Switching methods, terminals, communication systems, and electronic devices

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a handover method, terminal, communication system, and electronic device, and pertains to the field of communication technology. The method includes: a first terminal sending a handover request to a second terminal via a source satellite, wherein the first terminal establishes a communication link between the source satellite and the second terminal, and the handover request includes at least one of: a satellite reselection instruction and ephemeris information of a candidate satellite; the first terminal receiving a handover confirmation message sent by the second terminal via the source satellite, wherein the handover confirmation message includes information about a target satellite, which is determined by the second terminal based on the handover request; the first terminal switching to the target satellite, and establishing a communication link between the target satellite and the second terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a switching method, terminal, communication system, and electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) and academia are conducting relevant research on integrated air-space-ground scenarios. Satellites are gradually acquiring some of the functions of base stations or core networks in various architectures.

[0003] Currently, in the integrated air-space-ground scenario, communication between terminals still requires going through the terrestrial network. That is, communication between a terminal device and another terminal device usually takes place through the path of terminal-satellite-terrestrial network (-satellite)-terminal. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The inventors discovered that due to the mobility of satellites, terminals need to switch between satellites. Currently, there is no solution for achieving this switching between satellites in an integrated air-space-ground scenario. Furthermore, given that current communication between terminals still requires terrestrial networks, the switching process can lead to significant latency and increased signaling overhead.

[0005] One of the technical problems this disclosure aims to solve is to propose a handover method in an integrated air-space-ground scenario, which improves handover efficiency and reduces signaling overhead.

[0006] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a handover method is provided, comprising: a first terminal sending a handover request to a second terminal via a source satellite, wherein the first terminal establishes a communication link between the source satellite and the second terminal, and the handover request includes at least one of: a satellite reselection instruction and ephemeris information of a candidate satellite; the first terminal receiving a handover confirmation message sent by the second terminal via the source satellite, wherein the handover confirmation message includes information of a target satellite, the target satellite being determined by the second terminal according to the handover request; the first terminal switching to the target satellite and establishing a communication link between the target satellite and the second terminal.

[0007] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the first terminal determining whether to perform satellite handover based on the ephemeris information of each satellite and the connection information between each satellite; wherein, the first terminal sending a handover request to the second terminal through the source satellite includes: the first terminal sending a handover request to the second terminal through the source satellite when it determines that satellite handover should be performed.

[0008] In some embodiments, candidate satellites are determined by the first terminal based on the ephemeris information of each satellite and the connectivity information between the satellites.

[0009] In some embodiments, the switch confirmation message may further include: security information for verifying whether the communication link has been successfully established.

[0010] In some embodiments, if the handover request includes ephemeris information of candidate satellites or the satellite reselection instruction includes the identifier of a candidate satellite, the target satellite is determined by the second terminal based on the ephemeris information of the candidate satellites; or, if the handover request does not include ephemeris information of candidate satellites and the satellite reselection instruction is used to indicate the reselection of a connected satellite, the target satellite is determined by the second terminal based on the ephemeris information of each satellite; or, if the handover request does not include ephemeris information of candidate satellites and the satellite reselection instruction includes the identifier of the target satellite, the target satellite is determined by the second terminal directly based on the identifier of the target satellite.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method further includes: establishing a connection between the first terminal and the source satellite, and establishing a communication link between the source satellite and the second terminal.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further includes: before the first terminal receives a handover confirmation message sent by the second terminal via the source satellite, if the handover request includes ephemeris information of the candidate satellite or if the satellite reselection indication includes the identifier of the candidate satellite, the source satellite sends stored context information of the first terminal and context information of the second terminal to the candidate satellite, wherein the context information of the first terminal and the context information of the second terminal are used for authorization and authentication of the first terminal and the second terminal during the handover process.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method further includes: after the first terminal receives a handover confirmation message sent by the second terminal through the source satellite, the source satellite sends stored context information of the first terminal and context information of the second terminal to the target satellite, wherein the context information of the first terminal and the context information of the second terminal are used for authorization and authentication of the first terminal and the second terminal during the handover process.

