to access a satellite supporting an integrated access backhaul (IAB) function.

[0145] In S820, a first core network element is selected according to the registration request.

[0146] In S830, the registration request is sent to the selected first core network element.

[0147] In S840, a registration response is received, where the registration response includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to access a satellite supporting the IAB function.

[0148] In S850, the registration response is sent.

[0149] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: if the satellite supports switching operations according to ephemeris information, sending ephemeris information to the first core network element.

[0150] Figure 8 For other contents of the embodiment, reference can be made to other embodiments mentioned above and will not be repeated here.

[0151] Fig. 9 A flow chart of another communication method in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Fig. 9 The method provided in the embodiment may be executed by a terminal. Fig. 9 As shown, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0152] In S910, a registration request is sent to a satellite supporting the integrated access backhaul IAB function, where the registration request includes indication information, where the indication information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is allowed to access the satellite supporting the integrated access backhaul IAB function.

[0153] In S920, a registration response is received, where the registration response includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to access a satellite supporting the IAB function.

[0154] Fig. 9 For other contents of the embodiment, reference can be made to other embodiments mentioned above and will not be repeated here.

[0155] Fig.10 A structural block diagram of a communication device in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Fig.10 The communication device 1000 provided in the embodiment may be arranged in a first core network element. Fig.10 As shown, the communication device 1000 provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first receiving unit 1010 , a first processing unit 1020 and a first sending unit 1030 .

[0156] The first receiving unit 1010 is used to receive a registration request, where the registration request includes indication information, and the indication information includes first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is allowed to access a satellite supporting an integrated access backhaul IAB function.

[0157] The first processing unit 1020 is used to respond to the registration request and obtain the subscription data of the terminal, where the subscription data includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal has the authority to access the satellite supporting the IAB function.

[0158] The first processing unit 1020 is further configured to generate a registration response according to the subscription data, where the registration response includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to access a satellite supporting the IAB function.

[0159] The first sending unit 1030 is configured to send the registration response.

[0160] Fig.10 For other contents of the embodiment, reference can be made to other embodiments mentioned above and will not be repeated here.

[0161] Fig.11 A structural block diagram of another communication device in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Fig.11 The communication device 1100 provided in the embodiment may be arranged in a second core network element. Fig.11 As shown, the communication device 1100 provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second receiving unit 1110 , a second processing unit 1120 and a second sending unit 1130 .

[0162] The second receiving unit 1110 is configured to receive a first request.

[0163] The second processing unit 1120 is used to respond to the first request and generate a first response, where the first response includes the subscription data of the terminal, and the subscription data includes second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal has the authority to access a satellite supporting the IAB function.

[0164] The second sending unit 1130 is configured to send the first response.

[0165] Fig.11For other contents of the embodiment, reference can be made to other embodiments mentioned above and will not be repeated here.

[0166] Fig.12 A structural block diagram of yet another communication device in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Fig.12 The communication device 1200 provided in the embodiment may be arranged on a satellite supporting the integrated access backhaul IAB function. Fig.12 As shown, the communication device 1200 provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a third receiving unit 1210 , a third processing unit 1220 and a third sending unit 1230 .

[0167] The third receiving unit 1210 is used to receive a registration request, where the registration request includes indication information, and the indication information includes first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is allowed to access a satellite supporting an integrated access backhaul IAB function.

[0168] The third processing unit 1220 is configured to select a first core network element according to the registration request;

[0169] The third sending unit 1230 is used to send the registration request to the selected first core network element.

[0170] The third receiving unit 1210 is further configured to receive a registration response, where the registration response includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to access a satellite supporting the IAB function.

[0171] The third sending unit 1230 is further configured to send the registration response.

[0172] Fig.12 For other contents of the embodiment, reference can be made to other embodiments mentioned above and will not be repeated here.

