Communication methods, devices, communication equipment, storage media and computer program products

Abstract

This application relates to a communication method, apparatus, communication device, storage medium, and computer program product. The method includes: acquiring first information transmitted by a satellite network element, the first information including at least the satellite network element's operating mode; and performing communication processing based on terminal capabilities and the first information. This method effectively enables collaboration between the terminal and the network when both the terminal and the satellite network element support multiple operating modes, thus improving communication reliability.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 2024106182115, filed on May 17, 2024, entitled "Communication method, device, communication equipment, storage medium and computer program product", the whole content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of communication, in particular to a communication method, device, equipment, storage medium and computer program product. BACKGROUND

[0003] At present, IoT-NTN (Internet of Things -Non ground network) technology can be widely applied in vertical industries such as sea transportation, wild transportation, energy collection, agriculture, environmental protection, etc., and has the characteristics of wide coverage and low rate.

[0004] Due to the limited number of satellites and gateway stations, there is a situation that the service link and the feeder link of the satellite cannot be used at the same time. In order to improve the communication service capability of IoT-NTN, in the regeneration mode, the on-board network element can have a storage and forwarding capability. That is, when the service link is available and the feeder link is not available, the on-board network element can communicate with the terminal, receive the message sent by the terminal within the coverage range, cache in the on-board network element, and forward the cached message from the ground network to the terminal; when the feeder link is available and the service link is not available, the on-board network element can communicate with the ground network through the gateway station, transmit the terminal message cached on the satellite back to the ground, and receive the message sent by the ground network to the terminal and cache in the on-board network element.

[0005] However, since the on-board network element and the terminal both have multiple working modes, how to enable the terminal to communicate through the on-board network element in multiple working modes is a technical problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, device, equipment, storage medium and computer program product, which can effectively realize the cooperation between the terminal and the network in the case that the terminal and the on-board network element both support multiple working modes, and improve the reliability of communication.

[0007] A communication method, the method is applied to a terminal, and the method comprises:

[0008] obtaining first information sent by an on-board network element, wherein the first information at least comprises a working mode of the on-board network element;

[0009] performing communication processing according to terminal capability and the first information.

[0010] In one of the embodiments, the satellite network element working mode comprises at least one of a normal working mode, a store-and-forward mode, and a coexistence mode.

[0011] In one of the embodiments, when the satellite network element working mode is indicated as the normal working mode and / or the coexistence mode, the method further comprises:

[0012] acquiring second information, the second information comprising time information of terminals serviceable by the satellite network element.

[0013] In one of the embodiments, the time information of terminals serviceable by the satellite network element comprises a start time of terminals serviceable by the satellite network element and an end time of terminals serviceable by the satellite network element.

[0014] In one of the embodiments, the terminal capability specifically comprises whether the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode.

[0015] In one of the embodiments, the communication processing according to the terminal capability and the first information comprises:

[0016] If the satellite network element working mode is indicated as the coexistence mode and the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode, a connection request is sent to the satellite network element, the connection request carrying information indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode.

[0017] In one of the embodiments, the communication processing according to the terminal capability and the first information comprises:

[0018] If the satellite network element working mode is indicated as the coexistence mode and the terminal does not support the store-and-forward mode, the second information is judged, and if the current time belongs to the time range of terminals serviceable by the satellite network element, a connection request is sent to the satellite network element.

[0019] In one of the embodiments, the communication processing according to the terminal capability and the first information comprises:

[0020] If the satellite network element working mode is indicated as the store-and-forward mode and the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode, a connection request is sent to the satellite network element, the connection request carrying information indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode.

[0021] In one of the embodiments, the communication processing according to the terminal capability and the first information comprises:

[0022] If the satellite network element working mode is indicated as the store-and-forward mode and the terminal does not support the store-and-forward mode, no connection request is sent to the satellite network element.

[0023] In one embodiment, the communication processing based on the terminal capabilities and the first information includes:

[0024] If the working mode of the satellite network element indicates normal working mode, then the second information is determined. If the current time falls within the time range that the satellite network element can serve the terminal, then a connection request is sent to the satellite network element.

[0025] In one embodiment, the connection request includes at least one or more of the following: an RRC connection request, an RRC recovery request, and an RRC reconstruction request.

[0026] In one embodiment, the communication processing based on the terminal capabilities and the first information includes:

[0027] If the working mode of the satellite network element is indicated as coexistence mode and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then an attach request NAS message is sent to the satellite network element. The attach request NAS message carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0028] In one embodiment, the communication processing based on the terminal capabilities and the first information includes:

[0029] If the working mode of the satellite network element is indicated as store-and-forward mode, and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then an attach request NAS message is sent to the satellite network element. The attach request NAS message carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first information also includes a satellite ID.

[0031] A communication method, the method being applied to a satellite network element, the method comprising:

[0032] Send first information to the terminal, the first information including at least the satellite network element working mode, for enabling the terminal to perform communication processing based on the terminal capabilities and the first information.

[0033] In one embodiment, the working mode of the satellite network element includes at least one of the following: normal working mode, store-and-forward mode, and coexistence mode.

[0034] In one embodiment, when the satellite network element's operating mode is indicated as a normal operating mode and / or a coexistence mode, the method further includes:

[0035] Send a second message to the terminal, the second message including the time information of the terminal that the satellite network element can serve.

[0036] In one embodiment, the time information of the satellite network element-serviced terminal includes the start time and end time of the satellite network element-serviced terminal.

[0037] In one embodiment, the time information of the terminal served by the satellite internet element is calculated by the satellite internet element based on satellite ephemeris and ground gateway information.

[0038] In one embodiment, the working mode of the satellite network element is configured by a preset strategy.

[0039] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0040] Receive the connection request sent by the terminal.

[0041] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0042] If the satellite network element's operating mode is indicated as coexistence mode, and the received connection request contains information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then the power supply link status is determined as follows:

[0043] If the power supply link is unavailable, a connection message is sent to the terminal, the connection message carrying configuration information indicating that the terminal is working in store-and-forward mode;

[0044] If the power supply link is available, a connection message is sent to the terminal, which carries configuration information indicating that the terminal is operating in normal mode.

[0045] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0046] If the satellite network element's operating mode is indicated as coexistence mode, and the received connection request does not contain information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then the power supply link status is determined as follows:

[0047] If the power supply link is unavailable, a rejection message is sent to the terminal, the rejection message carrying a rejection reason indicating that the power supply link is unavailable;

[0048] If the power supply link is available, a connection message is sent to the terminal.

[0049] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0050] If the working mode of the satellite network element is indicated as store-and-forward mode, and the received connection request contains indication information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then a connection message is sent to the terminal, the connection message carrying configuration information indicating that the terminal is working in store-and-forward mode.

[0051] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0052] If the satellite network element's operating mode is indicated as normal operating mode, and a connection message sent by the terminal is received, then the power supply link status is determined:

[0053] If the power supply link is unavailable, a rejection message is sent to the terminal, the rejection message containing a rejection reason indicating that the power supply link is unavailable;

[0054] If the power supply link is available, a connection message is sent to the terminal.

[0055] In one embodiment, the connection request includes at least one or more of the following: an RRC connection request, an RRC recovery request, and an RRC reconstruction request;

[0056] When the connection request is an RRC connection request, the connection message is an RRC connection establishment message, and the rejection message is an RRC connection rejection message;

[0057] When the connection request is an RRC connection recovery request, the connection message is an RRC connection recovery message, and the rejection message is an RRC connection rejection message;

[0058] When the connection request is an RRC connection reconstruction request, the connection message is an RRC connection reconstruction message, and the rejection message is an RRC connection reconstruction rejection message.

[0059] In one embodiment, the method further includes

[0060] The terminal sends an Attach Request (NAS) message, which carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0061] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0062] Determine whether the NAS attachment request message of the terminal is cached;

[0063] If the NAS attachment request message of the terminal is cached, the authentication vector information of the terminal in the cache is obtained, and the terminal is authenticated based on the authentication vector information.

[0064] If the Attach Request NAS message of the terminal is not cached, then the Attach Request NAS message and the identification information of the terminal are cached, and an Attach Rejection Message is sent to the terminal. The Attach Rejection Message carries the rejection reason, waiting time, and a list of available satellite IDs. The rejection reason indicates that the attach process cannot be completed due to store-and-forward mode. The identification information is either IMSI or GUTI.

[0065] In one embodiment, after sending the attach rejection message to the terminal, the method further includes:

[0066] When the power supply link is available, the Attach Request (NAS) message and the terminal's identification information are forwarded to the ground network element;

[0067] The system receives the authentication vector information of the terminal sent by the terrestrial network element, caches the terminal authentication vector information, and establishes a binding relationship between the authentication vector information, the Attach Request (NAS) message, and the terminal's identification information.

[0068] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0069] If the working mode of the satellite network element indicates coexistence mode, then determine the status of the power supply link;

[0070] If the power supply link is unavailable, then the step of determining whether the NAS attachment request message of the terminal is cached is executed.

[0071] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0072] After receiving the attach complete message from the terminal, delete the cached authentication vector information of the terminal, the attach request NAS message, and the identification information of the terminal.

[0073] The attachment completion notification of the terminal is sent to the ground network element. The attachment completion notification is used to instruct the ground network element to delete the authentication vector information of the terminal, the attachment request NAS message, and the identification information of the terminal.

[0074] In one embodiment, the first information also includes a satellite ID.

[0075] A communication device, applied to a terminal, the device comprising:

[0076] The first acquisition module is used to acquire first information sent by the satellite network element, the first information including at least the working mode of the satellite network element;

[0077] The communication module is used to perform communication processing based on the terminal capabilities and the first information.

[0078] In one embodiment, the working mode of the satellite network element includes at least one of the following: normal working mode, store-and-forward mode, and coexistence mode.

