Communication method and device

Abstract

Provided are a communication method and device, relating to the technical field of communications, the method comprising: an access network device receiving first information from a core network device, the access network device covering a first area, the first information being used for triggering the access network device to page a terminal device, the terminal device being located in a second area, the first area being used for receiving the first information from the core network device; the first area is different from the second area; and the access network device pages the terminal device according to the first information under the condition that the access network device covers the second area. In the embodiment of the invention, the access network equipment can receive the information from the core network equipment firstly under the condition that the core network equipment and the terminal equipment are located in different areas, and then page the terminal equipment under the condition that the area where the terminal equipment is located is covered, so that the paging of the access network equipment to the terminal equipment is realized. In addition, the scheme can save signaling overhead.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the non-terrestrial network (NTN) system, satellites can communicate with core network equipment through NTN gateways, and satellites can also communicate with terminal equipment. Among them, satellites can be used as access network equipment, the link between the gateway and the satellite is the feeder link, and the link between the satellite and the terminal equipment is the service link.

[0003] After the access network device receives a paging request from the core network device, the access network device will page the terminal device. However, the area where the terminal device to be paged is located may be different from the area where the core network device is located. If the access network device still cannot page the terminal device before the feeder link is disconnected, the access network device will fail to paging.

[0004] Therefore, how to enable the access network device to implement paging of the terminal device is a problem that needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, which can enable an access network device to implement paging of a terminal device.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by an access network device, or by a component (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system) in the access network device, or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device. The method includes: the access network device receives first information from a core network device, wherein the access network device covers a first area, and the first information is used to trigger the access network device to page a terminal device, the terminal device is located in a second area, and the first area is different from the second area; the access network device, based on the first information, pages the terminal device when the access network device covers the second area.

[0007] It should be noted that the access network device in the above-mentioned first aspect and any implementation of the first aspect can be regarded as the first access network device in the embodiment of the present application. The above-mentioned scheme can also be called a store and forward (S&F) operation. The S&F operation is different from the scheme in the related technical scheme that the access network device directly performs paging after receiving the first information.

[0008] Through the method in the above embodiment, the access network device receives the first information for triggering paging of the terminal device from the core network device when it does not cover the terminal device, and pages the terminal device when it covers the terminal device, thereby avoiding the access network device from continuously paging the terminal device after receiving the first information, which not only improves the paging success rate but also saves signaling overhead. In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information includes an identifier of the terminal device and an identifier of the second area.

[0009] Based on the identification of the terminal device, the access network device can accurately page the terminal device to be paged. Based on the identification of the second area, the first access network device can accurately page the terminal device in the area where the terminal device is located, and will not page it in other areas. Therefore, the above solution improves the success rate of paging the terminal device.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method also includes: after the paging of the terminal device is completed and the access network device covers the second area, the access network device sends first data to the terminal device, and the first data is data received by the access network device before the paging of the terminal device is completed and is to be sent to the terminal device.

[0011] Based on the above scheme, the core network device can send downlink data to be sent to the terminal device to the access network device before the paging of the terminal device is completed, which helps the access network device to send the downlink data to the terminal device as soon as possible after the paging of the terminal device is completed, thereby improving the data transmission efficiency between the core network device and the terminal device.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method also includes: the access network device receives second data from the terminal device; and the access network device sends the second data to the core network device when the access network device covers the first area.

[0013] Based on the above solution, the access network device can receive uplink data from the terminal device, and transmit the uplink data to the core network device when the access network device covers the first area. The above solution enables the terminal device to perform uplink transmission through the access network device.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second area is a tracking area (TA), a cell, or a geographical area.

[0015] Based on the above solution, the second area can be a TA or an area with a smaller granularity than a TA. In this way, when the access network device covers the second area, the access network device is more likely to successfully page the terminal device due to the smaller granularity of the second area. Therefore, the above solution improves the success rate of paging the terminal device.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method also includes: the access network device receives second information from the core network device, the second information being used to indicate that the terminal device is to be paged when the access network device covers the second area; wherein the access network device pages the terminal device based on the first information when the access network device covers the second area, including: the access network device pages the terminal device based on the first information and the second information when the access network device covers the second area.

[0017] Based on the above solution, the first access network device can perform the S&F operation under the instruction of the core network device, thereby realizing the paging of the terminal device by the first access network device and saving signaling overhead.

[0018] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method also includes: the access network device determines, based on third information, to page the terminal device when the access network device covers the second area, wherein the third information includes information of the second area; wherein the access network device pages the terminal device based on the first information when the access network device covers the second area, including: the access network device pages the terminal device based on the first information and the third information when the access network device covers the second area.

[0019] Based on the above solution, the access network device can determine whether to perform the S&F operation according to the information of the second area. The above solution enables the access network device to perform the S&F operation when it cannot directly page the terminal device successfully, thereby successfully implementing the paging of the terminal device by the first access network device and saving signaling overhead.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method also includes: the access network device receives fourth information from the core network device, the fourth information being used to indicate the number of times and / or the duration of the paging performed by the access network device on the terminal device when the access network device covers the second area; the access network device pages the terminal device based on the first information when the access network device covers the second area, including: the access network device pages the terminal device based on the first information and the fourth information when the access network device covers the second area.

[0021] Based on the above solution, the core network device can instruct the access network device to page the terminal device a certain number of times and / or a certain duration of paging when the access network device covers the second area. In this way, the access network device can page the terminal device according to the certain number of paging times and / or the certain duration of paging, thereby improving the success rate of the access network device paging the terminal device.

[0022] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the access network device sends fifth information to the core network device, and the fifth information is used to indicate that the access network device has a storage and forwarding capability.

[0023] Based on the above scheme, the access network device can report information indicating that the access network device has storage and forwarding capabilities to the core network device. In this way, when the core network device selects an access network device to perform an S&F operation, it can consider whether the access network device has storage and forwarding capabilities, thereby avoiding selecting an access network device that does not have storage and forwarding capabilities to perform S&F operations, thereby improving the success rate of the core network device paging the terminal device through the access network device.

[0024] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the access network device sends sixth information to the core network device, and the sixth information is used to indicate the storage space of the access network device.

[0025] Based on the above scheme, the access network device can report the storage space of the access network device to the core network device. In this way, when the core network device selects the access network device to perform the S&F operation, it can consider the storage space of the access network device to avoid selecting the access network device with insufficient storage space to perform the S&F operation, thereby improving the success rate of the core network device to paging the terminal device through the access network device.

[0026] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a core network device, or by a component in the core network device (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the core network device functions. The method includes: the core network device sends a first message to a first access network device, the current coverage area of ​​the first access network device is the first area; the first message is used to trigger the first access network device to page a terminal device, the terminal device is located in a second area, wherein the first message is used by the first access network device to page the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0027] Optionally, the core network device is an access management network element, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF) or a mobility management entity (MME).

[0028] Through the method in the above embodiment, the access network device receives the first information for triggering paging of the terminal device from the core network device when it does not cover the terminal device, and pages the terminal device when it covers the terminal device, thereby avoiding the access network device from continuously paging the terminal device after receiving the first information, which not only improves the paging success rate but also saves signaling overhead.

[0029] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information includes an identifier of the terminal device and an identifier of the second area.

[0030] Based on the identification of the terminal device, the first access network device can accurately page the terminal device to be paged. Based on the identification of the second area, the first access network device can accurately page the terminal device in the area where the terminal device is located, and will not page it in other areas. Therefore, the above scheme improves the success rate of paging the terminal device.

[0031] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the core network device sends first data to the first access network device before the paging of the terminal device is completed, wherein the first data is data to be sent to the terminal device.

[0032] Based on the above scheme, the core network device can send downlink data to be sent to the terminal device to the access network device before the paging of the terminal device is completed, which helps the access network device to send the downlink data to the terminal device as soon as possible after the paging of the terminal device is completed, thereby improving the data transmission efficiency between the core network device and the terminal device.

[0033] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the core network device receiving second data from the first access network device.

[0034] Based on the above solution, the access network device can receive uplink data from the terminal device, and transmit the uplink data to the core network device when the access network device covers the first area. The above solution enables the terminal device to perform uplink transmission through the access network device.

[0035] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second area is a TA, a cell, or a geographical area.

[0036] Based on the above solution, the second area can be a TA or an area with a smaller granularity than a TA. In this way, when the first access network device covers the second area, the first access network device is more likely to successfully page the terminal device due to the smaller granularity of the second area. Therefore, the above solution improves the success rate of paging the terminal device.

[0037] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method also includes: the core network device sends second information to the first access network device, and the second information is used to indicate that the terminal device is to be paged when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0038] Based on the above solution, the core network device can instruct the first access network device to perform the S&F operation in the process of interacting with the terminal device according to the configuration information of the terminal device. The above solution enables the first access network device to perform the S&F operation under the instruction of the core network device, thereby realizing the paging of the terminal device by the first access network device and saving signaling overhead.

[0039] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the core network device determines, based on the configuration information of the terminal device, to send the second information to the first access network device.

[0040] Based on the above solution, the core network device can instruct the first access network device to perform the S&F operation in the process of interacting with the terminal device according to the configuration information of the terminal device. The above solution enables the first access network device to perform the S&F operation under the instruction of the core network device, thereby realizing the paging of the terminal device by the first access network device and saving signaling overhead.

[0041] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, before the core network device sends the first information to the first access network device within the first time period, the method also includes: the core network device determines, based on the ephemeris information, to page the terminal device through the first access network device.

[0042] Based on the above solution, the core network device can determine the first access network device according to the ephemeris information, and the first access network device can cover the second area. Therefore, the above solution implements the paging of the terminal device in the second area by the first access network device and saves signaling overhead.

[0043] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the core network device determines, based on the ephemeris information, to page the terminal device through the first access network device, including: the core network device determines, based on the ephemeris information, that the duration for the first access network device to move from the first area to the second area is less than or equal to a duration threshold; the core network device determines to page the terminal device through the first access network device.

[0044] Based on the above solution, the core network device can determine the access network device with a shorter time to move from the first area to the second area according to the ephemeris information to perform paging on the terminal device. The above solution can improve the communication efficiency between the core network device and the terminal device.

[0045] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the duration threshold is the duration for the second access network device to move from the first area to the second area, wherein the second access network device is one of multiple access network devices whose current coverage area is the first area, and the first access network device is one of the multiple access network devices; or, the duration threshold is the duration for the first access network device to retain the first information.

[0046] Based on the above solution, the core network device can select an access network device that can cover the second area faster from among multiple access network devices to perform the S&F operation, thereby improving the communication efficiency between the core network device and the terminal device. Alternatively, the core network device can select an access network device that can retain the first information to the access network device that pages the terminal device, thereby realizing the access network device paging the terminal device.

[0047] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method also includes: the core network device sends fourth information to the first access network device, and the fourth information is used to indicate the number of times and / or the duration of the paging performed by the first access network device on the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0048] Based on the above solution, the core network device can instruct the access network device to page the terminal device a certain number of times and / or a certain duration of paging when the access network device covers the second area. In this way, the access network device can page the terminal device according to the certain number of paging times and / or the certain duration of paging, thereby improving the success rate of the access network device paging the terminal device.

[0049] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the core network device receives fifth information from the first access network device, and the fifth information is used to indicate that the first access network device has a storage and forwarding capability.

[0050] Based on the above scheme, the access network device can report information indicating that the access network device has storage and forwarding capabilities to the core network device. In this way, when the core network device selects an access network device to perform an S&F operation, it can consider whether the access network device has storage and forwarding capabilities, thereby avoiding selecting an access network device that does not have storage and forwarding capabilities to perform S&F operations, thereby improving the success rate of the core network device paging the terminal device through the access network device.

[0051] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: the core network device receives sixth information from the first access network device, and the sixth information is used to indicate the storage space of the first access network device.

[0052] Based on the above scheme, the access network device can report the storage space of the access network device to the core network device. In this way, when the core network device selects the access network device to perform the S&F operation, it can consider the storage space of the access network device to avoid selecting the access network device with insufficient storage space to perform the S&F operation, thereby improving the success rate of the core network device to paging the terminal device through the access network device.

[0053] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, before the core network device sends the first information to the first access network device, the method also includes: the core network device determines that the storage space can store data to be sent to the terminal device.

[0054] Based on the above solution, when the core network device determines that the storage space of the access network device can store the data to be sent to the terminal device, the core network device pages the terminal device through the access network device. The above solution can prevent the core network device from selecting an access network device that cannot perform the S&F operation to perform the S&F operation, thereby improving the success rate of the core network device paging the terminal device through the access network device.

[0055] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by an access network device, or by a component in the access network device (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device. The method includes: the access network device receives first data from a core network device, wherein the first data is data to be sent to the terminal device received by the access network device before the paging of the terminal device is completed, the access network device covers a first area, the terminal device is located in a second area, and the first area is different from the second area; after the paging of the terminal device is completed and the access network device covers the second area, the access network device sends the first data to the terminal device.

[0056] It should be noted that the access network device in the above-mentioned third aspect and any implementation method of the third aspect can be regarded as the first access network device in the embodiment of the present application.

[0057] Through the method in the above embodiment, the access network device receives the first information for triggering paging of the terminal device from the core network device when it does not cover the terminal device, and pages the terminal device when it covers the terminal device, thereby avoiding the access network device from continuously paging the terminal device after receiving the first information, which not only improves the paging success rate but also saves signaling overhead.

[0058] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the method also includes: the access network device receives first information from the core network device, wherein the first information is used to trigger the access network device to page the terminal device; the access network device pages the terminal device based on the first information when the access network device covers the second area.

[0059] In the embodiment of the present application, when the core network device and the terminal device are located in different areas, the access network device can first receive information from the core network device, and then page the terminal device when the area where the terminal device is located is covered, thereby realizing the paging of the terminal device by the access network device. In addition, the above solution can save signaling overhead.

[0060] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first information includes an identifier of the terminal device and an identifier of the second area.

[0061] Based on the identification of the terminal device, the access network device can accurately page the terminal device to be paged. Based on the identification of the second area, the first access network device can accurately page the terminal device in the area where the terminal device is located, and will not page it in other areas. Therefore, the above solution improves the success rate of paging the terminal device.

[0062] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the method also includes: the access network device receives second data from the terminal device; and the access network device sends the second data to the core network device when the access network device covers the first area.

[0063] Based on the above solution, the access network device can receive uplink data from the terminal device, and transmit the uplink data to the core network device when the access network device covers the first area. The above solution enables the terminal device to perform uplink transmission through the access network device.

[0064] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the second area is a TA, a cell, or a geographical area.

[0065] Based on the above solution, the second area can be a TA or an area with a smaller granularity than a TA. In this way, when the access network device covers the second area, the access network device is more likely to successfully page the terminal device due to the smaller granularity of the second area. Therefore, the above solution improves the success rate of paging the terminal device.

[0066] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the method also includes: the access network device receives second information from the core network device, the second information being used to indicate that the terminal device is to be paged when the access network device covers the second area; wherein the access network device pages the terminal device based on the first information when the access network device covers the second area, including: the access network device pages the terminal device based on the first information and the second information when the access network device covers the second area.

[0067] Based on the above solution, the first access network device can perform the S&F operation under the instruction of the core network device, thereby realizing the paging of the terminal device by the first access network device and saving signaling overhead.