[0173] Fig.13 A structural block diagram of another communication device in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Fig.13 The communication device 1300 provided in the embodiment may be arranged in a terminal. Fig.13 As shown, the communication device 1300 provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a fourth sending unit 1310 and a fourth receiving unit 1320 .

[0174] The fourth sending unit 1310 is used to send a registration request to a satellite supporting the integrated access backhaul IAB function, where the registration request includes indication information, where the indication information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is allowed to access the satellite supporting the integrated access backhaul IAB function.

[0175] The fourth receiving unit 1320 is configured to receive a registration response, where the registration response includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to access a satellite supporting the IAB function.

[0176] Fig.13 For other contents of the embodiment, reference can be made to other embodiments mentioned above and will not be repeated here.

[0177] Furthermore, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a communication device, comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute the method described in any embodiment of the present disclosure by executing the executable instructions.

[0178] Furthermore, an embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method described in any embodiment of the present disclosure is implemented.

[0179] Furthermore, an embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the method described in any embodiment of the present disclosure is executed.

[0180] It should be noted that the above modules / units as part of the device can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer executable instructions.

[0181] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented as systems, methods or program products. Therefore, various aspects of the present disclosure may be specifically implemented in the following forms, namely: complete hardware implementation, complete software implementation (including firmware, microcode, etc.), or a combination of hardware and software, which may be collectively referred to herein as "circuits", "modules" or "systems".

[0182] Refer to the following Fig.14 The communication device 1400 according to this embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Fig.14 The communication device 1400 shown is merely an example and should not bring any limitation to the functions and scope of use of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0183] like Fig.14 As shown, the communication device 1400 is in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of the communication device 1400 may include, but are not limited to: at least one processing unit 1410, at least one storage unit 1420, and a bus 1430 connecting different system components (including the storage unit 1420 and the processing unit 1410).

[0184] The storage unit 1420 stores program codes, which can be executed by the processing unit 1410, so that the processing unit 1410 executes the steps described in the above “Exemplary Method” section of this specification according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0185] The storage unit 1420 may include a readable medium in the form of a volatile storage unit, such as a random access storage unit (RAM) 14201 and / or a cache storage unit 14202 , and may further include a read-only storage unit (ROM) 14203 .

[0186] The storage unit 1420 may also include a program / utility 14204 having a set (at least one) of program modules 14205, such program modules 14205 including but not limited to: an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data, each of which or some combination may include an implementation of a network environment.

[0187] Bus 1430 may represent one or more of several types of bus structures, including a memory unit bus or memory unit controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, a processing unit, or a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.

