Terminal registration method, network element, terminal, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a terminal registration method, an access management function network element, a terminal, a communication system and a storage medium. The method applied to the access management function network element comprises: receiving a terminal registration request sent by a terminal through a satellite and an access network system, the terminal registration request carrying satellite access indication information; obtaining QoS information and / or policy information corresponding to a store-and-forward function according to the satellite access indication information; sending terminal registration acceptance information to the terminal; wherein the terminal registration acceptance information comprises the QoS information and / or the policy information. The present disclosure provides a registration method in a scenario where the satellite provides a store-and-forward function for uplink data, which can enable an authorized terminal to use the store-and-forward function of the satellite for uplink data, and can configure a policy and QOS for data transmission of the terminal, thereby ensuring service quality and improving user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a terminal registration method, an access management function network element, a terminal, a communication system, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of mobile communication system technology, technologies integrating non-terrestrial communication platforms, represented by satellites, with terrestrial communication networks have emerged. In non-terrestrial network (NTN) scenarios, satellites can provide access services for terminals. Currently, satellite communication services using discontinuous feeder links have been proposed, where the satellite and access network system cooperate to store and receive uplink data through the discontinuous feeder link, achieving store-and-forward functionality. However, existing technologies do not provide technical solutions for terminal registration in this store-and-forward scenario. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, one technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a terminal registration method, an access management function network element, a terminal, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a terminal registration method is provided, applied to an access management function network element, comprising: receiving a terminal registration request sent by a terminal via a satellite and an access network system, carrying satellite access indication information; obtaining QoS information and / or policy information corresponding to the store-and-forward function provided by the satellite based on the satellite access indication information; and sending terminal registration acceptance information to the terminal; wherein the terminal registration acceptance information includes: the QoS information and / or the policy information.

[0005] Optionally, obtaining QoS information and / or policy information for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite based on the satellite access indication information includes: sending the satellite access indication information to the policy function network element; and obtaining the QoS information and / or policy information returned by the policy function network element.

[0006] Optionally, sending the satellite access indication information to the policy function network element includes: sending an access and mobility policy control service establishment message to the policy function network element to establish an access and mobility policy association service with the policy function network element; wherein the information carried in the access and mobility policy control establishment message includes the satellite access indication information.

[0007] Optionally, obtaining the QoS information and / or the policy information returned by the policy function network element includes: after the access and mobility policy association service is successfully established, receiving a response message sent by the policy function network element in response to the access and mobility policy control service establishment message; wherein the information carried in the response message includes: the QoS information and / or the policy information.

[0008] Optionally, sending the terminal registration acceptance information to the terminal includes: sending the terminal registration acceptance information to the terminal through the access network system and the satellite.

[0009] Optionally, the system receives an N2 message sent by the access network system; wherein the access network system sends the terminal registration request through the N2 message.

[0010] Optionally, the satellite is used to provide store-and-forward functionality for uplink data of the terminal when the terminal is within the coverage area of ​​the satellite and the satellite transmits data with the access network system via a discontinuous feeder link;

[0011] Optionally, the access network system includes: a 5G access network system and a 6G access network system.

[0012] Optionally, the satellite access indication information includes: information representing the use of satellite access mode, a transmission time slot threshold for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite, and a data volume threshold for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite; the QoS information includes: transmission latency and transmission rate based on the satellite access; and the policy information includes: data forwarding priority and data retention period based on the satellite access.

[0013] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a terminal registration method is provided, applied to a terminal, comprising: sending a terminal registration request carrying satellite access indication information to an access management function network element via a satellite and an access network system; receiving registration acceptance information returned by the access management function network element; wherein the terminal registration acceptance information includes: QoS information and / or policy information corresponding to the store-and-forward function provided by the satellite.

[0014] Optionally, receiving the registration acceptance information returned by the access management function network element includes: receiving the terminal registration acceptance information sent by the access management function network element through the satellite and the access system.

[0015] Optionally, the satellite is used to provide store-and-forward functionality for uplink data of the terminal when the terminal is within the coverage area of ​​the satellite and the satellite transmits data with the access network system via a discontinuous feeder link;

[0016] Optionally, the satellite access indication information includes: information representing the use of satellite access mode, a transmission time slot threshold for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite, and a data volume threshold for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite; the QoS information includes: transmission latency and transmission rate based on satellite access; and the policy information includes: data forwarding priority and data retention period based on satellite access.

