Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device, the method is applied to a first satellite, the first satellite integrates a user plane function, and the method comprises the following steps: receiving a first switching request from a second satellite, the first switching request being used for requesting a takeover satellite in a second area to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite; and updating the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area. Therefore, the transmission service between the switched satellite and the terminal equipment can be ensured not to be interrupted, so that the user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method and device. Background Art

[0002] Satellite network is a hot topic in the world today. Satellite communication programs have become increasingly mature, providing high-speed network access and interactive multimedia services. Currently, base stations, user plane function (UPF) network elements, and router functions can be deployed on satellites.

[0003] In the scenario of satellite switching, as time goes by, if the takeover satellite of the terminal equipment in the area is switched, how to ensure that the transmission service between the switched satellite and the terminal equipment is not interrupted is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can ensure that the transmission service between the satellite and the terminal device after switching is not interrupted, thereby improving the user experience.

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, the method being applied to a first satellite, the first satellite integrating a user plane function (UPF), the method comprising: receiving a first switching request from a second satellite, the first switching request being used to request a takeover satellite in a second region to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite, and updating UPF configuration information of the first satellite to UPF configuration information corresponding to the second region.

[0006] It should be understood that before receiving the first switching request from the second satellite, the first satellite serves the third terminal device in the first area, and the second satellite serves the first terminal device in the second area.

[0007] In the above technical solution, the UPF configuration information of the first satellite is updated to the UPF configuration information of the second area through the first switching request, so that after the satellite switching occurs, the first terminal device in the second area does not need to renegotiate with the first satellite to establish a connection, so that the transmission service between the first terminal device and the satellite is not interrupted, thereby improving the user experience.

[0008] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first switching request includes a switching time point corresponding to the switching of the takeover satellite in the second area to the first satellite.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method also includes: obtaining UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the first satellite receives UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area from the second satellite, or the first satellite receives UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area from the control network element, or the first satellite obtains UPF configuration information of the second area based on ephemeris information.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area includes information of the Internet Protocol IP address pool corresponding to the second area; updating the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area includes: updating the information of the IP address pool of the first satellite to the information of the IP address pool corresponding to the second area.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area also includes satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area, and updating the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area includes: updating the satellite IP address information of the first satellite to the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area.

[0013] In the above technical solution, the satellite IP address information of the satellite can be changed. In the 5GLAN scenario, the second terminal device of the remote satellite service and the first terminal device corresponding to the second area of ​​the second satellite service can communicate through the tunnel between satellites. By changing the satellite IP address after the satellite switching, that is, the satellite IP address information of the first satellite is updated to the satellite IP of the second satellite, the tunnel destination address of the remote satellite is still the same IP address. There is also no need to perceive the satellite switching process, and the communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device is achieved, thereby improving the user experience.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method also includes: sending first information to a remote satellite, the first information being used to notify the anchor satellite of the target terminal device to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite, the first information including satellite IP address information of the second satellite and identification information of the target terminal device, the target terminal device being the first terminal device, the first terminal device being located in the second area, or the target terminal device being a terminal device among the first terminal devices that meets the signal quality requirements.

[0015] In the above technical solution, the satellite IP address of the satellite cannot be changed. In the 5GLAN scenario, the remote satellite is notified through the first information that the anchor satellite of the target terminal device taken over by the first satellite is switched from the second satellite to the first satellite, and the tunnel destination address of the remote satellite needs to be changed, and then a tunnel with the tunnel destination address being the first satellite IP address is established, which helps to uninterrupted transmission between the second terminal device and the target terminal device served by the remote satellite, thereby improving user experience.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending a first message to the second satellite, where the first message is used to trigger the second satellite to delete or back up UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0017] In the above technical solution, the storage pressure of the second satellite can be reduced by triggering the second satellite to delete or back up the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area through the first information.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first switching request includes identification information of the first terminal device, and the first terminal device is located in the second area. The method also includes: taking over the target terminal device according to the first switching request, and the target terminal device is the first terminal device.

[0019] It should be understood that the first satellite can completely take over the first terminal device corresponding to the second area.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first switching request includes identification information of the first terminal device, the first terminal device is located in the second area, and the method also includes: sending first indication information to the second satellite, the first indication information is used to indicate the situation that the first satellite has successfully taken over or is about to take over the target terminal device.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the target terminal device includes a terminal device among the first terminal devices that meets the signal quality requirement.

[0022] It should be understood that the first satellite can take over or is ready to take over the terminal devices that meet the signal quality requirements in the first terminal devices. That is, the first satellite can partially take over the first terminal devices corresponding to the second area, and the first terminal devices that can be partially taken over are first terminal devices for which signal quality detection is initiated after the first satellite receives the first terminal device information of the switching request, and the first terminal devices that meet the signal detection are called terminal devices that meet the signal quality requirements.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first switching request also includes wireless resource information corresponding to the first terminal device, and the method also includes: based on the wireless resource information, the first satellite configures wireless resources for the target terminal device that is successfully taken over.

[0024] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a second satellite, wherein the second satellite integrates a user plane function, and the method includes: sending a first switching request to a first satellite, wherein the first switching request is used to request a takeover satellite in a second area to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite.

[0025] It should be understood that the technical effects corresponding to the scheme involved in the second aspect can be referred to the first aspect and will not be elaborated here.

[0026] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first switching request is used to trigger updating of the user plane function UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0027] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, sending the first switching request to the first satellite includes: generating the first switching request according to ephemeris information, and sending the first switching request to the first satellite.

[0028] In some implementations, sending the first switching request to the first satellite includes: determining, based on the ephemeris information, that a takeover satellite in the second region is about to be switched from the second satellite to the first satellite, and sending the first switching request to the first satellite.

[0029] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving a second switching request from a control network element, the second switching request being used to request that a takeover satellite in the second area be switched from the second satellite to the first satellite. Sending the first switching request to the first satellite includes: sending the first switching request to the first satellite according to the second switching request.

[0030] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first switching request includes a switching time point corresponding to the switching of the takeover satellite in the second area to the first satellite.

[0031] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first switching request includes UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area. Alternatively, the method further includes: sending the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area to the first satellite.

[0032] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area includes information of a first Internet Protocol IP address pool corresponding to the second area, and the information of the first IP address pool is used to update information of a second IP address pool of the first satellite.

[0033] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area also includes satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area, and the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area is used to update the satellite IP address information of the first satellite.

[0034] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method also includes: sending first information to a remote satellite, the first information being used to notify the anchor satellite of the target terminal device to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite, the first information including satellite IP address information of the first satellite and identification information of the target terminal device, the target terminal device being the first terminal device, the first terminal device being located in the second area, or the target terminal device being a terminal device among the first terminal devices that meets the signal quality requirements.

[0035] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving a first message. According to the first message, deleting or backing up UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0036] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first switching request includes identification information of the first terminal device, and the first terminal device is located in the second area.

[0037] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving first indication information from the first satellite, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first satellite has successfully taken over or is about to take over a target terminal device, and sending the first indication information to a control network element.

[0038] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the target terminal device includes a terminal device that meets the signal quality requirement among the first terminal devices.

[0039] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first switching request also includes wireless resource information corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0040] A third aspect provides a communication method, which is applied to a control network element, including: sending a second switching request to a second satellite, the second switching request being used to request switching a takeover satellite of a second area from the second satellite to a first satellite. Triggering the second satellite to determine a first switching request, the first switching request being used to request switching a takeover satellite of the second area from the second satellite to the first satellite.

[0041] It should be understood that the technical effects corresponding to the scheme involved in the third aspect can be referred to the first aspect and will not be elaborated here.

[0042] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the first switching request is also used to trigger updating of the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0043] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the second switching request includes a switching time point corresponding to the switching of the takeover satellite in the second area to the first satellite.

[0044] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the method also includes: sending UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area to the first satellite, the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area includes information of a first Internet Protocol IP address pool corresponding to the second area, and the information of the first IP address pool is used to update the information of the second IP address pool of the first satellite.

[0045] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area also includes satellite IP address information of the second satellite, and the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area is used to update the satellite IP address information of the first satellite.

[0046] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: receiving second information from the first satellite, the second information being used to notify the target terminal device that the anchor satellite is switched from the second satellite to the first satellite, the second information including satellite IP address information of the second satellite and identification information of the target terminal device. Sending first information to a remote satellite, the first information being used to notify the target terminal device that the anchor satellite is switched from the second satellite to the first satellite, the first information including satellite IP address information of the second satellite, satellite IP address information of the first satellite and identification information of the target terminal device, the target terminal device being the first terminal device, the first terminal device being located in the second area, or the target terminal device including a terminal device that meets the signal quality requirement among the first terminal devices.

[0047] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: receiving a confirmation reception message from the first satellite, the confirmation reception message being used to indicate that the first satellite confirms receipt of the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area. Sending a first message to the second satellite, the first message being used to trigger the second satellite to delete or back up the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0048] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, determining the second switching request includes: determining the second switching request according to ephemeris information.

[0049] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the second switching request includes identification information of a fourth terminal device, and the fourth terminal device is located in the second area. The method also includes: receiving first indication information from a second satellite, the first indication information being used to indicate a situation in which the first satellite has successfully taken over or is about to take over a target terminal device, the target terminal device being the first terminal device, the first terminal device being located in the second area, or the target terminal device being a terminal device in the first terminal device that meets the signal quality requirements, and the fourth terminal device includes the first terminal device.

[0050] A fourth aspect provides a communication method, which is applied to a remote satellite, and the remote satellite provides services for a second terminal device, including: receiving first information, the first information is used to instruct the anchor satellite of the target terminal device to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite, wherein the first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device through the anchor satellite and the remote satellite, the first information includes identification information of the target terminal device, the target terminal device is the first terminal device, the first terminal device is located in the second area, or the target terminal device is a terminal device among the first terminal devices that meets the signal quality requirements. According to the first information, first data is sent to the first satellite, and the first data is data sent by the second terminal device to the first terminal device.

[0051] In the above technical solution, the satellite IP address of the satellite cannot be changed. In the 5GLAN scenario, the remote satellite is notified through the first information that the anchor satellite of the target terminal device taken over by the first satellite is switched from the second satellite to the first satellite, and the tunnel destination address of the remote satellite needs to be changed, and then a tunnel with the tunnel destination address being the satellite IP address of the first satellite is established, which helps to uninterrupted transmission between the second terminal device and the target terminal device served by the remote satellite, thereby improving user experience.

[0052] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, when the first information comes from the second satellite, the first information includes satellite IP address information of the first satellite; or, when the first information comes from the first satellite, the first information includes satellite IP address information of the second satellite; or, when the first information comes from the control network element, the first information includes satellite IP address information of the first satellite and satellite IP address information of the second satellite.

[0053] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: establishing a tunnel between the remote satellite and the first satellite based on the satellite IP address information of the first satellite, wherein the tunnel is used to transmit data between the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0054] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, wherein the communication device is a first satellite, the first satellite integrates a user plane function, and includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is used to receive a first switching request from a second satellite, the first switching request is used to request a takeover satellite in a second area to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite. The processing unit is used to update UPF configuration information of the first satellite to UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0055] It should be understood that before receiving the first switching request from the second satellite, the first satellite serves the third terminal device in the first area, and the second satellite serves the first terminal device in the second area.

[0056] It should be understood that the technical effects corresponding to the scheme involved in the fifth aspect can be referred to the first aspect and will not be elaborated here.

[0057] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first switching request includes a switching time point corresponding to the switching of the takeover satellite in the second area to the first satellite.

[0058] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is used to obtain UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0059] In some possible implementations, the first satellite receives UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area from the second satellite, or the first satellite receives UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area from the control network element, or the first satellite obtains UPF configuration information of the second area based on ephemeris information.

[0060] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area includes information of the Internet Protocol IP address pool corresponding to the second area; the processing unit is specifically used to update the information of the IP address pool of the first satellite to the information of the IP address pool corresponding to the second area.

[0061] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area also includes satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area, and the processing unit is specifically used to update the satellite IP address information of the first satellite to the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area.

[0062] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to send first information to a remote satellite, the first information being used to notify the anchor satellite of the target terminal device to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite, the first information including satellite IP address information of the second satellite and identification information of the target terminal device, the target terminal device is the first terminal device, the first terminal device is located in the second area, or the target terminal device is a terminal device among the first terminal devices that meets the signal quality requirements.

[0063] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to send a first message to the second satellite, where the first message is used to trigger the second satellite to delete or back up UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0064] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first switching request includes identification information of the first terminal device, the first terminal device is located in the second area, and the processing unit is also used to take over the target terminal device according to the first switching request, and the target terminal device is the first terminal device.

[0065] It should be understood that the first satellite can completely take over the first terminal device corresponding to the second area.

[0066] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first switching request includes identification information of the first terminal device, the first terminal device is located in the second area, and the transceiver unit is also used to send first indication information to the second satellite, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the first satellite has successfully taken over or is about to take over the target terminal device.

[0067] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the target terminal device includes a terminal device that meets the signal quality requirement among the first terminal devices.

[0068] It should be understood that the first satellite can take over or is ready to take over the first terminal device that meets the signal quality requirements in the second area.

[0069] In combination with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first switching request also includes wireless resource information corresponding to the first terminal device, and the processing unit is also used to, based on the wireless resource information, configure wireless resources for the target terminal device that is successfully taken over by the first satellite.

[0070] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device being a second satellite, the second satellite integrating a user plane function, the device comprising a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit is used to send a first switching request to the first satellite, the first switching request being used to request a takeover satellite in a second region to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite.

[0071] It should be understood that the technical effects corresponding to the scheme involved in the sixth aspect can be referred to the first aspect and will not be elaborated here.

[0072] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first switching request is used to trigger updating of the user plane function UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0073] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the device also includes a processing unit, the processing unit is used to generate a first switching request based on the ephemeris information, and the transceiver unit is also used to send the first switching request to the first satellite.

[0074] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second switching request from the control network element, where the second switching request is used to request that the takeover satellite of the second area be switched from the second satellite to the first satellite. The transceiver unit is specifically configured to send a first switching request to the first satellite according to the second switching request.

