Network access method, first terminal, second terminal, system and medium

Abstract

The invention provides a network access method, a first terminal, a second terminal, a communication system and a storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: the first terminal obtains relay service information sent by the second terminal; wherein the relay service information comprises satellite discontinuous coverage information of the second terminal; and the first terminal determines whether to use the second terminal and access the network system through the satellite based on the satellite discontinuous coverage information. According to the invention, the QoE of the service can be ensured under the condition of discontinuous satellite coverage, the QoE demand of the user for the service is ensured, the service quality is improved, and the use experience of the user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a network access method, a first terminal, a second terminal, a communication system and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] With the development of mobile communication system technology, there has emerged a fusion technology of non-terrestrial communication platforms represented by satellites and terrestrial communication networks. In the scenario of non-terrestrial networks (NTN), satellites can provide access services for terminals. Relay terminals are introduced in the NTN scenario, and the way other terminals access the network through relay terminals is called U2N (UE to Network, user equipment to network) relay. At present, in the U2N relay scenario, the movement of satellites relative to the ground will cause discontinuous coverage of satellites. For example, when the satellite is a low-orbit satellite, due to the limitations of the satellite orbit and the characteristics of signal transmission, the rapid movement of the satellite will cause discontinuous coverage of the satellite, causing the communication between the relay terminal and the satellite to be interrupted or the communication quality to decrease, which has a negative impact on the user experience quality (Quality of Experience, QoE) in the U2N relay scenario. Therefore, there is a need for a technical solution that can ensure the quality of user experience in the case of discontinuous satellite coverage. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of this, a technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a network access method, a first terminal, a second terminal, a communication system and a storage medium.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a network access method is provided, which is applied to a first terminal, and includes: obtaining relay service information sent by a second terminal; wherein the relay service information includes: satellite non-continuous coverage information of the second terminal; based on the satellite non-continuous coverage information, determining whether to utilize the second terminal and access the network system via a satellite.

[0005] Optionally, obtaining the relay service information sent by the second terminal includes: receiving a relay discovery broadcast message sent by the second terminal; and acquiring the relay service information from the relay discovery broadcast message.

[0006] Optionally, when it is determined that the network system is accessed by using the second terminal and via the satellite, a connection is established with the second terminal; after the connection is established, the network system is accessed by using the second terminal and via the satellite, and data is transmitted between the second terminal and the network system via the satellite.

[0007] Optionally, when it is determined that there is no accessible terrestrial network, it is determined whether to utilize the second terminal and access the network system via the satellite based on the satellite discontinuous coverage information.

[0008] Optionally, the satellite discontinuous coverage information includes: time information when the satellite covers or does not cover the location of the second terminal.

[0009] Optionally, determining whether to use the second terminal to access the network system via the satellite based on the satellite non-continuous coverage information includes: determining to use the second terminal to access the network system via the satellite when it is determined that the time information of the satellite covering the location of the second terminal in the satellite non-continuous coverage information matches the time information of the service to be executed.

[0010] Optionally, the access and mobility management function entity AMF determines the satellite discontinuous coverage information based on satellite auxiliary information, and sends the satellite discontinuous coverage information to the second terminal; wherein the satellite auxiliary information includes: satellite ID, satellite ephemeris information.

[0011] Optionally, the AMF sends the satellite discontinuous coverage information to the second terminal via the satellite.

[0012] Optionally, the second terminal receives a Uu port message sent by the satellite, and obtains the satellite discontinuous coverage information from the Uu port message.

[0013] Optionally, before determining whether to use the second terminal to access the network system via a satellite, a relay access authorization for the network system is obtained; wherein the relay access authorization is used to determine whether the first terminal can use other terminals to access the network system via a satellite.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a network access method is provided, which is applied to a second terminal, including: sending relay service information to a first terminal; wherein the relay service information includes: satellite non-continuous coverage information of the second terminal; the first terminal determines whether to utilize the second terminal and access a network system via a satellite based on the satellite non-continuous coverage information; and receives an access request sent by the first terminal, and accesses the first terminal to the network system via the satellite.

[0015] Optionally, sending the relay service information to the first terminal includes: sending the relay service information to the first terminal by sending a relay discovery broadcast message carrying the relay service information.

[0016] Optionally, after the first terminal accesses the network system, the data sent by the first terminal is transmitted to the network system via the satellite, and the data sent by the network system to the first terminal is received via the satellite and transmitted to the first terminal.

[0017] Optionally, the satellite non-continuous coverage information sent by AMF is received; wherein the AMF obtains the satellite non-continuous coverage information based on satellite auxiliary information, and the satellite auxiliary information includes: satellite ID, satellite ephemeris information.

[0018] Optionally, the AMF sends the satellite discontinuous coverage information via a satellite; the method also includes: receiving a Uu port message sent by the satellite, and acquiring the satellite discontinuous coverage information from the Uu port message.