[0017] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, an access management function network element is provided, comprising: a registration request receiving module, configured to receive a terminal registration request sent by a terminal via a satellite and an access network system, carrying satellite access indication information; a function policy obtaining module, configured to obtain QoS information and / or policy information corresponding to the store-and-forward function provided by the satellite based on the satellite access indication information; and a registration acceptance sending module, configured to send terminal registration acceptance information to the terminal; wherein the terminal registration acceptance information includes: the QoS information and / or the policy information.

[0018] Optionally, the function policy acquisition module is used to send the satellite access indication information to the policy function network element; and to obtain the QoS information and / or the policy information returned by the policy function network element.

[0019] Optionally, the function policy acquisition module is used to send an access and mobility policy control service establishment message to the policy function network element to establish an access and mobility policy association service with the policy function network element; wherein, the information carried in the access and mobility policy control establishment message includes: the satellite access indication information.

[0020] Optionally, the function policy acquisition module is configured to receive a response message sent by the policy function network element in response to the access and mobility policy control service establishment message after the access and mobility policy association service is successfully established; wherein the information carried in the response message includes: the QoS information and / or the policy information.

[0021] Optionally, the registration and acceptance module is used to send the terminal registration and acceptance information to the terminal through the access network system and the satellite.

[0022] Optionally, the registration request receiving module is used to receive an N2 message sent by the access network system; wherein the access network system sends the terminal registration request through the N2 message.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, an access management function network element is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the method described above based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0024] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising: a registration request module, configured to send a terminal registration request carrying satellite access indication information to an access management function network element via a satellite and an access network system; and a registration receiving module, configured to receive registration acceptance information returned by the access management function network element; wherein the terminal registration acceptance information includes: QoS information and / or policy information corresponding to the store-and-forward function provided by the satellite.

[0025] Optionally, the registration receiving module is configured to receive the terminal registration acceptance information sent by the access management function network element through the satellite and the access system.

[0026] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to perform the method described above based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0027] According to a seventh aspect of this disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: a satellite, an access network system, an access management function network element as described above, and a terminal as described above.

[0028] According to an eighth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores computer instructions which are executed by a processor using the method described above.

[0029] The terminal registration method, access management function network element, terminal, communication system, and storage medium disclosed herein provide a registration method for scenarios in which satellites provide store-and-forward functionality for uplink data. This method enables authorized terminals to use the satellite's store-and-forward functionality for uplink data and allows for the configuration of data transmission policies and QoS for the terminal, ensuring service quality and improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the more detailed description of the embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this disclosure to explain the disclosure and do not constitute a limitation thereof. The above and other objects and advantages of this disclosure will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding technical features or components will be represented by the same or corresponding reference numerals.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the terminal registration method according to the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of the terminal registration method according to this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of another embodiment of the terminal registration method according to the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a module of an access management function network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a module according to another embodiment of the access management function network element of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a module according to an embodiment of a terminal based on the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a module according to another embodiment of a terminal based on the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity and brevity, not all features of the embodiments are described in the specification. However, it should be understood that many implementation-specific settings must be made in carrying out the embodiments to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with constraints related to the device and business, and these constraints may vary depending on the implementation. Furthermore, it should be understood that while development work can be very complex and time-consuming, such development work is merely a routine task for those skilled in the art who benefit from the present disclosure.

[0039] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0040] Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the embodiments of this disclosure are only used to distinguish different steps, devices, or modules, and do not represent any specific technical meaning, nor do they indicate a necessary logical order between them.

[0041] It should also be understood that in the embodiments disclosed herein, "a plurality of" may refer to two or more, and "at least one" may refer to one, two or more.

[0042] It should also be understood that any component, data or structure mentioned in the embodiments of this disclosure can generally be understood as one or more unless expressly defined or given to the contrary in the context.

[0043] Furthermore, the term "and / or" in this disclosure is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this disclosure generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0044] It should also be understood that the description of the various embodiments in this disclosure emphasizes the differences between the various embodiments, and the similarities or similarities can be referred to each other. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail.

[0045] At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual scale.

[0046] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use.

[0047] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0048] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0049] Furthermore, to avoid obscuring this disclosure with unnecessary detail, only processing steps and / or apparatus structures closely related to at least the solutions according to this disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, while other details not closely related to this disclosure are omitted. It should also be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the drawings indicate similar items, and therefore once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be discussed again in subsequent drawings.

