Cell switching method and device

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a method and device for cell switching, which relates to the field of communication technology. The method includes sending a cell switching request to a second access network device when determining to switch a terminal device to a second cell; receiving a switching request confirmation message sent by the second access network device, the switching request confirmation message includes a scheduling request resource, and the scheduling request resource includes a resource for sending a scheduling request on a PUCCH; sending a first message to the terminal device, the first message is used to instruct the terminal device to switch to the second cell, and the first message includes the scheduling request resource and parameter information of the second access network device. After the terminal device switches the cell, it can apply for an uplink authorization from the second access network device on the PUCCH, and then send a message indicating that the cell switching is completed to the second access network device according to the uplink authorization, thereby reducing the problem of large signaling overhead of the communication system during the cell switching process and avoiding the waste of PUSCH resources.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and device for cell switching. Background Art

[0002] Satellite communication is an important part of the communication system field. In satellite communication scenarios, due to the rapid movement of satellites, user equipment (UE) needs to frequently switch between different satellite cells to ensure service continuity.

[0003] However, in the above switching process, based on the current cell switching process, there is a problem of large signaling overhead of the communication system. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiment of the present application provides a method and device for cell switching, which are applied to the field of communication technology, can reduce the problem of high signaling overhead of the communication system during cell switching, and can also avoid the waste of physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) resources.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for cell switching. The method may be performed by a network device deployed on a satellite, such as a first access network device including a first cell deployed on a first satellite, or may be performed by a component (such as a chip or circuit) configured in the first access network device. The present application does not limit this.

[0007] For example, the method includes: when determining to switch the terminal device to the second cell, sending a cell switching request to the second access network device, the terminal device is accessed in the first cell, the second access network device is deployed on the second satellite, the second access network device includes the second cell, and the terminal device is located within the signal coverage of the second cell; receiving a switching request confirmation message sent by the second access network device, the switching request confirmation message includes a scheduling request resource, and the scheduling request resource includes a resource for sending a scheduling request on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH); sending a first message to the terminal device, the first message is used to instruct the terminal device to switch to the second cell, the first message includes the scheduling request resource and parameter information of the second access network device, and the parameter information is used for the terminal device to access the second cell.

[0008] In this way, after receiving the cell switching request, the second access network device will allocate resources for the terminal device to send a scheduling request on the PUCCH, so that the terminal device can subsequently apply for uplink authorization through a scheduling request on the PUCCH after accessing the second access network device, and then send a message indicating the completion of the cell switching to the second access network device according to the uplink authorization. In this process, the resources allocated in advance by the second access network device are resources on the PUCCH, and since the resources on the PUCCH are common channel resources, even if the time when the terminal device completes the cell switching cannot be predicted, and the resources on the PUCCH are allocated in advance, it will not cause waste of resources. Based on this, the terminal device can apply for uplink authorization by sending a scheduling request through the PUCCH after accessing the second access network device, so that the uplink authorization allocated by the second access network device to the terminal device can be used by the terminal device in time, so that the terminal device sends a message indicating the completion of the cell switching on the corresponding PUSCH resource according to the uplink authorization, thereby avoiding the waste of PUSCH related resources configured by the uplink authorization. In addition, since the cell switching is not performed in a random access manner, there will be no problem of high signaling overhead of the communication system when multiple terminal devices switch cells.

[0009] With reference to the foregoing first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first message is a radio resource control protocol (Radio Resource Control, RRC) reconfiguration message.

[0010] In this way, the terminal device can be instructed to switch cells through the RRC reconfiguration message, and the parameter information and scheduling request resources of the second access network device can be carried through the RRC message, so that no additional message is required to carry relevant information, thereby improving the cell switching efficiency.

[0011] In summary of the above first aspect, in a possible implementation, before sending a cell switching request to the second access network device, the method also includes: detecting that the signal quality of the terminal device is less than a preset threshold; and determining to switch the terminal device to the second cell.

[0012] In this way, an access network device, such as a first access network device, can determine whether to switch the cell of the terminal device based on the signal quality of the connected terminal device, thereby promptly instructing the terminal device to switch cells when the signal of the terminal device is poor to ensure the network communication quality of the terminal device.

[0013] Based on the above-mentioned first aspect, in a possible implementation method, before sending a cell switching request to the second access network device, the method also includes: predicting that the terminal device will leave the coverage of the first cell within a preset time period based on the relative movement trajectory and relative movement speed of the terminal device within the coverage of the first cell; and determining to switch the terminal device to the second cell.

[0014] In this way, in a satellite communication scenario, as the satellite moves, the access network equipment deployed on the satellite can predict the time when the terminal device leaves the cell through the relative movement trajectory and relative movement speed of the connected terminal device within the coverage area of ​​the cell that moves with the satellite, thereby switching the cell of the terminal device in time when the terminal device is about to leave (i.e., leaving within a preset time) to ensure the network communication quality of the terminal device.

[0015] In summary of the above first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, before determining to switch the terminal device to the second cell, the method further includes: determining that a neighboring cell of the first cell is the second cell.

[0016] In this way, when it is determined that the cell of the terminal device needs to be switched, the terminal device can be switched to a neighboring cell of the cell to which it is currently connected, so as to ensure that the cell to which the terminal device switches is a cell covering the terminal device.

[0017] Based on the above first aspect, in a possible implementation method, before determining to switch the terminal device to the second cell, the method also includes: determining, based on the ephemeris information, that a satellite that is adjacent to the first satellite and arrives at the location of the terminal device later is the second satellite; determining to switch the terminal device to the second cell includes: determining to switch the terminal device to the second cell included in the second access network device deployed on the second satellite.

[0018] In this way, in a satellite communication scenario, as the satellite moves, the access network equipment deployed on the satellite can determine the satellite that is adjacent to it and arrives later based on the ephemeris information. Therefore, when it is necessary to switch the cell of the terminal device, the terminal device can be switched to the cell corresponding to the access network equipment deployed by the determined satellite to ensure that the cell switched by the terminal device is the cell that covers the terminal device.

