Communication switching method and satellite communication system

Abstract

The present application provides a communication switching method and a satellite communication system, which relate to the field of communication technology. The method includes: a first communication device sends first backup information to a second communication device, thereby backing up the context information of the terminal device based on the first connection through the first backup information, and establishing a second connection between a tethered drone and the second communication device, so that it is possible to switch from the first connection to the second connection, the tethered drone can continue to provide communication services for the UE using the second connection, and avoid losing the context information of the UE when switching to the second connection, the second communication device can use the context information of the terminal device based on the first connection, maintain the communication between the UE and the core network device through the second connection, realize the continuous communication of the UE, avoid communication interruption, thereby improving the communication quality and user experience.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In communication systems, such as Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the terminal equipment (UE) communicates with the base station through the wireless interface, the base station communicates with the core network equipment through the optical fiber, and the core network equipment is connected to the external network through the optical fiber to realize the communication service of the UE. In the event of natural disasters (such as floods, earthquakes, etc.), the optical fiber is easily damaged, and the cost of laying optical fiber is high. Therefore, backpack base stations came into being. Figure 2 As shown, the backpack base station communicates with the UE through a wireless interface, and the backpack base station communicates with the core network equipment through a satellite. The core network equipment is connected to the external network through optical fiber, which can realize the communication service of the UE. However, the network coverage of the backpack base station is limited. In order to expand the network coverage of the backpack base station, the backpack base station can be implemented using a tethered drone. The tethered drone is located in the air and can cover more UEs. The tethered drone generally works in a tethered mode, that is, it is connected to the emergency communication vehicle through a cable. The cable can provide power for the tethered drone and realize communication data transmission. The emergency communication vehicle communicates with the core network equipment through a satellite, thereby realizing the communication service of the UE based on the connection between the tethered drone-emergency communication vehicle-satellite-core network equipment.

[0003] In the related art, emergency communication vehicles often encounter special situations, such as power exhaustion, cable failure, etc., and the tethered drone cannot continue to work in tethered mode, so it is necessary to switch to other working modes, such as battery mode, that is, to provide power through its own battery and communicate with other emergency backup equipment through wireless means to maintain communication, and then switch back to tethered mode when the special situation of the emergency communication vehicle is restored. However, during the above switching process, the connection between the tethered drone and the emergency communication vehicle / emergency backup equipment will be temporarily disconnected, resulting in UE communication interruption, making the UE unable to communicate continuously, reducing the communication quality, and making the user experience poor. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application provides a communication switching method and a satellite communication system to solve the problem that during the communication switching process, the connection between a tethered drone and an emergency communication vehicle / emergency backup equipment is temporarily disconnected, thereby causing communication interruption of the UE, resulting in the UE being unable to communicate continuously, reducing the communication quality, and resulting in a poor user experience. ... causing the UE to be unable to communicate continuously, reducing the communication quality, and resulting in a poor user experience. The present application

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication switching method, which is applied to a tethered drone, and the method includes:

[0006] The tethered drone receives first information sent by the first communication device through the first connection, the first information is used to notify the tethered drone to establish a second connection with the second communication device, and switch to the first power supply mode, the first connection and the second connection are used to realize the communication connection between the terminal device and the core network device, the terminal device is communicated with the tethered drone, and the first communication device and the second communication device are respectively communicated with the core network device through the satellite;

[0007] The tethered drone switches to the first power supply mode in response to the first information, and sends second information to the second communication device, where the second information is used to request to establish a second connection with the second communication device;

[0008] The tethered drone receives third information sent by the second communication device, and the third information is used to indicate that the second connection is established, so that the terminal device communicates based on the second connection. The third information is sent by the second communication device in response to the second information after receiving the first backup information sent by the first communication device. The first backup information is sent by the first communication device to the second communication device after sending the first information. The first backup information is used to indicate the first context information of the terminal device based on the first connection, so that the second communication device can use the first context information to maintain communication between the terminal device and the core network device through the second connection.

[0009] In one possible design, the method further includes:

[0010] After the second connection is established, the tethered drone sends fourth information to the first communication device, where the fourth information is used to notify the first communication device to disconnect the first connection.

[0011] In one possible design, the method further includes:

[0012] The tethered drone receives fifth information sent by the third communication device, where the fifth information is used to request to establish a third connection with the tethered drone, and to notify the tethered drone to switch to the second power supply mode after the third connection is established, where the third connection is used to realize the communication connection between the terminal device and the core network device, and to provide power for the tethered drone, and the second power supply mode is a mode of obtaining power from the third communication device through the third connection;

[0013] The tethered drone receives sixth information sent by the third communication device, the sixth information is used to notify the tethered drone that the third communication device has learned the second backup information, the second backup information is used to indicate the second context information of the terminal device based on the second connection, the second backup information is sent by the second communication device to the third communication device in response to the seventh information, the seventh information is sent by the third communication device to the second communication device after sending the fifth information, and the seventh information is used to request the second context information from the second communication device, so that the third communication device can use the second context information to maintain communication between the terminal device and the core network device through the third connection;

[0014] After receiving the sixth information, the tethered drone sends an eighth information to the third communication device, where the eighth information is used to indicate that the third connection is established, so that the terminal device communicates based on the third connection and switches the tethered drone to the second power supply mode.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication switching method, applied to a first communication device, the method comprising:

[0016] The first communication device sends a first message to the tethered drone through the first connection, the first message is used to notify the tethered drone to establish a second connection with the second communication device, and switch to the first power supply mode, the first connection and the second connection are used to realize the communication connection between the terminal device and the core network device, the terminal device is connected to the tethered drone, and the first communication device and the second communication device are connected to the core network device through satellites respectively;

[0017] The first communication device sends first backup information to the second communication device, where the first backup information is used to indicate the first context information of the terminal device based on the first connection, so that the second communication device can use the first context information to maintain communication between the terminal device and the core network device through the second connection;

[0018] The step of establishing the second connection includes: the tethered drone switches to the first power supply mode in response to the first information, and sends second information to the second communication device, where the second information is used to request to establish a second connection with the second communication device;

[0019] The tethered drone receives third information sent by the second communication device, where the third information is used to indicate that the second connection is established so that the terminal device communicates based on the second connection. The third information is sent by the second communication device in response to the second information after the second communication device receives the first backup information sent by the first communication device and receives the second information.

[0020] In one possible design, the method further includes:

[0021] The first communication device receives fourth information sent by the tethered drone, where the fourth information is sent by the tethered drone after the second connection is established, and the fourth information is used to notify the first communication device to disconnect the first connection.

[0022] In one possible design, the method further includes:

[0023] The first communication device sends fifth information to the tethered drone, where the fifth information is used to request to establish a third connection with the tethered drone, and to notify the tethered drone to switch to the second power supply mode after the third connection is established. The third connection is used to realize the communication connection between the terminal device and the core network device, and to provide power to the tethered drone. The second power supply mode is a mode of obtaining power from the first communication device through the third connection.

[0024] The first communication device sends seventh information to the second communication device after sending the fifth information, where the seventh information is used to request the second communication device for second context information of the terminal device based on the second connection, so that the first communication device can use the second context information to maintain communication between the terminal device and the core network device through the third connection;

[0025] The first communication device receives second backup information sent by the second communication device in response to the seventh information, where the second backup information is used to indicate the second context information;

[0026] The first communication device sends sixth information to the tethered drone, where the sixth information is used to notify the tethered drone that the first communication device has learned the second backup information;

[0027] The first communication device receives the eighth information sent by the tethered drone. The eighth information is sent by the tethered drone to the first communication device after receiving the sixth information. The eighth information is used to indicate that the third connection is established, so that the terminal device communicates based on the third connection and switches the tethered drone to the second power supply mode.