[0079] In one embodiment, when the satellite network element's operating mode is indicated as a normal operating mode and / or a coexistence mode, the device further includes:

[0080] The second acquisition module is used to acquire second information, which includes the time information of the terminal that the satellite network element can serve.

[0081] In one embodiment, the time information of the satellite network element-serviced terminal includes the start time and end time of the satellite network element-serviced terminal.

[0082] In one embodiment, the terminal capability specifically refers to whether the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0083] In one embodiment, the communication module is specifically used for:

[0084] If the working mode of the satellite network element is indicated as coexistence mode and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, a connection request is sent to the satellite network element, and the connection request carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0085] In one embodiment, the communication module is specifically used for:

[0086] If the working mode of the satellite network element is indicated as coexistence mode and the terminal does not support store-and-forward mode, then the second information is determined. If the current time is within the time range that the satellite network element can serve the terminal, then a connection request is sent to the satellite network element.

[0087] In one embodiment, the communication module is specifically used for:

[0088] If the working mode of the satellite network element is indicated as store-and-forward mode, and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then a connection request is sent to the satellite network element, and the connection request carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0089] In one embodiment, the communication module is specifically used for:

[0090] If the working mode of the satellite network element is indicated as store-and-forward mode, and the terminal does not support store-and-forward mode, then no connection request will be sent to the satellite network element.

[0091] In one embodiment, the communication module is specifically used for:

[0092] If the working mode of the satellite network element indicates normal working mode, then the second information is determined. If the current time falls within the time range that the satellite network element can serve the terminal, then a connection request is sent to the satellite network element.

[0093] In one embodiment, the connection request includes at least one or more of the following: an RRC connection request, an RRC recovery request, and an RRC reconstruction request.

[0094] In one embodiment, the communication module is specifically used for:

[0095] If the working mode of the satellite network element is indicated as coexistence mode and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then an attach request NAS message is sent to the satellite network element. The attach request NAS message carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0096] In one embodiment, the communication module is specifically used for:

[0097] If the working mode of the satellite network element is indicated as store-and-forward mode, and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then an attach request NAS message is sent to the satellite network element. The attach request NAS message carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0098] In one embodiment, the first information also includes a satellite ID.

[0099] A communication device, applied to a satellite network element, the device comprising:

[0100] The first sending module is used to send first information to the terminal, the first information including at least the satellite network element working mode, which enables the terminal to perform communication processing based on the terminal capabilities and the first information.

[0101] In one embodiment, the working mode of the satellite network element includes at least one of the following: normal working mode, store-and-forward mode, and coexistence mode.

[0102] In one embodiment, when the satellite network element's operating mode is indicated as a normal operating mode and / or a coexistence mode, the device further includes:

[0103] The second sending module is used to send second information to the terminal, the second information including the time information of the terminal that the satellite network element can serve.

[0104] In one embodiment, the time information of the satellite network element-serviced terminal includes the start time and end time of the satellite network element-serviced terminal.

[0105] In one embodiment, the time information of the terminal served by the satellite internet element is calculated by the satellite internet element based on satellite ephemeris and ground gateway information.

[0106] In one embodiment, the working mode of the satellite network element is configured by a preset strategy.

[0107] In one embodiment, the device further includes:

[0108] The first receiving module is used to receive the connection request sent by the terminal.

[0109] In one embodiment, the device further includes:

[0110] The first judgment module is used to determine the power supply link status if the working mode of the satellite network element indicates coexistence mode and the received connection request contains information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0111] The third sending module is used to send a connection message to the terminal if the power supply link is unavailable. The connection message carries configuration information indicating that the terminal is working in store-and-forward mode.

[0112] The fourth sending module is used to send a connection message to the terminal if the power supply link is available. The connection message carries configuration information indicating that the terminal is working in normal mode.

[0113] In one embodiment, the device further includes:

[0114] The second judgment module is used to determine the power supply link status if the working mode of the satellite network element indicates coexistence mode and the received connection request does not contain information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0115] The fifth sending module is used to send a rejection message to the terminal if the power supply link is unavailable. The rejection message carries a rejection reason, which indicates that the power supply link is unavailable.

[0116] The sixth sending module is used to send a connection message to the terminal if the power supply link is available.

[0117] In one embodiment, the device further includes:

[0118] The seventh sending module is used to send a connection message to the terminal if the working mode of the satellite network element indicates that it is in store-and-forward mode, and the received connection request contains indication information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode. The connection message carries configuration information indicating that the terminal is working in store-and-forward mode.

[0119] In one embodiment, the device further includes:

[0120] The third judgment module is used to determine the power supply link status if the satellite network element's working mode indicator is normal working mode and a connection message sent by the terminal is received:

[0121] The eighth sending module is used to send a rejection message to the terminal if the power supply link is unavailable. The rejection message contains a rejection reason, which indicates that the power supply link is unavailable.

[0122] The ninth sending module is used to send a connection message to the terminal if the power supply link is available.

[0123] In one embodiment, the connection request includes at least one or more of the following: an RRC connection request, an RRC recovery request, and an RRC reconstruction request;

[0124] When the connection request is an RRC connection request, the connection message is an RRC connection establishment message, and the rejection message is an RRC connection rejection message;

[0125] When the connection request is an RRC connection recovery request, the connection message is an RRC connection recovery message, and the rejection message is an RRC connection rejection message;

[0126] When the connection request is an RRC connection reconstruction request, the connection message is an RRC connection reconstruction message, and the rejection message is an RRC connection reconstruction rejection message.

[0127] In one embodiment, the device further includes

[0128] The second receiving module is used to receive the Attach Request (NAS) message sent by the terminal, wherein the Attach Request (NAS) message carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0129] In one embodiment, the second receiving module is further configured to:

[0130] Determine whether the NAS attachment request message of the terminal is cached;

[0131] If the NAS attachment request message of the terminal is cached, the authentication vector information of the terminal in the cache is obtained, and the terminal is authenticated based on the authentication vector information.

[0132] If the Attach Request NAS message of the terminal is not cached, then the Attach Request NAS message and the identification information of the terminal are cached, and an Attach Rejection Message is sent to the terminal. The Attach Rejection Message carries the rejection reason, waiting time, and a list of available satellite IDs. The rejection reason indicates that the attach process cannot be completed due to store-and-forward mode. The identification information is either IMSI or GUTI.

[0133] In one embodiment, the second receiving module is further configured to:

[0134] When the power supply link is available, the Attach Request (NAS) message and the terminal's identification information are forwarded to the ground network element;

[0135] The system receives the authentication vector information of the terminal sent by the terrestrial network element, caches the terminal authentication vector information, and establishes a binding relationship between the authentication vector information, the Attach Request (NAS) message, and the terminal's identification information.

[0136] In one embodiment, the second receiving module is further configured to:

[0137] If the working mode of the satellite network element indicates coexistence mode, then determine the status of the power supply link;

[0138] If the power supply link is unavailable, then the step of determining whether the NAS attachment request message of the terminal is cached is executed.

[0139] In one embodiment, the second receiving module is further configured to:

[0140] After receiving the attach complete message from the terminal, delete the cached authentication vector information of the terminal, the attach request NAS message, and the identification information of the terminal.

[0141] The attachment completion notification of the terminal is sent to the ground network element. The attachment completion notification is used to instruct the ground network element to delete the authentication vector information of the terminal, the attachment request NAS message, and the identification information of the terminal.

[0142] In one embodiment, the first information also includes a satellite ID.

[0143] A communication system comprising a terminal and a satellite network element, wherein:

[0144] The satellite network element is used to send first information to the terminal, and the first information includes at least the working mode of the satellite network element;

[0145] The terminal is used to acquire first information sent by the satellite network element and perform communication processing based on the terminal's capabilities and the first information.

[0146] A communication device includes: a receiver and a processor;

[0147] The receiver is used to acquire first information sent by the satellite network element, the first information including at least the satellite network element's working mode;

[0148] The processor is used to perform communication processing based on the terminal capabilities and the first information.

[0149] A communication device, comprising: a transmitter;

[0150] The transmitter is used to send first information to the terminal, the first information including at least the satellite network element working mode, for enabling the terminal to perform communication processing based on the terminal capabilities and the first information.

[0151] A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0152] A computer program product includes a computer program, characterized in that, when executed by a processor, the computer program implements the steps of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0153] The aforementioned communication methods, devices, equipment, storage media, and computer programs can be applied to terminals. Terminals can obtain first information sent by the satellite network element, which includes at least the satellite network element's operating mode. Then, they perform communication processing based on the terminal's capabilities and the first information. In this solution, the terminal can learn the satellite network element's operating mode and perform communication processing by combining the satellite network element's operating mode with its own capabilities. Thus, when both the terminal and the satellite network element support multiple operating modes, effective collaboration between the terminal and the network can be achieved, improving communication reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0154] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an application scenario of the communication method in one embodiment;

[0155] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method in one embodiment;

[0156] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method in another embodiment;

[0157] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the communication method when satellite network elements are in coexistence mode and terminals support store-and-forward mode;

[0158] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the communication method when satellite network elements are in coexistence mode and terminals do not support store-and-forward mode;

[0159] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the communication method when the satellite network element is in store-and-forward mode and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode;

[0160] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating the communication method of a satellite network element in normal working mode;

[0161] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method when the satellite network element is in store-and-forward mode and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0162] Figure 9 This is a structural block diagram of a communication device in one embodiment;

[0163] Figure 10 This is a structural block diagram of the communication device in another embodiment;

[0164] Figure 11 This is an internal structure diagram of a terminal device in one embodiment;

[0165] Figure 12 This is a diagram of the internal structure of a satellite network element in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0166] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0167] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the scenario includes a terminal 100 and a satellite internet element 200. The terminal 100 and the satellite internet element 200 can communicate with each other via a communication link.