[0019] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for cell switching. The method may be performed by a network device deployed on a satellite, such as a second access network device including a second cell deployed on a second satellite, or may be performed by a component (such as a chip or circuit) configured in the second access network device. The present application does not limit this.

[0020] For example, the method includes: receiving a cell switching request sent by a first access network device, the first access network device is deployed on a first satellite, and the first access network device includes a first cell; allocating scheduling request resources for a terminal device, the scheduling request resources include resources for sending scheduling requests on a PUCCH, the terminal device is accessed in the first cell, and is located within the signal coverage of a second cell; sending a switching request confirmation message to the first access network device, the switching request confirmation message includes scheduling request resources; receiving a scheduling request sent by the terminal device, the scheduling request is used to apply for uplink authorization, and the scheduling request is sent by the terminal device on the PUCCH according to the scheduling request resources; sending an uplink authorization to the terminal device on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); receiving a second message, the second message is sent by the terminal device according to the uplink authorization, and the second message is used to instruct the terminal device to complete the cell switching.

[0021] In this way, after receiving the cell switching request, the second access network device will allocate resources for the terminal device to send a scheduling request on the PUCCH, so that the terminal device can subsequently apply for uplink authorization through a scheduling request on the PUCCH after accessing the second access network device, and then send a message indicating the completion of the cell switching to the second access network device according to the uplink authorization. In this process, the resources allocated in advance by the second access network device are resources on the PUCCH, and since the resources on the PUCCH are common channel resources, even if the time when the terminal device completes the cell switching cannot be predicted, and the resources on the PUCCH are allocated in advance, it will not cause waste of resources. Based on this, the terminal device can apply for uplink authorization by sending a scheduling request through the PUCCH after accessing the second access network device, so that the uplink authorization allocated by the second access network device to the terminal device can be used by the terminal device in time, so that the terminal device sends a message indicating the completion of the cell switching on the corresponding PUSCH resource according to the uplink authorization, thereby avoiding the waste of PUSCH related resources configured by the uplink authorization. In addition, since the cell switching is not performed in a random access manner, there will be no problem of high signaling overhead of the communication system when multiple terminal devices switch cells.

[0022] In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second message is an RRC reconfiguration completion message.

[0023] In this way, the RRC reconfiguration completion message can be used to indicate that the cell switching of the terminal device is completed, so that the second access network device can determine that the terminal device has completed the cell switching according to the message.

[0024] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for cell switching. The method may be executed by a terminal device, or may be executed by a component (such as a chip or a circuit) configured in the terminal device. The present application does not limit this.

[0025] For example, the method includes: receiving a first message sent by a first access network device, the first access network device is deployed on a first satellite, the first access network device includes a first cell, the terminal device accesses the first cell, the first message is used to instruct the terminal device to switch to a second cell, the first message includes a scheduling request resource and parameter information of the second access network device, the parameter information is used for the terminal device to access the second cell, the scheduling request resource includes a resource for sending a scheduling request on a PUCCH, the second access network device is deployed on a second satellite, the second access network device includes a second cell, and the terminal device is located within the signal coverage of the second cell; accessing the second cell according to the first message; sending a scheduling request to the second access network device on the PUCCH according to the scheduling request resource, the scheduling request is used to apply for an uplink authorization; receiving an uplink authorization sent by the second access network device, the uplink authorization is sent by the second access network device on the PDCCH; sending a second message to the second access network device according to the uplink authorization, the second message is used to instruct the terminal device to complete the cell switching.

[0026] In this way, after receiving the cell switching request, the second access network device will allocate resources for the terminal device to send a scheduling request on the PUCCH, so that the terminal device can subsequently apply for uplink authorization through a scheduling request on the PUCCH after accessing the second access network device, and then send a message indicating the completion of the cell switching to the second access network device according to the uplink authorization. In this process, the resources allocated in advance by the second access network device are resources on the PUCCH, and since the resources on the PUCCH are common channel resources, even if the time when the terminal device completes the cell switching cannot be predicted, and the resources on the PUCCH are allocated in advance, it will not cause waste of resources. Based on this, the terminal device can apply for uplink authorization by sending a scheduling request through the PUCCH after accessing the second access network device, so that the uplink authorization allocated by the second access network device to the terminal device can be used by the terminal device in time, so that the terminal device sends a message indicating the completion of the cell switching on the corresponding PUSCH resource according to the uplink authorization, thereby avoiding the waste of PUSCH related resources configured by the uplink authorization. In addition, since the cell switching is not performed in a random access manner, there will be no problem of high signaling overhead of the communication system when multiple terminal devices switch cells.

[0027] In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first message is an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0028] In this way, the terminal device can be instructed to switch cells through the RRC reconfiguration message, and the parameter information and scheduling request resources of the second access network device can be carried through the RRC message, so that no additional message is required to carry relevant information, thereby improving the cell switching efficiency.

[0029] In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second message is an RRC reconfiguration completion message.

[0030] In this way, the RRC reconfiguration completion message can be used to indicate that the cell switching of the terminal device is completed, so that the second access network device can determine that the terminal device has completed the cell switching according to the message.

[0031] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising modules or units for executing the method in the first aspect and any possible implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0032] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising modules or units for executing the method in the second aspect and any possible implementation manner of the second aspect.

[0033] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising modules or units for executing the method in the third aspect and any possible implementation manner of the third aspect.

[0034] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be used to execute instructions in the memory to implement the method in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect. Optionally, the device also includes a memory. Optionally, the device also includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0035] In one implementation, the communication device is a network device, such as a first access network device. In this case, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0036] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip configured in a network device, such as a first access network device. In this case, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0037] Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0038] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be used to execute instructions in the memory to implement the method in the second aspect and any possible implementation manner of the second aspect.

[0039] Optionally, the device further comprises a memory. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0040] In one implementation, the communication device is a network device, such as a second access network device. In this case, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0041] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip configured in a network device, such as a second access network device. In this case, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0042] Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0043] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be used to execute instructions in the memory to implement the method in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0044] Optionally, the device further comprises a memory. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0045] In one implementation, the communication device is a terminal device. In this case, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0046] In another implementation, the communication device is a chip configured in a terminal device. In this case, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0047] Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0048] In a tenth aspect, a processor is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is used to receive a signal through the input circuit and transmit a signal through the output circuit, so that the processor executes the method in the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect, and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0049] In the specific implementation process, the processor can be one or more chips, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the processing circuit can be a transistor, a gate circuit, a trigger, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, received and input by a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, output to a transmitter and transmitted by the transmitter, and the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as an input circuit and an output circuit at different times. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation methods of the processor and various circuits.

