Communication method and device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication method and device, and relates to the technical field of communication. The communication method comprises the following steps: in a regeneration mode, when a network device in a non-terrestrial network NTN receives a first message from a first terminal device, generating first user position information of the first terminal device; wherein the first message is used for acquiring a core network service, and the first user position information is used for indicating the position of the first terminal device. The network device can also send a second message to the core network device through the feed link, wherein the second message comprises the first user position information. And after receiving the second message, the core network equipment can provide service for the first terminal equipment according to the second message. Thus, when the network equipment receives the first message of the first terminal equipment, the first user position information of the first terminal equipment is generated at the same time, so that the accuracy that the position information sent to the core network equipment is the first terminal equipment can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In non-terrestrial networks (NTN) in regenerative mode (or regenerative payload), that is, in a non-continuous feeding scenario, the connection (feeder link) between non-terrestrial network devices (i.e., non-terrestrial base stations, or satellite base stations) and the core network is not always connected. That is, when the non-terrestrial network device is connected to the terminal device through a service link, there is no feeder link between the non-terrestrial network device and the core network; similarly, when the non-terrestrial network device is connected to the core network, there is no connection between the non-terrestrial network device and the terminal device. In this way, the process of the terminal device obtaining the service of the core network through the non-terrestrial network device is as follows: when the non-terrestrial network device is connected to the terminal device, it receives the request information from the terminal device. When the non-terrestrial network device is connected to the core network device, the non-terrestrial network device sends the generated user location information (ULI) and the request information to the core network, and the core network provides services to the terminal device. Among them, since the non-terrestrial network device sends the generated ULI to the core device network some time after receiving the request information, and the terminal device is mobile, the non-terrestrial network device cannot guarantee that the ULI sent to the core network device indicates the accurate location of the terminal device.

[0003] In this scenario, how to ensure that the network equipment sends accurate user location information to the core network equipment remains to be solved. Summary of the invention

[0004] A communication method and apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present application are used to ensure the accuracy of the location information obtained by a core network device from a network device in a regeneration mode as a terminal device.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a network device in a non-terrestrial network NTN in a regeneration mode or a module (such as a chip) applied to the network device. Taking the network device performing the method as an example, the method includes:

[0006] The network device may generate first user location information of the first terminal device when receiving a first message from the first terminal device, the first message being used to obtain core network services, and the first user location information being used to indicate the location of the first terminal device. The network device may also send a second message to the core network device via a feeder link, the second message including the first user location information.

[0007] In this method, when the network device receives the first message from the first terminal device, it generates the first user location information of the first terminal device, which can ensure that the network device can accurately determine the location of the first terminal device. When the feeder link exists, the network device sends the second message containing the first user location information to the core network device through the feeder link, so that the core network device can provide services for the first terminal device according to the accurate location of the first terminal device.

[0008] In one possible design, the network device may generate the first user location information according to the mapped cell identifier of the first cell and the tracking area identifier of the tracking area to which the first cell belongs, wherein the first cell is a service cell managed by the network device and accessed by the first terminal device.

[0009] Through this design, the network device can bind the location of the first terminal device with the mapping cell identifier and the tracking area identifier, so as to accurately determine the location of the first terminal device.

[0010] In one possible design, the network device may also generate a second message, where the second message carries the first user location information.

[0011] Through this design, the network device can accurately generate the location information of the first terminal device.

[0012] In one possible design, after generating the first user location information, the network device stores the first user location information.

[0013] Through this design, the network device can send the stored first user location information to the core network device through the feeder link when the feeder link is connected, thereby ensuring that the network device sends accurate first terminal device location information to the core network device.

[0014] In a possible design, the second message also includes the first message, and the first message includes the public land mobile network selected by the first terminal device.

[0015] Through this design, the core network device can provide accurate services to the first terminal device based on the first message.

[0016] In one possible design, the network device is an on-satellite network device, and the second message also includes indication information, where the indication information indicates that the network device is an on-satellite network device.

[0017] Through this design, the network device can inform the core network device that it is an onboard network device, so that the core network device can perform corresponding operations.

[0018] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a core network device or a module (such as a chip) applied to a core network device. Taking the core network device performing the method as an example, the method includes:

[0019] The core network device receives a second message from the network device, the second message including the first user location information, the first user location information being used to indicate the location of the first terminal device. The core network device may provide services for the first terminal device according to the second message.

[0020] In this method, the core network device receives accurate location information of the first terminal device from the network device, so as to provide services for the first terminal device.

[0021] In a possible design, before providing services to the first terminal device, the core network device may also determine that the network device is an on-board network device and that the satellite where the network device is located is in a regeneration mode. The core network device may also determine, based on the first user location information, that the location of the first terminal device does not overlap with the location of the gateway to which the network device is connected.

[0022] Through this design, the core network device can determine that the first user location information received from the network device indicates the location of the first terminal device, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the location information of the first terminal device obtained by the core network device.

[0023] In a possible design, the core network device may also obtain identification information of the network device. When the identification information of the pre-configured on-board network device includes the identification information of the network device, the core network device may determine the on-board network device of the network device.

[0024] Through this design, the core network device can determine that the network device is an onboard network device, thereby making an accuracy judgment on the location information of the first terminal device.

[0025] In one possible design, the second message also includes indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate that the network device is an on-board network device.

[0026] Through this design, the core network device can determine that the network device is an onboard network device, and thus can determine the accuracy of the location information of the first terminal device.

[0027] In one possible design, the second message also includes a first message, the first message is used to obtain core network services, and the first message includes a public land mobile network of the first terminal device.

[0028] Through this design, the core network device can accurately provide services to the first terminal device.

[0029] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a network device in a non-terrestrial network NTN in a regeneration mode or a module (such as a chip) applied to the network device. Taking the network device performing the method as an example, the method includes:

[0030] The network device may receive a first message from a first terminal device, the first message being used to obtain a core network service. The network device may also send a second message to the core network device via a feeder link, the second message including a first timestamp, the first timestamp being used to determine user location information of the first terminal device.

[0031] In this method, the network device can send a first timestamp to the core network device, so that the core network device determines the location of the first terminal device according to the first timestamp, thereby ensuring that the core network device obtains the accurate location of the first terminal device.

[0032] In one possible design, the first timestamp is used to indicate the time when the network device receives the first message.

[0033] Through this design, at the time of the first timestamp, the first terminal device and the network device are in the same cell, so that the core network device can determine the exact location of the first terminal device according to the first timestamp.

[0034] In one possible design, the first message includes a first timestamp, and the first timestamp is used to indicate the time when the first terminal device sends the first message.

[0035] Through this design, at the time of the first timestamp, the first terminal device and the network device are in the same cell, so that the core network device can determine the exact location of the first terminal device according to the first timestamp.

[0036] In one possible design, the second message also includes the first message, the first message includes the public land mobile network selected by the first terminal device, and the network device is an on-board network device.

[0037] Through this design, the core network device can accurately provide services for the first terminal device based on the second message.

[0038] In one possible design, before sending the second message to the core network device through the feeder link, the network device may also send a third message to the core network device, where the third message is used to establish a connection with the core network device. The third message includes a mapped cell identifier of the first cell and a tracking area identifier of a tracking area to which the first cell belongs, where the first cell is a service cell managed by the network device and accessed by the first terminal device at the time indicated by the first timestamp.

[0039] Through this design, the network device can send the mapped cell identifier and tracking area identifier to the core network device, so that the core network device can accurately determine the location of the first terminal device based on the mapped cell identifier and tracking area identifier.

[0040] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a core network device or a module (such as a chip) applied to a core network device. Taking the core network device performing the method as an example, the method includes:

[0041] The core network device may receive a second message from the network device, the second message including a first timestamp. The core network device may also determine first user location information of the first terminal device based on the first timestamp, the first user location information being used to indicate the location of the first terminal device at the time indicated by the first timestamp. When the location indicated by the first user location information is within the service range of the core network device, the core network device may provide services for the first terminal device.

[0042] In this method, the core network device can accurately determine the location of the first terminal device at the time indicated by the first timestamp based on the first timestamp. When the location of the first terminal device is within the service range of the core network device, the core network device can provide services for the first terminal device.

[0043] In a possible design, the core network device may also receive a third message from the network device, the third message is used to establish a connection with the core network device, the third message includes a mapped cell identifier of the first cell and a tracking area identifier of a tracking area to which the first cell belongs, the first cell being a service cell managed by the network device and accessed by the first terminal device at the time indicated by the first timestamp. The core network device may determine the first user location information based on the third message.