[0019] Optionally, before sending the relay service information to the first terminal, a relay discovery authorization of the network system is obtained through the satellite.

[0020] Optionally, the satellite discontinuous coverage information includes: time information when the satellite covers or does not cover the location of the second terminal.

[0021] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a first terminal is provided, comprising: an information acquisition module, used to obtain relay service information sent by a second terminal; wherein the relay service information comprises: satellite non-continuous coverage information of the second terminal; and an access decision module, used to determine whether to utilize the second terminal and access a network system via a satellite based on the satellite non-continuous coverage information.

[0022] Optionally, the information obtaining module is used to receive a relay discovery broadcast message sent by the second terminal, and obtain the relay service information from the relay discovery broadcast message.

[0023] Optionally, the connection establishment module is used to establish a connection with the second terminal when it is determined that the network system is accessed by using the second terminal and via the satellite; the service processing module is used to access the network system by using the second terminal and via the satellite after the connection is established, and to transmit data with the network system by using the second terminal and via the satellite.

[0024] Optionally, the access decision module is used to determine whether to access the network system through the second terminal based on the satellite discontinuous coverage information when it is determined that there is no accessible terrestrial network.

[0025] Optionally, the satellite discontinuous coverage information includes: time information when the satellite covers or does not cover the location of the second terminal.

[0026] Optionally, the access decision module is specifically used to determine to use the second terminal to access the network system through the satellite when it is determined that the time information of the satellite covering the location of the second terminal in the satellite non-continuous coverage information matches the time information of the service to be executed.

[0027] Optionally, the first authorization module is used to obtain relay access authorization of the network system before determining whether to use the second terminal to access the network system via satellite; wherein the relay access authorization is used to determine that the first terminal can use other terminals and access the network system via satellite.

[0028] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a first terminal is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the method as described above based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0029] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a second terminal is provided, comprising: an information sending module, used to send relay service information to a first terminal; wherein the relay service information comprises: satellite non-continuous coverage information of the second terminal; the first terminal determines whether to utilize the second terminal and access a network system via a satellite based on the satellite non-continuous coverage information; a network access module, used to receive an access request sent by the first terminal, and access the first terminal to the network system via the satellite.

[0030] Optionally, the information sending module is used to send the relay service information to the first terminal by sending a relay discovery broadcast message carrying the relay service information.

[0031] Optionally, the data transmission module is used to transmit the data sent by the first terminal to the network system via the satellite after the first terminal accesses the network system, and to receive the data sent by the network system to the first terminal via the satellite and transmit the data to the first terminal.

[0032] Optionally, the coverage information receiving module is used to receive the satellite non-continuous coverage information sent by AMF; wherein the AMF obtains the satellite non-continuous coverage information based on satellite auxiliary information, and the satellite auxiliary information includes: satellite ID, satellite ephemeris information.

[0033] Optionally, the AMF sends the satellite non-continuous coverage information via a satellite; the coverage information receiving module is used to receive a Uu port message sent by the satellite, and obtain the satellite non-continuous coverage information from the Uu port message.

[0034] Optionally, a second authorization module is used to obtain a relay discovery authorization of the network system through the satellite before sending the relay service information to the first terminal.

[0035] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a second terminal is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the method as described above based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0036] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a communication system, comprising: a satellite, the first terminal as described above, and the second terminal as described above.

[0037] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and the instructions are executed by a processor as described above.

[0038] The network access method, first terminal, second terminal, communication system and storage medium disclosed in the present invention are as follows: the first terminal obtains relay service information sent by the second terminal, and determines whether to use the second terminal and access the network system via a satellite based on the satellite discontinuous coverage information of the second terminal in the relay service information; the QoE of the service can be guaranteed in the case of satellite discontinuous coverage, the QoE requirement of the user for the service can be guaranteed, the service quality can be improved, and the user's usage experience can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] By describing the embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent. The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present disclosure, they are used to explain the present disclosure and do not constitute a limitation of the present disclosure. The above and other purposes and advantages of the present disclosure will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding technical features or components will be represented by the same or corresponding figure marks.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of an embodiment of a network access method according to the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an application scenario of the network access method according to the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an information interaction process according to another embodiment of the network access method disclosed herein;

[0043] Figure 4 A flowchart of another embodiment of a network access method according to the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 5 is a module diagram of an embodiment of a first terminal according to the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 6 is a module diagram of another embodiment of the first terminal according to the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 7 is a module diagram of yet another embodiment of the first terminal according to the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of modules of an embodiment of a second terminal according to the present disclosure;

[0048] Fig. 9 is a module diagram of another embodiment of a second terminal according to the present disclosure;

[0049] Fig.10 It is a module diagram of another embodiment of the second terminal according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, not all features of the embodiments are described in the specification. However, it should be understood that many implementation-specific settings must be made in the process of implementing the embodiments in order to achieve the specific goals of the developer, for example, to meet those restrictions related to the device and the service, and these restrictions may vary depending on the implementation. In addition, it should be understood that although the development work may be very complex and time-consuming, it is only a routine task for those skilled in the art who benefit from the content of this disclosure.