[0050] Among the related technologies known to the inventors, in sparsely populated remote areas, oceans, deserts, and other regions where terminals have difficulty communicating with the outside world through terrestrial mobile networks, they can integrate into the Internet by directly accessing satellite systems. Low-Earth orbit satellite Internet can meet the comprehensive information communication needs of personnel operation management, emergency support, and mobile communication, including voice, data, and video. Currently, a satellite communication service using discontinuous feeder links has been proposed, allowing satellites to perform storage and forwarding operations similar to short message services.

[0051] If satellites implement store-and-forward capabilities, the need for non-terrestrial network gateways can be reduced to some extent, while still achieving global service coverage for latency-tolerant services. Satellite communication services using discontinuous feeder links can adopt a transparent mode service, meaning the satellite does not process the data, but only stores and forwards it. Satellites and access network systems can cooperate and store and receive uplink UL data from receiving terminals through discontinuous feeder links.

[0052] For example, when the discontinuous feeder link established between the satellite and the access network system is available, the satellite provides store-and-forward functionality for data transmission between the terminal and the access network system. As the satellite moves, if the discontinuous feeder link becomes unavailable, but the terminal is still within the satellite's coverage area, the satellite receives and stores the uplink data sent by the terminal. When the discontinuous feeder link becomes available again, the satellite sends the stored uplink data to the access network system, which can then forward this uplink data to the core network. This disclosure provides a terminal registration scheme in this store-and-forward scenario (transparent mode service scenario).

[0053] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the terminal registration method according to the present disclosure, applied to an access management function network element, such as... Figure 1 As shown:

[0054] Step 101: Receive terminal registration request sent by the terminal through the satellite and access network system, which carries satellite access indication information.

[0055] In one embodiment, the terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, etc.; the satellite can be a low-Earth orbit satellite, etc.; the access network system can be a next-generation (wireless) access network, such as a 5G access network system, a 6G access network system, etc.; the access management function network element is a network element in the core network system, which can be a 5G core network system, a 6G core network system, etc. The access management function network element can be of various types, such as the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element, the Network Access Control Function (NACF) network element, etc. The access management function network element receives terminal registration requests sent by the terminal through the satellite and access network system. This terminal registration request carries information including satellite access indication information, etc.

[0056] The satellite is used to provide store-and-forward functionality for uplink data from the terminal when the terminal is within the satellite's coverage area and data transmission between the satellite and the access network system occurs via a discontinuous feeder link. The satellite and access network system can cooperate to store and receive uplink UL data from the terminal by establishing a discontinuous feeder link.

[0057] A discontinuous feeder link refers to a feeder link between a satellite and the access network system that is sometimes available and sometimes unavailable. The store-and-forward function provided by the satellite to the terminal can operate in a transparent mode, performing only storage and forwarding without processing the data.

[0058] When the discontinuous feeder link between the satellite and the access network system is available and the terminal is within the satellite's coverage area, the satellite provides forwarding functionality for data transmission between the terminal and the access network system. When the discontinuous feeder link between the satellite and the access network system is unavailable, but the terminal is still within the satellite's coverage area, the satellite receives and stores the uplink data sent by the terminal. When the discontinuous feeder link between the satellite and the access network system becomes available again, the satellite sends the stored uplink data to the access network system.

[0059] Step 102: Obtain QoS information and / or policy information corresponding to the store-and-forward function based on the satellite access instruction information.

[0060] Step 103: Send terminal registration acceptance information to the terminal; wherein, the terminal registration acceptance information includes QoS information and / or policy information, etc.

[0061] In one embodiment, after deploying policies related to access and mobility, the access management function network element sends terminal registration acceptance information to the terminal. The terminal registration acceptance information includes QoS information and / or policy information configured on the network side corresponding to the store-and-forward function.

[0062] Access management function network elements can send terminal registration acceptance information to terminals using various methods. For example, the access management function network element can send terminal registration acceptance information to the terminal through the access network system and satellite. After receiving the terminal registration acceptance information, the terminal can transmit data with the satellite according to QoS information and / or policy information.

[0063] The terminal registration method in the above embodiments provides a registration method in scenarios where satellites provide store-and-forward functionality for uplink data. It can enable authorized terminals to use satellites' store-and-forward functionality for uplink data, and can configure data transmission policies and QoS for terminals, thereby ensuring service quality, improving user experience, and perfecting the integrated air-space-ground communication system.