[0168] Terminal 100 may be a wireless terminal, which can be a device providing voice and / or other service data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. The wireless terminal can communicate with one or more core networks via a Radio Access Network (RAN). The wireless terminal can be a mobile terminal, such as a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) or a computer with a mobile terminal, for example, a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile device, exchanging voice and / or data with the RAN. The wireless terminal may also be referred to as a system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile, remote station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, user device, or user equipment, etc., without limitation herein.

[0169] In regeneration mode, to enhance the communication service capabilities of IoT-NTN, the satellite network element can possess store-and-forward capabilities. Specifically, when the service link is available but the power supply link is unavailable, the satellite network element can communicate with terminals, receive messages sent by terminals within its coverage area, cache them on the satellite network element, and forward cached messages from the terrestrial network to the terminals. When the power supply link is available but the service link is unavailable, the satellite network element can communicate with the terrestrial network through a gateway station, transmit terminal messages cached on the satellite back to the ground, and receive messages sent by the terrestrial network to the terminals, caching them on the satellite network element.

[0170] In traditional technologies, both satellite network elements and terminals have multiple operating modes. Therefore, how to enable terminals to communicate with satellite network elements under multiple operating modes is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Based on the above-mentioned traditional technologies, embodiments of this application provide a communication method in which the terminal can combine the operating mode of the satellite network element and its own capabilities for communication processing. When both the terminal and the satellite network element support multiple operating modes, the collaboration between the terminal and the network can be effectively realized, improving the reliability of communication.

[0171] It should be noted that the beneficial effects or technical problems solved by the embodiments of this application are not limited to this one, but may also be other implicit or related problems. For details, please refer to the description of the embodiments below.

[0172] The technical solution of this application and how the technical solution of this application solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0173] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a communication method is provided, which is applied to Figure 1 Taking a terminal device as an example, the explanation includes the following steps:

[0174] Step 202: Obtain the first information sent by the StarNet element.

[0175] The first piece of information includes at least the working mode of the satellite network element.

[0176] In this embodiment, the satellite network element can broadcast first information, which may include the satellite network element's operating mode. The operating mode includes at least one of the following: normal operating mode (i.e., transparent transmission mode), store-and-forward mode, and coexistence mode (i.e., both normal operating mode and store-and-forward mode exist simultaneously). In one implementation, the first information can be carried by an SIB (System Information Block) 1 message. For example, the satellite network element can add identification information corresponding to the current operating mode to the SIB1 message and then broadcast the SIB1 message. The terminal can listen to the SIB1 message and parse it to obtain the first information.

[0177] Optionally, the satellite network element can be a base station, or the satellite network element can include a base station and an MME (Mobility Management Entity). In this embodiment of the application, the satellite network element can be executed by the base station included in the satellite network element.

[0178] Step 204: Perform communication processing based on terminal capabilities and the first information.

[0179] In this embodiment, after obtaining the working mode of the satellite network element, the terminal can perform communication processing based on its own terminal capabilities and the working mode of the satellite network element. For example, it can determine whether to initiate a connection with the satellite network element. Specifically, the terminal capability refers to whether the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0180] Based on the above scheme, the terminal can learn the working mode of the satellite network element and perform communication processing by combining the working mode of the satellite network element with its own capabilities. In this way, when both the terminal and the satellite network element support multiple working modes, the collaboration between the terminal and the network can be effectively realized, and the reliability of communication can be improved.

[0181] Optionally, when the working mode of the satellite network element is indicated as normal working mode and / or coexistence mode, the method further includes: obtaining second information, the second information including time information of terminals that the satellite network element can serve.

[0182] In this embodiment, the satellite network element can also broadcast second information, which may include time information of terminals that the satellite network element can serve. The second information can be carried by an SIB message. Optionally, the first and second information can be carried by different SIB messages. After the terminal obtains the satellite network element's operating mode, if the satellite network element's operating mode indicates a normal operating mode and / or a coexistence mode, the terminal can listen to the second information and parse it to obtain the time information of terminals that the satellite network element can serve. Terminals that the satellite network element can serve are those that the satellite network element can provide communication services to, i.e., terminals within the satellite network coverage area.

[0183] Optionally, the time information of the terminals that can be served by the satellite network element includes the start time and the end time of the terminals that can be served by the satellite network element. That is, this time information is a time range.

[0184] Based on the above scheme, when the satellite network element is working in normal working mode and / or coexistence mode, the terminal can also obtain the time information of the satellite network element that can serve the terminal, thereby communicating with the satellite network element during that time and improving the success rate of communication.

[0185] Optionally, communication processing is performed based on the terminal's capabilities and the first information, including: if the satellite network element's operating mode indicates coexistence mode and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then a connection request is sent to the satellite network element, the connection request carrying information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0186] In this embodiment, after the terminal obtains the working mode of the satellite network element, if the satellite network element's working mode indicates coexistence mode, the terminal can determine whether its own terminal capabilities support store-and-forward mode. If supported, the terminal sends a connection request to the satellite network element, which carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0187] Based on the above scheme, when the working mode of the satellite network element is indicated as coexistence mode and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, the terminal can directly send a connection request to the satellite network element to communicate with it.

[0188] Optionally, communication processing is performed based on the terminal's capabilities and the first information, including: if the working mode of the satellite network element indicates a coexistence working mode and the terminal does not support store-and-forward mode, then the second information is determined; if the current time is within the time range that the satellite network element can serve the terminal, then a connection request is sent to the satellite network element.

[0189] In this embodiment, after the terminal obtains the working mode of the satellite network element, if the satellite network element's working mode indicates coexistence mode, the terminal can determine whether its own terminal capabilities support store-and-forward mode. If not, it determines whether the current time falls within the time range that the satellite network element can serve, based on the time information of the satellite network element that the terminal can serve, obtained in the second information. If it does, it sends a connection request to the satellite network element. This connection request may not carry information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode; or it may carry information indicating that the terminal does not support store-and-forward mode. If it does not, the terminal does not send a connection request.

[0190] Based on the above scheme, a collaborative working mode is provided when the satellite network element's working mode is indicated as coexisting and the terminal does not support store-and-forward mode, thus ensuring the reliability of communication between the terminal and the satellite network element.

[0191] Optionally, communication processing is performed based on the terminal's capabilities and the first information, including: if the working mode of the satellite network element indicates that it is in store-and-forward mode and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then a connection request is sent to the satellite network element, the connection request carrying information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0192] In this embodiment, after the terminal obtains the working mode of the satellite network element, if the satellite network element's working mode indicates a store-and-forward mode, the terminal can determine whether its own terminal capabilities support the store-and-forward mode. If it does, the terminal sends a connection request to the satellite network element, which carries information indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode.

[0193] Based on the above scheme, when the working mode of the satellite network element is indicated as store-and-forward mode and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, the terminal can directly send a connection request to the satellite network element to communicate with it.

[0194] Optionally, communication processing is performed based on the terminal's capabilities and the first information, including: if the satellite network element's operating mode indicates store-and-forward mode and the terminal does not support store-and-forward mode, then no connection request is sent to the satellite network element.

[0195] In this embodiment, after the terminal obtains the working mode of the satellite network element, if the satellite network element's working mode indicates store-and-forward mode, the terminal can determine whether its own terminal capabilities support store-and-forward mode. If not, it cannot communicate with the satellite network element, and the terminal does not send a connection request to the satellite network element.

[0196] Based on the above scheme, a collaborative working mode is provided when the satellite network element's working mode is indicated as store-and-forward mode and the terminal does not support store-and-forward mode, which can save communication resources and terminal power consumption.

[0197] Optionally, communication processing is performed based on the terminal's capabilities and the first information, including: if the working mode of the satellite network element indicates that it is in normal working mode, then the second information is determined; if the current time is within the time range that the satellite network element can serve the terminal, then a connection request is sent to the satellite network element.

[0198] In this embodiment, after the terminal obtains the working mode of the satellite network element, if the satellite network element's working mode indicates a normal working mode, the terminal determines whether the current time falls within the time range that the satellite network element can serve, based on the time information of the satellite network element's serviceability to the terminal obtained in the second information. If it does, the terminal sends a connection request to the satellite network element. This connection request may not include information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode. If it does not, the terminal does not send a connection request.

[0199] Based on the above solution, a collaborative working mode is provided where the satellite network element's working mode is indicated as the normal working mode, ensuring that the terminal and the satellite network element can communicate normally.

[0200] Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, the connection request includes at least one or more of RRC connection request, RRC recovery request, and RRC reconstruction request, and this application does not limit it.

[0201] Optionally, the first piece of information may also include the satellite ID.

[0202] Optionally, communication processing is performed based on the terminal's capabilities and the first information, including: if the working mode of the satellite network element indicates coexistence mode and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then an attach request NAS message is sent to the satellite network element, the attach request NAS message carrying information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0203] In this embodiment, the satellite network element includes a base station and an MME. If the satellite network element's operating mode indicates coexistence mode and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, the terminal can send an RRC connection completion message to the base station in the satellite network element. The RRC connection completion message includes an attach request NAS (Non-Access Stratum) message, which carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode. After receiving the RRC connection completion message, the base station forwards the attach request NAS message to the MME via an initial UE Message.

[0204] Based on the above scheme, an indication that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode can be sent to the onboard MME via an attach request NAS message in order to complete the communication process.

[0205] Optionally, communication processing is performed based on the terminal's capabilities and the first information, including: if the working mode of the satellite network element indicates that it is in store-and-forward mode and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then an attach request NAS message is sent to the satellite network element, the attach request NAS message carrying information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0206] In this embodiment, the satellite network element includes a base station and an MME. If the satellite network element's operating mode is indicated as store-and-forward mode and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, the terminal can send an RRC connection completion message to the base station in the satellite network element. The RRC connection completion message includes an attach request NAS message, which carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode. After receiving the RRC connection completion message, the base station forwards the attach request NAS message to the MME via an initial UE Message.

