Communication method and device

Abstract

Disclosed are a communication method and apparatus, which relate to the technical field of communications, and in the case that first capability information of a second network device is changed, and the second network device re-establishes a connection with a first network device, the second network device can no longer send a first message to the first network device. In this way, the second network device can stop sending the first message, thereby reducing feed resources consumed by sending the first message, and saving communication resources. The method comprises the following steps: receiving a first message, wherein the first message comprises first capability information of second network equipment; sending a second message to a second network device according to the first message; the second message comprises indication information; the indication information is used for indicating the second network equipment to stop sending the first message.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has been conducting standardization work on non-terrestrial networks (NTN) since version R15. Version R18 and earlier studies all focus on transparent forwarding satellite scenarios, that is, satellites only have the function of forwarding data, and the functions of NG-RAN nodes are still deployed on the ground. The current R19 version plans to introduce a regenerative satellite scenario, where the satellite has all or part of the functions of a base station. The satellite acts as an NG-RAN node in the network architecture and transmits data with the AMF through a satellite-to-ground feeder link. In this scenario, the satellite moves at high speed, resulting in frequent establishment or interruption of the physical connection between the satellite and the AMF, and frequent changes in the satellite's capability information. This requires frequent triggering of the NG interface process, which consumes more feeder resources. How to save feeder resources is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can reduce the number of times a second network device sends a first message and save communication resources.

[0004] In order to achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present application provide the following technical solutions:

[0005] In the first aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a first network device or a component supporting the function of the first network device, and the method includes receiving a first message, the first message including the first capability information of the second network device; sending a second message to the second network device according to the first message; the second message includes indication information; the indication information is used to instruct the second network device to stop sending the first message. Based on the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application, since the first network device sends the second message to the second network device according to the first message, the second network device can stop sending the first message according to the second message, thereby reducing the feeding resources consumed by sending the first message and saving communication resources. For example, when the first capability information of the second network device changes and the second network device re-establishes a connection with the first network device, the second network device may no longer send the first message to the first network device.

[0006] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, sending a second message to a second network device according to the first message includes: sending the second message to the second network device according to the first capability information and the first time corresponding to the first capability information. The first network device can determine the first capability information of the second network device at a certain moment in the future according to the corresponding relationship between the first capability information and the time, so that the second network device does not need to send the first message corresponding to the current moment at a certain moment in the future.

[0007] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, the method also includes: recording a time point when the first message is received, and the first time corresponding to the first capability information is determined based on the time point when the first message is received.

[0008] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, there are multiple first messages, and the first time corresponding to each first message is the time between the time point of receiving the first message and the time point of receiving the next first message of the first message. The second network device will send the first message when the first capability information changes, and the first network device can determine the first time corresponding to the first message through this solution (the first time is a time period), so that at a certain moment in the future, the first network device can determine the first capability information corresponding to the time period at that moment.

[0009] In one possible design, the first time is a time period corresponding to each operation cycle of the second network device. For example, if the operation cycle of the second network device is 1 hour (e.g., 9:00-10:00), and the first time is 9:00-9:10, then in the subsequent operation cycles of the second network device, the first 10 minutes of each cycle can be understood as the first time corresponding to the first capability information.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, the indication information is used to instruct the second network device to stop sending the first message within a third time; the third time is: the time when the second network device is connected to the first network device within an operation cycle, and the third time includes one or more first times. After receiving the indication information, the second network device can stop sending the first message within the third time, thereby saving feeding resources.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, the first message also includes the first time. In this solution, the first message sent by the second network device may include the first time.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, there are multiple first messages, and each first message corresponds to a first time.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, the method further includes: recording the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time. After the first network device receives the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time, it can determine the first capability information corresponding to the time at a future time.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in one possible design, the indication information is used to instruct the second network device to stop sending the first message within a first time.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in one possible design, the first capability information includes a tracking area list supported by the second network device and an identifier of the second network device.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, the first capability information also includes at least one of the following information: the name of the data network supported by the second network device, and single network slice selection support information.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, the second message includes the second capability information of the first network device. The second message is a response message to the first message. After receiving the response message to the first message, the second network device can determine that the first network device has received the first message, so that the second network device can stop sending the first message according to a preset condition (such as after the running track runs for one week).

[0018] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, the second message also includes a first time corresponding to the second capability information. The second capability information sent by the first network device can be the second capability information corresponding to the first time, so that the second network device receives the correspondence between the capability information and time of the first network device.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, the second message is a signaling for instructing the NG-RAN node to stop sending the first message. The first network device can grasp the operating status of the second network device according to the first capability information. After the first network device grasps the operating status of the second network device, it can send a signaling to the second network device to stop sending the first message.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, before sending the second message, it also includes sending a response message to the first message, and the response message includes the second capability information of the first network device.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in one possible design, the second capability information includes: an identifier of the first network device.

[0022] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, the second capability information also includes at least one of the following information: a list of globally unique identifiers served by the first network device, and a list of public land mobile networks supported by the first network device.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, the method also includes: determining the first capability information of the second network device at the current moment based on the first capability information and the first time corresponding to the first capability information.

[0024] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, a paging message is sent to the second network device based on the determined first capability information of the second network device, and the paging message is used to instruct the second network device to page the target terminal within the coverage area of ​​the second network device.

[0025] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, a paging message is sent to a second network device based on the first capability information and the first time corresponding to the first capability information, including: determining, based on the current time, the first capability information and the first time corresponding to the first capability information, that the list of tracking areas supported by the second network device at the current time includes the tracking area where the terminal device is located when it enters the idle state.

[0026] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a second network device or a component (such as a chip, CU\DU) supporting the function of the second network device, the method comprising: sending a first message, the first message including first capability information of the second network device; receiving a second message, the second message including indication information; the indication information is used to instruct the second network device to stop sending the first message; and stopping sending the first message according to the indication information.

[0027] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, the method also includes: stopping sending the first message within a first time corresponding to the first capability information.

[0028] In combination with the second aspect, in one possible design, the indication information is used to instruct the second network device to stop sending the first message within a first time.

[0029] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, there are one or more first capability information and the first time corresponding to the first capability information; if the correspondence between one or more first capability information and the first time changes, the first message is sent again.

[0030] In combination with the second aspect, in one possible design, the first message also includes a first time.

[0031] In combination with the second aspect, in one possible design, the indication information is used to instruct NG-RAN to stop sending the first message within a third time; the third time is: the time when the second network device is connected to the first network device within an operating cycle, and the third time includes one or more first times.

[0032] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, the method also includes: stopping sending the first message within a third time; the third time is: the time when the second network device is connected to the first network device within an operating cycle, and the third time includes one or more first times.

[0033] In combination with the second aspect, in one possible design, the first capability information includes a tracking area list supported by the second network device and an identifier of the second network device.

[0034] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, the first capability information also includes at least one of the following information: the name of the data network supported by the second network device, and single network slice selection support information.

[0035] In combination with the second aspect, in one possible design, the second message includes second capability information of the first network device.

[0036] In combination with the second aspect, in one possible design, the second message also includes a first time corresponding to the second capability information.

[0037] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, before sending the second message, it also includes sending a response message to the first message, and the response message includes the second capability information of the first network device.

[0038] In combination with the second aspect, in one possible design, the second capability information includes: an identifier of the first network device.

[0039] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, the second capability information also includes at least one of the following information: a list of globally unique identifiers served by the first network device, and a list of public land mobile networks supported by the first network device.

[0040] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, the method also includes: recording the time point of receiving the second message; the second time corresponding to the second capability information is determined based on the time point of receiving the second message.

[0041] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, there are multiple second messages, and the second time corresponding to each second message is the time between the time point of receiving the second message and the time point of receiving the next second message of the second message.

[0042] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, the method also includes: determining the first capability information of the second network device at the current moment based on the second capability information and the first time corresponding to the first capability information; or, determining the first capability information of the second network device at the current moment based on the second capability information and the second time corresponding to the first capability information.

[0043] In combination with the second aspect, in one possible design, the method also includes: sending a control plane message to the first network device based on the second capability information and the first time corresponding to the second capability information; or, sending a control plane message to the first network device based on the second capability information and the second time corresponding to the second capability information.

[0044] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, a control plane message is sent to a first network device based on the second capability information and the first time corresponding to the second capability information, and the same includes: determining the first network device identifier at the current time based on the current time, the second capability information and the first time corresponding to the second capability information; sending a control plane message to the first network device based on the first network device identifier; sending a control plane message to the first network device based on the second capability information and the second time corresponding to the second capability information, and the same includes: determining the first network device identifier at the current time based on the current time, the second capability information and the second time corresponding to the second capability information; sending a control plane message to the first network device based on the first network device identifier.

[0045] Various possible designs of the second aspect have the same beneficial effects as the first aspect.

[0046] According to a third aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a second network device or a component (such as a chip, CU\DU) supporting a function of the second network device, the method comprising: sending a first message, the first message comprising first capability information of the second network device and a first time corresponding to the first capability information; within the first time, stopping sending the first message.

[0047] The second network device can determine the first capability information corresponding to the future time period. By first sending the first capability information of the future time period and the first time corresponding to the first capability information, the second network device no longer sends the first message in the future time period, thereby saving power feeding resources.

[0048] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible design, a response message to the first message is received, and the response message includes a first time and second capability information of the first network device corresponding to the first time.

[0049] In conjunction with the third aspect, in a possible design, if the correspondence between one or more first capability information and the first time changes, the first message is sent again. In this solution, the second network device resends the first message, so that the first network device can receive the new correspondence between the first capability information and the first time, so that the first network device can obtain the first capability information at the future time according to the correspondence between the new first capability information and the first time.

[0050] In conjunction with the third aspect, in a possible design, the method further includes: sending a control plane message to the first network device according to the second capability information and the first time corresponding to the second capability information. The second network device may send a control plane message to the first network device at a future time according to the second capability information and the first time corresponding to the second capability information to achieve communication with a terminal within the range of the first network device.

[0051] Exemplarily, the control plane message may be an N2 message or an NG message.

[0052] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible design, sending a first message to a first network device based on the second capability information and the first time corresponding to the second capability information also includes: determining the first network device identifier at the current moment based on the current time, the second capability information and the first time corresponding to the second capability information; and sending a control plane message to the first network device based on the first network device identifier.

[0053] In combination with the third aspect, in one possible design, the first capability information includes a list of tracking areas supported by the second network device and an identifier of the second network device.

[0054] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible design, the first capability information also includes at least one of the following information: the name of the data network supported by the second network device, and single network slice selection support information.

[0055] In combination with the third aspect, in one possible design, the second capability information includes: an identifier of the first network device.

[0056] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible design, the second capability information also includes at least one of the following information: a list of globally unique identifiers served by the first network device, and a list of public land mobile networks supported by the first network device.

[0057] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a first network device or a component supporting a function of the first network device, the method comprising: receiving a first message, the first message comprising first capability information of a second network device and a first time corresponding to the first capability information; sending a response message to the first message, the response message comprising the first time and the second capability information of the first network device corresponding to the first time.

[0058] In combination with the fourth aspect, in one possible design, the first capability information includes a list of tracking areas supported by the second network device and an identifier of the second network device.

[0059] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a possible design, the first capability information also includes at least one of the following information: the name of the data network supported by the second network device, and single network slice selection support information.

[0060] In combination with the fourth aspect, in one possible design, the second capability information includes: an identifier of the first network device.

[0061] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a possible design, the second capability information also includes at least one of the following information: a list of globally unique identifiers served by the first network device, and a list of public land mobile networks supported by the first network device.

[0062] Various possible designs of the fourth aspect have the same beneficial effects as the third aspect.

[0063] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a second network device or a component (such as a chip, CU\DU) supporting the function of the second network device, and the method includes: sending a first message within a first operating cycle, the first message including the first capability information of the second network device; stopping sending the first message within a third time of each operating cycle after the first operating cycle; the third time is the time when there is a connection with the first network device within an operating cycle. After the second network device has run for a cycle, it can be determined that the first network device has understood the correspondence between the first capability information of the second network device and the time. Thus, the first network device can determine the first capability information of the second network device based on the correspondence.