[0014] According to some other embodiments of this disclosure, a handover method is provided, comprising: a second terminal receiving a handover request sent by a first terminal via a source satellite, wherein the first terminal establishes a communication link between the source satellite and the second terminal, and the handover request includes at least one of: a satellite reselection instruction and ephemeris information of a candidate satellite; the second terminal determining information of a target satellite based on the handover request; the second terminal sending a handover confirmation message to the first terminal via the source satellite, wherein the handover confirmation message includes information of the target satellite; the second terminal switching to the target satellite and establishing a communication link with the first terminal via the target satellite.

[0015] In some embodiments, the switch confirmation message may further include: security information for verifying whether the communication link has been successfully established.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second terminal determines the target satellite information based on the handover request by: if the handover request includes ephemeris information of candidate satellites or if the satellite reselection instruction includes the identifier of candidate satellites, the second terminal determines the target satellite information based on the ephemeris information of candidate satellites; or, if the handover request does not include ephemeris information of candidate satellites and the satellite reselection instruction is used to indicate the reselection of a connected satellite, the second terminal determines the target satellite information based on the ephemeris information of each satellite; or, if the handover request does not include ephemeris information of candidate satellites and the satellite reselection instruction includes the identifier of the target satellite, the second terminal directly determines the target satellite information based on the identifier of the target satellite.

[0017] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a terminal is provided, configured as a first terminal, comprising: a transmitter for sending a handover request to a second terminal via a source satellite, wherein the handover request includes at least one of a satellite reselection instruction and ephemeris information of a candidate satellite; a receiver for receiving a handover confirmation message sent by the second terminal via the source satellite, wherein the handover confirmation message includes information of a target satellite, the target satellite being determined by the second terminal according to the handover request; and a controller for controlling the first terminal to switch to the target satellite and establishing a communication link with the second terminal via the target satellite.

[0018] According to further embodiments of this disclosure, a terminal is provided, configured as a second terminal, comprising: a receiver, configured to receive a handover request sent by a first terminal via a source satellite, wherein the handover request includes at least one of a satellite reselection instruction and ephemeris information of a candidate satellite; a controller, configured to determine information of a target satellite based on the handover request, and control the second terminal to switch to the target satellite, thereby establishing a communication link with the first terminal via the target satellite; and a transmitter, configured to send a handover confirmation message to the first terminal via the source satellite, wherein the handover confirmation message includes information of the target satellite.

[0019] According to some further embodiments of this disclosure, a communication system is provided, including: a first terminal of any of the foregoing embodiments and a second terminal of any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0020] In some embodiments, the system further includes: a source satellite, configured to receive a handover request sent by a first terminal and forward it to a second terminal, and to receive a handover confirmation message sent by the second terminal and forward it to the first terminal.

[0021] In some embodiments, the source satellite is further configured to store context information of the first terminal and context information of the second terminal. Before receiving a handover confirmation message from the second terminal, if the handover request includes ephemeris information of the candidate satellite or if the satellite reselection indication includes the identifier of the candidate satellite, the source satellite sends the context information of the first terminal and context information of the second terminal to the candidate satellite; or, after receiving the handover confirmation message from the second terminal, the source satellite sends the context information of the first terminal and context information of the second terminal to the target satellite, wherein the context information of the first terminal and context information of the second terminal are used for authorization and authentication of the first terminal and the second terminal during the handover process.

[0022] In some embodiments, the system further includes a target satellite, configured to establish a connection with the first terminal and the second terminal in response to the switching of the first terminal and the second terminal, thereby forming a communication link.

[0023] According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor for storing instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform a switching method as described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0024] According to some other embodiments of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored, wherein the program, when executed by a processor, implements the switching method of any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0025] This disclosure proposes a novel communication method in which a first terminal establishes a communication link with a second terminal via a satellite, enabling direct communication between the two terminals. The first terminal sends a handover request to the second terminal via the source satellite. The handover request includes at least one of the following: a satellite reselection instruction and ephemeris information of candidate satellites. The second terminal determines the target satellite based on the handover request and sends a handover confirmation message carrying the target satellite's information to the first terminal. Subsequently, both the first and second terminals hand over to the target satellite, and a communication link is established between the first terminal and the second terminal via the target satellite. This disclosure enables terminal handover between satellites in an integrated air-space-ground scenario, and facilitates signaling interaction between terminals via satellite, improving handover efficiency and reducing signaling overhead.