[0028] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication switching method, which is applied to a second communication device, and the method includes:

[0029] The second communication device receives the second information sent by the tethered drone in response to the first information, the second information is used to request to establish a second connection with the second communication device, the first information is sent by the first communication device to the tethered drone through the first connection, the first information is used to notify the tethered drone to establish the second connection with the second communication device, and switch to the first power supply mode, the first connection and the second connection are used to realize the communication connection between the terminal device and the core network device, the terminal device is connected to the tethered drone, and the first communication device and the second communication device are connected to the core network device through satellites respectively;

[0030] The second communication device receives first backup information sent by the first communication device, where the first backup information is sent by the first communication device when sending the first information, and the first backup information is used to indicate the first context information of the terminal device based on the first connection, so that the second communication device can use the first context information to maintain communication between the terminal device and the core network device through the second connection;

[0031] After receiving the first backup information, the second communication device sends a third information to the tethered drone in response to the second information, where the third information is used to indicate that the second connection is established so that the terminal device communicates based on the second connection.

[0032] In one possible design, the method further includes:

[0033] The second communication device receives the seventh information sent by the first communication device after sending the fifth information, the seventh information is used to request the second communication device for the second context information of the terminal device based on the second connection, so that the first communication device can use the second context information to maintain the communication between the terminal device and the core network device through the third connection, the fifth information is used to request to establish a third connection with the tethered drone, and to notify the tethered drone to switch to the second power supply mode after the third connection is established, the third connection is used to realize the communication connection between the terminal device and the core network device, and to provide power for the tethered drone, and the second power supply mode is a mode of obtaining power from the first communication device through the third connection;

[0034] The second communication device sends second backup information to the first communication device in response to the seventh information, where the second backup information is used to indicate the second context information;

[0035] The step of establishing the third connection includes: the first communication device sends fifth information to the tethered drone;

[0036] The first communication device receives the eighth information sent by the tethered drone. The eighth information is sent by the tethered drone to the first communication device after receiving the sixth information. The eighth information is used to indicate that the establishment of the third connection is complete so that the terminal device can communicate based on the third connection. The sixth information is sent by the first communication device to the tethered drone. The sixth information is used to notify the tethered drone that the first communication device has obtained the second backup information.

[0037] In any one of the first to third aspects above and any possible design of the aspect, the first power supply mode is a mode of obtaining electrical energy through a battery of the tethered drone.

[0038] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising: a module for executing the method in any possible design of the first aspect above.

[0039] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising: a module for executing the method in any possible design of the second aspect above.

[0040] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising: a module for executing a method in any possible design of the third aspect above.

[0041] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a satellite communication system, including: a tethered drone, a first communication device, a second communication device, a satellite, and a core network device;

[0042] The tethered drone is used to execute a method in any possible design as in the first aspect above, the first communication device is used to execute a method in any possible design as in the second aspect above, and the second communication device is used to execute a method in any possible design as in the third aspect above.

[0043] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, comprising: a first communication device, a second communication device, and a tethered drone for executing the method in the first aspect and any possible design of the first aspect; a tethered drone, a second communication device, and a first communication device for executing the method in the second aspect and any possible design of the second aspect; a tethered drone, a first communication device, and a second communication device for executing the method in the third aspect and any possible design of the third aspect.

[0044] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer-executable program or instructions, which, when executed by a processor, enables a communication device to implement a method in any possible design of any one of the first to third aspects.

[0045] In the tenth aspect, the present application provides a chip, comprising: an interface circuit and a logic circuit, the interface circuit being used to receive signals from other chips outside the chip and transmit them to the logic circuit, or to send signals from the logic circuit to other chips outside the chip, and the logic circuit being used to implement the method in any possible design in any one of the first to third aspects.

[0046] In the present application, the first communication device sends a first message to the tethered drone through a first connection, and the first message is used to notify the tethered drone to establish a second connection with the second communication device and switch to the first power supply mode. On the one hand, the tethered drone is notified to start the establishment process of the second connection in time, and on the other hand, the tethered drone is instructed to switch the power supply mode in time, so that the tethered drone can continue to communicate with the second connection after the second connection is established, so as to avoid the tethered drone having no power supply and being unable to communicate with the first communication device after the first communication device is offline. The first communication device sends a first backup message to the second communication device, and the first backup message is used to indicate the first context information of the UE based on the first connection, so that the second communication device can use the first context information to maintain the communication between the UE and the core network device through the second connection, so as to avoid the loss of the context information of the UE based on the first connection. The tethered drone responds to the first message, switches to the first power supply mode, and sends the second message to the second communication device. In terms of power supply, the tethered drone successfully switches to the first power supply mode based on the first message, so as to avoid the situation that the tethered drone is offline due to no power supply after the first communication device is offline, thereby causing the communication to be interrupted. In terms of communication, the tethered drone requests to establish a second connection to ensure that communication can be carried out based on the second connection after the first communication device is offline. After receiving the first backup information, the second communication device sends the third information to the tethered drone in response to the second information. Thus, the second connection is established, so that the UE can continue to communicate through the second connection between the tethered drone and the second communication device, and the second communication device can use the context information of the UE based on the first connection to maintain the communication of the UE, avoid communication interruption, and realize continuous communication of the UE, thereby improving the communication quality and user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network structure of base station communication provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a network structure of backpack-type base station communication provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a satellite communication system provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 4 A signaling interaction diagram of a communication switching method provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 5 A signaling interaction diagram of a communication switching method provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 6A signaling interaction diagram of a communication switching method provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device provided in one embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "plurality" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. "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 alone can mean: a alone, b alone, c alone, a and b in combination, a and c in combination, b and c in combination, or a, b, and c in combination, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0058] The directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "left", "right", "front", and "back" are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0059] The terms "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, the "connected" or "connected" of a circuit structure can refer to not only physical connection, but also electrical connection or signal connection. For example, it can be directly connected, that is, physically connected, or indirectly connected through at least one intermediate element, as long as the circuit is connected, or it can be the internal connection of two elements; signal connection can refer to signal connection through a circuit or through a media medium, such as radio waves. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0060] Exemplarily, the present application provides a communication switching method, a satellite communication system, a communication device, a computer-readable storage medium and a chip, which can back up the context information of the UE by exchanging the context information of the UE between a first communication device and a second communication device when the tethered drone switches the working mode, thereby avoiding the loss of the context information of the UE after the tethered drone switches the working mode, and can continue to use the context information of the UE to maintain the communication between the UE and the core network device, thereby realizing continuous communication of the UE and avoiding communication interruption, thereby improving the communication quality and improving the user experience.

[0061] Next, combine Figure 3 The satellite communication system of the present application is introduced.

[0062] See also Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a satellite communication system provided in one embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 As shown, the system includes: a tethered drone 10, a first communication device 20, a second communication device 30, a satellite 40 and a core network device 50.

[0063] The tethered drone 10 is connected to the first communication device 20 or the second communication device 30 in a wired or / wireless manner.

[0064] The first communication device 20 / the second communication device 30 is connected to the satellite 40 for communication, and the first communication device 20 / the second communication device 30 and the satellite 40 can communicate via a wireless interface. The satellite 40 communicates with the core network device 50 via satellite backhaul.

[0065] Alternatively, the first communication device 20 / the second communication device 30 is connected to the core network device 50 for communication, and the first communication device 20 / the second communication device 30 directly communicates with the core network device 50 by way of wired backhaul ( Figure 3 not shown).