[0051] It should be noted that the relative arrangement of components and steps, the numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0052] Those skilled in the art can understand that the terms "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different steps, devices or modules, etc., and neither represent any specific technical meaning nor indicate the necessary logical order between them.

[0053] It should also be understood that in the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” may refer to two or more than two, and “at least one” may refer to one, two, or more than two.

[0054] It should also be understood that any component, data or structure mentioned in the embodiments of the present disclosure can generally be understood as one or more, unless explicitly limited or otherwise indicated in the context.

[0055] In addition, the term "and / or" in the present disclosure is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in the present disclosure generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0056] It should also be understood that the description of the various embodiments in the present disclosure focuses on the differences between the various embodiments, and the same or similar aspects thereof can be referenced to each other, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be described one by one.

[0057] At the same time, it should be understood that for the convenience of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship.

[0058] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0059] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered as part of the specification.

[0060] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0061] In addition, in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure due to unnecessary details, only the processing steps and / or device structures closely related to at least the scheme according to the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, and other details that are not closely related to the present disclosure are omitted. It should also be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the drawings indicate similar items, and therefore once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be discussed again for subsequent drawings.

[0062] In the related technologies known to the inventors, QoE refers to the quality experience felt by users when using a certain product, service or system. It is a comprehensive evaluation of the overall user experience, focusing not only on technical performance indicators, but also considering aspects such as user perception, satisfaction and expectations. With the rapid development of mobile communications, the Internet and digital media, QoE has become one of the important indicators for evaluating user experience, and is used to more comprehensively evaluate users' perception of service quality.

[0063] The evaluation factors of QoE may include the following aspects: service quality, response time, reliability, etc. Among them, response time refers to the user's expectation of a fast response when using the service, such as web page loading speed, application response time, etc. Shorter waiting time and fast interactive feedback will improve the user's QoE.

[0064] In the U2N relay scenario, the movement of the satellite relative to the ground will cause discontinuous coverage of the satellite, interrupting the communication between the relay terminal and the satellite or reducing the communication quality, which has a negative impact on the user experience quality (Quality of Experience, QoE) in the U2N relay scenario.

[0065] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a network access method according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown:

[0066] Step 101: A first terminal obtains relay service information sent by a second terminal; wherein the relay service information includes: satellite non-continuous coverage information of the second terminal.

[0067] In one embodiment, the first terminal may be a variety of terminals, such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, etc., and the first terminal may be used as a remote terminal. The second terminal may also be a variety of terminals, such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, etc., and the second terminal may be used as a U2N relay terminal in a U2N scenario. The relay service information sent by the second terminal may be information of relay services such as voice and video (relay services with non-continuous coverage), and the relay service information may include information such as satellite non-continuous coverage information of the second terminal.

[0068] The satellite discontinuous coverage information of the second terminal includes: time information of satellite coverage or non-coverage of the location of the second terminal. For example, the location of the second terminal is location A, and the satellite discontinuous coverage information of the second terminal includes: time information of satellite coverage or non-coverage of location A; the time information of satellite coverage or non-coverage of location A includes: satellite coverage of location A from 10:00 to 10:30, satellite coverage of location A from 14:00 to 14:30, location A has no satellite coverage from 12:00 to 12:30, and other information.

[0069] Step 102: The first terminal determines whether to use the second terminal and access the network system via the satellite based on the satellite discontinuous coverage information.

[0070] In one embodiment, the satellite may be a low-orbit satellite, etc.; the network system may be multiple, for example, a 5G core network system, etc. The second terminal sends the satellite discontinuous coverage information of the second terminal to the first terminal, and the first terminal determines whether to select the second terminal as a relay terminal to access the network system such as the 5G core network system based on the satellite discontinuous coverage information of the second terminal.

[0071] In the network access method disclosed in the present invention, a first terminal obtains relay service information sent by a second terminal, and determines whether to utilize the second terminal and access the network system via a satellite based on the satellite discontinuous coverage information of the second terminal in the relay service information; the QoE of the service can be guaranteed in the case of satellite discontinuous coverage, a better user experience can be provided for the remote terminal, the user's QoE demand for the service is guaranteed, and the integrated air-ground-space communication system is improved.

[0072] In one embodiment, the first terminal establishes a connection with the second terminal when determining to use the second terminal to access the network system via a satellite, and the connection may be a PC5 connection, etc. After the connection is established, the first terminal uses the second terminal to access the network system via a satellite, and the first terminal uses the second terminal to perform data transmission with the network system via a satellite.

[0073] The first terminal can choose to use the second terminal to access the network system via satellite during the time period when the satellite covers the location of the second terminal, and use the second terminal to transmit data with the network system via satellite to perform relay services such as voice and video, thereby ensuring the user's QoE requirements for the service and improving the integrated air-ground-space communication system.