[0026] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a switching method according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the system architecture of some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a switching method according to other embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a first terminal according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a second terminal according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Figure 8 Schematic diagrams of the structure of electronic devices according to other embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0037] For integrated air-space-ground scenarios, a switching method is proposed, which will be discussed below. Figures 1-3 Provide a description.

[0038] Figure 1 Flowcharts are shown for some embodiments of the switching method disclosed herein. For example... Figure 1As shown, the method of this embodiment includes steps S102 to S108.

[0039] In step S102, the first terminal sends a handover request to the second terminal via the source satellite, and correspondingly, the second terminal receives the handover request sent by the first terminal via the source satellite.

[0040] The first terminal establishes a communication link between the source satellite and the second terminal. For example... Figure 2 As shown, UE A and UE B establish a communication link via satellite 1, and UE C and UE D establish a communication link via satellite 2. The satellites also connect to the terrestrial network, but the terminals can exchange signaling information solely through the satellites.

[0041] Satellites can possess storage and relay capabilities, meaning they can have terminal capabilities, a concept known as "terminal onboarding." On one hand, terminal onboarding avoids the payload and processing power requirements of onboarding base station and core network functions, facilitating lightweight deployment and implementation. Compared to base station and core network functions, terminal functions have lower hardware requirements for satellites, resulting in shorter satellite manufacturing cycles, lower costs, and easier rapid and large-scale deployment. On the other hand, terminal onboarding provides a terminal-satellite-terminal communication method. The terminal-satellite-terrestrial network (-satellite)-terminal communication method requires data transmission through the core network, increasing transmission latency and radio resource overhead, especially in emergency situations such as maritime and exploration applications. The terminal-satellite-terminal communication method reduces the number of signaling interactions with the terrestrial network, reduces radio resource overhead, lowers latency, and improves communication efficiency. Furthermore, compared to traditional terminal-to-terminal communication, terminal-to-satellite-to-terminal communication ensures that two terminals can communicate directly within satellite coverage, greatly expanding the geographical range of terminal-to-terminal communication. This enhances the service quality of communication networks, expands application cases, and better serves communication services in remote and uninhabited areas.

[0042] The first terminal first sends a handover request to the source satellite, which then forwards it to the second terminal. In some embodiments, the handover request includes at least one of: a satellite reselection instruction and ephemeris information of candidate satellites. The satellite reselection instruction may include at least one of: an indicator for reselecting a satellite for connection, an identifier of the target satellite, and identifiers of candidate satellites. There may be one or more candidate satellites. The ephemeris information of the candidate satellites may include the identifiers of each candidate satellite and their corresponding ephemeris information.

[0043] In some embodiments, candidate satellites are determined by the first terminal based on the ephemeris information of each satellite and the connectivity information between the satellites. Alternatively, if the satellite reselection instruction includes an identifier for the target satellite, the target satellite is determined by the first terminal based on the ephemeris information of each satellite and the connectivity information between the satellites. The first terminal may also determine candidate or target satellites based solely on the ephemeris information of each satellite.

[0044] For example, the first terminal determines one or more satellites that will cover its location within a preset time period based on the ephemeris information of each satellite. It then determines whether these satellites are connected to a source satellite based on the connectivity information between them. From this, it selects one or more satellites connected to the source satellite as candidate satellites, or selects one satellite connected to the source satellite as the target satellite. The connectivity information between satellites can be represented using inter-satellite links or inter-satellite connectivity matrices.

[0045] The first terminal can learn about changes in satellite coverage areas through ephemeris information and connection information between various satellites, decide whether to perform satellite switching, and identify candidate or target satellites.

[0046] In step S104, the second terminal determines the target satellite information based on the handover request.

[0047] In some embodiments, if the handover request includes ephemeris information of candidate satellites or the satellite reselection instruction includes the identifier of candidate satellites, the second terminal determines the target satellite based on the ephemeris information of the candidate satellites; or, if the handover request does not include ephemeris information of candidate satellites and the satellite reselection instruction is used to indicate the reselection of a connected satellite, the second terminal determines the target satellite based on the ephemeris information of each satellite; or, if the handover request does not include ephemeris information of candidate satellites and the satellite reselection instruction includes the identifier of the target satellite, the second terminal directly determines the target satellite based on the identifier of the target satellite.

