Network switching method and device, medium and program product

Abstract

The invention discloses a network switching method and device, a medium and a program product, which are used for improving the probability of continuing UE-sath-UE communication with a target terminal after a terminal network is switched. The method comprises the following steps: receiving an NG link establishment request message sent by a spaceborne base station; and an NG link establishment response message is sent to the spaceborne base station, the response message comprises neighbor base station information, the neighbor base station information is used for recording the switching priority of at least one neighbor base station of the spaceborne base station, and the switching priority represents the success rate of the neighbor base station for establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for a voice user.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] UE-satellite-UE communication, also known as user-satellite-user communication, refers to the communication data of the terminal passing through the coverage of one or more satellites and finally reaching the target terminal. During this process, the user plane traffic does not pass through the ground network.

[0003] UE-satellite-UE services rely on inter-satellite links (ISLs). When a voice session starts, the signaling plane is processed through the feeder link to the ground core network and the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network. After the access gateway (AGW) of the voice session is allocated, the subsequent data link passes through the IMS-AGW to the target terminal. There is no need to sink to the ground network through the feeder link in the middle, which can effectively reduce the voice session delay.

[0004] At present, in UE-satellite-UE communication, when a terminal undergoes network switching, it is easy to cause the inability to continue UE-satellite-UE communication with the target terminal after the switching due to problems such as no IMS-AGW deployed in the satellite after the network switching, no inter-satellite link between the two satellites before and after the switching, or inter-satellite link failure. Therefore, how to improve the probability of continuing UE-satellite-UE communication with the target terminal after the terminal network switching has become a problem that needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application provides a network switching method, device, medium and program product, which are used to improve the probability of a terminal continuing UE-satellite-UE communication with a target terminal after network switching.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network switching method, the method comprising: Receive the Next Generation (NG) link establishment request message sent by the satellite base station; An NG link establishment response message is sent to the satellite base station, where the response message includes neighboring base station information, where the neighboring base station information is used to record the switching priority of at least one neighboring base station of the satellite base station, and the switching priority represents the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users.

[0007] As an optional implementation, the method further includes: Maintain the stored neighboring base station information based on the event messages reported by the Session Management Function (SMF) network element.

[0008] As an optional implementation manner, the event message reported by the session management function SMF network element maintains the stored neighboring base station information, including: Receive a UE-satellite-UE communication establishment success event message reported by the SMF network element, wherein the message includes a base station identifier of the first target base station; In the stored neighboring base station information, the switching priority of the first target base station is increased.

[0009] As an optional implementation, the UE-satellite-UE communication establishment success event message is triggered and reported by the SMF network element when the voice user served by the first target base station successfully establishes UE-satellite-UE communication, or the SMF network element is triggered and reported when the number of successful UE-satellite-UE communication establishments by the voice user served by the first target base station is greater than a first preset threshold.

[0010] As an optional implementation manner, the event message reported by the session management function SMF network element maintains the stored neighboring base station information, including: Receive a UE-satellite-UE communication establishment failure event message reported by the SMF network element, wherein the message includes a base station identifier of the second target base station; In the stored neighboring base station information, the switching priority of the second target base station is lowered.

[0011] As an optional implementation, the UE-satellite-UE communication establishment failure event message is triggered and reported by the SMF network element when the voice user served by the second target base station fails to establish UE-satellite-UE communication, or the SMF network element is triggered and reported when the number of failures in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for the voice user served by the second target base station is greater than a second preset threshold.

[0012] As an optional implementation, the stored neighboring base station information is the initial neighboring base station information or the initial neighboring base station information after maintenance and update. The initial neighboring base station information is obtained from a network management or data center, or is established based on the network topology of the satellite network where the satellite-borne base station is located and the network element deployment information on the satellite.

[0013] As an optional implementation manner, the initial neighboring base station information includes at least the following switching priorities of neighboring base stations: A neighboring base station having an inter-satellite link with the satellite-borne base station and a neighboring base station deployed with an access gateway.

[0014] As an optional implementation manner, the neighboring base station information is obtained from a network management or a data center.

[0015] As an optional implementation, the method further includes: For terminals of different device types, the neighboring base station information is maintained respectively.

[0016] As an optional implementation, the method further includes: Receiving a neighboring base station information subscription request message sent by the base station; The neighboring base station information is periodically sent to the base station.

[0017] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network switching method, the method comprising: receiving a measurement report reported by a terminal that uses user-satellite-user UE-satellite-UE communication to perform a voice service, wherein the measurement report carries at least one cell identifier; Based on the neighboring base station information, from the service cells corresponding to the cell identifier contained in the measurement report, a cell served by a neighboring base station whose switching priority meets the preset requirements is selected as the target cell after switching, wherein the neighboring base station information is obtained from the core network, including the switching priority of at least one neighboring base station, and the switching priority represents the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users.

[0018] As an optional implementation manner, selecting a cell served by a neighboring base station whose switching priority meets a preset requirement as a target cell after switching includes: Among the preferred neighboring base stations whose switching priorities meet preset requirements, a cell whose identifier is included in the measurement report and belongs to the preferred neighboring base station is selected as the target cell according to the order of switching priorities from high to low.