[0044] Through this design, the core network device can accurately determine the location information of the first terminal device based on the tracking area identifier and mapped cell identifier sent by the network device.

[0045] In a possible design, the core network device can also determine the position of the satellite at the time indicated by the first timestamp based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the network device is located. The core network device determines the mapping cell identifier of the first cell and / or the tracking area identifier of the tracking area to which the first cell belongs based on the position of the satellite and the correspondence between the identifier of the mapped cell and the geographical location. The first cell is a service cell managed by the network device at the time indicated by the first timestamp and accessed by the first terminal device. The core network device can determine the first user location information based on the mapping cell identifier of the first cell and / or the tracking area identifier of the tracking area to which the first cell belongs.

[0046] Through this design, the core network device can determine the position of the satellite where the network device is located at the time indicated by the first timestamp. The core network device can determine the first cell accessed by the first terminal device at the time indicated by the first timestamp based on the position of the satellite. The core network device can accurately determine the position of the first terminal device based on the mapped cell identifier of the first cell and / or the tracking area identifier of the tracking area to which the first cell belongs.

[0047] In one possible design, the second message also includes the first message, and the first message includes the public land mobile network selected by the first terminal device.

[0048] Through this design, the core network device can provide accurate services to the first terminal device.

[0049] In a fifth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, which may be a network device in a non-terrestrial network NTN in a regeneration mode, and has the function of implementing the network device in each possible design example in the first or third aspect above. The function may be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above functions.

[0050] In one possible design, the structure of the communication device may include a transceiver unit and a processing unit, which can perform the corresponding functions of the network device in each possible design example in the first or third aspect above. Please refer to the detailed description in the method example for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0051] In one possible design, the structure of the communication device includes an interface circuit and one or more processors. Optionally, the communication device also includes a memory. The interface circuit is used to send and receive data, and to communicate and interact with other devices in the communication system. The one or more processors are configured to support the communication device to perform the corresponding functions of the network device in each possible design example in the first or third aspect above. The memory is coupled to the one or more processors, which stores the necessary program instructions and data for the communication device.

[0052] In a sixth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, which may be a core network device, having the functions of implementing the core network device in each possible design example in the second or fourth aspect above. The functions may be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above functions.

[0053] In one possible design, the structure of the communication device may include a transceiver unit and a processing unit, which can perform the corresponding functions of the core network equipment in each possible design example in the second or fourth aspect above. For details, please refer to the detailed description in the method example, which will not be repeated here.

[0054] In one possible design, the structure of the communication device includes an interface circuit and one or more processors. Optionally, the communication device also includes a memory. The interface circuit is used to send and receive data, and to communicate and interact with other devices in the communication system. One or more processors are configured to support the communication device to perform the corresponding functions of the core network device in each possible design example in the second or fourth aspect above. The memory is coupled to one or more processors, which stores the necessary program instructions and data for the communication device.

[0055] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores program instructions. When the program instructions are executed on a computer, the computer implements the method described in any aspect of the first to fourth aspects of the embodiments of the present application, as well as any possible design of any aspect.

[0056] In an eighth aspect, the present application also provides a chip, which is coupled to a memory and is used to read and execute program instructions stored in the memory to implement the method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects above, and any possible design of any one of the aspects.

[0057] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product comprising computer program codes or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to implement the method described in any one of the first to fourth aspects above, and any possible design of any one of the aspects.

[0058] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system, comprising a network device in a non-terrestrial network NTN in a regeneration mode of the first aspect or the third aspect and a network device of the second aspect or the fourth aspect.

[0059] For the technical effects that may be achieved by possible designs of the above-mentioned fifth to tenth aspects and each aspect, please refer to the above-mentioned description of the technical effects that may be achieved by possible designs of the first to fourth aspects and each aspect, and this application will not repeat them here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a communication system architecture;

[0061] Figure 1B It is another schematic diagram of the communication system architecture;

[0062] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the satellite network topology;

[0063] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of store and forward;

[0064] Figure 4 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 5 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 6 Another schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 7 A flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of another flow chart of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application more clear, the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The specific operation method in the method embodiment can also be applied to the device embodiment or the system embodiment.

[0072] The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application can be used interchangeably. The term "multiple" in the embodiments of the present application refers to two or more than two. In view of this, "multiple" can also be understood as "at least two" in the embodiments of the present application. "At least one" can be understood as one or more, for example, one, two or more. For example, including at least one means including one, two or more, and there is no limit on which ones are included. For example, including at least one of A, B and C, then A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Similarly, the understanding of descriptions such as "at least one" is also similar. "At least one of the following" or its similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, "at least one of A, B and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character “ / ”, unless otherwise specified, generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an “or” relationship.

[0073] Unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish multiple objects, and are not used to limit the order, timing, priority or importance of multiple objects, and the descriptions of "first" and "second" do not limit the objects to be different.

[0074] The present application will present various aspects, embodiments or features around a system that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In addition, a combination of these schemes may also be used. In addition, in the present application embodiment, words such as "exemplarily", "such as" are used to represent examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "example" in the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the word "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.

[0075] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example: 4th generation (4G) communication system, 5th generation (5G) communication system, 6th generation (6G) communication system and other communication systems evolved after 5G. The following introduces some network architectures applicable to the present application. In the following introduction, the terminal device is taken as user equipment (UE) as an example.

[0076] Figure 1A Schematic diagram of the communication system architecture based on service-oriented architecture. Figure 1A The network architecture shown may include network devices and core network devices. The terminal device accesses the data network (data network, DN) through the network device and the core network device. Among them, the core network device includes but is not limited to some or all of the following network elements: authentication server function (AUSF) network element (not shown in the figure), unified data management (UDM) network element, unified data repository (UDR) network element, network storage function (NRF) network element (not shown in the figure), network exposure function (NEF) network element (not shown in the figure), application function (AF) network element, policy control function (PCF) network element, access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, session management function (SMF) network element, user plane function (UPF) network element, binding support function (BSF) network element (not shown in the figure).

[0077] The terminal device may be user equipment (UE), terminal, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device, etc. UE may also be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a 5G network or a terminal device in a future-evolved public land mobile communication network (PLMN) or a non-terrestrial network (NTN), etc. It may also be an end device, a logical entity, an intelligent device, such as a mobile phone, an intelligent terminal, or a communication device such as a server, a gateway, a base station, a controller, or an Internet of Things device. UE may also be an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with communication function.

[0078] The network device may be a (radio) access network (R)AN) device or a wireline access network (FAN) device. Among them, the radio access network device includes 3GPP access network devices, untrusted non-3GPP access network devices and trusted non-3GPP access network devices. 3GPP access network devices include but are not limited to: evolved NodeB (eNodeB) in LTE, next generation NodeB (gNB) in 5G mobile communication system, base station in future mobile communication system or module or unit that completes part of the functions of base station, such as centralized unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), etc. Untrusted non-3GPP access network devices include but are not limited to: untrusted non-3GPP access gateway or N3IWF device, untrusted wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP), switch, router. Trusted non-3GPP access network devices include but are not limited to: trusted non-3GPP access gateway, trusted WLAN AP, switch, router. Wired access network equipment includes but is not limited to: wireline access gateway, fixed telephone network equipment, switches, and routers.

[0079] The network equipment and terminal equipment can be fixed or movable. The network equipment and terminal equipment can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on the water surface; they can also be deployed on aircraft, balloons and artificial satellites in the air. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the application scenarios of the network equipment and terminal equipment.

[0080] AMF network element, including functions such as mobility management and access authentication / authorization. AMF network element can also be called access and mobility management equipment, access and mobility management functional entity, access and mobility management functional network element, mobile management equipment, mobile management network element, mobile management entity, and is a kind of core network equipment. The device can be used to manage the access control and mobility of UE. In practical applications, it includes the access and mobility management function in the mobility management entity (MME) in the network framework of long term evolution (LTE), and adds access management function, which can be responsible for UE registration, mobility management, tracking area update process, reachability detection, selection of session management network element, mobile state transition management, etc. For example, in a 5G communication system, the access and mobility management network element can be an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. In future communications, such as 6G communication systems, the access and mobility management network element can still be an AMF network element, or have other names, which are not limited in this application. When the access and mobility management network element is an AMF network element, AMF can provide Namf services.