[0048] If the switching request only includes ephemeris information of candidate satellites or only includes a satellite reselection instruction with the candidate satellite's identifier, the second terminal can obtain the ephemeris information of the candidate satellites and determine the target satellite based on this information. For example, the second terminal can determine the target satellite that will cover its location within a preset time period based on the ephemeris information of each candidate satellite. The second terminal can also determine whether the target satellite is connected to the source satellite based on the connectivity information between the satellites. If the target satellite is not connected to the source satellite, a new target satellite can be selected.

[0049] The first terminal selects candidate satellites and sends their ephemeris information to the second terminal, which then selects the target satellite. This ensures that the selected target satellites accurately cover both terminals and reduces the time required for the second terminal to acquire ephemeris information, thus improving efficiency.

[0050] If the switching request only includes a satellite reselection instruction and the satellite reselection instruction is only used to indicate the reselection of a connected satellite, the second terminal can determine the target satellite based on the ephemeris information of each satellite, or based on the ephemeris information of each satellite and the connection information between each satellite.

[0051] If the handover request only includes a satellite reselection instruction, and the satellite reselection instruction includes the identifier of the target satellite, the second terminal can directly determine the target satellite. The second terminal can then determine whether the target satellite will cover its location within a preset future time period based on the target satellite's ephemeris information. If the target satellite cannot cover the second terminal's location within the preset future time period, the second terminal can return a handover response to the first terminal, carrying an indication that the target terminal is unsuitable.

[0052] In step S106, the second terminal sends a handover confirmation message to the first terminal via the source satellite, and correspondingly, the first terminal receives the handover confirmation message sent by the second terminal via the source satellite.

[0053] Once the handover is decided, the second terminal sends a handover confirmation message to the source satellite and then to the first terminal. The handover confirmation message includes information about the target satellite, such as the target satellite's identifier.

[0054] In some embodiments, the switch confirmation message may further include: security information for verifying whether the communication link has been successfully established.

[0055] In step S108, the first terminal switches to the target satellite and establishes a communication link with the second terminal through the target satellite. Correspondingly, the second terminal switches to the target satellite and establishes a communication link with the first terminal through the target satellite.

[0056] The above embodiments propose a novel communication method. A first terminal establishes a communication link with a second terminal via a satellite, enabling direct communication between the two terminals. The first terminal sends a handover request to the second terminal via the source satellite. The handover request includes at least one of the following: a satellite reselection instruction and ephemeris information of candidate satellites. The second terminal determines the target satellite based on the handover request and sends a handover confirmation message carrying the target satellite's information to the first terminal. Both the first and second terminals then switch to the target satellite, establishing a communication link between them. This embodiment enables terminal handover between satellites in an integrated air-space-ground scenario, facilitating signaling interaction between terminals via satellite, thus improving handover efficiency and reducing signaling overhead.

[0057] The following is combined with Figure 3 Some other embodiments of the switching method disclosed herein are described.

[0058] Figure 3 Flowcharts for other embodiments of the switching method of this disclosure are shown. Figure 3 As shown, the method of this embodiment includes steps S302 to S316.

[0059] In step S302, the first terminal establishes a connection with the source satellite and establishes a communication link with the second terminal through the source satellite. Correspondingly, the second terminal establishes a connection with the source satellite and establishes a communication link with the first terminal through the source satellite.

[0060] The first terminal establishes a communication link with the source satellite and the second terminal. After connecting to the source satellite, the first terminal can also obtain satellite ephemeris information or connection information between satellites from the ground network (e.g., the core network). Service authorization and pre-configuration of the first and second terminals are completed before the connection between the first terminal, the source satellite, and the second terminal is established.

[0061] In step S304, the first terminal determines whether to perform satellite handover based on the ephemeris information of each satellite and the connection information between each satellite. If it is determined to perform satellite handover, then step S306 is executed.

[0062] In step S306, the first terminal sends a handover request to the second terminal via the source satellite.

[0063] A switching request includes at least one of the following: a satellite reselection instruction and ephemeris information of a candidate satellite.