[0074] In one embodiment, the first terminal may obtain the relay service information sent by the second terminal using a variety of methods. For example, the first terminal receives a relay discovery broadcast message sent by the second terminal, and obtains the relay service information from the relay discovery broadcast message, and the relay discovery broadcast message may be an existing relay discovery broadcast message.

[0075] When the first terminal determines to use the second terminal and access the network system via satellite, it establishes multiple connections with the second terminal, such as PC5 connection. After the PC5 connection is established, the second terminal is used to access the network system via satellite and perform data transmission.

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, in the U2N relay scenario, the network system includes a 5GC system; the satellite transmits uplink and downlink data and control information with the second terminal through the Uu interface; a feeder link is established between the satellite and the gateway. The first terminal is a remote terminal, and the second terminal is a U2N relay terminal; the second terminal receives a relay discovery broadcast message sent by the second terminal, obtains relay service information from the relay discovery broadcast message, and obtains satellite non-continuous coverage information of the second terminal from the relay service information.

[0077] Based on the satellite non-continuous coverage information, the first terminal determines to use the second terminal and access the network system through the satellite, and establishes a PC5 connection with the second terminal; the first terminal uses the second terminal to access the next-generation radio access network NG-RAN and the 5GC system through the satellite and the gateway, and the first terminal uses the second terminal to transmit data through the satellite and the gateway and the 5GC system.

[0078] In one embodiment, before determining whether to use the second terminal and access the network system via a satellite, the first terminal obtains a relay access authorization from the network system. The relay access authorization is used to determine whether the first terminal can use other terminals (relay terminals) and access the network system via a satellite.

[0079] When the first terminal determines that there is no TN (Terrestrial Network) that can be accessed, the first terminal determines whether to use the second terminal and access the network system through the satellite based on the satellite non-continuous coverage information. The terrestrial network can be multiple mobile networks of the operator, etc. For example, when the first terminal is in a remote area and there is no terrestrial network (ground network) access, the first terminal determines whether to use the second terminal and access the network system through the satellite based on the satellite non-continuous coverage information.

[0080] The first terminal may use a variety of methods to determine whether to use the second terminal and access the network system via a satellite. For example, when it is determined that the time information of the satellite covering the location of the second terminal in the satellite non-continuous coverage information matches the time information of the service to be executed, it is determined to use the second terminal and access the network system via a satellite to meet the QoE requirements of the service.

[0081] There are multiple judgment methods for judging whether the time information of the satellite covering the location of the second terminal matches the time information of the service to be executed. For example, the time information of the satellite covering the location of the second terminal is the satellite coverage time period, and the time information of the service to be executed is the service execution time period or time point. If the service execution time period or time point is within the satellite coverage time period, it is determined that the time information of the satellite covering the location of the second terminal matches the time information of the service to be executed, and the communication quality between the second terminal and the satellite is good, which can ensure the quality of the service to be executed and meet the QoE requirements of the service.

[0082] In one embodiment, the number of the second terminals may be one or more. For example, the number of the second terminals is two, namely, the second terminal A and the second terminal B. The first terminal C receives the relay service information sent by the second terminal A, and the relay service information includes the satellite non-continuous coverage information of the second terminal A. The satellite non-continuous coverage information of the second terminal A includes: satellite A covers the location of the second terminal A from 10:00 to 10:30, etc.

[0083] The first terminal C receives the relay service information sent by the second terminal B, where the relay service information includes satellite discontinuous coverage information of the second terminal B. The satellite discontinuous coverage information of the second terminal B includes: satellite B covers the location of the second terminal B from 12:00 to 13:30.

[0084] When the first terminal C determines that there is no accessible terrestrial network, based on the satellite non-continuous coverage information of the second terminal A and the second terminal B, it determines whether to use the second terminal A or the second terminal B and access the network system through satellite A or satellite B. The network system may be a 5GC system, etc.

[0085] For example, the time information of the voice service that the first terminal C needs to execute is 10:10. The first terminal C determines that satellite A covers the time information 10:00-10:30 of the location of the second terminal A, which matches the time information 10:10 of the voice service that the first terminal C needs to execute, that is, the time information 10:10 is within the time information 10:00-10:30, then it is determined to use the second terminal A and access the network system through satellite A to meet the QoE requirements of the voice service.

[0086] If it is determined that the time information of the satellite covering the location of the second terminal in the satellite non-continuous coverage information of multiple second terminals matches the time information of the service that the first terminal needs to execute, then the second terminal with the largest wireless signal strength for sending the relay discovery broadcast message is determined among the multiple second terminals, and this second terminal is used to access the network system via the satellite.