[0081] SMF network element, also known as session management device, is a type of core network device. The device can be used to be responsible for UE session management (including session establishment, modification and release), selection and reselection of user plane function network elements, UE Internet Protocol (internet protocol, IP) address allocation, quality of service (quality of service, QoS) control, etc. For example, in a 5G communication system, the session management network element may be a session management function (session management function, SMF) network element. In future communication systems, such as 6G communication systems, the session management network element may still be an SMF network element, or have other names, which are not limited in this application. When the session management network element is an SMF network element, the SMF can provide Nsmf services.

[0082] UPF network element, also known as user plane equipment, is a type of core network equipment. This equipment can be responsible for forwarding and receiving user data in UE. It can receive user data from the data network and transmit it to the UE through the network equipment; the user plane function network element can also receive user data from the UE through the network equipment and forward it to the data network. The transmission resources and scheduling functions that provide services to the UE in the user plane function network element are managed and controlled by the session management function network element.

[0083] UDM network element can also be called unified data management device, unified data management network element, data management device, unified data management entity. Among them, the unified data management network element is used to process terminal device identification, access authentication, registration and mobility management, etc. In the 5G communication system, unified data management can be UDM or unified data management device. In future communication systems, unified data management can also be UDM network element, or it can have other names, which are not limited in the embodiments of this application. The unified data management device can be a core network device or a control plane device.

[0084] UDR network element can also be called user database equipment, user database entity, user database network element. The user database mainly includes the following functions: access functions of contract data, policy data, application data and other types of data.

[0085] NEF network element is used to support the opening of capabilities and events.

[0086] AF network elements transmit the requirements of the application side to the network side, such as quality of service (QoS) requirements or user status event subscriptions. AF can be a third-party functional entity or an application service deployed by an operator, such as IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) voice call service. Among them, AF network elements include AF network elements in the core network (i.e., AF network elements of operators) and third-party AF network elements (such as an enterprise's application server).

[0087] The PCF network element includes policy control functions such as billing for sessions and service flow levels, QoS bandwidth guarantee and mobility management, and terminal device policy decision-making. PCF network elements include access and mobility management policy control function (AM PCF) network elements and session management policy control function (SM PCF) network elements. Among them, the AM PCF network element is used to formulate AM policies for terminal devices, and the AM PCF network element can also be called a policy control network element that provides services for terminal devices (PCF for a UE). The SM PCF network element is used to formulate session management policies (session management policies, SM policies) for sessions, and the SM PCF network element can also be called a policy control network element that provides services for sessions (PCF for a PDU session).

[0088] NRF network elements can be used to provide network element discovery functions and provide network element information corresponding to the network element type based on requests from other network elements. NRF also provides network element management services, such as network element registration, update, deregistration, and network element status subscription and push.

[0089] BSF network element can provide BSF service registration / deregistration / update, NRF connection detection, session binding information creation, UE information acquisition, IP address duplicate session binding information query and other functions.

[0090] The AUSF network element is responsible for authenticating users to determine whether users or devices are allowed to access the network.

[0091] DN is a network outside the operator network. The operator network can access multiple DNs. Multiple services can be deployed on DN, which can provide data and / or voice services to terminal devices. For example, DN is the private network of a smart factory. The sensors installed in the workshop of the smart factory can be terminal devices. The control server of the sensors is deployed in DN, and the control server can provide services for the sensors. The sensors can communicate with the control server, obtain instructions from the control server, and transmit the collected sensor data to the control server according to the instructions. For another example, DN is the internal office network of a company. The mobile phones or computers of the company's employees can be terminal devices. The employees' mobile phones or computers can access information and data resources on the company's internal office network.

[0092] Figure 1A Npcf, Nurf, Nudm, Naf, Namf, and Nsmf are service interfaces provided by the above PCF, UDR, UDM, AF, AMF, and SMF, respectively, and are used to call corresponding service operations. N1, N2, N3, N4, and N6 are interface serial numbers, and the meanings of these interface serial numbers are as follows:

[0093] 1) N1: The interface between AMF and terminal devices, which can be used to transmit non-access stratum (NAS) signaling (such as QoS rules from AMF) to terminal devices.

[0094] 2) N2: The interface between AMF and network equipment, which can be used to transmit wireless bearer control information from the core network side to the network equipment.

[0095] 3) N3: The interface between the network device and UPF, mainly used to transmit uplink and downlink user plane data between the network device and UPF.

[0096] 4) N4: The interface between SMF and UPF can be used to transmit information between the control plane and the user plane, including controlling the issuance of forwarding rules, QoS rules, traffic statistics rules, etc. for the user plane and reporting information on the user plane.

[0097] 5) N6: The interface between UPF and DN, used to transfer the uplink and downlink user data flows between UPF and DN.

[0098] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of the communication system architecture based on a point-to-point interface. The functions of the network elements can be found in Figure 1B The introduction of the functions of the corresponding network elements will not be repeated here. Figure 1B and Figure 1A The main differences are: Figure 1A The interfaces between the various control plane network elements in the system are service-oriented interfaces. Figure 1B The interfaces between the various control plane network elements are point-to-point interfaces.

[0099] exist Figure 1B In the architecture shown, the interface names and functions between the various network elements are as follows:

[0100] 1) For the meanings of the N1, N2, N3, N4 and N6 interfaces, please refer to the above description.

[0101] 2) N5: The interface between the AF network element and the PCF network element, which can be used to send application service requests and report network events.

[0102] 3) N7: The interface between PCF network element and SMF network element, which can be used to send protocol data unit (PDU) session granularity and service data flow granularity control strategy.

[0103] 4) N8: The interface between the AMF network element and the UDM network element, which can be used by the AMF network element to obtain access and mobility management-related contract data and authentication data from the UDM network element, and the AMF network element to register terminal device mobility management-related information with the UDM network element.

[0104] 5) N9: User plane interface between UPF network elements, used to transmit uplink and downlink user data flows between UPF network elements.

[0105] 6) N10: The interface between SMF network element and UDM network element, which can be used by SMF network element to obtain session management related contract data from UDM network element, and SMF network element to register terminal device session related information with UDM network element.

[0106] 7) N11: The interface between SMF network element and AMF network element, which can be used to transmit PDU session tunnel information between network equipment and UPF, transmit control messages sent to terminal equipment, transmit wireless resource control information sent to network equipment, etc.

[0107] 8) N15: The interface between the PCF network element and the AMF network element, which can be used to issue terminal device policies and access control related policies.

[0108] 9) N35: The interface between the UDM network element and the UDR network element, which can be used by the UDM network element to obtain user contract data information from the UDR network element.

[0109] 10) N36: The interface between the PCF network element and the UDR network element, which can be used by the PCF network element to obtain policy-related contract data and application data-related information from the UDR network element.

[0110] It is understandable that the above network element or function can be a network element in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). Optionally, the above network element or function can be implemented by one device, or by multiple devices, or a functional module in one device, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0111] The user plane network element, session management network element, and mobility management network element in this application can be the UPF network element, SMF network element, and AMF network element in the 5G system, respectively, or can be a network element having the functions of the above-mentioned UPF network element, SMF network element, and AMF network element in future communications such as 6G networks, and this application is not limited to this. In the embodiment of the present application, an example in which the UPF network element, SMF network element, and AMF network element are respectively the user plane network element, the session management network element, and the mobility management network element is described. In addition, the UPF network element, the SMF network element, and the AMF network element are referred to as UPF, SMF, and AMF, respectively.

[0112] For ease of explanation, in the embodiments of the present application, a base station (such as 4G eNB, 5G gNB or base station in future communications) is used as an example of a network device for explanation, and the subsequent "base station" can be replaced by "network device". In the embodiments of the present application, a UE is used as an example of a terminal device for explanation, and the subsequent "UE" can be replaced by "terminal device".

[0113] A typical scenario of NTN is satellite network. Figure 2The diagram is a schematic diagram of the satellite network topology. In the regeneration mode, the UE can be deployed on the satellite through the base station accessed by the NTN. The UE is connected to the ground core network equipment through the satellite and the gateway (NTNgateway, NTN GW). In the scenario of discontinuous feeding in the regeneration mode, the connection (feeder link) between the satellite and the gateway is not always continuous. Figure 3 As shown in the figure, when the satellite is connected to the UE, there is no feeder link between the satellite and the gateway; when the satellite is connected to the gateway, there is no connection (service link) between the satellite and the UE. In this way, when the satellite receives information from the UE, it needs to store the information first, and then send the information to the core network equipment through the gateway when the feeder link is restored. It is worth noting that when the feeder link is not connected, it often means that even through the inter-satellite link (ISL), the link connecting to the ground station via other satellites is not connected.