[0064] Optionally, in step S308, if the switching request includes the ephemeris information of the candidate satellite or if the satellite reselection instruction includes the identifier of the candidate satellite, the source satellite sends the stored context information of the first terminal and the context information of the second terminal to the candidate satellite.

[0065] The source satellite can store the context information of the first terminal and the context information of the second terminal. If the handover request includes information about candidate satellites, the source satellite can send the stored context information of the first terminal and the context information of the second terminal to the candidate satellites. The context information of the first terminal and the context information of the second terminal are used for authorization and authentication of the first terminal and the second terminal during the handover process.

[0066] There is an inter-satellite link between the source satellite and the candidate satellite. Therefore, after receiving a handover request from the first terminal, the source satellite can send context information about the first and second terminals to the candidate satellite according to the satellite reselection instruction. The candidate satellite stores the resources and context of the first and second terminals, thereby assisting the candidate satellite in authorizing access to the first and second terminals.

[0067] In step S310, the second terminal determines the information of the target satellite based on the handover request.

[0068] In step S312, the second terminal sends a handover confirmation message to the first terminal via the source satellite.

[0069] The switch confirmation message includes information about the target satellite.

[0070] Optionally, in step S314, the source satellite sends the stored context information of the first terminal and the context information of the second terminal to the target satellite.

[0071] If the source satellite has already sent the context information of the first terminal and the context information of the second terminal to the candidate satellite, then step S314 does not need to be executed.

[0072] In step S316, the first terminal and the second terminal switch to the target satellite, and the first terminal establishes a communication link with the target satellite and the second terminal.

[0073] If steps S308 or S314 are executed, the link establishment between the first terminal and the target satellite, and between the target satellite and the second terminal, can be simplified. The target satellite can complete the relevant authorization and authentication for the first and second terminals based on the stored context information. If steps S308 and S314 are not executed, it is necessary to re-establish a new communication link between the target satellite and the two terminals.

[0074] The proposed solution targets the integrated air-space-ground communication network scenario. Due to the mobility of satellites, the network topology is highly dynamic and suffers from partial coverage weaknesses. By enabling satellites to have terminal capabilities (such as store-and-forward functionality) to achieve long-distance communication, a mobility handover method is proposed to address the high dynamism of the network topology and better serve remote and uninhabited areas.

[0075] This disclosure utilizes the regularity and predictability of inter-satellite network constellation operation, with a relatively fixed inter-satellite topology. Satellite ephemeris information is acquired to assist in resolving satellite mobility handover. The ground terminal determines the target satellite for handover based on ephemeris information and inter-satellite connectivity information. The mobility handover method based on terminal onboarding proposed in this disclosure allows satellites to transmit terminal information via inter-satellite links and store terminal context information for subsequent assistance in granting access authorization to the terminal, thereby improving handover efficiency.

[0076] This disclosure also provides a terminal, configured as a first terminal, which is described below in conjunction with... Figure 4 Describe it.

[0077] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of some embodiments of the first terminal disclosed herein. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the first terminal 40 in this embodiment includes: a transmitter 410, a receiver 420, and a controller 430.

[0078] Transmitter 410 is used to send a handover request to a second terminal via a source satellite, wherein the handover request includes at least one of a satellite reselection instruction and ephemeris information of a candidate satellite.

[0079] Receiver 420 is used to receive a handover confirmation message sent by the second terminal through the source satellite, wherein the handover confirmation message includes information about the target satellite, which is determined by the second terminal according to the handover request.

[0080] The controller 430 is used to control the first terminal to switch to the target satellite and establish a communication link with the second terminal through the target satellite.

[0081] In some embodiments, the controller 430 is further configured to determine whether to perform satellite handover based on the ephemeris information of each satellite and the connection information between each satellite; if it is determined that satellite handover should be performed, the transmitter 410 is triggered to send a handover request to the second terminal through the source satellite.

[0082] In some embodiments, candidate satellites are determined by the first terminal based on the ephemeris information of each satellite and the connectivity information between the satellites.

[0083] In some embodiments, the switch confirmation message may further include: security information for verifying whether the communication link has been successfully established.