[0075] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first switching request includes a switching time point corresponding to the switching of the takeover satellite in the second area to the first satellite.

[0076] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first switching request includes UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area. Alternatively, the transceiver unit is further configured to send the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area to the first satellite.

[0077] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area includes information of a first Internet Protocol IP address pool corresponding to the second area, and the information of the first IP address pool is used to update information of a second IP address pool of the first satellite.

[0078] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area also includes satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area, and the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area is used to update the satellite IP address information of the first satellite.

[0079] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to send first information to a remote satellite, the first information being used to notify the anchor satellite of the target terminal device to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite, the first information including satellite IP address information of the first satellite and identification information of the target terminal device, the target terminal device is the first terminal device, the first terminal device is located in the second area, or the target terminal device is a terminal device among the first terminal devices that meets the signal quality requirements.

[0080] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a first message. The processing unit is further configured to delete or back up UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area according to the first message.

[0081] In combination with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the first switching request includes identification information of the first terminal device, and the first terminal device is located in the second area.

[0082] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive first indication information from the first satellite, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first satellite has successfully taken over or is about to take over the target terminal device. The transceiver unit is further configured to send the first indication information to the control network element.

[0083] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the target terminal device includes a terminal device that meets the signal quality requirements in the first terminal device.

[0084] In combination with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the first switching request also includes wireless resource information corresponding to the first terminal device.

[0085] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which is a control network element, including a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is used to send a second switching request to the second satellite, and the second switching request is used to request to switch the takeover satellite of the second area from the second satellite to the first satellite. The processing unit is used to trigger the second satellite to determine a first switching request, and the first switching request is used to request to switch the takeover satellite of the second area from the second satellite to the first satellite.

[0086] It should be understood that the technical effects corresponding to the scheme involved in the seventh aspect can be referred to the first aspect and will not be elaborated here.

[0087] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the first switching request is also used to trigger updating of the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0088] In combination with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the second switching request includes a switching time point corresponding to the switching of the takeover satellite in the second area to the first satellite.

[0089] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is also used to send UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area to the first satellite, the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area includes information of a first Internet Protocol IP address pool corresponding to the second area, and the information of the first IP address pool is used to update the information of the second IP address pool of the first satellite.

[0090] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area also includes satellite IP address information of the second satellite, and the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area is used to update the satellite IP address information of the first satellite.

[0091] In combination with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to receive second information from the first satellite, the second information is used to notify the anchor satellite of the target terminal device to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite, and the second information includes the satellite IP address information of the second satellite and the identification information of the target terminal device. The transceiver unit is also used to send first information to the remote satellite, the first information is used to notify the anchor satellite of the target terminal device to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite, the first information includes the satellite IP address information of the second satellite, the satellite IP address information of the first satellite, and the identification information of the target terminal device, the target terminal device is the first terminal device, the first terminal device is located in the second area, or the target terminal device includes a terminal device that meets the signal quality requirement in the first terminal device.

[0092] In combination with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to receive a confirmation reception message from the first satellite, where the confirmation reception message is used to indicate that the first satellite confirms reception of the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area. The transceiver unit is also used to send a first message to the second satellite, where the first message is used to trigger the second satellite to delete or back up the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0093] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the processing unit is specifically used to determine the second switching request based on the ephemeris information.

[0094] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the second switching request includes identification information of a fourth terminal device, the fourth terminal device is located in the second area, and the transceiver unit is also used to receive first indication information from the second satellite, the first indication information is used to indicate that the first satellite has successfully taken over or is about to take over a target terminal device, the target terminal device is the first terminal device, the first terminal device is located in the second area, or the target terminal device is a terminal device in the first terminal device that meets the signal quality requirements, and the fourth terminal device includes the first terminal device.

[0095] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, which is a remote satellite, and the remote satellite provides services for a second terminal device, and includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit: the transceiver unit is used to receive first information, and the first information is used to indicate that the anchor satellite of the target terminal device is switched from the second satellite to the first satellite, wherein the first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device through the anchor satellite and the remote satellite, and the first information includes identification information of the target terminal device, the target terminal device is the first terminal device, the first terminal device is located in the second area, or the target terminal device is a terminal device among the first terminal devices that meets the signal quality requirements. The processing unit is used to send first data to the first satellite according to the first information, and the first data is data sent by the second terminal device to the first terminal device.

[0096] It should be understood that the technical effects corresponding to the scheme involved in the eighth aspect can be referred to the first aspect and will not be elaborated here.

[0097] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, when the first information comes from the second satellite, the first information includes satellite IP address information of the first satellite; or, when the first information comes from the first satellite, the first information includes satellite IP address information of the second satellite; or, when the first information comes from the control network element, the first information includes satellite IP address information of the first satellite and satellite IP address information of the second satellite.

[0098] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the processing unit is also used to: establish a tunnel between the remote satellite and the first satellite based on the satellite IP address information of the first satellite, and the tunnel is used to transmit data between the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0099] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a memory for storing programs; and a processor for executing computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory are executed, the processor is used to execute the method provided in any one of the implementations of the first or fourth aspects.

[0100] In one implementation, the device is a first satellite, a second satellite, a control network element, or a remote satellite.

[0101] In another implementation, the device is a chip, a chip system or a circuit in the first satellite, the second satellite, a control network element or a remote satellite.

[0102] In the tenth aspect, the present application provides a processor for executing the method provided by any one of the implementation modes of the first to fourth aspects above. In the process of executing these methods, the process of sending the above information and obtaining / receiving the above information in the above method can be understood as the process of outputting the above information by the processor, and the process of receiving the above information input by the processor. When outputting the above information, the processor outputs the above information to the interface and transmits it through the interface. After being output by the processor, the above information may also need to be processed in other ways before it reaches the interface. Similarly, when the processor receives the above information input, the interface obtains / receives the above information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the interface receives the above information, the above information may need to be processed in other ways before it is input into the processor.

[0103] For the operations involved, such as transmission, sending, and acquisition / reception, unless otherwise specified, or if they do not conflict with their actual functions or internal logic in the relevant descriptions, they can be understood as operations such as output and reception, input, etc., and can also be understood as transmission, sending, and receiving operations performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas. This application does not limit this.

[0104] In the implementation process, the processor may be a processor specifically used to execute these methods, or a processor that executes computer programs or instructions in a memory to execute these methods, such as a general-purpose processor. The memory may be a non-transitory memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), which may be integrated with the processor on the same chip or may be separately arranged on different chips. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the type of memory and the arrangement of the memory and the processor.

[0105] In an eleventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a program code for execution by a device, and the program code includes a method for executing any one of the implementations of the first to fourth aspects above.

[0106] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the computer executes the method provided in any one of the implementations of the first to fourth aspects above.

[0107] In the thirteenth aspect, a chip is provided, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions stored in a memory through the communication interface and executes the method provided in any one of the implementation modes of the first to fourth aspects.

[0108] Optionally, as an implementation method, the chip may also include a memory, in which a computer program or instruction is stored, and the processor is used to execute the computer program or instruction stored in the memory. When the computer program or instruction is executed, the processor is used to execute the method provided in any one of the implementation methods of the first to fourth aspects above.

[0109] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising at least one of the first satellite, the second satellite, the control network element and the remote satellite mentioned above, the first satellite being used to execute the method provided in any one of the implementations of the first aspect, the second satellite being used to execute the method provided in any one of the implementations of the second aspect, the control network element being used to execute the method provided in any one of the implementations of the third aspect, and the remote satellite being used to execute the method provided in any one of the implementations of the fourth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0110] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a communication system;

[0111] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a satellite switching scenario;

[0112] Figure 3 It is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0113] Figure 4 is an interactive schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0114] Figure 5 is an interactive schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0115] Figure 6 is an interactive schematic diagram of yet another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0116] Figure 7 is an interactive schematic diagram of yet another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0117] Figure 8 is an interactive schematic diagram of yet another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0118] Fig. 9 is an interactive schematic diagram of yet another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0119] Fig.10 is an interactive schematic diagram of yet another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0120] Fig.11 is an interactive schematic diagram of yet another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0121] Fig.12 This is a schematic diagram of an interactive data transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0122] Fig.13 is an interactive schematic diagram of yet another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0123] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of a communication device 1400 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0124] Fig.15 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1500 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0125] Fig.16 It is a schematic diagram of a chip system 1600 provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0126] The technical solution in this application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0127] In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following points are explained:

[0128] First, in this application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their internal logical relationships.

[0129] Second, in this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the text description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b and c can mean: a, or b, or c, or a and b, or a and c, or b and c, or a, b and c. Where a, b and c can be single or multiple, respectively.

[0130] Third, in the present application, "first", "second" and various numerical numbers (e.g., #1, #2, etc.) indicate distinctions made for ease of description and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. For example, to distinguish between different satellites, etc., rather than to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the objects described in this way can be interchanged where appropriate so as to be able to describe solutions other than the embodiments of the present application.

[0131] Fourth, in this application, descriptions such as "when...", "under the circumstances of...", and "if" all refer to the corresponding processing being carried out under certain objective circumstances, and do not limit the time, nor do they require that there must be a judgment action when implementing, nor do they mean that there are other limitations. In addition, it does not mean that the judgment action after these conditional conjunctions is the only condition for achieving the result, and other additional conditions may also be included to achieve the result.

[0132] Fifth, in this application, the terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or apparatus comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or apparatuses.

[0133] Sixth, in this application, "used for indication" may include being used for direct indication and being used for indirect indication. When describing that a certain indication information is used for indicating A, it may include that the indication information directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but it does not mean that the indication information must carry A.

[0134] The indication method involved in the embodiments of the present application should be understood to include various methods that can enable the party to be indicated to know the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately, and the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different. The present application does not limit the specific sending method.

[0135] The "indication information" in the embodiments of the present application may be an explicit indication, i.e., directly indicated by signaling, or obtained by combining other rules or other parameters or by deduction according to the parameters indicated by the signaling. It may also be an implicit indication, i.e., obtained by combining other rules or other parameters or by deduction according to a rule or relationship. The present application does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0136] Seventh, in this application, "protocol" may refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, such as 5G protocol, new radio (NR) protocol and related protocols used in future communication systems, which are not limited in this application. "Pre-setting" can be implemented by pre-saving the corresponding code, table or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device, and this application does not limit its specific implementation method.

[0137] Eighth, in this application, "storage" may refer to storage in one or more memories. The one or more memories may be separately set or integrated in an encoder or decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The one or more memories may also be partially separately set and partially integrated in a decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The type of memory may be any form of storage medium, which is not limited in this application.

[0138] In order to facilitate understanding of the solutions of the embodiments of the present application, a brief description of the technical terms involved in the embodiments of the present application is first given.

[0139] 1. Satellite Communications

[0140] Satellite communication technology refers to the technology of wireless communication devices on the ground accessing the network through satellites, or the technology of wireless communication devices on the ground communicating with each other through satellites as relays. Compared with traditional mobile communication systems, satellite communication has a wider coverage range and can overcome natural geographical obstacles such as oceans, deserts, and mountains.

[0141] In a satellite communication scenario, multiple satellites may be included, and the types of the multiple satellites may be the same or different. Wireless links exist between different satellites, which can complete signaling interaction and user data transmission between access network devices.

[0142] Different types of satellites have different orbital altitudes, so their coverage areas, motion characteristics, and the resulting propagation delays, jitters, etc. may also be different. For example, satellites can be divided into geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, i.e. high-orbit satellites, low earth orbit (LEO), medium earth orbit (MEO), and other satellites (Other SAT), etc., according to their orbital types.

[0143] It should be noted that the UPF satellite solution involved in the current 3GPP standard is that the UPF is on a GEO satellite, that is, on a high-orbit satellite. The high-orbit satellite is about 36,000 km from the earth, and the signal coverage of the ground by the high-orbit satellite is fixed. In the medium and low-orbit scenarios, as the satellite moves, the signal coverage on the ground may move away for a period of time. In the low-orbit scenario, there are also base stations, UPFs, and router functions deployed on the same satellite.

[0144] 2. Ephemeris information

[0145] Ephemeris information refers to some information related to the satellite constellation, mainly including the satellite's position and velocity state vector, orbital plane parameters and satellite level parameters. Through ephemeris information, we can know the position of different satellites in the airspace and the order of different satellites in the time domain. Through ephemeris information, we can obtain the ground coverage information at the corresponding time point.

[0146] 3. Ground coverage information

[0147] The ground coverage information of the satellite can indicate that the terminal device is in a certain area on the ground and can be covered by the satellite signal. The ground coverage information can also be called satellite coverage information, satellite reachable information, satellite available information or satellite coverage available information.

[0148] 4. Beam Hopping

[0149] Beam hopping is also called beam hopping, quasi-earth-fixed bean or steerable beam. Beam hopping can use available satellite resources to provide services to specific locations or terminal devices. By adjusting the lighting duration and angle of the beam, the ground area covered within a period of time is fixed.

[0150] 5. Moving beam

[0151] A moving beam is a beam that moves relative to ground coverage. It can also be called a non-steerable beam. The angle of a moving beam is fixed after it is lit and will not adjust as the satellite moves. As the satellite moves, the area it covers on the ground will also change in real time.

[0152] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a communication system.

[0153] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes terminal equipment, a satellite, a gateway, a data network, a network element #1 and a network element #2, wherein the network element #1 may include an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, a session management function (SMF) network element, and at least one of a controller, and the network element #2 may include a policy control function (PCF) network element or a unified data management (UDM) network element.

[0154] Terminal device: Terminal devices can include various handheld devices, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem with wireless communication capabilities. Terminal devices can also be called terminals. Terminal devices can also be simply called devices. Terminal equipment may also refer to user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, user agent, cellular phone, smartphone, wireless data card, personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, tablet computer, wireless modem, handheld device (handset), laptop computer, smart point of sale (POS) machine, customer-premises equipment (CPE), machine type communication (MTC) terminal, communication equipment carried on high-altitude aircraft, wearable device, drone, robot, terminal in D2D, terminal in vehicle to everything (V2X), virtual reality (VR) terminal equipment, augmented reality (AR) terminal equipment, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self driving, wireless terminal in remote medical, wireless terminal in smart grid, transportation security (transportation) The invention may be a wireless terminal in an intelligent safety network, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, or a terminal device in a future communication network.