[0068] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the method also includes: the access network device determines, based on third information, to page the terminal device when the access network device covers the second area, wherein the third information includes information of the second area; wherein the access network device pages the terminal device based on the first information when the access network device covers the second area, including: the access network device pages the terminal device based on the first information and the third information when the access network device covers the second area.

[0069] Based on the above solution, the first access network device can determine whether to perform the S&F operation according to the information of the second area. The above solution enables the first access network device to perform the S&F operation when it cannot directly page the terminal device successfully, thereby successfully implementing the paging of the terminal device by the first access network device and saving signaling overhead.

[0070] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the method also includes: the access network device receives fourth information from the core network device, the fourth information being used to indicate the number of times and / or the duration of the paging performed by the access network device on the terminal device when the access network device covers the second area; the access network device pages the terminal device based on the first information when the access network device covers the second area, including: the access network device pages the terminal device based on the first information and the fourth information when the access network device covers the second area.

[0071] Based on the above solution, the core network device can instruct the access network device to page the terminal device a certain number of times and / or a certain duration of paging when the access network device covers the second area. In this way, the access network device can page the terminal device according to the certain number of paging times and / or the certain duration of paging, thereby improving the success rate of the access network device paging the terminal device.

[0072] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: the access network device sends fifth information to the core network device, and the fifth information is used to indicate that the access network device has a storage and forwarding capability.

[0073] Based on the above scheme, the access network device can report information indicating that the access network device has storage and forwarding capabilities to the core network device. In this way, when the core network device selects an access network device to perform an S&F operation, it can consider whether the access network device has storage and forwarding capabilities, thereby avoiding selecting an access network device that does not have storage and forwarding capabilities to perform S&F operations, thereby improving the success rate of the core network device paging the terminal device through the access network device.

[0074] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: the access network device sends sixth information to the core network device, and the sixth information is used to indicate the storage space of the access network device.

[0075] Based on the above scheme, the access network device can report the storage space of the access network device to the core network device. In this way, when the core network device selects the access network device to perform the S&F operation, it can consider the storage space of the access network device to avoid selecting the access network device with insufficient storage space to perform the S&F operation, thereby improving the success rate of the core network device to paging the terminal device through the access network device.

[0076] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a core network device, or by a component in the core network device (e.g., a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the core network device functions. The method includes: before the paging of the terminal device is completed, the core network device sends first data to the first access network device, wherein the first data is data to be sent to the terminal device, the current coverage area of ​​the first access network device is the first area, the terminal device is located in the second area, and the first area is different from the second area; wherein the first data is used by the first access network device to send to the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0077] Through the method in the above embodiment, the access network device receives the first information for triggering paging of the terminal device from the core network device when it does not cover the terminal device, and pages the terminal device when it covers the terminal device, thereby avoiding the access network device from continuously paging the terminal device after receiving the first information, which not only improves the paging success rate but also saves signaling overhead.

[0078] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the method also includes: the core network device sends first information to the first access network device, and the first information is used to trigger the first access network device to page the terminal device, wherein the first information is used by the first access network device to page the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0079] In the embodiment of the present application, when the core network device and the terminal device are located in different areas, the first access network device can first receive information from the core network device, and then page the terminal device when the area where the terminal device is located is covered, thereby realizing the paging of the terminal device by the access network device. In addition, the above scheme can save signaling overhead.

[0080] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information includes an identifier of the terminal device and an identifier of the second area.

[0081] Based on the identification of the terminal device, the first access network device can accurately page the terminal device to be paged. Based on the identification of the second area, the first access network device can accurately page the terminal device in the area where the terminal device is located, and will not page it in other areas. Therefore, the above scheme improves the success rate of paging the terminal device.

[0082] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the core network device receives second data from the first access network device.

[0083] Based on the above solution, the access network device can receive uplink data from the terminal device, and transmit the uplink data to the core network device when the access network device covers the first area. The above solution enables the terminal device to perform uplink transmission through the access network device.

[0084] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the second area is a TA, a cell, or a geographical area.

[0085] Based on the above solution, the second area can be a TA or an area with a smaller granularity than a TA. In this way, when the first access network device covers the second area, the first access network device is more likely to successfully page the terminal device due to the smaller granularity of the second area. Therefore, the above solution improves the success rate of paging the terminal device.

[0086] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the method also includes: the core network device sends second information to the first access network device, and the second information is used to indicate that the terminal device is to be paged when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0087] Based on the above solution, the first access network device can perform the S&F operation under the instruction of the core network device, thereby realizing the paging of the terminal device by the first access network device and saving signaling overhead.

[0088] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the core network device determines, based on the configuration information of the terminal device, to send the second information to the first access network device.

[0089] Based on the above solution, the core network device can instruct the first access network device to perform the S&F operation in the process of interacting with the terminal device according to the configuration information of the terminal device. The above solution enables the first access network device to perform the S&F operation under the instruction of the core network device, thereby realizing the paging of the terminal device by the first access network device and saving signaling overhead.

[0090] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, before the core network device sends the first data to the first access network device, the method also includes: the core network device determines, based on the ephemeris information, to page the terminal device through the first access network device.

[0091] Based on the above solution, the core network device can determine the first access network device according to the ephemeris information, and the first access network device can cover the second area. Therefore, the above solution implements the paging of the terminal device in the second area by the first access network device and saves signaling overhead.

[0092] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the core network device determines, based on the ephemeris information, to page the terminal device through the first access network device, including: the core network device determines, based on the ephemeris information, that the duration for the first access network device to move from the first area to the second area is less than or equal to a duration threshold; and the core network device determines to page the terminal device through the first access network device.

[0093] Based on the above solution, the core network device can determine the access network device with a shorter time to move from the first area to the second area according to the ephemeris information to perform paging on the terminal device. The above solution can improve the communication efficiency between the core network device and the terminal device.

[0094] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the duration threshold is the duration for the second access network device to move from the first area to the second area, wherein the second access network device is one of multiple access network devices whose current coverage area is the first area, and the first access network device is one of the multiple access network devices; or, the duration threshold is the duration for the first access network device to retain the first data.

[0095] Based on the above solution, the core network device can select an access network device that can cover the second area faster from among multiple access network devices to perform the S&F operation, thereby improving the communication efficiency between the core network device and the terminal device. Alternatively, the core network device can select an access network device that can retain the first information to the access network device that pages the terminal device, thereby realizing the access network device paging the terminal device.

[0096] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the method also includes: the core network device sends fourth information to the first access network device, and the fourth information is used to indicate the number of times and / or the duration of the paging performed by the first access network device on the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0097] Based on the above solution, the core network device can instruct the access network device to page the terminal device a certain number of times and / or a certain duration of paging when the access network device covers the second area. In this way, the access network device can page the terminal device according to the certain number of paging times and / or the certain duration of paging, thereby improving the success rate of the access network device paging the terminal device.

[0098] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the core network device receives fifth information from the first access network device, and the fifth information is used to indicate that the first access network device has a storage and forwarding capability.

[0099] Based on the above scheme, the access network device can report information indicating that the access network device has storage and forwarding capabilities to the core network device. In this way, when the core network device selects an access network device to perform an S&F operation, it can consider whether the access network device has storage and forwarding capabilities, thereby avoiding selecting an access network device that does not have storage and forwarding capabilities to perform S&F operations, thereby improving the success rate of the core network device paging the terminal device through the access network device.

[0100] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the core network device receives sixth information from the first access network device, and the sixth information is used to indicate the storage space of the first access network device.

[0101] Based on the above scheme, the access network device can report the storage space of the access network device to the core network device. In this way, when the core network device selects the access network device to perform the S&F operation, it can consider the storage space of the access network device to avoid selecting the access network device with insufficient storage space to perform the S&F operation, thereby improving the success rate of the core network device to paging the terminal device through the access network device.

[0102] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, before the core network device sends the first data to the first access network device, the method also includes: the core network device determines that the storage space can store the data to be sent to the terminal device.

[0103] Based on the above solution, when the core network device determines that the storage space of the access network device can store the data to be sent to the terminal device, the core network device pages the terminal device through the access network device. The above solution can prevent the core network device from selecting an access network device that cannot perform the S&F operation to perform the S&F operation, thereby improving the success rate of the core network device paging the terminal device through the access network device.

[0104] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor, wherein the processor is used to enable the communication device to execute the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect, or to enable the communication device to execute the first aspect and any possible method of the second aspect, by executing a computer program or instruction, or by a processing circuit.

[0105] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory for storing the computer program or instruction. Further, the processor is specifically used to call and run the computer program or computer instruction stored in the memory, so that the processor implements any one of the implementations in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0106] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a transceiver (also referred to as a communication interface), the transceiver being used to input and / or output signals through the communication interface. The processor is used to control the transceiver to transmit and receive signals.

[0107] In the sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processing circuit (also referred to as a processor) and an input / output interface (also referred to as an interface circuit), the input / output interface being used to input and / or output signals, the processing circuit being used to execute the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect; or the processing circuit being used to execute the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect.

[0108] In a possible implementation, the processor is used to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute any one of the implementations in the first aspect or any one of the implementations in the second aspect. The processor includes one or more.

[0109] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be a first access network device, or a device or module for performing the functions of the first access network device; the communication device may be a core network device, or a device or module for performing the functions of the core network device.

[0110] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a module or unit corresponding to each of the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect. The module or unit may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of a hardware circuit and software.

[0111] In another possible implementation, the communication device may include a module or unit corresponding to the method / operation / step / action described in the second aspect, and the module or unit may be a hardware circuit, or software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software.

[0112] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or the instruction is run on a computer, the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect are executed; or, the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect are executed.

[0113] In the ninth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, causes the first aspect and any possible method of the first aspect to be executed; or causes the second aspect and any possible method of the second aspect to be executed.

[0114] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor, which is connected to a memory and is used to call a program stored in the memory to execute any possible method of the first aspect or any possible method of the second aspect. The memory may be located inside the communication device or outside the communication device. And the processor includes one or more.

[0115] In one implementation, the communication device of the fifth, sixth, seventh and tenth aspects mentioned above may be a chip or a chip system.

[0116] In an eleventh aspect, a chip device is provided, comprising a processor for calling a computer program or computer instruction in a memory so that the processor executes any one of the implementations in the first aspect or any one of the implementations in the second aspect.

[0117] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0118] In the twelfth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes a first access network device and a core network device; the first access network device is used to execute the method shown in the first aspect, and the core network device is used to execute the method shown in the second aspect.

[0119] The description of the beneficial effects of any of the fifth to twelfth aspects, etc. may refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the first, second, third or fourth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0120] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a network architecture of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0121] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a network architecture of another communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0122] Figure 3 It is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0123] Figure 4 A schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0124] Figure 5 It is a schematic flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0125] Figure 6 It is a schematic flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0126] Figure 7 It is a schematic flowchart of a method for determining a first access network device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0127] Figure 8 It is a schematic flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0128] Fig. 9It is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0129] Fig.10 It is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0130] Fig.11 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device of the embodiment of the present application.

[0131] Fig.12 A schematic block diagram of yet another communication device of the embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0132] The technical solution in this application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0133] The technical solution provided by this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as the fifth generation (5 th generation, 5G) or new radio (NR) system, long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, etc. The technical solution provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as the sixth generation (6 th The technical solution provided in the present application can also be applied to non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems, device-to-device (D2D) communications, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, machine type communications (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems. The NTN system can also be called a satellite communication system. In addition, the non-terrestrial communication system can also include a high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication system.

[0134] NTN system can refer to a communication network that uses air or space platforms as transmission equipment relay nodes or base stations. Air or space platforms include but are not limited to drones, hot air balloons, airplanes, satellites, etc.

[0135] Figure 1A schematic diagram of the network architecture of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application is shown, and the network architecture includes terminal equipment, access network equipment, access management network element, session management network element, user plane network element, policy control network element, network slice selection network element, network warehouse function network element, network data analysis network element, unified data management network element, unified data storage network element, authentication service function network element, network capability exposure network element, application function network element, and a data network (DN) connected to the operator's network. The terminal equipment can send service data to the data network through the access network equipment and the user plane network element, and receive service data from the data network.

[0136] Terminal equipment is a device with wireless transceiver functions that can be deployed on land. Terminal equipment can be called 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. Terminal equipment can include indoor or outdoor, handheld, wearable or vehicle-mounted. The terminal device can be deployed on the water surface (such as a ship, etc.), and can also be deployed in the air (such as an airplane, a balloon, and a satellite, etc.). The terminal device can communicate with the core network via a radio access network (RAN) and exchange voice and / or data with the RAN. The terminal device can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (Pad), a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a smart terminal, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a computer with a wireless transceiver function, a handheld device with a wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a mobile Internet device (MID), a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a smart grid (smart The present invention relates to wireless terminals in the wireless grid, vehicle-mounted equipment, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drone controllers, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the application scenarios. For example, the terminal device may be a terminal device in a 5G network, a terminal device in a public land mobile network (PLMN) to be evolved in the future, or a terminal device in an NTN. The terminal device may also be an end device, a logical entity, an intelligent device, or a communication device such as a server, a gateway, a base station, a controller, or an Internet of Things (IoT) device, such as a sensor, an electric meter, a water meter, etc.The terminal device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE). The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology, device form, and name adopted by the terminal device.

[0137] Access network equipment is a device in the network used to access terminal equipment to the wireless network. Access network equipment can be a node in a wireless access network, which can also be called a base station, or a (radio) access network ((R)AN) node (or device). For ease of description, RAN is sometimes used below to refer to access network equipment. It is understood that RAN can also be AN. In this application, access network equipment can be a satellite.

[0138] The access network equipment may include an evolved base station (NodeB or eNB or e-NodeB, evolutionary Node B) in a long term evolution (LTE) system or an evolved LTE system (LTE-Advanced, LTE-A), such as a traditional macro base station eNB and a micro base station eNB in ​​a heterogeneous network scenario, or may also include a next generation node B (next generation node B, gNB) in a 5G or NR system, or may also include a radio network controller (radio network controller, RNC), a node B (Node B, NB), a base station controller (base station controller, BSC), a base transceiver station (base transceiver station, BTS), a transmission reception point (transmission reception point, TRP), a home base station (for example, home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), a base band unit (base band unit, BBU), a base band pool BBU pool, or a WiFi access point (access point, AP), etc., or may also include a centralized unit (centralized unit, CU) and a distributed unit (distributed unit) in a cloud radio access network (cloudRAN) system. Unit, DU), which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In the separate deployment scenario where the access network equipment includes CU and DU, CU supports protocols such as radio resource control (RRC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), and service data adaptation protocol (SDAP); DU mainly supports radio link control layer (RLC), media access control layer (MAC) and physical layer protocols.

[0139] The access management network element may also be referred to as an access and mobility management device, an access and mobility management functional entity, an access and mobility management functional network element, a mobile management device, a mobile management network element, and a mobile management entity. The access management network element is mainly used for access control and mobility management of terminal devices in mobile networks. For example, the access management network element may provide terminal attachment, tracking area update procedures, non-access stratum (NAS) messages, complete registration management, connection management, reachability management, allocation of tracking area lists (TA lists), legal monitoring, access authorization, authentication, selection of session management network elements, mobile state transition management, etc., and may send transparent routing session management (SM) messages to the session management network element. In the network framework of the LTE system, the access management network element may be the access and mobility management function in the MME. In the fifth generation (5G) communication system, the access management network element may be an AMF. In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the mobility management network element may still be an AMF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application. When the access management network element is an AMF network element, AMF can provide Namf service.