[0084] In some embodiments, if the handover request includes ephemeris information of candidate satellites or the satellite reselection instruction includes the identifier of a candidate satellite, the target satellite is determined by the second terminal based on the ephemeris information of the candidate satellites; or, if the handover request does not include ephemeris information of candidate satellites and the satellite reselection instruction is used to indicate the reselection of a connected satellite, the target satellite is determined by the second terminal based on the ephemeris information of each satellite; or, if the handover request does not include ephemeris information of candidate satellites and the satellite reselection instruction includes the identifier of the target satellite, the target satellite is determined by the second terminal directly based on the identifier of the target satellite.

[0085] In some embodiments, the controller 430 is further configured to control the first terminal to establish a connection with the source satellite and to establish a communication link with the second terminal through the source satellite.

[0086] This disclosure also provides a second terminal, which is described below in conjunction with... Figure 5 Provide a description.

[0087] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of some embodiments of the second terminal disclosed herein. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the second terminal 50 in this embodiment includes: a receiver 510, a controller 520, and a transmitter 530.

[0088] Receiver 510 is configured to receive a handover request sent by a first terminal via a source satellite, wherein the handover request includes at least one of a satellite reselection instruction and ephemeris information of a candidate satellite.

[0089] The controller 520 is used to determine the information of the target satellite according to the switching request, and control the second terminal to switch to the target satellite, and establish a communication link with the first terminal through the target satellite.

[0090] Transmitter 530 is used to send a handover confirmation message to the first terminal via the source satellite, wherein the handover confirmation message includes information about the target satellite.

[0091] In some embodiments, the switch confirmation message may further include: security information for verifying whether the communication link has been successfully established.

[0092] In some embodiments, the controller 520 is configured to determine the target satellite information based on the ephemeris information of the candidate satellites when the handover request includes ephemeris information of the candidate satellites or when the satellite reselection instruction includes the identifier of the candidate satellites; or, when the handover request does not include ephemeris information of the candidate satellites and the satellite reselection instruction is used to indicate the reselection of the connected satellites, the controller 520 is configured to determine the target satellite information based on the ephemeris information of each satellite; or, when the handover request does not include ephemeris information of the candidate satellites and the satellite reselection instruction includes the identifier of the target satellites, the controller 520 is configured to determine the target satellite information directly based on the identifier of the target satellites.

[0093] The transmitter, receiver, and controller in the first terminal can be integrated into the transmitter, receiver, and controller in the second terminal to achieve the corresponding functions.

[0094] This disclosure also provides a communication system, which is described below in conjunction with... Figure 6 Provide a description.

[0095] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of some embodiments of the communication system disclosed herein. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the system 6 in this embodiment includes: a first terminal 40 and a second terminal 50.

[0096] In some embodiments, system 6 further includes a source satellite 62, configured to receive a handover request sent by the first terminal 40 and forward it to the second terminal 50, and to receive a handover confirmation message sent by the second terminal 50 and forward it to the first terminal 40.

[0097] In some embodiments, the source satellite 62 is further configured to store context information of the first terminal 40 and context information of the second terminal 50. Before receiving a handover confirmation message from the second terminal 50, if the handover request includes ephemeris information of the candidate satellite or if the satellite reselection indication includes the identifier of the candidate satellite, the source satellite 62 sends the context information of the first terminal 40 and the second terminal 50 to the candidate satellite; or, after receiving the handover confirmation message from the second terminal 50, the source satellite 62 sends the context information of the first terminal 40 and the second terminal 50 to the target satellite. The context information of the first terminal 40 and the second terminal 50 are used for authorization and authentication of the first terminal 40 and the second terminal 50 during the handover process.

[0098] In some embodiments, system 6 further includes a target satellite 64, configured to establish a connection with the first terminal 40 and the second terminal 50 in response to a switchover between the first terminal 40 and the second terminal 50, thereby forming a communication link. The target satellite 64 is also configured to receive context information of the first terminal 40 and the second terminal 50 transmitted by the source satellite 62, and to authorize and authenticate the first terminal 40 and the second terminal 50.

[0099] System 6 may include multiple satellites and multiple terminals. Any terminal can be used as a first terminal or a second terminal, and any satellite can be used as a source satellite or a target satellite.

[0100] The electronic devices (first terminal, second terminal, satellite, etc.) in the embodiments of this disclosure can each be implemented by various computing devices or computer systems, as described below. Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 Describe it.