[0207] Based on the above scheme, an indication that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode can be sent to the onboard MME via an attach request NAS message in order to complete the communication process.

[0208] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, a communication method is provided, which is applied to Figure 1 Taking the satellite network element as an example, the explanation includes the following steps:

[0209] Step 302: Send the first information to the terminal.

[0210] The first information includes at least the working mode of the satellite network element, which enables the terminal to perform communication processing based on the terminal capabilities and the first information.

[0211] In this embodiment, the satellite network element can broadcast first information, which may include the satellite network element's operating mode. The operating mode includes at least one of a normal operating mode, a store-and-forward mode, and a coexistence mode. In one implementation, the first information can be carried by an SIB1 message. For example, the satellite network element can add identification information corresponding to its current operating mode to the SIB1 message and then broadcast the SIB1 message. The terminal can listen to the SIB1 message and parse it to obtain the first information. After obtaining the satellite network element's operating mode, the terminal can perform communication processing based on its own terminal capabilities and the satellite network element's operating mode. For example, it can determine whether to initiate a connection with the satellite network element. Specifically, the terminal capability refers to whether the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0212] Optionally, the satellite network element can be a base station, or the satellite network element can include a base station and an MME (Mobility Management Entity). In this embodiment of the application, the satellite network element can be executed by the base station included in the satellite network element.

[0213] Based on the above scheme, the terminal can learn the working mode of the satellite network element and perform communication processing by combining the working mode of the satellite network element with its own capabilities. In this way, when both the terminal and the satellite network element support multiple working modes, the collaboration between the terminal and the network can be effectively realized, and the reliability of communication can be improved.

[0214] Optionally, when the working mode indication of the satellite network element is normal working mode and / or coexistence mode, the method further includes: sending second information to the terminal; the second information includes time information of the time when the satellite network element can serve the terminal.

[0215] In this embodiment, when the satellite network element operates in normal working mode and / or coexistence mode, it can also broadcast second information. The second information may include time information of terminals that the satellite network element can serve. The second information can be carried by an SIB message. Optionally, the first and second information can be carried by different SIB messages. After a terminal obtains the satellite network element's working mode, if the satellite network element's working mode indicates normal working mode and / or coexistence mode, the terminal can listen to the second information and parse it to obtain the time information of terminals that the satellite network element can serve. Terminals that the satellite network element can serve are those that the satellite network element can provide communication services to, i.e., terminals within the satellite network coverage area.

[0216] Based on the above scheme, when the satellite network element is working in normal working mode and / or coexistence mode, the satellite network element can broadcast the time information of the terminals that the satellite network element can serve, so that the terminals can communicate with the satellite network element during that time, thereby improving the success rate of communication.

[0217] Optionally, the time information of the terminals that can be served by the satellite network element includes the start time and the end time of the terminals that can be served by the satellite network element. That is, this time information is a time range.

[0218] Optionally, the time information of the terminal served by the satellite internet element can be calculated by the satellite internet element based on the satellite ephemeris and ground gateway information.

[0219] Optionally, the operating mode of the satellite network element is configured by a preset strategy. This preset strategy can be configured by technical personnel, and the specific content of the preset strategy is not limited in this embodiment. During operation, the satellite network element can switch between different operating modes according to the preset strategy.

[0220] Optionally, the method further includes: receiving a connection request sent by a terminal.

[0221] In this embodiment, if the terminal determines that it can communicate with the satellite network element, it can send a connection request to the satellite network element. This connection request can be an RRC connection request, and / or an RRC recovery request, and / or an RRC reconstruction request. In this way, the terminal can establish a connection with the satellite network element in different scenarios, thereby communicating with it. The satellite network element can receive the connection request sent by the terminal and process it according to its current operating mode and the connection request itself.

[0222] Optionally, the method further includes: if the working mode of the satellite network element indicates coexistence mode, and the received connection request contains information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then determine the power supply link status: if the power supply link is unavailable, then send a connection message to the terminal, the connection message carrying configuration information indicating that the terminal is working in store-and-forward mode; if the power supply link is available, then send a connection message to the terminal, the connection message carrying configuration information indicating that the terminal is working in normal mode.

[0223] In this embodiment, after receiving a connection request from a terminal, the satellite network element can parse the request. If the satellite network element's operating mode indicates coexistence mode, and the received connection request contains information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, the satellite network element determines the power supply link status. If the power supply link is unavailable, a connection message is sent to the terminal, carrying configuration information indicating that the terminal is operating in store-and-forward mode. Thus, even if the power supply link is unavailable, the terminal can still use store-and-forward mode for message transmission. If the power supply link is available, the satellite network element sends a connection message to the terminal, carrying configuration information indicating that the terminal is operating in normal mode. Thus, when the power supply link is available, the terminal only needs to use normal operating mode for message transmission, saving the terminal's processing resources.

[0224] In one example, after receiving an RRC connection request from a terminal, if the satellite network element's operating mode indicates coexistence mode and the received RRC connection request contains information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then the feeder link status is determined. If the feeder link is unavailable, an RRC connection establishment message is sent to the terminal, carrying configuration information indicating that the terminal is operating in store-and-forward mode; if the feeder link is available, an RRC connection establishment message is sent to the terminal, carrying configuration information indicating that the terminal is operating in normal mode.

[0225] In another example, after receiving an RRC connection restoration request from a terminal, if the satellite network element's operating mode indicates coexistence mode, and the received RRC connection restoration request contains information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then the feeder link status is determined. If the feeder link is unavailable, an RRC connection restoration message is sent to the terminal, carrying configuration information indicating that the terminal is operating in store-and-forward mode; if the feeder link is available, an RRC connection restoration message is sent to the terminal, carrying configuration information indicating that the terminal is operating in normal mode.

[0226] In another example, after receiving an RRC connection re-establishment request from a terminal, if the satellite network element's operating mode indicates coexistence mode, and the received RRC connection re-establishment request contains information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then the feeder link status is determined. If the feeder link is unavailable, an RRC connection re-establishment request is sent to the terminal, carrying configuration information indicating that the terminal is operating in store-and-forward mode; if the feeder link is available, an RRC connection re-establishment request is sent to the terminal, carrying configuration information indicating that the terminal is operating in normal mode.

[0227] Based on the above scheme, when the satellite network element's working mode is indicated as coexistence mode, collaboration between the terminal and the network can be achieved, thus improving the reliability of communication.

[0228] Optionally, the method further includes: if the working mode of the satellite network element indicates coexistence mode, and the received connection request does not contain information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then determine the power supply link status: if the power supply link is unavailable, then send a rejection message to the terminal, the rejection message carrying the rejection reason, the rejection reason indicating that the power supply link is unavailable; if the power supply link is available, then send a connection message to the terminal.

[0229] In this embodiment, after receiving a connection request from a terminal, the satellite network element can parse the request. If the satellite network element's operating mode indicates coexistence mode, and the received connection request does not contain information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, the satellite network element can further determine the power supply link status. If the power supply link is unavailable, the satellite network element sends a rejection message to the terminal, carrying a rejection reason indicating that the power supply link is unavailable. If the power supply link is available, the satellite network element sends a connection message to the terminal, thereby establishing a connection with the terminal.

[0230] In one example, after the satellite network element receives an RRC connection request from the terminal, if the satellite network element's operating mode indicates coexistence mode and the received RRC connection request does not contain information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then the feeder link status is determined: if the feeder link is unavailable, an RRC connection rejection message is sent to the terminal, carrying a rejection reason indicating that the feeder link is unavailable; if the feeder link is available, an RRC connection establishment message is sent to the terminal.

[0231] In another example, after the satellite network element receives an RRC connection recovery request from the terminal, if the satellite network element's operating mode indicates coexistence mode and the received RRC connection recovery request does not contain information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then the feeder link status is determined: if the feeder link is unavailable, an RRC connection rejection message is sent to the terminal, carrying a rejection reason indicating that the feeder link is unavailable; if the feeder link is available, an RRC connection recovery message is sent to the terminal.

[0232] In another example, after the satellite network element receives an RRC connection re-establishment request from the terminal, if the satellite network element's operating mode indicates coexistence mode and the received RRC connection re-establishment request does not contain information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then the feeder link status is determined: if the feeder link is unavailable, an RRC connection re-establishment rejection message is sent to the terminal, carrying a rejection reason indicating that the feeder link is unavailable; if the feeder link is available, an RRC connection re-establishment message is sent to the terminal.

[0233] Based on the above scheme, when the satellite network element's working mode is indicated as coexistence mode, collaboration between the terminal and the network can be achieved, thus improving the reliability of communication.

[0234] Optionally, the method further includes: if the working mode of the satellite network element indicates that it is in store-and-forward mode, and the received connection request contains indication information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode; then send a connection message to the terminal, the connection message carrying configuration information indicating that the terminal is working in store-and-forward mode.

[0235] In this embodiment, after receiving a connection request from a terminal, the satellite network element can parse the connection request. If the satellite network element's operating mode is indicated as store-and-forward mode, and the received connection request contains indication information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then the satellite network element sends a connection message to the terminal. This connection message carries configuration information indicating that the terminal is operating in store-and-forward mode.

[0236] In one example, after receiving an RRC connection request from a terminal, if the network element's operating mode indicates store-and-forward mode, and the received RRC connection request contains indication information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then it sends an RRC connection establishment message to the terminal. The RRC connection establishment message carries configuration information indicating that the terminal is operating in store-and-forward mode.