[0050] In an eleventh aspect, a processing device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory. The processor is used to read instructions stored in the memory, and can receive signals through a receiver and transmit signals through a transmitter to execute the method in the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect, and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0051] Optionally, there are one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0052] Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be provided separately from the processor.

[0053] In the specific implementation process, the memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as a read only memory (ROM), which can be integrated on the same chip as the processor or can be set on different chips respectively. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the type of memory and the setting method of the memory and the processor.

[0054] It should be understood that the relevant data interaction process, such as sending indication information, can be a process of outputting indication information from the processor, and receiving capability information can be a process of receiving input capability information from the processor. Specifically, the data output by the processor can be output to the transmitter, and the input data received by the processor can come from the receiver. Among them, the transmitter and the receiver can be collectively referred to as a transceiver.

[0055] The processing device in the above-mentioned eleventh aspect may be one or more chips. The processor in the processing device may be implemented by hardware or by software. When implemented by hardware, the processor may be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, etc.; when implemented by software, the processor may be a general-purpose processor implemented by reading software codes stored in a memory, and the memory may be integrated in the processor or located outside the processor and exist independently.

[0056] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network device, including a processor, a memory and a transceiver, the transceiver is used to send and receive data, the memory is used to store code instructions, and the processor is used to run the code instructions. When the processor executes the code instructions stored in the memory, it is used to instruct the network device to execute the method described in the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect and any possible implementation method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0057] In the thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a terminal device, including a processor, a memory and a transceiver, the transceiver is used to send and receive data, the memory is used to store code instructions, and the processor is used to run the code instructions. When the processor executes the code instructions stored in the memory, it is used to instruct the terminal device to execute the method described in the above third aspect and any possible implementation method of the third aspect.

[0058] In the fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or instruction is run on a computer, the computer executes the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect, and any possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0059] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip or a chip system, the chip or chip system includes at least one processor and a communication interface, the communication interface and the at least one processor are interconnected by a line, and the at least one processor is used to run a computer program or instruction to execute the method in the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect, and any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect. The communication interface in the chip can be an input / output interface, a pin, or a circuit, etc.

[0060] In the sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product comprising a computer program, which, when the computer program runs on a computer, enables the computer to execute the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect, and a method in any possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect.

[0061] It should be understood that the fourth and seventh aspects of the present application correspond to the technical solution of the first aspect of the present application, the fifth and eighth aspects of the present application correspond to the technical solution of the second aspect of the present application, the sixth, ninth and thirteenth aspects of the present application correspond to the technical solution of the third aspect of the present application, the twelfth aspect of the present application corresponds to the technical solution of the first or second aspect of the present application, the tenth, eleventh, fourteenth to sixteenth aspects of the present application correspond to the technical solution of the first or second or third aspect of the present application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation methods are similar and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a satellite communication scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the network architecture of a satellite communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of an existing cell switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 4 A flowchart of another existing cell switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of another existing cell switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 6 A flowchart of a cell switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 7 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device 800 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] The technical solution in the embodiment of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiment of the present application. Among them, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship, for example, A / B can represent A or B; "and / or" in the present application is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. And, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" refers to two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be single or multiple. In addition, in order to facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, the words "first", "second" and the like are used to distinguish the same items or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art will understand that the words "first", "second" and the like do not limit the quantity and execution order, and the words "first", "second" and the like do not necessarily limit the differences. At the same time, in the embodiments of the present application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0072] In addition, the network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0073] With the continuous development of communication technology, satellite communication is an important part of the current communication field. In satellite communication scenarios, due to the rapid movement of satellites, user equipment (UE) needs to frequently switch between different satellite cells to ensure service continuity.

[0074] For example, Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a satellite communication scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 As shown, the scene includes satellite 101 and satellite 102. Figure 1 As shown in (a) in FIG. 1 , at the first moment, the cell of satellite 101 covers the location of terminal device 103, and the cell of satellite 102 does not cover the location of terminal device 103. As the satellite moves, the cell coverage area of ​​satellite 101 gradually moves away from the location of terminal device 103, while the cell coverage area of ​​satellite 102 gradually approaches the location of terminal device 103. Thus, at the second moment, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown in (b) in FIG. 1 , the terminal device 103 is located at the edge of the cell coverage area of ​​the satellite 101 and is located within the cell coverage area of ​​the satellite 102. At this time, in order to maintain service continuity, the terminal device needs to switch from the cell of the satellite 101 to the cell of the satellite 102 so as to communicate through the satellite 102 later.

[0075] Among them, the terminal device 103 involved in the embodiments of the present application may include various handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem with wireless communication functions.

[0076] For example, the terminal device 103 can be a mobile station (MS), a subscriber unit (subscriberunit), a user equipment (UE), a cellular phone, a smartphone, a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a wireless modem, a handset, a laptop computer, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, etc.

[0077] Satellite 101 and satellite 102 may be satellites on which access network equipment (such as base stations) are deployed.

[0078] It should be understood that in the satellite communication scenario, the cell area covered by a single satellite can reach hundreds of thousands of square kilometers, but to cover the entire area, hundreds or thousands of satellites are still needed for networking coverage.

[0079] It should be noted that this application belongs to the category of satellite communications. The members of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) have integrated satellite communications and 5G technologies and proposed a typical network application architecture. The aforementioned satellite communication scenario can be implemented based on this network application architecture.

[0080] For example, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of the satellite communication system provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the terminal equipment on the ground accesses the network through the 5G new air interface, and the 5G access network equipment (such as 5G base stations) is deployed on the satellite and connected to the core network on the ground through wireless links. At the same time, there is a wireless link between the satellites to complete the signaling interaction and user data transmission between base stations. Figure 2 The various network elements and their interfaces are described as follows:

[0081] Terminal device: A device that supports the new 5G air interface, typically a mobile phone, pad, or other mobile device. It can access the satellite network through the air interface and initiate calls, surf the Internet, and other services.