[0101] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of some embodiments of the electronic device disclosed herein. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the electronic device 70 of this embodiment includes a memory 710 and a processor 720 coupled to the memory 710. The processor 720 is configured to execute the switching method in any of the embodiments of this disclosure based on instructions stored in the memory 710.

[0102] The memory 710 may include, for example, system memory, fixed non-volatile storage media, etc. The system memory may store, for example, an operating system, application programs, a boot loader, a database, and other programs.

[0103] Figure 8 These are structural diagrams of some other embodiments of the electronic device disclosed herein. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the electronic device 80 of this embodiment includes a memory 810 and a processor 820, which are similar to the memory 710 and processor 720, respectively. It may also include an input / output interface 830, a network interface 840, a storage interface 850, etc. These interfaces 830, 840, 850, and the memory 810 and processor 820 can be connected, for example, via a bus 860. The input / output interface 830 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as a display, mouse, keyboard, and touchscreen. The network interface 840 provides a connection interface for various networked devices, such as connecting to a database server or cloud storage server. The storage interface 850 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as SD cards and USB flash drives.

[0104] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this disclosure can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this disclosure can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this disclosure can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable non-transitory storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0105] This disclosure is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create a machine for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0106] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0107] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0108] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A switching method, comprising: A first terminal sends a handover request to a second terminal via a source satellite. The first terminal establishes a communication link with the second terminal via the source satellite. The handover request includes at least one of a satellite reselection instruction and ephemeris information of a candidate satellite. If the handover request includes the ephemeris information of the candidate satellite or the satellite reselection instruction includes the identifier of the candidate satellite, the source satellite sends stored context information of the first terminal and context information of the second terminal to the candidate satellite. The context information of the first terminal and the context information of the second terminal are used for authorization and authentication of the first terminal and the second terminal during the handover process. The first terminal receives a handover confirmation message sent by the second terminal through the source satellite, wherein the handover confirmation message includes information about the target satellite, which is determined by the second terminal based on the handover request; The first terminal switches to the target satellite and establishes a communication link with the second terminal through the target satellite.

2. The switching method according to claim 1 further includes: The first terminal determines whether to perform satellite switching based on the ephemeris information of each satellite and the connection information between each satellite; The first terminal sending a handover request to the second terminal via the source satellite includes: When the first terminal determines that a satellite handover should be performed, it sends a handover request to the second terminal via the source satellite.

3. The switching method according to claim 1, wherein, The candidate satellites are determined by the first terminal based on the ephemeris information of each satellite and the connection information between each satellite.

4. The switching method according to claim 1, wherein, The handover confirmation message also includes security information, used to verify whether the communication link was successfully established.

5. The switching method according to claim 1, wherein, If the switching request includes the ephemeris information of the candidate satellite or the satellite reselection instruction includes the identifier of the candidate satellite, the target satellite is determined by the second terminal based on the ephemeris information of the candidate satellite; or, If the switching request does not include the ephemeris information of the candidate satellites and the satellite reselection indication is used to indicate the reselection of a connected satellite, the target satellite is determined by the second terminal based on the ephemeris information of each satellite; or, If the switching request does not include the ephemeris information of the candidate satellite and the satellite reselection indication includes the identifier of the target satellite, the target satellite is determined directly by the second terminal based on the identifier of the target satellite.

6. The switching method according to claim 1 further includes: The first terminal establishes a connection with the source satellite and establishes a communication link with the second terminal through the source satellite.

7. The switching method according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising: After the first terminal receives the handover confirmation message sent by the second terminal via the source satellite, The source satellite sends the stored context information of the first terminal and the context information of the second terminal to the target satellite, wherein the context information of the first terminal and the context information of the second terminal are used for authorization and authentication of the first terminal and the second terminal during the handover process.

8. A switching method, comprising: The second terminal receives a handover request sent by the first terminal via a source satellite. The first terminal establishes a communication link with the second terminal via the source satellite. The handover request includes at least one of a satellite reselection instruction and ephemeris information of a candidate satellite. If the handover request includes the ephemeris information of the candidate satellite or the satellite reselection instruction includes the identifier of the candidate satellite, the source satellite sends stored context information of the first terminal and context information of the second terminal to the candidate satellite. The context information of the first terminal and the context information of the second terminal are used for authorization and authentication of the first terminal and the second terminal during the handover process. The second terminal determines the target satellite information based on the handover request; The second terminal sends a handover confirmation message to the first terminal via the source satellite, wherein the handover confirmation message includes information about the target satellite; The second terminal switches to the target satellite and establishes a communication link with the first terminal through the target satellite.