[0237] In another example, after receiving an RRC connection restoration request from a terminal, if the network element's operating mode is indicated as store-and-forward mode, and the received RRC connection restoration request contains indication information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then it sends an RRC connection restoration message to the terminal. The RRC connection restoration message carries configuration information indicating that the terminal is operating in store-and-forward mode.

[0238] In another example, after receiving an RRC connection reconstruction request from a terminal, if the network element's operating mode indicates store-and-forward mode and the received RRC connection reconstruction request contains indication information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then it sends an RRC connection reconstruction message to the terminal. The RRC connection reconstruction message carries configuration information indicating that the terminal is operating in store-and-forward mode.

[0239] Based on the above scheme, when the satellite network element's working mode is indicated as store-and-forward mode, collaboration between the terminal and the network can be achieved, thereby improving the reliability of communication.

[0240] Optionally, the method further includes: if the satellite network element's working mode indicates normal working mode and a connection message sent by the terminal is received, then the power supply link status is determined: if the power supply link is unavailable, a rejection message is sent to the terminal, the rejection message containing the rejection reason, the rejection reason indicating that the power supply link is unavailable; if the power supply link is available, a connection message is sent to the terminal.

[0241] In this embodiment, if the satellite network element's operating mode is indicated as normal operating mode, and the satellite network element receives a connection message sent by the terminal, the satellite network element can further determine the power supply link status. If the power supply link is unavailable, the satellite network element sends a rejection message to the terminal, which includes a rejection reason indicating that the power supply link is unavailable; if the power supply link is available, a connection message is sent to the terminal.

[0242] In one example, if the satellite network element's operating mode is indicated as normal operating mode and an RRC connection request is received from the terminal, the status of the power supply link is determined: if the power supply link is unavailable, an RRC connection rejection message is sent to the terminal, containing the rejection reason, which indicates that the power supply link is unavailable; if the power supply link is available, an RRC connection establishment message is sent to the terminal.

[0243] In another example, if the satellite network element's operating mode is indicated as normal operating mode, and an RRC connection recovery request is received from the terminal, then the power supply link status is determined: if the power supply link is unavailable, an RRC connection rejection message is sent to the terminal, containing the rejection reason, which indicates that the power supply link is unavailable; if the power supply link is available, an RRC connection recovery message is sent to the terminal.

[0244] In another example, if the satellite network element's operating mode is indicated as normal operating mode and an RRC connection re-establishment request is received from the terminal, the power supply link status is determined: if the power supply link is unavailable, an RRC connection re-establishment rejection message is sent to the terminal, containing the rejection reason, which indicates that the power supply link is unavailable; if the power supply link is available, an RRC connection re-establishment message is sent to the terminal.

[0245] Based on the above scheme, when the satellite network element's working mode is indicated as normal working mode, collaboration between the terminal and the network can be achieved, thus improving the reliability of communication.

[0246] Optionally, the connection request may include at least one or more of the following: an RRC connection request, an RRC recovery request, and an RRC reconstruction request. Specifically, when the connection request is an RRC connection request, the connection message is an RRC connection establishment message, and the rejection message is an RRC connection rejection message; when the connection request is an RRC connection recovery request, the connection message is an RRC connection recovery message, and the rejection message is an RRC connection rejection message; when the connection request is an RRC connection reconstruction request, the connection message is an RRC connection reconstruction message, and the rejection message is an RRC connection reconstruction rejection message.

[0247] Optionally, the first piece of information may also include the satellite ID.

[0248] Optionally, the method further includes: receiving an attach request NAS message sent by the terminal, the attach request NAS message carrying information indicating that the terminal supports storage-forward mode.

[0249] In this embodiment, the terminal can send an RRC connection completion message to the base station in the satellite network element. The RRC connection completion message includes an attach request NAS message, which carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode. After receiving the RRC connection completion message, the base station forwards the attach request NAS message to the MME via an initial UE Message.

[0250] Based on the above scheme, an indication that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode can be sent to the onboard MME via an attach request NAS message in order to complete the communication process.

[0251] Optionally, the method further includes: determining whether the Attach Request NAS message of the terminal is cached; if the Attach Request NAS message of the terminal is cached, then obtaining the cached authentication vector information of the terminal, and performing authentication processing on the terminal based on the authentication vector information; if the Attach Request NAS message of the terminal is not cached, then caching the Attach Request NAS message and the identification information of the terminal, and sending an Attach Rejection Message to the terminal, the Attach Rejection Message carrying a rejection reason, a waiting time, and a list of available satellite IDs, the rejection reason indicating that the attach process cannot be completed due to the store-and-forward mode; the identification information is either IMSI or GUTI.

[0252] In this embodiment, after receiving the Attach Request NAS message, the MME can determine whether it has cached the terminal's Attach Request NAS message locally. If it has cached the terminal's Attach Request NAS message, it obtains the cached terminal's authentication vector information and performs AKA (Authentication and Key Agreement) authentication processing on the terminal based on the authentication vector information. If the MME has not cached the terminal's Attach Request NAS message, it caches the Attach Request NAS message and the terminal's identification information. The terminal's identification information can be either IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identification) or GUTI (Globally Unique Temporary Identity). The MME can also send an Attach Reject message to the base station. The Attach Reject message carries the rejection reason, waiting time, and a list of available satellite IDs. The rejection reason indicates that the attach process cannot be completed due to the store-and-forward mode. Optionally, the MME can also cache the request time of the Attach Request NAS message. The base station forwards the Attach Reject message to the terminal. After receiving the attach denial message, the terminal starts a timer. If the service link is available, after the waiting time is reached, the terminal receives the SIB (System Information Block) message of the available satellite. Then, the terminal resends the attach request NAS message to the base station of the satellite network element. The attach request NAS message carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0253] Based on the above scheme, a method for the onboard MME to process NAS request messages is provided so that the terminal can communicate normally.

[0254] Optionally, after sending the attach rejection message to the terminal, the method further includes: when the power supply link is available, forwarding the attach request NAS message and the terminal's identification information to the ground network element; receiving the terminal's authentication vector information sent by the ground network element, caching the terminal's authentication vector information, and establishing a binding relationship between the authentication vector information, the attach request NAS message, and the terminal's identification information.

[0255] In this embodiment, after the satellite network element sends an attach denial message to the terminal, the satellite network element (on-board MME) can forward the terminal's identification information and attach request NAS message to the ground network element when it detects that the feeder link is available. Optionally, it can also forward the request time of the attach request NAS message to the ground network element. The ground network element can be a ground MME. After receiving the information sent by the satellite MME, the ground network element can obtain the terminal's authentication vector and then synchronize the terminal's authentication vector information, attach request NAS message, request time of the attach request NAS message, and terminal identification information to the satellite network element that will next cover the area where the terminal is located. After receiving the authentication vector information sent by the ground MME, the satellite MME caches the terminal's authentication vector information and establishes a binding relationship between the authentication vector information, the attach request NAS message, and the terminal's identification information. Optionally, this binding relationship can also include the request time of the attach request NAS message.

[0256] Optionally, when the power supply links of other satellite network elements are available, the ground network element can synchronize information such as terminal identification information, Attach Request (NAS) message, authentication vector information, and request time to other available satellite network elements.

[0257] In this way, after the onboard MME receives the retransmitted Attach Request (NAS) message from the terminal, it can re-determine whether the terminal's NAS message is cached. If the terminal's NAS message is cached, the cached authentication vector information of the terminal is obtained, and the terminal is authenticated based on the authentication vector information. If the terminal's NAS message is not cached, the NAS message and the terminal's identification information are cached, and an Attach Reject message is sent to the terminal. The Attach Reject message carries the rejection reason, waiting time, and a list of available satellite IDs. The rejection reason indicates that the attach process cannot be completed due to the store-and-forward mode.

[0258] Optionally, the method further includes: if the working mode of the satellite network element indicates coexistence mode, then determining the power supply link status; if the power supply link is unavailable, then performing the step of determining whether there is a cached NAS attachment request message from a terminal.

[0259] In this embodiment of the application, if the working mode of the satellite network element indicates coexistence mode, the satellite MME will determine the power supply link status after receiving the Attach Request NAS message sent by the terminal; if the power supply link is unavailable, the step of determining whether the terminal's Attach Request NAS message is cached and subsequent steps will be executed.

[0260] Optionally, the method further includes: after receiving the attach complete message sent by the terminal, deleting the cached authentication vector information, attach request NAS message, and terminal identification information of the terminal; and sending the attach complete notification of the terminal to the ground network element, wherein the attach complete notification is used to instruct the ground network element to delete the authentication vector information, attach request NAS message, and terminal identification information of the terminal.

[0261] In this embodiment, after AKA authentication is successful, the on-board MME can return an attach receive message to the base station when the feeder link is available. The base station then forwards the attach receive message to the terminal. Upon receiving the attach receive message, the terminal sends an attach complete message to the base station, which forwards the attach complete message to the on-board MME. After receiving the attach complete message from the terminal, the on-board MME deletes the cached authentication vector information, attach request NAS message, and terminal identification information of the terminal. When the feeder link is available, it sends an attach complete notification to the ground network element. Upon receiving the attach complete notification, the ground network element deletes the terminal's authentication vector information, attach request NAS message, and terminal identification information. Optionally, if the on-board MME and ground network element also cache the request time of the attach request NAS message, they can also delete the request time of the attach request NAS message.

[0262] Optionally, when the power supply link of other satellite network elements is available, the ground network element can notify other satellite network elements to delete information such as the terminal identification information, NAS attachment request message, authentication vector, and request time from the cache.

[0263] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, this application provides an example of a communication method that can be applied to a communication system. The communication system includes at least a satellite network element and a terminal, wherein the satellite network element is in a coexistence mode and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode. Specific steps include:

[0264] Step 401: The satellite network element sends the first information to the terminal.