[0066] The first communication device 20 and the second communication device 30 are connected for communication, and the first communication device 20 and the second communication device 30 may also communicate with each other wirelessly or by wire.

[0067] Among them, the tethered drone 10 can switch the connection between the first communication device 20 and the second communication device 30, so that when a special situation occurs in the first communication device 20 / second communication device 30, it can switch to the second communication device 30 / first communication device 20 for communication.

[0068] The special circumstances may include: power exhaustion of the first communication device 20 / the second communication device 30, cable failure, communication failure, etc.

[0069] In addition, the satellite communication system may also include other communication devices similar to the first communication device 20 / the second communication device 30, and the tethered drone 10 may also switch to connect to these communication devices.

[0070] Based on this, when the UE accesses the above-mentioned satellite communication system, the tethered drone 10 can cover the UE through wireless signals, and the tethered drone 10 and the UE are connected through wireless communication. Through UE-tethered drone 10-first communication device 20 / second communication device 30-satellite 40-core network device 50, the communication between the UE and the core network device 50 is realized, so that the core network device 50 can provide communication services for the UE.

[0071] The tethered drone 10 is used to provide communication services for the UE by covering the UE with wireless signals.

[0072] There are multiple ways to implement the tethered drone 10.

[0073] As a feasible implementation method, the tethered drone 10 can be a drone that carries a backpack base station and has a tethering function. The drone is electrically connected to the backpack base station to form a tethered drone 10. The tethered drone 10 can realize the communication function while having the tethering function.

[0074] As another feasible implementation method, the tethered drone 10 can be a drone with communication function and tethering function, that is, the tethered drone 10 includes a module that can realize all the functions of the backpack base station, so that the tethered drone 10 can realize the communication function while having the tethering function.

[0075] Among them, the tethered drone 10 has multiple power supply modes.

[0076] Power supply mode 1: battery power supply, a mode in which electric energy is obtained through the battery of the tethered drone. The tethered drone 10 also includes a battery, which is used to provide electric energy for the tethered drone 10.

[0077] Power supply mode 2: wired power supply, a mode of obtaining power from the first communication device 20 / second communication device 30 through a wired connection. The tethered drone 10 can be connected to the first communication device 20 / second communication device 30 through a cable, and the first communication device 20 / second communication device 30 provides power to the tethered drone 10 through the cable.

[0078] Among them, the tethered drone 10 also has multiple communication modes.

[0079] Communication mode 1: wired communication, the tethered drone 10 can be connected to the first communication device 20 / the second communication device 30 via a cable, and the tethered drone 10 realizes communication with the first communication device 20 / the second communication device 30 via the cable.

[0080] Communication mode 2: wireless communication. The tethered drone 10 has a wireless communication module, so that communication between the first communication device 20 and the second communication device 30 can be achieved through a wireless communication link.

[0081] According to the different power supply modes and communication modes, the tethered drone 10 has four working modes as shown in Table 1, namely, tethered mode, first semi-tethered mode, second semi-tethered mode and battery mode:

[0082] Table 1

[0083]

[0084] As shown in Table 1, the tethered mode indicates that the tethered drone 10 operates in a wired power supply and wired communication mode. The tethered drone 10 can be connected to the first communication device / the second communication device through a cable, so that the first communication device 20 / the second communication device 30 can power the tethered drone 10 and realize wired communication through the cable. Under normal circumstances, the first communication device 20 / the second communication device 30 operates in a tethered mode.

[0085] The first semi-tethered mode means that the tethered drone 10 operates in a wired power supply and wireless communication mode. The tethered drone 10 can be connected to the first communication device 20 / the second communication device 30 via a cable, so that the first communication device / the second communication device only supplies power to the tethered drone 10 via the cable, and the tethered drone 10 wirelessly communicates with the first communication device / the second communication device based on the wireless communication link.

[0086] The second semi-tethered mode means that the tethered drone 10 operates in a battery-powered, wireless communication mode. The tethered drone 10 can be connected to the first communication device / the second communication device via a cable, so that the first communication device / the second communication device only supplies power to the tethered drone 10 via the cable, and the tethered drone 10 wirelessly communicates with the first communication device / the second communication device based on the wireless communication link.

[0087] The first communication device 20 / the second communication device 30 may be an emergency communication vehicle or an emergency backup network element. The first communication device 20 / the second communication device 30 is equipped with a power supply system, so that the tethered drone 10 can be provided with power through a cable.

[0088] The first communication device 20 / the second communication device 30 also includes a satellite communication module, so that it can communicate with the satellite 40 through a wireless interface, and then the satellite 40 communicates with the core network device through satellite backhaul. In addition, the first communication device 20 / the second communication device 30 can also communicate with the core network device directly through wired backhaul, which is not limited in this application.

[0089] The first communication device 20 and the second communication device 30 may be the same or different, that is, both the first communication device 20 and the second communication device 30 may be emergency communication vehicles, or the first communication device 20 may be an emergency communication vehicle and the second communication device 30 may be an emergency backup network element. Alternatively, the first communication device 20 may be an emergency backup network element and the second communication device 30 may be an emergency communication vehicle.

[0090] The satellite 40 may be a LEO satellite, a non-geostationary earth orbit (NGEO) satellite, a medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite or a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite. In addition, the satellite 13 may be a geostationary orbit satellite, a medium orbit satellite or a low orbit satellite.

[0091] The core network device 50 may be, for example, a device in the core network (CN) of an existing mobile communication architecture or a device in the core network of a future mobile communication architecture. The core network, as a bearer network, provides an interface to the data network, provides communication connection, authentication, management, policy control, and data service bearing for terminal devices. The CN may further include: location management function (LMF), access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), authentication server function (AUSF), policy control function (PCF), user plane function (UPF) and other network elements.

[0092] Among them, UE can refer to user equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device. UE may also be a satellite phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wireless data card, a wireless modem, a machine type communication device, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device or a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, a terminal device in a 5G mobile communication system, a terminal device in a 6G mobile communication system, or a terminal device in a future mobile communication system, etc. In addition, UE can also be a terminal device in the Internet of Things (IoT) system.

[0093] Based on the above description, the following embodiments of the present application will be described in detail. Figure 3 Taking the satellite communication system with the structure shown as an example, the communication switching method provided by the present application is elaborated in detail.

[0094] Figure 4 This is a signaling interaction diagram of a communication switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 As shown, the method may include:

[0095] S101. A first communication device sends first information to a tethered drone through a first connection.

[0096] Correspondingly, the tethered drone receives the first information sent by the first communication device through the first connection.

[0097] Among them, the first connection is the connection between the tethered drone and the first communication device. The tethered drone and the first communication device can communicate through the first connection, so that the first connection can realize the communication connection between the UE and the core network device.

[0098] In some examples, the first connection is a wireless connection. The first communication device communicates with the tethered drone via a wireless link.

[0099] In some other examples, the first connection is a wired connection. The first communication device is connected to the tethered drone via a cable, and the first communication device communicates with the tethered drone via a wired link.

[0100] The first information is used to notify the tethered drone to establish a second connection with the second communication device and switch to the first power supply mode.

[0101] Among them, the first communication device can send the first information to the tethered drone before a special situation is about to occur, and notify the tethered drone in advance so that the tethered drone can switch from the current power supply mode to the first power supply mode and prepare to establish a connection with other communication devices.

[0102] The special circumstances include, for example, that the power of the first communication device is about to be exhausted, that the first communication device is about to leave the current service area, that the satellite communication module of the first communication device is damaged, and the like.