[0019] As an optional implementation, the method further includes: In the case that the target cell is not selected among the cells served by the preferred neighboring base station, the target cell is selected from the service cell corresponding to the cell identifier contained in the measurement report, or after eliminating the unselectable neighboring base stations from the base stations to which the cell identifier contained in the measurement report belongs, the remaining base stations are determined, and the cell whose identifier is contained in the measurement report and belongs to the remaining base stations is selected as the target cell, wherein the unselectable neighboring base station is a neighboring base station whose switching priority does not meet the preset requirements.

[0020] As an optional implementation manner, the neighboring base station information is maintained by the core network for terminals of different device types respectively; The selecting, based on the neighboring base station information, from the serving cells corresponding to the cell identifiers included in the measurement report, a cell served by a base station whose handover priority meets a preset requirement as a target cell after the handover, includes: Determine the target neighboring base station information maintained by the core network for the device type of the terminal, and perform an operation of selecting a target cell based on the target neighboring base station information.

[0021] As an optional implementation manner, the selecting, based on the neighboring base station information, from the serving cell corresponding to the cell identifier included in the measurement report, a cell served by a base station whose handover priority meets the preset requirements as the target cell after the handover, includes: When it is determined to start the switching priority service, an operation of selecting a target cell is performed based on the neighboring base station information, wherein the switching priority service is used to instruct the satellite-borne base station to select a service cell after switching based on the neighboring base station information when a network switching occurs in the terminal served by the satellite-borne base station.

[0022] As an optional implementation, the neighboring base station information is periodically obtained from the core network through the NG interface after subscribing to the neighboring base station information to the core network, or is obtained from the core network through the NG interface when an NG link connection is established with the core network.

[0023] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network switching device, including: A receiving unit, used for receiving an NG link establishment request message sent by a satellite base station; A sending unit is used to send an NG link establishment response message to the satellite base station, where the response message includes neighboring base station information, where the neighboring base station information is used to record the switching priority of at least one neighboring base station of the satellite base station, and the switching priority represents the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing user-satellite-user UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users.

[0024] As an optional implementation, the device further includes: The processing unit is used to maintain the stored neighboring base station information based on the event messages reported by the SMF network element.

[0025] As an optional implementation manner, the receiving unit is further used to: receive a UE-satellite-UE communication establishment success event message reported by the SMF network element, wherein the message includes a base station identifier of the first target base station; The processing unit is specifically configured to: improve the switching priority of the first target base station in the stored neighboring base station information.

[0026] As an optional implementation, the UE-satellite-UE communication establishment success event message is triggered and reported by the SMF network element when the voice user served by the first target base station successfully establishes UE-satellite-UE communication, or the SMF network element is triggered and reported when the number of successful UE-satellite-UE communication establishments by the voice user served by the first target base station is greater than a first preset threshold.

[0027] As an optional implementation manner, the receiving unit is further used for: Receive a UE-satellite-UE communication establishment failure event message reported by the SMF network element, wherein the message includes a base station identifier of the second target base station; The processing unit is specifically configured to: lower the switching priority of the second target base station in the stored neighboring base station information.

[0028] As an optional implementation, the UE-satellite-UE communication establishment failure event message is triggered and reported by the SMF network element when the voice user served by the second target base station fails to establish UE-satellite-UE communication, or the SMF network element is triggered and reported when the number of failures in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for the voice user served by the second target base station is greater than a second preset threshold.

[0029] As an optional implementation, the stored neighboring base station information is the initial neighboring base station information or the initial neighboring base station information after maintenance and update. The initial neighboring base station information is obtained from a network management or data center, or is established based on the network topology of the satellite network where the satellite-borne base station is located and the network element deployment information on the satellite.

[0030] As an optional implementation manner, the initial neighboring base station information includes at least the following switching priorities of neighboring base stations: A neighboring base station having an inter-satellite link with the satellite-borne base station and a neighboring base station deployed with an access gateway.

[0031] As an optional implementation manner, the neighboring base station information is obtained from a network management or a data center.

[0032] As an optional implementation manner, the processing unit is further used to: For terminals of different device types, the neighboring base station information is maintained respectively.

[0033] As an optional implementation manner, the receiving unit is further used for: Receiving a neighboring base station information subscription request message sent by the base station; The sending unit is further used to: periodically send the neighboring base station information to the base station.

[0034] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network switching device, including: A receiving unit, configured to receive a measurement report reported by a terminal that uses user-satellite-user UE-satellite-UE communication to perform a voice service, wherein the measurement report carries at least one cell identifier; A processing unit is used to select, based on the neighboring base station information, a cell served by a neighboring base station whose switching priority meets the preset requirements from the service cells corresponding to the cell identifier contained in the measurement report, as the target cell after switching, wherein the neighboring base station information is obtained from the core network, including the switching priority of at least one neighboring base station, and the switching priority represents the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users.

[0035] As an optional implementation manner, the processing unit is specifically configured to: Among the preferred neighboring base stations whose switching priorities meet preset requirements, a cell whose identifier is included in the measurement report and belongs to the preferred neighboring base station is selected as the target cell according to the order of switching priorities from high to low.

[0036] As an optional implementation manner, the processing unit is further used to: In the case that the target cell is not selected among the cells served by the preferred neighboring base station, the target cell is selected from the service cell corresponding to the cell identifier contained in the measurement report, or after eliminating the unselectable neighboring base stations from the base stations to which the cell identifier contained in the measurement report belongs, the remaining base stations are determined, and the cell whose identifier is contained in the measurement report and belongs to the remaining base stations is selected as the target cell, wherein the unselectable neighboring base station is a neighboring base station whose switching priority does not meet the preset requirements.