[0064] In one embodiment, the terminal registration request sent by the terminal through the satellite and access network system carries satellite access indication information. The satellite access indication information includes information indicating the use of satellite access mode, a transmission time slot threshold for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite, and a data volume threshold for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite. Among these, the information indicating the use of satellite access mode is used to instruct the terminal to use satellite access mode and may be encoded, etc. The transmission time slot threshold for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite can determine the size of the time slot that the terminal can tolerate, and the data volume threshold for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite can determine the size and quantity of data that the terminal can transmit after accessing the satellite.

[0065] Various methods can be used to obtain QoS and policy information for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite. For example, the access management function network element sends satellite access indication information to the policy function network element and receives QoS and policy information returned by the policy function network element. The policy function network element can be of various types, such as the Policy Control Function (PCF). Based on the satellite access indication information, the policy function network element configures specific QoS and policy information for the store-and-forward function according to pre-configured rules. That is, the policy function network element configures specific QoS or policy information for the store-and-forward function, and it can also configure specific QoS and policy information for the store-and-forward function.

[0066] For example, the access management function (AFC) network element receives an N2 message from the access network system, which then sends a terminal registration request via the N2 message. The AFC network element sends an Access and Mobility (AM) policy control service establishment message to the policy function network element to establish an access and mobility policy association service. The information carried in the access and mobility policy control establishment message includes satellite access indication information. After the access and mobility policy association service is successfully established, the AFC network element receives a response message from the policy function network element regarding the access and mobility policy control service establishment message; the response message carries information including QoS information and / or policy information.

[0067] QoS information can be of various types, including transmission latency and transmission rate based on satellite access. Transmission latency and transmission rate indicate the latency and rate that must be guaranteed when the terminal accesses the satellite and transmits data. Policy information includes data forwarding priority and data retention period based on satellite access. Data forwarding priority and data retention period indicate the data forwarding priority of various types of data and the data retention period (retention duration) within the terminal when the terminal accesses the satellite and transmits data. The access management function network element will provide the configured QoS information and / or policy information to the terminal, and the terminal transmits data with the satellite based on the QoS information and / or policy information to ensure the quality of data transmission.

[0068] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of the terminal registration method according to this disclosure, wherein the access management function network element is the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element, and the policy function network element is the Policy Control Function (PCF) network element, such as... Figure 2 As shown:

[0069] Step 201: The terminal sends a registration request message to the (R)AN system via satellite.

[0070] In one embodiment, the (R)AN system is a (wireless) access network system, and the satellite can transmit data with network elements in the (R)AN system through an NTN gateway. The registration request message can be of various types, such as an AN message. The AN message carries information including AN parameters and registration request information. The registration request information includes satellite access indication information, registration type, security parameters, etc. The satellite access indication information includes information representing the use of the satellite access method, the transmission time slot threshold for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite, and the data volume threshold for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite.

[0071] Step 202, the (R)AN system determines the access and mobility management function network elements.

[0072] In one embodiment, the (R)AN system can use a variety of existing methods to determine the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. For example, if the registration request message does not include a 5G-S-TMSI (5GS-Temporary Mobile Subscription Identifier) ​​or a GUAMI (Global Unique AMF Identifier), or if the 5G-S-TMSI or GUAMI does not indicate a valid AMF network element, the (R)AN system based on the (R)AT and the requested NSSAI selects the AMF network element.

[0073] If the terminal is in a CM (Connectivity Management) connection state, the (R)AN system can forward the registration request message to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMS) network element based on the terminal's N2 connection. If the (R)AN system cannot select an appropriate AMS network element, it forwards the registration request to the AMS network element that is already configured to perform in the (R)AN system, and determines this AMS network element as the selected AMS network element.

[0074] Step 203: The (R)AN system sends a registration request to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMS) network element. The registration request message can be an N2 message, which carries information including N2 parameters, registration request information (such as the registration request information in step 201), etc.

[0075] Step 204: The access and mobility management function network element determines the access and mobility policy association with the policy control function network element based on the local policy.

[0076] Step 205: The Access and Mobility Management Function (AMS) network element sends an Npcf_AMPolicyControl_Create message (Access and Mobility Policy Control Service Establishment Message) to the Policy Control Function (PCF) network element to establish an access and mobility policy association. The Access and Mobility Policy Control Service Establishment Message carries information including: SUPI (Subscription Permanent Identifier), subscription notification indication, service area restrictions, and satellite access indication information sent by the terminal.