[0140] The session management network element can also be called a session management device. The session management network element is mainly used for session and bearer management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release. For example, the session management network element can allocate an Internet Protocol (IP) address to the terminal device, select a user plane network element that provides message forwarding functions, and perform quality of service (QoS) control. In a 4G network, the session management network element may be a packet data network gateway (PGW). In a 5G communication system, the session management network element may be a session management function (SMF). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the session management network element may still be an SMF network element, or it may have other names, which is not limited in this application. In the case where the session management network element is an SMF network element, the SMF may provide Nsmf services.

[0141] The user plane network element can also be called a user plane device. The user plane network element is mainly used to process user messages, such as forwarding, billing, legal interception, etc. For example, the user plane network element can be used for routing forwarding, threshold control, traffic monitoring, verification and other functions of user plane data. The user plane network element can also be used for the management of UE IP addresses, the management of core network (CN) tunnel information, etc. The user plane network element can receive user data from the DN and transmit the user data to the terminal device through the access network device; the user plane network element can also receive user data from the terminal device through the access network device and forward the user data to the DN. The transmission resources and scheduling functions that provide services to the terminal device in the user plane network element are managed and controlled by the session management network element. The user plane network element can also be called a protocol data unit (PDU) session anchor (PDU session anchor, PSA). In a 5G communication system, the user plane network element can be a user plane function (UPF). In a future communication system (such as a 6G communication system), the user plane network element can still be a UPF network element, or it can also have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0142] The policy control network element includes user contract data management function, policy control function, charging policy control function, quality of service (QoS) control, etc. In a 4G network, the policy control network element may be a policy and charging rules function unit (PCRF). In a 5G communication system, the policy control network element may be a policy control function (PCF). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the policy control network element may still be a PCF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0143] The network slice selection function network element is mainly used to select a suitable network slice for the service of the terminal device. In the 5G communication system, the network slice selection network element may be a network slice selection function (NSSF) network element. In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the network slice selection network element may still be an NSSF network element, or may have other names, which is not limited in this application.

[0144] The network repository function network element is mainly used to provide registration and discovery functions for network elements or services provided by network elements. In the 5G communication system, the network repository function network element may be a network repository function (NRF). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the network repository function network element may still be an NRF network element, or may have other names, which is not limited in this application.

[0145] The network data analysis network element can collect data from various network functions (NF), such as policy control network elements, session management network elements, user plane network elements, access management network elements, and application function network elements (through network capability exposure function network elements), and perform analysis and prediction. In a 5G communication system, the network data analysis network element may be a network data analysis function (NWDAF). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the network data analysis network element may still be an NWDAF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0146] The unified data management network element may also be referred to as a unified data management device, a data management device, a unified data management entity, etc. The unified data management network element is mainly used to manage the configuration information of the terminal device, such as the terminal device's identification, access authentication information, registration information, and mobility management information. In a 4G network, the unified data management network element may be a home subscriber server (HSS). In a 5G communication system, the unified data management network element may be a unified data management (UDM). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the unified data management network element may still be a UDM network element, or may have other names, which is not limited in this application.

[0147] The unified data storage network element may also be referred to as a user database device, a user database entity, a user database network element, etc. The unified data storage network element is mainly used to store structured data information, such as configuration information, policy information, etc., and to store network data or service data defined in a standard format. In a 5G communication system, the unified data storage network element may be a unified data repository (UDR). In future communication systems (such as a 6G communication system), the unified data storage network element may still be a UDR network element, or may have other names, which is not limited in this application.

[0148] The authentication service function network element is mainly used to perform security authentication on the terminal device. In the 5G communication system, the authentication service function network element can be an authentication server function (AUSF). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the authentication service function network element can still be an AUSF network element, or it can have other names, which is not limited by this application.

[0149] The network capability exposure network element can expose some functions of the network to applications in a controlled manner. In the 5G communication system, the network capability exposure network element can be a network exposure function (NEF). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the network capability exposure network element can still be a NEF network element, or it can have other names, which is not limited in this application.

[0150] The application function network element can provide service data of various applications to the control plane network elements of the operator's communication network, or obtain network data information and control information from the control plane network elements of the communication network. In the 5G communication system, the application function network element can be an application function (AF). In future communication systems (such as 6G communication systems), the application function network element can still be an AF network element, or it can have other names, which is not limited by this application. For example, the application function network element can also be called an application server or a service server. In addition, the application function network element can be deployed by the operator network or by a third party.

[0151] Data network is mainly used to provide data transmission services for terminal devices. Data network can be a private network, such as a local area network, or a public data network (PDN) network, such as the Internet, or a proprietary network jointly deployed by operators, such as the configured IP multimedia corenetwork subsystem (IMS) service. Data network can also come from a third party.

[0152] It should be understood 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 together, or by a functional module in one device, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0153] It should also be understood that the above naming is only defined for the convenience of distinguishing different functions and should not constitute any limitation to this application. This application does not exclude the possibility of using other naming in 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in 6G networks, some or all of the above networks may continue to use the terminology in 5G, or may use other names, etc. Figure 1 The interface name between the network elements is only an example. The interface name in the specific implementation may be other names, and this application does not specifically limit this. In addition, the name of the message (or signaling) transmitted between the above network elements is only an example and does not constitute any limitation on the function of the message itself.

[0154] It should be noted that the above-mentioned "network element" may also be referred to as an entity, device, apparatus or module, etc., which is not specifically limited in this application. Moreover, in this application, for the sake of ease of understanding and explanation, the description of "network element" is omitted in some descriptions. For example, the PCF network element is referred to as PCF. In this case, the "PCF" should be understood as a PCF network element or a PCF entity. Hereinafter, the description of the same or similar situations is omitted.

[0155] In the standard protocol of R15-R18, the Third Generation Partnership Project (3 rd The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has defined a series of architecture systems and features for satellites. The communication architecture using satellites as access network devices is mainly used in remote areas where cellular networks may not be able to cover remote areas. Therefore, satellites are used as access network devices to assist terminal devices in communication. In other scenarios, the low latency characteristics of low-orbit satellites can achieve instant data transmission.

[0156] The orbit of a satellite may be predetermined, for example, by characterizing the orbit of the satellite through its ephemeris information. The ephemeris information may include information such as the altitude of the orbit, the angle between the orbit and the equatorial plane, and the speed of the orbit. The spatial position of the satellite at a certain time may be known based on the ephemeris information of the satellite.

[0157] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a network architecture of another communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0158] See also Figure 2In (a), UE 230 accesses CN 210 through the next generation radio access network (NG-RAN) 220. NG-RAN 220 includes gNB 221, gateway 222, and satellite 223. In NG-RAN 220, gNB 221 acts as a base station, and satellite 223 acts as a transport layer node (TLN) or a relay. During the data transmission between CN 210 and UE 230, satellite 223 does not process the data. Therefore, Figure 2 The satellite 223 in (a) may be referred to as a transparent satellite.

[0159] See also Figure 2 In (b), UE 230 accesses CN 210 through NG-RAN 220. Figure 2 The difference in (a) is that the satellite 223 is used to connect the UE 230 and the CN 210 and also to process data. In this case, the satellite 223 has the function of a base station (e.g., gNB 221). Figure 2 (b) in the figure can also be regarded as a gNB on board solution, where UE 230 is connected to CN 210 via a satellite base station and a gateway 222 . Figure 2 The satellite 223 in (b) can be called a regenerative satellite.

[0160] It should be noted that Figure 2 The gNB in ​​the example can be replaced by an eNB. The embodiment of the present application can be applied to a 5G network, a 4G network, or other communication systems.

[0161] As mentioned above, how to enable the access network device to implement paging of the terminal device is a problem that needs to be solved urgently.

[0162] It can be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. 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 " / " in this article generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0163] Figure 3 300 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method 300 enables the access network device to implement paging of the terminal device. The method 300 can be applied to the above Figure 1 or Figure 2 In the network architecture shown, the following is combined Figure 3 An embodiment of method 300 is introduced.

[0164] S310, a first access network device receives first information from a core network device.

[0165] The first access network device may cover the first area, which may be understood as the current coverage area of ​​the first access network device being the first area.

[0166] The first information may be used to trigger the first access network device to page the terminal device.

[0167] Among them, the terminal device may be located in the second area, and the first area is different from the second area, which can be specifically replaced by: the terminal device is located outside the first area, or the terminal device is located outside the current coverage of the first access network device (for example, outside the signal coverage range, or outside the beam coverage range). Furthermore, the first access network device covering the second area in S320 can be replaced by: the first access network device covers the location of the terminal device (hereinafter referred to as covering the terminal device), or the terminal device is located within the coverage range of the first access network device, and this application is not limited to this.

[0168] Correspondingly, the core network device sends the first information to the first access network device. The core network device is used to perform access and mobility management on the terminal device, for example, AMF or MME, which is not limited in this application.

[0169] It is understandable that if the core network device pages the terminal device through the access network device, there may be at least one access network device that receives the paging message from the core network device. The first access network device can be any one of the at least one access network device, and this application is not limited to this. For example, the current coverage areas of RAN#1, RAN#2 and RAN#3 intersect with the first area, or in other words, RAN#1, RAN#2 and RAN#3 are all connected to the core network device. Among them, RAN#1 and RAN#2 can cover the second area after a period of time, that is, the current coverage areas of RAN#1 and RAN#2 intersect with the second area, or in other words, RAN#1 and RAN#2 cover the terminal device, and at this time, RAN#1 and RAN#2 can page the terminal device.

[0170] It should be noted that the first access network device can receive the first information from the core network device via an inter-satellite link (ISL). For example, after receiving the first information from the core network device, RAN#2 can send the first information to RAN#1 via the ISL between it and RAN#1.

[0171] It should be pointed out that the first access network device can be used as an on-board base station (gNB on-board), that is, the first access network device is located on the satellite, and the first access network device moves or flies according to a predetermined trajectory, so that different areas can be covered. For example, when the first access network device receives the first information from the core network device, the first access network device covers the first area; in other words, when the current coverage area of ​​the first access network device is the first area, the core network device sends the first information to the first access network device. It can be understood that as the first access network device moves or flies, the position of the first access network device will also change. The first access network device does not always cover the first area, but may also cover other areas. For example, when the first access network device moves or flies to other locations, the first access network device may cover the second area, that is, the area where the terminal device is located.

[0172] The first area is different from the second area, which can be understood as the two belonging to different areas (for example, TA, cell, geographical area), for example, the first area belongs to TA#1, the second area belongs to TA#2, and TA#1 is different from TA#2; it can also be understood that there is no intersection between the two, for example, the first area is TA#1, the second area is cell#1, and there is no intersection between the two.

[0173] Specifically, the first area may be a TA or other areas (e.g., a cell, a geographical area). The second area may be a TA or other areas (e.g., a cell, a geographical area). In the NTN scenario, the above TA may also be referred to as NTNTA. For embodiments in which the first area and / or the second area are other areas, please refer to the following text and will not be described in detail here.

[0174] It should be pointed out that the embodiments of the present application can be applied in a discontinuous feeding scenario. Specifically, in a discontinuous feeding scenario, when the feeding link between the access network device and the gateway station of the core network device is not disconnected (or remains connected), the service link between the access network device and the terminal device is disconnected; or, when the service link between the access network device and the terminal device is not disconnected, the feeding link between the access network device and the gateway station of the core network device is disconnected (which can be understood as unable to communicate). Among them, the discontinuous feeding scenario is a concept relative to the continuous feeding scenario. In the continuous feeding scenario, the access network device can connect the feeding link and the service link at the same time.

[0175] Exemplarily, when the first access network device covers the first area, it can establish a feeder link with the gateway of the core network device; when the first access network device covers the second area, it can establish a service link with the terminal device. It is understandable that when the first access network device covers the first area (or connects the feeder link, or connects to the core network device), it does not cover the second area (or does not connect the service link, or does not connect the terminal device); or, when the first access network device covers the second area (or connects the service link, or connects the terminal device), it does not cover the first area (or does not connect the feeder link, or does not connect the core network device).

[0176] The "coverage" in the embodiments of the present application can be understood as signal coverage. For example, the first access network device covers the first area, which can be understood as the signal of the first access network device covering the first area. Those skilled in the art can understand that "coverage" can be not only full coverage of the signal, but also partial coverage of the signal. For example, the first access network device covers the first area, which can be understood as the signal coverage range of the first access network device intersects with the first area, and can also be understood as the signal beam of the first access network device reaches the first area.

[0177] The first information may be any information, for example, the first information may be a paging message or a paging request instruction. Specifically, in the process of the first access network device paging the terminal device, the first access network device may send a paging message to the terminal device, and the paging message may be the same as or different from the first information.

[0178] In the case where the first information is a paging message, for the purpose of distinction, the paging message sent by the core network device to the first access network device is referred to as the first paging message, and the paging message sent by the first access network device to the terminal device is referred to as the second paging message. It can be understood that the first paging message and the second paging message can be different, for example, the second paging message can be an RRC message.

[0179] Exemplarily, the core network device may send the first information to the first access network device through the gateway. For a terminal device in the connection management idle (CM-IDLE) state, the core network device (e.g., AMF) may initiate paging (e.g., sending a paging message) to the terminal device through the first access network device, so that the terminal device can return from the CM-IDLE state to the CM-connected state, thereby enabling the core network device to transmit data with the terminal device. In other words, the first access network device enables the terminal device to enter a state of receiving and sending data by paging the terminal device (e.g., by sending a paging message to the terminal device).

[0180] The first information may be carried in the N2 message. In other words, the N2 message may carry the first information.

[0181] In an optional implementation, before S310, the method 300 further includes: the core network device receives a service request from an application server.

[0182] Among them, the service request may request to send data to the terminal device. The service request may carry an identifier of the terminal device, such as a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) or a subscription concealed identifier (SUCI). The service request may also carry data to be sent to the terminal device. In addition, the service request may also carry indication information, which is used to trigger the core network device to notify the access network device to cache the information corresponding to the downlink signaling or data of the terminal device when receiving the downlink signaling or data of the terminal device (for example, the downlink signaling is a first paging message, and the information corresponding to the first paging message may be a first paging message or a second paging message), until the terminal device is within the coverage of the access network device and then send the cached information to the terminal device (wherein, the caching and other related operations of the access network device may be referred to as S&F operations). Specifically, the indication information may be used to indicate that the data to be sent to the terminal device belongs to the S&F type, for example, the indication information is the service type of the data, and the service type is the S&F type.

[0183] Accordingly, after receiving the service request from the application server, the core network device can send the first information to the first access network device, and then execute S310. It should be noted that other information or other devices can trigger the core network device to send the first information to the first access network device, and this application does not limit this.