[0037] As an optional implementation manner, the neighboring base station information is maintained by the core network for terminals of different device types respectively; The processing unit is specifically used for: Determine the target neighboring base station information maintained by the core network for the device type of the terminal, and perform an operation of selecting a target cell based on the target neighboring base station information.

[0038] As an optional implementation manner, the processing unit is specifically configured to: When it is determined to start the switching priority service, an operation of selecting a target cell is performed based on the neighboring base station information, wherein the switching priority service is used to instruct the satellite-borne base station to select a service cell after switching based on the neighboring base station information when a network switching occurs in the terminal served by the satellite-borne base station.

[0039] As an optional implementation, the neighboring base station information is periodically obtained from the core network through the NG interface after subscribing to the neighboring base station information to the core network, or is obtained from the core network through the NG interface when an NG link connection is established with the core network.

[0040] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network switching device, which includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is used to store programs executable by the processor, and the processor is used to read the programs in the memory and execute any one of the methods in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0041] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer storage medium on which a computer program is stored, and when the program is executed by a processor, it is used to implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect above.

[0042] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, comprising: a computer program code, when the computer program code is run on a computer, the computer executes the method described in any one of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0043] Beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present application: The embodiment of the present application provides a network switching method, device, medium and program product. After the core network receives the NG link establishment request message sent by the satellite base station, it sends an NG link establishment response message to the satellite base station. The response message includes neighboring base station information. The neighboring base station information is used to record the switching priority of at least one neighboring base station of the satellite base station. The switching priority represents the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users. By sending the switching priorities of each neighboring base station to the satellite base station, the satellite base station can select the target cell from the cells included in the measurement report based on the switching priorities of each neighboring base station when receiving the measurement report reported by the terminal. Since the switching priority represents the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users, a high switching priority means a high success rate in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users. Therefore, by selecting the neighboring base station and the target cell according to the switching priority, the target cell served by the neighboring base station with a high success rate in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication can be selected as much as possible, thereby maximizing the probability of continuing UE-satellite-UE communication with the target terminal after the terminal network is switched.

[0044] These and other aspects of the present application will be more clearly understood in the description of the following embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic flow chart of a network switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the principle of maintaining neighboring base station information by an AMF network element provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the principle of maintaining neighboring base station information by another AMF network element provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 A schematic flow chart of another network switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 An interactive flow chart of a satellite-borne base station obtaining neighboring base station information provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 6 An interactive flow chart of another satellite-borne base station obtaining neighboring base station information provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 7 An interactive flow chart of the overall switching process of the network switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 8 A schematic flow chart of a specific implementation process of a network switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a network switching device provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of another network switching device provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a network switching device provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 12 A schematic diagram of another network switching device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0048] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "and / or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0049] The application scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application. It is known to those skilled in the art that with the emergence of new application scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems. In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more.

[0050] Before introducing the network switching method provided in the embodiment of the present application, in order to facilitate understanding, the technical background of the embodiment of the present application is first introduced in detail below.

[0051] UE-satellite-UE communication, also known as user-satellite-user communication, refers to the communication data of the terminal passing through the coverage of one or more satellites and finally reaching the target terminal. During this process, the user plane traffic does not pass through the ground network.

[0052] UE-satellite-UE services rely on ISL. When a voice session starts, the signaling plane is processed through the feeder link to the ground core network and IMS network. After the AGW for the voice session is allocated, the subsequent data link passes through the IMS-AGW to the target terminal. There is no need to sink to the ground network through the feeder link in the middle, which can effectively reduce the voice session delay.

[0053] At present, in UE-satellite-UE communication, when a terminal undergoes network switching, it is easy to cause the inability to continue UE-satellite-UE communication with the target terminal after the switching due to problems such as no IMS-AGW deployed in the satellite after the network switching, no inter-satellite link between the two satellites before and after the switching, or inter-satellite link failure. Therefore, how to improve the probability of continuing UE-satellite-UE communication with the target terminal after the terminal network switching has become a problem that needs to be solved urgently.

[0054] In view of this, the embodiment of the present application provides a network switching method, device, medium and program product. After the core network receives the NG link establishment request message sent by the satellite base station, it sends an NG link establishment response message to the satellite base station. The response message includes neighboring base station information. The neighboring base station information is used to record the switching priority of at least one neighboring base station of the satellite base station. The switching priority represents the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users. By sending the switching priorities of each of its neighboring base stations to the satellite base station, the satellite base station can select the target cell from the cells included in the measurement report based on the switching priorities of each neighboring base station when receiving the measurement report reported by the terminal. Since the switching priority represents the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users, a high switching priority means a high success rate of establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users. Therefore, by selecting the neighboring base station and the target cell according to the switching priority, the target cell served by the neighboring base station with a high success rate of establishing UE-satellite-UE communication can be selected as much as possible, thereby maximizing the probability of continuing UE-satellite-UE communication with the target terminal after the terminal network is switched.

[0055] It should be noted that the base stations mentioned in the embodiments of the present application are all base stations carried by satellites, that is, satellite base stations; and the network switching in the embodiments of the present application refers to the switching of the terminal accessing the satellite base station in the UE-satellite-UE communication; the switching priority in the embodiments of the present application represents the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users. In other words, the switching priority is determined based on the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users in history. If the neighboring base station has successfully established UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users in the history, it is considered that the neighboring base station has a high success rate in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users, and the switching priority of the neighboring base station is higher. Conversely, if the neighboring base station has failed to establish UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users in the history, it is considered that the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users is low, and the switching priority of the neighboring base station is lower.