[0114] When a UE accessing the core network via satellite obtains core network services, the core network equipment needs to verify the location of the UE, such as verifying the location of the UE in the registration process and the session establishment process, and confirming that the current PLMN can provide services for the UE. In transparent mode (transparent mode, or transparent payload), the core network equipment can obtain user location information (ULI) from the base station to determine whether the PLMN selected by the UE can work at the UE's location. However, due to the discontinuity of power feeding, the satellite will send the generated ULI to the core network equipment some time after receiving the UE's request message, so it cannot be guaranteed that the generated ULI indicates the accurate location of the UE.

[0115] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method to ensure that the core network device obtains accurate user location information of the terminal device.

[0116] Next, the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application is introduced in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings corresponding to each embodiment of the present application, all optional steps are indicated by dotted lines.

[0117] Example 1

[0118] Figure 4 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the network devices in the NTN in the regeneration mode may be as follows: Figure 2 or Figure 3 The network device shown in FIG. 1 , the core network device may be as follows Figure 2 The core network device shown. Among them, the content executed by the network device can be implemented by the network device itself, or by components in the network device, such as chips, processing units, or processors, without limitation. The content executed by the core network device can be implemented by the core network device itself, or by components in the core network device, such as chips, processing units, or processors, without limitation. The number of terminal devices accessing the network device can be one or more, and the first terminal device can be any terminal device of at least one terminal device accessing the network device.

[0119] like Figure 4 As shown, the method includes the following contents:

[0120] S401: When receiving a first message from a first terminal device, the network device generates first user location information of the first terminal device.

[0121] The first message is used to obtain core network services, and the first user location information is used to indicate the location of the first terminal device. Exemplarily, the core network services obtained by the first terminal device refer to the first terminal device successfully registering with the core network and establishing a session through the core network.

[0122] Optionally, the first message includes but is not limited to: a registration request and a selected PLMN. The registration request includes but is not limited to: a registration type, a subscription concealed identifier (SUCI), and a security parameter.

[0123] The network equipment is an on-board network equipment, that is, the network equipment is located on the satellite. The orbit of the satellite is fixed, which is represented by "ephemeris information" in 3GPP. The so-called ephemeris information includes the orbital height of the satellite, the angle with the equatorial plane, etc. The spatial position of the satellite at the current time can be known based on the ephemeris information.

[0124] Optionally, the network device may determine whether it has a feeder link based on the location information of the gateway and the ephemeris information to which the network device belongs. Exemplarily, the network device may determine the feeder connection status between it and the gateway based on the ephemeris information and the location information of the gateway. The feeder connection status includes feeder connection and no feeder connection.

[0125] Optionally, the network device can sense the continuity of the feed link, such as sensing whether there is a feed link currently through a feed sensing function, or obtaining the status information of the feed link through the underlying hardware. When there is a feed connection, that is, in a scenario where the feed is continuous, the network device sends a message containing the user location information to the core network device after receiving the first message.

[0126] In one implementation, when there is no feed connection, that is, in a scenario where the feed is discontinuous, the network device generates the first user location information of the first terminal device when it is connected to the first terminal device and receives the first message sent by the first terminal device. In addition, the network device may also store the first user location information and send it to the core network device when it is connected to the core network device. This ensures that the core network device can obtain the accurate location of the first terminal device.

[0127] In another implementation, the UE indicates in the first message that it is a store and forward (S&F) UE, and the network device generates the first user location information of the first terminal device when receiving the first message. Exemplarily, when the network device determines that the UE is an S&F UE, it can be determined that it is in a non-continuous power feeding scenario and needs to store and forward the message sent by the UE.

[0128] The network device may generate the first user location information in the following manner:

[0129] Mode 1: The network device generates the first user location information according to a mapped cell identity (mapped cell ID) of the first cell and a tracking area code (TAC) broadcasted when receiving the first message.

[0130] The first cell is a service cell managed by the network device and accessed by the first terminal device. In other words, the first cell is a cell corresponding to the geographical location of the area covered by the satellite beam when the network device receives the first message. The first cell can be a service cell or a list of service cells; the broadcast tracking area identifier can be one or more.

[0131] Optionally, when the network device is connected to the first terminal device, the network device may determine the mapping cell identifier or mapping cell identifier list corresponding to the geographical area covered by the satellite beam when the first message is received based on the pre-stored binding relationship between the mapping cell identifier and the geographical location. In addition, the network device may also use the tracking area identifier or tracking area identifier list broadcasted when connected to the first terminal device as the tracking area identifier or tracking area identifier list of the tracking area to which the first cell belongs.

[0132] Optionally, when receiving the first message from the first terminal device, the network device may also take the cell accessed by the first terminal device among the cells managed by the network device as the first cell.

[0133] After generating the first user location information of the first terminal device, the network device may store the first user location information. Exemplarily, the network device may maintain the storage relationship between the first user location information of the first terminal device and the first message in the context, temporary information and other information of the device. Optionally, when storing the first user location information, the network device may carry a store and forward (S&F) indicator in the storage relationship between the first user location information and the first message, or may carry the S&F indicator in the ULI structure. Among them, the S&F indicator information is used to indicate that the network device and the first terminal device are in a scenario where power feeding is discontinuous, and the network device transmits information in a storage and forwarding manner. For example, the storage relationship between the first user location information and the first message in the network device is shown in Table 1 or Table 2 below:

[0134] Table 1: S&F indicator carried in storage relationship

[0135] UE ID S&F Instructions ULI Registration request Selected PLMN

[0136] Table 2: Carrying S&F indicator in ULI structure

[0137] UE ID S&F ULI Registration request Selected PLMN

[0138] Among them, the S&F ULI in Table 2 can be shown in Table 3 below:

[0139] Table 3: S&F ULI

[0140]

[0141] Optionally, the UE ID may be in the form of SAE temporary mobile subscriber identity (S-TMSI), 5G-S-TMSI, globally unique temporary identity (GUTI), radio network temporary identifier (RNTI), RAN UE NG application protocol (NGAP) ID, and other identification information that can identify the UE. Among them, NG is the interface between the network device and the core network device.

[0142] When the network device senses that the feeder connection is restored, the network device can determine that a connection has been established with the core network device. Optionally, after the feeder connection is restored, the network device can perform an NG setup process with the core network device to establish a connection. After the network device establishes a connection with the core network device, the network device can generate a second message based on the ULI and the first message in the storage relationship. The second message may be an interface message between the network device and the core network device. For example, the second message may be an N2 msg. For another example, the second message may be an S1-MME msg.

[0143] Optionally, the second message may include the first message and the ULI. The first message, the ULI. The first message may include the PLMN selected by the first terminal device. The ULI in the second message may be the ULI or the S&F ULI that has established a storage relationship with the first message.

[0144] Optionally, the second message may further include indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate that the network device is an on-board network device.

[0145] Mode 2: The network device generates a second message. The second message carries the first user location information. The second message may be an N2 / S1-MME message. N2 is the interface between the network device and the core network device in 5G communication. S1-MME is the interface between the network device and the core network device in 4G communication.

[0146] As an example, when receiving a first message from a first terminal device, the network device may generate a ULI based on a mapped cell ID of the first cell and a tracking area ID of the tracking area to which the first cell belongs. Furthermore, after generating the ULI, the network device may generate a second message including the ULI and a first message sent by the first terminal device indicated by the ULI. For example, when receiving a registration request message from a first terminal device, the network device may generate a ULI based on a mapped cell ID and a broadcast TAC, and generate a second message including the ULI and a registration request message corresponding to the first terminal device. There is an association between the second message and the first terminal device.

[0147] After generating the second message, the network device may store the second message. For example, when the first message is a registration request, the storage relationship between the second message in the network device and the first terminal device is shown in Table 4 below:

[0148] Table 4: Storage relationship between the second message and the first terminal device

[0149]

[0150] When the network device senses that the feeder connection is restored, the network device can determine that a connection is established with the core network device. After the connection is established, the network device can send a second message to the core network device. Optionally, after the feeder connection is restored, the network device can perform NG setup with the core network device to establish a connection.

[0151] S402: The network device sends a second message to the core network device via the feeder link. The core network device receives the second message from the network device.

[0152] Optionally, when the network device needs to connect to the gateway station through other satellites, the feeder link may also include a portion of the intersatellite link, that is, the network device may route the second message to the gateway station through other satellites, and then to the core network device via the gateway station.