[0265] The first piece of information includes at least the working mode of the satellite network element, which indicates a coexistence mode.

[0266] Step 402: The satellite network element sends the second information to the terminal.

[0267] The second piece of information includes the time information of the terminals that the satellite internet element can serve.

[0268] Step 403: The terminal supports store-and-forward mode and sends a connection request to the satellite network element.

[0269] The connection request carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0270] Step 404: The satellite network element determines the status of the power supply link.

[0271] If the power supply link is unavailable, proceed to step 405; if the power supply link is available, proceed to step 406.

[0272] Step 405: Send a connection message to the terminal.

[0273] The connection message contains configuration information indicating that the terminal is operating in store-and-forward mode.

[0274] Step 406: Send a connection message to the terminal.

[0275] The connection message contains configuration information indicating that the terminal is operating in normal mode.

[0276] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, this application provides an example of a communication method that can be applied to a communication system. The communication system includes at least a satellite network element and a terminal, wherein the satellite network element is in a coexistence mode and the terminal does not support store-and-forward mode. Specific steps include:

[0277] Step 501: The satellite network element sends the first information to the terminal.

[0278] The first piece of information includes at least the working mode of the satellite network element, which indicates a coexistence mode.

[0279] Step 502: The satellite network element sends the second information to the terminal.

[0280] The second piece of information includes the time information of the terminals that the satellite internet element can serve.

[0281] Step 503: The terminal does not support store-and-forward mode, so the second information is checked.

[0282] If the current time falls within the time range that the satellite internet element can serve, then proceed to step 504. If the current time does not fall within the time range that the satellite internet element can serve, then no connection request will be sent.

[0283] Step 504: The terminal sends a connection request to the satellite network element.

[0284] The connection request does not contain information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0285] Step 505: If the connection request received by the satellite network element does not contain information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, determine the status of the power supply link.

[0286] If the power supply link is unavailable, proceed to step 506; if the power supply link is available, proceed to step 507.

[0287] Step 506: Send a rejection message to the terminal.

[0288] The rejection message carries a rejection reason, which indicates that the power supply link is unavailable.

[0289] Step 507: Send a connection message to the terminal.

[0290] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, this application provides an example of a communication method that can be applied to a communication system. The communication system includes at least a satellite network element and a terminal, wherein the satellite network element is in store-and-forward mode, and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode. Specific steps include:

[0291] Step 601: The satellite network element sends the first information to the terminal.

[0292] The first piece of information includes at least the working mode of the satellite network element, which indicates that the working mode of the satellite network element is store-and-forward mode.

[0293] Step 602: The terminal supports store-and-forward mode and sends a connection request to the satellite network element.

[0294] The connection request includes information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode. Conversely, if the terminal does not support store-and-forward mode, it will not send a connection request to the satellite network element.

[0295] Step 603: The connection request received by the StarNet element contains indication information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, and sends a connection message to the terminal.

[0296] The connection message contains configuration information indicating that the terminal is operating in store-and-forward mode.

[0297] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, this application provides an example of a communication method that can be applied to a communication system, which includes at least a satellite network element and a terminal, wherein the satellite network element is in a normal operating mode, and the specific steps include:

[0298] Step 701: The satellite network element sends the first information to the terminal.

[0299] The first piece of information includes at least the working mode of the satellite network element, which indicates that the working mode of the satellite network element is the normal working mode.

[0300] Step 702: The satellite network element sends the second information to the terminal.

[0301] The second piece of information includes the time information of the terminals that the satellite internet element can serve.

[0302] Step 703: The terminal determines the second information.

[0303] If the current time falls within the time range that the StarNet element can serve the terminal, then proceed to step 704; if the current time does not fall within the time range that the StarNet element can serve the terminal, then do not send a connection request to the StarNet element.

[0304] Step 704: Send a connection request to the StarNet element.

[0305] Step 705: The satellite network element determines the status of the power supply link.

[0306] If the power supply link is unavailable, proceed to step 706; if the power supply link is available, proceed to step 707.

[0307] Step 706: Send a rejection message to the terminal.

[0308] The rejection message includes a rejection reason, which indicates that the power supply link is unavailable.

[0309] Step 707: Send a connection message to the terminal.

[0310] In one embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, this application provides an example of a communication method that can be applied to a communication system. This communication system includes at least satellite network elements, terminals, and terrestrial network elements. The satellite network elements include a base station (which may be referred to as an eNodeB) and an MME-S (which may be referred to as an on-board MME). The terrestrial network elements include an MME-G and an HSS. The satellite network elements are in store-and-forward mode, and the terminals support store-and-forward mode. Specific steps include:

[0311] Step 801: The onboard MME notifies the onboard base station that it supports store-and-forward mode, and the onboard base station forwards the first information to the terminal.

[0312] The first piece of information includes at least the working mode of the satellite network element and the satellite ID, with the working mode of the satellite network element indicating store-and-forward mode.

[0313] Step 802: The terminal supports store-and-forward mode and sends a connection request to the satellite base station.

[0314] The connection request carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0315] Step 803: The connection request received by the satellite base station contains indication information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode. The base station sends a connection message to the terminal to establish an RRC connection.

[0316] Step 804: The terminal sends an RRC connection completion message to the satellite base station.

[0317] The RRC connection completion message includes an attach request NAS message, which carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0318] Step 805: The on-board base station forwards the attach message to the on-board MME.

[0319] Step 806: The onboard MME determines whether the NAS attachment request message of the terminal is cached.

[0320] If the Attach Request NAS message of the terminal is cached, then the cached authentication vector information of the terminal is obtained, and step 816 is executed; if the Attach Request NAS message of the terminal is not cached, then the Attach Request NAS message and the identification information of the terminal are cached, and step 807 is executed.

[0321] Step 807: The onboard MME sends an attach rejection message to the terminal via the onboard base station.

[0322] The attach rejection message carries the reason for rejection, the waiting time, and a list of available satellite IDs. The reason for rejection indicates that the attach process cannot be completed due to the store-and-forward mode, triggering the terminal to execute step 812.

[0323] Step 808: When the power supply link is available, the onboard MME forwards the Attach Request (NAS) message and the terminal identification information to the ground network element.

[0324] The terminal's identification information is either IMSI or GUTI.

[0325] Step 809: MME-G obtains the authentication vector information of the terminal.

[0326] Step 810: MME-G synchronizes the terminal's authentication vector information, NAS attachment request message, and terminal identification information to the next satellite network element covering the area where the terminal is located.

[0327] Step 811: The onboard MME receives the terminal authentication vector information sent by the ground network element, caches the terminal authentication vector information, and establishes a binding relationship between the authentication vector information, the Attach Request (NAS) message, and the terminal identification information.

[0328] Step 812: Start the timer on the terminal.

[0329] Step 813: If the service link is available, then after the waiting time is reached, receive the SIB message of the available satellite.

[0330] Step 814: The terminal resends the Attach Request (NAS) message to the satellite base station.

[0331] The Attach Request NAS message carries information indicating that the terminal supports the store-forward mode.

[0332] Step 815: The on-board base station forwards the resent Attach Request (NAS) message from the terminal to the on-board MME, and the on-board MME executes step 806.

[0333] Step 816: The StarNet element performs AKA authentication on the terminal.

[0334] Step 817: When the power supply link is available, the satellite network element performs a location update.

[0335] Step 818: When the service link is available, the on-board MME sends an attach receive message to the terminal through the on-board network element.

[0336] Step 819: The terminal sends an attach complete message to the satellite base station, and the satellite base station forwards the attach complete message to the satellite MME.

[0337] Step 820: The onboard MME deletes the cached terminal's authentication vector information, Attach Request NAS message, and terminal identification information.

[0338] Step 821: When the power supply link is available, the onboard MME sends a terminal attachment completion notification to the MME-G.

[0339] The attach completion notification is used to instruct the terrestrial network element to delete the terminal's authentication vector information, attach request NAS message, and terminal identification information.

[0340] Step 822: MME-G deletes the terminal's authentication vector information, Attach Request NAS message, and terminal identification information.

[0341] It should be understood that, although Figures 2-8 The steps in the flowchart are shown sequentially as indicated by the arrows, but these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified herein, there is no strict order in which these steps are executed, and they can be performed in other orders. Figures 2-8At least some of the steps in the process may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but may be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but may be executed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages in other steps.

[0342] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, a communication device is provided, which is applied to a terminal, and the device includes:

[0343] The first acquisition module 910 is used to acquire first information sent by the satellite network element, the first information including at least the working mode of the satellite network element;

[0344] The communication module 920 is used to perform communication processing based on the terminal capabilities and the first information.

[0345] In one embodiment, the working mode of the satellite network element includes at least one of the following: normal working mode, store-and-forward mode, and coexistence mode.

[0346] In one embodiment, when the satellite network element's operating mode is indicated as a normal operating mode and / or a coexistence mode, the device further includes:

[0347] The second acquisition module is used to acquire second information, which includes the time information of the terminal that the satellite network element can serve.

[0348] In one embodiment, the time information of the satellite network element-serviced terminal includes the start time and end time of the satellite network element-serviced terminal.

[0349] In one embodiment, the terminal capability specifically refers to whether the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0350] In one embodiment, the communication module 920 is specifically used for:

[0351] If the working mode of the satellite network element is indicated as coexistence mode and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, a connection request is sent to the satellite network element, and the connection request carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0352] In one embodiment, the communication module 920 is specifically used for:

[0353] If the working mode of the satellite network element is indicated as coexistence mode and the terminal does not support store-and-forward mode, then the second information is determined. If the current time is within the time range that the satellite network element can serve the terminal, then a connection request is sent to the satellite network element.