[0155] Satellites can integrate one or more of the base station, UPF, and router functions, e.g. Figure 1 In the case where satellite 1 is integrated with base station #1, satellite 1 can be regarded as base station #1, that is, satellite 1 includes the functions of base station #1. Base station, also known as radio access network equipment (RAN): Access network equipment can also be called access equipment. RAN can manage wireless resources, provide access services for terminal equipment, and complete the forwarding of terminal equipment data between terminal equipment and the core network. RAN can also be understood as a base station in the network.

[0156] Exemplarily, the access network device may be any communication device with wireless transceiver function for communicating with the terminal device. The access network equipment includes but is not limited to: evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home evolved NodeB (HeNB, or home Node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP) in wireless fidelity (WIFI) system, wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP) or transmission and reception point (TRP), etc., and can also be a 5G mobile communication system, such as gNB in ​​NR system, or transmission point (TRP or TP), one or a group of (including multiple antenna panels) antenna panels of a base station in a 5G mobile communication system, or, it can also be a network node constituting a gNB or a transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU), or a distributed unit (DU), etc.

[0157] In some deployments, the gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and a DU. The gNB may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements some functions of the gNB, and the DU implements some functions of the gNB. For example, the CU is responsible for processing non-real-time protocols and services, and implementing the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layers. The DU is responsible for processing physical layer protocols and real-time services, and implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer, and the physical (PHY) layer. The AAU implements some physical layer processing functions, RF processing, and related functions of active antennas. The information of the RRC layer is generated by the CU, and will eventually be encapsulated by the PHY layer of the DU to become the PHY layer information, or, it is converted from the PHY layer information. Therefore, in this architecture, high-level signaling such as RRC layer signaling can also be considered to be sent by the DU, or, sent by the DU+AAU. It is understandable that the access network device may be a device including one or more of a CU node, a DU node, and an AAU node. In addition, the CU may be classified as an access network device in an access network, or the CU may be classified as an access network device in a core network (CN), which is not limited in this application.

[0158] As the interface with the data network, the user plane network element completes functions such as user plane data forwarding, session / flow-level billing statistics, bandwidth limitation, etc. That is, packet routing and forwarding, and quality of service (QoS) processing of user plane data.

[0159] Routers are used to collect topology and routing information of network nodes to guide the routing and forwarding of packet data.

[0160] In a 5G mobile communication system, the user plane network element may be a user plane function (UPF) network element.

[0161] Gateway (GW): A satellite gateway (also called a transmitter or hub) is a ground station that transmits data to and from a satellite to a local area network. It houses antennas and equipment that convert radio frequency (RF) signals into Internet protocol (IP) signals for terrestrial connections.

[0162] A data network (DN) is a combination of data terminal equipment, data processing equipment and data communication equipment (including communication channels). It provides data transmission functions and resource sharing functions including data and data processing capabilities for communication stations and users distributed in different locations. It provides, for example, operator services, Internet access or third-party services, including servers, which implement video source encoding and rendering on the server side.

[0163] The access management network element is mainly used for mobility management and access management. In the 5G mobile communication system, the access management network element can be an AMF network element, which mainly performs functions such as mobility management and access authentication / authorization. In addition, it is also responsible for transmitting user policies between the terminal and the PCF network element.

[0164] The session management network element is mainly used for session management. In the 5G mobile communication system, the network element can be an SMF network element, which is used for session management after user access, including protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment, modification, activation, deactivation, release, etc., as well as UE IP address allocation, DHCPv4 / v6 function, ARP proxy, IPv6Neighbour Solicitation Proxying for Ethernet PDU, user plane selection and control, session SSC mode determination and roaming functions.

[0165] The controller is used to manage and control the satellite-borne network elements or ground network elements, including but not limited to configuration delivery and table item delivery.

[0166] In the 5G mobile communication system, the policy control network element can be a PCF network element, which is mainly used to manage network behavior with a unified policy framework, provide policy rules and access subscription information related to policy decisions in the unified data repository (UDR) to the control plane function (AMF, SMF). Among them, UDR is mainly used for UDM to store and obtain subscription data, PCF to store and obtain policy data, store and use structured data for capability exposure, and store application data for application detection.

[0167] In the 5G mobile communication system, the unified data management network element can be a UDM network element, which is mainly used to generate 3GPP AKA authentication certificates, user identity processing, access authorization based on contract information, service NF registration management, contract information management and other function-related data.

[0168] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a satellite switching scenario.

[0169] like Figure 2 As shown, in the satellite communication scenario, multiple satellites are included, for example, satellite 0, satellite 1, satellite 2 and satellite 3. In the time period from T1 to T2, satellite 1 covers area #1, and satellite 1-1, satellite 1-2 and satellite 1-3 are different positions of satellite 1 in the time period from T1 to T2. Satellite 2 covers area #2, and area #2 includes terminal equipment. Similarly, satellite 2-1, satellite 2-2 and satellite 2-3 are different positions of satellite 2 in the time period from T1 to T2. As the satellite moves, in the time period from T3 to T4, area #2 is covered by satellite 1, and accordingly, area #1 can be covered by other satellites. Figure 2 The satellite is not numbered.

[0170] At present, in the satellite switching scenario, the UPF network element is integrated on the satellite, or the satellite integrates the base station and / or router functions on the basis of the UPF. At this time, the satellite is in a medium-low orbit and is constantly moving relative to the ground coverage. Correspondingly, the onboard UPF will also move accordingly, and the corresponding terminal equipment in the area taken over by the satellite will also be constantly changing. Since the UPF network element of the current core network is not in a mobile state, if the current core network UPF operation mechanism is used, this is obviously inappropriate. For example, in the T1-T2 time period, Figure 2 The terminal devices in area #2 establish a connection with satellite 2 for communication. As the satellite moves, the speed of the satellite is much faster than the speed of the terminal devices. During the T3-T4 time period, satellite 1 takes over the terminal devices in area #2. At this time, the terminal devices in area #2 need to disconnect from satellite 2 and re-establish a connection with satellite 1. This process is not only time-consuming, but the user can perceive the satellite switching process when using the terminal device, which will undoubtedly greatly affect the user experience.

[0171] Therefore, in the scenario where the satellite switches the ground coverage area, how to ensure that the transmission service between the satellite and the terminal device after the switch is not interrupted is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0172] Figure 3 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The interactive schematic diagram of the present application takes the first satellite, the second satellite and the remote satellite as the execution subjects of the interactive schematic diagram as an example to illustrate the corresponding method, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive schematic diagram. For example, Figure 3 The first satellite in the method may also be a chip, a chip system or a processor that supports the first satellite to implement the corresponding method, or may be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first satellite. Figure 3The second satellite in the method may also be a chip, a chip system or a processor that supports the second satellite to implement the corresponding method, or may be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second satellite. Figure 3 The remote satellite may also be a chip, a chip system or a processor that supports the control network element to implement the corresponding method, or may be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the remote satellite.

[0173] S301: A second satellite sends a first switching request to a first satellite.

[0174] The first switching request may be used to request that the takeover satellite of the second area be switched from the second satellite to the first satellite.

[0175] It should be understood that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the size of the second area, and the second area may be the entire area or a portion of the second area. For example, if the type of the satellite's transmission beam is a hopping beam, the second area is the entire area. For another example, if the type of the satellite's transmission beam is a mobile beam, the second area is a portion of the area.

[0176] That is, the first switching request is used to request that the service satellite of the first terminal device located in the second area be switched from the second satellite to the first satellite. Among them, the first terminal device can be one or more, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the number of first terminal devices. For example, for a hopping beam, the first satellite can subsequently cover the second area by adjusting the beam angle to serve the first terminal device in the second area. For another example, for a mobile beam, as the first satellite moves, the first satellite gradually serves the first terminal device in the second area.

[0177] As a possible implementation manner, the second satellite generates the first switching request to the first satellite according to ephemeris information.

[0178] Specifically, for example, the second satellite can obtain the positions of different satellites above the second area and the temporal order relationship based on the ephemeris information to trigger the generation of the first switching request and send the first switching request to the first satellite.

[0179] As another possible implementation manner, the second satellite determines, based on the ephemeris information, that the takeover satellite in the second area is about to be switched from the second satellite to the first satellite; and sends a first switching request to the first satellite.

[0180] Specifically, for example, the second satellite can obtain the positions of different satellites over the second area and the time domain sequence based on the ephemeris information to determine that the takeover satellite in the second area is about to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite, and send a first switching request to the first satellite.

[0181] It should be understood that the above implementation can be applied when the satellite includes ephemeris information.

[0182] As a possible implementation, the second satellite receives a second switching request from the control network element, the second switching request being used to request the takeover satellite in the second region to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite. According to the second switching request, a first switching request is sent to the first satellite.

[0183] Specifically, the second satellite sends the first switching request to the first satellite according to the request information of the second switching request. It should be understood that the specific process of the control network element sending the second switching request to the second satellite can refer to the specific process of the second satellite sending the first switching request to the first satellite, which is not repeated here.

[0184] It should be understood that this implementation manner can be applied when the control network element includes ephemeris information.

[0185] The first switching request may further include a switching time point corresponding to the switching of the takeover satellite in the second area to the first satellite.

[0186] Specifically, the switching time point may be the entry time point of the first satellite over the second area obtained according to the ephemeris information.

[0187] Optionally, the first switching request also includes area range information of the second area. For example, the second area may be a polygonal area, in which case the area range information may be geographic coordinate information of polygon vertices or polygon boundary points. For another example, the second area may be a circular area or an elliptical area, in which case the area range information may be the coordinates of the center point of the second area and the radius information with the center point as the center of the circle, or the area range information may be comprehensive description information of the long radius and the short radius of the elliptical area. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific form of the area range information.

[0188] For example, the second satellite may determine the area range information of the second area based on the center position coordinates and the beam radius of the satellite transmission beam.

[0189] As a possible implementation, the first switching request may further include identification information of the first terminal device, which may be an international mobile subscriber identification number (IMSI) or a temporary mobile subscriber identity (TMSI), etc., without limitation.

[0190] It should be understood that the first terminal device may be all or part of the terminal devices located in the second area. If the first terminal device is part of the terminal devices located in the second area, the first terminal device may be a terminal device that is determined by the second satellite to have services being transmitted in the second area.

[0191] As a possible implementation, the first handover request further includes radio resource information corresponding to the first terminal device, wherein the radio resource information may include radio resource control (RRC) information, such as RRC frequency band or frequency point, without limitation.

[0192] S302: The first satellite receives a first switching request and updates UPF configuration information of the first satellite to UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0193] It can be understood that the first switching request is also used to trigger updating of the user plane function UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0194] As a possible implementation manner, the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area includes information of an Internet Protocol (IP) address pool corresponding to the second area. Accordingly, step S302 may include: updating the information of the IP address pool of the first satellite to the information of the IP address pool corresponding to the second area.

[0195] The IP address pool information may be the address allocation space of the terminal device, used to allocate IP addresses to the terminal device. The IP address pool information corresponding to the second area may be understood as the address allocation control of the first terminal device in the second area, used to allocate IP addresses to the first terminal device in the second area.

[0196] As a possible implementation manner, the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area also includes satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area. Accordingly, step S302 may include: updating the satellite IP address information of the first satellite to the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area.

[0197] Among them, the IP address information may include the loopback address of each network element on the satellite (for example, base station network element, router network element, etc.), and / or the interface address of the satellite topology connection, etc., which is used to identify the network elements and interfaces on the satellite without restriction.

[0198] It should be understood that this implementation method can be applied to the case where the satellite IP address information of the satellite can be changed, without limitation.

[0199] It should be understood that since the moving speed of the satellite is predictable, when the first switching request includes a switching time point, the first satellite can update the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area before the switching time point.

[0200] For example, for a mobile beam, after the mobile beam is lit, the beam angle remains unchanged, and the first satellite may perform S302 before the switching time point. Here, before the switching time point may be understood as before the switching time point and at the switching time point.

[0201] For another example, for a hopping beam, the first satellite may adjust to an initial beam angle before the switching time point and execute S302.

[0202] Optionally, the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area also includes one or more of the following information: configurations related to UPF platform function management, and configurations related to network address translation (NAT) function management. Among them, the configurations related to UPF platform function management can be disk read and write detection, setting user interface, setting virtual interface, setting central processing unit (CPU) or memory usage detection window, setting CPU or memory usage overload threshold and overload recovery threshold, etc. The configurations related to NAT function management can be IP address segments corresponding to the private network address pool for configuring static address mapping, IP address segments corresponding to the public network address pool, virtual private network (VPN) instances, etc.

[0203] In the above technical solution, after receiving the switching request, the first satellite updates the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information of the second area. When the satellite switches, the first terminal device in the second area does not need to renegotiate with the first satellite to establish a connection, so that the transmission service between the first terminal device and the satellite is not interrupted, thereby improving the user experience.

[0204] Optionally, the above method also includes step S303.

[0205] S303: The first satellite obtains UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0206] As a possible implementation manner, the first satellite obtains UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area from the second satellite.

[0207] It should be understood that the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area may be complete UPF configuration information or partial information in the UPF configuration information, for example, a field that needs to be updated. Figure 4 Detailed description in.

[0208] Exemplarily, the first switching request includes UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area, or the second satellite may send the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area to the first satellite through an independent message. This embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0209] As a possible implementation manner, the first satellite obtains UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area from the control network element. Figure 5 Detailed description in.

[0210] As a possible implementation manner, the first satellite obtains UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area according to the ephemeris information.

[0211] Specifically, the first satellite obtains the positions of different satellites over the second area and the order of different satellites in the time domain according to the ephemeris information, thereby obtaining part of the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area, such as the specific value of the updated field. Figure 4 The details are described in S403.

[0212] Optionally, the above method also includes S304.

[0213] S304: The first satellite takes over or determines a target terminal device to be taken over according to the first switching request.