[0087] For example, if the time information 10:00-10:30 covered by satellite A at the location of the second terminal A and the time information 10:05-10:30 covered by satellite B at the location of the second terminal B, both match the time information 10:10 of the voice service that the first terminal C needs to execute, then the first terminal C determines that the wireless signal strength of the relay discovery broadcast message sent by the second terminal A is greater than the wireless signal strength of the relay discovery broadcast message sent by the second terminal B, then the first terminal C uses the second terminal A and accesses the network system through satellite A to meet the QoE requirements of the voice service.

[0088] In one embodiment, AMF (Access and Mobility Management function) determines satellite discontinuous coverage information based on satellite auxiliary information, and sends the satellite discontinuous coverage information to the second terminal. The satellite auxiliary information includes: satellite ID, satellite ephemeris information and other information. Satellite ephemeris information is also called ephemeris table, which is a star orbit parameter table. It uses list data to describe the scheduled location of a satellite at regular intervals, or the scheduled location of a satellite at regular intervals. Since the orbit of a star is constantly changing, the ephemeris information only predicts the orbit of the star within a period of time and is valid for a certain period of time.

[0089] Satellite auxiliary information can be provided to AMF by the operation and maintenance system, AF (Application Function), etc. AMF can obtain the location information of the second terminal by using various existing methods, such as obtaining the location information of the second terminal from the operation and maintenance system; AMF determines the satellite discontinuous coverage information of the second terminal based on the satellite auxiliary information and the location information of the second terminal, and sends the satellite discontinuous coverage information to the second terminal.

[0090] The AMF may use a variety of methods to send the satellite discontinuous coverage information to the second terminal. For example, the AMF sends the satellite discontinuous coverage information to the second terminal via a satellite. The satellite may send the satellite discontinuous coverage information via a Uu interface, and the second terminal receives the Uu port message sent by the satellite and obtains the satellite discontinuous coverage information from the Uu port message.

[0091] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of information interaction flow according to another embodiment of the network access method disclosed in the present invention, wherein DDNMF (Direct Discovery Name Management Function) is used to implement functions such as authorization discovery request, and the core network may be a 5GC network system, such as Figure 3 As shown:

[0092] Step 301a, the second terminal (relay terminal) completes the registration and authorization process through the satellite. The authorization parameters of the second terminal include parameters such as the relay discovery process authorization policy through the satellite, which indicates that the second terminal is authorized to perform L2 / L3 relay access. The second terminal obtains the relay discovery authorization of the core network through the satellite.

[0093] Step 301b, the first terminal (remote terminal) completes the registration and authorization processes. By obtaining authorization, the first terminal can support the first terminal to access the network system (core network) based on the relay terminal and through the satellite.

[0094] Step 302: The second terminal establishes a PDU session via the satellite.

[0095] Step 303: AMF sends satellite discontinuous coverage information to the second terminal via satellite. AMF determines satellite discontinuous coverage information based on satellite auxiliary information, which includes satellite ID, satellite ephemeris information and other information, and sends the satellite discontinuous coverage information to the second terminal; the second terminal receives the Uu port message sent by the satellite and obtains the satellite discontinuous coverage information from the Uu port message.

[0096] Step 304: The second terminal sends relay service information to the first terminal by sending a relay discovery broadcast message carrying relay service information. The relay service information includes information such as satellite discontinuous coverage information of the second terminal.

[0097] The second terminal can send a relay discovery broadcast message through the PC5 port to inform the surrounding terminals of the services it can provide. The relay discovery broadcast message carries relay service information. The relay service information includes: satellite discontinuous coverage information of the second terminal and other information. The satellite discontinuous coverage information includes: time information when the satellite covers or does not cover the location of the second terminal and other information.

[0098] Step 305: When it is determined that there is no accessible terrestrial network, it is determined whether to use the second terminal to access the network system via the satellite based on the satellite discontinuous coverage information.

[0099] Step 306: Based on the relay discovery broadcast message, the first terminal can select a suitable second terminal (relay terminal) and request to establish a connection with the second terminal. After the connection is established, the first terminal accesses the core network via satellite based on the second terminal to perform subsequent data transmission to meet the QOE service requirements. For the satellite scenario, if the first terminal determines to use the second terminal and access the network system via satellite, it means that the user has accepted the discontinuous relay service provided by the second terminal, which can meet the QoE requirements of the user service.

[0100] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of another embodiment of the network access method according to the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown:

[0101] Step 401: The second terminal sends relay service information to the first terminal, wherein the relay service information includes: satellite discontinuous coverage information of the second terminal. The first terminal determines whether to use the second terminal and access the network system via satellite based on the satellite discontinuous coverage information.

[0102] Step 402: Receive an access request sent by a first terminal, and access the first terminal to a network system via a satellite.

[0103] In one embodiment, the access request may be an existing access request for requesting access to the network system. Before sending the relay service information to the first terminal, the second terminal obtains a relay discovery authorization of the network system through a satellite, and the relay discovery authorization includes relay discovery monitoring, sending, and other authorizations. The second terminal sends the relay service information to the first terminal by sending a relay discovery broadcast message carrying the relay service information.