[0184] S320: The first access network device pages the terminal device according to the first information when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0185] Exemplarily, when the first access network device receives the first information, it does not cover the location of the terminal device, and can store the first information (or part of the first information), or generate the second paging message according to the first information and store the second paging message; when the first access network device covers the location of the terminal device, the terminal device is paged according to the stored information. For example, a paging message is generated based on the stored first information and the paging message is sent, or the stored second paging message is sent, and this is not limited in the present application.

[0186] Among them, the first access network device covers the second area. Please refer to the relevant description about covering the first area in S310, which will not be repeated here.

[0187] In combination with the above-mentioned situation that the first access network device is a satellite base station, the first access network device covers the first area when receiving the first information. After the satellite moves for a period of time, the first access network device successfully covers the second area. In this case, the first access network device pages the terminal device.

[0188] Through the method in the above embodiment, the first access network device receives the first information for triggering paging of the terminal device from the core network device when it does not cover the terminal device, and pages the terminal device when it covers the terminal device, thereby avoiding the access network device from continuously paging the terminal device after receiving the first information, which not only improves the paging success rate but also saves signaling overhead.

[0189] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the first information includes an identifier of the terminal device and an identifier of the second area.

[0190] The terminal device identifier may be a temporary mobile subscriber identity (TMSI). However, the present application does not limit the terminal device identifier, and it may be other identifiers, such as a globally unique temporary UE identity (GUTI).

[0191] The second area may be a TA, a cell or a geographical area.

[0192] Further, when the second area is a geographical area, the identifier of the second area may be the latitude and longitude information of the geographical area, or other coordinate information. Among them, the geographical area may be smaller than the range of the cell. When the second area is a cell, the identifier of the second area may be a cell identity (cell ID). When the second area is a TA, the identifier of the second area may be a tracking area identity (TAI). For example, in the NTN system, the identifier of the second area may be an NTN TAI. The identifier of the second area varies with different second areas. For details, please refer to the embodiments below, which will not be repeated here.

[0193] It should be noted that the TAI may be one or more. In the case of multiple TAIs, the TAI may also be referred to as a TAI list. In the case of multiple TAIs, the multiple TAIs may all cover the terminal devices corresponding to the ULI. Similarly, the cell identifier may be one or more, and the coordinate information may be one or more.

[0194] Furthermore, the first access network device may page the terminal device based on the identifier of the terminal device and the identifier of the second area when the first access network device covers the second area, thereby improving the paging success rate of the terminal device.

[0195] In one example, the first information may include location information of the terminal device (e.g., UE location information, ULI), the ULI may include at least one of a TAI, a cell identifier, or coordinate information, and the location information of the terminal device may include an identifier of the second area. For example, assuming that the ULI includes a TAI and a cell identifier, the identifier of the second area may be a TAI or a cell identifier.

[0196] In another example, the identifier of the second area is the location information of the terminal device, which is not limited in this application.

[0197] The ULI of the terminal device may come from the terminal device. For example, the ULI may be sent by the terminal device to the core network device during the last data transmission between the terminal device and the core network device. Alternatively, the ULI may be sent by the terminal device to the core network device during the registration process with the core network device.

[0198] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the first information includes an identifier of the terminal device.

[0199] Furthermore, the first access network device can obtain the location information of the terminal device stored therein (which may include the identification of the second area) based on the identification of the terminal device, and page the terminal device when the first access network device covers the location corresponding to the location information of the terminal device (for example, the second area), thereby improving the paging success rate of the terminal device.

[0200] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the method 300 also includes: the first access network device receives second information from the core network device, and the second information is used to indicate that the terminal device is to be paged when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0201] Further, S320 may include: the first access network device paging the terminal device according to the first information and the second information when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0202] Correspondingly, the method 300 further includes: the core network device sending second information to the first access network device.

[0203] The second information may be understood as an S&F indicator or a trigger. Specifically, the core network device may instruct the first access network device to perform the S&F operation by sending the second information to the first access network device.

[0204] As an example, the second information may be carried in the same message as the TAI, so that the message may be used to instruct the first access network device to perform the S&F operation. When the first access network device covers the second area indicated by the TAI, the first access network device pages the terminal device. As another example, the second information may be carried in the ULI, so that the ULI may indicate that the first access network device pages the terminal device when the second area indicated by the ULI is covered. For example, the ULI may include the TAI, the cell identifier, and the second information.

[0205] Based on the above solution, the first access network device can perform the S&F operation under the instruction of the core network device and perform the S&F operation more accurately for different terminal devices to avoid the problem of untimely paging.

[0206] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the method 300 further includes: the core network device determines, based on the configuration information of the terminal device, to send the second information to the first access network device.

[0207] The configuration information of the terminal device may be used to indicate that the terminal device needs to apply the S&F operation. In this way, the core network device may determine to send the second information to the first access network device according to the configuration information, that is, to instruct the first access network device to perform the S&F operation.

[0208] For example, the configuration information may include contract information, and the contract information may be used to indicate that the terminal device has signed a contract for the S&F service, or to indicate that the terminal device needs to use the S&F operation.

[0209] For another example, the configuration information may include the radio access type (RAT) of the terminal device, and the configuration information may include S&F RAT, and S&F RAT is used to indicate that the terminal device needs to apply S&F operations. The present application does not limit the configuration information of the terminal device to only include contract information or RAT. The configuration information of the terminal device may also be other information. For example, the configuration information may include information provided by the terminal device when accessing the network (such as information in the registration process, or information about the last interaction with the access network device, etc.). As an example, when the information in the registration process includes information indicating that the terminal device needs to use S&F operations, the core network device may determine to send the second information to the first access network device. As another example, when the terminal device performed an S&F operation the last time it interacted with the access network device, the core network device may determine to send the second information to the first access network device.

[0210] For another example, the configuration information may include the location information of the terminal device, and the core network device may determine to send the second information to the first access network device based on the location information of the terminal device and the ephemeris information of the first access network device. As an example, when the first access network device cannot simultaneously cover the first area and the second area where the terminal device is located, the core network device determines to send the second information to the first access network device to instruct the first access network device to perform an S&F operation. As another example, when the terminal device is far away from the core network device, if the first access network device cannot simultaneously connect to the feeder link and the service link, the core network device determines to send the second information to the first access network device to instruct the first access network device to perform an S&F operation.

[0211] Based on the above solution, the core network device can instruct the first access network device to perform the S&F operation in the process of interacting with the terminal device according to the configuration information of the terminal device. The above solution enables the first access network device to perform the S&F operation in a timely manner under the instruction of the core network device, thereby improving the paging success rate of the terminal device and saving signaling overhead.

[0212] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the method 300 further includes: the first access network device determines, based on third information, to page the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0213] The third information is used to indicate the location of the terminal device, and may include information of the second area, such as an identifier of the second area; it may also include location information of the terminal, such as a ULI, which is not limited in the present application.

[0214] Further, S320 may include: the first access network device paging the terminal device according to the first information and the third information when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0215] Different from the aforementioned solution regarding the second information, in this solution, the first access network device itself determines whether the S&F operation needs to be performed.

[0216] The information of the second area can be understood as the location information of the terminal device. The information of the second area can specifically be identification information of the second area, such as TA information, cell information, or geographic location information (e.g., coordinate location information). In this way, when the second area is far from the first area, the first access network device can determine to perform the S&F operation.

[0217] As an example, when the first access network device receives the first information, the first access network device can determine whether to page the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area based on the information of the second area and the location information of the gateway of the core network device. For example, if the first access network device determines that it cannot connect to the gateway of the core network device when covering the second area, the S&F operation is performed on the terminal device. For another example, if the first access network device determines that it can connect to the gateway of the core network device when covering the second area, the S&F operation is not performed.

[0218] In other words, when the first access network device receives the first information, the first access network device can determine whether to page the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area based on the information of the second area and the feeder connection between the first access network device and the core network device. For example, if the first access network device determines that the feeder connection with the core network device is disconnected when covering the second area, it determines to perform the S&F operation. For another example, if the first access network device determines that the feeder connection with the core network device is not disconnected when covering the second area, the S&F operation is not performed.

[0219] As another example, when the first access network device receives the first information, the first access network device can determine whether the service connection between the first access network device and the terminal device is available based on the information of the second area, so as to determine whether to page the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area. For example, when the first access network device covers the first area, if the first access network device determines that the service connection between it and the terminal device is not available, it determines to perform the S&F operation. For another example, when the first access network device covers the first area, if the first access network device determines that the service connection between it and the terminal device is available, it determines not to perform the S&F operation.

[0220] Based on the above solution, the first access network device can determine whether to perform the S&F operation according to the third information. The above solution enables the first access network device to perform the S&F operation when it cannot directly page the terminal device successfully, thereby improving the paging success rate of the terminal device and saving signaling overhead.

[0221] In some optional embodiments, the first access network device determines, based on third information, to page the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area, including: the first access network device determines, based on information about the second area, that the first access network device cannot simultaneously cover the first area and the second area, or determines, based on information about the second area, that the first area is different from the second area; the first access network device determines to page the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0222] The above describes some implementations of how the first access network device determines whether to perform the S&F operation, and the following describes some implementations of how the core network device determines that the first access network device performs the S&F operation. In other words, the embodiments described below are about how the core network device selects the first access network device from multiple access network devices to perform the S&F operation.

[0223] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, before S310, the method 300 further includes: the core network device determines, based on the ephemeris information, to page the terminal device through the first access network device.

[0224] The ephemeris information of a satellite can be used to characterize the orbit of the satellite. The ephemeris information may include information such as the altitude of the orbit, the angle between the orbit and the equatorial plane, and the speed of the orbit. The spatial position of the satellite at a certain time can be obtained based on the ephemeris information of a satellite.

[0225] For example, the core network device determines the access network device that can cover the second area based on the ephemeris information. If the ephemeris information of the access network device includes the identifier of the second area, the core network device can determine that the access network device can cover the second area. If the ephemeris information of the access network device does not include the identifier of the second area, the core network device can determine that the access network device cannot cover the second area.

[0226] If there are multiple access network devices that can cover the second area, the core network device can select one of these access network devices as the first access network device. There can be multiple ways to determine the first access network device from multiple access network devices. For example, one of the multiple access network devices can be randomly selected as the first access network device. This application is not limited to this, and other methods can also be used to determine the first access network device from multiple access network devices.

[0227] Based on the above solution, the core network device can determine the first access network device according to the ephemeris information, and the first access network device can cover the second area. Therefore, the above solution implements the paging of the terminal device in the second area by the first access network device and saves signaling overhead.

[0228] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the core network device determines to page the terminal device through the first access network device based on the ephemeris information, including: the core network device determines, based on the ephemeris information, that the duration for the first access network device to move from the first area to the second area is less than or equal to a duration threshold; the core network device determines to page the terminal device through the first access network device.

[0229] The duration threshold may be preset or have other specific meanings. It is understandable that if the duration for the first access network device to move from the first area to the second area is less than or equal to the duration threshold, it means that the duration for the first access network device to move from the first area to the second area is shorter.

[0230] Based on the above solution, the core network device can determine the access network device with a shorter time to move from the first area to the second area according to the ephemeris information to perform paging on the terminal device. The above solution can improve the communication efficiency between the core network device and the terminal device.

[0231] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the duration threshold is the duration for the second access network device to move from the first area to the second area, wherein the second access network device is one of multiple access network devices whose current coverage area is the first area, and the first access network device is one of the multiple access network devices; or, the duration threshold is the duration for the first access network device to retain the first information.

[0232] The duration threshold may have other specific meanings besides being pre-set.

[0233] Specifically, the duration threshold may be the duration for another access network device (ie, the second access network device) to move from the first area to the second area. The second access network device may be any one of a plurality of access network devices.

[0234] It is understandable that the second access network device is different from the first access network device. For example, the second access network device may be the access network device that takes the longest time to move from the first area to the second area among multiple access network devices, so that the first access network device is at least not the slowest access network device to move from the first area to the second area. For another example, the second access network device may be the access network device that takes the second shortest time to move from the first area to the second area among multiple access network devices, so that the first access network device is the fastest access network device to move from the first area to the second area.

[0235] Furthermore, the core network device may arbitrarily select two of the multiple access network devices, and use the access network device with the shorter time to move from the first area to the second area as the first access network device, and use the access network device with the longer time to move from the first area to the second area as the second access network device. Alternatively, the core network device may poll multiple access network devices, and determine the access network device with the shortest time to move from the first area to the second area as the first access network device.

[0236] The duration threshold may be the duration for which the first access network device retains the first information. In this way, the first access network device still stores the first information when covering the second area, so that the terminal device can be paged according to the first information when covering the second area.

[0237] In other embodiments, the duration threshold may be the duration for which the first access network device retains the second paging message, wherein the second paging message is an RRC message to be sent to the terminal device, and the second paging message is generated by the first access network device based on the first information.

[0238] The duration for which the first access network device retains the first information can be indicated by a retention period (retention period). The retention period can be configured according to the granularity of the access network device. In other words, each access network device is configured with one or more retention periods. In this way, the core network device can determine the duration for which the access network device retains the first information (i.e., the above-mentioned duration threshold) based on the configuration information of the access network device, and determine that the access network device is the first access network device when the duration for the access network device to move from the first area to the second area is less than or equal to the duration threshold.

[0239] It should be noted that the retention duration can also be configured according to the granularity of the terminal device. In other words, each terminal device can be configured with one or more retention durations. In this way, the core network device can determine the duration (i.e., the above-mentioned duration threshold) for the access network device to retain the first information based on the configuration information (e.g., contract information) of the terminal device, and determine that the access network device is the first access network device when the duration for the access network device to move from the first area to the second area is less than or equal to the duration threshold. The retention duration can also be represented by other names, such as retention period, storage period, storage duration, etc. This application does not limit the specific name of the retention duration. From the time the data is stored in the access network device, the data will be discarded after the retention duration.

[0240] Based on the above solution, the core network device can select an access network device that can cover the second area faster from among multiple access network devices to perform the S&F operation, thereby improving the communication efficiency between the core network device and the terminal device. Alternatively, the core network device can select an access network device that can retain the first information to the access network device that pages the terminal device, thereby realizing the access network device paging the terminal device.

[0241] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the method 300 further includes: the first access network device sends fifth information to the core network device, where the fifth information is used to indicate that the first access network device has a storage and forwarding capability.

[0242] Correspondingly, the method 300 further includes: the core network device receiving fifth information from the first access network device.

[0243] The fifth information may be understood as an S&F indicator or trigger from the first access network device, and the fifth information may also be referred to as an S&F RAN indicator (or trigger). The fifth information may be sent when the first access network device is initially connected to the core network device, so that when the first access network device and the core network device are just connected, the core network device may determine whether the first access network device has a store-and-forward capability based on the fifth information, and further determine whether to select the first access network device to perform the S&F operation.

[0244] Further, the core network device determines, based on the ephemeris information, that the terminal device is to be paged through the first access network device, which may include: the core network device determines, based on the ephemeris information and the fifth information, that the terminal device is to be paged through the first access network device.

[0245] That is, when determining the first access network device, the core network device not only considers whether the access network device can cover the second area, but also considers whether the access network device has the storage and forwarding capability. If the access network device can cover the second area and has the storage and forwarding capability, the core network device can determine the access network device as the first access network device.