[0214] It should be understood that the target terminal device that is ready to be taken over may also be referred to as the target terminal device that is about to be taken over.

[0215] Among them, when the first switching request includes the identification information of the first terminal device and the first terminal device is located in the second area, the target terminal can be the first terminal device. For example, assuming that the first terminal device is all the terminal devices in the second area, then the target terminal device can be all the terminal devices in the second area. For another example, assuming that the first terminal device is a terminal device that has services being transmitted in the second area, then the target terminal device can be some of the terminal devices in the second area. For another example, the target terminal device can be a terminal device that meets the signal quality requirements in the first terminal device, and can be one or more. Among them, meeting the signal quality requirements can refer to the signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, bit error rate, or delay jitter packet loss rate meeting the threshold conditions.

[0216] As a possible implementation manner, the first satellite sends first indication information to the second satellite, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first satellite has successfully taken over or is about to take over the target terminal device. Accordingly, after receiving the first indication information, the second satellite deletes or backs up user information related to the target terminal device, for example, user context information of the target terminal device.

[0217] Exemplarily, the first indication information is carried in the first message (see step S305), or the first satellite sends the first indication information to the second satellite through an independent message.

[0218] Specifically, the first satellite taking over the target terminal device can be understood as the first satellite maintaining user context information of the target terminal device and configuring wireless resources for the target terminal device.

[0219] For example, the user context information of the target terminal device includes one or more of identification information of the target terminal device, session identification information, IP address information, tunnel identification information, a next generation application protocol (NGAP) identification list, and a routing table entry.

[0220] Among them, the tunnel identification information can be a tunnel identification used for transmitting user messages of the target terminal device between the satellite-borne UPF network element and the on-board base station.

[0221] In the above technical solution, the satellite IP address information of the satellite can be changed. In the 5GLAN scenario, the second terminal device of the remote satellite service and the first terminal device corresponding to the second area of ​​the second satellite service can communicate through the tunnel between satellites. By changing the satellite IP address after the satellite switching, that is, the satellite IP address information of the first satellite is updated to the satellite IP of the second satellite, the tunnel destination address of the remote satellite is still the same IP address. There is also no need to perceive the satellite switching process, and the communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device is achieved, thereby improving the user experience.

[0222] Optionally, the above method also includes step S305.

[0223] S305: The first satellite sends a first message to the second satellite.

[0224] The first message may be used to trigger the second satellite to delete or back up the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0225] As a possible implementation, the first message is also used to trigger the second satellite to delete or back up the user information related to the target terminal device. For example, when the first message includes the first indication information in S304, the first message is also used to trigger the second satellite to delete or back up the user information related to the target terminal device.

[0226] Correspondingly, the second satellite deletes or backs up the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area. When the first message includes the first indication information in S304, the second satellite also deletes or backs up the user information related to the target terminal device according to the target terminal device indicated by the first indication information.

[0227] In the above technical solution, the storage pressure of the second satellite can be reduced by triggering the second satellite to delete or back up the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area through the first information.

[0228] Optionally, the above method further includes step S306a or S306b.

[0229] S306a, the first satellite sends first information to the remote satellite.

[0230] The first information may be used to notify the target terminal device that the anchor satellite is switched from the second satellite to the first satellite. Specifically, the first information may include satellite IP address information of the second satellite and identification information of the target terminal device, wherein the target terminal device may include a first terminal device located in the second area that is taken over by the first satellite.

[0231] S306b: The second satellite sends the first information to the remote satellite.

[0232] The first information may be used to notify the target terminal device that the anchor satellite is switched from the second satellite to the first satellite. Specifically, the first information may include satellite IP address information of the first satellite and identification information of the target terminal device, wherein the target terminal device may include a first terminal device located in the second area that is taken over by the first satellite.

[0233] Correspondingly, after receiving the first information, the remote satellite sends the first data to the first satellite, where the first data is the data sent by the second terminal device to the first terminal device. Fig.13 Described in detail in.

[0234] In the above technical solution, the satellite IP address of the satellite cannot be changed. In the 5GLAN scenario, the remote satellite is notified through the first information that the anchor satellite of the target terminal device taken over by the first satellite is switched from the second satellite to the first satellite, and the tunnel destination address of the remote satellite needs to be changed, and then a tunnel with the tunnel destination address being the first satellite IP address is established, which helps to uninterrupted transmission between the second terminal device and the target terminal device served by the remote satellite, thereby improving user experience.

[0235] Depending on whether the satellite's identity information is identified by the satellite's IP address information, and the type of the satellite's transmission beam (e.g., hopping beam, mobile beam), different detailed communication methods may be used. Figures 4 to 13 Detailed description.

[0236] It should be understood that Figure 4 and Figure 5 The type of transmission beam of the satellite shown in is a hopping beam.

[0237] Figure 4 This is an interactive schematic diagram of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The interactive schematic diagram of the present application takes the first satellite, the second satellite and the control network element as the execution subjects of the interactive schematic diagram as an example to illustrate the corresponding method, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive schematic diagram. For example, Figure 4 The first satellite in the method may also be a chip, a chip system or a processor that supports the first satellite to implement the corresponding method, or may be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first satellite. Figure 4 The second satellite in the method may also be a chip, a chip system or a processor that supports the second satellite to implement the corresponding method, or may be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second satellite. Figure 4 The control network element in the method may also be a chip, a chip system or a processor that supports the control network element to implement the corresponding method, or may be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the control network element.

[0238] S401: Control a network element to generate and send a second switching request to a second satellite.

[0239] The second switching request may be used to request that the takeover satellite of the second area be switched from the second satellite to the first satellite.

[0240] As a possible implementation, the control network element may include ephemeris information. In S401, the control network element may generate and send a second switching request to the second satellite according to the ephemeris information. For details, reference may be made to the second satellite generating and sending a first switching request to the first satellite in S301, which will not be described in detail here.

[0241] As another possible implementation, the control network element determines that the takeover satellite of the second area is about to be switched from the second satellite to the first satellite, and sends a second switching request to the second satellite. For details, refer to S301 in which the second satellite determines that the takeover satellite of the second area is about to be switched from the second satellite to the first satellite, and sends a first switching request to the second satellite, which will not be described in detail here.

[0242] As a possible implementation manner, the second switching request may include UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0243] As a possible implementation, the second switching request may also include a switching time point corresponding to the switching of the takeover satellite in the second region to the first satellite. Regarding the way in which the control network element determines the switching time point, reference may be made to the way in which the second satellite determines the switching time point in S301, which will not be described in detail here.

[0244] Among them, the control network element can be Figure 1 The AMF or SMF or controller shown is not limited. In addition, the embodiment of the present application does not limit the location of the control network element, which can be a ground control network element or a satellite control network element.

[0245] As a possible implementation, the second handover request may include the first user information, and the first user information may include user context information of the fourth terminal device. The fourth terminal device may be all or part of the terminal devices corresponding to the second area. For example, one or more of the identification information of the fourth terminal device, the session ID of the fourth terminal device, the IP address information of the fourth terminal device, the next generation application protocol (NGAP) identification list, the tunnel identification, the wireless resource information, and the routing table entry.

[0246] It should be understood that the fourth terminal device may be one or more, without limitation. For example, the fourth terminal device may be P terminal devices in the second area, where P is a positive integer.

[0247] S402: The second satellite sends a first switching request to the first satellite according to the second switching request.

[0248] The first switching request may be used to request to switch the takeover satellite of the second area from the second satellite to the first satellite. Specifically, the first switching request may include UPF configuration information and / or second user information corresponding to the second area.

[0249] Specifically, if the second switching request does not carry the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area, since the second satellite is the takeover satellite of the second area before the satellite switching, the second satellite can determine the UPF configuration information of the second satellite as the UPF configuration information of the second area.

[0250] The first switching request may include a switching time point corresponding to the switching from the takeover satellite of the second area to the first satellite.

[0251] It should be understood that the second user information may include user context information of the first terminal device, for example, one or more of the identification information, session identification information, IP address information, tunnel identification information, NGAP identification list, and wireless resource information of the first terminal device. The first terminal device may be one or more, for example, N terminal devices in the fourth terminal device terminal, N is a positive integer, and N≤P. The wireless resource information may include RRC information, for example, RRC frequency band or frequency point.

[0252] It should be understood that the first terminal device may be a terminal device that is currently transmitting services in the second area, for example, a terminal device that is currently transmitting services in the fourth terminal device.

[0253] Optionally, the second satellite determines the second user information according to the first user information in the second switching request.

[0254] Exemplarily, the second satellite selects a terminal device that is currently transmitting services according to the first user information, and determines the terminal device that is currently transmitting services as the first terminal device, thereby determining the second user information.

[0255] It should be understood that the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area may include at least one of the following information: Internet protocol (IP) address pool information, IP address information, configuration related to UPF platform function management, and configuration related to network address translation (NAT) function management. Among them, the configuration related to UPF platform function management may be disk read and write detection, setting user interface, setting virtual interface, setting central processing unit (CPU) or memory usage detection window, setting CPU or memory usage overload threshold and overload recovery threshold, etc. The configuration related to NAT function management may be the IP address segment corresponding to the private network address pool of static address mapping, the IP address segment corresponding to the public network address pool, a virtual private network (VPN) instance, etc.

[0256] The IP address pool information is the address allocation space of the terminal device, and the IP address information includes the loopback address and the interface address of the satellite topology connection.

[0257] Optionally, the first switching request further includes one or more of base station network element configuration information, router network element information, user access context, user session context, routing information, etc. This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0258] Optionally, when the second switching request includes the area range information of the second area, the first switching request also includes the area range information of the second area. For example, the second area may be a polygonal area, in which case the area range information may be the geographic coordinate information of the polygon vertices. For another example, the second area may be a circular area, in which case the area range information may be the coordinates of the center point of the second area and the radius information with the center point as the center of the circle. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific form of the area range information.

[0259] S403: The first satellite receives the first switching request and updates the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0260] Among them, the UPF configuration information of the first satellite can also be called the UPF configuration information corresponding to the first satellite in the first area, that is, the UPF configuration information corresponding to the terminal device taken over by the first satellite in the first area during the time period from T1 to T2.

[0261] As a possible implementation manner, the satellite IP address information of the first satellite is updated to the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area.

[0262] For example, the complete satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area. Another example is the field corresponding to the satellite IP address information that needs to be updated corresponding to the second area.

[0263] Exemplarily, the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area is encoded in order. For example, the satellite IP address information is represented by IPV4, that is, the satellite IP address information is represented by 32 bits. The encoding of the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area can be in the form of "abcd". Among them, "a" can be understood as the first field that indicates the orbital height and orbital identification of the satellite corresponding to the second area through 8 bits; "b" can be understood as the second field that indicates the satellite identification information corresponding to the second area through 8 bits; "c" can be understood as the third field that indicates the network element type in the satellite corresponding to the second area through 8 bits; "d" can be understood as the fourth field that indicates the loopback address and interface of the satellite corresponding to the second area through 8 bits. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the representation method of the satellite IP address information, and it can also be represented by 128 bits of IPV6.

[0264] Since the takeover satellite of the second area is switched from the second satellite to the first satellite, the second field of the satellite IP address information of the first satellite is updated to the second field of the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area.

[0265] For example, during the time period from T1 to T2, the takeover satellite of the second region is the second satellite, and the satellite IP address information of the second satellite may be 2.5.7.100; the takeover satellite of the first region is the first satellite, and the satellite IP address information of the first satellite may be 2.6.7.100. After receiving the first switching request, that is, when the takeover satellite of the second region is the first satellite, the first satellite updates the second field "6" in the satellite address information to "5".

[0266] As a possible implementation manner, the information of the IP address pool of the first satellite is updated to the information of the IP address pool corresponding to the second area.

[0267] For example, the complete IP address pool information corresponding to the second area. Another example is the field corresponding to the IP address pool information that needs to be updated corresponding to the second area.

[0268] Exemplarily, the IP address pool information corresponding to the second area is encoded in order. For example, the IP address pool information is represented by IPV4, that is, the IP address pool information is represented by 32 bits. The encoding of the IP address pool information corresponding to the second area can be in the form of "efgh". Among them, "e" can be understood as the fifth field indicating the orbital height and orbital identification of the satellite corresponding to the second area through 8 bits; "f" can be understood as the sixth field indicating the satellite identification information corresponding to the second area through 8 bits; "g" can be understood as the seventh field indicating the user IP address pool corresponding to the second area through 8 bits; "h" can be understood as the eighth field indicating the satellite beam or interface corresponding to the second area through 8 bits. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the representation method of the IP address pool, and it can also be distinguished by 128 bits of IPV6.

[0269] Since the takeover satellite of the second area is switched from the second satellite to the first satellite, the seventh field of the IP address pool information of the first satellite is updated to the seventh field of the IP address pool information corresponding to the second area.

[0270] For example, during the time period from T1 to T2, the satellite that takes over the second area is the second satellite, and the IP address pool information corresponding to the second area can be 10.5.100.0; the satellite that takes over the first area is the first satellite, and the IP address pool information corresponding to the first area can be 10.6.101.0. After receiving the first switching request, the first satellite updates the sixth field "6" in the satellite identifier representing the second area to "5", and updates the seventh field "101" representing the IP address pool corresponding to the second area to "100".

[0271] Optionally, the above method also includes S404.

[0272] S404: The first satellite takes over the first terminal device corresponding to the second user information.

[0273] It should be understood that the specific step of the first satellite taking over the first terminal device corresponding to the second user information can refer to S305.

[0274] In the above technical solution, after receiving the switching request, the first satellite updates the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information of the second area. When the satellite switches, the first terminal device in the second area does not need to renegotiate with the first satellite to establish a connection, so that the transmission service between the first terminal device and the satellite is not interrupted, thereby improving the user experience.

[0275] Optionally, when the first switching request also includes one or more of the base station network element configuration information, router network element information, user access context, user session context, and routing information when the second satellite takes over the second area, the first satellite updates the relevant information on the first satellite to one or more of the base station network element configuration information, router network element information, user access context, user session context, and routing information when the second satellite takes over the second area.

[0276] Optionally, the above method also includes S405-406.

[0277] S405: The first satellite sends a first message to the second satellite.