[0077] Step 206: The policy control function network element responds to the Npcf_AMPolicyControl_Create service operation by sending a response message. The policy control function network element provides and configures specific QoS and policy information for the store-and-forward function. QoS information includes transmission latency and transmission rate based on satellite access; policy information includes data forwarding priority and data retention period based on satellite access.

[0078] Step 207: Deploy access and mobility-related policy information in the access and mobility management function network element.

[0079] In one embodiment, the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMM) network element can deploy policy information using various methods. The access and mobility-related policy information deployed by the AMM network element includes: data forwarding priority, data retention period, service area restrictions for storing access and mobility policy associations, and policy control request triggers, etc. The AMM network element provides service area restrictions to the terminal and provides RFSP indexes, UE-AMBRs, UE slice MBR lists, service area restrictions for NG-RAN, and notifies the policy control function network element of requests for SM policy association establishment and termination to the (DNN, S-NSSAI) list and for UE binding information.

[0080] Step 208: The access and mobility management function network element sends terminal registration acceptance information to the UE. The terminal registration acceptance information includes: terminal temporary identifier 5G-GUTI, registration area, QoS information, policy information, etc.

[0081] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the terminal registration method according to the present disclosure, applied to a terminal, such as... Figure 3 As shown:

[0082] Step 301: Send a terminal registration request carrying satellite access indication information to the access management function network element through the satellite and access network system.

[0083] Step 302: Receive registration acceptance information returned by the access management function network element; wherein, the terminal registration acceptance information includes QoS information, policy information and other information corresponding to the store-and-forward function.

[0084] In one embodiment, the satellite provides store-and-forward functionality for uplink data from the terminal when the terminal is within the satellite's coverage area and data transmission between the satellite and the access network system occurs via a discontinuous feeder link. Terminal registration acceptance information sent by access management function network elements can be received via the satellite and the access system.

[0085] The terminal registration method disclosed herein provides a registration method in scenarios where satellites provide store-and-forward functionality for uplink data. It can authorize terminals to use satellites' store-and-forward functionality for uplink data, and can configure data transmission policies and QoS for terminals. This enables authorization of terminals and allows for the activation of store-and-forward functionality, ensuring service quality, improving user experience, and perfecting the integrated air-space-ground communication system.

[0086] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4As shown, this disclosure provides an access management function network element 40, including a registration request receiving module 41, a function policy obtaining module 42, and a registration receiving and sending module 43. The registration request receiving module 41 receives a terminal registration request sent by a terminal through a satellite and an access network system, carrying satellite access indication information; wherein, the satellite can be used to provide store-and-forward functionality for the terminal's uplink data when the terminal is within the satellite's coverage area and the satellite and the access network system transmit data through a discontinuous feeder link.

[0087] The function policy acquisition module 42 obtains QoS information and / or policy information corresponding to the store-and-forward function based on the satellite access instruction information. The registration, acceptance, and transmission module 43 sends terminal registration acceptance information to the terminal; wherein, the terminal registration acceptance information includes QoS information and / or policy information, etc.

[0088] In one embodiment, the registration request receiving module 41 receives an N2 message sent by the access network system; wherein, the access network system sends a terminal registration request through the N2 message. The function policy obtaining module 42 sends satellite access indication information to the policy function network element and obtains QoS information and / or policy information returned by the policy function network element. The registration acceptance sending module 43 sends terminal registration acceptance information to the terminal through the access network system and the satellite.

[0089] For example, the function policy acquisition module 42 sends an access and mobility policy control service establishment message to the policy function network element to establish an access and mobility policy association service with the policy function network element. The access and mobility policy control establishment message carries information such as satellite access indication information. After the access and mobility policy association service is successfully established, the function policy acquisition module 42 receives a response message from the policy function network element in response to the access and mobility policy control service establishment message; the response message carries information such as QoS information and / or policy information.

[0090] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the access management function network element may include a memory 501, a processor 502, a communication interface 503, and a bus 504. The memory 501 is used to store instructions, and the processor 502 is coupled to the memory 501. The processor 502 is configured to execute the terminal registration method applied to the access management function network element based on the instructions stored in the memory 501.