[0064] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in a possible design, sending the first message during the first operation cycle includes: sending the first message multiple times during the first operation cycle. The second network device may send the first message each time the first capability information changes during the first operation cycle.

[0065] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible design, the method also includes: recording the time point when the connection is established with the first network device; recording the time point when the connection is disconnected with the first network device; the third time is determined based on the time point when the connection is established with the first network device and the time point when the connection is disconnected with the first network device.

[0066] In combination with the fifth aspect, in one possible design, if the operating cycle of the second network device changes, the first message is restarted.

[0067] In combination with the fifth aspect, in one possible design, the first capability information includes a list of tracking areas supported by the second network device and an identifier of the second network device.

[0068] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible design, the first capability information also includes at least one of the following information: the name of the data network supported by the second network device, and single network slice selection support information.

[0069] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device is used to implement the above-mentioned various communication methods. The communication device includes a module, unit, or means corresponding to the above-mentioned communication method, and the module, unit, or means can be implemented by hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-mentioned functions.

[0070] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is used to store computer instructions, and when the processor executes the instructions, the communication device executes the communication method of any of the above aspects.

[0071] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory, and the processor is used to read and execute instructions in the memory, so that the communication device executes any communication method in any of the above aspects.

[0072] In the ninth aspect, a chip system is provided, which includes a processor and an input / output port, the processor is used to implement the processing functions involved in the hybrid automatic repeat request confirmation information transmission method of any aspect of the above-mentioned aspects, and the input / output port is used to implement the communication method of any aspect of the above-mentioned aspects.

[0073] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory, which is used to store a communication method for implementing any of the above aspects.

[0074] The chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0075] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes one or more first network devices and second network devices in any aspect, wherein the first network devices and the second network devices execute the communication method in any aspect.

[0076] In an eleventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions; when the computer instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes a communication method designed in any of the above aspects.

[0077] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, the computer executes a communication method designed in any of the above aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the process for establishing the NG interface;

[0079] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a RAN node configuration update process;

[0080] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the update process for AMF configuration;

[0081] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the network architecture for transparent forwarding satellites;

[0082] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the network architecture for the regenerative forwarding satellite;

[0083] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the scenario where the NG-RAN node sends the NG interface process to the AMF in the regeneration and forwarding scenario;

[0084] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a scenario of an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] Figure 8 This is another schematic diagram of a scenario in an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] Fig.10 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0088] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the area covered by the beams of the NG-RAN node;

[0089] Fig.12A flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] Fig.13 This is another schematic diagram of a scenario in an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] Fig.14 This is another schematic diagram of a scenario in an embodiment of the present application;

[0092] Fig.15 A flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0093] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0094] Fig.17 A schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0095] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and drawings of this application are used to distinguish objects, or to distinguish the processing of the same object. The words "first" and "second" can distinguish the same or similar items with basically the same functions and effects. For example, the first device and the second device are only used to distinguish different devices, and their order is not limited. Those skilled in the art can understand that the words "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and the words "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit them.

[0096] "At least one" means one or more, and "plurality" means two or more.

[0097] "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 previous and next associated objects 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 or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be single or plural.

[0098] In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof mentioned in the description of the present application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include other steps or units that are not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units that are inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0099] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a specific way.

[0100] First, the relevant technologies involved in this application are explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0101] 1. Ephemeris information

[0102] Ephemeris information is information about the satellite's motion patterns, such as the satellite's orbital parameters, angular velocity, speed, etc. Based on this information, communication equipment can calculate the satellite's position in orbit at each moment.

[0103] The ephemeris information can be expressed as a simple correspondence, such as the satellite position information corresponding to each time / time period.

[0104] Ephemeris information can also be expressed as a satellite coverage map, such as satellite coverage availability information. The satellite coverage map can divide the earth's surface into multiple grid points and show the grid points covered and not covered by the satellite at each moment. For example, the orbital cycle of a satellite around the earth is one hour with an accuracy of minutes. There is a satellite coverage map corresponding to each satellite every minute. Some grid points in the map are bright and some are dark. The bright grid points represent the grid points that will be covered at the corresponding moment in each cycle of the satellite.

[0105] 2. Interface management process

[0106] The third generation partnership project TS38.413 defines the radio network layer signaling protocol for the NG interface between the next generation radio access network node (NG-RAN node) and the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, which can also be called the message protocol of the radio network layer. The protocol defines the interface management process.

[0107] The interface management process includes the NG interface establishment (next generation interface setup, NG setup) process, the RAN node configuration update (radio access network configuration update, RAN configuration update) process and the AMF configuration update (access and mobility management function configuration update, AMF configuration update) process. Exemplarily, the messages used in the interface management process are between network devices (or nodes, network elements) and are not associated with user equipment (user equipment, UE).

[0108] 2.1、NG setup process

[0109] The purpose of the NG Setup process is to exchange the application level configuration data required for the correct interoperation between the NG-RAN node (or NG-RAN equipment) and the AMF on the NG control plane (NG-C) interface. The NG Setup process should be the first NG application protocol (NGAP) procedure triggered after the Transport Network Layer (TNL) association is run. For example, refer to Figure 1After the NG-RAN node is powered on and establishes a physical connection with the AMF, the NG-RAN node will send an NG interface establishment request message (NG setup request message) to the AMF to inform the AMF of the capabilities of the NG-RAN node. After receiving the NG setup request message, the AMF will reply to the NG-RAN node with an NG interface establishment response message (NG setup response message) to inform the NG-RAN node of the capabilities of the AMF. For example, the capabilities of the AMF may include the AMF name (AMFname) and the served globally unique AMF identifier list (served GUAMI list).

[0110] 2.2 RAN configuration update process

[0111] The purpose of the RAN configuration update procedure is to update the application layer configuration data required for the NG-RAN node and AMF to interoperate correctly on the NG-C interface. When the capabilities of the RAN node change, such as the supported tracking area list (Supported TA List) or the Supported DNN / S-NSSAI, refer to Figure 2 , the NG-RAN node will initiate a RAN node configuration update message (RAN configuration update message) to the AMF, and notify the AMF of the updated capabilities of the NG-RAN node. After receiving the RAN configuration update message, the AMF will reply to the NG-RAN node with a RAN node configuration update confirmation message (RAN configuration update acknowledge message). The RAN configuration update acknowledge message indicates that the AMF has received the RAN configuration update message.

[0112] 2.3、AMF configuration update process

[0113] The purpose of the AMF configuration update procedure is to update the application layer configuration data required for the correct interoperation between the NG-RAN node and the AMF on the NG-C interface. When the capabilities of the AMF change, such as the served globally unique AMF identifier list (served GUAMI list) and the supported public land mobile network support list (public land mobile network support list, PLMN support list), refer to Figure 3 , AMF will initiate an AMF configuration update message to the NG-RAN node to notify the NG-RAN node of the updated capabilities of AMF. After receiving the AMF configuration update message (AMF configuration update message), the NG-RAN node will reply to the AMF with an AMF configuration update acknowledgement message (AMF configuration update acknowledgement message). The AMF configuration update acknowledgement message indicates that the NG-RAN node has received the AMF configuration update message.

[0114] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned NG setup request message may also be referred to as NG setup request signaling. Similarly, the NG setup response message may also be referred to as NG setup response signaling, the RAN configuration update message may also be referred to as RAN configuration update signaling, the RAN configuration update acknowledge message may also be referred to as RAN configuration update acknowledge signaling, the AMF configuration update message may also be referred to as AMF configuration update signaling, and the AMF configuration update acknowledge message may also be referred to as AMF configuration update acknowledge signaling.

[0115] 3. NTN

[0116] NTN includes two major scenarios: transparent forwarding and regenerative forwarding.

[0117] In the transparent forwarding scenario, the transparent forwarding NTN can regard the satellite as a relay node on the network side. The satellite changes the frequency carrier of the uplink RF signal, filters and amplifies the carrier before downlink transmission, but the waveform of the carried signal does not change. Figure 4 , Figure 4 The network architecture diagram of transparent forwarding satellite. NG-RAN nodes include base stations (ground stations shown in the figure), which communicate with satellites through gateways. Base stations and AMFs are directly connected on the ground (for example, through optical fiber, routers, switches and other equipment or lines). NG-RAN nodes are connected to terminal devices through gateways and satellites.

[0118] In the regenerative forwarding scenario, the regenerative forwarding NTN is the payload that converts and amplifies the uplink RF signal before it is transmitted on the downlink, including demodulation / decoding, encoding / modulation, etc., which is equivalent to having all or part of the base station functions on the satellite. Figure 5 , Figure 5 The network architecture diagram of the regenerative forwarding satellite. The NG-RAN node includes a satellite, which can realize all or part of the functions of the base station. It can also be considered that a base station (the high-altitude station shown in the figure) is set on the satellite, and the NG-RAN node can also be referred to as a satellite below. The satellite and the AMF transmit data through a feeder link. Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a scenario diagram of the NG-RAN node sending the NG interface process to the AMF in the regeneration and forwarding scenario. Figure 6 The first message in is the NG interface process sent by NG-RAN to AMF. AMF and other core network elements are deployed on the ground. In this scenario, the satellite moves at high speed, resulting in frequent establishment or interruption of the physical connection between the satellite and AMF, and frequent changes in the satellite's capability information. The NG interface process needs to be frequently triggered between the satellite and AMF.

[0119] Similar to the above-mentioned regeneration and forwarding scenario, when the positions of the core network elements and the access network elements are not fixed, the NG interface process will be frequently triggered between the two network elements, consuming more communication resources, such as feeder link resources.

[0120] Based on this, an embodiment of the present application proposes a communication method, whereby after receiving the first capability information sent by the second network device (such as an NG-RAN node), the first network device (such as an AMF) sends an indication message to the NG-RAN node according to the first capability information, so that the NG-RAN node stops sending the first message according to the indication message, thereby saving the resources consumed by the NG-RAN node frequently sending the first message to the AMF. As follows, the embodiment of the present application is introduced by taking the first network device as the NG-RAN node and the second network device as the AMF as an example. Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario of an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 , after the NG-RAN node (NG-RAN1) sends the first message to the AMF, the AMF sends the second message to the NG-RAN. Figure 8 , the NG-RAN node may no longer send the first message based on the second message, thereby saving power feeding resources.

[0121] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0122] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. A person of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that with the evolution of the network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0123] The technical solution of the embodiment of the present application can be applied to the fifth generation (5th generation, 5G) system or the new radio (new radio, NR) system. The technical solution of the embodiment of the present application can also be applied to other communication systems. For example: the evolution system of the NR system, the LTE system, the LTE frequency division duplex (frequency division duplex, FDD) system, the LTE time division duplex (time division duplex, TDD) system, the universal mobile telecommunication system (universal mobile telecommunication system, UMTS), the world-wide interoperability for microwave access (worldwide interoperability for microwave access, WiMAX) communication system, etc. Among them, the 5G system involved in the present application includes a non-standalone (NSA) NR system or a standalone (SA) NR system. The technical solution provided in the present application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as the sixth generation mobile communication system. The communication system can also be a land public mobile communication network (public land mobile network, PLMN) network, a D2D communication system, a machine to machine (machine to machine, M2M) communication system, an Internet of Things (Internet of Things, IoT) communication system or other communication systems.

[0124] Reference Figure 5The communication system architecture involved in the embodiments of the present application can be as follows Figure 5 The communication system includes an access network device and a core network device that communicates with the access network device.

[0125] The communication system involved in the embodiment of the present application also includes a terminal device that communicates with the access network device.

[0126] In different networks, the core network equipment, access network equipment, and terminal equipment in the above communication system may correspond to different names. Those skilled in the art will understand that the name does not limit the equipment itself.

[0127] Figure 5 The access network device is exemplarily shown as a NG-RAN node (also referred to as a RAN node), and the core network device includes a gateway and an AMF entity. The figure only shows an example of one NG-RAN node, one gateway and one access and mobility management function (AMF, Access and Mobility Management Function) entity. In this communication system, the number of the above-mentioned NG-RAN, gateway and AMF entities can also be multiple.