[0103] Among them, the second connection is the connection between the tethered drone and the second communication device. After the second connection is established, the tethered drone and the second communication device can communicate through the second connection, so that the second connection can realize the communication connection between the UE and the core network device.

[0104] The first power supply mode may be a mode of obtaining electric energy through the battery of the tethered drone, that is, the power supply mode 1 mentioned above.

[0105] When a special situation occurs in the first communication device, the tethered drone can be notified through the first information to switch to battery mode, thereby avoiding the situation where the tethered drone cannot continue to be provided with power, resulting in the tethered drone being disconnected, thereby causing communication interruption.

[0106] In addition, if the satellite communication module of the first communication device is damaged in a special case, the first communication device can still provide power for the tethered drone but cannot provide communication services, then the first power supply mode can also be the above-mentioned power supply mode 2.

[0107] Among them, the current power supply mode of the tethered drone can be the above-mentioned power supply mode 1 or the above-mentioned power supply mode 2, and this application does not limit this. After receiving the first information, the tethered drone can choose to switch or not switch according to the first power supply mode indicated by the first information.

[0108] Based on this, the first communication device sends the first information to the tethered drone through the first connection, on the one hand notifying the tethered drone to start the second connection establishment process in time, and on the other hand instructing the tethered drone to switch the power supply mode in time, so that the tethered drone can continue to communicate with the second connection after the second connection is established, avoiding the situation where the tethered drone has no power supply and cannot communicate with the first communication device after the first communication device is offline, thereby failing to provide communication services to the UE.

[0109] S102: The first communication device sends first backup information to the second communication device.

[0110] The first backup information is used to indicate the first context information of the UE based on the first connection, so that the second communication device can use the first context information to maintain the communication between the UE and the core network device through the second connection.

[0111] Considering that the UE is sending context information through the first connection at this time, if the tethered drone directly switches from the first connection to the second connection and uses the second connection to provide communication services for the UE, then the second communication device obviously cannot obtain the context information of the UE through the first connection. Even if the tethered drone successfully establishes the second connection and provides communication services to the UE through the second connection, it will cause the loss of context information, resulting in discontinuity of communication and affecting the user experience.

[0112] Based on this, after notifying the UE to establish the second connection, the first communication device can back up the UE's current context information to the second communication device, so that the second communication device can know the UE's first context information based on the first connection, thereby ensuring that the context information will not be lost and ensuring the continuity of communication.

[0113] The first communication device may send the first backup information via a wired or wireless method, depending on the connection method between the first communication device and the second communication device, which is not limited in this application.

[0114] S103: The tethered drone switches to the first power supply mode in response to the first information, and sends second information to the second communication device.

[0115] Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the second information sent by the tethered drone in response to the first information.

[0116] The second information is used to request to establish a second connection with the second communication device. The second information may include relevant data of the second communication device required to establish the second connection, such as a serial number, an identifier, etc.

[0117] The tethered drone can send the second information to the second communication device wirelessly, so that the second communication device can obtain the second information and prepare to establish the second connection.

[0118] In response to the first information, the tethered drone may first switch to the first power supply mode and then send the second information, or may first send the second information and then switch to the first power supply mode. Of course, the tethered drone may also switch to the first power supply mode and send the second information at the same time, which is not limited in this application. Figure 4 The situation shown in FIG. 1 is a situation where the first power supply mode is switched to and the second information is sent at the same time.

[0119] The switching of the power supply mode includes the following situations.

[0120] Case 1: The current power supply mode of the tethered drone is power supply mode 1, and the first power supply mode is power supply mode 1, then the tethered drone may not switch, that is, maintain the current power supply mode 1.

[0121] Case 2: The current power supply mode of the tethered drone is power supply mode 2, and the first power supply mode is power supply mode 1, then the tethered drone can switch from power supply mode 2 to power supply mode 1.

[0122] Case 3: The current power supply mode of the tethered drone is power supply mode 2, and the first power supply mode is power supply mode 2. The tethered drone may not switch, that is, maintain the current power supply mode 2.

[0123] Case 4: The current power supply mode of the tethered drone is power supply mode 1, and the first power supply mode is power supply mode 2, then the tethered drone can switch from power supply mode 1 to power supply mode 2.

[0124] It should be noted that since power supply mode 2 is a mode in which power is supplied through a wired connection, when switching to power supply mode 2, the tethered drone needs to determine whether there is a cable connection between the drone and the communication device (such as the first communication device or the second communication device). Only when there is a cable connection can the tethered drone switch to power supply mode 2.

[0125] Based on this, in terms of power supply, the tethered drone successfully switches to the first power supply mode based on the first information, avoiding the situation where the tethered drone is offline due to lack of power after the first communication device is offline, thereby causing communication interruption. In terms of communication, the tethered drone requests to establish a second connection to ensure that communication can be carried out based on the second connection after the first communication device is offline.

[0126] Among them, the present application does not limit the order of S102 and S103. In actual communication, S102 may be executed first and S103 may be executed later, or S103 may be executed first and S102 may be executed later. Of course, S103 and S102 may also be implemented at the same time, depending on the timing when the first communication device sends the first backup information and the timing when the tethered drone sends the second information. Figure 4 The example of sending the first backup information first is used for illustration.

[0127] S104: After receiving the first backup information, the second communication device sends third information to the tethered drone in response to the second information.

[0128] Correspondingly, the tethered drone receives the third information sent by the second communication device in response to the second information after receiving the first backup information.

[0129] Among them, the second communication device can send the third information to the tethered drone wirelessly.

[0130] The third information is used to indicate that the establishment of the second connection is complete, so that the UE communicates based on the second connection.

[0131] After receiving the first backup information, the second communication device can maintain the communication between the UE and the core network device by using the context information of the UE based on the first connection.

[0132] Based on this, after receiving the first backup information, the second communication device responds to the second information and sends the third information to the tethered drone, thereby completing the establishment of the second connection, so that the UE can continue to communicate through the second connection between the tethered drone and the second communication device, and the second communication device can use the context information of the UE based on the first connection to maintain the communication of the UE, thereby ensuring the continuity of communication.

[0133] In an embodiment of the present application, the first communication device sends a first message to the tethered drone through a first connection, and the first message is used to notify the tethered drone to establish a second connection with the second communication device and switch to the first power supply mode. On the one hand, the tethered drone is notified to start the establishment process of the second connection in time, and on the other hand, the tethered drone is instructed to switch the power supply mode in time, so that the tethered drone can continue to communicate with the second connection after the second connection is established, so as to avoid the tethered drone having no power supply and being unable to communicate with the first communication device after the first communication device is offline. The first communication device sends a first backup message to the second communication device, and the first backup message is used to indicate the first context information of the UE based on the first connection, so that the second communication device can use the first context information to maintain the communication between the UE and the core network device through the second connection, so as to avoid the loss of the context information of the UE based on the first connection. The tethered drone responds to the first message, switches to the first power supply mode, and sends the second message to the second communication device. In terms of power supply, the tethered drone successfully switches to the first power supply mode based on the first message, so as to avoid the situation that the tethered drone is offline due to no power supply after the first communication device is offline, thereby causing the communication to be interrupted. In terms of communication, the tethered drone requests to establish a second connection to ensure that communication can be carried out based on the second connection after the first communication device is offline. After receiving the first backup information, the second communication device sends the third information to the tethered drone in response to the second information. Thus, the second connection is established, so that the UE can continue to communicate through the second connection between the tethered drone and the second communication device, and the second communication device can use the context information of the UE based on the first connection to maintain the communication of the UE, avoid communication interruption, and realize continuous communication of the UE, thereby improving the communication quality and user experience.