[0056] After introducing the technical background of the embodiment of the present application, the overall concept of the network switching solution provided by the embodiment of the present application is first described below.

[0057] In the embodiment of the present application, on the core network side, for example, in the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, the neighboring base station information of each satellite base station is maintained, the switching priority of the neighboring base stations of each satellite base station is recorded, and then the neighboring base station information of each satellite base station is notified to the corresponding satellite base station through the NG interface as reference information for the terminal served by the satellite base station when performing network switching.

[0058] When the satellite base station receives the measurement report reported by the terminal it serves, it selects the cell served by the neighboring base station whose switching priority meets the preset requirements from the service cells corresponding to the cell identifiers contained in the measurement report according to the switching priorities of each neighboring base station recorded in the neighboring base station information obtained from the core network side as the target cell after switching, so that the terminal can maintain UE-satellite-UE communication with the target terminal as much as possible after the network switching.

[0059] After introducing the overall concept of the network switching solution provided in the embodiment of the present application, the network switching method provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below in combination with specific embodiments, and the implementation process on the base station side and the core network side are respectively described.

[0060] On the core network side, take the AMF network element as an example. Figure 1 As shown, the network switching method provided in the embodiment of the present application has an implementation process as follows: Step 101: Receive an NG link establishment request message sent by a satellite base station.

[0061] Step 102: Send an NG link establishment response message to the satellite base station. The response message includes neighbor base station information. The neighbor base station information is used to record the switching priority of at least one neighbor base station of the satellite base station. The switching priority represents the success rate of the neighbor base station in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users.

[0062] Of course, the AMF network element can also receive the neighbor base station information subscription request message sent by the satellite base station, and then periodically send the neighbor base station information to the satellite base station according to the period included in the subscription request message.

[0063] It should be noted that the neighboring base station information sent by the AMF network element to the satellite base station can be maintained by the AMF network element itself, or it can be obtained from the network management or data center when the AMF network element needs to send the neighboring base station information to the satellite base station. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0064] Specifically, in the solution where the AMF network element maintains neighboring base station information, the AMF network element can maintain the stored neighboring base station information based on the event messages reported by the SMF network element.

[0065] The stored neighboring base station information is the initial neighboring base station information or the initial neighboring base station information after maintenance and update. The initial neighboring base station information can be obtained from the network management or data center, or it can be established by the AMF network element based on the network topology of the satellite network where the satellite base station is located and the network element deployment information on the satellite. The initial neighboring base station information includes at least the switching priority of the following neighboring base stations: neighboring base stations with inter-satellite links to the satellite base station and neighboring base stations with access gateways deployed.

[0066] It should be noted that in other embodiments of the present application, a switch for controlling the maintenance of neighboring base station information can also be added in the AMF network element. When the switch for maintaining the neighboring base station information is turned on, the AMF network element maintains the neighboring base station information of each base station. When the switch for maintaining the neighboring base station information is turned off, the AMF does not need to maintain the neighboring base station information of each base station.

[0067] The following is a description of the specific process of establishing initial neighboring base station information for the AMF network element and maintaining neighboring base station information in conjunction with a specific embodiment.

[0068] Taking the switching priority including the first switching priority, the second switching priority, the third switching priority, and the fourth switching priority as an example, the first switching priority (the highest priority) is the neighboring base station that has established UE-satellite-UE communication, the second switching priority is the neighboring base station that has an ISL connection with the current satellite base station, the third switching priority is the neighboring base station deployed with IMS-AGW, and the fourth switching priority (the lowest priority) is the neighboring base station where UE-satellite-UE communication fails to be established.

[0069] When establishing the initial neighboring base station information, the AMF network element determines the neighboring base stations that may be able to successfully establish UE-satellite-UE communication for the user based on the network topology of the satellite network where the onboard base station is located and the network element deployment information on each satellite. In this example, the neighboring base stations with the second switching priority and the third switching priority are determined, and the first switching priority and the fourth switching priority are empty.

[0070] Afterwards, the AMF network element receives the UE-satellite-UE communication establishment success event message reported by the SMF network element. The message includes the base station identifier of the first target base station. The first target base station here refers to the base station to which the terminal that successfully establishes UE-satellite-UE communication belongs. Then the AMF network element increases the switching priority of the first target base station in the stored neighboring base station information, such as setting the first target base station as the neighboring base station with the first switching priority, and obtains the updated neighboring base station information.

[0071] Among them, when increasing the switching priority of the first target base station, the switching priority of the first target base station can be increased to the highest, or the switching priority of the first target base station can be increased to a preset level (which can be set based on experience), and this embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0072] Of course, it should be noted that if the first target base station is not in the neighboring base station information currently stored in the AMF network element, the identifier of the first target base station will be added to the corresponding switching priority in the neighboring base station information currently stored in the AMF network element. If the first target base station is already in the neighboring base station information currently stored in the AMF network element, the switching priority of the first target base station will be increased and it will be removed from the previous switching priority.