[0246] As an example, after the core network device determines to page the terminal device through the first access network device based on the ephemeris information and the fifth information, the core network device may send the aforementioned second information to the first access network device. In this way, the core network device may instruct the first access network device to perform the S&F operation through the second information.

[0247] As another example, an access network device with store-and-forward capability can be configured to automatically perform S&F operations. In this way, after the core network device determines to page the terminal device through the first access network device based on the ephemeris information and the fifth information, the core network device does not need to send the aforementioned second information to the first access network device, but only needs to send the aforementioned first information to the first access network device, which can trigger the first access network device to page the terminal device and trigger the first access network device to perform S&F operations. That is to say, when the access network device with store-and-forward capability is configured to automatically perform S&F operations, the core network device can directly page the terminal device through the first access network device. The access network device configured to automatically perform S&F operations can also be called an S&F exclusive RAN.

[0248] Based on the above scheme, the access network device can report information indicating that the access network device has storage and forwarding capabilities to the core network device. In this way, when the core network device selects an access network device to perform an S&F operation, it can consider whether the access network device has storage and forwarding capabilities, thereby avoiding selecting an access network device that does not have storage and forwarding capabilities to perform S&F operations, thereby improving the success rate of the core network device paging the terminal device through the access network device.

[0249] It should be noted that the core network device may not confirm whether the access network device has the storage and forwarding capability through the information reported by the access network device. The core network device may also obtain information indicating whether the access network device has the storage and forwarding capability through other means.

[0250] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the method 300 further includes: the first access network device sends sixth information to the core network device, where the sixth information is used to indicate the storage space of the first access network device.

[0251] Correspondingly, the method 300 also includes: the core network device receives sixth information from the first access network device.

[0252] Among them, the first access network device sends the sixth information to the core network device, which can be understood as the first access network device reporting the storage space of the first access network device to the core network device. The storage space can be the remaining storage space of the first access network device. The present application does not limit the specific form in which the sixth information indicates the storage space. The sixth information can indicate the storage space in the form of an absolute value or in the form of a relative value. For example, assume that the total space of the first access network device is 100MB and the remaining storage space is 20MB. In the case of indicating the storage space in the form of an absolute value, the sixth information can be used to indicate 20MB. In the case of indicating the storage space in the form of a relative value, the sixth information can be used to indicate 20%, or one-fifth. The sixth information can indicate the storage space in other forms.

[0253] Further, the core network device determines, based on the ephemeris information, that the terminal device is to be paged through the first access network device, which may include: the core network device determines, based on the ephemeris information and the sixth information, that the terminal device is to be paged through the first access network device.

[0254] That is, when the core network device determines the first access network device, in addition to considering whether the access network device can cover the second area, the core network device also considers the storage space of the access network device. If the access network device can cover the second area and has storage space that meets the storage and forwarding requirements, the core network device can determine the access network device as the first access network device.

[0255] Furthermore, the sixth information can also be used to indicate that the first access network device has storage and forwarding capabilities. That is, the sixth information can also have the function of the fifth information. Alternatively, when the access network device reports storage space to the core network device, the core network device determines that the access network device has storage and forwarding capabilities. That is, when the core network device receives information indicating storage space from the access network device, the core network device believes that the access network device has storage and forwarding capabilities. Therefore, the core network device can send the aforementioned second information to the first access network device, and instruct the first access network device to perform S&F operations through the second information. Alternatively, when the access network device with storage and forwarding capabilities is configured to automatically perform S&F operations, the core network device can directly page the terminal device through the first access network device.

[0256] Based on the above scheme, the access network device can report the storage space of the access network device to the core network device. In this way, when the core network device selects the access network device to perform the S&F operation, it can consider the storage space of the access network device to avoid selecting the access network device with insufficient storage space to perform the S&F operation, thereby improving the success rate of the core network device to paging the terminal device through the access network device.

[0257] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, before S310, the method 300 further includes: the core network device determines that the storage space can store data to be sent to the terminal device.

[0258] The data to be sent to the terminal device may include the first information, the second paging message (RRC message generated by the access network device according to the first information) or downlink data to be sent by the core network device to the terminal device. It should be noted that the data to be sent to the terminal device may also include other data.

[0259] Among them, the storage space can store data to be sent to the terminal device, and the size of the storage space can be greater than or equal to the size of the data to be sent to the terminal device, or the size of the space available for the terminal device in the storage space can be greater than or equal to the size of the data to be sent to the terminal device.

[0260] In one example, the core network device may determine whether the storage space can store the data to be sent to the terminal device based on the storage space and the size of the data to be sent to the terminal device. For example, if the storage space is 20MB and the size of the data to be sent to the terminal device is 5MB, the core network device may determine whether the storage space can store the data to be sent to the terminal device.

[0261] In another example, the core network device may determine whether the storage space can store the data to be sent to the terminal device based on the storage space, the size of the data to be sent to the terminal device, and the quota indicated by the quota information, wherein the quota information is used to indicate the maximum space that the data to be sent to the terminal device can occupy on the access network device.

[0262] Among them, the quota information can be configured according to the granularity of the access network device. In other words, each access network device is configured with one or more quota information. In this way, the core network device can determine the maximum space that each terminal device can occupy on the access network device based on the configuration information of the access network device. The quota information can also be configured according to the granularity of the terminal device. In other words, each terminal device can be configured with one or more quota information. In this way, the core network device can determine the maximum space that a terminal device can occupy on the access network device based on the configuration information (e.g., contract information) of a terminal device.

[0263] In the case where the storage space of the access network device is greater than or equal to the size of the data to be sent to the terminal device, and the quota of the terminal device is greater than or equal to the size of the data to be sent to the terminal device, the core network device can determine to perform the S&F operation through the access network device. For example, if the storage space of the access network device is 20MB, the size of the data to be sent to the terminal device is 5MB, and the quota of the terminal device is 6MB, then the core network device can determine to perform the S&F operation through the access network device. For another example, for example, if the storage space of the access network device is 20MB, the size of the data to be sent to the terminal device is 5MB, and the quota of the terminal device is 5MB, then the core network device can determine to perform the S&F operation through the access network device.

[0264] In the case where the storage space of the access network device is smaller than the size of the data to be sent to the terminal device, the core network device may not perform the S&F operation through the access network device. For example, if the storage space of the access network device is 4MB, the size of the data to be sent to the terminal device is 5MB, and the quota of the terminal device is 6MB, then the core network device may not perform the S&F operation through the access network device. This is because, although the quota of the terminal device can store the data to be sent to the terminal device, the storage space of the access network device is too small, and therefore, the access network device cannot perform the S&F operation.

[0265] In the case where the quota of the terminal device is smaller than the size of the data to be sent to the terminal device, the core network device may not perform the S&F operation through the access network device. For example, if the storage space of the access network device is 20MB, the size of the data to be sent to the terminal device is 5MB, and the quota of the terminal device is 4MB, then the core network device may not perform the S&F operation through the access network device. This is because, although the storage space of the access network device can store the data to be sent to the terminal device, the quota of the terminal device is too small, and therefore, the access network device cannot perform the S&F operation.

[0266] It is understandable that the above two core network devices may not perform the S&F operation through the access network device and may be combined. That is, when the storage space of the access network device is smaller than the size of the data to be sent to the terminal device, and the quota of the terminal device is smaller than the size of the data to be sent to the terminal device, the core network device may not perform the S&F operation through the access network device.

[0267] Based on the above solution, when the core network device determines that the storage space of the access network device can store the data to be sent to the terminal device, the core network device pages the terminal device through the access network device. The above solution can prevent the core network device from selecting an access network device that cannot perform the S&F operation to perform the S&F operation, thereby improving the success rate of the core network device paging the terminal device through the access network device.

[0268] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the method 300 also includes: the first access network device receives fourth information from the core network device, and the fourth information is used to indicate the number of times and / or the duration of the paging performed by the first access network device on the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0269] Further, S320 may include: the first access network device paging the terminal device according to the first information and the fourth information when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0270] Correspondingly, the method 300 also includes: the core network device sends fourth information to the first access network device.

[0271] Furthermore, the first access network device may page the terminal device according to the number of paging times and / or paging duration indicated by the fourth information.

[0272] Among them, the number of paging times can be understood as the maximum number of times the first access network device pages the terminal device when covering the second area. If the first access network device successfully pages the terminal device within the number of paging times indicated by the fourth information, the paging can be stopped. For example, the fourth information indicates that the number of paging times is 10. When the first access network device covers the second area, the terminal device is to be paged 10 times according to the fourth information and the first information. If the first access network device succeeds in paging the terminal device for the fifth time, the first access network device does not need to perform the remaining 5 pagings. If the first access network device still fails to page the terminal device after reaching the number of paging times indicated by the fourth information, the paging will also be stopped. For example, if the first access network device paging the terminal device 10 times and all failed, the first access network device will not paging the terminal device again. In other words, the first access network device performs paging on the terminal device up to 10 times. That is, the maximum number of paging times performed by the first access network device on the terminal device is the number of paging times indicated by the fourth information.

[0273] The number of paging times can also be understood as a fixed number of times the first access network device pages the terminal device when covering the second area. For example, the fourth information indicates that the number of paging times is 10 times. When the first access network device covers the second area, the terminal device is to be paged 10 times according to the fourth information and the first information. Regardless of whether the paging is successful or failed, the first access network device will page the terminal device 10 times when covering the second area.

[0274] The paging duration can be understood as the maximum duration of paging the terminal device by the first access network device when the second area is covered. If the first access network device successfully pages the terminal device within the paging duration indicated by the fourth information, the paging can be stopped. For example, the fourth information indicates that the paging duration is 5 minutes. When the first access network device covers the second area, the terminal device is paged for 5 minutes according to the fourth information and the first information. If the paging is successful when the first access network device pages the terminal device for 3 minutes, the first access network device does not need to perform the remaining 2 minutes of paging. If the paging duration indicated by the fourth information is reached and the first access network device still fails to page the terminal device, the paging will also be stopped. For example, if the first access network device paging the terminal device for 5 minutes fails, the first access network device will not paging the terminal device again. In other words, the first access network device performs paging on the terminal device for a maximum of 5 minutes. That is, the paging duration that the first access network device performs on the terminal device at most is the paging duration indicated by the fourth information.

[0275] The paging duration can also be understood as a fixed duration for the first access network device to page the terminal device when the second area is covered. For example, the fourth information indicates that the paging duration is 5 minutes. When the first access network device covers the second area, the terminal device is to be paged for 5 minutes according to the fourth information and the first information. Regardless of whether the paging is successful or failed, the first access network device will page the terminal device for 5 minutes when the second area is covered.

[0276] Among them, the fourth information can be used only to indicate the number of paging times or the paging duration, or can be used to indicate the number of paging times and the paging duration. The above two solutions for understanding the number of paging times and the two solutions for understanding the paging duration can be combined arbitrarily. For example, for the combined solution of understanding the number of paging times as a fixed number of times and understanding the paging duration as a fixed duration, if the fourth information indicates that the number of paging times is 10 times and the paging duration is 5 minutes, then the first access network device, when covering the second area, will page the terminal device for 5 minutes according to the fourth information and the first information, and specifically paging 10 times within these 5 minutes.

[0277] In addition, the paging duration can be understood as a time window (or duration) or a time period. For example, the 5 minutes in the above example can be a time window, and the fourth information only indicates the 5-minute time window, and does not indicate the start time or end time of the 5 minutes. For another example, the 5 minutes in the above example can be a time period, and the fourth information not only indicates the 5-minute time window, but also indicates the start time or end time of the 5 minutes.

[0278] In one implementation, the core network device may determine the fourth information according to the ephemeris information of the first access network device and the identifier of the second area.

[0279] For example, the core network device can calculate that the flight time of the first access network device passing through the TA list is 5 minutes based on the orbital height and running speed of the first access network device, and the core network device can determine that the paging duration is 5 minutes. Alternatively, the core network device can determine that the first access network device can page the terminal device located in the TA by paging 10 times during the flight covering the TA based on the orbital height and running speed of the first access network device.

[0280] In the scheme where the paging duration is understood as a time window, the core network device can determine that the paging duration is 5 minutes, and the first access network device determines which moment is the starting moment of the 5 minutes. For example, the first access network device can determine the moment when the TA is just covered as the starting moment of the 5 minutes. In this way, the fourth information sent by the core network device to the first access network device can indicate 5 minutes. In the scheme where the paging duration is understood as a time period, the core network device can determine that the paging duration is 5 minutes, and determine the starting moment of the 5 minutes. For example, the core network device can determine that the moment when the first access network device just covers the TA is 8:00 based on the ephemeris information of the first access network device and the identifier of the second area, and the core network device can determine that the starting moment of the 5 minutes is 8:00. In this way, the fourth information sent by the core network device to the first access network device can indicate 8:00 to 8:05.

[0281] Based on the above solution, the core network device can instruct the access network device to page the terminal device a certain number of times and / or a certain duration of paging when the access network device covers the second area. In this way, the access network device can page the terminal device according to the certain number of paging times and / or the certain duration of paging, thereby improving the success rate of the access network device paging the terminal device.

[0282] Figure 4 The present application provides another schematic flow chart of a communication method 400, which can improve the data transmission efficiency between the core network device and the terminal device. It should be noted that the method 400 can be combined with any embodiment of the method 300. Figure 4 An embodiment of method 400 is introduced.

[0283] S410, the first access network device receives first data from the core network device, wherein the first data is data received by the first access network device before the paging of the terminal device is completed and to be sent to the terminal device, the first access network device covers a first area, the terminal device is located in a second area, and the first area is different from the second area. Correspondingly, before the paging of the terminal device is completed, the core network device sends first data to the first access network device, the current coverage area of ​​the first access network device is the first area, wherein the first data is used by the first access network device to send to the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0284] The first data may be any data, and this application does not limit the first data. The first data is data sent by the core network device to the terminal device through the first access network device, so the first data may also be called downlink data.

[0285] For example, the first access network device receives an RRC connection setup complete message from the terminal device, indicating that the first access network device completes paging the terminal device. For another example, the first access network device sends an RRC connection setup message to the terminal device, indicating that the first access network device completes paging the terminal device. For another example, when the first access network device establishes an RRC connection with the terminal device, it indicates that the first access network device completes paging the terminal device.

[0286] The meanings of other technical terms in the above S410 refer to the embodiments related to S310 and are not repeated here.

[0287] It should be noted that, in some related technical solutions, the first data is received by the first access network device after the paging of the terminal device is completed. In this way, the first access network device completes the paging of the terminal device when the second area is covered for the first time, then receives the first data, and sends the first data to the terminal device when the second area is covered for the second time. It can be seen that in the related technical solutions, the data transmission efficiency between the core network device and the terminal device is low.

[0288] As an embodiment of a method 400 combined with method 300, the first data may be carried in the first information, or the first data and the first information may be carried in one signaling. In other embodiments, the first data and the second data may be carried in different signalings.

[0289] In some other embodiments, when the storage space of the first access network device is insufficient to receive the first data, the first access network device does not receive the first data from the core network device. Further, the first access network device may send reason information to the core network device, where the reason information is used to indicate that the insufficient storage space of the first access network device causes the cache failure of the first data. Accordingly, the core network device may receive the reason information from the first access network device.