[0354] In one embodiment, the communication module 920 is specifically used for:

[0355] If the working mode of the satellite network element is indicated as store-and-forward mode, and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then a connection request is sent to the satellite network element, and the connection request carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0356] In one embodiment, the communication module 920 is specifically used for:

[0357] If the working mode of the satellite network element is indicated as store-and-forward mode, and the terminal does not support store-and-forward mode, then no connection request will be sent to the satellite network element.

[0358] In one embodiment, the communication module 920 is specifically used for:

[0359] If the working mode of the satellite network element indicates normal working mode, then the second information is determined. If the current time falls within the time range that the satellite network element can serve the terminal, then a connection request is sent to the satellite network element.

[0360] In one embodiment, the connection request includes at least one or more of the following: an RRC connection request, an RRC recovery request, and an RRC reconstruction request.

[0361] In one embodiment, the communication module is specifically used for:

[0362] If the working mode of the satellite network element is indicated as coexistence mode and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then an attach request NAS message is sent to the satellite network element. The attach request NAS message carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0363] In one embodiment, the communication module is specifically used for:

[0364] If the working mode of the satellite network element is indicated as store-and-forward mode, and the terminal supports store-and-forward mode, then an attach request NAS message is sent to the satellite network element. The attach request NAS message carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0365] In one embodiment, the first information also includes a satellite ID.

[0366] In one embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, a communication device is provided, which is applied to a satellite network element, and the device includes:

[0367] The first sending module 1010 is used to send first information to the terminal, the first information including at least the satellite network element working mode, and is used to enable the terminal to perform communication processing based on the terminal capabilities and the first information.

[0368] In one embodiment, the working mode of the satellite network element includes at least one of the following: normal working mode, store-and-forward mode, and coexistence mode.

[0369] In one embodiment, when the satellite network element's operating mode is indicated as a normal operating mode and / or a coexistence mode, the device further includes:

[0370] The second sending module is used to send second information to the terminal, the second information including the time information of the terminal that the satellite network element can serve.

[0371] In one embodiment, the time information of the satellite network element-serviced terminal includes the start time and end time of the satellite network element-serviced terminal.

[0372] In one embodiment, the time information of the terminal served by the satellite internet element is calculated by the satellite internet element based on satellite ephemeris and ground gateway information.

[0373] In one embodiment, the working mode of the satellite network element is configured by a preset strategy.

[0374] In one embodiment, the device further includes:

[0375] A receiving module is used to receive connection requests sent by the terminal.

[0376] In one embodiment, the device further includes:

[0377] The first judgment module is used to determine the power supply link status if the working mode of the satellite network element indicates coexistence mode and the received connection request contains information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0378] The third sending module is used to send a connection message to the terminal if the power supply link is unavailable. The connection message carries configuration information indicating that the terminal is working in store-and-forward mode.

[0379] The fourth sending module is used to send a connection message to the terminal if the power supply link is available. The connection message carries configuration information indicating that the terminal is working in normal mode.

[0380] In one embodiment, the device further includes:

[0381] The second judgment module is used to determine the power supply link status if the working mode of the satellite network element indicates coexistence mode and the received connection request does not contain information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0382] The fifth sending module is used to send a rejection message to the terminal if the power supply link is unavailable. The rejection message carries a rejection reason, which indicates that the power supply link is unavailable.

[0383] The sixth sending module is used to send a connection message to the terminal if the power supply link is available.

[0384] In one embodiment, the device further includes:

[0385] The seventh sending module is used to send a connection message to the terminal if the working mode of the satellite network element indicates that it is in store-and-forward mode, and the received connection request contains indication information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode. The connection message carries configuration information indicating that the terminal is working in store-and-forward mode.

[0386] In one embodiment, the device further includes:

[0387] The third judgment module is used to determine the power supply link status if the satellite network element's working mode indicator is normal working mode and a connection message sent by the terminal is received:

[0388] The eighth sending module is used to send a rejection message to the terminal if the power supply link is unavailable. The rejection message contains a rejection reason, which indicates that the power supply link is unavailable.

[0389] The ninth sending module is used to send a connection message to the terminal if the power supply link is available.

[0390] In one embodiment, the connection request includes at least one or more of the following: an RRC connection request, an RRC recovery request, and an RRC reconstruction request;

[0391] When the connection request is an RRC connection request, the connection message is an RRC connection establishment message, and the rejection message is an RRC connection rejection message;

[0392] When the connection request is an RRC connection recovery request, the connection message is an RRC connection recovery message, and the rejection message is an RRC connection rejection message;

[0393] When the connection request is an RRC connection reconstruction request, the connection message is an RRC connection reconstruction message, and the rejection message is an RRC connection reconstruction rejection message.

[0394] In one embodiment, the device further includes

[0395] The second receiving module is used to receive the Attach Request (NAS) message sent by the terminal, wherein the Attach Request (NAS) message carries information indicating that the terminal supports store-and-forward mode.

[0396] In one embodiment, the second receiving module is further configured to:

[0397] Determine whether the NAS attachment request message of the terminal is cached;

[0398] If the NAS attachment request message of the terminal is cached, the authentication vector information of the terminal in the cache is obtained, and the terminal is authenticated based on the authentication vector information.

[0399] If the Attach Request NAS message of the terminal is not cached, then the Attach Request NAS message and the identification information of the terminal are cached, and an Attach Rejection Message is sent to the terminal. The Attach Rejection Message carries the rejection reason, waiting time, and a list of available satellite IDs. The rejection reason indicates that the attach process cannot be completed due to store-and-forward mode. The identification information is either IMSI or GUTI.

[0400] In one embodiment, the second receiving module is further configured to:

[0401] When the power supply link is available, the Attach Request (NAS) message and the terminal's identification information are forwarded to the ground network element;

[0402] The system receives the authentication vector information of the terminal sent by the terrestrial network element, caches the terminal authentication vector information, and establishes a binding relationship between the authentication vector information, the Attach Request (NAS) message, and the terminal's identification information.

[0403] In one embodiment, the second receiving module is further configured to:

[0404] If the working mode of the satellite network element indicates coexistence mode, then determine the status of the power supply link;

[0405] If the power supply link is unavailable, then the step of determining whether the NAS attachment request message of the terminal is cached is executed.

[0406] In one embodiment, the second receiving module is further configured to:

[0407] After receiving the attach complete message from the terminal, delete the cached authentication vector information of the terminal, the attach request NAS message, and the identification information of the terminal.

[0408] The attachment completion notification of the terminal is sent to the ground network element. The attachment completion notification is used to instruct the ground network element to delete the authentication vector information of the terminal, the attachment request NAS message, and the identification information of the terminal.

[0409] In one embodiment, the first information also includes a satellite ID.

[0410] Specific limitations regarding the communication device can be found in the limitations regarding the communication method above, and will not be repeated here. Each module in the aforementioned communication device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in hardware or independently of the processor in the computer device, or stored in software in the memory of the computer device, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to each module.

[0411] In one embodiment, a communication device is provided, see [link to previous document]. Figure 11 . Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 The terminal device 1100 shown includes at least one processor 1101, a memory 1102, at least one network interface 1104, and a user interface 1103. The various components in the terminal device 1100 are coupled together via a bus system 1105. It is understood that the bus system 1105 is used to implement communication between these components. In addition to a data bus, the bus system 1105 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, ... Figure 11 Various buses are designated as bus system 1105. Additionally, this embodiment of the invention includes a transceiver 1106, which may consist of multiple components, including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium.

[0412] The user interface 1103 may include a display, keyboard, or clicking device (e.g., mouse, trackball, touchpad, or touchscreen).

[0413] It is understood that the memory 1102 in the embodiments of the present invention can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous DRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). The memory 1102 of the systems and methods described in the embodiments of the present invention is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0414] In some implementations, memory 1102 stores elements, executable modules or data structures, or subsets thereof, or extended sets thereof: operating system 11021 and application program 11022.

[0415] The operating system 11021 includes various system programs, such as the framework layer, core library layer, and driver layer, used to implement various basic business functions and handle hardware-based tasks. The application program 11022 includes various applications, such as a media player and a browser, used to implement various application functions. The program implementing the method of this embodiment can be included in the application program 11022.

[0416] In this embodiment of the invention, by calling the program or instructions stored in the memory 1102, specifically the program or instructions stored in the application program 11022, the receiver is used to obtain the first information transmitted by the satellite, the first information including at least working mode indication information and / or store-and-forward mode auxiliary parameters; the processor is used to perform communication processing based on the first information.

[0417] It is understood that the embodiments described in this invention can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or a combination thereof. For hardware implementation, the processing unit can be implemented in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units for performing the functions described in this application, or combinations thereof.

[0418] For software implementation, the technology described in the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented by modules (e.g., procedures, functions, etc.) that perform the functions described in the embodiments of the present invention. The software code can be stored in memory and executed by processor 1101. The memory can be implemented in processor 1101 or external to processor 1101.

[0419] In one embodiment, Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a satellite network element provided in an embodiment of this application. The satellite network element may include a receiver 1201, a memory 1202, a processor 1203, at least one communication bus 1204, and a transmitter 1205. The communication bus 1204 is used to realize communication connections between components. The memory 1202 may include a high-speed RAM memory, and may also include non-volatile memory (NVM), such as at least one disk storage device. The memory 1202 can store various programs for performing various processing functions and implementing the method steps of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the transmitter 1205 can be a radio frequency processing module or a baseband processing module in the satellite network element, and the receiver 1201 can also be a radio frequency processing module or a baseband processing module in the satellite network element. The transmitter 1205 and the receiver 1201 can be integrated together to form a transceiver. Both the transmitter 1205 and the receiver 1201 can be coupled to the processor 1203, and can perform receiving or transmitting actions under the instruction or control of the processor 1203.

[0420] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described above.

[0421] In one embodiment, a computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described above.