[0073] Among them, the UE-satellite-UE communication establishment success event message is triggered and reported by the SMF network element when the voice user served by the first target base station successfully establishes UE-satellite-UE communication, or the SMF network element triggers and reports when the number of successful UE-satellite-UE communication establishments by the voice user served by the first target base station is greater than the first preset threshold. The first preset threshold can be set according to an empirical value, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0074] Of course, the AMF network element may also receive a UE-satellite-UE communication establishment failure event message reported by the SMF network element. The message includes the base station identifier of the second target base station. The second target base station here refers to the base station to which the terminal that failed to establish the UE-satellite-UE communication belongs. Then the AMF network element lowers the switching priority of the second target base station in the stored neighboring base station information, such as setting the second target base station as the neighboring base station with the fourth switching priority, and obtains the updated neighboring base station information.

[0075] Among them, when lowering the switching priority of the second target base station, the switching priority of the second target base station can be lowered to the lowest, or the switching priority of the second target base station can be lowered to a preset level (which can be set based on experience), and this embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0076] Similarly, if the second target base station is not in the neighboring base station information currently stored in the AMF network element, the identifier of the second target base station is added to the corresponding switching priority in the neighboring base station information currently stored in the AMF network element. If the second target base station is already in the neighboring base station information currently stored in the AMF network element, the switching priority of the second target base station is lowered and it is removed from the previous switching priority.

[0077] Among them, the UE-satellite-UE communication establishment failure event message is triggered and reported by the SMF network element when the voice user served by the second target base station fails to establish UE-satellite-UE communication, or the SMF network element triggers and reports when the number of failures of the voice user served by the second target base station to establish UE-satellite-UE communication is greater than the second preset threshold. The second preset threshold can be set according to an empirical value, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0078] In one example, if Figure 2 As shown, it is assumed that in the initial neighboring base station information, in the neighboring base station information of the satellite base station G1, the neighboring base stations of the second switching priority are G2 and G3, and the neighboring base station of the third switching priority is G4.

[0079] If the AMF network element receives the UE-satellite-UE communication establishment success event message reported by the SMF network element, which includes the identification of base station G4, indicating that a voice user in G4 has successfully established UE-satellite-UE communication, the switching priority of G4 is changed to the first switching priority, and G4 is removed from the third switching priority to obtain the updated neighboring base station information of base station G1.

[0080] If the AMF network element receives a UE-satellite-UE communication establishment failure event message reported by the SMF network element, which includes the identifier of base station G2, indicating that a voice user in G2 failed to establish UE-satellite-UE communication, the switching priority of G2 is changed to the fourth switching priority, and G2 is removed from the second switching priority to obtain the updated neighboring base station information of base station G1.

[0081] Combine the following Figure 3 , the process of the AMF network element maintaining the neighboring base station information of each satellite base station in the embodiment of the present application is explained.

[0082] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the implementation process of the AMF network element maintaining the neighboring base station information of each satellite-borne base station includes: 1. The SMF network element reports the UE-satellite-UE communication establishment success / failure event message to the AMF network element.

[0083] 2. The AMF network element adjusts the switching priority of each neighboring base station in the neighboring base station information according to the event message reported by the SMF network element, and obtains the updated neighboring base station information.

[0084] 3. The AMF network element periodically sends the latest neighboring base station information to each satellite base station.

[0085] It should be noted that due to the different capabilities of terminals of different device types, when maintaining the neighboring base station information of the satellite base station, the AMF network element maintains the neighboring base station information separately for terminals of different device types. For example, the AMF network element can maintain one neighboring base station information for terminals of device type A and another neighboring base station information for terminals of device type B.

[0086] The above is combined with specific embodiments to illustrate the specific implementation process of the core network side of the network switching method provided in the embodiment of the present application. The following is combined with specific embodiments to illustrate the specific implementation process of the satellite base station side of the network switching method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0087] On the satellite base station side, Figure 4 As shown, the network switching method provided in the embodiment of the present application has an implementation process as follows: Step 401: receiving a measurement report reported by a terminal that uses UE-satellite-UE communication to perform voice services, wherein the measurement report carries at least one cell identifier.

[0088] During specific implementation, the satellite-borne base station sends the handover-related measurement event configuration to the terminal via the air interface, which may be sent via a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message.

[0089] After receiving the measurement event configuration sent by the satellite base station, the terminal continuously measures the signal of the neighboring cell according to the measurement event configuration, and reports the measurement report to the satellite base station when it is determined that there is a neighboring cell that meets the switching condition, wherein the measurement report carries a cell identifier of at least one cell that meets the switching condition. The specific method for determining whether the neighboring cell meets the switching condition can adopt the method of related technology, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0090] Step 402: Based on the neighboring base station information, a cell served by a neighboring base station whose switching priority meets the preset requirements is selected from the service cells corresponding to the cell identifier contained in the measurement report as the target cell after switching, wherein the neighboring base station information is obtained from the core network, including the switching priority of at least one neighboring base station, and the switching priority represents the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users.

[0091] In actual applications, the neighboring base station information can be obtained by the satellite base station from the core network periodically through service subscription. For example, when the satellite base station subscribes to the neighboring base station information, the core network periodically sends the neighboring base station information to the satellite base station through the NG interface. If the satellite base station does not subscribe to the neighboring base station information, the core network does not need to periodically send its neighboring base station information to the satellite base station.

[0092] In one example, if Figure 5 As shown, a service subscription mechanism is added between the satellite base station and the core network. The core network takes the AMF network element as an example. The satellite base station subscribes to the neighboring base station information from the AMF network element through a subscription message. The subscription message may include but is not limited to the subscription period of the neighboring base station information. The specific format can be customized according to actual needs, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this. After the satellite base station subscribes to the neighboring base station information from the AMF network element, the AMF network element periodically sends the latest neighboring base station information to the satellite base station.