[0188] The communication device 1400 may also communicate with one or more external devices 1440 (e.g., keyboards, pointing devices, Bluetooth devices, etc.), may also communicate with one or more devices that enable a user to interact with the communication device 1400, and / or communicate with any device that enables the communication device 1400 to communicate with one or more other computing devices (e.g., routers, modems, etc.). Such communication may be performed through an input / output (I / O) interface 1450. In addition, the communication device 1400 may also communicate with one or more networks (e.g., local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and / or public networks, such as the Internet) through a network adapter 1460. As shown, the network adapter 1460 communicates with other modules of the communication device 1400 through a bus 1430. It should be understood that, although not shown in the figure, other hardware and / or software modules may be used in conjunction with the communication device 1400, including but not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data backup storage systems.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a first core network element, and the method includes: receiving a registration request, where the registration request includes indication information, where the indication information includes first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is allowed to access a satellite supporting an integrated access backhaul (IAB) function; In response to the registration request, acquiring subscription data of the terminal, where the subscription data includes second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal has permission to access a satellite supporting an IAB function; Generate a registration response according to the subscription data, the registration response including third indication information, the third indication information being used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to access a satellite supporting the IAB function, the satellite supporting the IAB function including a low-orbit satellite and a high-orbit satellite, the low-orbit satellite serving as an IAB node in the IAB network, and the high-orbit satellite serving as an IAB anchor point in the IAB network; The registration response is sent.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first core network element includes an access and mobility management function network element.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first core network element is a core network element that supports the IAB satellite function.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Receive registration requests, including: An N2 message is received from a satellite supporting an IAB function, where the N2 message includes an N2 parameter and the registration request.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: receiving ephemeris information from a satellite supporting the IAB function, wherein the satellite supports a switching operation based on the ephemeris information; The step of generating a registration response according to the contract data includes: Determine whether to authorize the terminal to access a satellite supporting the IAB function according to the subscription data and the ephemeris information, so as to generate the registration response.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that Determining whether to authorize the terminal to access a satellite supporting an IAB function according to the subscription data and the ephemeris information includes: If it is determined according to the contract data that the terminal has the authority to access the satellite supporting the IAB function, and if it is determined according to the ephemeris information that the low-orbit satellite or the high-orbit satellite has the ability to support IAB, the terminal is authorized to access the satellite supporting the IAB function.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that Determining whether to authorize the terminal to access a satellite supporting an IAB function according to the subscription data and the ephemeris information includes: If it is determined according to the contract data that the terminal has the authority to access the satellite supporting the IAB function, the high-orbit satellite serving as the IAB anchor point has the switching capability, and the low-orbit satellite or the high-orbit satellite has the ability to support IAB according to the ephemeris information, then the terminal is authorized to access the satellite supporting the IAB function.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first indication information includes at least one of the following: Allowing the terminal to access a low-orbit satellite; Allowing the terminal to access a high-orbit satellite; Allows handover between low-orbit satellites; Allows switching between high-orbit satellites.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Obtaining the contract data of the terminal, including: Sending a first request to a second core network element; Receive a first response returned by the second core network element in response to the first request, where the first response includes the subscription data of the terminal.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The second core network element includes a user data management network element.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The first request includes a contract data acquisition request, and the first response includes a contract data acquisition response.

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that Sending a first request to a second core network element includes: After completing the registration operation according to the registration request, if the subscription data of the terminal is not obtained, sending the first request to the second core network element.

13. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that Also includes: A subscription message is sent to the second core network network element to subscribe to a service for receiving a notification when the subscription data of the terminal in the second core network network element is modified.

14. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: The subscription data of the terminal is stored as a part of the terminal context data.

15. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The second indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: Whether the terminal has the authority to access the low-orbit satellite and / or the high-orbit satellite; Whether the high-orbit satellite has the ability to perform switching as an IAB anchor point.

16. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The subscription data type of the second indication information is access and mobility subscription data.

17. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that When the third indication information indicates that the terminal is authorized to access the satellite supporting the IAB function, the registration response includes a registration acceptance.

18. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a second core network element, and the method includes: receiving a first request; In response to the first request, a first response is generated, where the first response includes subscription data of the terminal, the subscription data includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal has permission to access a satellite supporting the IAB function, where the satellite supporting the IAB function includes a low-orbit satellite and a high-orbit satellite, the low-orbit satellite serves as an IAB node in the IAB network, and the high-orbit satellite serves as an IAB anchor point in the IAB network; The first response is sent.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that Also includes: The subscription data of the terminal is stored.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that Also includes: Modify or delete the stored subscription data of the terminal.

21. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a satellite supporting an integrated access backhaul (IAB) function, and the method includes: receiving a registration request, where the registration request includes indication information, where the indication information includes first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is allowed to access a satellite supporting an integrated access backhaul (IAB) function; Selecting a first core network element according to the registration request; Sending the registration request to the selected first core network element; receiving a registration response, where the registration response includes third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to access a satellite supporting an IAB function, where the satellite supporting the IAB function includes a low-orbit satellite and a high-orbit satellite, where the low-orbit satellite serves as an IAB node in an IAB network, and where the high-orbit satellite serves as an IAB anchor point in the IAB network; The registration response is sent.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that Also includes: If the satellite supports switching operations according to the ephemeris information, the ephemeris information is sent to the first core network element.

23. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is executed by a terminal, and includes: Sending a registration request to a satellite supporting an integrated access backhaul IAB function, where the registration request includes indication information, where the indication information includes first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is allowed to access the satellite supporting the integrated access backhaul IAB function; A registration response is received, where the registration response includes third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to access a satellite supporting the IAB function, where the satellite supporting the IAB function includes a low-orbit satellite and a high-orbit satellite, where the low-orbit satellite serves as an IAB node in the IAB network, and where the high-orbit satellite serves as an IAB anchor point in the IAB network.

24. A communication device, characterized in that: The device is arranged in a first core network element, and the device comprises: A first receiving unit is configured to receive a registration request, where the registration request includes indication information, where the indication information includes first indication information, and where the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is allowed to access a satellite supporting an integrated access backhaul IAB function; A first processing unit, configured to respond to the registration request and obtain subscription data of the terminal, where the subscription data includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal has permission to access a satellite supporting an IAB function; The first processing unit is further used to generate a registration response according to the subscription data, the registration response including third indication information, the third indication information being used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to access a satellite supporting the IAB function, the satellite supporting the IAB function including a low-orbit satellite and a high-orbit satellite, the low-orbit satellite serving as an IAB node in the IAB network, and the high-orbit satellite serving as an IAB anchor point in the IAB network; The first sending unit is configured to send the registration response.

25. A communication device, characterized in that: The device is arranged in a second core network element, and the device comprises: A second receiving unit, configured to receive a first request; a second processing unit, configured to respond to the first request and generate a first response, wherein the first response includes subscription data of the terminal, the subscription data includes second indication information, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal has permission to access a satellite supporting the IAB function, the satellite supporting the IAB function includes a low-orbit satellite and a high-orbit satellite, the low-orbit satellite serves as an IAB node in the IAB network, and the high-orbit satellite serves as an IAB anchor point in the IAB network; The second sending unit is configured to send the first response.

26. A communication device, characterized in that: The device is arranged on a satellite supporting an integrated access backhaul IAB function, and comprises: A third receiving unit is configured to receive a registration request, where the registration request includes indication information, where the indication information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is allowed to access a satellite supporting an integrated access backhaul IAB function; A third processing unit, configured to select a first core network element according to the registration request; A third sending unit, configured to send the registration request to the selected first core network element; The third receiving unit is further used to receive a registration response, where the registration response includes third indication information, where the third indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to access a satellite supporting the IAB function, where the satellite supporting the IAB function includes a low-orbit satellite and a high-orbit satellite, where the low-orbit satellite serves as an IAB node in the IAB network, and the high-orbit satellite serves as an IAB anchor point in the IAB network; The third sending unit is further used to send the registration response.

27. A communication device, characterized in that: The device is arranged at a terminal, and comprises: A fourth sending unit is configured to send a registration request to a satellite supporting the integrated access backhaul IAB function, where the registration request includes indication information, where the indication information includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the terminal is allowed to access the satellite supporting the integrated access backhaul IAB function; The fourth receiving unit is used to receive a registration response, the registration response includes third indication information, and the third indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is authorized to access a satellite supporting the IAB function. The satellites supporting the IAB function include low-orbit satellites and high-orbit satellites. The low-orbit satellite serves as an IAB node in the IAB network, and the high-orbit satellite serves as an IAB anchor point in the IAB network.

28. A communication device, characterized in that: include: processor; as well as A memory, configured to store executable instructions of the processor; The processor is configured to execute the method of any one of claims 1 to 17, or the method of any one of claims 18 to 20, or the method of any one of claims 21 to 22, or the method of any one of claim 23 by executing the executable instructions.

29. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the method described in any one of claims 1 to 17, or implements the method described in any one of claims 18 to 20, or implements the method described in any one of claims 21 to 22, or implements the method described in any one of claim 23.

30. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, which, when executed, executes the method of any one of claims 1 to 17, or the method of any one of claims 18 to 20, or the method of any one of claims 21 to 22, or the method of any one of claim 23.

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