[0128] Among them, the AMF entity in the above example is a device deployed in the core network to provide services to the terminal. In systems using different wireless access technologies, the names of core network devices with similar wireless communication functions may be different. For example, when the communication method of an embodiment of the present application is applied to a 5G system, the core network device is an AMF, and when applied to an LTE system, the core network device may be a mobility management entity (Mobility Management Entity, MME). For the convenience of description only, in an embodiment of the present application, the device that provides services to the terminal is referred to as AMF.

[0129] The gateway sends the AMF message to the NG-RAN node via the feeder link, and the NG-RAN node receives the message sent by the AMF via the feeder link. The NG-RAN node sends the message to the AMF via the feeder link, and the gateway receives the message sent by the NG-RAN node and sends the received message to the AMF.

[0130] An access network device is a device deployed in a wireless access network to provide wireless communication functions. The access network device involved in the embodiments of the present application may be a high-altitude station deployed in the sky, or a ground station deployed on the ground. The ground station may have a mobile function. A high-altitude station refers to a satellite station or a high-altitude platform deployed with a wireless communication function, or other forms of communication equipment deployed in the sky. Specifically, the wireless communication function of the ground station or part of the wireless communication function of the ground station may be deployed in the high-altitude station. Optionally, the ground station involved in the embodiments of the present application includes, for example but not limited to, the following various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also called small stations), relay stations, transmission reception points (Transmission Reception Point, TRP), next generation network nodes (g Node B, gNB), evolved node Bs (ng evolved Node B, ng-eNB) connected to the next generation core network, etc., and may also include wireless local area network (WLAN) access devices and other wireless access network devices of non-3GPP systems.

[0131] In another application scenario, the cooperation of multiple RAN nodes can be used to help the terminal achieve wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of the functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node can be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU) or a radio unit (RU). The CU here completes the functions of the radio resource control protocol and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) of the base station, and can also complete the function of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP); the DU completes the functions of the radio link control layer and the medium access control (MAC) layer of the base station, and can also complete the functions of part or all of the physical layer. For the specific description of the above-mentioned protocol layers, please refer to the relevant technical specifications of 3GPP.

[0132] In different systems, RAN nodes may have different names. For example, in an O-RAN system, CU may be called an open CU (open CU, O-CU), DU may be called an open DU (open DU, O-DU), and RU may be called an open RU (open RU, O-RU). The RAN node in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module. For example, the RAN node may be a server loaded with a corresponding software module. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the RAN node. For the convenience of description, the following description takes the RAN node as an NG-RAN node as an example.

[0133] The terminal device is mainly used to receive or send data. Optionally, the terminal involved in the embodiments of the present application may include, for example, but not limited to, various handheld devices with wireless communication functions, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem; it may also include a subscriber unit, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a tablet computer, a handheld device (handheld), a laptop computer, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal (terminal), a user equipment (UE), etc. In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device may also be referred to as a terminal, which is uniformly described here and will not be repeated below.

[0134] Figure 5 In the communication system, the core network equipment, access network equipment and terminal form a communication system. In this communication system, the terminal can send uplink messages to the access network equipment, and the access network equipment can receive uplink messages sent by the terminal. Similarly, the access network equipment can send downlink messages to the terminal, and the terminal can receive downlink messages from the access network equipment.

[0135] Optional, Figure 5 All or part of the network elements in the network may be physical entity network elements or virtualized network elements, which is not limited here.

[0136] In addition, the communication system architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. It is known to those skilled in the art that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0137] Optional, Figure 5 The terminals, access network devices, and core network devices in the embodiment of the present application may be implemented by multiple devices respectively. The access network device and the core network device may also be implemented by one device, for example, the access network device and the core network device are implemented as different functional modules in one device, and this embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit this. It is understandable that the above-mentioned functional modules can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on hardware devices, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0138] Exemplarily, the terminal, access network device, and core network device in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented as Fig. 9 Communication equipment in. Fig. 9 The hardware structure diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application is shown as follows. The communication device 200 includes at least one processor 201 , a communication line 202 , a memory 203 and at least one communication interface 204 .

[0139] The processor 201 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program of the present application.

[0140] The communication link 202 may include a pathway to transmit information between the above-mentioned components.

[0141] The communication interface 204 uses any transceiver or other device for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc.

[0142] The memory 203 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) or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, Blu-ray disc, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory may exist independently and be connected to the processor via the communication line 202. The memory may also be integrated with the processor.

[0143] The memory 203 is used to store computer-executable instructions for executing the embodiments of the present application, and the execution is controlled by the processor 201. The processor 201 is used to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 203, thereby realizing the communication method provided in the following embodiments of the present application.

[0144] Optionally, the computer-executable instructions in the embodiments of the present application may also be referred to as application code, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0145] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the processor 201 may include one or more CPUs, such as Fig. 9 CPU0 and CPU1 in.

[0146] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the communication device 200 may include multiple processors, such as processor 201 and processor 205. Each of these processors may be a single-core (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. The processor here may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0147] Understandably, Fig. 9 Only an exemplary hardware structure diagram of the communication device is shown. In order to implement the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, the communication device 200 may also include other components, and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0148] The communication device 200 may be a general-purpose device or a dedicated device. Fig. 9 The embodiment of the present application does not limit the type of the communication device 200.

[0149] The communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application is described in detail below.

[0150] It should be noted that the message names between the network elements or the names of the parameters in the messages in the following embodiments of the present application are only examples, and other names may be used in the specific implementation. They are uniformly described here and will not be repeated below.

[0151] The following takes the example of a 5G system in which the first network device is an AMF and the second network device is an NG-RAN node set on a satellite as an example to introduce the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application. The NG-RAN node can also be called a satellite including a base station processing function.

[0152] See also Fig.10 , an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising the following steps:

[0153] S1001. The NG-RAN node sends a first message.

[0154] Correspondingly, AMF receives the first message.

[0155] The first message includes first capability information of the NG-RAN node.

[0156] Exemplarily, the first message is an NG interface message. Specifically, the first message is an NG-C interface message. For example, the NG-C interface message may be an NG setup request message, a RAN configuration update message, or an AMF configuration update message.

[0157] Exemplarily, the first capability information may be referred to as RAN capability or NG-RAN capability.

[0158] The first capability information can be represented by any one of the following terms: application level information, application level configuration information, application level information needed for the AMF and RAN node to interoperate correctly on the NG-C interface, state information of the AMF / RAN node, and RAN capability information.

[0159] The first capability information may include the following information: a supported TA list of the NG-RAN node and an identifier of the NG-RAN node. A supported TA is a TA covered by a beam of the NG-RAN node. The supported TA list includes: one or more TAs covered by a beam of the NG-RAN node.

[0160] Exemplarily, the identifier of the NG-RAN node may be a node name (NG-RAN nodename) of the NG-RAN node. For example, the NG-RAN node name may be represented by a globally unique identifier (next-generationNodeB identification, gNB ID) of the RAN node. For another example, if the NG-RAN node is an E-UTRAN node in an LTE network, the E-UTRAN node name may be represented by a globally unique identifier (Enhanced NodeB Identification, eNodeB ID) of the RAN node.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first capability information may also include at least one of the following information: supported data network name (Supported DNN), single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), supported public land mobile network list (support PLMN list), configured track area code indication (configured TAC indication), radio access technology information (RAT information), narrowband internet of things default paging discontinuous reception (NB-IOT default paging DRX), and broadcast public land mobile network item (broadcast PLMN item).

[0162] The satellite can operate according to a preset trajectory. During the operation, the satellite can establish a connection with an AMF within a certain period of time and send a first message to the AMF. The NG-RAN node can send the first message to the AMF through the gateway.

[0163] The NG-RAN node may send the first message to the AMF in the following scenarios: the NG-RAN node establishes a physical / transport layer connection with the AMF for the first time after power-on, the NG-RAN node enters (or runs into) the service range of the AMF, the NG-RAN node establishes a connection with the gateway serving the AMF, and the capability information of the NG-RAN node changes.

[0164] Exemplarily, the NG-RAN node reaches the predetermined orbit and starts working. After the NG-RAN node is turned on, a wireless connection is established with the gateway. There is a wired connection between the gateway and the AMF. At this time, it can be considered that the NG-RAN node has established a physical / transport layer connection with the AMF. After the NG-RAN node has established a physical / transport layer connection with the AMF, the NG-RAN node can send a first message to the AMF to indicate the capability information of the NG-RAN node.

[0165] Exemplarily, the service range of the AMF may be within the PLMN where the AMF is located (or referred to as belonging to it). The beam of the NG-RAN node covers the TA of the PLMN to which the AMF belongs, and it can be considered that the NG-RAN node enters the PLMN where the AMF is located. Fig.11 , area 1, area 2 and area 3 are the areas covered by the beam of the NG-RAN node. Taking the example that the PLMN to which the AMF belongs includes TA2 and TA3 but does not include TA1, when the area covered by the beam of the NG-RAN node is area 2 and / or area 3, area 2 covers the TA of the PLMN to which the AMF belongs, and it can be considered that the NG-RAN node enters the PLMN range where the AMF is located. When the area covered by the beam of the NG-RAN node is area 1, area 1 does not cover the TA of the PLMN to which the AMF belongs, and it can be considered that the NG-RAN node does not enter the PLMN range where the AMF is located. In other embodiments, the service range of the AMF is smaller than the PLMN range where the AMF is located (or referred to as belonging). In other embodiments, the service range of the AMF is larger than the PLMN range where the AMF is located (or referred to as belonging). The following is an introduction taking the service range of the AMF as the PLMN range where the AMF is located (or referred to as belonging) as an example.

[0166] Exemplarily, the gateway station 1 can be deployed in a country. The gateway station 1 is used to assist the AMF of the operator in the country to interact with the NG-RAN node. After the NG-RAN node is connected to the gateway station 1, it can interact with the AMF of the operator in the country through messages.

[0167] For example, refer to Fig.11 , taking the PLMN to which the AMF belongs including TA2 and TA3, but not TA1 as an example. When the beam coverage of the NG-RAN node changes from area 3 to area 2, the first capability information (such as supportedTA list) of the NG-RAN node changes, and the NG-RAN node sends a first message to the AMF to indicate the capability information of the NG-RAN node.

[0168] For example, the first capability information is Supported TA List, and the first message is NG SETUP REQUEST message or RAN CONFIGURATION UPDATE message. Figure 7For example, when the NG-RAN node is in the first position, it establishes a physical / transport layer connection with the AMF, and the NG-RAN node sends an NG setup request message (first message 1) to the AMF, and the NG setup request message includes the NG-RAN node identifier and the Supported TA List. Among them, the NG-RAN node identifier is NG-RAN1, and the Supported TA List includes TA1, TA2, TA3, and TA4. When the NG-RAN node is in the second position, the Supported TA List of the NG-RAN node changes, and the NG-RAN node sends a RAN configuration update message (first message 2) to the AMF, and the RAN configuration update message includes the NG-RAN node identifier NG-RAN node 1 and the Supported TA List: TA2, TA3, TA4, and TA5. When the NG-RAN node is in the third position, the Supported TA List of the NG-RAN node changes, and the NG-RAN node sends a RAN configuration update message (first message 3) to the AMF. The RAN configuration update message includes the NG-RAN node identifier NG-RAN node 1 and the Supported TA List: TA3, TA4, TA5, TA6.

[0169] It is understandable that the NG-RAN node may send the first message to the AMF once or multiple times. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the first message from the NG-RAN node once or multiple times.

[0170] S1002. AMF sends a second message to the NG-RAN node based on the first message.

[0171] Correspondingly, the NG-RAN node receives the second message.

[0172] The second message includes indication information, where the indication information is used to instruct the NG-RAN node to stop sending the first message.

[0173] In some embodiments, the second message is a response message to the first message, and the indication information is the second capability information of the AMF.

[0174] The second capability information of the AMF may include an identifier of the AMF. The identifier of the AMF may be an AMF name.

[0175] The second capability information of AMF may also include one or more of the following information: served GUAMI list, PLMN support list, globally unique AMF ID type (globally unique AMF identifier type, GUAMI type), public land mobile network supported items (PLMN support item), integrated access and backhaul (IAB).