[0290] Further, in some embodiments, the core network device can determine to send the first information to the first access network device based on the reason information. That is, execute S310. In this way, although the storage space of the first access network device is insufficient, resulting in the core network device being unable to send downlink data to the terminal device through the first access network device, the terminal device can be paged through the first access network device. After the paging of the terminal device is completed, the terminal device can send uplink data to the core network device through the first access network device.

[0291] Further, in some other embodiments, the core network device may re-determine the first access network device according to the cause information. For example, the above S410 is RAN#1. When the storage space of RAN#1 is insufficient to receive the first data, RAN#1 may send the cause information to the core network device. According to the cause information, the core network device may determine another access network device (assuming it is RAN#2) to execute S410. In addition, the core network device may also determine that RAN#2 executes S310.

[0292] If the storage space of RAN#2 is also insufficient and a cause message is also sent to the core network device, the core network device can determine RAN#2 to execute S310 based on the cause message, or determine another access network device (for example, RAN#3) to execute S410.

[0293] If the storage space of RAN#3 is also insufficient and a cause message is also sent to the core network device, the core network device can determine the behavior for RAN#3 according to the cause message (such as the above-mentioned processing for RAN#2). If RAN#3 does not send a cause message to the core network device, or RAN#3 sends a confirmation message to the core network device, the core network device can continue to execute S420. In this way, RAN#3 serves as the first access network device below.

[0294] In some embodiments, the core network device may execute S310 and S410 simultaneously. In other words, the core network device may send the first information and the first data to the first access network device simultaneously. Alternatively, the difference between the time when S310 is executed and the time when S410 is executed is less than a preset threshold, and the preset threshold may be related to the ephemeris information of the first access network device. For example, the shorter the time when the first access network device covers the first area, the smaller the preset threshold.

[0295] In other embodiments, the core network device may execute S410 after S310 and before the first access network device leaves the first area (or does not cover the first area, or disconnects the power feeder connection with the core network device). In other words, the core network device may send the first data to the first access network device after sending the first information to the first access network device and before the first access network device leaves the first area (or does not cover the first area, or disconnects the power feeder connection with the core network device). In other words, the core network device may send the first information to the first access network device when the first access network device covers the first area (or has a power feeder connection with the core network device) for the Nth time, and the core network device may send the first data to the first access network device when the first access network device covers the first area (or has a power feeder connection with the core network device) for the Nth time.

[0296] S420: After the paging of the terminal device is completed and the first access network device covers the second area, the first access network device sends the first data to the terminal device.

[0297] The meanings of the technical terms in the above S420 refer to the embodiments related to S320 and are not repeated here.

[0298] In some embodiments, the core network device may send indication information when executing S410 and S310, and the indication information is used to indicate that the first information and the first data are associated. For example, the first information may carry the indication information, and the first data may carry the indication information. In this way, the first access network device may determine that the first information carrying the same indication information is associated with the first data. For another example, the indication information may include an identifier of the first information and an identifier of the first data, so that the first access network device may determine that the first information and the first data are associated according to the identifier in the indication information. The association between the first information and the first data can be understood as that the terminal device corresponding to the first information is the same as the terminal device corresponding to the first data, and the terminal device to be paged corresponding to the first information is the terminal device to which the first data is to be sent. The present application does not limit the specific content of the indication information. For example, the indication information may be a random number, or other content.

[0299] As an example, the first access network device may send the indication information to the terminal device corresponding to the first information among the multiple terminal devices during the process of paging the multiple terminal devices according to the first information. The terminal device corresponding to the first information may send the indication information to the first access network device during the process of responding to the paging of the first access network device. In this way, the first access network device may determine that the indication information corresponds to the first data according to the received indication information, and send the first data to the terminal device that sent the indication information.

[0300] As another example, in the process of paging multiple terminal devices according to the first information, the first access network device may send the identifier of the first information to the terminal device corresponding to the first information among the multiple terminal devices. In the process of responding to the paging of the first access network device, the terminal device corresponding to the first information may send the identifier of the first information to the first access network device. In this way, the first access network device can determine that the identifier of the first information corresponds to the identifier of the first data based on the identifier and indication information of the received first information, thereby determining that the data to be sent to the terminal device that sends the identifier of the first information is the first data.

[0301] A terminal device corresponding to the indication information is determined among multiple terminal devices, and first data is sent to the terminal device.

[0302] Based on the above scheme, the core network device can send downlink data to be sent to the terminal device to the access network device before the paging of the terminal device is completed, which helps the access network device to send the downlink data to the terminal device as soon as possible after the paging of the terminal device is completed, thereby improving the data transmission efficiency between the core network device and the terminal device.

[0303] Optionally, in another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the method 400 further includes: the first access network device receives the second data from the terminal device; the first access network device sends the second data to the core network device when the first access network device covers the first area. Accordingly, the method 400 further includes: the core network device receives the second data from the first access network device.

[0304] Based on the above solution, the access network device can receive uplink data from the terminal device, and transmit the uplink data to the core network device when the access network device covers the first area. The above solution enables the terminal device to perform uplink transmission through the access network device.

[0305] In some embodiments, the terminal device may receive first data from the first access network device and send second data to the first access network device at the same time. In other words, the first access network device may send first data to the terminal device and receive second data from the terminal device at the same time. In other words, the terminal device and the first access network device may transmit the first data and the second data at the same time. Alternatively, the difference between the moment of transmitting the first data and the moment of transmitting the second data is less than a preset threshold, and the preset threshold may be related to the ephemeris information of the first access network device. For example, the shorter the duration that the first access network device covers the second area, the smaller the preset threshold.

[0306] In other embodiments, the terminal device may send the second data to the first access network device after S420 and before the first access network device leaves the second area (or does not cover the second area, or disconnects the service connection with the terminal device). In other words, after the terminal device is paged, the second data is sent to the first access network device before the first access network device leaves the second area (or does not cover the second area, or disconnects the service connection with the terminal device). In other words, the first access network device may send the first data to the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area for the Nth time (or has a service connection with the terminal device), and the terminal device may send the second data to the first access network device when the first access network device covers the second area for the Nth time (or has a service connection with the terminal device).

[0307] In some embodiments, when the terminal device sends the second data to the first access network device, it can also send the current ULI to the first access network device. The current ULI is used to indicate the location information of the terminal device when sending the second data. Afterwards, the first access network device can send the current ULI to the core network device while covering the first area. In this way, the core network device can determine the first access network device based on the current ULI when it needs to page the terminal device or send data to the terminal device next time, so that the first access network device can cover the current ULI, or can move faster to a position that can cover the current ULI, thereby optimizing the next paging or data transmission. Furthermore, the core network device can update the location information in the context of the terminal device to the current ULI.

[0308] Figure 5 500 is a schematic flow chart of another communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 500 is an implementation method combining method 300 and method 400, and does not constitute a limitation on the present application. It should be noted that: Figure 5The AMF in the embodiment can be replaced by MME. That is to say, the embodiment of the present application can be applied to 5G network, 4G network, and other communication systems. Figure 5 Method 500 is described in detail.

[0309] S501, AMF receives a service request from AF, where the service request is used to instruct transmission of downlink data to UE.

[0310] Exemplarily, the service request may include an identifier of the UE (eg, SUPI, SUCI, etc.), first data, and second information.

[0311] In some embodiments, AF can send a service request to NEF, and NEF sends the service request to AMF. For example, AF calls the non-IP data delivery (NIDD) service through the Nnef service interface to send a service request to NEF, and NEF calls the message transfer service through the Namf service interface to send the service request to AMF. Among them, the message transfer service can be a communication service between the N1 service interface and the N2 service interface, and the message transfer service can be used as a new service type. In this way, NEF does not need to establish a session, and is indexed to SMF through the session, and SMF sends data to AMF. Therefore, the above scheme improves communication efficiency.

[0312] S502, AMF determines whether to perform S&F operations on the UE.

[0313] For example, the AMF may determine whether the UE needs to perform an S&F operation (ie, perform method 300) according to the configuration information of the UE. In other words, whether the UE needs to use an on-board store-and-forward operation.

[0314] The configuration information includes the subscription information, RAT or other information of the UE. For example, when the subscription information of the UE indicates that the terminal device has subscribed to the S&F service, or indicates that the terminal device needs to use the S&F operation, the AMF determines that the S&F operation needs to be performed on the UE. For another example, when the RAT of the UE is the S&F RAT, the AMF determines that the S&F operation needs to be performed on the UE.

[0315] It should be noted that method 500 may not execute S501 and directly proceed to S502.

[0316] S503, AMF determines the first access network device.

[0317] For example, AMF can determine a first access network device among multiple access network devices based on the location information of the terminal device (or information called the second area) and the ephemeris information of multiple access network devices, and the first access network device is used to perform S&F operations.

[0318] Among them, the location information of the terminal device may include ULI. Assume that ULI includes TA#1, TA#2 and TA#3. That is, the second area where the terminal device is located may be TA#1, TA#2 or TA#3. In other words, when the access network device covers any one of TA#1, TA#2 or TA#3, the access network device can page or send data to the terminal device. Table 1 shows the judgment of the core network device on multiple access network devices.

[0319] Table 1

[0320] Access network equipment Supported TA First area -> Second area judge RAN#1 TA#1, TA#2 <![CDATA[3 rd ]]> Second best choice RAN#2 TA#1, TA#2, TA#3 <![CDATA[2 nd ]]> Best RAN#3 TA#4 <![CDATA[1 st ]]> Not selected

[0321] Refer to Table 1, which shows the information of three access network devices. Among them, RAN#3 only supports TA#4, or in other words, RAN#3 cannot cover any of TA#1, TA#2 or TA#3. Therefore, the core network device does not select RAN#3 as the first access network device. "First area->second area" indicates the speed or duration of the access network device moving from the first area to the second area. The faster the speed or the shorter the duration, the higher the ranking. Referring to Table 1, RAN#3 takes the shortest time to move from the first area to the second area, RAN#1 takes the longest time to move from the first area to the second area, and RAN#2 takes the time to move from the first area to the second area between RAN#1 and RAN#3. "First area->second area" can also be understood as the order in which the trajectory of the access network device passes through the area where the AMF is located and the area indicated by the ULI.

[0322] Since the time taken by RAN#2 to move from the first area to the second area is shorter than the time taken by RAN#1 to move from the first area to the second area, AMF can give priority to RAN#2 as the first access network device. If RAN#2 is not suitable as the first access network device due to other circumstances, AMF can select RAN#1 as the first access network device. For example, if the storage space of RAN#2 is too low to perform S&F operations, AMF can select RAN#1 as the first access network device.

[0323] AMF can determine the above-mentioned "supported TA" based on the NG setup request sent by the access network device, and AMF can determine the above-mentioned "first area->second area" based on the ephemeris information of the access network device.

[0324] In some embodiments, the AMF may also determine the number of times and / or duration of paging the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area based on the ephemeris information of the first access network device and the location information of the terminal device. For details, refer to the embodiment of method 300, which will not be described here.

[0325] S504, AMF sends the first message and the first data to the first access network device. That is, S310 and S410 are executed. For details, refer to the embodiments of method 300 and method 400, which will not be repeated here.

[0326] The first data sent by the AMF to the first access network device can be carried in a non-access stratum (NAS) message, so that the first access network device cannot know the specific content of the first data, thereby improving the security of data transmission.

[0327] Table 2 shows an implementation method of the first information. Table 2 is only exemplary and does not constitute a limitation to the present application.

[0328] Table 2

[0329] Cell or group name Existence Message Type M UE paging identifier M TA list for paging M ULI O S&F Indicator O

[0330] Among them, the information element (IE) or group name includes multiple elements. Among them, the message type (message type), UE paging identity (paging identity) and TA list (TA listfor paging) for paging can refer to the existing description and will not be repeated here. ULI can be used to instruct the first access network device to page the terminal device when covering the area indicated by ULI (i.e., the second area). ULI can also be regarded as the location information of the terminal device. ULI may include at least one of the TAI list, cell ID or geographic location information. The S&F indicator can be used to instruct the first access network device to perform an S&F operation on the first information. The existence form is mandatory (M), indicating that the IE or group name must exist in the first information; the existence form is optional (O), indicating that the IE or group name can exist in the first information. The above is only an example and does not constitute a limitation of the present application.

[0331] In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes: the AMF sends information indicating the number of paging times and / or the duration of paging to the first access network device. That is, the AMF sends fourth information to the first access network device.

[0332] In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes: the first access network device sends an S&F RAN indicator to the AMF during the NG setting process. In other words, when the first access network device makes an initial connection with the AMF, the first access network device reports the S&F RAN indicator to the AMF. In this way, the first information may not include the S&F indicator, and the AMF considers that the first access network device is configured to perform the S&F operation by default.

[0333] S505: The first access network device stores the first data and the paging message.

[0334] The paging message may be the first information (the first paging message) or the second paging message (the RRC message generated according to the first information).

[0335] In some embodiments, when the storage space of the first access network device is insufficient to receive the first data, the first access network device does not receive the first data from the core network device. Further, the first access network device may send reason information to the core network device, and the reason information is used to indicate that the insufficient storage space of the first access network device causes the cache failure of the first data. Accordingly, the core network device may receive the reason information from the first access network device. Please refer to the embodiment of method 400 for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0336] S506: The first access network device pages the UE according to the first information. That is, execute S320.

[0337] For example, the first access network device may broadcast a second paging message when covering the second area. The second paging message may carry an identifier of the UE.

[0338] S507: After the paging of the UE is completed, the first access network device sends the first data to the UE. That is, execute S420.

[0339] For example, the first access network device may send the first data to the UE through an RRC connection. The first data may be carried in a NAS message.

[0340] Methods S510 to S570 introduce a solution in which a core network device pages a UE through a first access network device and transmits downlink data to the UE. The following introduces a solution for uplink transmission.

[0341] S508: The UE sends second data to the first access network device.

[0342] For example, the UE may send the second data to the first access network device through a service request connection. The second data may be carried in a NAS message.

[0343] In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes: the UE sends the current ULI to the first access network device. The second data and the current ULI may be carried in the same message or in different messages, which is not limited in this application. In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes: the UE sends the UE identifier to the first access network device. The second data and the UE identifier may be carried in the same message or in different messages, which is not limited in this application.

[0344] S509: The first access network device stores the second data.

[0345] In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes: the first access network device further stores an identifier of the current ULI or UE.

[0346] S510, the first access network device sends second data to the AMF when covering the first area.

[0347] In other words, the first access network device sends the second data to the AMF when the feeder link is connected. The second data can be carried in the NAS message.

[0348] In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes: the first access network device further sends the current ULI or the UE identifier to the AMF. In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes: the AMF can update the current ULI to the location information in the UE context.

[0349] S511, AMF sends second data to AF.

[0350] In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes: AMF sends the UE identifier to AF. For example, AMF can call the message transmission service through the Namf service interface to send a feedback message to AMF, and the feedback message includes the second data, and the feedback message can also include the UE identifier. Among them, the message transmission service can be a communication service between the N1 service interface and the N2 service interface, and the message transmission service can be used as a new service type. NEF can call the NIDD service through the Nnef service interface to send the feedback message to AF.