[0104] After the first terminal accesses the network system, the second terminal transmits the data sent by the first terminal to the network system via a satellite, and receives the data sent by the network system via a satellite and transmits the data to the first terminal.

[0105] AMF obtains satellite non-continuous coverage information based on satellite auxiliary information, which includes satellite ID, satellite ephemeris information, etc. AMF sends satellite non-continuous coverage information via satellite; the second terminal receives the Uu port message sent by the satellite and obtains the satellite non-continuous coverage information from the Uu port message.

[0106] The network access method disclosed in the present invention can ensure the QoE of the service in the case of non-continuous satellite coverage, can provide a better user experience for the remote terminal, ensure the user's QoE demand for the service, and improve the integrated air-ground-space communication system.

[0107] In one embodiment, Figure 5 As shown, the present disclosure provides a first terminal 50, including: an information acquisition module 51 and an access decision module 52. The information acquisition module 51 obtains relay service information sent by the second terminal, and the relay service information includes: satellite non-continuous coverage information of the second terminal, etc. For example, the information acquisition module 51 receives a relay discovery broadcast message sent by the second terminal, and obtains the relay service information from the relay discovery broadcast message.

[0108] The access decision module 52 determines whether to use the second terminal and access the network system via the satellite based on the satellite non-continuous coverage information. For example, when it is determined that there is no accessible terrestrial network, the access decision module 52 determines whether to access the network system via the second terminal based on the satellite non-continuous coverage information.

[0109] In one embodiment, the satellite non-continuous coverage information includes information such as time information when the satellite covers or does not cover the location of the second terminal. When the access decision module 52 determines that the time information when the satellite covers the location of the second terminal in the satellite non-continuous coverage information matches the time information of the service to be executed, it determines to use the second terminal to access the network system via the satellite to meet the QoE requirement of the service.

[0110] In one embodiment, Figure 6As shown, the first terminal 50 further includes a connection establishment module 53, a service processing module 54 and a first authorization module 55. The connection establishment module 53 establishes a connection with the second terminal when it is determined to use the second terminal to access the network system via a satellite. After the connection is established, the service processing module 54 uses the second terminal to access the network system via a satellite, and uses the second terminal to perform data transmission with the network system via a satellite.

[0111] Before determining whether to use the second terminal to access the network system via a satellite, the first authorization module 55 obtains a relay access authorization of the network system, where the relay access authorization is used to indicate that the first terminal can use other terminals to access the network system via a satellite.

[0112] In one embodiment, Figure 7 As shown, the first terminal may include a memory 701, a processor 702, a communication interface 703 and a bus 704. The memory 701 is used to store instructions, the processor 702 is coupled to the memory 701, and the processor 702 is configured to execute the above-mentioned network access method applied to the first terminal based on the instructions stored in the memory 701.

[0113] The memory 701 may be a high-speed RAM memory, a non-volatile memory, etc., and the memory 701 may also be a memory array. The memory 701 may also be divided into blocks, and the blocks may be combined into virtual volumes according to certain rules. The processor 702 may be a central processing unit CPU, or an application specific integrated circuit ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the network access method applied to the first terminal of the present disclosure.

[0114] In one embodiment, Figure 8 As shown, the present disclosure provides a second terminal 80, including: an information sending module 81 and a network access module 82. The information sending module 81 sends relay service information to the first terminal, and the relay service information includes: satellite discontinuous coverage information of the second terminal and other information; the first terminal determines whether to use the second terminal and access the network system through the satellite based on the satellite discontinuous coverage information.

[0115] For example, the information sending module 81 sends the relay service information to the first terminal by sending a relay discovery broadcast message carrying the relay service information. The network access module 82 receives the access request sent by the first terminal and connects the first terminal to the network system via a satellite.

[0116] In one embodiment, Fig. 9As shown, the second terminal 80 further includes: a data transmission module 83, a coverage information receiving module 84 and a second authorization module 85. After the first terminal accesses the network system, the data transmission module 83 transmits the data sent by the first terminal to the network system via a satellite, and receives the data sent by the network system via a satellite and transmits the data to the first terminal.

[0117] The coverage information receiving module 84 receives the satellite non-continuous coverage information sent by the AMF; wherein the AMF obtains the satellite non-continuous coverage information based on the satellite auxiliary information, and the satellite auxiliary information includes: satellite ID, satellite ephemeris information. The AMF sends the satellite non-continuous coverage information via the satellite, and the coverage information receiving module 84 receives the Uu port message sent by the satellite, and obtains the satellite non-continuous coverage information from the Uu port message. The second authorization module 85 obtains the relay discovery authorization of the network system via the satellite before sending the relay service information to the first terminal.

[0118] In one embodiment, Fig.10 As shown, the second terminal may include a memory 1001, a processor 1002, a communication interface 1003 and a bus 1004. The memory 1001 is used to store instructions, the processor 1002 is coupled to the memory 1001, and the processor 1002 is configured to execute the above-mentioned network access method applied to the second terminal based on the instructions stored in the memory 1001.