[0082] 5G base station: mainly provides wireless access services, dispatches wireless resources to access terminal devices, provides reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols, etc.

[0083] 5G core network: user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, billing and other services. It consists of multiple functional units, which can be divided into functional entities of the control plane and the data plane. The Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) is responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management. The User Plane Function (UPF) is responsible for managing the transmission of user plane data, traffic statistics and other functions. The Session Management Function (SMF) is mainly responsible for interacting with the separated data plane.

[0084] Ground station: responsible for forwarding signaling and business data between satellite base stations and 5G core network.

[0085] 5G New Air Interface: The wireless link between the terminal and the base station.

[0086] Xn interface: The interface between 5G base stations, mainly used for signaling interactions such as switching.

[0087] NG interface: the interface between the 5G base station and the 5G core network.

[0088] Generally, when a terminal device switches from a source cell to a target cell, the terminal device needs to perform a random access process to the target cell.

[0089] Specifically, Figure 3 A schematic flow chart of an existing cell switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0090] like Figure 3As shown, when the source base station determines that the cell of the terminal device needs to be switched, the following S301-S305 may be included.

[0091] S301. The source base station sends a cell switching request to the target base station.

[0092] S302: The target base station sends a handover request confirmation message to the source base station according to the cell handover request.

[0093] The handover request confirmation message may include cell access related information such as a preamble sequence of a non-contention-based random access channel (RACH).

[0094] S303: The source base station sends a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message to the terminal device.

[0095] The RRC reconfiguration message may include the aforementioned non-contention-based random access channel (RACH) preamble sequence and other cell access related information. The RRC reconfiguration message may be used to instruct the terminal device to switch the cell to the target base station.

[0096] S304: The terminal device initiates non-contention random access to the target base station according to the RRC reconfiguration message to switch cells.

[0097] S305. After switching cells, the terminal device sends an RRC reconfiguration completion message to the target base station.

[0098] The RRC reconfiguration complete message may be used to indicate that the cell switching is complete.

[0099] It should be noted that the detailed steps of the above-mentioned cell switching can be referred to the description in the relevant technology and will not be repeated here.

[0100] It should be understood that when a terminal device implements cell switching through random access, it requires certain resources such as preamble sequences. Since the coverage of satellite base stations is large and they serve many terminal devices, in the aforementioned satellite communication scenario, there will not be enough resources to support many terminal devices to switch cells at the same time. Moreover, when many terminal devices switch cells at the same time, the RACH signaling overhead may be too large.

[0101] Therefore, in satellite communication scenarios, a RACH-less based cell switching solution is being proposed to solve the above problems.

[0102] For example, Figure 4 A flow chart of another existing cell switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0103] like Figure 4 As shown, when the source base station determines that the cell of the terminal device needs to be switched, the following S401-S406 may be included.

[0104] S401. The source base station sends a cell switching request to the target base station.

[0105] S402: The target base station and the source base station perform uplink authorization negotiation to allocate uplink authorization to the terminal device.

[0106] S403: The target base station sends a handover request confirmation message to the source base station.

[0107] The above-allocated uplink grant may be carried in the handover request confirmation message.

[0108] S404. The source base station sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device.

[0109] The RRC reconfiguration message may include the above-allocated uplink grant.

[0110] S405. The terminal device performs cell switching according to the RRC reconfiguration message and accesses the target base station.

[0111] S406: After the cell switching is completed, the terminal device sends an RRC reconfiguration completion message to the target base station according to the uplink authorization.

[0112] It should be noted that the detailed steps of the above-mentioned cell switching can be referred to the description in the relevant technology and will not be repeated here.

[0113] It should be understood that when the terminal device switches cells in the above manner, in order to enable the terminal device to send an RRC reconfiguration completion message, the target base station needs to negotiate the uplink authorization in advance when the source base station sends a cell switching request, so as to allocate uplink authorization to the terminal device in advance. This will cause the target base station to be unable to accurately estimate the cell switching completion time of the terminal device under the source base station, resulting in the waste of the uplink authorization allocated in advance, that is, the allocated physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) resources.

[0114] Of course, another RACH-less based cell switching solution has been proposed. Figure 5 A schematic flow chart of another existing cell switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0115] like Figure 5 As shown, when the source base station determines that the cell of the terminal device needs to be switched, the following S501-S506 may be included.

[0116] S501. The source base station sends a cell switching request to the target base station.

[0117] S502: The target base station sends a handover request confirmation message to the source base station.

[0118] S503. The source base station sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device.

[0119] S504: The target base station sends the allocated uplink grant to the terminal device on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0120] S505. The terminal device performs cell switching according to the RRC reconfiguration message and accesses the target base station.

[0121] S506: After the cell switching is completed, the terminal device sends an RRC reconfiguration completion message to the target base station according to the received uplink authorization.

[0122] It should be noted that the detailed steps of the above-mentioned cell switching can be referred to the description in the relevant technology and will not be repeated here.

[0123] It should be understood that when the terminal device switches cells in the above manner, in order to enable the terminal device to send an RRC reconfiguration completion message, the target base station needs to allocate an uplink authorization to the terminal device in advance and send it to the terminal device. This will cause the target base station to be unable to accurately estimate the cell switching completion time of the terminal device under the source base station, resulting in the waste of the uplink authorization allocated in advance, that is, the allocated physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) resources.

[0124] Therefore, based on the aforementioned existing cell switching methods, an embodiment of the present application provides a cell switching method, which can reduce the problem of high signaling overhead of the communication system during the cell switching process and avoid the waste of PUSCH resources.

[0125] For example, a satellite communication scenario includes a first access network device (such as a first base station deployed on a first satellite), a second access network device (such as a second base station deployed on a second satellite), and a terminal device. The terminal device is accessed by a first cell included in the first access network device and is located at the edge of the signal coverage of the first cell. The terminal device is also located within the signal coverage of a second cell included in the second access network device. It is necessary to switch the terminal device from the first cell to the second cell. Figure 6 A flowchart of a cell switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 As shown, the method may include the following S601-S608.