[0134] Based on the above exemplary description, after the second connection is established, the UE can communicate with the core network device through the second connection. Therefore, after S104, the communication switching method may further include the following S105.

[0135] Figure 5 This is a signaling interaction diagram of a communication switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 As shown, after S104, the method further includes:

[0136] S105: After the second connection is established, the tethered drone sends fourth information to the first communication device.

[0137] Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the fourth information sent by the tethered drone after the second connection is established.

[0138] The fourth information is used to notify the first communication device to disconnect the first connection.

[0139] After the second connection is established, the UE has communicated with the core network device through the second connection, so the first connection can be disconnected.

[0140] The first connection may be disconnected by an operator. For example, when the first communication device is an emergency communication vehicle and the first connection is a wired connection, the first communication device may prompt the operator to disconnect the first connection after receiving the fourth information, and the operator may disconnect the cable. Alternatively, the first connection may be disconnected by the first communication device itself, which is not limited in this application.

[0141] After the second connection is established, that is, after ensuring that the UE can communicate through the second connection, the tethered drone instructs the first communication device that the first connection can be disconnected, thereby ensuring that the UE will not be unable to communicate after the first connection is disconnected, further ensuring the continuity of the UE's communication and improving the user experience.

[0142] After the first connection is disconnected, the operator can handle special situations of the first communication device, such as replacing batteries, repairing faults, etc.

[0143] Based on the above exemplary description, there is a situation where the second communication device is a temporary device and cannot provide communication services for the tethered drone for a long time, or the tethered drone can only be connected wirelessly, and the signal quality of the wireless method is poorer than the signal quality of the wired method. If the special situation of the first communication device is restored, or the operator replaces the first communication device with a third communication device, where the third communication device is, for example, another emergency communication vehicle, then the first communication device / third communication device can re-request to establish a connection with the tethered drone.

[0144] Figure 6 This is a signaling interaction diagram of a communication switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 As shown, after S104, the method further includes the following S106 to S1010:

[0145] It should be noted that Figure 6 The first communication device is used as an example, and the first communication device can also be a third communication device, which is not limited in this application.

[0146] S106. The first communication device sends fifth information to the tethered drone.

[0147] The fifth information is used to request to establish a third connection with the tethered drone, and to notify the tethered drone to switch to the second power supply mode after the third connection is established. The second information may include relevant data of the first communication device required to establish the third connection, such as a serial number, an identifier, etc.

[0148] Among them, the third connection is used to realize the communication connection between the UE and the core network equipment, and to provide power for the tethered drone.

[0149] The second power supply mode is a mode of obtaining electric energy from the first communication device through the third connection.

[0150] After the first communication device is able to re-establish a connection with the tethered drone, the first communication device sends a fifth message to the tethered drone, so that the tethered drone is ready to re-establish the connection, and notifies the tethered drone to switch to the second power supply mode after the third connection is established, ensuring that the tethered drone can switch the power supply mode in time without sending a request to switch the power supply mode after the third connection is established.

[0151] S107. After sending the fifth information, the first communication device sends the seventh information to the second communication device.

[0152] Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the seventh information sent by the first communication device after sending the fifth information.

[0153] The seventh information is used to request the second context information of the UE based on the second connection from the second communication device, so that the first communication device can use the second context information to maintain the communication between the UE and the core network device through the third connection.

[0154] Considering that the UE is sending context information through the second connection at this time, if the tethered drone directly switches from the second connection to the third connection and uses the third connection to provide communication services for the UE, then the first communication device obviously cannot obtain the context information of the UE through the second connection. Even if the tethered drone successfully establishes the third connection and continues to provide communication services to the UE through the third connection, the context information will be lost, resulting in discontinuity of communication and affecting the user experience.

[0155] The first communication device may send the seventh information via a wired or wireless method, depending on the connection method between the first communication device and the second communication device, which is not limited in this application.

[0156] Based on this, the first communication device sends the seventh information to the second communication device at the same time as or immediately after initiating a request to establish the third connection, requesting the UE for the second context information currently based on the second connection, so that the first communication device can obtain the second context information to ensure that communication can be carried out using the second context information to ensure the continuity of communication.

[0157] S108. The second communication device sends second backup information to the first communication device in response to the seventh information.

[0158] Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the second backup information sent by the second communication device in response to the seventh information.

[0159] The second backup information is used to indicate the second context information.

[0160] After receiving the seventh information sent by the first communication device, the second communication device sends second context information to the first communication device in response to the seventh information, and backs up the second context information to the first communication device so that the first communication device can know the second context information, thereby ensuring that the context information will not be lost and ensuring the continuity of communication.

[0161] The second communication device may send the second backup information in a wired or wireless manner, depending on the connection method between the first communication device and the second communication device, which is not limited in this application.

[0162] S109. The first communication device sends sixth information to the tethered drone.

[0163] Among them, the sixth information is used to notify the tethered drone that the first communication device has learned the second backup information.

[0164] Based on this, the first communication device informs the tethered drone through the sixth information that it has received the second backup information, so as to remind the tethered drone that a third connection can be established to ensure that the first communication device has obtained the second backup information when communicating using the third connection.

[0165] S1010. After receiving the sixth information, the tethered drone sends the eighth information to the first communication device.

[0166] Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the eighth information sent by the tethered drone after receiving the sixth information.

[0167] Among them, the eighth information is used to indicate that the third connection is established, so that the UE communicates based on the third connection and the tethered drone switches to the second power supply mode.

[0168] Among them, the tethered drone can send the eighth information to the first communication device wirelessly.

[0169] Based on this, the third connection is established, so that the UE can continue to communicate through the third connection between the tethered drone and the first communication device, and the first communication device can use the context information of the UE based on the second connection to maintain the communication of the UE, ensuring the continuity of communication. After the third connection is established, the tethered drone can switch to the second power supply mode, thereby completing the switching of the working mode, and the tethered drone works in the tethered mode again.

[0170] The switching of the power supply mode may refer to Case 3 and Case 4 in S103, which will not be described in detail here.

[0171] After the third connection is established, the UE has communicated with the core network device through the third connection, so the second connection can be disconnected.

[0172] The second connection may be disconnected by an operator. For example, when the second communication device is an emergency communication vehicle and the second connection is a wired connection, the second communication device may prompt the operator to disconnect the second connection after receiving the ninth information, and the operator may disconnect the cable. Alternatively, the second connection may be disconnected by the second communication device itself, which is not limited in this application.

[0173] After the third connection is established, that is, after ensuring that the UE can communicate through the third connection, the tethered drone instructs the second communication device that the second connection can be disconnected, thereby ensuring that the UE will not be unable to communicate after the second connection is disconnected, further ensuring the continuity of the UE's communication and improving the user experience.

[0174] Exemplarily, the present application also provides a communication device.

[0175] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0176] like Figure 7 As shown, the communication device 100 can exist independently or be integrated in other devices, and can communicate with the first communication device and the second communication device mentioned above to implement the operation corresponding to the tethered drone in any of the above method embodiments.

[0177] The communication device 100 may include a transceiver unit 101. The transceiver unit 101 may also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0178] Optionally, the communication device 100 may further include a storage unit and a processing unit, the storage unit may be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit, so that the communication device 100 implements the aforementioned method embodiment. The processing unit is used to perform data processing, and the transceiver unit 101 may implement corresponding communication functions.

[0179] The communication device 100 can be used to perform the actions performed by the tethered drone in the above method embodiment. The communication device 100 can be a tethered drone or a component that can be configured on a tethered drone. The transceiver unit 101 is used to perform the reception-related operations of the tethered drone in the above method embodiment.