[0119] The memory 1001 may be a high-speed RAM memory, a non-volatile memory, etc. The memory 1001 may also be a memory array. The memory 1001 may also be divided into blocks, and the blocks may be combined into virtual volumes according to certain rules. The processor 1002 may be a central processing unit CPU, or an application-specific integrated circuit ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the network access method applied to the second terminal of the present disclosure.

[0120] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a communication system, comprising: a satellite, a first terminal in any of the above embodiments, and a second terminal in any of the above embodiments. The communication system may be a variety of communication systems.

[0121] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, which implement the method in any of the above embodiments when the instructions are executed by a processor.

[0122] Computer readable storage media can adopt any combination of one or more readable media. The readable medium can be a readable signal medium or a readable storage medium. The readable storage medium can include, for example, but is not limited to, a system, device or device of electricity, magnetism, light, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor, or any combination of the above. More specific examples (non-exhaustive enumeration) of readable storage media can include: an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the above.

[0123] The embodiments of the present disclosure may also be a computer program product, which includes computer program instructions, which, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to execute the steps of the method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure described in the above “Exemplary Method” section of this specification.

[0124] In the network access method, the first terminal, the second terminal, the communication system and the storage medium in the above-mentioned embodiments, the first terminal obtains the relay service information sent by the second terminal, and determines whether to use the second terminal and access the network system via the satellite based on the satellite non-continuous coverage information of the second terminal in the relay service information; it can ensure the QoE of the service in the case of non-continuous satellite coverage, can provide a better user experience for the remote terminal, ensure the user's QoE requirements for the service, can ensure the service quality, improve the user's usage experience, and improve the integrated air-ground-ground communication system.

[0125] The basic principles of the present disclosure are described above in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, strengths, effects, etc. mentioned in the present disclosure are only examples and not limitations, and it cannot be considered that these advantages, strengths, effects, etc. are required by each embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, the specific details disclosed above are only for the purpose of illustration and ease of understanding, and are not limiting. The above details do not limit the present disclosure to the necessity of adopting the above specific details to be implemented.

[0126] Each embodiment in this specification is described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other. For the system embodiment, since it basically corresponds to the method embodiment, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the partial description of the method embodiment.

[0127] The block diagrams of the devices, apparatuses, equipment, and systems involved in this disclosure are only illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, and configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, these devices, apparatuses, equipment, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as "including," "comprising," "having," and the like are open words, referring to "including but not limited to," and can be used interchangeably therewith. The words "or" and "and" used herein refer to the words "and / or," and can be used interchangeably therewith, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The word "such as" used herein refers to the phrase "such as but not limited to," and can be used interchangeably therewith.

[0128] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, device and method of the present disclosure, each component or each step can be decomposed and / or recombined. Such decomposition and / or recombination should be regarded as equivalent solutions of the present disclosure.

[0129] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0130] The above description has been given for the purpose of illustration and description. In addition, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure to the forms disclosed herein. Although multiple example aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments may be combined, modified or replaced without departing from the scope and essence of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A network access method, applied to a first terminal, comprising: Obtaining relay service information sent by the second terminal; wherein the relay service information includes: satellite non-continuous coverage information of the second terminal; Based on the satellite non-continuous coverage information, it is determined whether to use the second terminal to access the network system via the satellite.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein: The obtaining of the relay service information sent by the second terminal includes: receiving a relay discovery broadcast message sent by the second terminal; The relay service information is obtained from the relay discovery broadcast message.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: In the case where it is determined to use the second terminal to access the network system via the satellite, establishing a connection with the second terminal; After the connection is established, the second terminal is used to access the network system via the satellite, and the second terminal is used to perform data transmission with the network system via the satellite.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein: In the case where it is determined that there is no accessible terrestrial network, it is determined whether to use the second terminal to access the network system via the satellite based on the satellite discontinuous coverage information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The satellite non-continuous coverage information includes: time information when the satellite covers or does not cover the location of the second terminal.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein: The determining, based on the satellite non-continuous coverage information, whether to use the second terminal to access the network system through the satellite comprises: When it is determined that the time information of the satellite covering the location of the second terminal in the satellite non-continuous coverage information matches the time information of the service to be executed, it is determined to use the second terminal to access the network system through the satellite.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The access and mobility management function entity AMF determines the satellite non-continuous coverage information based on the satellite assistance information, and sends the satellite non-continuous coverage information to the second terminal; The satellite auxiliary information includes: satellite ID and satellite ephemeris information.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein: The AMF sends the satellite discontinuous coverage information to the second terminal via the satellite.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein: The second terminal receives a Uu interface message sent by the satellite, and obtains the satellite discontinuous coverage information from the Uu interface message.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: Before determining whether to use the second terminal to access the network system via a satellite, a relay access authorization for the network system is obtained; wherein the relay access authorization is used to determine whether the first terminal can use other terminals to access the network system via a satellite.