[0278] The first message may be used to trigger the second satellite to delete or back up the UPF configuration information and / or the second user information corresponding to the second area.

[0279] It should be understood that Figure 4 The first message in the message may specifically be a switching completion message or a takeover completion message.

[0280] As a possible implementation manner, the first message may include satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area and identification information of the first satellite.

[0281] Since the satellite IP address information is changing, the identification information of the first satellite may be determined by the identification information of the first satellite in orbit or the identification information of the link layer.

[0282] S406: The second satellite deletes or backs up the UPF configuration information and / or the second user information corresponding to the second area according to the first message.

[0283] As a possible implementation manner, the second satellite directly deletes the UPF configuration information and / or the second user information corresponding to the second area.

[0284] As a possible implementation manner, the second satellite backs up the UPF configuration information and / or the second user information corresponding to the second area.

[0285] As a possible implementation manner, the second satellite backs up the UPF configuration information and / or the second user information corresponding to the second area within a first duration, and deletes the UPF configuration information and / or the second user information corresponding to the second area after the first duration has passed. The first duration can be implemented by a timer.

[0286] It should be understood that since the transmission beam of the first satellite is a hopping beam, when the hopping beam can completely cover the N first terminal devices in the second area, for the first satellite, there is no need to carry the identification information of the N first terminal devices in the first message, and the second satellite can delete or back up the second user information.

[0287] Optionally, the above method also includes S407a or 407b.

[0288] S407a: The second satellite sends a first switching completion message to the control network element.

[0289] The first handover completion message may include identification information of the first terminal device that has been successfully taken over, satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area, and identification information of the first satellite. The first handover completion message may be used to indicate that the first satellite has successfully taken over the first terminal device and that the UPF configuration information of the first satellite has been successfully updated to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0290] S407b: The first satellite sends a second switching completion message to the control network element.

[0291] The second switching completion message may include identification information of the first terminal device that has been successfully taken over, satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area, and identification information of the first satellite. The second switching completion message may be used to indicate that the first satellite has successfully taken over the first terminal device and that the UPF configuration information of the first satellite has been successfully updated to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0292] It should be understood that S407a and S407b are two different implementation methods of controlling the network element to obtain the switching completion message, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0293] S408, controlling the network element to switch the service satellite corresponding to the first terminal device from the second satellite to the first satellite.

[0294] Exemplarily, the control network element updates the user plane information of the first terminal device from the second satellite to the first satellite according to the time slice in the ephemeris information. Specifically, the control network element updates the satellite identifier associated with the user plane information of the first terminal device from the second satellite identifier information to the first satellite identifier information according to the time slice in the ephemeris information.

[0295] Figure 5 This is an interactive schematic diagram of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The interactive schematic diagram of the present application takes the first satellite, the second satellite and the control network element as the execution subjects of the interactive schematic diagram as an example to illustrate the corresponding method, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive schematic diagram. For details, please refer to Figure 4 The relevant instructions are not repeated here.

[0296] S501: A control network element generates and sends a second switching request to a second satellite. The second switching request is used to request a takeover satellite in a second area to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite.

[0297] It should be understood that the detailed description of S501 can refer to S401 and will not be repeated here.

[0298] S502: The second satellite sends a first switching request to the first satellite, where the first switching request includes second user information.

[0299] For a detailed description of the second user information, please refer to S402.

[0300] S503a-1, the first satellite sends a takeover ready message #1 to the second satellite.

[0301] S503a-2, the second satellite sends a takeover ready message #2 to the control network element.

[0302] The takeover ready message #1 and the takeover ready message #2 are used to indicate that the first satellite is ready to take over the first terminal device corresponding to the second user information.

[0303] S503b, the first satellite sends a takeover ready message #3 to the control network element.

[0304] The takeover ready message #3 is used to indicate that the first satellite is ready to take over the first terminal device corresponding to the second user information.

[0305] It should be understood that S503a-1, S503a-2 and S503b are two different implementations of the control network element obtaining the takeover ready message of the first satellite, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this. The two differences are that the takeover ready message #1 is sent based on the satellite IP address information corresponding to the first area of ​​the first satellite, and the takeover ready message #2 is sent based on the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area of ​​the second satellite. Takeover ready message #3 is sent based on the satellite IP address information corresponding to the first area of ​​the first satellite.

[0306] S504: Control the network element to send UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area to the first satellite.

[0307] It should be understood that the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area can refer to the detailed description in S402, which will not be repeated here. It should also be understood that the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area in S504 is in an independent message.

[0308] S505, the first satellite sends a confirmation reception message to the control network element, where the confirmation reception message is used to indicate that the first satellite has received the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0309] S506: Control the network element to send a first message to the second satellite.

[0310] The first message may be used to trigger the second satellite to delete or back up the UPF configuration information and / or the second user information corresponding to the second area.

[0311] It should be understood that Figure 5 The first message in the message can also be called takeover indication message #3. The first message is also used to instruct the first satellite to take over the first terminal device corresponding to the second user information and update the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information of the second area.

[0312] S507: The second satellite receives the first message, and deletes or backs up the UPF configuration information and / or the second user information corresponding to the second area.

[0313] It should be understood that the detailed description of S507 can refer to S406 and will not be repeated here.

[0314] S508: The second satellite sends a second message to the control network element.

[0315] The second message may be used to indicate that the second satellite has deleted the UP configuration information and / or the second user information corresponding to the second area, or the second message may be used to indicate that the second satellite has backed up the UP configuration information and / or the second user information corresponding to the second area.

[0316] S509a, the control network element sends a takeover indication message #1 to the first satellite.

[0317] Among them, the takeover indication message #1 is used to instruct the first satellite to take over the first terminal device corresponding to the second user information and update the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information of the second area.

[0318] S509b: The second satellite sends a takeover indication message #2 to the first satellite.

[0319] Among them, the takeover indication message #2 is used to instruct the first satellite to take over the first terminal device corresponding to the second user information and update the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information of the second area.

[0320] It should be understood that the above process can be performed through the steps of S506, S507, S508 and S509a. Alternatively, the above process can also be performed through the steps of S506, S507, S508 and S509b, wherein the order of S509b and S508 is irrelevant. In this case, the first message in S506 can also be called takeover indication message #3.

[0321] S510, the first satellite updates the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area, and takes over the first terminal device corresponding to the second user information.

[0322] It should be understood that the detailed description of S510 can refer to S403 and S404, which will not be repeated here.

[0323] S511: The first satellite sends a second switching completion message to the control network element.

[0324] The second switching completion message may include satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area and identification information of the first satellite. The second switching completion message is used to indicate that the first satellite successfully takes over the first terminal device and that the UPF configuration information of the first satellite is successfully updated to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0325] S512, controlling the network element to switch the service satellite corresponding to the first terminal device from the second satellite to the first satellite.

[0326] It should be understood that Figure 4 S401 to S402 can be regarded as method 1 for obtaining UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area, and S403 to S408 can be regarded as method 1 for the switching process. Figure 5 S501 to S504 can be regarded as a second method for obtaining the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area, and S505 to S512 can be regarded as a second method for the switching process. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The implementation method, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The method of obtaining the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area and the method of the switching process can be interchanged to implement the communication method of the embodiment of the present application. For example, it is implemented through steps S401 to S402 and S505 to S512, or it is implemented through S501 to S504 and S403 to S408.

[0327] It should be understood that Figure 6 and Figure 7 The transmitting beam of the satellite is a mobile beam.

[0328] Figure 6 This is an interactive schematic diagram of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The interactive schematic diagram of the present application takes the first satellite, the second satellite and the control network element as the execution subjects of the interactive schematic diagram as an example to illustrate the corresponding method, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive schematic diagram. For details, please refer to Figure 4 The relevant instructions are not repeated here.

[0329] S601: Control a network element to generate and send a second switching request to a second satellite.

[0330] S602: Control the network element to send a second switching request to the second satellite according to the second switching request.

[0331] It should be understood that the detailed process of S601 to S602 can refer to S401 to S402.

[0332] S603: Taking over the target terminal device according to the second user information, where the target terminal device is a terminal device that meets the signal quality requirements in the first terminal devices.

[0333] It should be understood that since the transmission beam of the first satellite is a mobile beam, the first satellite can perform signal quality detection on the first terminal device corresponding to the second user information to take over the terminal device that meets the signal quality requirements in the first terminal device, that is, the target terminal device.

[0334] It should also be understood that although Figure 6 The communication method shown is mainly applied to the case where the transmitting beam of the satellite is a mobile beam, but if the transmitting beam of the first satellite is a hopping beam, the signal quality measurement can also be performed when the hopping beam does not completely cover the first terminal device in the second area. The first satellite can also perform signal quality detection on the first terminal device that is not in the coverage area of ​​the first satellite, or the first satellite can also directly perform signal quality detection on the first terminal device.

[0335] When the first switching request includes the area range information of the second area, the first satellite can determine the first terminal device that is not in the coverage area of ​​the first satellite through the geographic coordinate information corresponding to the first terminal device in the second user information and the area range information of the second area.

[0336] It should be understood that in the scenario of mobile beam coverage, the first area and the second area are the starting time points when the satellite signal coverage moves into the ground coverage area at a certain point in time. The specific starting time may be the time point when the first satellite is fully covered or the coverage detection of most boundary points is reachable. At this time, the first switching request may include the switching time point.

[0337] S604: The first satellite updates the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0338] It should be understood that when the number of target terminal devices is equal to the number of first terminal devices, S604 can refer to S403, which is not elaborated here.

[0339] As a possible implementation method, the information of the IP address pool of the first satellite is updated to the information of the IP address pool corresponding to the second area. The update at this time can also be a configuration addition on the original configuration. For example, if the mobile beam of the first satellite has not completely moved out of the scope of the first area, and the second area is covered by the first satellite signal, the original configuration on the first satellite can be retained, and the information of the IP address pool corresponding to the second area is added.

[0340] Optionally, when the number of target terminal devices is less than the number of first terminal devices, the first satellite divides the information of the IP address pool corresponding to the second area into fine-grained divisions, and the first satellite updates part of the IP address pool information of the first satellite to part of the IP address pool information corresponding to the second area.

[0341] For example, if the information of the IP address pool of the second area is encoded in the form of "efgh". "h" can be understood as the eighth field that indicates the satellite beam or interface corresponding to the second area through 8 bits. The value range of the eighth field is [0,255]. Since the transmission beam of the first satellite is a mobile beam, the information of the IP address pool corresponding to the second area can be further divided into fine-grained parts. For example, "10.5.0.h1" represents the IP address pool information corresponding to the sub-area of ​​the second area corresponding to the M first terminal devices taken over by the first satellite. For example, the value of h1 can be [128,255]. "10.6.0.h2" represents the IP address pool information corresponding to the sub-area of ​​the first area taken over by the first satellite. For example, the value of h2 can be [0,127].

[0342] It should be understood that when there is a configuration of fine-grained division of the address pool or beam interface, as the ground coverage is gradually replaced, the UPF configuration information on the first satellite can be updated or added at the interface level in a fine-grained manner.

[0343] As a possible implementation manner, the satellite IP address information of the first satellite is updated to the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area.

[0344] S605: The first satellite sends a first message to the second satellite.

[0345] The first message is used to trigger the second satellite to delete or back up the UPF configuration information and / or the second user information corresponding to the second area.

[0346] As a possible implementation manner, the first message may include satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area, identification information of the first satellite, and first indication information.

[0347] It should be understood that the explanation of the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area and the identification information of the first satellite included in the first message may refer to S405.

[0348] Among them, the first indication information is used to indicate the situation of the target terminal device that the first satellite successfully takes over. For example, the first indication information may include the identification information of the target terminal device. That is, when the first satellite covers a part of the second area, the first indication information may include the identification information of the target terminal device in the coverage area taken over by the first satellite. For another example, the first indication information may also include the identification information of the terminal devices other than the target terminal device in the first terminal device. That is, when the first satellite covers a part of the second area, the first indication information may include the identification information of the first terminal device in the non-coverage area that is not taken over by the first satellite, that is, other terminal devices other than the non-target terminal devices in the first terminal device.

[0349] S606: The second satellite deletes or backs up the UPF configuration information and / or the second user information corresponding to the second area.

[0350] It should be understood that the detailed content of S606 can refer to S406 and will not be elaborated here.

[0351] S607a, the second satellite sends a first switching completion message to the control network element, the first switching completion message including the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area, the identification information of the first satellite and the first indication information. The first switching completion message is used to indicate that the first satellite has successfully taken over the target terminal device and the UPF configuration information of the first satellite has been successfully updated to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0352] S607b, the first satellite sends a second switching completion message to the control network element, the second switching completion message including the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area, the identification information of the first satellite and the first indication information. The second switching completion message is used to indicate that the first satellite successfully takes over the target terminal device and the UPF configuration information of the first satellite is successfully updated to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0353] S608, controlling the network element to switch the service satellite corresponding to the target terminal device from the second satellite to the first satellite.

[0354] Exemplarily, the control network element updates the user plane information of the target terminal device indicated by the first indication information from the second satellite to the first satellite according to the time slice in the ephemeris information. Specifically, the control network element updates the satellite identifier associated with the user plane information of the target terminal device indicated by the first indication information from the second satellite identifier information to the first satellite identifier information according to the time slice in the ephemeris information.

[0355] Figure 7This is an interactive schematic diagram of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The interactive schematic diagram of the present application takes the first satellite, the second satellite and the control network element as the execution subjects of the interactive schematic diagram as an example to illustrate the corresponding method, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive schematic diagram. For details, please refer to Figure 4 The relevant instructions are not repeated here.

[0356] S701: A control network element generates and sends a second switching request to a second satellite. The second switching request is used to request a takeover satellite in a second area to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite.

[0357] It should be understood that the detailed description of S701 can refer to S401 and will not be repeated here.

[0358] S702: The second satellite sends a first switching request to the first satellite, where the first switching request includes second user information.

[0359] For a detailed description of the second user information, please refer to S402.

[0360] S703: The first satellite determines a target terminal device according to the second user information, where the target terminal device is a terminal device that meets the signal quality requirements among the first terminal devices.