[0176] In some embodiments, the AMF obtains one or more Supported TA Lists of NG-RAN1 according to the identifier of the NG-RAN node (such as NG-RAN1) and the Supported TA List, and all TAs within the PLMN to which the AMF belongs are already included, then the AMF sends a second message to NG-RAN1. The one or more Supported TA Lists include all TAs within the PLMN to which the AMF belongs, which may mean that one Supported TA List includes all TAs within the PLMN to which the AMF belongs, or multiple Supported TA Lists include all TAs within the PLMN to which the AMF belongs, that is, each Supported TA List in the multiple Supported TA Lists may include one or more TAs among all TAs within the PLMN to which the AMF belongs.

[0177] For example, all TAs within the PLMN range to which AMF belongs are TA1-TA20, the first supported TA list received by AMF from NG-RAN1 is TA1-TA10, and the second supported TA list received by AMF from NG-RAN1 is TA8-TA20. After receiving the first capability information of NG-RAN1 for the second time, AMF obtains multiple supported TAlists of NG-RAN1, which already include all TAs within the PLMN range to which AMF belongs, and AMF sends a second message to NG-RAN1.

[0178] In some other embodiments, the AMF obtains one or more supported TA lists of NG-RAN2 according to the identifier of the NG-RAN node (such as NG-RAN2) and the supported TAlist, and some TAs within the PLMN range to which the AMF belongs are already included, then the AMF sends a second message to the NG-RAN node. The partial TAs within the PLMN range to which the AMF belongs may be TAs that NG-RAN2 may cover within the PLMN range to which the AMF belongs.

[0179] For example, some TAs within the PLMN to which the above-mentioned AMF belongs may be TAs that may be covered by NG-RAN2 on the operating trajectory. In some embodiments, the part of the TAs may be all TAs on the operating trajectory of NG-RAN2. For example, assuming that within the PLMN to which the AMF belongs, all TAs on the operating trajectory of the NG-RAN node include TA1-TA10, then the part of the TAs may be TA1-TA10.

[0180] For another example, the above-mentioned partial TA may be a specific TA on the NG-RAN2 operation track. For example, assuming that within the PLMN to which the AMF belongs, all TAs on the NG-RAN2 operation track include TA1-TA10, and the partial TA may be a specific TA in TA1-TA10, such as TA1-TA5.

[0181] The acquisition source of the above-mentioned partial TA may be preset by the AMF, may be sent by NG-RAN2 to the AMF, or may be determined by the AMF according to local configuration or information from NG-RAN2. For example, the AMF obtains the ephemeris information of NG-RAN2 according to local configuration or from NG-RAN2, and determines the partial TA according to the ephemeris information and all TAs of the PLMN. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the acquisition source of the above-mentioned partial TA.

[0182] Exemplarily, the first message is a NG setup request message, and the response message may be a NG setup response message.

[0183] As another example, the first message is a RAN configuration update message, and the response message may be a RAN configuration update acknowledge message.

[0184] For example, during operation, the NG-RAN node (such as NG-RAN1) may send a first message to the AMF once or multiple times, and after receiving the first message, the AMF may reply to the NG-RAN1 with a response message multiple times. Figure 7, when NG-RAN1 sends an NG setup request message to AMF at the first location, AMF replies with an NG setup response message to NG-RAN. Similarly, NG-RAN1 sends an RAN configuration update message to AMF at the second location, and AMF replies with an RAN configuration update acknowledge message to NG-RAN. NG-RAN1 sends an RAN configuration update message to AMF at the third location, and AMF replies with an RAN configuration update acknowledge message to NG-RAN.

[0185] In some other embodiments, the second message is a signaling (indication) used to instruct the NG-RAN node to stop sending the first message.

[0186] It is understandable that the AMF can grasp the operating status of the NG-RAN node according to the capability information of the NG-RAN node. After the AMF grasps the operating status of the NG-RAN node, it sends a signaling to the NG-RAN node to stop sending the first message.

[0187] For example, the NG-RAN node is NG-RAN1, the first capability information of the NG-RAN node is supported TA list, and the TAs within the PLMN to which the AMF belongs include TA1-TA6. Exemplarily, after grasping the operating status of NG-RAN1 (receiving TA1-TA6 in the first message), the AMF can immediately send the second message to NG-RAN1.

[0188] For example, refer to Figure 7When NG-RAN1 runs to the first position, it establishes a connection with AMF and sends a NG setup request message (first message 1) to AMF, where the Supported TA List includes TA1-TA4. When NG-RAN1 runs to the second position, it sends a RAN configuration update message (second message 2) to AMF, where the Supported TA List includes TA2-TA5. When NG-RAN1 runs to the third position, it sends a RAN configuration update message (second message 3) to AMF, where the Supported TA List includes TA3-TA6. AMF receives that TA1-TA6 are already included in the Supported TA List sent by NG-RAN1 from the first position to the third position, that is, AMF has grasped the operating status of NG-RAN1. AMF can send a second message to NG-RAN at the third position to instruct NG-RAN1 to stop sending the first message. Therefore, when NG-RAN1 runs to the first position again and re-establishes a connection with the AMF, or runs to the second position again and the first capability information changes, or runs to the third position again and the first capability information changes, the first message is no longer sent to the AMF, thereby reducing the consumption of communication resources.

[0189] For another example, still referring to Figure 7 , assuming that NG-RAN1 is powered on at the second position and establishes a connection with AMF, it sends an NG setup request message (first message 2) to AMF to establish a connection with AMF, and NG-RAN1 runs along the track, and sends a first message 3 to AMF at the third position. Then, NG-RAN1 continues to run along the track, and the coverage of the NG-RAN1 beam exceeds the TA within the PLMN range to which AMF belongs, and NG-RAN1 disconnects from AMF. When NG-RAN1 runs to the first position, it sends an NG setup request message (first message 1) to AMF to establish a connection with AMF. At this time, AMF has received the Supported TA List sent by NG-RAN1, which already includes TA1-TA6, that is, AMF has mastered the running status of NG-RAN1. AMF can send a second message to NG-RAN at the third position to instruct NG-RAN1 to stop sending the first message. When NG-RAN1 runs to the second position again and the first capability information changes, it will no longer send the first message to AM, thereby saving communication resources.

[0190] As another example, the AMF may send a second message to NG-RAN1 to instruct NG-RAN1 to stop sending the first message when NG-RAN1 runs along the trajectory to cover the TA within the PLMN to which the AMF belongs again.

[0191] For example, Figure 7 In the operation scenario of NG-RAN1 shown, NG-RAN1 establishes a connection with AMF for the first time when it is in the second position, and NG-RAN1 sends a first message 2 to AMF. NG-RAN1 runs to the third position and sends a first message 3 to AMF. NG-RAN1 continues to run on track and disconnects from AMF. NG-RAN1 runs to the first position, and NG-RAN1 establishes a connection with AMF again when it is in the first position, and NG-RAN1 sends a first message 1 to AMF in the first position. NG-RAN1 runs to the second position again and sends a first message 2 to AMF. At this time, AMF receives that NG-RAN1 covers TA2-TA5 again, and sends a second message to NG-RAN1 to instruct NG-RAN1 to stop sending the first message, thereby saving communication resources.

[0192] As another example, the AMF may send a second message to NG-RAN1 to instruct NG-RAN1 to stop sending the first message when re-establishing a connection with NG-RAN1 after disconnecting from NG-RAN1.

[0193] For example, Figure 7 In the operation scenario of NG-RAN1 shown, NG-RAN1 establishes a connection with AMF for the first time when it is in the first position, and at this time, NG-RAN1 sends a first message 2 to AMF. NG-RAN1 continues to run along the track, sends a first message 2 to AMF when it is in the second position, and sends a first message 3 to AMF when it is in the third position, and then NG-RAN1 disconnects from AMF. When NG-RAN1 continues to run to the first position, it establishes a connection with AMF again, and AMF can send a second message to NG-RAN1 to instruct NG-RAN1 to stop sending the first message. This saves communication resources.

[0194] In the above example, NG-RAN1 establishes a connection with AMF at the first position, and during the operation from when NG-RAN1 disconnects from AMF after passing the third position (such as reaching the fourth position not shown in the figure), the coverage of NG-RAN1's ​​beam includes the TA in the PLMN where the AMF is located. In this case, there can be a connection between NG-RAN1 and AMF.

[0195] The time between the time point when NG-RAN1 establishes a connection with AMF at the first location and the time point when NG-RAN1 disconnects from AMF through the third location can be regarded as the time when NG-RAN1 is connected to AMF. In the case where the operation cycle of NG-RAN1 is 1 hour, if NG-RAN1 establishes a connection with AMF at the first location at 10:00 am, and NG-RAN1 disconnects from AMF at the fourth location at 10:30 am, the time when NG-RAN1 is connected to AMF is 10:00-10:29. During the periodic operation of NG-RAN1, the time when NG-RAN1 is connected to AMF can also include time periods such as 11:00-11:29, 12:00-12:29, and 13:00-13:29. AMF can obtain the time when it is connected to NG-RAN1 based on the time points of connection and disconnection with NG-RAN1.

[0196] In some other embodiments, the AMF or NG-RAN1 can obtain the time when the connection with NG-RAN1 exists according to the ephemeris information of NG-RAN1. For example, according to the ephemeris information of NG-RAN1, the AMF can obtain that NG-RAN1 operates in the first position at 10:00 am (i.e., the AMF establishes a connection with NG-RAN1), and NG-RAN1 flies away from the third position at 10:30 am (i.e., the AMF disconnects from NG-RAN1). Thus, according to the ephemeris information of NG-RAN1, the AMF can obtain that the time when the connection with NG-RAN1 exists is from 10:00 am to 10:30 am in each operation cycle of NG-RAN1.

[0197] In some embodiments, when the second message is signaling for instructing the NG-RAN node to stop sending the first message, the method, before S1002, further includes: the AMF sends a response message to the NG-RAN node for the first message.

[0198] The response message includes the second capability information of AMF.

[0199] Referring to the above introduction to the response message, after the AMF receives the first message sent by the NG-RAN node, it can send a response message to the NG-RAN node so that the NG-RAN node receives the second capability information of the AMF.

[0200] S1003. The NG-RAN node stops sending the first message according to the second message.

[0201] Through the scheme of the embodiment of the present application, when the second message is a response message to the first message, the NG-RAN node can stop sending the first message after receiving the complete second capability information of the AMF. The complete capability information of the AMF may refer to all TAs included in the PLMN supported by the AMF or to some TAs included in the PLMN supported by the AMF. It can be understood that all TAs included in the PLMN supported by the AMF and some TAs included in the LMN supported by the AMF can refer to the description of the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0202] Through the solution of the embodiment of the present application, when the second message is a signaling for instructing the NG-RAN node to stop sending the first message. The NG-RAN node sends the first capability information to the AMF, and the corresponding AMF receives the first capability information. After recording the first capability information of the NG-RAN, the AMF may send a signaling (second message) to the NG-RAN node to instruct the NG-RAN to stop sending the first message. The NG-RAN node may no longer send the first message according to the second message, thereby saving air interface resources.

[0203] In the subsequent interaction process between the AMF and the NG-RAN node, the AMF may determine the NG-RAN node that can communicate with the device in the supported TA and communicate with the NG-RAN node through the capability information of the NG-RAN node obtained in the above embodiment. Alternatively, the NG-RAN node may communicate with the AMF through the capability information of the AMF obtained in the above embodiment. Through the method of this embodiment, the NG-RAN node does not need to send the first message to the AMF every time the capability information changes, thereby reducing the feeding resources occupied by the first message and saving feeding resources.

[0204] The present application also provides a communication method, referring to Fig.12 The above S1002 can be implemented as S1202. Before S1202, S1201 can also be included.

[0205] S1201. AMF records the time point corresponding to the first message.

[0206] The time point corresponding to the first message indicates the time point corresponding to the first capability information in the first message.