11. A network access method, applied to a second terminal, comprising: Sending relay service information to the first terminal; The relay service information includes: satellite non-continuous coverage information of the second terminal; the first terminal determines whether to use the second terminal and access the network system through the satellite based on the satellite non-continuous coverage information; An access request sent by the first terminal is received, and the first terminal is connected to the network system via the satellite.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein: The sending the relay service information to the first terminal includes: The relay service information is sent to the first terminal by sending a relay discovery broadcast message carrying the relay service information.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: After the first terminal accesses the network system, the data sent by the first terminal is transmitted to the network system via the satellite, and the data sent by the network system to the first terminal is received via the satellite and transmitted to the first terminal.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: Receiving the satellite non-continuous coverage information sent by AMF; The AMF obtains the satellite non-continuous coverage information based on satellite auxiliary information, and the satellite auxiliary information includes: satellite ID and satellite ephemeris information.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein: The AMF sends the satellite non-continuous coverage information via a satellite; the method further includes: Receive a Uu port message sent by the satellite, and obtain the satellite discontinuous coverage information from the Uu port message.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein: Before sending the relay service information to the first terminal, a relay discovery authorization of the network system is obtained through the satellite.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein: The satellite non-continuous coverage information includes: time information when the satellite covers or does not cover the location of the second terminal.

18. A first terminal, comprising: An information acquisition module, used to obtain relay service information sent by the second terminal; wherein the relay service information includes: satellite non-continuous coverage information of the second terminal; The access decision module is used to determine whether to use the second terminal to access the network system through the satellite based on the satellite non-continuous coverage information.

19. The first terminal according to claim 18, wherein: The information acquisition module is used to receive the relay discovery broadcast message sent by the second terminal, and obtain the relay service information from the relay discovery broadcast message.

20. The first terminal according to claim 18, further comprising: A connection establishing module, configured to establish a connection with the second terminal when it is determined to use the second terminal and access the network system via the satellite; The service processing module is used to use the second terminal to access the network system through the satellite after the connection is established, and to use the second terminal to perform data transmission with the network system through the satellite.

21. The first terminal according to claim 18, wherein: The access decision module is used to determine whether to access the network system through the second terminal based on the satellite discontinuous coverage information when it is determined that there is no accessible terrestrial network.

22. The first terminal according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein: The satellite non-continuous coverage information includes: time information when the satellite covers or does not cover the location of the second terminal.

23. The first terminal according to claim 22, wherein: The access decision module is specifically used to determine to use the second terminal to access the network system through the satellite when it is determined that the time information of the satellite covering the location of the second terminal in the satellite non-continuous coverage information matches the time information of the service to be executed.

24. The first terminal according to any one of claims 18 to 23, further comprising: The first authorization module is used to obtain a relay access authorization for the network system before determining whether to use the second terminal to access the network system via a satellite; wherein the relay access authorization is used to determine whether the first terminal can use other terminals to access the network system via a satellite.

25. A first terminal, comprising: Memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 based on instructions stored in the memory.

26. A second terminal, comprising: An information sending module, configured to send relay service information to the first terminal; wherein the relay service information includes: satellite non-continuous coverage information of the second terminal; the first terminal determines whether to use the second terminal and access the network system through the satellite based on the satellite non-continuous coverage information; The network access module is used to receive the access request sent by the first terminal and access the first terminal to the network system through the satellite.

27. The second terminal according to claim 26, wherein: The information sending module is used to send the relay service information to the first terminal by sending a relay discovery broadcast message carrying the relay service information.

28. The second terminal according to claim 26, further comprising: The data transmission module is used to transmit the data sent by the first terminal to the network system via the satellite after the first terminal accesses the network system, and to receive the data sent by the network system to the first terminal via the satellite and transmit the data to the first terminal.

29. The second terminal according to claim 26, further comprising: The coverage information receiving module is used to receive the satellite non-continuous coverage information sent by the AMF; wherein the AMF obtains the satellite non-continuous coverage information based on satellite auxiliary information, and the satellite auxiliary information includes: satellite ID and satellite ephemeris information.

30. The second terminal according to claim 29, wherein: The AMF sends the satellite non-continuous coverage information via a satellite; The coverage information receiving module is used to receive a Uu port message sent by the satellite, and obtain the satellite non-continuous coverage information from the Uu port message.

31. The second terminal according to claim 26, wherein: The second authorization module is used to obtain the relay discovery authorization of the network system through the satellite before sending the relay service information to the first terminal.

32. A second terminal, comprising: Memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 11 to 17 based on instructions stored in the memory.

33. A communication system comprising: A satellite, a first terminal as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 25, and a second terminal as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 32.

34. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, wherein the instructions are executed by a processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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