[0126] S601. When determining to switch a terminal device to a second cell, the first access network device sends a cell switching request to the second access network device.

[0127] The access network device can perform network detection on each terminal device connected to its cell, so that when it is detected that the communication signal quality of the terminal device drops to a preset threshold, the access network device can initiate a cell handover for the terminal device. Alternatively, the access network device can also predict each terminal device connected to its cell, and when it is predicted that the terminal device will leave the coverage of the current cell after a preset time, the access network device can initiate a cell handover for the terminal device.

[0128] For example, in this example, the terminal device is connected to the first cell of the first access network device and is located at the edge of the first cell, so the communication signal quality between the terminal device and the first access network device is poor. At this time, the determination to switch the terminal device to the second cell can be that the first access network device performs network detection on the terminal device, and the detected signal quality is below the preset threshold (it can be that the signal quality is less than the preset threshold, or it can be that the signal quality is less than or equal to the preset threshold, which can be configured according to the actual situation during the specific implementation, and is not limited here), thereby determining that the terminal device needs to be switched to the second cell; or, the first access network device predicts the relative movement of the terminal device based on the relative movement trajectory and relative movement speed of the terminal device within the coverage range of its first cell, thereby predicting that the terminal device will leave the coverage range of the current cell within a preset time length, thereby determining that the terminal device needs to be switched to the second cell.

[0129] For example, in a satellite communication scenario, the access network device determines which cell to switch the terminal device to based on neighboring cells or ephemeris information. For example, in this example, the first access network device can determine to switch the terminal device to the second cell based on the neighboring cell of the first cell of the first access network device being the second cell of the second access network device. Alternatively, the first access network device can determine, based on the ephemeris information, a second satellite that is adjacent to the first satellite where the first access network device is located and that arrives later than the terminal device, thereby determining to switch the terminal device to the second cell of the second access network device deployed on the second satellite.

[0130] The cell handover request (Handover Request) sent by the first access network device can be used to indicate that the second access network device needs to handover the terminal device to the second cell of the second access network device. The cell handover request can carry parameter information of the terminal device (such as the frequency band and modulation mode supported by the terminal device) so that the second access network device can allocate corresponding resources to the terminal device, such as scheduling request resources. Of course, the cell handover request can also include other information, which is not limited here, and reference can be made to the implementation method of the cell handover request in the relevant technology.

[0131] As a possible implementation, the first access network device may use the Xn interface to send a cell switching request through an intersatellite link or a feeder link. Of course, in the embodiment of the present application, there is no restriction on how to send the cell switching request, and it can also be configured according to actual conditions.

[0132] S602: The second access network device allocates scheduling request resources to the terminal device.

[0133] Among them, the scheduling request resource can be a resource used to send a scheduling request on a physical uplink control channel (Physical UplinkControl Channel, PUCCH). Through this resource, it is convenient for the subsequent terminal device to apply for an uplink grant (UL Grant) from the second access network device through PUCCH. When the second access network device allocates scheduling request resources to the terminal device, it can be to allocate PUCCH resources to the terminal device, and the PUCCH resources include scheduling request resources. Alternatively, the second access network device can also allocate the scheduling request resource specifically for the terminal device, which is not limited here.

[0134] Of course, in an embodiment of the present application, after receiving the cell switching request, the second access network device can also allocate other resources for cell switching to the terminal device, such as core network resources, etc., which is not limited here.

[0135] S603: The second access network device sends a switching request confirmation message to the first access network device.

[0136] The switching request confirmation message carries the scheduling request resources allocated to the terminal device.

[0137] As a possible implementation, the second access network device may use the Xn interface to send the scheduling request resource through an intersatellite link or a feeder link. Of course, in the embodiment of the present application, there is no restriction on how to send the scheduling request resource to the first access network device, and it can also be configured according to actual conditions.

[0138] S604. The first access network device sends a first message to the terminal device.

[0139] The first message may be used to instruct the terminal device to switch to the second cell, and the first message may include parameter information of the second access network device and the scheduling request resources configured by the second access network device for the terminal device.

[0140] As an example, the first message may be an RRC reconfiguration message. The RRC reconfiguration message may include parameter information of the second access network device and a call request resource configured by the second access network device for the terminal device.

[0141] For example, the parameter information of the second access network device is used for the terminal device to access the second cell, and may include information used for cell switching and access in the system information block (SIB) information of the second access network device. For example, the parameter information may include one or more of the following information: PLMN identity of the cell of the second access network device, cell selection information, cell reselection parameters, time division duplex (TDD) configuration information, system information window length, cell reselection information, neighboring cell relationship, cell access restriction, cell-specific reference signal configuration, orbital parameters of the satellite where the second access network device is located, signal beam configuration, etc. The parameter information can facilitate the terminal device to access the second access network device.

[0142] S605. The terminal device accesses the second cell according to the first message.

[0143] For example, the terminal device can perform downlink synchronization and calculate the uplink timing advance (TA) based on the parameter information of the second access network device in combination with the ephemeris information, and access the second cell.

[0144] After the terminal device accesses the second cell, it needs to send a message indicating that the cell switching is completed to the second access network device, so as to complete the cell switching process and perform normal communication later. Therefore, the terminal device needs to request relevant resources for sending the message. That is, perform the following steps.

[0145] S606. The terminal device sends a scheduling request to the second access network device on the PUCCH according to the scheduling request resource.

[0146] Among them, the scheduling request can be used to apply for uplink authorization. Through the uplink authorization, the terminal device can send a message indicating the completion of the cell switching on the corresponding PUSCH resource. Of course, the scheduling request can also be used to inform the second access network device that it has accessed the second access network device (i.e., the cell switching has been performed) and is waiting for the scheduling of the second access network device.

[0147] When the first access network device sends the first message for indicating the switching of cells to the terminal device, the first message includes the scheduling request resource allocated by the second access network device. The scheduling request resource is a resource for sending a scheduling request on the PUCCH, so the terminal device can send a scheduling request to the second access network device on the PUCCH according to the scheduling request resource in the first message.