[0093] Of course, the neighboring base station information can also be obtained from the core network through the NG interface when an NG link connection is established with the core network.

[0094] In one example, if Figure 6 As shown, the core network still takes the AMF network element as an example. When the satellite base station establishes an NG link with the AMF network element, the satellite base station sends an NG link establishment request message to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element replies with an NG link establishment request reply message to the satellite base station. The reply message may carry the neighboring base station information of the satellite base station.

[0095] In specific implementation, the neighboring base station information includes at least one neighboring base station's switching priority, and the neighboring base station's switching priority represents the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users. Among them, the switching priority can be multi-level, the specific switching priority can be flexibly adjusted according to network characteristics, the switching priority calculation algorithm can be expanded and adjusted, and at the same time, the switching priority can also be set as a configurable item, which can be flexibly configured by network maintenance personnel according to regional characteristics.

[0096] In an example, assuming that the switching priority is divided into four levels, the first switching priority (the highest priority) is the neighboring base station that has established UE-satellite-UE communication, the second switching priority is the neighboring base station that has an ISL connection with the current satellite base station, the third switching priority is the neighboring base station deployed with IMS-AGW, and the fourth switching priority (the lowest priority) is the neighboring base station where UE-satellite-UE communication fails to be established.

[0097] In specific implementation, based on the neighboring base station information, from the service cells corresponding to the cell identifiers contained in the measurement report, a cell served by a neighboring base station whose switching priority meets the preset requirements is selected as the target cell after switching. Since the neighboring base stations with higher switching priorities have a high success rate in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication, the preset requirement can be set to a switching priority greater than a certain priority (for example, in the above example, the first switching priority, the second switching priority, and the third switching priority can be set to switching priorities that meet the preset requirements) to select neighboring base stations with higher switching priorities as much as possible, so that the terminal can maintain UE-satellite-UE communication with the target terminal as much as possible after the network switching.

[0098] It should be noted that the preset requirements can be flexibly set according to actual needs, such as the switching priority is greater than a certain priority, or several switching priorities can be specified, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0099] Specifically based on the neighboring base station information, when selecting the cell served by the neighboring base station whose switching priority meets the preset requirements from the service cells corresponding to the cell identifier contained in the measurement report as the target cell after switching, first, among the preferred neighboring base stations whose switching priority meets the preset requirements, according to the order of switching priority from high to low, select the cell whose identifier is included in the measurement report and belongs to the preferred neighboring base station as the target cell.

[0100] In one example, the four-level switching priority listed in the above example is still used, and the first switching priority, the second switching priority, and the third switching priority are taken as examples of switching priorities that meet the preset requirements. In this case, the neighboring base stations with the first switching priority, the second switching priority, and the third switching priority are the preferred neighboring base stations.

[0101] When selecting the target cell after switching, first determine whether there is a preferred neighboring base station belonging to the first switching priority, and the cell whose identification is included in the measurement report. If so, the cell is determined as the target cell after switching. If not, continue to determine whether there is a preferred neighboring base station belonging to the second switching priority, and the cell whose identification is included in the measurement report. If so, the cell is determined as the target cell after switching. If not, continue to determine whether there is a preferred neighboring base station belonging to the third switching priority, and the cell whose identification is included in the measurement report. If so, the cell is determined as the target cell after switching.

[0102] It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the order of switching priority from high to low is used to determine whether the cell served by the neighboring base station under each switching priority can be used as the target cell. In other embodiments of the present application, multiple service cells available for switching can be selected from the cells served by the neighboring base stations that meet the preset switching priority requirements, and then the target cell can be further selected from the multiple service cells available for switching.

[0103] Of course, in actual applications, if the target cell is not selected in the cell served by the preferred neighboring base station, the unselectable neighboring base stations can be eliminated from the base stations to which the cell identifiers contained in the measurement report belong, and the remaining base stations can be determined, and the cell whose identifier is contained in the measurement report and belongs to the remaining base stations can be selected as the target cell to ensure successful network switching. Among them, the unselectable neighboring base station is a neighboring base station whose switching priority does not meet the preset requirements.

[0104] Still using the above example, if the fourth switching priority does not meet the preset requirement, the neighboring base station with the fourth switching priority is an unselectable neighboring base station.

[0105] If the target cell is not selected in the cell served by the preferred neighboring base station, the unselectable neighboring base stations (that is, the neighboring base stations with the fourth switching priority) can be eliminated from the base stations to which the cell identifiers contained in the measurement report belong, and the remaining base stations are determined. Then, the cell whose identifier is contained in the measurement report and belongs to the remaining base stations is selected as the target cell.

[0106] Of course, if there are no remaining base stations after removing the unselectable neighboring base stations from the base stations to which the cell identifiers included in the measurement report belong, the target cell can be directly selected from the serving cell corresponding to the cell identifiers included in the measurement report to ensure successful network switching. The specific method of selecting the target cell from the serving cell corresponding to the cell identifiers included in the measurement report can adopt the method in the related art, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0107] In actual applications, taking into account the different device types of terminals, the terminal's ability to establish UE-satellite-UE communication may not be the same. In the embodiment of the present application, the AMF network element can maintain neighboring base station information separately for terminals of different device types. In this case, based on the neighboring base station information, from the service cell corresponding to the cell identifier contained in the measurement report, when selecting the cell served by the base station whose switching priority meets the preset requirements as the target cell after switching, first determine the target neighboring base station information maintained by the core network for the device type of the terminal, and then, based on the target neighboring base station information, select the cell served by the base station whose switching priority meets the preset requirements from the service cell corresponding to the cell identifier contained in the measurement report as the target cell after switching.