[0153] Optionally, the second message sent by the network device to the core network device may carry S&F indication information or may not carry S&F indication information.

[0154] S403: The core network device provides services for the first terminal device according to the second message.

[0155] Optionally, after receiving the second message, the core network device also needs to determine whether the network device is an on-board network device and whether it is in the regeneration mode. Exemplarily, the core network device may determine that the network device is an on-board network device in the following manner.

[0156] As an example, the core network device may obtain the identification information of the network device from the network device. When the identification information of the pre-configured on-board network device includes the identification information of the network device, the core network device determines that the network device is the on-board network device.

[0157] As another example, the second message received by the core network device includes indication information. The core network device can determine that the network device is an on-board network device according to the indication information.

[0158] Optionally, after determining that the network device is an on-board network device, the core network device can also sense whether the satellite where the network device is located is in regeneration mode. Exemplarily, the core network device can determine that the satellite currently served by the first terminal device is a non-continuous feeding satellite based on the configuration information of the first terminal device, that is, determine that the satellite is in regeneration mode. For example, when the configuration information of the first terminal device contains information indicating that the first terminal device is an S&F first terminal device, the core network device can determine that the satellite currently served by the first terminal device is in regeneration mode. When the core network device determines that the satellite where the network device is located is in regeneration mode, the core network device can determine whether the location of the first terminal device coincides with the location where the network device is connected based on the first user location information. As an example, when the location of the first terminal device coincides with the location of the gateway station connected to the network device, the core network device can determine that an error has occurred in the logic of the network device and initiate a positioning process for the first terminal device. Further, the positioning process of the first terminal device can be completed by the LMF network element. As another example, when the location of the first terminal device does not coincide with the location of the gateway station connected to the network device, the core network device can perform subsequent location authentication operations. The core network can perform location authentication operations in the following ways:

[0159] A1: The core network device may determine the service area corresponding to the PLMN selected by the first terminal device according to the service area of ​​the pre-configured PLMN.

[0160] A2: The core network device may also determine, based on the first user location information, whether the location of the first terminal device is within the service area corresponding to the PLMN selected by the first terminal device.

[0161] As an example, when the location of the first terminal device is in the service area corresponding to the PLMN selected by the first terminal device, the core network device provides services to the first terminal device. For example, when the first terminal device is in the service area corresponding to the PLMN selected by the first terminal device, the core network device completes the registration process of the first terminal device.

[0162] As another example, when the location of the first terminal device is not in the service area corresponding to the PLMN selected by the first terminal device, the core network device may send indication information of refusing to provide service to the first terminal device.

[0163] In the content shown in the above embodiment 1, in the regeneration mode, after receiving the first message from the first terminal device, the network device directly generates a ULI indicating the location of the first terminal device. In this way, when the subsequent network device sends a second message to the core network device through the feeder link, it can be ensured that the core network device obtains the user location information that accurately indicates the first terminal device.

[0164] based on Figure 4 The embodiment shown provides a method, and the present application also provides a communication example, see Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown.

[0165] Figure 5 A flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown. The network device is a satellite gNB in ​​regeneration mode, and the core network device is an AMF. Figure 5 As shown, the method comprises the following steps:

[0166] S501: The on-board gNB determines the feed connection status based on the location information of the gateway connected to the on-board gNB and the ephemeris information of the satellite to which the on-board gNB belongs.

[0167] The feed connection status includes feed connection and no feed connection.

[0168] S502: The UE sends a first message to the onboard gNB. The onboard gNB receives the first message sent by the UE.

[0169] The first message is used to obtain core network services. The first message may include an massage and a registration request. Exemplarily, an massage may include a parameter, and an parameter may be the PLMN selected by the UE. The registration request may include a registration type, a SUCI, and a security parameter.

[0170] S503: When receiving the first message, the onboard gNB generates the ULI of the UE according to the mapped cell identifier of the first cell and the currently broadcast tracking area identifier.

[0171] The first cell is a serving cell managed by the on-board gNB and accessed by the UE, or is a cell corresponding to the geographical location of the satellite beam coverage area of ​​the satellite to which the on-board gNB belongs. The ULI is used to indicate the location of the UE.

[0172] S504: The onboard gNB stores the ULI and establishes a storage relationship between the registration request and the ULI.

[0173] S505: A connection is established between the onboard gNB and the AMF.

[0174] S506: The onboard gNB generates an N2 message according to the ULI and registration request in the storage relationship.

[0175] The N2 message may include the selected PLMN, the registration request, and the ULI or S&F ULI that establishes a storage relationship with the registration request.

[0176] S507: The onboard gNB sends an N2 message to the AMF. The AMF receives the N2 message from the onboard gNB.

[0177] S508: The AMF determines the service area corresponding to the PLMN selected by the UE according to the service area of ​​the pre-configured PLMN.

[0178] S509: AMF determines whether to accept the UE's registration request based on the ULI and the service area corresponding to the PLMN selected by the UE.

[0179] Optionally, the AMF can determine whether the UE is within the service area of ​​the AMF by determining whether the location of the UE indicated by the ULI is within the service area corresponding to the PLMN selected by the UE. In this way, the AMF can determine whether to accept the registration request of the UE.

[0180] S510: When the AMF determines to accept the UE's registration request, the UE's registration process is completed.

[0181] S511: When the AMF determines that the registration request of the UE is not accepted, it sends a registration rejection message to the UE. The UE receives the registration rejection message from the AMF.

[0182] based on Figure 5 As shown in the content, when the on-board gNB receives the registration request from the UE, it directly generates a ULI indicating the UE location and stores it. When the on-board gNB is connected to the AMF, the on-board gNB sends the N2 message containing the ULI to the AMF. In this way, it can be ensured that the ULI of the UE obtained by the AMF is accurate location information.

[0183] Figure 6 Another flow chart of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application is shown. The network device is a satellite gNB in ​​the regeneration mode, and the core network device is an AMF. Figure 6 As shown, the method comprises the following steps:

[0184] S601: The on-board gNB determines the feed connection status based on the location information of the gateway connected to the on-board gNB and the ephemeris information of the satellite to which the on-board gNB belongs.

[0185] The feed connection status includes feed connection and no feed connection.

[0186] S602: The UE sends a first message to the onboard gNB. The onboard gNB receives the first message sent by the UE.

[0187] The first message is used to obtain core network services. The first message may include an massage and a registration request. Exemplarily, an massage may include a parameter, and an parameter may be the PLMN selected by the UE. The registration request may include a registration type, a SUCI, and a security parameter.

[0188] S603: When receiving the first message, the onboard gNB generates a ULI and generates an N2 message including the ULI and the registration request.

[0189] The ULI is used to indicate the location of the UE. The process of generating the ULI in step S603 is the same as the process of generating the ULI in S401 in Embodiment 1 in Mode 1, which will not be described in detail.

[0190] S604: The onboard gNB stores the N2 message.

[0191] S605: A connection is established between the onboard gNB and the AMF.

[0192] S606: The onboard gNB sends an N2 message to the AMF. The AMF receives the N2 message from the onboard gNB.

[0193] S607: AMF determines that the satellite where the onboard gNB is located is in regeneration mode.

[0194] S608: When the AMF determines, based on the ULI, that the UE's location coincides with the location of the gateway to which the gNB on board is connected, it determines that the UE's location is inaccurate and triggers the UE positioning process.

[0195] S609: The AMF determines the service area corresponding to the PLMN selected by the UE based on the service area of ​​the pre-configured PLMN, and determines whether to accept the registration request of the UE.

[0196] Optionally, the AMF can determine whether the UE is within the service area of ​​the AMF by determining whether the location of the UE indicated by the ULI is within the service area corresponding to the PLMN selected by the UE. In this way, the AMF can determine whether to accept the registration request of the UE.

[0197] S610: When the AMF determines to accept the registration request of the UE, the registration process of the UE is completed.

[0198] S611: When the AMF determines that the registration request of the UE is not accepted, it sends a registration rejection message to the UE. The UE receives the registration rejection message from the AMF.

[0199] based on Figure 6As shown in the content, when the on-board gNB receives the registration request from the UE, it directly generates an N2 message carrying the ULI indicating the UE location and stores it. When the on-board gNB is connected to the AMF, the on-board gNB sends the N2 message containing the ULI to the AMF. In this way, it can be ensured that the ULI of the UE obtained by the AMF is accurate location information.