[0207] In some embodiments, the AMF may determine the time point corresponding to the first message. The AMF may obtain the first capability information in the first message 1 and the first time corresponding to the first capability information (the time period between the time point corresponding to the first message 1 and the time point corresponding to the first message 2) according to the time point corresponding to the first message 1 and the time point corresponding to the first message 2. Among them, the first message 2 is after the first message 1.

[0208] In some embodiments, the AMF may store the time point corresponding to the first message. For example, the AMF stores the first capability information and the time point corresponding to the first capability information. For another example, the AMF may store the first capability information and the first time corresponding to the first capability information. According to the above example, the AMF may obtain the first time corresponding to the first capability information according to the time point corresponding to the first message.

[0209] In some embodiments, the time point corresponding to the first message is the time point when the AMF receives the first message. S1201 can be implemented as the AMF recording the time point when the first message (such as the first capability information in the first message) is received.

[0210] The first time corresponding to the first capability information is determined according to the time point when the AMF receives the first message.

[0211] For example, the time point when the AMF receives the first message represents the time point when the AMF receives the first capability information.

[0212] Referring to Table 1, Table 1 shows the correspondence between the first capability information of the NG-RAN node (taking the Supported TA List as an example) and the time point when the AMF receives the first capability information. At 9:00, the Supported TA List received by the AMF from the NG-RAN node includes TA1-TA4, and the AMF can consider that the time point corresponding to the first capability information 1 of the NG-RAN node is TA1-TA4 is 9:00. Similarly, at 9:10, the Supported TA List received by the AMF from the NG-RAN node includes TA4-TA8, and the AMF can consider that the time point corresponding to the first capability information 2 of the NG-RAN node is TA4-TA8 is 9:10, and at 9:20, the Supported TA List received by the AMF from the NG-RAN node includes TA8-TA12, and the time point corresponding to the first capability information 3 of the NG-RAN node is TA8-TA12 is 9:20.

[0213] Table 1

[0214] First capability information NG-RAN Node Supported TA List Time point (am) First time period First capability information 1 TA1, TA2, TA3, TA4 9：00 9：00-9：09 First capability information 2 TA4, TA5, TA6, TA7, TA8 9：10 9：10-9：19 First capability information 3 TA8, TA9, TA10, TA11, TA12 9：20 9：20-9：29 First capability information 4 TA1, TA2, TA3, TA4 10：00 10：00-10：10

[0215] Exemplarily, the identifier of the NG-RAN node is RAN-1, and the correspondence between the first capability information (supported TAlist) and the time point can be expressed as: {9:00am RAN-1, supported TA-1,2,3,4}, {9:10amRAN-1, supported TA-4,5,6,7,8}, {9:20amRAN-1, supported TA-8,9,10,11,12}, etc., wherein am means ante meridiem.

[0216] The AMF may determine the first time (or first time period) corresponding to the first capability information, or determine the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time, based on the time point of receiving the first message and the first capability information included in the first message.

[0217] Exemplarily, when the first capability information changes, NG-RAN sends a first message to AMF. If the coverage of the NG-RAN node is still within the service range of AMF, before the NG-RAN node sends the first message to AMF again, or before AMF receives the first message again, it can be considered that the capability information of the NG-RAN node has not changed. Thus, AMF can use the time period from the time point when the NG-RAN node receives the first capability information (such as the first capability information 1) to the time point when the first capability information is received next time (such as the first capability information 2) as the first time corresponding to the first capability information 1.

[0218] For example, referring to Table 1, at 9:00, the NG-RAN node enters the service range of the AMF, and the RAN sends the first capability information 1 to the AMF, where the Supported TA List includes TA1-TA4. Before the NG-RAN node sends the next capability information and updates its capability information, the first capability information 1 of the NG-RAN node is TA1-TA4. At 9:10, the first capability information of the NG-RAN node changes from the first capability information 1 to the first capability information 2, and the Supported TA List received by the AMF from the NG-RAN node includes TA4-TA8. The first time corresponding to the first capability information 1 of the NG-RAN node being TA1-TA4 is 9:00-9:09. By analogy, if at 9:20, the first capability information of the NG-RAN node changes from the first capability information 2 to the first capability information 3, and the Supported TA List received by the AMF from the NG-RAN node includes TA8-TA12, the first time corresponding to the first capability information 2 of the NG-RAN node being TA4-TA8 is 9:10-9:19.

[0219] For another example, at 9:30, AMF determines that the physical / transport layer connection with the NG-RAN node is disconnected, or determines that NG-RAN leaves the service range of AMF based on the ephemeris information, then the first time corresponding to the first capability information 3 of NG-RAN is TA8-TA12 is 9:20-9:29. At this time, the correspondence between the capability information and time of the NG-RAN node in this operation cycle has been determined, and AMF can determine the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time of the NG-RAN node in the next cycle and all subsequent cycles based on the ephemeris information (for example, the operation cycle of the NG-RAN node). For example, if the operation cycle of the NG-RAN node is 1 hour, AMF can determine that in the first 10 minutes of the operation cycle of the NG-RAN node, the first capability information of the NG-RAN node is the first capability information 1, such as at the first time 10:00-10:10, the Supported TA List of the NG-RAN node includes TA1-TA4. Similarly, in the 10th to 19th minute of the operation cycle of the NG-RAN node, the first capability information of the NG-RAN node is the first capability information 2, such as at the first time 10:10-10:19, the Supported TA List of the NG-RAN node includes TA4-TA8. In the 20th to 29th minute of the operation cycle of the NG-RAN node, the first capability information of the NG-RAN node is the first capability information 3, such as at the first time 10:20-10:29, the Supported TA List of the NG-RAN node includes TA8-TA12.

[0220] AMF can store the recorded correspondence between the first time point and the first capability information and / or the correspondence between the time period obtained through the first time point and the first capability information locally, or AMF can store it to other storage network elements (for example, unified data repository network element (UDR), unified data management network element (UDM), session management function network element (SMF) policy control function network element (PCF)) through the interface between network elements. When AMF needs to consult (or call) the correspondence between the above-mentioned first time point and the first capability information and / or the correspondence between the first time period and the first capability information, the correspondence is obtained from the network element.

[0221] It can be understood that AMF records the first time and can also be understood as AMF learning the first time.

[0222] It is understandable that Table 1 is only an example of the time point corresponding to the Supported TA List of the NG-RAN node. At the time point not shown in Table 1, the NG-RAN node may also send the first capability information to the AMF. For example, referring to Table 2, when the Supported TA List of the NG-RAN node includes TA10, TA11, and TA12, the corresponding time point is 9:22. When the Supported TA List of the NG-RAN node includes TA11 and TA12, the corresponding time point is 9:25. When the Supported TA List of the NG-RAN node includes TA12, the corresponding time point is 9:28.

[0223] Table 2

[0224]

[0225]

[0226] Referring to Table 2, after receiving the first capability information from the NG-RAN node at 9:20, the AMF may receive the first capability information sent by the NG-RAN node again at 10:00. Fig.13 , the PLMN to which AMF belongs includes TA1-TA12, and TA13-TA22 are the TAs of other PLMNs on the operating track of NG-RAN1. When NG-RAN1 runs to the fourth position, the TA of the PLMN to which AMF belongs is no longer included in the Supported TA List of NG-RAN1. In this case, NG-RAN1 no longer sends the first message to AMF, or in other words, AMF is not within the radiation range of NG-RAN1, and AMF cannot receive the first capability information of NG-RAN1. As NG-RAN1 continues to run, NG-RAN1 returns to the first position again. For example, at 10:00, AMF receives the first capability information from NG-RAN1 again, so that the time point corresponding to the first capability information is 10:00.

[0227] According to the correspondence between the first capability information of NG-RAN1 and time, AMF can obtain that at 9:00 and 10:00, NG-RAN1 is located in the first position, so that the operation cycle of NG-RAN1 on the operation trajectory is 1 hour.

[0228] In the above embodiment, the time point corresponding to the first capability information of the NG-RAN node in Table 1 and Table 2 is taken as the time point when the AMF receives the first capability information as an example to illustrate the time point corresponding to the first capability information of the NG-RAN node.

[0229] In some other embodiments, the first message carries a time point corresponding to the first message, for example, the time point may be the time point when the NG-RAN node sends the first message. S1201 may be implemented as the AMF recording the time point carried in the first message.

[0230] The time point corresponding to the first capability information of the NG-RAN node in Table 1 and Table 2 above may also be the time point when the NG-RAN node sends the first message carrying the first capability information.

[0231] S1202. The AMF sends a second message to the NG-RAN node according to the first capability information and the first time corresponding to the first capability information.

[0232] Correspondingly, the NG-RAN node receives the second message.

[0233] Referring to S1002, in some embodiments, the second message is a response message to the first message, and the response message may include the second capability information of the AMF. It can be understood that the indication information is the second capability information of the AMF.

[0234] For example, referring to Table 1, after AMF records the first capability information 1 of the NG-RAN node and the time point 9:00 corresponding to the first capability information 1, it may send the second message 1 to the NG-RAN node. The second message 1 may include the second capability information 1 of the AMF at 9:00. Similarly, after AMF records the first capability information 2 of the NG-RAN node and the time point 9:10 corresponding to the first capability information 2, it may send the second message 2 to the NG-RAN node. The second message 2 may include the second capability information 2 of the AMF at 9:10. After AMF records the first capability information 3 of the NG-RAN node and the time point 9:20 corresponding to the first capability information 3, it may send the second message 3 to the NG-RAN node. The second message 3 may include the second capability information 3 of the AMF at 9:20.

[0235] After the NG-RAN node receives the three response messages (second message 1, second message 2, and second message 3) fed back by the AMF, it can be learned that the AMF has learned the correspondence between the time and the first capability information of the NG-RAN node within the service range of the AMF. In the subsequent operation of the NG-RAN node, the AMF can obtain the first capability information corresponding to the NG-RAN node at the current time (e.g., the current moment) based on the learned correspondence between the first capability information and time of the NG-RAN node, thereby paging the NG-RAN node whose first capability information at the current moment meets the paging condition. Therefore, even if the NG-RAN node does not send the first message to the AMF every time the capability information changes, the AMF can obtain the first capability information of the NG-RAN node based on the correspondence between the ephemeris information and the first capability information of the NG-RAN node. This reduces the first capability information sent by the NG-RAN node and saves feeding resources.

[0236] Among them, the current time can be the following time points: the time point when the AMF determines to initiate paging, the time point when the AMF sends a paging message to the NG-RAN node, or the time point when the AMF receives a paging policy indicator from the SMF.

[0237] Exemplarily, the first capability information at the current moment conforms to the NG-RAN node corresponding to the paging condition, which can be understood as, if the paging condition is to paging a terminal within TA1, then the first capability information at the current moment includes the first capability information of the NG-RAN node of TA1 conforms to the NG-RAN node corresponding to the paging condition.

[0238] In some other embodiments, the second message is a signaling (indication) used to instruct the NG-RAN node to stop sending the first message.

[0239] After the AMF determines the correspondence between the capability information and the time of the NG-RAN node in an operation cycle, the AMF may send indication information to the NG-RAN node. For example, referring to Table 1, the AMF may send indication information to the NG-RAN node at 9:30 or after 9:30, instructing the NG-RAN node to stop sending the first message.

[0240] In some embodiments, the indication information sent by the AMF to the NG-RAN node is used to instruct the NG-RAN node to stop sending the first message within a third time (or referred to as a third time period). The third time is the time (or referred to as a time period) during which the NG-RAN node is connected to the AMF in an operation cycle, and the third time includes one or more first times. Exemplarily, as in the above example, referring to Table 2, 9:00-9:10 is the first time period 4, 9:10-9:20 is the first time period 5, 9:20-9:22 is the first time period 6, and so on, 9:22-9:25 is the first time period 7, and 9:25-9:28 is the first time period 8. The above-mentioned first time period 4-first time period 8 is the time period during which the NG-RAN node is connected to the AMF in an operation cycle, and this time period can constitute the third time period, and the third time period is located in the first 28 minutes of the NG-RAN operation cycle. The indication information can be used to instruct the NG-RAN node to stop sending the first message in the first 28 minutes of each operation cycle.