[0108] In this case, the core network does not need to send the neighboring base station information to the satellite base station when the NG link is initially established. It can wait for the terminal to establish a voice bearer and then send the neighboring base station information of the corresponding equipment type to the satellite base station so that the satellite base station can be used as a reference when the terminal performs network switching.

[0109] In practical applications, the embodiments of the present application may also set a switch for a switching priority service in the satellite base station. The switching priority service is used to indicate whether the satellite base station selects a switched service cell based on neighboring base station information when a network switch occurs in a terminal served by the satellite base station.

[0110] Specifically, when selecting the target cell, when it is determined to start the switching priority service, based on the neighboring base station information obtained from the core network, the cell served by the neighboring base station whose switching priority meets the preset requirements is selected from the service cells corresponding to the cell identifier contained in the measurement report as the target cell after the switching.

[0111] Of course, if it is determined that the handover priority service is not started, the target cell can be directly selected from the serving cell corresponding to the cell identifier included in the measurement report.

[0112] Combine the following Figure 7 , the core network takes the AMF network element as an example to illustrate the overall switching process of the network switching method provided in the embodiment of the present application on the satellite base station side.

[0113] like Figure 7 As shown, the overall switching process of the satellite base station side of the network switching method provided in the embodiment of the present application includes: 1. The satellite base station sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal, which includes the measurement event configuration.

[0114] 2. The terminal measures the neighboring cell signal based on the measurement event configuration in the RRC reconfiguration message, and when the neighboring cell signal meets the switching condition, reports a measurement report to the satellite base station, including the cell identifier of the neighboring cell that meets the switching condition.

[0115] 3. The satellite base station selects the target cell after switching based on the neighboring base station information obtained from the AMF network element.

[0116] Specifically, the neighboring base station information includes the switching priority of at least one neighboring base station, and the switching priority of the neighboring base station represents the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users. Based on the neighboring base station information, the satellite base station selects the cell served by the neighboring base station whose switching priority meets the preset requirements from the serving cells corresponding to the cell identifiers contained in the measurement report as the target cell after the switching.

[0117] 4. The satellite base station sends a handover request message to the AMF network element, which includes the cell identifier of the target cell for subsequent handover process.

[0118] Combine the following Figure 8 , the process of selecting the target cell after switching by the satellite base station based on the neighboring base station information is explained, taking the switching priority as the first switching priority, the second switching priority, the third switching priority, and the fourth switching priority listed in the above example as an example, and the first switching priority, the second switching priority, and the third switching priority meet the preset requirements, and the fourth switching priority does not meet the preset requirements.

[0119] like Figure 8 As shown, the specific implementation process of the satellite-borne base station selecting the target cell after switching based on the pre-acquired neighboring base station information includes: Step 801: Receive a measurement report reported by a terminal. The measurement report includes at least one cell identifier.

[0120] Step 802 , determining whether there is a neighboring base station belonging to the first switching priority and the cell whose identifier is included in the measurement report, if so, executing step 809 , otherwise, executing step 803 .

[0121] Step 803 , determining whether there is a preferred neighboring base station belonging to the second switching priority, and the cell whose identifier is included in the measurement report, if so, executing step 809 , otherwise, executing step 804 .

[0122] Step 804 , determining whether there is a preferred neighboring base station belonging to the third switching priority level and a cell whose identifier is included in the measurement report; if so, executing step 809 ; otherwise, executing step 805 .

[0123] Step 805: Remove the neighboring base stations with the fourth switching priority from the base stations to which the cell identifiers contained in the measurement report belong.

[0124] Step 806: After removing the neighboring base stations with the fourth switching priority from the base stations to which the cell identifiers included in the measurement report belong, determine whether there are any remaining base stations. If so, execute step 807; otherwise, execute step 808.

[0125] Step 807: The cell whose identifier is included in the measurement report and belongs to the remaining base station is used as the target cell.

[0126] Step 808: Select a target cell from the serving cells corresponding to the cell identifiers included in the measurement report.

[0127] Step 809: determine the cell as the target cell after handover.

[0128] Based on the same inventive concept, on the core network side, such as Figure 9 As shown, the embodiment of the present application also provides a network switching device, including: The receiving unit 901 is used to receive an NG link establishment request message sent by the satellite base station; A sending unit 902 is used to send an NG link establishment response message to the satellite base station, where the response message includes neighboring base station information, where the neighboring base station information is used to record the switching priority of at least one neighboring base station of the satellite base station, and the switching priority represents the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users.

[0129] As an optional implementation, the device further includes: Processing unit 903 is used to maintain the stored neighboring base station information based on the event message reported by the SMF network element.

[0130] As an optional implementation manner, the receiving unit 901 is further used to: receive a UE-satellite-UE communication establishment success event message reported by the SMF network element, where the message includes a base station identifier of the first target base station; The processing unit 903 is specifically configured to: increase the switching priority of the first target base station in the stored neighboring base station information.