[0200] Example 2

[0201] Figure 7 A flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the network devices in the NTN in the regeneration mode may be as follows: Figure 2 or Figure 3 The network device shown in FIG. 1 , the core network device may be as follows Figure 2 The core network device shown. Among them, the content executed by the network device can be implemented by the network device itself, or by components in the network device, such as chips, processing units, or processors, without limitation. The content executed by the core network device can be implemented by the core network device itself, or by components in the core network device, such as chips, processing units, or processors, without limitation. The number of terminal devices accessing the network device can be one or more, and the first terminal device can be any terminal device of at least one terminal device accessing the network device.

[0202] like Figure 7 As shown, the method includes the following contents:

[0203] S701: The network device receives a first message from a first terminal device. The first terminal device sends the first message to the network device.

[0204] The first message is used to obtain core network services. Exemplarily, the core network services obtained by the first terminal device refer to the first terminal device successfully registering with the core network and establishing a session through the core network.

[0205] Optionally, the first message includes but is not limited to: a registration request and a selected PLMN. The registration request includes but is not limited to: a registration type, a SUCI, and security parameters.

[0206] The network equipment is an on-board network equipment, that is, the network equipment is located on the satellite. The orbit of the satellite is fixed, and is represented by "ephemeris information" in 3GPP. The so-called ephemeris information includes the orbital height of the satellite, the angle with the equatorial plane, etc. The spatial position of the satellite at the current time can be obtained based on the ephemeris information.

[0207] Optionally, the first message also includes a first timestamp, and the first timestamp is used to indicate the time when the first terminal device sends the first message.

[0208] Optionally, when the network device receives the first message, it records the time when the first message is received and uses the time as the first timestamp. That is, the first timestamp is used to indicate the time when the network device receives the first message. The network device may also store the first timestamp. Exemplarily, the network device may use the ID of the first terminal device as an index to maintain the association between the first message and the first timestamp. For example, when the first message is a registration request, the storage relationship between the first timestamp and the first message in the network device may be as shown in Table 5 below:

[0209] Table 5: Storage relationship of the first timestamp

[0210] UE ID time stamp Registration request

[0211] Optionally, the network device can sense the connectivity of the feeder link, such as sensing whether a feeder link currently exists through the feeder sensing function, or obtaining the status information of the feeder link through the underlying hardware. When the network device senses that the feeder connection has been restored, the network device can determine that a connection has been established with the core network device. Optionally, when the feeder link is restored, the network device can perform NG setup with the core network device to establish a connection. After the connection is established, the network device can retrieve the saved time stamp based on the UEID.

[0212] Optionally, when the feeder link is restored, the network device may send a third message to the core network device. The third message is used to establish a connection with the core network device, and the third message includes a mapped cell identifier of the first cell and a tracking area identifier of the tracking area to which the first cell belongs. The first cell is a service cell managed by the network device and accessed by the first terminal device at the time indicated by the first timestamp, or the first cell is a cell corresponding to the geographical location of the area covered by the satellite beam at the time indicated by the first timestamp. The first cell may be a service cell or a list of service cells; the tracking area identifier may be one or more.

[0213] Optionally, when the network device is connected to the first terminal device, the network device may determine the mapping cell identifier or mapping cell identifier list corresponding to the geographical area covered by the satellite beam when the first message is received based on the pre-stored binding relationship between the mapping cell identifier and the geographical location. In addition, the network device may also use the tracking area identifier or tracking area identifier list broadcasted when connected to the first terminal device as the tracking area identifier or tracking area identifier list of the tracking area to which the first cell belongs.

[0214] S702: The network device sends a second message to the core network device via the feeder link. The core network device receives the second message from the network device via the feeder link.

[0215] The second message includes a first timestamp, and the first timestamp is used to determine the location information of the first terminal device.

[0216] S703: The core network device determines the first user location information of the first terminal device according to the first timestamp.

[0217] The first user location information is used to indicate the location of the first terminal device at the time indicated by the first timestamp.

[0218] Optionally, the core network device may receive a third message during the process of establishing a connection with the network device, and determine the first user location information based on the received third message.

[0219] Optionally, the core network device can also determine the position of the satellite at the time indicated by the first timestamp based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the network device is located. The ephemeris information of the satellite can be obtained by the core network device from the network device, or pre-configured in the core network device. The core network device can determine the mapped cell identifier (list) of the first cell and / or the tracking area identifier (list) of the tracking area to which the first cell belongs based on the position of the satellite and the correspondence between the mapped cell identifier and the geographic location. The core network device can determine the first user location information based on the mapped cell identifier of the first cell and / or the tracking area identifier of the tracking area to which the first cell belongs.

[0220] After determining the location information of the first user, the core network device can verify the location of the determined first terminal device. Exemplarily, the core network device can determine the service area corresponding to the PLMN selected by the first terminal device, that is, the service range of the core network device, based on the service area of ​​the pre-configured PLMN. The core network device can also determine whether the location of the first terminal device is in the service area corresponding to the PLMN selected by the first terminal device based on the location information of the first user. That is, the core network determines whether the location indicated by the first user location information is within the service range of the core network device.

[0221] S704: When the location indicated by the first user location information is within the service range of the core network device, the core network device provides services for the first terminal device.

[0222] As an example, when the location of the first terminal device is within the service range of the core network device, the core network device can provide services to the first terminal device. For example, when the first terminal device is within the service range of the core network device, the core network device completes the registration process of the first terminal device.

[0223] As another example, when the location of the first terminal device is not within the service range of the core network device, the core network device may send indication information of refusing to provide service to the first terminal device.

[0224] In Embodiment 2, the network device will also send the ULI to the core network device, but since the accuracy of the ULI cannot be confirmed, the first user information determined by the core network device shall prevail.

[0225] Based on the content shown in the above embodiment 2, the network device sends the timestamp to the core network device, allowing the core network device to determine the location of the first terminal device at the time indicated by the timestamp based on the timestamp, thereby ensuring that the ULI information subsequently used by the core network device for location verification is the true geographic location information of the UE, avoiding regulatory issues caused by inaccurate ULI.

[0226] based on Figure 7 The embodiment shown provides a method, and the present application also provides a communication example, see Figure 8 shown.

[0227] Figure 8 Another flow chart of the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application is shown. The network device is a satellite gNB in ​​the regeneration mode, and the core network device is an AMF. Figure 8 As shown, the method comprises the following steps:

[0228] S801: The UE sends a first message to the onboard gNB. The onboard gNB receives the first message sent by the UE.

[0229] The first message is used to obtain core network services. The first message may include an massage and a registration request. Exemplarily, an massage may include a parameter, and an parameter may be the PLMN selected by the UE. The registration request may include a registration type, a SUCI, a security parameter, and a timestamp.

[0230] S802: The onboard gNB records a first timestamp when the registration request in the first message is received.

[0231] The first timestamp is used to determine the UE location.

[0232] In some other embodiments, the onboard gNB may use the timestamp in the registration request as the first timestamp.

[0233] S803: A connection is established between the onboard gNB and the AMF.

[0234] S804: The onboard gNB generates an N2 message including a first timestamp.

[0235] The N2 message also includes a registration request.

[0236] S805: The onboard gNB sends an N2 message to the AMF. The AMF receives the N2 message from the onboard gNB.

[0237] S806: AMF determines the mapping cell identifier and / or tracking area identifier based on the ephemeris information of the satellite to which the onboard gNB belongs, the first timestamp, and the correspondence between the mapping cell identifier and the geographic location.

[0238] Optionally, the ephemeris information can be pre-configured in the AMF, or obtained by the AMF from the onboard gNB.

[0239] The specific execution process of S806 may refer to the process of determining the mapping cell identifier and / or tracking area identifier in S703, which will not be described in detail here.

[0240] S807: AMF determines the ULI based on the mapped cell identifier and / or tracking area identifier.

[0241] The ULI indicates the location of the UE.

[0242] S808: The AMF determines the service area corresponding to the PLMN selected by the UE based on the service area of ​​the pre-configured PLMN.

[0243] S809: AMF determines whether to accept the UE's registration request based on the ULI and the service area corresponding to the PLMN selected by the UE.

[0244] Optionally, the AMF can determine whether the UE is within the service area of ​​the AMF by determining whether the location of the UE indicated by the ULI is within the service area corresponding to the PLMN selected by the UE. In this way, the AMF can determine whether to accept the registration request of the UE.

[0245] S810: When the AMF determines to accept the UE's registration request, the UE's registration process is completed.

[0246] S811: When the AMF determines that the registration request of the UE is not accepted, it sends a registration rejection message to the UE. The UE receives the registration rejection message from the AMF.