[0241] It can be understood that 9:00 and 9:28 in the above Table 2 can be the time points when the AMF receives the first capability information for the first time and the time points when the AMF receives the first capability information for the last time within an operation cycle of the NG-RAN node, respectively, and these two time points are the endpoints of the third time period.

[0242] In some other embodiments, 9:30 is the time when the NG-RAN node is disconnected from the AMF, and the NG-RAN node can use the time point (9:00) of establishing the connection with the AMF and the time point (9:30) of disconnecting the connection with the AMF as the endpoints of the third time period, so that the third time period is the first 30 minutes of each operation cycle of the NG-RAN node. In the first 30 minutes of each operation cycle, the NG-RAN node no longer sends the first message to the AMF, saving communication resources.

[0243] In some embodiments, the endpoints of the third time period may also be set to time points near the above-mentioned endpoints (the time point when the AMF first receives the first capability information, the time point when the AMF last receives the first capability information, the time point when the NG-RAN node establishes a connection with the AMF, and the time point when the NG-RAN node disconnects from the AMF) within a cycle of the NG-RAN, for example, 8:58 and 9:29.

[0244] According to the correspondence between the first capability information of the above-mentioned NG-RAN node and the first time period, the AMF can obtain the capability information of the NG-RAN node at a future moment according to the operation cycle of the NG-RAN node, thereby reducing the first message (NG interface message) sent by the NG-RAN node to the AMF at a future moment and saving power feeding resources.

[0245] The present application also provides a communication method, referring to Fig.12 , after S1201, S1203 may also be included.

[0246] S1203. AMF executes a process based on the first capability information according to the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time.

[0247] Exemplarily, the process based on the first capability information can be that the AMF pages terminal devices within the range of other AMFs through the NG-RAN node.

[0248] Reference Fig.13 , the AMF has obtained one or more NG-RAN nodes (for example, one of the NG-RAN nodes is Fig.13 The first capability information corresponding to each first time period in an operation cycle of NG-RAN1 shown in FIG1 (such as the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time shown in Table 1) is respectively shown in FIG1. ​​At the first time 1 (such as 10:00-10:10), the TAs supported by NG-RAN1 are TA1-TA4, and at the first time 2 (such as 10:10-10:20), the TAs supported by NG-RAN2 are TA4-TA8, and at the first time 3 (such as 10:20-10:30), the TAs supported by NG-RAN3 are TA8-TA12.

[0249] For example, if AMF needs to page the terminal device located in TA8 at 10:15, it will query the correspondence between the first capability information of the NG-RAN node learned by AMF and the first time. AMF finds that the TAs supported by NG-RAN1 from 10:10 to 10:20 am are TA4-TA8, and can send a paging message to NG-RAN1.

[0250] For another example, if AMF needs to page a terminal device in TA12 before entering the idle state at 10:25, it can send a paging message to NG-RAN1. However, if it needs to page a terminal device in TA12 at 10:15, it cannot send a paging message to NG-RAN1, and needs to determine which NG-RAN node to send the paging message to based on the correspondence between the first capability information of other RANs and the first time.

[0251] For another example, the AMF may execute a process based on the first capability information in a non-continuous feeding (store and forward) scenario. In this scenario, the way in which the AMF obtains the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time may use any of the methods in the present invention. The non-continuous feeding scenario (store and forward) is a satellite scenario defined by 3GPP. In this scenario, the feeding connection between the satellite and the gateway does not always exist (it may be disconnected at some time), that is, the NG-RAN node and the AMF on the ground are not always connected. In this scenario, there may be no feeding connection when the RAN is connected to the UE, and there may be no connection with the terminal when the RAN is connected to the AMF. Therefore, when the AMF needs to page a terminal of a certain TA, the RAN that is currently connected to the AMF may not cover the TA (that is, the supported TA list of the NG-RAN node connected to the AMF at the current moment does not include the TA).

[0252] Assume that the AMF has obtained the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time of each NG-RAN node from NG-RAN1 to NG-RAN5. According to the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time of NG-RAN1 to NG-RAN5, the AMF obtains the first capability information (such as supported TA list) of NG-RAN1 to NG-RAN5 at a certain time (such as t1=9 o'clock). Fig.14 As shown. The supported TA list of NG-RAN1 includes TA19 to TA21. Similarly, the supported TA list of NG-RAN2 includes TA21 to TA22. The supported TA list of NG-RAN3 includes TA1 to TA4. The supported TA list of NG-RAN4 includes TA4 to TA8. The supported TA list of NG-RAN5 includes TA8 to TA12. The supported TA list of the NG-RAN nodes (NG-RAN1 to NG-RAN3) connected to the AMF at time t1 does not include TA13 to TA22. When the AMF pages a terminal located in TA13 to TA22 (such as TA13), it can determine the NG-RAN node that first runs to TA13 among the NG-RAN nodes connected to the AMF at the current moment based on the correspondence between the first capability information of the NG-RAN node and the first time. It can also be called determining the NG-RAN node that is closest to the current moment and the first time that supports TA13. The AMF sends a paging message to the determined NG-RAN node. As shown Fig.14In the example, the correspondence between the first capability information of NG-RAN5 and the first time is: 9:00-9:10 corresponds to {TA8 to TA12}, 9:10-9:20 corresponds to {TA13 to TA14}. The correspondence between the first capability information of NG-RAN4 and the first time is: 9:10-9:20 corresponds to {TA8 to TA12}, 9:20-9:30 corresponds to {TA13 to TA14}. That is, if NG-RAN5 runs to TA13 first, AMF will send a paging message to the determined NG-RAN5. When NG-RAN5 runs to TA13, it can send a message to the terminal in TA13 to implement paging of the terminal in TA13.

[0253] When triggering a process that needs to be executed according to the first capability information, the AMF can first consult the correspondence between the learned first capability information and the first time, determine the NG-RAN involved in the process according to this correspondence, and directly execute the process without having to obtain or query the current capabilities of the NG-RAN through the first message again through the NG-RAN, thereby saving feeder link resources.

[0254] It is understandable that there is no requirement for the execution order between the above steps S1202 and S1203, that is, S1202 can be executed first, or S1203 can be executed first.

[0255] The present application also provides a communication method, referring to Fig.12 Taking the second message as a response message to the first message as an example, after S1202, it also includes S1204 and S1205.

[0256] S1204. The NG-RAN node records the time point of receiving the second message.

[0257] The second message includes indication information, and the indication information is used to instruct the NG-RAN node to stop sending the first message.

[0258] Refer to the time point corresponding to the first message recorded by the above-mentioned AMF, and determine the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time. NG-RAN can determine the time point of receiving the second message, and determine the correspondence between the second capability information and the second time. Taking the AMF identifier as AMF-1 as an example, the correspondence between the time point recorded by NG-RAN and the second capability information can be expressed as: {9:00am AMF-1, served GUAMI-1,2}; {10:00am AMF-1, served GUAMI-2,3}.

[0259] Similarly, the time period between the NG-RAN node receiving the second message 1 and receiving the second message 2 (the second message after the second message 1) can be considered as the second capability information of the AMF indicated by the indication information in the second message 1, and the time period can be called the second time corresponding to the second message (or called the second time period).

[0260] S1205. The NG-RAN node executes a process based on the second capability information according to the correspondence between the second capability information and the second time.

[0261] Exemplarily, the process based on the second capability information may be that RAN sends a control plane message to AMF according to the AMF name. The control plane message may be one or more of the following messages: NG message (such as the first message) or non-access stratum to next generation radio access network interface (N2) message. Taking sending an N2 message to AMF as an example, a PLMN may include one or more AMFs. When NG-RAN needs to send an N2 message to the PLMN, NG-RAN may determine that the AMF corresponding to the current time is AMF1 based on the correspondence between the second capability information and the second time, and send an N2 message to AMF1. Alternatively, NG-RAN may send an N2 message to AMF2 located in the same PLMN as AMF1, and AMF2 may forward the N2 message sent by NG-RAN to AMF1 to AMF1, thereby enabling NG-RAN to send an N2 message to AMF1.

[0262] The N2 message may carry the target terminal device identification. The target terminal device identification may be represented by any one or more of the following information: subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), (protocol data unit session identification, PDUSession ID), non-access stratum identification for paging (NAS ID for paging), registration area list, access associated to the PDU session, access and mobility management function user equipment NGapplication protocol id (AMF UE NGAP ID).

[0263] In some embodiments, the NG-RAN node sends a first message to the AMF within an operation cycle according to the operation cycle. When the NG-RAN node completes a cycle or a preset time period in a cycle (the time connected to the AMF), the NG-RAN node reports to the AMF the complete information of the TA in the PLMN where the supported AMF is located, and the NG-RAN node no longer sends the first message.

[0264] In some other embodiments, the NG-RAN node receives a response message from the AMF and records the second capability information of all AMFs corresponding to the PLMN. When the first capability information changes due to the normal operation of the NG-RAN node on the operation trajectory, or when the correspondence between the capability information of the NG-RAN node and the first time does not change, the first message is no longer sent to the AMF.

[0265] The embodiment of the present application further provides a communication method, which, after step S1003, further includes S1004.

[0266] S1004. If the first capability information changes due to a change in the movement trajectory of the NG-RAN node and / or an update in the first capability information configuration of the NG-RAN node and / or a failure in the first capability information configuration of the NG-RAN node, a first message is sent to the AMF.

[0267] When the movement trajectory of the NG-RAN node changes, the changing pattern of the first capability information changes. When the first capability configuration of the NG-RAN node is updated and / or fails, the first capability information will not be able to configure the second network device according to the original plan when the configuration is updated, so that the changing pattern of the first capability information of the NG-RAN node has changed, or the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time has changed. The changing pattern of the first capability information has changed, resulting in the AMF being unable to determine the first capability information of the NG-RAN node at a certain point in time according to the known correspondence between the first capability information of the NG-RAN node and the first time. At this time, the NG-RAN node can send the first message to the AMF again. Accordingly, the AMF receives the first message and determines the correspondence between the updated first capability information of the NG-RAN node and the first time based on the first message.

[0268] The above-mentioned first capability configuration update and / or failure may include DNN / S-NSSAI update and / or failure supported by the NG-RAN node.

[0269] Among them, the method for AMF to redetermine the correspondence between the first capability information of the NG-RAN node and the first time can refer to the above embodiment and will not be repeated again.

[0270] It can be understood that each time the AMF re-determines the correspondence between the first capability information of the NG-RAN node and the first time, the specific implementation method may be different, and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0271] The embodiment of the present application also provides a communication method, including steps S1301 and S1302.

[0272] S1301. The NG-RAN node sends a first message within a first operation cycle.

[0273] Correspondingly, AMF receives the first message.

[0274] The first message includes first capability information of the NG-RAN node.

[0275] For example, the NG-RAN node may periodically orbit the earth, such as Figure 7 As shown, the NG-RAN node can send a first message to the AMF when it first runs to the first position, the second position and the third position.

[0276] S1302. The NG-RAN node stops sending the first message within the third time of each operation cycle after the first operation cycle.

[0277] Among them, the third time is the time when the NG-RAN node is connected to the AMF within one operation cycle.

[0278] For example, Figure 7 As shown, the NG-RAN node may no longer send the first message to the AMF when it runs to the first position, the second position or the third position for the second, third, or more times in subsequent operation cycles, thereby saving communication resources.

[0279] In some embodiments, the above communication method also includes steps S1303 and S1304.

[0280] S1303. The NG-RAN node records the time point when the connection with the AMF is established.

[0281] S1304. The NG-RAN node records the time point when the connection with the AMF is disconnected.

[0282] Among them, the third time is determined based on the time point of establishing the connection with AMF and the time point of disconnecting the connection with AMF.

[0283] For example, refer to Figure 7 When the NG-RAN node runs to the first position, it establishes a connection with the AMF, and the NG-RAN node can record the time point at this time. When the NG-RAN node runs away from the third position, it disconnects from the AMF, and the NG-RAN node can record the time point at this time. The NG-RAN node can obtain the third time according to the time between the time point of establishing the connection with the AMF and the time point of disconnecting the connection with the AMF.