[0351] Figure 6 600 is another embodiment of the present invention. The method 600 is another implementation of the method 300 and the method 400, and does not constitute a limitation on the present invention. Figure 6 The AMF in the embodiment can be replaced by MME. That is to say, the embodiment of the present application can be applied to 5G network, 4G network, and other communication systems. Figure 6 Method 600 is described in detail.

[0352] S504, AMF sends a first message and first data to the first access network device. The difference from the embodiment of S504 in method 500 is that the first message in method 600 does not include an S&F indicator, and the rest of the embodiment is similar to the embodiment of S504 in method 500, which will not be described in detail here.

[0353] S601: The first access network device determines whether to perform an S&F operation. For details, refer to the method 300 in which the first access network device determines whether to perform an S&F operation, which will not be described in detail here.

[0354] The difference between method 600 and method 500 is that in method 600, the AMF does not determine and instruct the first access network device to perform the S&F operation, but the first access network device determines to perform the S&F operation by itself.

[0355] In some embodiments, method 600 further includes S505 to S511 .

[0356] Figure 7 is a schematic flow chart of a method 700 for determining a first access network device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method 700 may be combined with at least one of the method 300, the method 400, the method 500 or the method 600. It should be noted that: Figure 7 The AMF in the example can be replaced by MME, and the UDM can be replaced by HSS. That is, the embodiment of the present application can be applied to 5G networks, 4G networks, and other communication systems. Figure 7 An embodiment of method 700 is introduced.

[0357] S701, multiple access network devices send storage space information to AMF respectively. It can be understood that the storage space information sent by one of the multiple access network devices to AMF is used to indicate the remaining storage space of the access network device. There can be one AMF or multiple AMFs. In the case of multiple AMFs, the access network device sends storage space information to the corresponding AMF.

[0358] S702, AMF sends the storage space information to UDM.

[0359] S703, UDM stores the storage space information. It can be understood that UDM can manage the storage space information. There may be multiple AMFs, so the storage space information can be uniformly managed by UDM.

[0360] S704, AMF receives ephemeris information from operation administration and maintenance (OAM), wherein the ephemeris information may be ephemeris information of a constellation, and the access network equipment connected by the ISL may be regarded as a constellation.

[0361] S705, AMF obtains the retention duration and quota information. For example, the retention duration and quota information may be in the configuration information of the UE, and the AMF obtains the retention duration and quota information through the configuration information of the UE.

[0362] S706, the AMF determines the target access network device according to the ephemeris information and the retention time. The meaning of the retention time is as described in the embodiment of method 300, which will not be described in detail here.

[0363] For example, the AMF determines a satellite path that can cover the second area within the retention time according to the ephemeris information and the retention time. At least one target access network device runs on the satellite path. The at least one target access network device is connected by an ISL.

[0364] In some embodiments, the AMF may send information about the satellite path to the target access network device respectively, and the information about the satellite path is used to indicate the identification of at least one target access network device and the order in which at least one target access network device transmits data to each other through the ISL. The identification of at least one target access network device may be a satellite identification or an identification of an on-board base station. In this way, the at least one target access network device can transmit the first information, the first data or the second data to each other according to the information about the satellite path.

[0365] S707, AMF receives storage space information from UDM. In other words, AMF obtains or queries storage space information from UDM.

[0366] S708, AMF determines the first access network device based on the storage space information and quota information.

[0367] It is understandable that the AMF can determine the first access network device in the target access network device based on the storage space information and the quota information. The storage space corresponding to the first access network device is greater than the quota information. In the case where there are multiple first access network devices, the storage spaces corresponding to these first access network devices are all greater than the quota information.

[0368] Multiple access network devices transmit data to each other through ISL. The first access network device to receive data can be called the first-hop access network device, and the last access network device to receive data can be called the last-hop access network device. The last-hop access network device will send the data to the terminal device or core network device.

[0369] After S708, the method 700 further includes: the AMF sends updated storage space information to the UDM, wherein the updated storage space information is obtained by subtracting the quota information from the storage space before the update of the last hop access network device.

[0370] It should be noted that the above-mentioned UDM can also be called UDR.

[0371] According to the above solution, the core network device can more accurately determine the first access network device, thereby improving the success rate of the core network device communicating with the terminal device through the first access network device.

[0372] Figure 8 800 is a schematic flow chart of another communication method 800 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method 800 may be combined with at least one of the method 300, the method 400, the method 500, the method 600 or the method 700. It should be noted that: Figure 8 The AMF in the example can be replaced by MME, and the UDM can be replaced by HSS. That is, the embodiment of the present application can be applied to 5G networks, 4G networks, and other communication systems. Figure 8 An embodiment of method 800 is introduced.

[0373] S801, AMF receives priority information from UDM.

[0374] For example, the priority information may be obtained from the configuration information of the UE (eg, subscription information). The priority information may indicate the priority of forwarding data to the UE. The priority information may also be understood as indicating the S&F forwarding priority.

[0375] Exemplarily, a UE that is more sensitive to execution delay and packet loss rate may correspond to priority information with a higher priority.

[0376] S802, AMF sends a priority indication to the first access network device.

[0377] The priority indication may indicate the priority of the first access network device forwarding data to the UE.

[0378] For example, the priority indication may be carried in the N3 data packet and sent to the first access network device. In other words, the priority indication may be carried in a signaling with the downlink data. For another example, the priority indication may be sent via a separate signaling, that is, the priority indication may be decoupled from the downlink data and no longer sent in the same signaling.

[0379] In some embodiments, the AMF may determine whether to execute S802 according to the priority information. That is, even if the priority indicated by the priority information is higher, the AMF may determine not to send the priority indication to the first access network device, so that the UE corresponding to the priority information cannot obtain a higher forwarding data priority.

[0380] In some embodiments, after the first access network device receives the priority indication from the AMF, if the storage space of the first access network device is insufficient, the first access network device may not receive the data with a lower priority. In other words, the first access network device may reject the data with a lower priority.

[0381] The following is an introduction to the device embodiment corresponding to the method embodiment of the present application. The following is only a brief introduction to the device, and the specific implementation steps and details of the scheme can refer to the method embodiment above.

[0382] In order to implement the functions in the method provided in this application, the terminal device and the network device may include a hardware structure and / or a software module, and implement the above functions in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a hardware structure plus a software module. Whether one of the above functions is executed in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a hardware structure plus a software module depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0383] Fig. 9 9 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 900 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 900 includes a processor 910 and a communication interface 920, and the processor 910 and the communication interface 920 may be interconnected via a bus 930. The communication device 900 may be a core network device or an access network device.

[0384] Optionally, the communication device 900 may further include a memory 940. The memory 940 includes, but is not limited to, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or a portable read-only memory (CD-ROM), and the memory 940 is used for related instructions and data. The memory 940 may be integrated with the processor 910 or separately provided.

[0385] The processor 910 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs). In the case where the processor 910 is a CPU, the CPU may be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU. The processor 910 may be a signal processor, a chip, or other integrated circuit that can implement the method of the present application, or a portion of the circuit for processing functions in the aforementioned processor, chip, or integrated circuit. In addition, the communication interface 920 may also be an input / output interface, which is used for input or output of signals or data, or may be an input / output circuit.

[0386] When the communication device 900 is a core network device, exemplarily, the processor 910 is used to perform the following operations: sending first information to a first access network device, the current coverage area of ​​the first access network device is the first area; the first information is used to trigger the first access network device to page the terminal device, and the terminal device is located in a second area, wherein the first information is used by the first access network device to page the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0387] When the communication device 900 is an access network device, exemplarily, the processor 910 is used to perform the following operations: receive first information from a core network device, wherein the access network device covers a first area, and the first information is used to trigger the access network device to page a terminal device, and the terminal device is located in a second area, and the first area is different from the second area; based on the first information, paging the terminal device when the access network device covers the second area.

[0388] When the communication device 900 is a core network device, exemplarily, the processor 910 is used to perform the following operations: before the paging of the terminal device is completed, sending first data to the first access network device, wherein the first data is data to be sent to the terminal device, the current coverage area of ​​the first access network device is the first area, the terminal device is located in the second area, and the first area is different from the second area; wherein the first data is used by the first access network device to send to the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0389] When the communication device 900 is an access network device, exemplarily, the processor 910 is used to perform the following operations: receive first data from a core network device, wherein the first data is data to be sent to the terminal device and received by the access network device before the paging of the terminal device is completed, the access network device covers a first area, the terminal device is located in a second area, and the first area is different from the second area; after the paging of the terminal device is completed and the access network device covers the second area, the first data is sent to the terminal device.

[0390] The above contents are only exemplary descriptions. When the communication device 900 is a core network device or an access network device, it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the core network device or the access network device in the above method embodiments.

[0391] It is understandable that when the communication device 900 is a core network device or an access network device, the communication interface 920 may also be referred to as a transceiver. The transceiver may include a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter is used to perform a sending operation, and the receiver is used to perform a receiving operation. For example, the processor 910 is used to control the transceiver to receive and / or send a signal.

[0392] It should be noted that the communication device 900 may include a transmitter but not a receiver. Alternatively, the communication device 900 may include a receiver but not a transmitter. Specifically, it may depend on whether the above solution executed by the communication device 900 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0393] The above description is only an exemplary description. For specific content, please refer to the content shown in the above method embodiment. Fig. 9 The implementation of each operation in can also refer to Figures 3 to 8 The corresponding description of the method embodiment shown.

[0394] For example, the communication device 900 may be used to perform Figure 3 or Figure 4 The scheme shown.

[0395] When the communication apparatus 900 is a core network device: the communication interface 920 is used to send the first information to the first access network device.

[0396] When the communication device 900 is an access network device: the communication interface 920 is used to receive first information from a core network device; the processor 910 is used to page the terminal device based on the first information when the access network device covers the second area.

[0397] When the communication apparatus 900 is a core network device: the communication interface 920 is used to send the first data to the first access network device before the paging of the terminal device is completed.

[0398] When the communication device 900 is an access network device: the communication interface 920 is used to receive the first data from the core network device; the processor 910 is used to send the first data to the terminal device after the paging of the terminal device is completed and the access network device covers the second area.

[0399] For other implementations, please refer to the aforementioned Figure 3 or Figure 4It should be understood that the specific process of each component executing the above corresponding process has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0400] Fig.10 1 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1000 may be a core network device or an access network device, or may be a chip or module in the core network device or the access network device, for implementing Figures 3 to 8 For details of the method involved in the illustrated embodiment, please refer to the relevant introduction in the above method embodiment.

[0401] The communication device 1000 includes a transceiver unit 1010. The transceiver unit 1010 is exemplarily introduced below.

[0402] The transceiver unit 1010 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is used to perform a sending action of the communication device, and the receiving unit is used to perform a receiving action of the communication device. For ease of description, the embodiment of the present application combines the sending unit and the receiving unit into one transceiver unit. A unified description is given here, and no further description is given later. The transceiver unit 1010 can implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 1010 can also be called a communication interface or a communication module.

[0403] It should be noted that the communication device 1000 may include a sending unit but not a receiving unit. Alternatively, the communication device 1000 may include a receiving unit but not a sending unit. Specifically, it may depend on whether the above solution executed by the communication device 1000 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0404] When the communication apparatus 1000 is a core network device, illustratively, the transceiver unit 1010 is used to send first information, etc. to a first access network device.

[0405] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a processing unit 1020, which is used to execute the content of steps involving processing, coordination, etc. of the core network device.

[0406] When the communication apparatus 1000 is an access network device, illustratively, the transceiver unit 1010 is used to receive first information from a core network device, etc.

[0407] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a processing unit 1020, which is used to execute the contents of steps such as processing and coordination involved in the access network device.

[0408] When the communication apparatus 1000 is a core network device, illustratively, the transceiver unit 1010 is used to send first data, etc. to a first access network device.

[0409] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a processing unit 1020, which is used to execute the content of steps involving processing, coordination, etc. of the core network device.

[0410] When the communication apparatus 1000 is an access network device, illustratively, the transceiver unit 1010 is used to receive first data from a core network device, etc.

[0411] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a processing unit 1020, which is used to execute the contents of steps such as processing and coordination involved in the access network device.

[0412] The above contents are only exemplary descriptions. When the communication device 1000 is a core network device or an access network device, it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the core network device or the access network device in the above method embodiments.

[0413] Optionally, the communication device 1000 further includes a storage unit 1030, which is used to store a program or code for executing the aforementioned method. In other words, the storage unit 1030 can be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 1020 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit 1030 so that the communication device 1000 implements the aforementioned method embodiment. For example, the communication device 1000 can be used to execute Figure 3 or Figure 4 The scheme shown.

[0414] When the communication device 1000 is a core network device: the transceiver unit 1010 is used to send first information to a first access network device, and the current coverage area of ​​the first access network device is the first area; the first information is used to trigger the first access network device to page the terminal device, and the terminal device is located in the second area, wherein the first information is used by the first access network device to page the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0415] When the communication device 1000 is an access network device: the transceiver unit 1010 is used to receive first information from a core network device, wherein the access network device covers a first area, and the first information is used to trigger the access network device to page a terminal device, and the terminal device is located in a second area, and the first area is different from the second area; the processing unit 1020 is used to page the terminal device according to the first information when the access network device covers the second area.

[0416] In the case where the communication device 1000 is a core network device: the transceiver unit 1010 is used to send first data to the first access network device, wherein the first data is data to be sent to the terminal device, the current coverage area of ​​the first access network device is the first area, the terminal device is located in the second area, and the first area is different from the second area; wherein the first data is used by the first access network device to send to the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area.

[0417] When the communication device 1000 is an access network device: the transceiver unit 1010 is used to receive first data from a core network device, wherein the first data is data received by the access network device before the paging of the terminal device is completed and is to be sent to the terminal device, the access network device covers a first area, the terminal device is located in a second area, and the first area is different from the second area; the processing unit 1020 is used to send the first data to the terminal device after the paging of the terminal device is completed and the access network device covers the second area.

[0418] For other implementations, please refer to the above Figure 3 or Figure 4 It should be understood that the specific process of each component executing the above corresponding process has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0419] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The device embodiment shown is used to implement Figures 3 to 8 The content described. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The specific execution steps and methods of the device shown can refer to the contents described in the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0420] The present application also provides an apparatus 1100, which may be a core network device, a processor in the core network device, or a chip. The apparatus 1100 may be used to execute the operations executed by the core network device in the above method embodiment.

[0421] When the device 1100 is a core network device, Fig.11 A simplified schematic diagram of the structure of a core network device is shown. Fig.11 As shown, the core network device includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The memory can store computer program codes, and the transceiver includes a transmitter 1131, a receiver 1132, a radio frequency circuit (not shown in the figure), and an antenna 1133.

[0422] The processor is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data; control core network equipment, execute software programs and process software program data, etc.

[0423] Memory is mainly used to store software programs and data.

[0424] Radio frequency circuits are mainly used for conversion between baseband signals and radio frequency signals and for processing radio frequency signals.

[0425] Antennas are mainly used to send and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves.