[0148] S607. The second access network device sends an uplink authorization to the terminal device on the PDCCH.

[0149] S608. The terminal device sends a second message to the second access network device according to the uplink authorization.

[0150] The second message is used to instruct the terminal device to complete the cell switching. The second message sent according to the uplink authorization may be sent on PUSCH related resources according to the uplink authorization, and the PUSCH related resources may be configured by the uplink authorization.

[0151] For example, the first message corresponding to the first access network device instructing the terminal device to perform cell switching is an RRC reconfiguration message, and the second message may be an RRC reconfiguration completion message.

[0152] The terminal device indicates through the second message that the cell switching has been completed, thereby facilitating the second access network device to determine that the terminal device has completed the cell switching so as to facilitate subsequent normal communication.

[0153] Based on a cell switching method provided by an embodiment of the present application, it can be seen that after receiving a cell switching request, the second access network device will allocate resources for sending a scheduling request on the PUCCH to the terminal device, so that the terminal device can subsequently access the second access network device and apply for uplink authorization through a scheduling request on the PUCCH, and then send a message indicating that the cell switching is completed to the second access network device according to the uplink authorization. In this process, the resources allocated in advance by the second access network device are resources on the PUCCH, and since the resources on the PUCCH are common channel resources, even if the time when the terminal device completes the cell switching cannot be predicted, and the resources on the PUCCH are allocated in advance, it will not cause waste of resources. Based on this, the terminal device can apply for uplink authorization by sending a scheduling request through the PUCCH after accessing the second access network device, so that the uplink authorization allocated by the second access network device to the terminal device can be used by the terminal device in a timely manner, so that the terminal device sends a message indicating that the cell switching is completed on the corresponding PUSCH resource according to the uplink authorization, thereby avoiding the waste of PUSCH related resources configured by the uplink authorization. Furthermore, since random access is not used for cell switching, there will not be a problem of high signaling overhead of the communication system when multiple terminal devices switch cells.

[0154] Above, combined Figure 6 The cell switching method provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail. Figure 7 The device provided in the embodiments of the present application is described in detail.

[0155] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 As shown, the communication device 700 may include a processing unit 701 and a transceiver unit 702 .

[0156] In one possible design, the communication device 700 may implement the above Figure 6 The illustrated method embodiment corresponds to the operation of the first access network device. For example, the communication apparatus may be the first access network device, or a component configured in the first access network device, such as a chip or a circuit.

[0157] The communication device can be implemented as follows Figure 6 The corresponding operations of the first access network device in the method embodiment shown. The various units in the communication device 700 are combined to implement Figure 6 The corresponding process in the method embodiment shown.

[0158] Specifically, the processing unit 701 of the communication device 700 can be used to determine whether to switch the terminal device to the second cell. The transceiver unit 702 can be used to: when determining to switch the terminal device to the second cell, send a cell switching request to the second access network device, the terminal device is connected to the first cell, the second access network device includes the second cell, and the terminal device is located within the signal coverage of the second cell; receive a switching request confirmation message sent by the second access network device, the switching request confirmation message includes a scheduling request resource, and the scheduling request resource includes a resource for sending a scheduling request on the PUCCH; send a first message to the terminal device, the first message is used to instruct the terminal device to switch to the second cell, the first message includes the scheduling request resource and parameter information of the second access network device, and the parameter information is used for the terminal device to access the second cell.

[0159] In another possible design, the communication device 700 may implement the above Figure 6 The illustrated method embodiment corresponds to the operation of the second access network device. For example, the communication apparatus may be the second access network device, or a component configured in the second access network device, such as a chip or a circuit.

[0160] The communication device can be implemented as follows Figure 6 The corresponding operations of the second access network device in the method embodiment shown. The various units in the communication device 700 are combined to implement Figure 6 The corresponding process in the method embodiment shown.

[0161] Specifically, the transceiver unit 702 of the communication device 700 can be used to: receive a cell switching request sent by a first access network device, the first access network device includes a first cell; send a switching request confirmation message to the first access network device, the switching request confirmation message includes a scheduling request resource; receive a scheduling request sent by a terminal device, the scheduling request is used to apply for an uplink authorization, the scheduling request is sent by the terminal device on the PUCCH according to the scheduling request resource; send the uplink authorization to the terminal device on the PDCCH. The processing unit 701 can be used to allocate scheduling request resources to the terminal device, the scheduling request resources include resources for sending scheduling requests on the PUCCH, the terminal device is accessed in the first cell, and is within the signal coverage of the second cell.

[0162] In another possible design, the communication device 700 may implement the above Figure 6 The operation of the corresponding terminal device in the embodiment of the method shown, for example, the communication device can be a terminal device, or a component configured in the terminal device, such as a chip or a circuit.

[0163] The communication device can be implemented as follows Figure 6 The corresponding operations of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown. The various units in the communication device 700 are combined to implement Figure 6 The corresponding process in the method embodiment shown.

[0164] Specifically, the transceiver unit 702 of the communication device 700 can be used to: receive a first message sent by a first access network device, the first message is used to instruct the terminal device to switch to a second cell, the first message includes a scheduling request resource and parameter information of the second access network device, the parameter information is used for the terminal device to access the second cell, the scheduling request resource includes a resource for sending a scheduling request on a PUCCH, the second access network device includes a second cell, and the terminal device is located within the signal coverage of the second cell; send a scheduling request to the second access network device on the PUCCH according to the scheduling request resource, the scheduling request is used to apply for an uplink authorization; receive an uplink authorization sent by the second access network device, the uplink authorization is sent by the second access network device on the PDCCH; send a second message to the second access network device according to the uplink authorization, the second message is used to instruct the terminal device to complete the cell switching. The processing unit 701 can be used to: access the second cell according to the first message.

[0165] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit executing the above corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0166] It should also be understood that the division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is schematic and is merely a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. In addition, the functional modules in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into one processor, or may exist physically separately, or two or more modules may be integrated into one module.

[0167] The above integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules.