[0091] The memory 501 can be a high-speed RAM, non-volatile memory, or a memory array. The memory 501 may also be divided into blocks, and these blocks can be combined into virtual volumes according to certain rules. The processor 502 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the terminal registration method for access management function network elements disclosed herein.

[0092] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, this disclosure provides a terminal 60, including a registration request module 61 and a registration receiving module 62. The registration request module 61 sends a terminal registration request carrying satellite access indication information to an access management function network element via a satellite and access network system. The satellite can be used to provide store-and-forward functionality for the terminal's uplink data when the terminal is within the satellite's coverage area and data transmission between the satellite and the access network system occurs via a discontinuous feeder link. The registration receiving module 62 receives registration acceptance information returned by the access management function network element. This terminal registration acceptance information includes QoS information and / or policy information corresponding to the store-and-forward function. The registration receiving module 62 can receive the terminal registration acceptance information sent by the access management function network element via the satellite and access system.

[0093] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the terminal may include a memory 701, a processor 702, a communication interface 703, and a bus 704. The memory 701 is used to store instructions, and the processor 702 is coupled to the memory 701. The processor 702 is configured to execute the terminal registration method applied to the terminal based on the instructions stored in the memory 701.

[0094] The memory 701 can be a high-speed RAM, non-volatile memory, or a memory array. The memory 701 may also be divided into blocks, and these blocks can be combined into virtual volumes according to certain rules. The processor 702 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the terminal registration method for a terminal disclosed herein.

[0095] In one embodiment, this disclosure provides a communication system, including: a satellite, an access network system, an access management function network element as described in any of the above embodiments, and a terminal as described in any of the above embodiments. The communication system can be of various types.

[0096] In one embodiment, this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0097] Computer-readable storage media may take the form of any combination of one or more readable media. A readable medium may be a readable signal medium or a readable storage medium. A readable storage medium may, for example, include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any combination thereof. More specific examples (not an exhaustive list) of readable storage media may include: electrical connections having one or more wires, portable disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0098] Embodiments of this disclosure may also be computer program products comprising computer program instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the steps of the methods according to various embodiments of this disclosure as described in the "Exemplary Methods" section above.

[0099] The terminal registration method, access management function network element, terminal, communication system, and storage medium in the above embodiments provide a registration method in a scenario where the satellite provides store-and-forward functionality for uplink data. This method can authorize terminals to use the satellite's store-and-forward functionality for uplink data and configure data transmission policies and QoS for the terminals. It can also authorize and enable the store-and-forward functionality for the terminals, ensuring service quality, improving user experience, and perfecting the integrated air-space-ground communication system.

[0100] The basic principles of this disclosure have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this disclosure are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the scope of this disclosure to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0101] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For system embodiments, since they largely correspond to method embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions in the method embodiments.

[0102] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems disclosed herein are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0103] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, devices, and methods of this disclosure, the components or steps can be disassembled and / or recombined. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions to this disclosure.

[0104] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this disclosure. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be carried out within the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0105] The above description has been given for illustrative and descriptive purposes. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure to the forms disclosed herein. Although several exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are illustrative only and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments can be combined, modified, or replaced without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A terminal registration method, applied to an access management function network element, comprising: The receiving terminal sends a terminal registration request via a satellite and access network system, carrying satellite access indication information, wherein the satellite access indication information includes information representing the use of satellite access mode, a transmission time slot threshold for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite, and a data volume threshold for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite; Based on the satellite access indication information, obtain QoS information and / or policy information corresponding to the store-and-forward function provided by the satellite, including: Send an Access and Mobility Policy Control Service Establishment Message to the Policy Function Network Element to establish an Access and Mobility Policy Association Service with the Policy Function Network Element. The information carried in the Access and Mobility Policy Control Establishment Message includes the satellite access indication information. After the access and mobility policy association service is successfully established, a response message for the access and mobility policy control service establishment message sent by the policy function network element is received. The information carried in the response message includes: the QoS information and / or the policy information. Send terminal registration acceptance information to the terminal; wherein, the terminal registration acceptance information is sent to the terminal through the access network system and the satellite, and the terminal registration acceptance information includes: the QoS information and / or the policy information.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The system receives an N2 message sent by the access network system; wherein the access network system sends the terminal registration request through the N2 message.

3. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The satellite is used to provide store-and-forward functionality for uplink data of the terminal when the terminal is within the coverage area of ​​the satellite and the satellite transmits data with the access network system via a discontinuous feeder link.