[0361] It should be understood that, since the transmission beam of the first satellite is a mobile beam, the first satellite can perform signal quality detection on the first terminal device corresponding to the second user information to determine a terminal device that meets the signal quality in the first terminal device, that is, a target terminal device. The target terminal device can also be understood as a terminal device that the first satellite is ready to take over or is about to take over.

[0362] It should also be understood that although Figure 7 The communication method shown is mainly applied to the case where the transmitting beam of the satellite is a mobile beam, but if the transmitting beam of the first satellite is a hopping beam, the signal quality measurement can also be performed when the hopping beam does not completely cover the first terminal device in the second area. The first satellite can also perform signal quality detection on the first terminal device that is not in the coverage area of ​​the first satellite, or the first satellite can also directly perform signal quality detection on the first terminal device.

[0363] When the first switching request includes area range information of the second area, the first satellite can determine the first terminal device that is not in the coverage area of ​​the first satellite through the geographic coordinate information corresponding to the first terminal device in the second user information and the area range information of the second area.

[0364] S704a-1, the first satellite sends a takeover ready message #4 to the second satellite, where the takeover ready message #4 includes first indication information.

[0365] S704a-2, the second satellite sends a takeover ready message #5 to the control network element, where the takeover ready message #5 includes the first indication information.

[0366] Among them, the takeover ready message #4 and the takeover ready message #5 are used to indicate that the first satellite is ready to take over the target terminal device.

[0367] The first indication information is used to indicate the situation of the target terminal device that the first satellite is ready to take over. For example, the first indication information may include identification information of the target terminal device. That is, when the first satellite covers part of the second area, the first indication information may include identification information of the target terminal device in the coverage area that the first satellite is ready to take over. For another example, the first indication information may also include identification information of terminal devices other than the target terminal device in the first terminal device. That is, when the first satellite covers part of the second area, the first indication information may include identification information of the first terminal device in the area not covered by the first satellite, that is, other terminal devices other than the non-target terminal devices in the first terminal device.

[0368] S704b, the first satellite sends a takeover ready message #6 to the control network element. The takeover ready message #6 is used to indicate that the first satellite is ready to take over the M first terminal devices.

[0369] It should be understood that S704a-1, S704a-2 and S704b are two different implementations of the control network element obtaining the takeover ready message of the first satellite, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this. The two differences are that the takeover ready message #4 and the takeover ready message #6 are sent based on the satellite IP address information corresponding to the first area of ​​the first satellite, and the takeover ready message #5 is sent based on the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area of ​​the second satellite.

[0370] S705: Control the network element to send UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area to the first satellite.

[0371] It should be understood that the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area can refer to the detailed description in S402 and will not be repeated here.

[0372] S706 to S710b may refer to S505 to S509b and will not be elaborated here.

[0373] S711, the first satellite updates the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area, and takes over the target terminal device.

[0374] As a possible implementation manner, the information of the IP address pool of the first satellite is updated to the information of the IP address pool corresponding to the second area.

[0375] It should be understood that further detailed description may refer to S604, which will not be elaborated here.

[0376] As a possible implementation manner, the satellite IP address information of the first satellite is updated to the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area.

[0377] S712, the first satellite sends a second switching completion message to the control network element, the second switching completion message including the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area and the identification information of the first satellite. The second switching completion message is used to indicate that the first satellite successfully takes over the target terminal device and the UPF configuration information of the first satellite is successfully updated to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0378] S713, switching the service satellite of the target terminal device from the second satellite to the first satellite, refer to S608, which will not be described in detail here.

[0379] It should be understood that Figure 6 S601 to S602 can be regarded as the first method of obtaining the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area, and S603 to S608 can be regarded as the third method of the switching process. Figure 7 S701 to S705 can be regarded as the third method of obtaining the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area, and S706 to S713 can be regarded as the second method of the switching process. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The implementation method, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The method of obtaining the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area and the method of the switching process can be interchanged to implement the communication method of the embodiment of the present application. For example, it is implemented through steps S601 to S602 and S706 to S713, or it is implemented through S701 to S705 and S603 to S608.

[0380] The following will be combined Figures 8 to 11 In detail, the satellite has a communication method for ephemeris information.

[0381] It should be understood that Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The transmitting beam of the satellite is a hopping beam.

[0382] Figure 8 This is an interactive schematic diagram of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The interactive schematic diagram of the present application takes the first satellite, the second satellite and the control network element as the execution subjects of the interactive schematic diagram as an example to illustrate the corresponding method, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive schematic diagram. For details, please refer to Figure 4 The relevant instructions are not repeated here.

[0383] S801: The second satellite sends a first switching request to the first satellite.

[0384] It should be understood that the detailed description of S801 may refer to the case where the second satellite includes ephemeris information in S301, and will not be repeated here.

[0385] As a possible implementation manner, the first switching request may further include UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area and second user information. The optional information also included in the first switching request may refer to S301.

[0386] For the related description of the second user information, please refer to S402 and will not be elaborated here.

[0387] The process from S802 to S807 may refer to S403 to S408 and will not be described in detail here.

[0388] Fig. 9 This is an interactive schematic diagram of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The interactive schematic diagram of the present application takes the first satellite, the second satellite and the control network element as the execution subjects of the interactive schematic diagram as an example to illustrate the corresponding method, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive schematic diagram. For details, please refer to Figure 4 The relevant instructions are not repeated here.

[0389] S901, the second satellite sends a first switching request to the first satellite. The detailed process can refer to the case where the second satellite includes ephemeris information in S301, which will not be described in detail here.

[0390] As a possible implementation manner, the first switching request may further include second user information. The optional information included in the first switching request may refer to S301.

[0391] For the related description of the second user information, please refer to S402 and will not be elaborated here.

[0392] S902, the first satellite sends a takeover ready message #1 to the second satellite, where the takeover ready message #1 is used to indicate that the first satellite is ready to take over the first terminal device corresponding to the second user information.

[0393] The takeover ready message #1 is sent based on the satellite IP address information corresponding to the first area of ​​the first satellite.

[0394] S903: The second satellite sends UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area to the first satellite.

[0395] It should be understood that the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area can refer to the detailed description in S402 and will not be repeated here.

[0396] S904, the first satellite sends a first message to the second satellite, where the first message is used to trigger the second satellite to delete or back up UPF configuration information and / or second user information corresponding to the second area.

[0397] It should be understood that the first message in S904 may also be referred to as a reception confirmation message, and the reception confirmation message is used to indicate that the first satellite has received the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second region.

[0398] S905: The second satellite deletes or backs up the UPF configuration information and / or the second user information corresponding to the second area according to the first message.

[0399] It should be understood that the detailed description of S905 can refer to S406 and will not be repeated here.

[0400] S906, the second satellite sends a takeover indication message #3 to the first satellite, where the takeover indication message #3 is used to instruct the first satellite to take over the first terminal device corresponding to the second user information, and update the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0401] S907 to S909 may refer to S510 to S512 and will not be elaborated here.

[0402] It should be understood that Figure 8 S801 can be regarded as method four for obtaining UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area, and S802 to S807 can be regarded as method one of the switching process. Fig. 9 S901 to S903 can be regarded as a fifth method for obtaining the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area, and S904 to S909 can be regarded as a fourth method for the switching process. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The implementation method, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The method of obtaining the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area and the method of the switching process can be interchanged to implement the communication method of the embodiment of the present application. For example, it is implemented through steps S801 and S904 to S909, or through S901 to S903 and S802 to S807.

[0403] It should be understood that Fig.10 and Fig.11 The transmitting beam of the satellite is a mobile beam.

[0404] Fig.10 This is an interactive schematic diagram of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The interactive schematic diagram of the present application takes the first satellite, the second satellite and the control network element as the execution subjects of the interactive schematic diagram as an example to illustrate the corresponding method, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive schematic diagram. For details, please refer to Figure 4The relevant instructions are not repeated here.

[0405] S1001 can refer to S801 and will not be elaborated here.

[0406] S1002 to S1007 may refer to S603 to S608 and will not be elaborated here.

[0407] Fig.11 This is an interactive schematic diagram of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The interactive schematic diagram of the present application takes the first satellite, the second satellite and the control network element as the execution subjects of the interactive schematic diagram as an example to illustrate the corresponding method, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive schematic diagram. For details, please refer to Figure 4 The relevant instructions are not repeated here.

[0408] S1101 can refer to S901 and will not be described in detail here.

[0409] S1102: The first satellite determines a target terminal device according to the second user information, where the target terminal device is a terminal device among the first terminal devices that meets the signal quality requirement.

[0410] It should be understood that the detailed description of S1102 can refer to S703 and will not be repeated here.

[0411] S1103: The first satellite sends a takeover ready message #4 to the second satellite, where the takeover ready message #4 includes first indication information.

[0412] Among them, the takeover ready message #4 is used to indicate that the first satellite is ready to take over the target terminal device. The first indication information is used to indicate that the first satellite is ready to take over the target terminal device. For example, the first indication information may include identification information of the target terminal device. That is, when the first satellite covers a part of the second area, the first indication information may include identification information of the target terminal device in the area covered by the first satellite. For another example, the first indication information may also include identification information of terminal devices other than the target terminal device in the first terminal device. That is, when the first satellite covers a part of the second area, the first indication information may include identification information of terminal devices in the area not covered by the first satellite.

[0413] S1104, control the network element to send UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area to the first satellite.

[0414] It should be understood that the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area can refer to the detailed description in S402 and will not be repeated here.

[0415] S1105 to S1107 may refer to S904 to S906 and will not be elaborated here.

[0416] S1108, the first satellite updates the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area, and takes over the target terminal device.

[0417] It should be understood that the detailed description of S1108 can refer to S711 and will not be repeated here.

[0418] S1109 and S1110 may refer to S1006b and S1007, and are not elaborated here.

[0419] It should be understood that Fig.10 S1001 can be regarded as method four for obtaining UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area, and S1002 to S1007 can be regarded as method three of the switching process. Fig.11 S1101 to S1104 can be regarded as a fifth method for obtaining the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area, and S1105 to S1110 can be regarded as a fourth method for the switching process. Fig.10 and Fig.11 The implementation method, Fig.10 and Fig.11 The method of obtaining the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area and the method of the switching process can be interchanged to implement the communication method of the embodiment of the present application. For example, it is implemented through steps S1001 and S1105 to S1110, or it is implemented through S1101 to S1104 and S1002 to S1007.

[0420] Above Figures 8 to 11 The way to obtain the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area is to send it to the first satellite through the second satellite. When the first satellite includes ephemeris information, the first satellite can also directly update the UPF configuration information to the preset UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area according to the ephemeris information.

[0421] Exemplarily, the first satellite updates the fields that need to be updated in the UPF configuration information to preset fields through a timer according to the ephemeris information.

[0422] For example, during the time period from T1 to T2, the takeover satellite of the second region is the second satellite, and the satellite IP address information of the second satellite may be 2.5.7.100; the takeover satellite of the first region is the first satellite, and the satellite IP address information of the first satellite may be 2.6.7.100. After receiving the first switching request, after the second time period, the first satellite updates the second field "6" in the satellite address information to "5".

[0423] For another example, during the time period from T1 to T2, the satellite that takes over the second area is the second satellite, and the IP address pool information corresponding to the second area can be 10.5.100.0; the satellite that takes over the first area is the first satellite, and the IP address pool information corresponding to the first area can be 10.6.101.0. After receiving the first switching request, the first satellite updates the sixth field "6" in the satellite identifier representing the second area to "5", and updates the seventh field "101" representing the IP address pool corresponding to the second area to "100".

[0424] In this way, during the satellite switching process, not only can it be ensured that the first terminal device does not need to experience the switching process, but the signaling overhead between the first satellite and the second satellite can also be further reduced.

[0425] The following will be combined Fig.12 Detailed description by Figures 4 to 11 In any of the communication methods, before and after the satellite switching, the terminal device realizes the process of seamless transmission of the satellite switching process.

[0426] Fig.12 This is an interactive diagram of data transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application. The interactive diagram of the present application takes the first terminal device, the first satellite, the second satellite, the remote satellite, the second terminal device and the control network element as the execution subject of the interactive diagram as an example to illustrate the corresponding method, but the present application does not limit the execution subject of the interactive diagram. For specific forms, please refer to Figure 4 The relevant instructions are not repeated here.

[0427] The second satellite serves the first terminal device corresponding to the second area, and the first satellite serves the terminal device corresponding to the first area. The remote satellite serves the second terminal device or network data corresponding to the corresponding area. The first terminal device and the second terminal device belong to the same fifth generation cellular network technology local area network (5GLAN), which can also be called 5G local area network. There is a GPRS tunneling protocol (GTP) tunnel between the second satellite and the remote satellite.

[0428] Before the satellite is switched, during the time period from T1 to T2, service transmission between the first terminal device and the second terminal device is achieved through the GTP tunnel between the second satellite and the remote satellite.

[0429] During the switching process, after receiving the first switching request, the first satellite, S1201, obtains the UPF configuration information and the second user information corresponding to the second area. S1202, the first satellite updates the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area. The UPF configuration information at this time includes the IP address pool and the loopback interface of the satellite UPF network element, as well as the IP address information of other interfaces used in the topology. It can be understood that the configuration of the first satellite completely mirrors the original configuration of the second satellite. S1203, the first satellite takes over the target terminal device. The first satellite can take over different numbers of target terminal devices according to different beam types. The target terminal device can be the first terminal device, or the target terminal device is a terminal device in the first terminal device that meets the signal quality requirements. Optionally, the first satellite can also perform signal quality detection on the requested first terminal device to determine the target terminal device.

[0430] It should be understood that S1203 may specifically be that the first satellite maintains user context information of the target terminal device and configures wireless resources for the target terminal device. Specifically, the first satellite configures corresponding wireless resources for the target terminal device according to the wireless resource information corresponding to the first terminal device included in the second user information, for example, a frequency band or frequency point of the RRC resource.

[0431] In this way, the first satellite completely replicates the wireless resource allocation, which can further ensure that when satellite switching occurs, the corresponding first terminal device performs service transmission without perceiving the satellite switching process, thereby improving user experience.