[0168] It should be understood that the communication device 700 may correspond to the terminal device or network device (such as the first access network device or the second access network device) in the aforementioned implementation. Among them, the processing unit 701 in the communication device 700 may correspond to the processor in the terminal device or the network device, and the instructions stored in the memory may be called by the processor in the terminal device or the network device to implement the above functions, such as network coding, obtaining original packets, etc.; the transceiver unit may correspond to the interface in the terminal device or the network device, and may respond to the instructions of the processor to implement the above functions of receiving and / or sending data.

[0169] It should also be understood that the transceiver unit 702 in the communication device 700 may be implemented by a transceiver or a communication interface, for example, corresponding to Figure 8 The transceiver 802 in the terminal device 800 shown in FIG. Fig. 9 The processing unit 701 in the communication device 700 may be implemented by at least one processor, for example, corresponding to Figure 8 The processor 801 in the terminal device 800 shown in FIG. Fig. 9 The BBU 920 in the network device 900 is shown in FIG.

[0170] Figure 8 800 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device 800 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The terminal device 800 can perform the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiment. Figure 8 As shown, the terminal device 800 includes a processor 801 and a transceiver 802. Optionally, the terminal device 800 also includes a memory 803. The processor 801, the transceiver 802 and the memory 803 can communicate with each other through an internal connection path to transmit control and / or data signals. The memory 803 is used to store a computer program, and the processor 801 is used to call and run the computer program from the memory 803 to control the transceiver 802 to send and receive signals. Optionally, the terminal device 800 may also include an antenna 804, which is used to send the uplink data or uplink control signaling output by the transceiver 802 through a wireless signal.

[0171] The processor 801 and the memory 803 may be combined into a processing device, and the processor 801 is used to execute the program code stored in the memory 803 to implement the above functions. In specific implementation, the memory 803 may also be integrated into the processor 801, or independent of the processor 801. Figure 7 Corresponding to the processing unit 701 in.

[0172] The transceiver 802 can be used with Figure 7 The transceiver 802 may include a receiver (or receiver, receiving circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter, transmitting circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to transmit signals.

[0173] It should be understood that Figure 8 The terminal device 800 shown can implement Figure 6 The method embodiment shown involves various processes of the terminal device. The operations and / or functions of each module in the terminal device 800 are respectively to implement the corresponding processes in the above method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiment. To avoid repetition, the detailed description is appropriately omitted here.

[0174] The processor 801 can be used to execute the actions implemented by the terminal device in the previous method embodiment, and the transceiver 802 can be used to execute the actions of the terminal device sending to or receiving from the network device (such as the first access network device or the second access network device) described in the previous method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description in the previous method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0175] Optionally, the terminal device 800 may further include a power supply 805 for providing power to various devices or circuits in the terminal device.

[0176] In addition, in order to make the functions of the terminal device more complete, the terminal device 800 may also include one or more of an input unit 806, a display unit 807, an audio circuit 808, a camera 809 and a sensor 810, and the audio circuit may also include a speaker 811, a microphone 812, etc.

[0177] Fig. 9 900 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided in an embodiment of the present application, for example, it can be a schematic diagram of the structure of an access network device such as a base station / CU. Taking a base station as an example, the base station 900 can perform the functions of a network device (such as a first access network device or a second access network device) in the above method embodiment. Fig. 9As shown, the base station 900 may include one or more radio frequency units, such as a remote radio unit (RRU) 910 and one or more baseband units (BBU) (also referred to as distributed units (DU)) 920. The RRU 910 may be referred to as a transceiver unit. Figure 7 . Optionally, the RRU 910 may also be referred to as a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, etc., and may include at least one antenna 911 and a radio frequency unit 912. Optionally, the radio frequency unit 912 may include a receiving unit and a transmitting unit, the receiving unit may correspond to a receiver (or a receiver, a receiving circuit), and the transmitting unit may correspond to a transmitter (or a transmitter, a transmitting circuit).

[0178] The RRU 910 is mainly used for receiving and sending radio frequency signals and converting radio frequency signals into baseband signals, for example, for sending indication information to terminal devices. The BBU 920 is mainly used for baseband processing and controlling base stations. The RRU 910 and the BBU 920 can be physically arranged together or physically separated, i.e., a distributed base station.

[0179] BBU 920 is the control center of the base station, which can also be called a processing unit. Figure 7 The processing unit 701 in FIG. 1 corresponds to the processing unit 701 in FIG. 1 , and is mainly used to complete baseband processing functions, such as channel coding, multiplexing, modulation, spread spectrum, etc. For example, the BBU (processing unit) 920 can be used to control the base station to execute the operation flow of the network device in the above method embodiment, for example, to generate the above scheduling request resources, etc.

[0180] In one example, the BBU 920 may be composed of one or more single boards, and the multiple single boards may jointly support a wireless access network of a single access standard (such as an LTE network), or may respectively support wireless access networks of different access standards (such as an LTE network, a 5G network, or other networks). The BBU 920 also includes a memory 921 and a processor 922. The memory 921 is used to store necessary instructions and data. The processor 922 is used to control the base station to perform necessary actions, for example, to control the base station to execute the operation process of the network device in the above method embodiment. The memory 921 and the processor 922 may serve one or more single boards. In other words, a memory and a processor may be separately set on each single board. It is also possible that multiple single boards share the same memory and processor. In addition, necessary circuits may also be set on each single board.

[0181] It should be understood that Fig. 9 The base station 900 shown is capable of implementing Figure 6The illustrated method embodiment involves various processes of the first access network device or the second access network device. The operations and / or functions of the various modules in the base station 900 are respectively to implement the corresponding processes in the above method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiment. To avoid repetition, the detailed description is appropriately omitted here.

[0182] It should be understood that Fig. 9 The base station 900 shown is only a possible architecture of a network device and should not constitute any limitation to the present application. The method provided in the present application can be applied to network devices of other architectures.

[0183] The embodiment of the present application also provides a processing device, including a processor and an interface; the processor is used to execute the method in the above method embodiment. It should be understood that the above processing device can be one or more chips. For example, the processing device can be a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on chip (SoC), a central processor unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller (MCU), a programmable logic device (PLD) or other integrated chips.