9. The switching method according to claim 8, wherein, The handover confirmation message also includes security information, used to verify whether the communication link was successfully established.

10. The switching method according to claim 8, wherein, The second terminal determines the target satellite information based on the handover request, including: If the switching request includes the ephemeris information of the candidate satellite or the satellite reselection instruction includes the identifier of the candidate satellite, the second terminal determines the information of the target satellite based on the ephemeris information of the candidate satellite; or, If the switching request does not include the ephemeris information of the candidate satellites and the satellite reselection indication is used to indicate the reselection of a connected satellite, the second terminal determines the information of the target satellite based on the ephemeris information of each satellite; or, If the switching request does not include the ephemeris information of the candidate satellite and the satellite reselection indication includes the identifier of the target satellite, the second terminal directly determines the information of the target satellite based on the identifier of the target satellite.

11. A terminal, configured as a first terminal, comprising: A transmitter is configured to send a handover request to a second terminal via a source satellite, wherein the handover request includes at least one of a satellite reselection instruction and ephemeris information of a candidate satellite, wherein, if the handover request includes the ephemeris information of the candidate satellite or the satellite reselection instruction includes the identifier of the candidate satellite, the source satellite sends stored context information of the first terminal and context information of the second terminal to the candidate satellite, wherein the context information of the first terminal and the context information of the second terminal are used for authorization and authentication of the first terminal and the second terminal during the handover process; A receiver is configured to receive a handover confirmation message sent by the second terminal via the source satellite, wherein the handover confirmation message includes information about the target satellite, which is determined by the second terminal based on the handover request; The controller is used to control the first terminal to switch to the target satellite and establish a communication link with the second terminal through the target satellite.

12. A terminal configured as a second terminal, comprising: A receiver is configured to receive a handover request sent by a first terminal via a source satellite, wherein the handover request includes at least one of a satellite reselection instruction and ephemeris information of a candidate satellite, wherein, if the handover request includes the ephemeris information of the candidate satellite or the satellite reselection instruction includes the identifier of the candidate satellite, the source satellite sends stored context information of the first terminal and context information of the second terminal to the candidate satellite, wherein the context information of the first terminal and the context information of the second terminal are used for authorization and authentication of the first terminal and the second terminal during the handover process; The controller is used to determine the information of the target satellite according to the switching request, and control the second terminal to switch to the target satellite, and establish a communication link with the first terminal through the target satellite; A transmitter is configured to send a handover confirmation message to the first terminal via the source satellite, wherein the handover confirmation message includes information about the target satellite.

13. A communication system, comprising: The first terminal as described in claim 11 and the second terminal as described in claim 12.

14. The communication system according to claim 13, further comprising: The source satellite is used to receive the handover request sent by the first terminal and forward it to the second terminal, and to receive the handover confirmation message sent by the second terminal and forward it to the first terminal.

15. The communication system according to claim 14, wherein, The source satellite is also used to store the context information of the first terminal and the context information of the second terminal. Before receiving the handover confirmation message sent by the second terminal, if the handover request includes the ephemeris information of the candidate satellite or if the satellite reselection indication includes the identifier of the candidate satellite, the source satellite sends the context information of the first terminal and the context information of the second terminal to the candidate satellite. Alternatively, after receiving the handover confirmation message from the second terminal, the context information of the first terminal and the context information of the second terminal are sent to the target satellite. The context information of the first terminal and the context information of the second terminal are used for authorization and authentication of the first terminal and the second terminal during the handover process.

16. The communication system according to any one of claims 13-15, further comprising: The target satellite is used to establish a connection with the first terminal and the second terminal in response to the switching between the first terminal and the second terminal, thereby forming a communication link.

17. An electronic device comprising: processor; as well as A memory coupled to the processor is used to store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the switching method as described in any one of claims 1-10.

18. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein, When executed by a processor, the program implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1-10.

Images