[0432] Among them, in the 5GLAN scenario, the first switching request may also include the tunnel identification information corresponding to the second satellite and / or the satellite IP address information of the remote satellite. At this time, the first satellite also needs to add the tunnel identification corresponding to the second satellite and / or the satellite IP address information of the remote satellite. That is, the first satellite copies and saves the tunnel identification corresponding to the second satellite and / or the satellite IP address information of the remote satellite.

[0433] It should be understood that the time point at which the first satellite in S1201 obtains the UPF configuration information and the second user information corresponding to the second area may be before time T2. That is, before the time period (e.g., time period T1 to T2) of the first satellite serving the relevant terminal devices in the first area ends, the UPF configuration information and the second user information corresponding to the second area to be served may be obtained in advance. More detailed steps of S1201 to S1203 have been described in Figures 4 to 11 The detailed description is given in the section and will not be repeated here.

[0434] S1204: The remote satellite addresses the opposite satellite of the current tunnel according to the satellite IP address information of the second area.

[0435] It should be understood that, since the satellite IP address information of the satellite can be changed, for the remote satellite, the satellite IP address information when the second satellite serves the first terminal device can be used to address the opposite satellite of the tunnel. At this time, the current opposite satellite is the first satellite. Therefore, the remote satellite cannot perceive the switching process of the opposite satellite of the tunnel.

[0436] S1205, the first satellite sends a second switching completion message to the control network element. For details, please refer to S407b, which will not be described in detail here. Correspondingly, the steps performed by the control network element can refer to S408, which will not be described in detail here.

[0437] After the satellite is switched, during the time period from T3 to T4, service transmission between the first terminal device and the second terminal device is achieved through the GTP tunnel between the first satellite and the remote satellite.

[0438] The above communication method is that the satellite IP address information can be changed. Fig.13 Detailed description of the communication method when switching satellites when the satellite IP address information cannot be changed.

[0439] Fig.13 This is an interactive diagram of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The interactive diagram of the present application takes the first terminal device, the first satellite, the second satellite, the remote satellite, the second terminal device / data network and the control network element as the execution subjects of the interactive diagram as an example to illustrate the corresponding method, but the present application does not limit the execution subjects of the interactive diagram. For specific forms, please refer to Figure 4 The relevant instructions are not repeated here.

[0440] It should be understood that Fig.13 In the communication method shown, the first terminal device and the second terminal device belong to the same 5GLAN scenario, and a GTP tunnel exists between the second satellite to which the first terminal device belongs and the remote satellite to which the second terminal device belongs. In the embodiment of the present application, a UPF network element is deployed on the satellite. At this time, the second satellite and the remote satellite can also be referred to as anchor satellites, and the UPF network elements deployed on the second satellite and the remote satellite can also be referred to as anchor UPF network elements. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the names of the second satellite and the remote satellite.

[0441] Before the satellite switching occurs, during the T1-T2 time period, service transmission between the first terminal device and the second terminal device is achieved through the tunnel between the second satellite and the remote satellite.

[0442] After determining that the takeover satellite of the second area is switched from the second satellite to the first satellite, S1301, the first satellite obtains UPF configuration information and third user information corresponding to the second area. At this time, the UPF configuration information includes the IP address pool information allocated to the terminal user, but does not include the interface IP address information of the UPF network element.

[0443] It should be understood that due to Fig.13 The satellite IP address information shown cannot be changed, so the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area does not include the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area. Fig.13 The UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area may include IP address pool information corresponding to the second area. Fig.13 The UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area may also include other UPF configuration information except the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area.

[0444] The third user information may include one or more of the identification information of the first terminal device, the identification information of the second terminal device, the session identification information, the tunnel identification information, the wireless resource information, the NGAP identification list and the routing table entry. It should be understood that the first terminal device may include one or more, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the number of the first terminal devices. It should be understood that the second terminal device may include one or more, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the number of the second terminal devices. The wireless resource information may be an RRC resource.

[0445] Optionally, when the on-board interface information of the first satellite and the second satellite is inconsistent, the UPF configuration information may further include inter-satellite interface information, where the inter-satellite interface information is used to indicate the next-jump-out interface information from the first satellite to the remote satellite. For example, the next-jump-out interface information from the second satellite to the remote satellite is interface number n, and the next-jump-out interface information from the first satellite to the remote satellite is interface number m.

[0446] It should be understood that in the scenario of unified deployment, that is, in the scenario where the functions of UPF network elements, base stations, and routers are deployed on the satellite at the same time, the session-related information (e.g., session identifier) ​​in the third user information can skip the tunnel identifier information and be directly mapped to the RRC resource. Since the UPF network elements and base stations are deployed on the satellite at the same time, there is no need for communication between the onboard UPF network elements and the base stations through a tunnel.

[0447] It should also be understood that the time point at which the first satellite acquires the UPF configuration information and the third user information corresponding to the second area in S1301 may be before time T2.

[0448] The second satellite or the control network element may determine that the takeover satellite of the second area is about to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite. Fig.13 The method for the first satellite to obtain the UPF configuration information and the third user information corresponding to the second area can be referred to Figures 4 to 11 The first satellite obtains the UPF configuration information and the second user information corresponding to the second area. Fig.13 and Figures 4 to 11 The difference is that Fig.13 The UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area does not include the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area.

[0449] Optionally, the second satellite sends tunnel identification information corresponding to the tunnel between the second satellite and the remote satellite to the first satellite.

[0450] S1302: The first satellite updates the IP address pool information of the first satellite to the IP address pool information corresponding to the second area.

[0451] It should be understood that the detailed description of S1302 may refer to the corresponding part about updating the IP address pool in S403.

[0452] S1303: The first satellite takes over the target terminal device.

[0453] It should be understood that the target terminal device taken over by the first satellite may include the first terminal device corresponding to the third user information, that is, all the first terminal devices corresponding to the second area or all the first terminal devices with business transmission in the second area. Or the target terminal device taken over by the first satellite may also include the terminal devices that meet the signal quality requirements among the first terminal devices. The difference in the number of target terminal devices taken over by the first satellite depends on whether the first satellite measures the signal quality of the first terminal device.

[0454] Specifically, the first satellite maintains a user context of the target terminal device and configures wireless resources for the target terminal device.

[0455] Exemplarily, the first satellite performs routing table protection, session information maintenance, etc. for the target terminal device, and the first satellite allocates wireless resources, such as RRC resources, to the target terminal device.

[0456] S1304a, the second satellite sends first information to the remote satellite, the first information is used to instruct the target terminal device to switch the anchor satellite from the second satellite to the first satellite, and the first information includes satellite IP address information of the first satellite and identification information of the target terminal device.

[0457] It should be understood that the second satellite can obtain the satellite IP address information of the first satellite from the control network element, for example, by carrying it in the first switching request sent by the control network element to the second satellite. Alternatively, the second satellite can also determine the satellite IP address information of the first satellite based on the ephemeris information. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the second satellite to obtain the satellite IP address information of the first satellite.

[0458] For example, the identification information of the target terminal device may be a loopback interface identifier corresponding to the target terminal device.

[0459] It should be understood that Fig.13 In the communication method shown, the satellite IP address information cannot be changed. Since there is a tunnel between the second satellite and the remote satellite, the refresh information of the time slices on different satellites is based on different orbital positions. Therefore, when a satellite switch occurs, the remote satellite needs to be informed that the satellite IP address information serving the first terminal device has changed.

[0460] S1304b, the first satellite sends first information to the remote satellite, the first information is used to instruct the target terminal device to switch the anchor satellite from the second satellite to the first satellite, and the first information includes satellite IP address information of the second satellite and identification information of the target terminal device.

[0461] S1304c-1, the first satellite sends second information to the control network element, the second information is used to instruct the anchor satellite of the target terminal device to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite, and the second information includes satellite IP address information of the second satellite and identification information of the target terminal device.

[0462] It should be understood that the control network element can identify the satellite IP address information of the first satellite according to the second information.

[0463] Optionally, the control network element switches the service satellite corresponding to the target terminal device from the second satellite to the first satellite.

[0464] Specifically, the control network element refreshes access and session information based on the time slice of the first satellite, and updates the satellite IP address information associated with the user plane information of the target terminal device from the satellite IP address information of the second satellite to the satellite IP address information of the first satellite.

[0465] S1304c-2, the control network element sends first information to the remote satellite, the first information is used to instruct the anchor satellite of the target terminal device to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite, the first information includes satellite IP address information of the first satellite, satellite IP address information of the second satellite and identification information of the target terminal device.

[0466] It should be understood that if there is a tunnel between the second satellite and multiple remote satellites before the satellite switching, the first satellite can also send the first information to other remote satellites through any one of S1304a, S1304b, S1304c-1 and S1304c-2.

[0467] Optionally, the first information may also include tunnel identification information corresponding to the tunnel between the second satellite and the remote satellite.

[0468] Optionally, for S1304a, S1304c-1 and S1304c-2, the first information may also include a real outgoing interface corresponding to the intersatellite link of the first satellite, for example, if the satellite interface configuration is orderly, it may be the real outgoing interface.

[0469] S1305: The remote satellite determines that data is transmitted between the first terminal device and the second terminal device via the remote satellite and the first satellite.

[0470] It should be understood that when the remote satellite receives the first information from the second satellite (i.e., S1304a), and the first information carries the satellite IP address information of the first satellite, the remote satellite can firstly identify that the first information comes from the second satellite, and secondly, the satellite IP address information of the first satellite carried by the first information can indicate that the anchor satellite of the target terminal device is switched from the second satellite to the first satellite, thereby determining that data is transmitted between the first terminal device and the second terminal device through the remote satellite and the first satellite.

[0471] It should also be understood that when the remote satellite receives the first information (i.e., 1304b) from the first satellite, and the first information carries the satellite IP address information of the second satellite, the remote satellite can firstly identify that the first information comes from the first satellite, and secondly, the satellite IP address information of the second satellite carried by the first information can indicate that the anchor satellite of the target terminal device is switched from the second satellite to the first satellite, thereby determining that data is transmitted between the first terminal device and the second terminal device via the remote satellite and the first satellite.

[0472] It should also be understood that when the remote satellite receives the first information (i.e., S1304c-1 and S1304c-2) from the control network element, and the first information carries the satellite IP address information of the first satellite and the satellite IP address information of the second satellite, the remote satellite can determine, based on the first information, that the anchor satellite of the target terminal device is switched from the second satellite to the first satellite, and further determine that data is transmitted between the first terminal device and the second terminal device through the remote satellite and the first satellite.

[0473] As a possible implementation manner, a new tunnel is established between the first satellite and the remote satellite according to the satellite IP address information of the first satellite, and the new tunnel is used to transmit data between the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

[0474] Specifically, the destination address information of the new tunnel endpoint of the remote satellite is updated to the identification information or IP address information of the first satellite. The remote satellite updates the intersatellite link / interface to the outbound interface to the first satellite.

[0475] It should be understood that the new tunnel provides services for the target terminal device corresponding to the first satellite and the second terminal device corresponding to the remote satellite. The tunnel identifier corresponding to the new tunnel can be new identifier information, or the old identifier information between the remote satellite and the second satellite can be used, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0476] S1306: The remote satellite sends third information to the first satellite. The third information may include fourth user information corresponding to the second terminal device served by the remote satellite, identification information of the remote satellite, or satellite IP address information.

[0477] Among them, the fourth user information may include one or more of the identification information of the first terminal device, the identification information of the second terminal device, the session identification information, the tunnel identification information, the wireless resource information, the NGAP identification list and the routing table entry.

[0478] S1307: The first satellite adds information related to the remote satellite to the target terminal device according to the third information.

[0479] Specifically, the first satellite adds identification information of the remote satellite or IP address information of the remote satellite to the target terminal device according to the third information. The first satellite adds tunnel identification information of the remote satellite service to the target terminal device according to the third information.

[0480] Optionally, identification information and / or IP address information of the second terminal device is also included.

[0481] Optionally, when the inter-satellite interface information of the first satellite and the second satellite are inconsistent, the first satellite updates the inter-satellite interface to number m according to the inter-satellite interface information.

[0482] It should be understood that if the inter-satellite interface information of the first satellite and the second satellite is consistent, the first satellite does not need additionally indicated inter-satellite interface information, and can realize inter-satellite data transmission between the next hop first satellite and the remote satellite. If the inter-satellite interface information of the first satellite and the second satellite is inconsistent, the first satellite needs the change information indicating the inter-satellite interface in the UPF configuration information, so as to realize inter-satellite data transmission between the next hop first satellite and the remote satellite.

[0483] S1308: The first satellite sends a third switching completion message to the control network element. The third switching completion message is used to instruct the takeover satellite in the second area to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite.

[0484] It should be understood that there is no clear execution order for S1305 and S1308.

[0485] As a possible implementation manner, after taking over the target terminal device, the first satellite sends a third switching completion message to the control network element after a second period of time.

[0486] As a possible implementation manner, after the first satellite receives the third information from the remote satellite, the first satellite sends a third switching completion message to the control network element.

[0487] After the satellite is switched, during the time period from T3 to T4, service transmission between the first terminal device and the second terminal device is achieved through the GTP tunnel between the first satellite and the remote satellite.

[0488] Above, combined Figures 3 to 13 The communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application is described in detail. It can be understood that in order to realize the above functions, it includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to executing each function.

[0489] Those skilled in the art should be aware that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, 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 and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for specific applications, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0490] The following, combined Figures 14 to 16 The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment, so the contents not described in detail can be referred to the method embodiment above, and some contents will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0491] Fig.141 is a schematic diagram of a communication device 1400 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 1400 may include a processing unit 1420, which is used to perform data processing. The device 1400 may also include a transceiver unit 1410, which may implement corresponding communication functions, and the transceiver unit 1410 may also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit or an interface unit. It should be understood that for the operations such as sending and receiving involved in this application, if there is no special explanation, or if it does not conflict with its actual role or internal logic in the relevant description, it can be more generally understood as operations such as output and input, rather than sending and receiving operations directly performed by the radio frequency circuit and the antenna.