[0180] Optionally, the transceiver unit 101 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiment. The receiving unit is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiment.

[0181] It should be noted that the communication device 100 may include a sending unit but not a receiving unit. Alternatively, the communication device 100 may include a receiving unit but not a sending unit. Specifically, it may depend on whether the above solution executed by the communication device 100 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0182] As an example, the communication device 100 is used to execute the above Figures 4 to 6 Actions performed by a tethered drone in the illustrated embodiment.

[0183] The communication device 100 may include: a transceiver unit 101 .

[0184] The transceiver unit 101 is used to receive first information sent by the first communication device through the first connection, the first information is used to notify the tethered drone to establish a second connection with the second communication device, and switch to the first power supply mode, the first connection and the second connection are used to realize the communication connection between the terminal device and the core network device, the terminal device is communicated with the tethered drone, and the first communication device and the second communication device are respectively communicated with the core network device through the satellite;

[0185] The transceiver unit 101 is used to switch to the first power supply mode in response to the first information, and send second information to the second communication device, where the second information is used to request to establish a second connection with the second communication device;

[0186] The transceiver unit 101 is used to receive third information sent by the second communication device, the third information is used to indicate that the second connection is established, so that the terminal device communicates based on the second connection, the third information is sent by the second communication device in response to the second information after receiving the first backup information sent by the first communication device, the first backup information is sent by the first communication device to the second communication device after sending the first information, and the first backup information is used to indicate the first context information of the terminal device based on the first connection, so that the second communication device can use the first context information to maintain the communication between the terminal device and the core network device through the second connection.

[0187] It should be understood that the execution of the above corresponding processes by each unit has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0188] The processing unit in the above embodiments may be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuits. The transceiver unit 101 may be implemented by a transceiver or a transceiver-related circuit. The transceiver unit 101 may also be referred to as a communication unit or a communication interface. The storage unit may be implemented by at least one memory.

[0189] In some examples, the transceiver unit 101 is further used to send fourth information to the first communication device after the second connection is established, and the fourth information is used to notify the first communication device to disconnect the first connection.

[0190] In some examples, the transceiver unit 101 is further used to receive fifth information sent by the third communication device, the fifth information is used to request to establish a third connection with the tethered drone, and to notify the tethered drone to switch to the second power supply mode after the third connection is established, the third connection is used to realize the communication connection between the terminal device and the core network device, and to provide power for the tethered drone, and the second power supply mode is a mode of obtaining power from the third communication device through the third connection;

[0191] Receive sixth information sent by the third communication device, the sixth information is used to notify the tethered drone that the third communication device has learned the second backup information, the second backup information is used to indicate the second context information of the terminal device based on the second connection, the second backup information is sent by the second communication device to the third communication device in response to the seventh information, the seventh information is sent by the third communication device to the second communication device after sending the fifth information, and the seventh information is used to request the second context information from the second communication device, so that the third communication device can use the second context information to maintain communication between the terminal device and the core network device through the third connection;

[0192] After receiving the sixth information, an eighth information is sent to the third communication device, where the eighth information is used to indicate that the third connection is established, so that the terminal device communicates based on the third connection and the tethered drone switches to the second power supply mode.

[0193] Exemplarily, the present application also provides a communication device.

[0194] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0195] like Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 200 can exist independently or be integrated in other devices, and can communicate with the tethered drone and the second communication device mentioned above, and is used to implement the operation corresponding to the first communication device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0196] The communication device 200 may include a transceiver unit 201. The transceiver unit 201 may also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0197] Optionally, the communication device 200 may further include a storage unit and a processing unit, the storage unit may be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit, so that the communication device 200 implements the aforementioned method embodiment. The processing unit is used to perform data processing, and the transceiver unit 201 may implement corresponding communication functions.

[0198] The communication device 200 can be used to perform the actions performed by the first communication device in the above method embodiment. The communication device 200 can be a first communication device or a component that can be configured in the first communication device. The transceiver unit 201 is used to perform the reception-related operations of the first communication device in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit is used to perform the processing-related operations of the first communication device in the above method embodiment.

[0199] Optionally, the transceiver unit 201 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiment. The receiving unit is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiment.

[0200] It should be noted that the communication device 200 may include a sending unit but not a receiving unit. Alternatively, the communication device 200 may include a receiving unit but not a sending unit. Specifically, it may depend on whether the above solution executed by the communication device 200 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0201] As an example, the communication device 200 is used to execute the above Figures 4 to 6 Actions performed by the first communication device in the illustrated embodiment.

[0202] The communication device 200 may include: a transceiver unit 201 .

[0203] The transceiver unit 201 is used to send a first message to the tethered drone through a first connection, the first message is used to notify the tethered drone to establish a second connection with a second communication device and switch to a first power supply mode, the first connection and the second connection are used to realize a communication connection between a terminal device and a core network device, the terminal device is communicated with the tethered drone, and the first communication device and the second communication device are respectively communicated with the core network device through a satellite;

[0204] The transceiver unit 201 is used to send first backup information to the second communication device, where the first backup information is used to indicate the first context information of the terminal device based on the first connection, so that the second communication device can use the first context information to maintain communication between the terminal device and the core network device through the second connection;

[0205] The step of establishing the second connection includes: the tethered drone switches to the first power supply mode in response to the first information, and sends second information to the second communication device, where the second information is used to request to establish a second connection with the second communication device;

[0206] The tethered drone receives third information sent by the second communication device, where the third information is used to indicate that the second connection is established so that the terminal device communicates based on the second connection. The third information is sent by the second communication device in response to the second information after the second communication device receives the first backup information sent by the first communication device and receives the second information.

[0207] It should be understood that the execution of the above corresponding processes by each unit has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0208] The processing unit in the above embodiments may be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuits. The transceiver unit 201 may be implemented by a transceiver or a transceiver-related circuit. The transceiver unit 201 may also be referred to as a communication unit or a communication interface. The storage unit may be implemented by at least one memory.

[0209] In some examples, the transceiver unit 201 is also used to receive fourth information sent by the tethered drone, where the fourth information is sent by the tethered drone after the second connection is established, and the fourth information is used to notify the first communication device to disconnect the first connection.

[0210] In some examples, the transceiver unit 201 is further used to send fifth information to the tethered drone, the fifth information is used to request to establish a third connection with the tethered drone, and to notify the tethered drone to switch to the second power supply mode after the third connection is established, the third connection is used to realize the communication connection between the terminal device and the core network device, and to provide power for the tethered drone, and the second power supply mode is a mode of obtaining power from the first communication device through the third connection;

[0211] After sending the fifth information, seventh information is sent to the second communication device, where the seventh information is used to request the second communication device for second context information of the terminal device based on the second connection, so that the first communication device can use the second context information to maintain communication between the terminal device and the core network device through the third connection;

[0212] receiving second backup information sent by the second communication device in response to the seventh information, where the second backup information is used to indicate the second context information;

[0213] Sending sixth information to the tethered drone, where the sixth information is used to notify the tethered drone that the first communication device has learned the second backup information;

[0214] Receive the eighth information sent by the tethered drone, where the eighth information is sent by the tethered drone to the first communication device after receiving the sixth information. The eighth information is used to indicate that the third connection is established, so that the terminal device communicates based on the third connection, and the tethered drone switches to the second power supply mode.

[0215] Exemplarily, the present application also provides a communication device.