4. The method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The access network system includes: 5G access network system and 6G access network system.

5. The method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The QoS information includes: transmission latency and transmission rate based on the satellite access; The strategy information includes: data forwarding priority and data retention period based on the satellite access.

6. A terminal registration method, applied to a terminal, comprising: The terminal registration request carrying satellite access indication information is sent to the access management function network element through the satellite and access network system. The satellite access indication information includes information representing the use of satellite access mode, the transmission time slot threshold for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite, and the data volume threshold for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite. Receive the registration acceptance information returned by the access management function network element; The terminal registration acceptance information is received by the access management function network element through the satellite and the access network system. The terminal registration acceptance information includes: QoS information and / or policy information corresponding to the store-and-forward function provided by the satellite. Specifically, the access management function network element sends an access and mobility policy control service establishment message to the policy function network element to establish an access and mobility policy association service with the policy function network element. The information carried in the access and mobility policy control establishment message includes the satellite access indication information. After the access and mobility policy association service is successfully established, the access management function network element receives a response message from the policy function network element in response to the access and mobility policy control service establishment message. The information carried in the response message includes the QoS information and / or the policy information.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The satellite is used to provide store-and-forward functionality for uplink data of the terminal when the terminal is within the coverage area of ​​the satellite and the satellite transmits data with the access network system via a discontinuous feeder link.

8. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein, The QoS information includes: transmission latency and transmission rate based on the satellite access; The strategy information includes: data forwarding priority and data retention period based on the satellite access.

9. An access management function network element, comprising: The registration request receiving module is used to receive a terminal registration request sent by the terminal through the satellite and access network system, which carries satellite access indication information. The satellite access indication information includes information representing the use of satellite access method, a transmission time slot threshold for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite, and a data volume threshold for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite. The function policy acquisition module is used to obtain QoS information and / or policy information corresponding to the store-and-forward function provided by the satellite based on the satellite access indication information. This includes: sending an access and mobility policy control service establishment message to the policy function network element to establish an access and mobility policy association service with the policy function network element; the information carried in the access and mobility policy control service establishment message includes the satellite access indication information; and after the access and mobility policy association service is successfully established, receiving a response message from the policy function network element in response to the access and mobility policy control service establishment message; the information carried in the response message includes the QoS information and / or the policy information. A registration and acceptance module is used to send terminal registration and acceptance information to the terminal; wherein, the registration and acceptance module is used to send the terminal registration and acceptance information to the terminal through the access network system and the satellite, and the terminal registration and acceptance information includes: the QoS information and / or the policy information.

10. The access management function network element as described in claim 9, wherein, The registration request receiving module is used to receive the N2 message sent by the access network system; wherein the access network system sends the terminal registration request through the N2 message.

11. An access management function network element, comprising: Memory; And a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5 based on instructions stored in the memory.

12. A terminal, comprising: The registration request module is used to send a terminal registration request carrying satellite access indication information to the access management function network element through the satellite and access network system. The satellite access indication information includes information representing the use of satellite access mode, a transmission time slot threshold for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite, and a data volume threshold for data transmission between the terminal and the satellite. The registration receiving module is used to receive registration acceptance information returned by the access management function network element; wherein, the registration receiving module is used to receive the terminal registration acceptance information sent by the access management function network element through the satellite and the access network system, and the terminal registration acceptance information includes: QoS information and / or policy information corresponding to the store-and-forward function provided by the satellite; Specifically, the access management function network element sends an access and mobility policy control service establishment message to the policy function network element to establish an access and mobility policy association service with the policy function network element. The information carried in the access and mobility policy control establishment message includes the satellite access indication information. After the access and mobility policy association service is successfully established, the access management function network element receives a response message from the policy function network element in response to the access and mobility policy control service establishment message. The information carried in the response message includes the QoS information and / or the policy information.

13. A terminal, comprising: Memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 6 to 8 based on instructions stored in the memory.

14. A communication system, comprising: The satellite, the access network system, the access management function network element as described in any one of claims 9 to 11, and the terminal as described in any one of claims 12 to 13.

15. The communication system as claimed in claim 14, wherein, The satellite is used to provide store-and-forward functionality for uplink data of the terminal when the terminal is within the coverage area of ​​the satellite and the satellite transmits data with the access network system via a discontinuous feeder link.

16. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that are executed by a processor according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images