[0247] based on Figure 8 As shown in the content, the onboard gNB sends the timestamp of receiving the registration request to the AMF, so that the AMF can determine the location of the UE at the time indicated by the timestamp based on the timestamp, thereby ensuring that the ULI information used by the AMF for subsequent location verification is the true geographic location information of the UE, avoiding regulatory issues caused by inaccurate ULI.

[0248] It is worth noting that the execution order of each step in the above method embodiment is only an example, and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. The above mainly introduces the scheme provided by the embodiment of the present application from the perspective of device interaction. It is understandable that in order to achieve the above functions, each device may include a hardware structure and / or software module corresponding to each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiment disclosed herein, the embodiment of the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in a hardware or computer software driven hardware manner depends on the specific application and implementation constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the present application.

[0249] The embodiment of the present application can divide the functional units of the device according to the above method example, for example, each functional unit can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one unit. The above integrated unit can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0250] In the case of an integrated unit, Fig. 9 FIG. 1 shows a possible exemplary block diagram of a communication device involved in an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 9 As shown, the communication device 900 may include: a sending unit 901, a processing unit 902 and a receiving unit 903. The processing unit 902 is used to control and manage the actions of the communication device 900. The receiving unit 903 is used to support the communication between the communication device 900 and other devices. Optionally, the receiving unit 903 and the sending unit 901 can also be a unit (such as a transceiver unit or a communication unit), which can be used to perform receiving and sending operations. Optionally, the communication device 900 may also include a storage unit 904 for storing program code and / or data of the communication device 900.

[0251] The processing unit 902 may support the communication device 900 to perform the actions of the network device or core network device in the non-terrestrial network NTN in the regeneration mode in each method example above. Alternatively, the processing unit 902 mainly performs the internal actions of the network device or core network device in the non-terrestrial network NTN in the regeneration mode in the method example. The receiving unit 903 and the sending unit 901 may support the communication between the communication device 900 and other devices.

[0252] For example, the communication device 900 may be a network device in the non-terrestrial network NTN in the regeneration mode in the above-mentioned embodiments, or may be a component (such as a chip) of the network device in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0253] The processing unit 902 is configured to generate first user location information of the first terminal device when receiving a first message from the first terminal device through the receiving unit 903, where the first message is used to obtain a core network service, and the first user location information is used to indicate a location of the first terminal device;

[0254] The sending unit 901 is used to send a second message to the core network device through a feeder link, where the second message includes the first user location information.

[0255] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 902 is used to generate the first user location information according to the mapped cell identifier of the first cell and the tracking area identifier of the tracking area to which the first cell belongs; the first cell is a service cell managed by the network device and accessed by the first terminal device.

[0256] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 902 is configured to generate the second message, where the second message carries the first user location information.

[0257] In a possible implementation, after generating the first user location information of the first terminal device, the processing unit 902 is configured to store the first user location information.

[0258] In a possible implementation manner, the second message also includes the first message, and the first message includes the public land mobile network selected by the first terminal device.

[0259] In a possible implementation manner, the network device is an on-board network device; and the second message further includes indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate that the network device is the on-board network device.

[0260] In a possible implementation, the receiving unit 903 is configured to receive a first message from a first terminal device, where the first message is used to obtain a core network service;

[0261] The sending unit 901 is used to send a second message to the core network device through a feeder link, where the second message includes a first timestamp, and the first timestamp is used to determine the user location information of the first terminal device.

[0262] In a possible implementation manner, the first timestamp is used to indicate the time when the network device receives the first message.

[0263] In a possible implementation, the first message includes the first timestamp, where the first timestamp is used to indicate the time when the first terminal device sends the first message.

[0264] In a possible implementation manner, the second message also includes the first message, the first message includes the public land mobile network selected by the first terminal device, and the network device is an on-board network device.

[0265] In a possible implementation, before sending a second message to a core network device via a feeder link, a sending unit 901 is used to send a third message to the core network device, wherein the third message is used to establish a connection with the core network device, and the third message includes a mapped cell identifier of a first cell and a tracking area identifier of a tracking area to which the first cell belongs; the first cell is a service cell managed by the network device and accessed by the first terminal device at the time indicated by the first timestamp.

[0266] For another example, the communication device 900 may be a core network device in each of the above embodiments, or may also be a component (such as a chip) of the core network device in each of the above embodiments.

[0267] A receiving unit 903 is configured to receive a second message from a network device, where the second message includes first user location information, where the first user location information is used to indicate a location of the first terminal device;

[0268] The processing unit 902 is used to provide service for the first terminal device according to the second message.

[0269] In a possible implementation, before providing services to the first terminal device according to the second message, the processing unit 902 is used to determine that the network device is an onboard network device and that the satellite where the network device is located is in a regeneration mode; and based on the first user location information, determine that the location of the first terminal device does not overlap with the location of a gateway to which the network device is connected.

[0270] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 902 is configured to obtain identification information of the network device; and when the identification information of the pre-configured on-board network device includes the identification information of the network device, determine that the network device is the on-board network device.

[0271] In a possible implementation manner, the second message further includes indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate that the network device is the on-board network device.

[0272] In a possible implementation manner, the second message further includes a first message, where the first message is used to obtain core network services; and the first message includes a public land mobile network selected by the first terminal device.

[0273] In a possible implementation, the receiving unit 903 is configured to receive a second message from a network device, where the second message includes a first timestamp;

[0274] Processing unit 902 is used to determine first user location information of a first terminal device based on the first timestamp, where the first user location information is used to indicate the location of the first terminal device at the time indicated by the first timestamp; when the location indicated by the first user location information is within the service range of the core network device, provide service for the first terminal device.

[0275] In a possible implementation, the receiving unit 903 is configured to receive a third message from the network device, where the third message is used to establish a connection with the core network device, and the third message includes a mapped cell identifier of the first cell and a tracking area identifier of the tracking area to which the first cell belongs; the first cell is a serving cell managed by the network device and accessed by the first terminal device at the time indicated by the first timestamp;

[0276] The processing unit 902 is used to determine the first user location information according to the third message.

[0277] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 902 is used to determine the position of the satellite at the time indicated by the first timestamp based on the ephemeris information of the satellite where the network device is located; determine the mapped cell identifier of the first cell and / or the tracking area identifier of the tracking area to which the first cell belongs based on the position of the satellite and the correspondence between the mapped cell identifier and the geographic location; the first cell is a service cell managed by the network device and accessed by the first terminal device at the time indicated by the first timestamp; determine the first user location information based on the mapped cell identifier of the first cell and / or the tracking area identifier of the tracking area to which the first cell belongs.

[0278] In a possible implementation manner, the second message also includes the first message, and the first message includes the public land mobile network selected by the first terminal device.

[0279] It should be understood that the division of the units in the above device is only a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into one physical entity, or they can be physically separated. And the units in the device can all be implemented in the form of software calling through processing elements; they can also be all implemented in the form of hardware; some units can also be implemented in the form of software calling through processing elements, and some units can be implemented in the form of hardware. For example, each unit can be a separately established processing element, or it can be integrated in a certain chip of the device. In addition, it can also be stored in the memory in the form of a program, and called and executed by a certain processing element of the device. The function of the unit. In addition, all or part of these units can be integrated together, or they can be implemented independently. The processing element here can also be a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each operation of the above method or each unit above can be implemented by an integrated logic circuit of hardware in the processor element or in the form of software calling through a processing element.

[0280] In one example, the unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above method, such as one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), or one or more digital singnal processors (DSP), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. For another example, when the unit in the device can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler, the processing element can be a processor, such as a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), or other processors that can call programs. For another example, these units can be integrated together and implemented in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0281] The above unit for receiving is an interface circuit of the device, which is used to receive signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented in the form of a chip, the receiving unit is an interface circuit of the chip used to receive signals from other chips or devices. The above unit for sending is an interface circuit of the device, which is used to send signals to other devices. For example, when the device is implemented in the form of a chip, the sending unit is an interface circuit of the chip used to send signals to other chips or devices.

[0282] Please refer to Fig.10, is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is used to implement the operation of a network device or a core network device in a non-terrestrial network NTN in a regeneration mode in each of the above embodiments. The communication device 1000 includes: a processor 1010 and an interface 1030. Optionally, the communication device 1000 also includes a memory 1020. The interface 1030 is used to implement communication with other devices.