[0426] When data needs to be sent, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be sent and outputs the baseband signal to the RF circuit. Then, the RF circuit performs RF processing on the baseband signal and sends the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the core network device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna. The RF circuit converts the RF signal into a baseband signal and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data. For ease of explanation, Fig.10 Only one memory, processor and transceiver are shown. In the actual core network device product, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. The memory may also be referred to as a storage medium or a storage device. The memory may be set independently of the processor or integrated with the processor, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0427] Part 1110 and part 1120 may include one or more single boards, each of which may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processor is used to read and execute the program in the memory to realize the baseband processing function and control the device 1100. If there are multiple single boards, each single board can be interconnected to enhance the processing capability. As an optional implementation, multiple single boards may share one or more processors, or multiple single boards may share one or more memories, or multiple single boards may share one or more processors at the same time.

[0428] In the embodiment of the present application, the antenna and radio frequency circuit with transceiver functions can be regarded as the transceiver module of the core network device, and the processor with processing function can be regarded as the processing module of the core network device.

[0429] like Fig.11 As shown, the core network device includes a processor 1110, a memory 1120, and a transceiver 1130. The processor 1110 may also be referred to as a processing unit, a processing board, a processing module, or a processing device, etc. The transceiver 1130 may also be referred to as a transceiver unit, a transceiver, or a transceiver device, etc.

[0430] Optionally, the device for implementing the receiving function in the transceiver 1130 is regarded as a receiving module, and the device for implementing the sending function in the transceiver 1130 is regarded as a sending module, that is, the transceiver 1130 includes a receiver and a transmitter. The transceiver may sometimes be referred to as a transceiver, a transceiver module, or a transceiver circuit. The receiver may sometimes be referred to as a receiver, a receiving module, or a receiving circuit. The transmitter may sometimes be referred to as a transmitter, a transmitting module, or a transmitting circuit.

[0431] The processor 1110 is used to execute the above Figure 3 or Figure 4 The processing actions on the core network device side in the embodiment shown. The transceiver 1130 is used to perform the above Figure 3 or Figure 4 The sending and receiving actions on the core network device side in the embodiment shown.

[0432] When the device 1100 is a chip, the chip includes a processor, a memory and a transceiver. Among them, the transceiver can be an input-output circuit or a communication interface. The processor can be a processing module or a microprocessor or an integrated circuit integrated on the chip. The sending operation of the core network device in the above method embodiment can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the core network device in the above method embodiment can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0433] The present application also provides a device 1200, which may be an access network device or a chip of the access network device. The device 1200 may be used to perform the above Figures 3 to 8 Operations performed by the access network device in the illustrated embodiment.

[0434] Fig.12 A simplified structural diagram is shown. The device 1200 includes a portion 1210 , a portion 1220 , and a portion 1230 .

[0435] Part 1210 is mainly used for baseband processing, etc. Part 1210 is usually the control center of the device 1200, which can usually be called a processor, and is used to control the device 1200 to perform the processing operations on the access network device side in the above method embodiment.

[0436] Part 1220 is mainly used to store computer program code and data.

[0437] Part 1230 is mainly used for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals and converting radio frequency signals into baseband signals; Part 1230 can generally be referred to as a transceiver module, a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver. The transceiver module of Part 1230 can also be referred to as a transceiver or a transceiver, etc. It includes an antenna 1233 and a radio frequency circuit (not shown in the figure), wherein the radio frequency circuit is mainly used for radio frequency processing. Optionally, the device used to implement the receiving function in Part 1230 can be regarded as a receiver, and the device used to implement the transmitting function can be regarded as a transmitter, that is, Part 1230 includes a receiver 1232 and a transmitter 1231. The receiver can also be referred to as a receiving module, a receiver, or a receiving circuit, etc., and the transmitter can be referred to as a transmitting module, a transmitter, or a transmitting circuit, etc.

[0438] Part 1210 and part 1220 may include one or more single boards, and each single board may include one or more processors and one or more memories. The processor is used to read and execute the program in the memory to realize the baseband processing function and control the device 1200. If there are multiple single boards, each single board can be interconnected to enhance the processing capability. As an optional implementation, multiple single boards may share one or more processors, or multiple single boards may share one or more memories, or multiple single boards may share one or more processors at the same time.

[0439] For example, in one implementation, the transceiver module of part 1230 is used to execute Figure 3 or Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the access network device performs the sending and receiving related processes. The processor of part 1210 is used to Figure 3 or Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment is a process related to processing performed by the access network device.

[0440] When the device 1200 is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver, a memory, and a processor. The transceiver may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processor may be a processor, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit integrated on the chip. The sending operation of the access network device in the above method embodiment may be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the access network device in the above method embodiment may be understood as the input of the chip.

[0441] The present application also provides a communication device, including a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is used to store instructions, and the processor is used to call and run the instructions stored in the memory, so that the communication device executes the methods of the access network device or core network device or terminal device in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0442] The present application also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling and executing instructions stored in a memory from the memory, so that a communication device equipped with the chip executes the methods in the above embodiments.

[0443] The present application also provides another chip, including: an input interface, an output interface, and a processor, wherein the input interface, the output interface, and the processor are connected via an internal connection path, and the processor is used to execute the code in the memory, and when the code is executed, the processor is used to execute the method in each of the above embodiments. Optionally, the chip also includes a memory, and the memory is used to store computer programs or codes.

[0444] The present application also provides a processor for coupling with a memory, and for executing the methods and functions involving a core network device or an access network device in any of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0445] In another embodiment of the present application, a computer program product including a computer program or instructions is provided. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the method of the above embodiment is implemented.

[0446] The present application also provides a computer program. When the computer program is executed in a computer, the methods of the aforementioned embodiments are implemented.

[0447] In another embodiment of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a computer, the methods of the aforementioned embodiments are implemented.

[0448] The present application also provides a communication system, which may include a first access network device and a core network device. The first access network device may be used to perform the above Figures 3 to 8 The operations performed by the access network device in the embodiment shown in the figure, the core network device can be used to perform the above Figures 3 to 8 Operations performed by the core network device in the illustrated embodiment.

[0449] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0450] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0451] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0452] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0453] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0454] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application can be essentially or partly embodied in the form of a software product that contributes to the prior art. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0455] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the present technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: An access network device receives first information from a core network device, wherein the access network device covers a first area, the first information is used to trigger the access network device to page a terminal device, the terminal device is located in a second area, and the first area is different from the second area; The access network device pages the terminal device based on the first information when the access network device covers the second area.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first information includes an identifier of the terminal device and an identifier of the second area.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Also includes: After the paging of the terminal device is completed and the access network device covers the second area, the access network device sends first data to the terminal device, where the first data is data received by the access network device before the paging of the terminal device is completed and is to be sent to the terminal device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Also includes: The access network device receives second data from the terminal device; The access network device sends the second data to the core network device when the access network device covers the first area.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The second area is a tracking area, a cell or a geographical area.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Also includes: The access network device receives second information from the core network device, where the second information is used to indicate that the terminal device is to be paged when the access network device covers the second area; wherein, The access network device paging the terminal device according to the first information when the access network device covers the second area includes: The access network device pages the terminal device according to the first information and the second information when the access network device covers the second area.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Also includes: The access network device determines, based on third information, to page the terminal device when the access network device covers the second area, wherein the third information includes information about the second area; wherein, The access network device paging the terminal device according to the first information when the access network device covers the second area includes: The access network device pages the terminal device according to the first information and the third information when the access network device covers the second area.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Also includes: The access network device receives fourth information from the core network device, where the fourth information is used to indicate the number of times and / or the duration of paging performed by the access network device on the terminal device when the access network device covers the second area; The access network device paging the terminal device according to the first information when the access network device covers the second area includes: The access network device pages the terminal device according to the first information and the fourth information when the access network device covers the second area.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that Also includes: The access network device sends fifth information to the core network device, where the fifth information is used to indicate that the access network device has a storage and forwarding capability.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that Also includes: The access network device sends sixth information to the core network device, where the sixth information is used to indicate a storage space of the access network device.

11. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The core network device sends first information to the first access network device, where the current coverage area of ​​the first access network device is the first area; The first information is used to trigger the first access network device to page the terminal device, and the terminal device is located in the second area. The first information is used by the first access network device to page the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The first information includes an identifier of the terminal device and an identifier of the second area.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: Also includes: The core network device sends first data to the first access network device before the paging of the terminal device is completed, wherein the first data is data to be sent to the terminal device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that Also includes: The core network device receives second data from the first access network device.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that The second area is a tracking area, a cell or a geographical area.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that Also includes: The core network device sends second information to the first access network device, where the second information is used to indicate that the terminal device is to be paged when the first access network device covers the second area.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that Also includes: The core network device determines to send the second information to the first access network device based on the configuration information of the terminal device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 11, characterized in that Before the core network device sends the first information to the first access network device within the first time period, the method further includes: The core network device determines to page the terminal device through the first access network device based on the ephemeris information.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The core network device determines, according to the ephemeris information, to page the terminal device through the first access network device, including: The core network device determines, according to the ephemeris information, that a duration for the first access network device to move from the first area to the second area is less than or equal to a duration threshold; The core network device determines to page the terminal device through the first access network device.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The duration threshold is the duration of time for the second access network device to move from the first area to the second area, wherein the second access network device is one of a plurality of access network devices whose current coverage area is the first area, and the first access network device is one of the plurality of access network devices; or, The duration threshold is the duration for which the first access network device retains the first information.

21. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 20, characterized in that Also includes: The core network device sends fourth information to the first access network device, where the fourth information is used to indicate the number of times and / or the duration of paging performed by the first access network device on the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area.

22. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 21, characterized in that Also includes: The core network device receives fifth information from the first access network device, where the fifth information is used to indicate that the first access network device has a storage and forwarding capability.

23. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 22, characterized in that Also includes: The core network device receives sixth information from the first access network device, where the sixth information is used to indicate a storage space of the first access network device.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that Before the core network device sends the first information to the first access network device, the method further includes: The core network device determines that the storage space can store data to be sent to the terminal device.

25. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The access network device receives first data from the core network device, wherein the first data is data received by the access network device before the paging of the terminal device is completed and is to be sent to the terminal device, the access network device covers a first area, the terminal device is located in a second area, and the first area is different from the second area; After the paging of the terminal device is completed and the access network device covers the second area, the access network device sends the first data to the terminal device.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that Also includes: The access network device receives first information from the core network device, wherein the first information is used to trigger the access network device to page the terminal device; The access network device pages the terminal device based on the first information when the access network device covers the second area.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that The first information includes an identifier of the terminal device and an identifier of the second area.

28. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that Also includes: The access network device receives second data from the terminal device; The access network device sends the second data to the core network device when the access network device covers the first area.

29. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that The second area is a tracking area, a cell or a geographical area.

30. The method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that Also includes: The access network device receives second information from the core network device, where the second information is used to indicate that the terminal device is to be paged when the access network device covers the second area; wherein, The access network device paging the terminal device according to the first information when the access network device covers the second area includes: The access network device pages the terminal device according to the first information and the second information when the access network device covers the second area.

31. The method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that Also includes: The access network device determines, based on third information, to page the terminal device when the access network device covers the second area, wherein the third information includes information about the second area; wherein, The access network device paging the terminal device according to the first information when the access network device covers the second area includes: The access network device pages the terminal device according to the first information and the third information when the access network device covers the second area.

32. The method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that Also includes: The access network device receives fourth information from the core network device, where the fourth information is used to indicate the number of times and / or the duration of paging performed by the access network device on the terminal device when the access network device covers the second area; The access network device paging the terminal device according to the first information when the access network device covers the second area includes: The access network device pages the terminal device according to the first information and the fourth information when the access network device covers the second area.

33. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 32, characterized in that Also includes: The access network device sends fifth information to the core network device, where the fifth information is used to indicate that the access network device has a storage and forwarding capability.

34. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 33, characterized in that Also includes: The access network device sends sixth information to the core network device, where the sixth information is used to indicate a storage space of the access network device.

35. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Before the paging of the terminal device is completed, the core network device sends first data to the first access network device, wherein the first data is data to be sent to the terminal device, the current coverage area of ​​the first access network device is a first area, the terminal device is located in a second area, and the first area is different from the second area; The first data is used by the first access network device to send to the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area.

36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that Also includes: The core network device sends first information to the first access network device, where the first information is used to trigger the first access network device to page the terminal device, wherein the first information is used by the first access network device to page the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area.

37. The method according to claim 36, characterized in that The first information includes an identifier of the terminal device and an identifier of the second area.

38. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 37, characterized in that Also includes: The core network device receives second data from the first access network device.

39. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 38, characterized in that The second area is a tracking area, a cell or a geographical area.

40. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 39, characterized in that Also includes: The core network device sends second information to the first access network device, where the second information is used to indicate that the terminal device is to be paged when the first access network device covers the second area.

41. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that Also includes: The core network device determines to send the second information to the first access network device based on the configuration information of the terminal device.

42. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 41, characterized in that Before the core network device sends the first data to the first access network device, the method further includes: The core network device determines to page the terminal device through the first access network device based on the ephemeris information.

43. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that The core network device determines, according to the ephemeris information, to page the terminal device through the first access network device, including: The core network device determines, according to the ephemeris information, that a duration for the first access network device to move from the first area to the second area is less than or equal to a duration threshold; The core network device determines to page the terminal device through the first access network device.

44. The method according to claim 43, characterized in that The duration threshold is the duration of time for the second access network device to move from the first area to the second area, wherein the second access network device is one of a plurality of access network devices whose current coverage area is the first area, and the first access network device is one of the plurality of access network devices; or, The duration threshold is the duration for which the first access network device retains the first data.

45. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 44, characterized in that Also includes: The core network device sends fourth information to the first access network device, where the fourth information is used to indicate the number of times and / or the duration of paging performed by the first access network device on the terminal device when the first access network device covers the second area.

46. ​​The method according to any one of claims 35 to 45, characterized in that Also includes: The core network device receives fifth information from the first access network device, where the fifth information is used to indicate that the first access network device has a storage and forwarding capability.

47. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 46, characterized in that Also includes: The core network device receives sixth information from the first access network device, where the sixth information is used to indicate a storage space of the first access network device.

48. The method according to claim 47, characterized in that Before the core network device sends the first data to the first access network device, the method further includes: The core network device determines that the storage space can store data to be sent to the terminal device.

49. A communication device, characterized in that: It comprises a processing circuit and an input-output interface, the input-output interface is used to input and / or output signals, the processing circuit is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 1 to 10, or the processing circuit is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 11 to 24, or the processing circuit is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 25 to 34, or the processing circuit is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 35 to 48.

50. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processor and a memory, wherein a computer program or instructions are stored in the memory, and the processor is used to, by executing the computer program or instructions, enable the communication device to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 10, or enable the communication device to perform the method described in any one of claims 11 to 24, or enable the communication device to perform the method described in any one of claims 25 to 34, or enable the communication device to perform the method described in any one of claims 35 to 48.

51. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or the instructions are executed on a computer, the method described in any one of claims 1 to 10 is executed, or the method described in any one of claims 11 to 24 is executed, or the method described in any one of claims 25 to 34 is executed, or the method described in any one of claims 35 to 48 is executed.

52. A computer program product, characterized in that Comprising computer program code, which, when executed, implements the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, or implements the method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 24, or implements the method as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 34, or implements the method as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 48.

53. A communication system, characterized in that: include: A first access network device and a core network device, wherein the first access network device is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, and the core network device is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 24; or, the first access network device is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 25 to 34, and the core network device is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 35 to 48.

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