[0284] In some other embodiments, the third time is determined according to the ephemeris information of the NG-RAN node. The specific implementation method of determining the third time according to the ephemeris information of the NG-RAN node can refer to the above process of obtaining the time when the connection with NG-RAN1 exists according to the ephemeris information of NG-RAN1, which will not be repeated here.

[0285] In some embodiments, after step S1302, step S1305 is also included.

[0286] S1305. If the first capability information changes due to a change in the movement trajectory of the NG-RAN node and / or an update in the first capability information configuration of the NG-RAN node and / or a failure in the first capability information configuration of the NG-RAN node, a first message is sent to the AMF.

[0287] It is understandable that the specific implementation method of S1305 can refer to S1004 and will not be repeated here.

[0288] The present application also provides a communication method, referring to Fig.15, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application includes S1502, S1505 and S1506.

[0289] S1502. The NG-RAN node sends a first message to the AMF.

[0290] Accordingly, the AMF receives a first message from the NG-RAN node.

[0291] The first message includes the first capability information of the NG-RAN node and the first time (or first time period) corresponding to the first capability information.

[0292] The NG-RAN node can obtain the first capability information and the first time corresponding to the first capability information through local configuration (for example, determining the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time according to the locally configured ephemeris information and capability information).

[0293] The first capability information in the embodiment of the present application may refer to the first capability information in the above step S1001, such as the identification of the NG-RAN node, Supported TA List, Supported DNN, S-NSSAI, supported PLMN list, configured TAC indication, RAT information, NB-IOT default paging DRX, and broadcastPLMN i tem.

[0294] The NG-RAN node in the embodiment of the present application may also send a first message to the AMF in the same scenario as S1001 in the above embodiment.

[0295] For example, the supported TA list corresponding to NG-RAN1 in time period 1 is TA1, which can be expressed as: RAN ID-1, support TA{TA1}, serving time period-1. The supported TA list corresponding to NG-RAN1 in time period 2 is TA2, which can be expressed as: RAN ID-1, support TA{TA2}, serving time period-2.

[0296] As another example, referring to Table 3, the first capability information of the NG-RAN node and the information of the first time period corresponding to the first capability information may be in the form of a list.

[0297] The first message may include the first capability information of all TAs of the PLMN to which the AMF covered by the NG-RAN node belongs and the information of the first time period corresponding to the first capability information, and may also include the first capability information of some TAs of the PLMN to which the AMF covered by the NG-RAN node belongs and the information of the first time period corresponding to the first capability information. For example, the first capability information corresponding to the time period of 9:00-9:29 and the information of the first time period corresponding to the first capability information may be included, and the first capability information corresponding to the time period of 9:00-9:09 and the information of the first time period corresponding to the first capability information may also be included.

[0298] Table 3

[0299] First capability information Supported TA List of NG-RAN Nodes First time period First capability information 1 TA1, TA2, TA3, TA4 9：00-9：09 First capability information 2 TA4, TA5, TA6, TA7, TA8 9：10-9:19 First capability information 3 TA8, TA9, TA10, TA11, TA12 9：20-9:29 … … …

[0300] For example, refer to Fig.13 When NG-RAN1 runs to the first position (such as 9:00), it establishes a connection with AMF. At this time, NG-RAN1 can send a first message to AMF, where the first message includes the following information: first capability information 1 (TA1, TA2, TA3, TA4) and the first time period 1 (9:00-9:09) corresponding to the first capability information 1, first capability information 2 (TA4, TA5, TA6, TA7, TA8) and the first time period 1 (9:10-9:19) corresponding to the first capability information 2, first capability information 3 (TA8, TA9, TA10, TA11, TA12) and the first time period 1 (9:20-9:29) corresponding to the first capability information 3.

[0301] The NG-RAN node may stop sending the first message to the AMF in the first time period shown in Table 3 or in the time period in the cycle in which the NG-RAN node corresponding to each first time period is located. Thereby, the consumption of feeding resources is reduced.

[0302] It is understandable that, in some embodiments, each first capability information in the first message has a first time period corresponding to the first capability information. In other embodiments, part of the first capability information in the first message has a time period corresponding to the first capability information.

[0303] In some embodiments, the first time period corresponding to each type of first capability information is the same. In other embodiments, the first time periods corresponding to some or all types of first capability information are different. For example, RAN node name is the name of the NG-RAN node, and this first capability information does not need to correspond to the time. For another example, capability 1 (such as Supported TAList) is in state 1 (TA1, TA2, TA3, TA4) from 9:00 to 9:09, and in state 2 (TA4, TA5, TA6, TA7, TA8) from 9:10 to 9:19, while capability 2 (such as single network slice selection support information) is in state 3 (such as S-NSSAI1 and S-NSSAI2) from 9:00 to 9:19.

[0304] In some embodiments, S1502 also includes S1503.

[0305] S1503. AMF records the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time period.

[0306] Exemplarily, the AMF may record the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time period in the form of a table.

[0307] Through the above scheme, AMF can obtain the capability information of the NG-RAN node at a future moment according to the correspondence between the recorded first capability information of the NG-RAN node and the time period, thereby reducing the first message (NG interface message) sent by the NG-RAN node to the AMF at a future moment and saving power feeding resources.

[0308] In some embodiments, S1503 also includes S1508.

[0309] S1508. AMF executes a process based on the first capability information according to the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time.

[0310] After receiving the first message, the AMF may page NG-RAN1 at the first time according to the first capability information in the first message and the first time corresponding to the first capability information.

[0311] The AMF of the embodiment of the present application executes the process based on the first capability information according to the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time, and the AMF executes the process based on the first capability information according to the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time in the above step S1203. No further details will be given here.

[0312] In some embodiments, S1503 also includes S1504.

[0313] S1504. AMF determines the correspondence between the second capability information and the first time.

[0314] The AMF may determine the correspondence between the second capability information of the AMF in the first time period and the first time period based on the recorded first time period. Exemplarily, the correspondence between the second capability information of the AMF in the first time period and the first time period may be expressed in the following form: {AMF name-1, served GUAMI{GUAMI1,2}, PLMN support{PLMN1}, serving time period-1}, {AMF name-1, served GUAMI{GUAMI2,3}, PLMN support{PLMN1}, serving time period-2}.

[0315] It is understood that, in some embodiments, the AMF may determine the second capability information corresponding to each first time period received from the NG-RAN node. In other embodiments, the AMF may determine the second capability information corresponding to part of the first time period from the first time period received from the NG-RAN node.

[0316] S1505. AMF sends a second message to the NG-RAN node based on the first message.

[0317] Correspondingly, the NG-RAN node receives the second message sent by the AMF.

[0318] The second message includes indication information, where the indication information is used to instruct the NG-RAN node to stop sending the first message.

[0319] In some embodiments, the indication information is the second capability information and the first time period of the AMF.

[0320] The second message is also used to indicate the correspondence between the second capability information of the AMF and the first time period.

[0321] The AMF sends the corresponding relationship between the second capability information of the AMF and the first time period within the first time period to the NG-RAN node. In this case, the second message may be a response message to the first message.

[0322] It can be understood that the above-mentioned first time period can be all the first time periods corresponding to the first capability information sent by the NG-RAN node to the AMF. For example, referring to Table 3, the NG-RAN node sends the first capability information corresponding to the three first time periods (9:00-9:09, 9:10-9:19, 9:20-9:29) in 9:00-9:29 to the AMF. Then, the AMF can send the second capability information corresponding to the three first time periods in 9:00-9:29 to the NG-RAN node.

[0323] In some other embodiments, the second message is a signaling for instructing the NG-RAN node to stop sending the first message. After receiving the second message, the NG-RAN node may stop sending the first message, thereby saving feeding resources.

[0324] The AMF may send signaling to the NG-RAN node to instruct the NG-RAN node to stop sending the first message in the following scenarios: the NG-RAN node disconnects the physical / transport layer connection with the AMF, the NG-RAN node leaves the PLMN range where the AMF is located (or belongs to), and the NG-RAN node disconnects from the gateway serving the AMF.

[0325] When the second message is a signaling for instructing the NG-RAN node to stop sending the first message, the embodiment of the present application may further include: the AMF sends the corresponding relationship between the second capability information and the first time period to the NG-RAN node. The specific implementation method of this step is the same as the AMF sending the corresponding relationship between the second capability information of the AMF and the first time period within the first time period to the NG-RAN node in the above example, and will not be repeated here.

[0326] S1506. The NG-RAN node stops sending the first message within a first time according to the second message.

[0327] Through the above scheme, the NG-RAN node can send the correspondence between multiple first capability information and the first time period at one time, so that the first message (NG interface message) does not need to be sent again within the time corresponding to the first time period, saving power feeding resources.

[0328] In addition, according to the above scheme, after the NG-RAN node receives the correspondence between the second capability information of the AMF and the first time period, it can search for the second capability information according to the current time during operation, thereby communicating with the AMF according to the second capability information.

[0329] In some embodiments, after the AMF sends the correspondence between the second capability information of the AMF and the first time period within the first time period to the NG-RAN node, step S1507 is also included.

[0330] S1507: Execute a process based on the second capability information according to the correspondence between the second capability information and the first time.

[0331] The specific implementation method of S1507 can refer to the above step S1205 and will not be repeated here.

[0332] The present application also provides a communication method, referring to Fig.15 , S1501 may also be included before S1502.

[0333] S1501. The NG-RAN node determines a correspondence between first capability information and a first time.

[0334] The NG-RAN node can obtain the first time corresponding to the first capability information according to the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time.

[0335] The NG-RAN node may determine the correspondence between the first time and the first capability information of the NG-RAN node according to a service level agreement (SLA) and / or a beam coverage strategy of the NG-RAN node. The SLA is determined based on the ephemeris information and / or between the NG-RAN node operator and the mobile network operator, or between multiple mobile network operators.

[0336] Determining the correspondence between the above-mentioned first capability information and the first time according to SLA can be implemented as follows: the NG-RAN node operator and the mobile network operator configure the correspondence between the first time and the first capability information on the NG-RAN node. Before the NG-RAN node is launched, when the orbit is changed, or when the information related to the mobile network changes, the NG-RAN node can determine the first capability information at each moment in the operation cycle based on the correspondence between the preset ephemeris information and the first capability information such as the TA on the ground, and determine the first capability information at each moment in each future operation cycle.

[0337] Determining this correspondence according to the beam coverage strategy of the NG-RAN node can be implemented as follows: during the normal operation of the NG-RAN node, the NG-RAN node receives hot spots in different first time periods from the NG-RAN node operator or the mobile network operator in real time, and the NG-RAN node dynamically adjusts the coverage strategy, beam pointing, etc. (i.e., adjusts the first capability information) according to the hot spots. The NG-RAN node determines the coverage strategy for a future period of time, thereby determining the correspondence between the first capability information of the NG-RAN node and the first time for a future period of time.

[0338] For example, beam coverage can be understood as: the NG-RAN node (such as NG-RAN1) flies over the first country (including city 1 and city 2) at 9:00am. At this time, the operator tells it that the current city 1 and city 2 are hot spots. Then, according to the internal logic, the NG-RAN node determines to point the beam to city 1 from 9:00am to 10:00am, and to point the beam to city 2 from 10:00am to 11:00am, that is, the supported TA from 9:00am to 10:00am is the TA corresponding to city 1, and the supported TA from 10:00am to 11:00am is the TA corresponding to city 2. How to cover after 11:00am may not be determined yet. At this time, the NG-RAN node can send the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time that has been determined from 9:00am to 11:00am to the AMF, and there is no need to send the NG message of the first capability information update to the AMF during this period. For example, there is no need to send an NG message of the first capability information update at 10:00am to indicate that the TA corresponding to city 2 is to be updated.

[0339] There can be one or more first time periods, and the total length of one or more first time periods can be determined based on information such as the constellation deployment status and constellation service characteristics. The longest state is that the NG-RAN node sends the first capability information corresponding to the entire ephemeris information to the AMF. If the first capability information of the NG-RAN node does not change, the first capability information will no longer be sent to the AMF. In this scenario, the NG-RAN node can only send ephemeris information, that is, the position of the satellite at each moment, and the AMF determines the correspondence between the first capability information of the NG-RAN node and time based on the ephemeris information.