[0283] In the above embodiments, the method executed by the network device or core network device in the non-terrestrial network NTN in the regeneration mode can be implemented by the processor 1010 calling the program stored in the memory (which can be the memory 1420 in the network device or core network device in the non-terrestrial network NTN in the regeneration mode, or it can be an external memory). That is, the communication device 1000 for implementing the function of the network device or core network device in the non-terrestrial network NTN in the regeneration mode may include a processor 1010, and the processor 1010 executes the method executed by the network device or core network device in the non-terrestrial network NTN in the regeneration mode in the above method embodiment by calling the program in the memory. The processor here can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capability, such as a CPU. The access network device can be implemented by configuring one or more integrated circuits to implement the above method. For example: one or more ASICs, or one or more microprocessors DSP, or one or more FPGAs, etc., or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. Alternatively, the above implementation can be combined.

[0284] When the communication device 1000 is used for the above method, the processor 1010 is used to implement the function of the above processing unit 902 , and the interface 1030 is used to implement the functions of the above sending unit 901 and the receiving unit 903 .

[0285] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function according to the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from a website site, a computer, a server or a data center by wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) mode to another website site, computer, server or data center. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server, a data center, etc. that includes one or more available media integrated. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a tape), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid state drive (SSD)), etc.

[0286] The various illustrative logic units and circuits described in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or operated by a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, a discrete hardware component, or any combination of the above. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, and optionally, the general-purpose processor can also be any traditional processor, controller, microcontroller or state machine. The processor can also be implemented by a combination of computing devices, such as a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a digital signal processor core, or any other similar configuration to achieve.

[0287] The steps of the method or algorithm described in the embodiments of the present application can be directly embedded in hardware, a software unit executed by a processor, or a combination of the two. The software unit can be stored in a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), an EPROM memory, an EEPROM memory, a register, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium in the art. Exemplarily, the storage medium can be connected to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and can write information to the storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium can also be integrated into the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be arranged in an ASIC.

[0288] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operational steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, whereby the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0289] In one or more exemplary implementations, the above functions described in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware or any combination of the three. If implemented in software, these functions can be stored on a computer-readable medium, or transmitted in the form of one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media that facilitate the transfer of computer programs from one place to another. Storage media can be available media that any general or special computer can access. For example, such computer-readable media can include but are not limited to RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store program codes in the form of instructions or data structures and other programs that can be read by general or special computers, or general or special processors. In addition, any connection can be appropriately defined as a computer-readable medium, for example, if the software is transmitted from a website site, server or other remote resource through a coaxial cable, fiber optic computer, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wirelessly transmitted in a wireless manner such as infrared, wireless and microwave, it is also included in the defined computer-readable medium. The disk and disc include compact disk, laser disk, optical disk, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc. Disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs usually reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above may also be included in computer readable media.

[0290] Those skilled in the art should be aware that in one or more of the above examples, the functions described in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented with hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein the communication media include any media that facilitates the transmission of a computer program from one place to another. The storage medium can be any available medium that a general or special-purpose computer can access.

[0291] The specific implementation methods described above further describe the purpose, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present application in detail. It should be understood that the above is only the specific implementation methods of the embodiments of the present application, and is not intended to limit the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made on the basis of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application should be included in the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. The above description of the specification of the application can make any technical content of the present application embodiment that can be utilized or implemented in the art, and any modification based on the disclosed content should be considered obvious in the art. The basic principles described in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to other variations without departing from the inventive essence and scope of the present application. Therefore, the content disclosed in the embodiments of the present application is not only limited to the described embodiments and implementations, but can also be extended to the maximum scope consistent with the principles of the present application and the disclosed new features.

[0292] Although the present application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments thereof, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present application. Accordingly, this specification and the drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of the present application as defined by the appended claims, and are deemed to have covered any and all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents within the scope of the present application. Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the embodiments of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalent technologies, the embodiments of the present application are also intended to include these changes and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Network equipment used in non-terrestrial networks NTN in regeneration mode, including: upon receiving a first message from a first terminal device, generating first user location information of the first terminal device, wherein the first message is used to obtain a core network service, and the first user location information is used to indicate a location of the first terminal device; A second message is sent to the core network device via a feeder link, where the second message includes the first user location information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The generating the first user location information of the first terminal device includes: The first user location information is generated according to a mapped cell identifier of the first cell and a tracking area identifier of a tracking area to which the first cell belongs; the first cell is a service cell managed by the network device and accessed by the first terminal device.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Generating first user location information of the first terminal device includes: Generate the second message, where the second message carries the first user location information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: After generating the first user location information of the first terminal device, the method further includes: The first user location information is stored.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The second message also includes the first message, and the first message includes the public land mobile network selected by the first terminal equipment.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The network device is an on-board network device; The second message also includes indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate that the network device is the on-board network device.

7. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to core network equipment, including: receiving a second message from a network device, where the second message includes first user location information, where the first user location information is used to indicate a location of the first terminal device; Provide service for the first terminal device according to the second message.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that Before providing service for the first terminal device according to the second message, the method further includes: Determining that the network device is an onboard network device, and the satellite where the network device is located is in a regeneration mode; According to the first user location information, it is determined that the location of the first terminal device does not overlap with the location of a gateway to which the network device is connected.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The determining that the network device is an on-board network device includes: Obtaining identification information of the network device; When the identification information of the pre-configured on-board network device includes the identification information of the network device, it is determined that the network device is the on-board network device.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The second message also includes indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate that the network device is the on-board network device.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that: The second message also includes a first message, where the first message is used to obtain core network services; and the first message includes the public land mobile network selected by the first terminal device.

12. A communication method, characterized in that: Network equipment used in non-terrestrial networks NTN in regeneration mode, including: Receiving a first message from a first terminal device, where the first message is used to obtain a core network service; A second message is sent to the core network device via a feeder link, where the second message includes a first timestamp, and the first timestamp is used to determine user location information of the first terminal device.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first timestamp is used to indicate the time when the network device receives the first message.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first message includes the first timestamp, and the first timestamp is used to indicate the time when the first terminal device sends the first message.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that: The second message also includes the first message, the first message includes the public land mobile network selected by the first terminal device, and the network device is an on-board network device.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that: Before sending the second message to the core network device through the feeder link, the method further includes: A third message is sent to the core network device, where the third message is used to establish a connection with the core network device, and the third message includes a mapped cell identifier of the first cell and a tracking area identifier of the tracking area to which the first cell belongs; the first cell is a service cell managed by the network device and accessed by the first terminal device at the time indicated by the first timestamp.

17. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to core network equipment, including: receiving a second message from a network device, the second message comprising a first timestamp; Determine, according to the first timestamp, first user location information of a first terminal device, where the first user location information is used to indicate a location of the first terminal device at a time indicated by the first timestamp; When the location indicated by the first user location information is within the service range of the core network device, service is provided for the first terminal device.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The determining, according to the first timestamp, first user location information of the first terminal device includes: receiving a third message from the network device, the third message being used to establish a connection with the core network device, the third message including a mapped cell identifier of a first cell and a tracking area identifier of a tracking area to which the first cell belongs; the first cell being a serving cell managed by the network device and accessed by the first terminal device at the time indicated by the first timestamp; The first user location information is determined according to the third message.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The determining, according to the first timestamp, first user location information of the first terminal device includes: Determine, according to the ephemeris information of the satellite where the network device is located, the position of the satellite at the time indicated by the first timestamp; Determine, according to the correspondence between the position of the satellite and the mapped cell identifier and the geographical location, a mapped cell identifier of the first cell and / or a tracking area identifier of the tracking area to which the first cell belongs; the first cell is a service cell managed by the network device and accessed by the first terminal device at the time indicated by the first timestamp; The first user location information is determined according to a mapped cell identifier of the first cell and / or a tracking area identifier of a tracking area to which the first cell belongs.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that: The second message also includes the first message, and the first message includes the public land mobile network selected by the first terminal device.

21. A communication device, characterized in that: comprising a memory, and one or more processors, the memory being coupled to the one or more processors; The memory is used to store a computer program or an instruction. When the computer program or the instruction is executed by the one or more processors, the communication device executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. A communication device, characterized in that: It includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit; The transceiver unit is used to receive and send data; The processing unit is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-20.

23. A chip, characterized in that: The chip comprises a processor, which is coupled to a memory and is used to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the memory, so that the chip executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The method comprises computer program instructions, and when the computer program instructions are executed by a computer, the processor performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

25. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises a computer program, and when the computer program is run on a computer, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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