[0184] In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of hardware in a processor or an instruction in the form of software. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiment of the present application can be directly embodied as a hardware processor for execution, or a combination of hardware and software modules in a processor for execution. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in a memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in conjunction with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it is not described in detail here.

[0185] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiment of the present application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method embodiment may be completed by an integrated logic circuit of hardware in the processor or an instruction in the form of software. The above processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component. The methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may be any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiment of the present application may be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or may be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in a decoding processor. The software module may be located in a mature storage medium in the art such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in a memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

[0186] It can be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0187] According to the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the present application also provides a computer program product, which includes: a computer program code, when the computer program code is run on a computer, the computer executes Figure 6 The method is performed by the terminal device or the first access network device or the second access network device in the illustrated embodiment.

[0188] According to the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the present application also provides a computer-readable medium, which stores a program code, and when the program code is run on a computer, the computer executes Figure 6 The method is performed by the terminal device or the first access network device or the second access network device in the illustrated embodiment.

[0189] According to the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the present application also provides a system, which includes the aforementioned terminal device and a first access network device and a second access network device.

[0190] The terms "component", "module", "system", etc., used in this specification are used to refer to computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and / or a computer.

[0191] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0192] If the function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions to enable a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), disk or optical disk, and other media that can store program codes.

[0193] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the present technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A cell switching method, characterized in that: Applied to a first access network device, the first access network device is deployed on a first satellite, the first access network device includes a first cell, and the method includes: When it is determined to switch the terminal device to the second cell, a cell switching request is sent to a second access network device, the terminal device is connected to the first cell, the second access network device is deployed on a second satellite, the second access network device includes a second cell, and the terminal device is located within a signal coverage range of the second cell; receiving a handover request confirmation message sent by the second access network device, the handover request confirmation message including a scheduling request resource, the scheduling request resource including a resource for sending a scheduling request on a physical uplink control channel PUCCH, the scheduling request resource being a scheduling request resource allocated by the second access network device to the terminal device according to the cell handover request; A first message is sent to the terminal device, where the first message is used to instruct the terminal device to switch to the second cell, and the first message includes the scheduling request resources and parameter information of the second access network device, and the parameter information is used for the terminal device to access the second cell.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first message is a radio resource control protocol RRC reconfiguration message.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before sending the cell switching request to the second access network device, the method further includes: Detecting that the signal quality of the terminal device is less than a preset threshold; Determine to switch the terminal device to the second cell.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before sending the cell switching request to the second access network device, the method further includes: According to the relative movement trajectory and relative movement speed of the terminal device within the coverage of the first cell, it is predicted that the terminal device will leave the coverage of the first cell within a preset time period; Determine to switch the terminal device to the second cell.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: Before determining to switch the terminal device to the second cell, the method further includes: Determine that a neighboring cell of the first cell is the second cell.

6. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: Before determining to switch the terminal device to the second cell, the method further includes: According to the ephemeris information, determine that a satellite adjacent to the first satellite and arriving at the location of the terminal device later is the second satellite; The determining to switch the terminal device to the second cell includes: Determine to switch the terminal device to the second cell included in the second access network device deployed on the second satellite.

7. A method for cell switching, characterized in that: Applied to a second access network device, where the second access network device is deployed on a second satellite, and the second access network device includes a second cell, the method includes: receiving a cell switching request sent by a first access network device, where the first access network device is deployed on a first satellite and includes a first cell; Allocate scheduling request resources for the terminal device according to the cell switching request, the scheduling request resources including resources for sending scheduling requests on a physical uplink control channel PUCCH, the terminal device is accessed in the first cell and is within the signal coverage of the second cell; Sending a handover request confirmation message to the first access network device, where the handover request confirmation message includes the scheduling request resource; receiving a scheduling request sent by the terminal device, where the scheduling request is used to apply for uplink authorization, and the scheduling request is sent by the terminal device on the PUCCH according to the scheduling request resource; Sending the uplink grant to the terminal device on a physical downlink control channel PDCCH; A second message is received, where the second message is sent by the terminal device according to the uplink authorization, and the second message is used to instruct the terminal device to complete the cell switching.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The second message is a radio resource control protocol RRC reconfiguration completion message.

9. A cell switching method, characterized in that: Applied to a terminal device, the terminal device is accessed in a first cell, a first access network device includes the first cell, and the first access network device is deployed on a first satellite, the method includes: receiving a first message sent by the first access network device, where the first message is used to instruct the terminal device to switch to a second cell, the first message includes a scheduling request resource and parameter information of the second access network device, the parameter information is used for the terminal device to access the second cell, the scheduling request resource includes a resource for sending a scheduling request on a physical uplink control channel PUCCH, the scheduling request resource is a scheduling request resource allocated by the second access network device to the terminal device according to a cell switching request, the second access network device is deployed on a second satellite, the second access network device includes the second cell, and the terminal device is located within a signal coverage range of the second cell; accessing the second cell according to the first message; Sending a scheduling request to the second access network device on the PUCCH according to the scheduling request resource, where the scheduling request is used to apply for uplink authorization; receiving an uplink grant sent by the second access network device, where the uplink grant is sent by the second access network device on a physical downlink control channel PDCCH; A second message is sent to the second access network device according to the uplink authorization, where the second message is used to instruct the terminal device to complete the cell switching.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The first message is a radio resource control protocol RRC reconfiguration message.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The second message is a radio resource control protocol RRC reconfiguration completion message.

12. A network device, characterized in that: include: Processor and memory; The memory stores computer-executable instructions; The processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory, so that the network device performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or the method according to any one of claims 7 to 8.

13. A terminal device, characterized in that: include: Processor and memory; The memory stores computer-executable instructions; The processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory, so that the terminal device executes the method according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

14. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or the method according to any one of claims 7 to 8, or the method according to any one of claims 9 to 11 is implemented.

15. A chip system, characterized in that: It includes at least one processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface and the at least one processor are interconnected via a line, and the at least one processor is used to run a computer program or instruction to execute the method as described in any one of claims 1-6, or the method as described in any one of claims 7-8, or the method as described in any one of claims 9-11.

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