[0216] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0217] like Fig. 9 As shown, the communication device 300 can exist independently or be integrated in other devices, and can communicate with the tethered drone and the first communication device mentioned above, and is used to implement the operation corresponding to the second communication device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0218] The communication device 300 may include a transceiver unit 301. The transceiver unit 301 may implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 301 may also be called a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0219] Optionally, the communication device 300 may further include a storage unit and a processing unit, the processing unit is used to perform data processing, the storage unit may be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the communication device 100 implements the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0220] The communication device 300 can be used to perform the actions performed by the second communication device in the above method embodiment. The communication device 300 can be a second communication device or a component that can be configured in the second communication device. The transceiver unit 301 is used to perform the reception-related operations of the second communication device in the above method embodiment.

[0221] Optionally, the transceiver unit 301 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiment. The receiving unit is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiment.

[0222] It should be noted that the communication device 300 may include a sending unit but not a receiving unit. Alternatively, the communication device 300 may include a receiving unit but not a sending unit. Specifically, it may depend on whether the above solution executed by the communication device 300 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0223] As an example, the communication device 300 is used to execute the above Figures 4 to 6 Actions performed by the second communication device in the illustrated embodiment.

[0224] The communication device 300 may include: a transceiver unit 301 .

[0225] The transceiver unit 301 is used to receive second information sent by the tethered drone in response to the first information, the second information is used to request to establish a second connection with the second communication device, the first information is sent by the first communication device to the tethered drone through the first connection, the first information is used to notify the tethered drone to establish the second connection with the second communication device, and switch to the first power supply mode, the first connection and the second connection are used to realize the communication connection between the terminal device and the core network device, the terminal device is connected to the tethered drone, and the first communication device and the second communication device are connected to the core network device through satellites respectively;

[0226] The transceiver unit 301 is used to receive first backup information sent by the first communication device, where the first backup information is sent by the first communication device when sending the first information, and the first backup information is used to indicate the first context information of the terminal device based on the first connection, so that the second communication device can use the first context information to maintain the communication between the terminal device and the core network device through the second connection;

[0227] The transceiver unit 301 is used to send third information to the tethered drone in response to the second information after receiving the first backup information, and the third information is used to indicate that the second connection is established so that the terminal device communicates based on the second connection.

[0228] It should be understood that the execution of the above corresponding processes by each unit has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0229] The processing unit in the above embodiments may be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuits. The transceiver unit 301 may be implemented by a transceiver or a transceiver-related circuit. The transceiver unit 301 may also be referred to as a communication unit or a communication interface. The storage unit may be implemented by at least one memory.

[0230] In some examples, the transceiver unit 301 is further used to receive seventh information sent by the first communication device after sending the fifth information, the seventh information is used to request the second communication device for second context information of the terminal device based on the second connection, so that the first communication device can use the second context information to maintain communication between the terminal device and the core network device through a third connection, the fifth information is used to request to establish a third connection with the tethered drone, and to notify the tethered drone to switch to the second power supply mode after the third connection is established, the third connection is used to realize the communication connection between the terminal device and the core network device, and to provide power to the tethered drone, and the second power supply mode is a mode of obtaining power from the first communication device through the third connection;

[0231] In response to the seventh information, sending second backup information to the first communication device, where the second backup information is used to indicate the second context information;

[0232] The step of establishing the third connection includes: the first communication device sends fifth information to the tethered drone;

[0233] The first communication device receives the eighth information sent by the tethered drone. The eighth information is sent by the tethered drone to the first communication device after receiving the sixth information. The eighth information is used to indicate that the third connection is established so that the terminal device communicates based on the third connection. The sixth information is sent by the first communication device to the tethered drone. The sixth information is used to notify the tethered drone that the first communication device has learned the second backup information.

[0234] In the above Figures 7 to 9 In any one of the embodiments and any one of the examples of the embodiment, the first power supply mode is a mode of obtaining electrical energy through a battery of a tethered drone.

[0235] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0236] The communication device 400 includes a processor 401, which is coupled to a memory 402. The memory 402 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 401 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions and / or data stored in the memory 402, so that the method in the above method embodiment is executed.

[0237] Optionally, the communication device 400 includes one or more processors 401 .

[0238] Alternatively, if Fig.10 As shown, the communication device 400 may further include a memory 402 .

[0239] Optionally, the communication device 400 may include one or more memories 402 .

[0240] Optionally, the memory 402 may be integrated with the processor 401 or provided separately.

[0241] like Fig.10 As shown, the communication device 400 may further include a transceiver 403, and the transceiver 403 is used for receiving and / or sending signals. For example, the processor 401 is used to control the transceiver 403 to receive and / or send signals.

[0242] As a solution, the communication device 400 is used to implement the operation of any one of the tethered drone, the first communication device and the second communication device in the above method embodiment.

[0243] For example, the processor 401 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by any one of the tethered drone, the first communication device, and the second communication device in the method embodiment of the foregoing text, and the transceiver 403 is used to implement the sending and receiving-related operations performed by any one of the tethered drone, the first communication device, and the second communication device in the method embodiment of the foregoing text.

[0244] Above Fig.10 In the communication device shown, the device for receiving power in the transceiver 403 can be regarded as a receiving unit, and the device for the sending function in the transceiver 403 can be regarded as a sending unit. That is, the transceiver 403 can include a receiver and a transmitter. The transceiver 403 can also be called a transceiver, a transceiver unit, or a transceiver circuit, etc. The receiver can also be called a receiver, a receiving unit, a receiver, or a receiving circuit, etc. The transmitter can also be called a transmitter, a transmitter, a transmitting unit or a transmitting circuit, etc. The processor 401 has a processing function, and the processor 401 can be called a processing unit. The memory 402 is used to store computer program code and data, and the memory 402 can also be called a storage unit.

[0245] Wherein, when the communication device is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver, a memory and a processor. Wherein, the transceiver can be an input-output circuit or a communication interface; the processor is a processor or a microprocessor or an integrated circuit integrated on the chip. In the above method embodiment, the sending operation of any one of the tethered drone, the first communication device and the second communication device can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of any one of the tethered drone, the first communication device and the second communication device in the above method embodiment can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0246] Exemplarily, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium on which are stored computer instructions for implementing the method executed by any one of the tethered drone, the first communication device, and the second communication device in the above method embodiment.

[0247] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the method performed by any one of the tethered drone, the first communication device, and the second communication device in the above method embodiment.

[0248] Exemplarily, the present application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, enables the computer to implement the method performed by any one of the tethered drone, the first communication device, and the second communication device in the above method embodiment.

[0249] Exemplarily, the present application also provides a satellite communication system, the system comprising: a tethered drone, a first communication device, a second communication device, a satellite, and a core network device. The tethered drone is used to execute the process executed by the tethered drone in the above embodiment. The first communication device is used to execute the process executed by the first communication device in the above embodiment. The second communication device is used to execute the process executed by the second communication device in the above embodiment.

[0250] Exemplarily, the present application also provides a chip device, including a processor, configured to call a computer program or computer instruction stored in the memory so that the processor executes the communication switching method of the above embodiment.

[0251] In a possible implementation, the input of the chip device corresponds to the above Figure 4-Figure 6 In the receiving operation of the embodiment shown, the output of the chip device corresponds to the above Figure 4-Figure 6 The sending operation in the embodiment shown.

[0252] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0253] Optionally, the chip device further comprises a memory, in which computer programs or computer instructions are stored.

[0254] The processor mentioned in any of the above may be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, a baseband processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program of the method of the above embodiment. The memory mentioned in any of the above may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0255] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity of description, the explanation of the relevant contents and beneficial effects of any of the above-mentioned devices can refer to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0256] In the present application, the tethered drone, the first communication device, and the second communication device may include a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on the hardware layer, and an application layer running on the operating system layer. Among them, the hardware layer may include hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and a memory (also called main memory). The operating system of the operating system layer may be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as Linux operating system, Unix operating system, Android operating system, iOS operating system, or Windows operating system. The application layer may include applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software.