[0492] Optionally, the device 1400 may further include a storage unit, which may be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 1420 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the device implements the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0493] The device 1400 can be used to execute the actions performed by the first satellite in the above method embodiment. In this case, the device 1400 can be a communication device or a component that can be configured in a communication device. The transceiver unit 1410 is used to execute the operations related to the transmission and reception of the first satellite in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit 1420 is used to execute the operations related to the processing of the first satellite in the above method embodiment.

[0494] As a design, the device 1400 is used to perform the above Figures 3 to 13 The actions performed by the first satellite in the method embodiment shown may be performed by a chip, a chip system or a processor that supports the first satellite to implement the corresponding method, or may be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first satellite.

[0495] Specifically, the transceiver unit 1410 is used to receive a first switching request from the second satellite, where the first switching request is used to request that the takeover satellite in the second area be switched from the second satellite to the first satellite.

[0496] The processing unit 1420 is configured to update the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

[0497] For matters not described in detail, reference may be made to the above method embodiments.

[0498] As a design, the communication device 1400 is used to execute the above Figures 3 to 13 The actions performed by the second satellite in the method embodiment shown may be performed by a chip, a chip system or a processor that supports the second satellite to implement the corresponding method, or may be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second satellite.

[0499] Specifically, the transceiver unit 1410 is used to send a first switching request to the first satellite, where the first switching request is used to request the takeover satellite in the second area to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite.

[0500] For matters not described in detail, reference may be made to the above method embodiments.

[0501] As a design, the communication device 1400 is used to execute the above Figures 3 to 13 The actions performed by the control network element in the method embodiment shown may be performed by a chip, a chip system or a processor that supports the control network element to implement the corresponding method, or may be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the control network element functions.

[0502] Specifically, the transceiver unit 1410 is used to send a second switching request to the second satellite, where the second switching request is used to request the takeover satellite of the second area to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite. The processing unit 1420 is used to trigger the second satellite to determine the first switching request, where the first switching request is used to request the takeover satellite of the second area to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite.

[0503] For matters not described in detail, reference may be made to the above method embodiments.

[0504] As a design, the communication device 1400 is used to execute the above Fig.13 The actions performed by the remote satellite in the method embodiment shown may be performed by a chip, a chip system or a processor that supports the remote satellite to implement the corresponding method, or may be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the remote satellite functions.

[0505] Specifically, the transceiver unit 1410 is used to receive first information, where the first information is used to instruct the anchor satellite of the target terminal device to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite, where the first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device via the anchor satellite and the remote satellite, and the first information includes identification information of the target terminal device, the target terminal device is the first terminal device, the first terminal device is located in the second area, or the target terminal device is a terminal device among the first terminal devices that meets the signal quality requirement. The processing unit 1420 is used to send first data to the first satellite according to the first information, where the first data is data sent by the second terminal device to the first terminal device.

[0506] For matters not described in detail, reference may be made to the above method embodiments.

[0507] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit executing the above corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0508] The processing unit 1420 in the above embodiment may be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuits. The transceiver unit 1410 may be implemented by a transceiver or a transceiver-related circuit. The storage unit may be implemented by at least one memory.

[0509] Fig.15 It is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1500 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0510] like Fig.15 As shown, the embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device 1500. The device 1500 includes a processor 1510, the processor 1510 is coupled to a memory 1520, the memory 1520 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data, and the processor 1510 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions and / or data stored in the memory 1520, so that the method in the above method embodiment is executed.

[0511] Optionally, the device 1500 includes one or more processors 1510.

[0512] Optional, such as Fig.15 As shown, the device 1500 may further include a memory 1520 .

[0513] Optionally, the memory 1520 included in the device 1500 may be one or more.

[0514] Optionally, the memory 1520 may be integrated with the processor 1510 or provided separately.

[0515] Optional, such as Fig.15 As shown, the device 1500 may further include a transceiver 1530, and the transceiver 1530 is used for receiving and / or sending signals. For example, the processor 1510 is used to control the transceiver 1530 to receive and / or send signals.

[0516] As a solution, the device 1500 is used to implement the operations performed by the first satellite, the second satellite, the control network element or the remote satellite in the above method embodiment.

[0517] For example, the processor 1510 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by the first satellite, the second satellite, the control network element or the remote satellite in the above method embodiments, and the transceiver 1530 is used to implement transceiver-related operations performed by the first satellite, the second satellite, the control network element or the remote satellite in the above method embodiments.

[0518] Fig.16 is a schematic diagram of a chip system 1600 provided in an embodiment of the present application, such as Fig.16As shown. The chip system 1600 (or it may also be referred to as a processing system) includes a logic circuit 1610 and an input / output interface (input / output interface) 1620, the logic circuit is used to couple with the input interface, and transmit data parameters through the input / output interface to execute the method in the above method embodiment. The device installed with the chip system 1600 can implement the method and function of the embodiment of the present application. For example, the logic circuit 1610 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 1600, which realizes the control of the device installed with the chip system 1600, and can also be coupled to a storage unit to call the instructions in the storage unit so that the device can implement the method and function of the embodiment of the present application. The input / output interface 1620 can be an input and output circuit in the chip system 1600, which outputs the information processed by the chip system 1600, or inputs the data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 1600 for processing.

[0519] As a solution, the chip system 1600 is used to implement the operations performed by the communication device (such as the first satellite, the second satellite, the control network element or the remote satellite) in the above method embodiment.

[0520] For example, the logic circuit 1610 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the first satellite, the second satellite, the control network element or the remote satellite in the above method embodiments, and the input / output interface 1620 is used to implement the sending and receiving-related operations performed by the first satellite, the second satellite, the control network element or the remote satellite in the above method embodiments.

[0521] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium on which computer instructions for implementing the method executed by a communication device (such as a first satellite, a second satellite, a control network element or a remote satellite) in the above method embodiment are stored.

[0522] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the method performed by the communication device (such as the first satellite, the second satellite, the control network element or the remote satellite) in the above method embodiment.

[0523] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, enables the computer to implement the method performed by a communication device (such as a first satellite, a second satellite, a control network element or a remote satellite) in the above method embodiment.

[0524] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, which includes at least one of the first satellite, the second satellite, the control network element and the remote satellite mentioned above.

[0525] The explanation of the relevant contents and beneficial effects of any of the above-mentioned devices can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, which will not be repeated here.

[0526] It should be understood that the processor mentioned 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, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0527] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM may include the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0528] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0529] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0530] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0531] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0532] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0533] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0534] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0535] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application can be essentially or partly embodied in the form of a software product that contributes to the prior art. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0536] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the present technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a first satellite, wherein the first satellite integrates a user plane function UPF, and includes: receiving a first switching request from a second satellite, wherein the first switching request is used to request a takeover satellite in a second area to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite; Update the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first switching request includes a switching time point corresponding to the switching of the takeover satellite in the second area to the first satellite.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Obtain UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area includes information of an Internet Protocol IP address pool corresponding to the second area; The updating of the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area includes: The information of the IP address pool of the first satellite is updated with the information of the IP address pool corresponding to the second area.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area also includes satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area. The updating of the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area includes: The satellite IP address information of the first satellite is updated to the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending first information to a remote satellite, wherein the first information is used to notify an anchor satellite of a target terminal device to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite, the first information including satellite IP address information of the second satellite and identification information of the target terminal device, the target terminal device is a first terminal device, the first terminal device is located in the second area, or the target terminal device is a terminal device among the first terminal devices that meets signal quality requirements.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: A first message is sent to the second satellite, where the first message is used to trigger the second satellite to delete or back up UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The first switching request includes identification information of a first terminal device, the first terminal device is located in the second area, and the method further includes: According to the first switching request, a target terminal device is taken over, and the target terminal device is the first terminal device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The first switching request includes identification information of a first terminal device, the first terminal device is located in the second area, and the method further includes: Sending first indication information to the second satellite, where the first indication information is used to indicate a situation in which the first satellite has successfully taken over or is about to take over a target terminal device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The target terminal device includes a terminal device that meets the signal quality requirement among the first terminal devices.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that The first handover request also includes radio resource information corresponding to the first terminal device, and the method further includes: According to the wireless resource information, the first satellite configures wireless resources for the target terminal device that is successfully taken over.

12. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a second satellite, the second satellite integrating a user plane function, comprising: A first switching request is sent to the first satellite, where the first switching request is used to request a takeover satellite in a second area to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first switching request is also used to trigger updating of the user plane function UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The sending a first switching request to the first satellite includes: The first switching request is generated according to the ephemeris information, and the first switching request is sent to the first satellite.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a second switching request from a control network element, where the second switching request is used to request that a takeover satellite in the second area be switched from the second satellite to the first satellite; The sending a first switching request to the first satellite includes: According to the second switching request, the first switching request is sent to the first satellite.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that The first switching request includes a switching time point corresponding to the switching of the takeover satellite in the second area to the first satellite.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that The first switching request includes UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area; or, The method further comprises: Send UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area to the first satellite.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that The UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area includes information of a first Internet Protocol IP address pool corresponding to the second area, and the information of the first IP address pool is used to update information of a second IP address pool of the first satellite.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area also includes satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area, and the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area is used to update the satellite IP address information of the first satellite.

20. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending first information to a remote satellite, wherein the first information is used to notify an anchor satellite of a target terminal device to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite, the first information including satellite IP address information of the first satellite and identification information of the target terminal device, the target terminal device is a first terminal device, the first terminal device is located in the second area, or the target terminal device is a terminal device among the first terminal devices that meets signal quality requirements.

21. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 20, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a first message; According to the first message, delete or back up the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

22. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 21, characterized in that The first switching request includes identification information of a first terminal device, and the first terminal device is located in the second area.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving first indication information from the first satellite, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first satellite has successfully taken over or is about to take over a target terminal device; Send the first indication information to the control network element.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that The target terminal device includes a terminal device that meets the signal quality requirement among the first terminal devices.

25. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that The first switching request also includes wireless resource information corresponding to the first terminal device.

26. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied to control a network element, comprising: Sending the second switching request to the second satellite, where the second switching request is used to request switching the takeover satellite of the second area from the second satellite to the first satellite; The second satellite is triggered to determine a first switching request, where the first switching request is used to request to switch a takeover satellite in the second area from the second satellite to the first satellite.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that The first switching request is also used to trigger updating of the UPF configuration information of the first satellite to the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that The second switching request includes a switching time point corresponding to the switching of the takeover satellite in the second area to the first satellite.

29. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area to the first satellite, where the UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area includes information of a first Internet Protocol IP address pool corresponding to the second area, and the information of the first IP address pool is used to update information of a second IP address pool of the first satellite.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that The UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area also includes satellite IP address information of the second satellite, and the satellite IP address information corresponding to the second area is used to update the satellite IP address information of the first satellite.

31. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving second information from the first satellite, where the second information is used to notify a target terminal device to switch an anchor satellite from the second satellite to the first satellite, where the second information includes satellite IP address information of the second satellite and identification information of the target terminal device; Sending first information to the remote satellite, the first information being used to notify the anchor satellite of the target terminal device to switch from the second satellite to the first satellite, the first information comprising satellite IP address information of the second satellite, satellite IP address information of the first satellite and identification information of the target terminal device, the target terminal device comprising a first terminal device, the first terminal device being located in the second area, or the target terminal device comprising a terminal device among the first terminal devices that meets the signal quality requirement.

32. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a confirmation reception message from the first satellite, where the confirmation reception message is used to indicate that the first satellite confirms reception of UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area; A first message is sent to the second satellite, where the first message is used to trigger the second satellite to delete or back up UPF configuration information corresponding to the second area.

33. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 32, characterized in that The determining the second switching request comprises: The second switching request is determined according to the ephemeris information.

34. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 33, characterized in that The second switching request includes identification information of a fourth terminal device, and the fourth terminal device is located in the second area. The method further includes: Receive first indication information from the second satellite, where the first indication information is used to indicate a situation in which the first satellite has successfully taken over or is about to take over a target terminal device, the target terminal device is a first terminal device, the first terminal device is located in the second area, or the target terminal device is a terminal device among the first terminal devices that meets signal quality requirements, and the fourth terminal device includes the first terminal device.

35. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a remote satellite, and the remote satellite provides services for a second terminal device, comprising: receiving first information, where the first information is used to instruct an anchor satellite of a target terminal device to switch from the second satellite to a first satellite, wherein the first terminal device communicates with the second terminal device via the anchor satellite and the remote satellite, and the first information includes identification information of the target terminal device, the target terminal device is a first terminal device, the first terminal device is located in the second area, or the target terminal device is a terminal device among the first terminal devices that meets a signal quality requirement; According to the first information, first data is sent to the first satellite, where the first data is data sent by the second terminal device to the first terminal device.

36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that When the first information comes from the second satellite, the first information includes satellite IP address information of the first satellite; or, when the first information comes from the first satellite, the first information includes satellite IP address information of the second satellite; Alternatively, when the first information comes from a control network element, the first information includes satellite IP address information of the first satellite and satellite IP address information of the second satellite.

37. The method according to claim 36, characterized in that The method further comprises: A tunnel is established between the remote satellite and the first satellite according to the satellite IP address information of the first satellite, and the tunnel is used to transmit data between the first terminal device and the second terminal device.

38. A communication device, characterized in that: A unit comprising performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, or a unit comprising performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 25, or a unit comprising performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 34, or a unit comprising performing the method as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 37.

39. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises a processor coupled to a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program or instructions, the processor being used to execute the computer program or instructions in the memory, so that the device performs the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, or the device is a unit of the method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 25, or the device is a unit of the method as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 34, or the device is a unit of the method as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 37.

40. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, or causes the computer to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 25, or causes the computer to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 34, or causes the computer to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 37.

41. A chip, characterized in that: The chip is coupled to a memory and is used to read and execute program instructions stored in the memory to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 25, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 26 to 34, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 35 to 37.

42. A communication system, characterized in that: The method comprises at least one of a first satellite, a second satellite, a control network element and a remote satellite, wherein the first satellite is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, the second satellite is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 25, the control network element is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 26 to 34, and the remote satellite is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 35 to 37.

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