[0422] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the methods described above. Any references to memory, storage, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, or optical storage, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can be in various forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc.

[0423] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0424] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a terminal, and the method comprises: obtaining first information sent by a satellite network element, wherein the first information at least comprises a satellite network element working mode, and the satellite network element working mode comprises a store-and-forward mode; performing communication processing according to terminal capability and the first information; wherein the communication processing according to the terminal capability and the first information comprises: if the satellite network element working mode indicates the store-and-forward mode and the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode, sending an attach request NAS message to the satellite network element, wherein the attach request NAS message carries information indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The satellite network element working mode further comprises at least one of a normal working mode and a coexistence mode.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, When the satellite network element working mode indicates the normal working mode and / or the coexistence mode, the method further comprises: obtaining second information, wherein the second information comprises time information of terminals that can be served by the satellite network element.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The time information of terminals that can be served by the satellite network element comprises a start time of terminals that can be served by the satellite network element and an end time of terminals that can be served by the satellite network element.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The terminal capability specifically refers to whether the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein, The communication processing according to the terminal capability and the first information comprises: if the satellite network element working mode indicates the coexistence mode and the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode, sending a connection request to the satellite network element, wherein the connection request carries information indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein, The communication processing according to the terminal capability and the first information comprises: if the satellite network element working mode indicates the coexistence working mode and the terminal does not support the store-and-forward mode, judging the second information, and if the current time belongs to the time range of terminals that can be served by the satellite network element, sending a connection request to the satellite network element.

8. The method of claim 2, wherein, The communication processing according to the terminal capability and the first information comprises: if the satellite network element working mode indicates the store-and-forward mode and the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode, sending a connection request to the satellite network element, wherein the connection request carries information indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode.

9. The method of claim 2, wherein, The communication processing according to the terminal capability and the first information comprises: if the satellite network element working mode indicates the store-and-forward mode and the terminal does not support the store-and-forward mode, not sending a connection request to the satellite network element.

10. The method of claim 3, wherein, The communication processing according to the terminal capability and the first information comprises: if the satellite network element working mode indicates the normal working mode, judging the second information, and if the current time belongs to the time range of terminals that can be served by the satellite network element, sending a connection request to the satellite network element.

11. The method according to any of claims 6-10, characterized by, The connection request at least comprises one or more of an RRC connection request, an RRC resume request and an RRC reestablishment request.

12. The method of claim 2, wherein, The communication processing according to the terminal capability and the first information comprises: If the satellite on-board network element working mode is indicated as coexistence mode, and the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode, an attach request NAS message is sent to the satellite on-board network element, the attach request NAS message carrying information indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode.

13. The method of claim 2, wherein, The first information further comprises a satellite ID.

14. A communication method, comprising: The method is applied to a satellite on-board network element, and the method comprises: sending first information to a terminal, the first information comprising at least a satellite on-board network element working mode, for enabling the terminal to perform communication processing based on terminal capability and the first information; receiving an attach request NAS message sent by the terminal, the attach request NAS message carrying information indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The satellite on-board network element working mode comprises at least one of a normal working mode, a store-and-forward mode and a coexistence mode.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, When the satellite on-board network element working mode is indicated as the normal working mode and / or the coexistence mode, the method further comprises: sending second information to the terminal, the second information comprising time information of terminals that can be served by the satellite on-board network element.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The time information of terminals that can be served by the satellite on-board network element comprises a start time of terminals that can be served by the satellite on-board network element and an end time of terminals that can be served by the satellite on-board network element.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The time information of terminals that can be served by the satellite on-board network element is calculated by the satellite on-board network element according to satellite ephemeris and ground gateway information.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein, The satellite on-board network element working mode is configured by a preset strategy.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving a connection request sent by the terminal.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The method further comprises: If the satellite on-board network element working mode is indicated as the coexistence mode, and the received connection request comprises information indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode, the state of a feeder link is determined: If the feeder link is unavailable, a connection message is sent to the terminal, the connection message carrying configuration information indicating that the terminal works in the store-and-forward mode; If the feeder link is available, a connection message is sent to the terminal, the connection message carrying configuration information indicating that the terminal works in the normal mode.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein, The method further comprises: If the satellite on-board network element working mode is indicated as the coexistence mode, and the received connection request does not comprise information indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode, the state of a feeder link is determined: If the feeder link is unavailable, a rejection message is sent to the terminal, the rejection message carrying a rejection reason, the rejection reason indicating that the feeder link is unavailable; If the feeder link is available, a connection message is sent to the terminal.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein, The method further comprises: If the satellite on-board network element working mode is indicated as the store-and-forward mode, and the received connection request comprises indication information indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode, a connection message is sent to the terminal, the connection message carrying configuration information indicating that the terminal works in the store-and-forward mode.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein, The method further comprises: If the satellite on-board network element working mode is indicated as the normal working mode, and a connection message sent by the terminal is received, the state of a feeder link is determined: If the feeder link is unavailable, a rejection message is sent to the terminal, the rejection message comprising a rejection reason, the rejection reason indicating that the feeder link is unavailable; If the feeder link is available, a connection message is sent to the terminal.

25. The method of claim 22 or 24, wherein, The connection request comprises at least one or more of an RRC connection request, an RRC recovery request, and an RRC reestablishment request. When the connection request is an RRC connection request, the connection message is an RRC connection setup message, and the rejection message is an RRC connection reject message. When the connection request is an RRC connection recovery request, the connection message is an RRC connection recovery message, and the rejection message is an RRC connection reject message. When the connection request is an RRC connection reestablishment request, the connection message is an RRC connection reestablishment message, and the rejection message is an RRC connection reestablishment reject message.

26. The method of claim 14, wherein, The method further comprises: determining whether the terminal's attach request NAS message is cached; if the terminal's attach request NAS message is cached, obtaining the cached authentication vector information of the terminal and performing authentication processing on the terminal based on the authentication vector information; if the terminal's attach request NAS message is not cached, caching the attach request NAS message and the terminal's identification information, and sending an attach reject message to the terminal, wherein the attach reject message carries a rejection reason, a waiting time, and a list of available satellite IDs, the rejection reason indicates that the attach process cannot be completed due to the store-and-forward mode, and the identification information is one of IMSI or GUTI.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein, After the step of sending the attach reject message to the terminal, the method further comprises: forwarding the attach request NAS message and the terminal's identification information to a ground network element when a feeder link is available; receiving the terminal's authentication vector information sent by the ground network element, caching the terminal authentication vector information, and establishing a binding relationship among the authentication vector information, the attach request NAS message, and the terminal's identification information.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein, The method further comprises: if the satellite network element working mode indicates a coexistence mode, determining the state of the feeder link; if the feeder link is not available, performing the step of determining whether the terminal's attach request NAS message is cached.

29. The method of claim 14 or 26, wherein, The method further comprises: after receiving the attach complete message sent by the terminal, deleting the cached authentication vector information of the terminal, the attach request NAS message, and the terminal's identification information; sending an attach complete notification of the terminal to a ground network element, wherein the attach complete notification is used to instruct the ground network element to delete the authentication vector information of the terminal, the attach request NAS message, and the terminal's identification information.

30. The method of claim 14, wherein, The first information further comprises a satellite ID.

31. A communication system, characterized by The system comprises a terminal and a satellite network element, wherein: the satellite network element is configured to send first information to the terminal, wherein the first information comprises at least a satellite network element working mode, and the satellite network element working mode comprises a store-and-forward mode. The terminal is configured to acquire first information sent by the spaceborne network element, and perform communication processing according to terminal capability and the first information; wherein the communication processing according to terminal capability and the first information comprises: if the spaceborne network element working mode indication is the store-and-forward mode and the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode, sending an attach request NAS message to the spaceborne network element, the attach request NAS message carrying information indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode.

32. A communications device, characterized by The device is applied to a terminal, and the device comprises: A first acquisition module is configured to acquire first information sent by a spaceborne network element, the first information comprising at least a spaceborne network element working mode, the spaceborne network element working mode comprising a store-and-forward mode; A communication module is configured to perform communication processing according to terminal capability and the first information; wherein the communication processing according to terminal capability and the first information comprises: if the spaceborne network element working mode indication is the store-and-forward mode and the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode, sending an attach request NAS message to the spaceborne network element, the attach request NAS message carrying information indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode.

33. A communications device, characterized by The device is applied to a spaceborne network element, and the device comprises: A first sending module is configured to send first information to a terminal, the first information comprising at least a spaceborne network element working mode, for enabling the terminal to perform communication processing based on terminal capability and the first information; A receiving module is configured to receive an attach request NAS message sent by the terminal, the attach request NAS message carrying information indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode.

34. A communications device, comprising: Comprise: A receiver and a processor; The receiver is configured to acquire first information sent by a spaceborne network element, the first information comprising at least a spaceborne network element working mode, the spaceborne network element working mode comprising a store-and-forward mode; The processor is configured to perform communication processing according to terminal capability and the first information; wherein the communication processing according to terminal capability and the first information comprises: if the spaceborne network element working mode indication is the store-and-forward mode and the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode, sending an attach request NAS message to the spaceborne network element, the attach request NAS message carrying information indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode.

35. A communications device, comprising: Comprise: A transmitter and a receiver; The transmitter is configured to send first information to a terminal, the first information comprising at least a spaceborne network element working mode, for enabling the terminal to perform communication processing based on terminal capability and the first information; The receiver is configured to receive an attach request NAS message sent by the terminal, the attach request NAS message carrying information indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward mode.

36. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program, characterized in that, The computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 or claims 14 to 30.

37. A computer program product comprising a computer program, characterised in that, The computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 or claims 14 to 30.

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