[0340] It can be understood that the execution order between the above steps is only an example, and the execution order between the steps in the embodiments of the present application may also be different. For example, S1506 may be located after S1507. The present application does not limit the execution order between the steps.

[0341] In some embodiments, step S1505 may not be included after step S1502, and S1506 is implemented as S1506a.

[0342] S1502. The NG-RAN node sends a first message to the AMF.

[0343] Accordingly, the AMF receives a first message from the NG-RAN node.

[0344] The first message includes the first capability information of the NG-RAN node and the first time (or first time period) corresponding to the first capability information.

[0345] S1506a. The NG-RAN node stops sending the first message within the first time.

[0346] The AMF has received the first capability information of the NG-RAN node and the first time corresponding to the first capability information. When the future moment is at the first time, the AMF can obtain the corresponding first capability information of the future moment according to the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time.

[0347] For example, referring to Table 3, it is assumed that AMF has received and recorded the first capability information corresponding to the NG-RAN node in the time period of 9:00-9:29 at 9:00. Then when the time reaches 9:15, AMF can obtain the first capability information of NG-RAN1 as TA4, TA5, TA6, TA7, and TA8. Therefore, AMF sends a paging message to NG-RAN1 at 9:15. AMF can page other terminal devices within the range of AMF through NG-RAN1.

[0348] The above embodiment takes the NG-RAN node as a satellite as an example to introduce the embodiment of the present application. In addition, the above NG-RAN node can also be a node that moves regularly on land, for example, a node that moves periodically around the earth on the surface of the earth.

[0349] It should be noted that the above-mentioned multiple embodiments can be combined and the combined scheme can be implemented. Optionally, some operations in the process of each method embodiment are optionally combined, and / or the order of some operations is optionally changed. In addition, the execution order between the steps of each process is only exemplary and does not constitute a limitation on the execution order between the steps. There can also be other execution orders between the steps. It is not intended to indicate that the execution order is the only order in which these operations can be performed. Ordinary technicians in this field will think of many ways to reorder the operations of this article. In addition, it should be pointed out that the process details involved in a certain embodiment of this article are also applicable to other embodiments in a similar manner, or different embodiments can be used in combination.

[0350] It is understandable that in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the NG-RAN node and AMF include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and method steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in this application, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0351] Fig.16 and Fig.17A schematic diagram of the structure of a possible communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the AMF or NG-RAN node in the above method embodiment, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiment. In an embodiment of the present application, the communication device can be as follows Figure 5 The AMF shown can also be Figure 5 The NG-RAN node shown may also be a module (such as a chip) applied to an AMF or NG-RAN node.

[0352] like Fig.16 As shown, the communication device 1600 includes a processing unit 1610 and a transceiver unit 1620. The communication device 1600 is used to implement the above Fig.10 , Fig.12 or Fig.15 The functions of the AMF or NG-RAN node in the method embodiment shown in FIG.

[0353] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement Fig.10 The functions of the AMF in the method embodiment shown are as follows: the transceiver unit 1620 is used to receive a first message and send a second message to the NG-RAN node according to the first message; and the processing unit 1610 is used to perform processing-related functions.

[0354] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement Fig.10 In the method embodiment shown, the functions of the NG-RAN node are: the transceiver unit 1620 is used to send a first message, receive a second message, and stop sending the first message according to the second message; the processing unit 1610 is used to perform processing-related functions.

[0355] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement Fig.12 In the method embodiment shown, the function of AMF is as follows: the transceiver unit 1620 is used to receive a first message and send a second message to the NG-RAN node according to the first capability information and the first time corresponding to the first capability information; the processing unit 1610 is used to record the time point corresponding to the first message, determine the first time according to the time point corresponding to the first message, and execute the process based on the first capability information according to the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time.

[0356] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement Fig.12 In the method embodiment shown, the functions of the NG-RAN node are: the transceiver unit 1620 is used to send a first message, receive a second message, and stop sending the first message according to the second message; the processing unit 1610 is used to record the time point of receiving the second message, determine the second time according to the time point corresponding to the second message, and execute the process based on the second capability information according to the correspondence between the second capability information and the second time.

[0357] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement Fig.15 When the function of AMF in the method embodiment shown is: the transceiver unit 1620 is used to receive a first message, record the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time, and send a second message to the NG-RAN node according to the first message; the processing unit 1610 is used to determine the correspondence between the second capability information and the first time and execute a process based on the first capability information according to the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time.

[0358] When the communication device 1600 is used to implement Fig.15 In the method embodiment shown, the functions of the NG-RAN node are: the transceiver unit 1620 is used to send a first message, receive a second message, and stop sending the first message according to the second message; the processing unit 1610 is used to determine the correspondence between the first capability information and the first time and execute the process based on the second capability information according to the correspondence between the second capability information and the first time. For a more detailed description of the above processing unit 1610 and the transceiver unit 1620, please refer to Fig.10 , Fig.12 and Fig.15 The method embodiment shown is described in detail.

[0359] When the communication device 1600 performs the function of the NG-RAN node in some other embodiments: the transceiver unit 1620 is used to send a first message within a first operation cycle; and the processing unit 1610 is used to process related processes.

[0360] The device can also execute any other steps, processes, and operations in the above method embodiments without limitation.

[0361] like Fig.17 As shown, the communication device 1700 includes a processor 1710 and an interface circuit 1720. The processor 1710 and the interface circuit 1720 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 1720 can be a transceiver or an input-output interface. Optionally, the communication device 1700 may also include a memory 1730 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1710 or storing input data required by the processor 1710 to execute instructions or storing data generated after the processor 1710 executes instructions.

[0362] When the communication device 1700 is used to implement Fig. 9 When the method is shown, the processor 1710 is used to implement the function of the above-mentioned processing unit 1610, and the interface circuit 1720 is used to implement the function of the above-mentioned transceiver unit 1620.

[0363] When the above-mentioned communication device is a chip applied to AMF, the AMF chip implements the function of AMF in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The AMF chip receives information from the NG-RAN node, which can be understood as the information is first received by other modules in the AMF (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna), and then sent to the AMF chip by these modules. The AMF chip sends information to the NG-RAN node, which can be understood as the information is first sent to other modules in the AMF (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna), and then sent to the NG-RAN node by these modules.

[0364] When the above-mentioned communication device is a chip applied to an NG-RAN node, the NG-RAN node chip implements the function of the NG-RAN node in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The NG-RAN node chip receives information from the AMF, which can be understood as the information is first received by other modules in the NG-RAN node (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna), and then sent to the NG-RAN node chip by these modules. The NG-RAN node chip sends information to the AMF, which can be understood as the information is sent to other modules in the NG-RAN node (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna), and then sent to the AMF by these modules.

[0365] In the embodiment of the present application, entity A sends information to entity B, which may be A directly sending to B or A indirectly sending to B through other entities. For example, the NG-RAN node sends information to the AMF through the gateway. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, which may be entity B directly receiving the information sent by entity A or entity B indirectly receiving the information sent by entity A through other entities. Entities A and B here may be RAN nodes or AMF, or modules inside the RAN node or AMF. The sending and receiving of information may be information interaction between a RAN node and an AMF, for example, information interaction between an NG-RAN node and an AMF; the sending and receiving of information may also be information interaction between two RAN nodes, for example, information interaction between a CU and a DU; the sending and receiving of information may also be information interaction between different modules inside a device, for example, information interaction between an AMF chip and other modules of the AMF, or information interaction between an NG-RAN node chip and other modules in the NG-RAN node.

[0366] It is understandable that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0367] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions that can be executed by a processor. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, mobile hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in an NG-RAN node or an AMF. The processor and the storage medium can also exist as discrete components in an NG-RAN node or an AMF.

[0368] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instruction is loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is executed in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device or other programmable device. The computer program or instruction may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium, for example, the computer program or instruction may be transmitted from one website site, computer, server or data center to another website site, computer, server or data center by wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a tape; it may also be an optical medium, for example, a digital video disc; it may also be a semiconductor medium, for example, a solid-state hard disk. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or nonvolatile storage medium, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile types of storage media.

[0369] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or provided for in any logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between the different embodiments are consistent and may be referenced to each other, and the technical features in the different embodiments may be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: receiving a first message, wherein the first message includes first capability information of a second network device; According to the first message, a second message is sent to the second network device; the second message includes indication information, and the indication information is used to instruct the second network device to stop sending the first message.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Sending a second message to the second network device according to the first message includes: sending the second message to the second network device according to the first capability information and a first time corresponding to the first capability information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method also includes: recording a time point when the first message is received, and a first time corresponding to the first capability information is determined according to the time point when the first message is received.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: There are multiple first messages, and the first time corresponding to each first message is the time between the time point of receiving the first message and the time point of receiving the next first message after the first message.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The instruction information is used to instruct the second network device to stop sending the first message within a third time; The third time is: the time during which the second network device is connected to the first network device within an operation cycle, and the third time includes the one or more first times.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first message also includes the first time.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The second message includes second capability information of the first network device.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The second message also includes a first time corresponding to the second capability information.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: Before sending the second message, the method further includes sending a response message to the first message, where the response message includes second capability information of the first network device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that: The second capability information includes: an identifier of the first network device.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The second capability information further includes at least one of the following information: a list of globally unique identifiers served by the first network device, and a list of public land mobile networks supported by the first network device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that: Also includes: Determine the first capability information of the second network device at a current moment according to the first capability information and a first time corresponding to the first capability information.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The first capability information includes a tracking area list supported by the second network device and an identifier of the second network device.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The first capability information also includes at least one of the following information: The data network name and single network slice selection support information supported by the second network device.

15. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Sending a first message, where the first message includes first capability information of the second network device; receiving a second message, wherein the second message includes instruction information; the instruction information is used to instruct the second network device to stop sending the first message; Stop sending the first message according to the instruction information.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The method also includes: stopping sending the first message within a first time corresponding to the first capability information.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The indication information is used to instruct the second network device to stop sending the first message within the first time.

18. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that There are one or more of the first capability information and the first time corresponding to the first capability information; If the correspondence between the one or more first capability information and the first time changes, the first message is sent again.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that: The first message also includes the first time.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that: Before sending and receiving the second message, the method further includes receiving a response message to the first message, where the response message includes the second capability information of the first network device.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that: The method further comprises: recording a time point of receiving the second message; The second time corresponding to the second capability information is determined according to a time point of receiving the second message.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that There are multiple second messages, and the second time corresponding to each second message is the time between the time point of receiving the second message and the time point of receiving the next second message after the second message.

23. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Sending a first message, where the first message includes first capability information of the second network device and a first time corresponding to the first capability information; Within a first time, stop sending the first message.

24. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: receiving a first message, wherein the first message includes first capability information of a second network device and a first time corresponding to the first capability information; A response message is sent to the first message, where the response message includes the first time and second capability information of the first network device corresponding to the first time.

25. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: In a first operation cycle, sending a first message, wherein the first message includes first capability information of a second network device; Stop sending the first message within a third time of each operating cycle after the first operating cycle; the third time is a time during which a connection with the first network device exists within one operating cycle.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that Also includes: Recording the time point of establishing a connection with the first network device; Recording the time point of disconnection from the first network device; The third time is determined according to the time point of establishing the connection with the first network device and the time point of disconnecting the connection with the first network device.

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that If the operation cycle of the second network device changes, the first message is sent again.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: When the instruction is executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to execute the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the communication device is caused to execute the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 22, or the communication device is caused to execute the method as described in claim 23, or the communication device is caused to execute the method as described in claim 24, or the communication device is caused to execute the method as described in any one of claims 25 to 27.

29. A communication device, characterized in that: Comprising a module for executing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, or comprising a module for executing the method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 22, or comprising a module for executing the method as claimed in claim 23, or comprising a module for executing the method as claimed in claim 24, or comprising a module for executing the method as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises instructions for executing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the computer program product comprises instructions for executing the method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 22, or the computer program product comprises instructions for executing the method as claimed in claim 23, or the computer program product comprises instructions for executing the method as claimed in claim 24, or the computer program product comprises instructions for executing the method as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27.

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