[0257] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0258] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0259] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0260] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0261] If the integrated unit 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 part that essentially contributes to the technical solution of the present application or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the process of each embodiment method of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory, random access memory, disk or optical disk and other media that can store program code.

[0262] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit it. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, a person skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments may still be modified, or some of the technical features may be replaced by equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication switching method, characterized in that: Applied to a tethered drone, the method comprises: The tethered drone receives first information sent by a first communication device through a first connection, the first information is used to notify the tethered drone to establish a second connection with a second communication device, and switch to a first power supply mode, the first connection and the second connection are used to realize a communication connection between a terminal device and a core network device, the terminal device is connected to the tethered drone in communication, and the first communication device and the second communication device are connected to the core network device in communication via a satellite respectively; The tethered drone switches to the first power supply mode in response to the first information, and sends second information to the second communication device, where the second information is used to request to establish the second connection with the second communication device; The tethered drone receives third information sent by the second communication device, the third information is used to indicate that the second connection is established, so that the terminal device communicates based on the second connection, the third information is sent by the second communication device in response to the second information after receiving the first backup information sent by the first communication device, the first backup information is sent by the first communication device to the second communication device after sending the first information, and the first backup information is used to indicate the first context information of the terminal device based on the first connection, so that the second communication device can use the first context information to maintain the communication between the terminal device and the core network device through the second connection; The tethered drone receives fifth information sent by a third communication device, wherein the fifth information is used to request to establish a third connection with the tethered drone, and to notify the tethered drone to switch to a second power supply mode after the third connection is established, wherein the third connection is used to realize a communication connection between a terminal device and a core network device, and to provide power to the tethered drone, and the second power supply mode is a mode of obtaining power from the third communication device through the third connection; The tethered drone receives sixth information sent by the third communication device, the sixth information is used to notify the tethered drone that the third communication device has learned the second backup information, the second backup information is used to indicate the second context information of the terminal device based on the second connection, the second backup information is sent by the second communication device to the third communication device in response to the seventh information, the seventh information is sent by the third communication device to the second communication device after sending the fifth information, and the seventh information is used to request the second context information from the second communication device, so that the third communication device can use the second context information to maintain the communication between the terminal device and the core network device through the third connection; After receiving the sixth information, the tethered drone sends an eighth information to the third communication device, wherein the eighth information is used to indicate that the third connection is established, so that the terminal device communicates based on the third connection, and the tethered drone switches to the second power supply mode.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: After the second connection is established, the tethered drone sends fourth information to the first communication device, where the fourth information is used to notify the first communication device to disconnect the first connection.

3. A communication switching method, characterized in that: Applied to a first communication device, the method includes: The first communication device sends a first message to the tethered drone through a first connection, the first message is used to notify the tethered drone to establish a second connection with a second communication device and switch to a first power supply mode, the first connection and the second connection are used to realize a communication connection between a terminal device and a core network device, the terminal device is in communication connection with the tethered drone, and the first communication device and the second communication device are respectively in communication connection with the core network device through a satellite; The first communication device sends first backup information to the second communication device, where the first backup information is used to indicate the first context information of the terminal device based on the first connection, so that the second communication device can use the first context information to maintain communication between the terminal device and the core network device through the second connection; The step of establishing the second connection includes: the tethered drone switches to the first power supply mode in response to the first information, and sends second information to the second communication device, where the second information is used to request to establish the second connection with the second communication device; The tethered drone receives third information sent by the second communication device, the third information is used to indicate that the second connection is established, so that the terminal device communicates based on the second connection, and the third information is sent by the second communication device in response to the second information after receiving the first backup information sent by the first communication device and receiving the second information; The first communication device sends fifth information to the tethered drone, the fifth information is used to request to establish a third connection with the tethered drone, and to notify the tethered drone to switch to a second power supply mode after the third connection is established, the third connection is used to realize a communication connection between a terminal device and a core network device, and to provide power to the tethered drone, and the second power supply mode is a mode of obtaining power from the first communication device through the third connection; The first communication device sends seventh information to the second communication device after sending the fifth information, wherein the seventh information is used to request the second communication device for second context information of the terminal device based on the second connection, so that the first communication device can use the second context information to maintain communication between the terminal device and the core network device through the third connection; The first communication device receives second backup information sent by the second communication device in response to the seventh information, where the second backup information is used to indicate the second context information; The first communication device sends sixth information to the tethered drone, where the sixth information is used to notify the tethered drone that the first communication device has learned the second backup information; The first communication device receives the eighth information sent by the tethered drone, and the eighth information is sent by the tethered drone to the first communication device after receiving the sixth information. The eighth information is used to indicate that the third connection is established, so that the terminal device communicates based on the third connection, and the tethered drone switches to the second power supply mode.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first communication device receives fourth information sent by the tethered drone, where the fourth information is sent by the tethered drone after the second connection is established, and the fourth information is used to notify the first communication device to disconnect the first connection.

5. A communication switching method, characterized in that: Applied to a second communication device, the method includes: The second communication device receives second information sent by the tethered drone in response to the first information, the second information is used to request to establish a second connection with the second communication device, the first information is sent by the first communication device to the tethered drone through the first connection, the first information is used to notify the tethered drone to establish a second connection with the second communication device, and switch to the first power supply mode, the first connection and the second connection are used to realize a communication connection between a terminal device and a core network device, the terminal device is in communication connection with the tethered drone, and the first communication device and the second communication device are respectively in communication connection with the core network device via a satellite; The second communication device receives first backup information sent by the first communication device, where the first backup information is sent by the first communication device when sending the first information, and the first backup information is used to indicate first context information of the terminal device based on the first connection, so that the second communication device can use the first context information to maintain communication between the terminal device and the core network device through the second connection; After receiving the first backup information, the second communication device sends third information to the tethered drone in response to the second information, wherein the third information is used to indicate that the second connection is established, so that the terminal device communicates based on the second connection; The second communication device receives the seventh information sent by the first communication device after sending the fifth information, the seventh information being used to request the second communication device for the second context information of the terminal device based on the second connection, so that the first communication device can use the second context information to maintain the communication between the terminal device and the core network device through the third connection, the fifth information being used to request to establish the third connection with the tethered drone, and to notify the tethered drone to switch to the second power supply mode after the third connection is established, the third connection being used to realize the communication connection between the terminal device and the core network device, and to provide power to the tethered drone, the second power supply mode being a mode of obtaining power from the first communication device through the third connection; The second communication device sends second backup information to the first communication device in response to the seventh information, where the second backup information is used to indicate the second context information; The step of establishing the third connection includes: the first communication device sends the fifth information to the tethered drone; The first communication device receives the eighth information sent by the tethered drone, and the eighth information is sent by the tethered drone to the first communication device after receiving the sixth information. The eighth information is used to indicate that the third connection is established so that the terminal device communicates based on the third connection. The sixth information is sent by the first communication device to the tethered drone, and the sixth information is used to notify the tethered drone that the first communication device has learned the second backup information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first power supply mode is a mode of obtaining electric energy through the battery of the tethered drone.

7. A satellite communication system, characterized in that: The system comprises: a tethered drone, a first communication device, a second communication device, a satellite and a core network device; The tethered drone is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 2 and 6, the first communication device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 3 to 4 and 6, and the second communication device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 5 to 6.

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