[0131] As an optional implementation, the UE-satellite-UE communication establishment success event message is triggered and reported by the SMF network element when the voice user served by the first target base station successfully establishes UE-satellite-UE communication, or when the SMF network element triggers and reports when the number of successful UE-satellite-UE communication establishments by the voice user served by the first target base station is greater than a first preset threshold.

[0132] As an optional implementation manner, the receiving unit 901 is further configured to: Receive a UE-satellite-UE communication establishment failure event message reported by the SMF network element, where the message includes a base station identifier of the second target base station; The processing unit 903 is specifically configured to: lower the switching priority of the second target base station in the stored neighboring base station information.

[0133] As an optional implementation, the UE-satellite-UE communication establishment failure event message is triggered and reported by the SMF network element when the voice user served by the second target base station fails to establish UE-satellite-UE communication, or when the SMF network element triggers and reports when the number of failures to establish UE-satellite-UE communication for the voice user served by the second target base station is greater than a second preset threshold.

[0134] As an optional implementation, the stored neighboring base station information is the initial neighboring base station information or the initial neighboring base station information after maintenance and update. The initial neighboring base station information is obtained from a network management or data center, or is established based on the network topology of the satellite network where the onboard base station is located and the network element deployment information on the satellite.

[0135] As an optional implementation manner, the initial neighboring base station information includes at least the following switching priorities of neighboring base stations: Neighboring base stations that have inter-satellite links with the satellite-borne base station and neighboring base stations deployed with access gateways.

[0136] As an optional implementation manner, the neighboring base station information is obtained from a network management or a data center.

[0137] As an optional implementation manner, the processing unit 903 is further configured to: Neighboring base station information is maintained for terminals of different device types.

[0138] As an optional implementation manner, the receiving unit 901 is further configured to: Receiving a neighbor base station information subscription request message sent by a base station; The sending unit 902 is further configured to periodically send neighboring base station information to the base station.

[0139] Based on the same inventive concept, at the satellite-borne base station side, such as Figure 10 As shown, the embodiment of the present application also provides a network switching device, including: The receiving unit 1001 is configured to receive a measurement report reported by a terminal that uses UE-satellite-UE communication for voice services, where the measurement report carries at least one cell identifier; The processing unit 1002 is used to select, based on the neighboring base station information, a cell served by a neighboring base station whose switching priority meets the preset requirements from the service cells corresponding to the cell identifier contained in the measurement report, as the target cell after switching, wherein the neighboring base station information is obtained from the core network, including the switching priority of at least one neighboring base station, and the switching priority represents the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users.

[0140] As an optional implementation manner, the processing unit 1002 is specifically configured to: Among the preferred neighboring base stations whose handover priorities meet preset requirements, a cell whose identifier is included in the measurement report and belongs to the preferred neighboring base station is selected as the target cell according to the order of handover priorities from high to low.

[0141] As an optional implementation manner, the processing unit 1002 is further configured to: When the target cell is not selected from the cell served by the preferred neighboring base station, the target cell is selected from the service cell corresponding to the cell identifier contained in the measurement report, or after eliminating the unselectable neighboring base stations from the base stations to which the cell identifier contained in the measurement report belongs, the remaining base stations are determined, and the cell whose identifier is included in the measurement report and belongs to the remaining base stations is selected as the target cell, where the unselectable neighboring base station is a neighboring base station whose switching priority does not meet the preset requirements.

[0142] As an optional implementation mode, the neighboring base station information is maintained by the core network for terminals of different device types respectively; The processing unit 1002 is specifically configured to: Determine the target neighboring base station information maintained by the core network for the device type of the terminal, and perform an operation of selecting a target cell based on the target neighboring base station information.

[0143] As an optional implementation manner, the processing unit 1002 is specifically configured to: When it is determined to start the switching priority service, the operation of selecting the target cell is performed based on the neighboring base station information, wherein the switching priority service is used to instruct the satellite-borne base station to select the service cell after switching based on the neighboring base station information when a network switching occurs in the terminal served by the satellite-borne base station.

[0144] As an optional implementation, the neighbor base station information is periodically obtained from the core network through the NG interface after subscribing to the neighbor base station information from the core network, or is obtained from the core network through the NG interface when an NG link connection is established with the core network.

[0145] Based on the same inventive concept, Figure 11As shown, on the core network side, an embodiment of the present application further provides a network switching device, the device including a processor 1100 and a memory 1101, the memory 1101 is used to store a program executable by the processor 1100, and the processor 1100 is used to read the program in the memory 1101 and execute: Receiving an NG link establishment request message sent by the satellite base station; An NG link establishment response message is sent to the satellite base station. The response message includes neighboring base station information. The neighboring base station information is used to record the switching priority of at least one neighboring base station of the satellite base station. The switching priority represents the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users.

[0146] As an optional implementation, the processor 1100 is further configured to execute: Maintain the stored neighboring base station information based on the event messages reported by the SMF network elements.

[0147] As an optional implementation, the processor 1100 is specifically configured to execute: Receive a UE-satellite-UE communication establishment success event message reported by the SMF network element, where the message includes a base station identifier of the first target base station; In the stored neighboring base station information, the switching priority of the first target base station is increased.

[0148] As an optional implementation, the UE-satellite-UE communication establishment success event message is triggered and reported by the SMF network element when the voice user served by the first target base station successfully establishes UE-satellite-UE communication, or when the SMF network element triggers and reports when the number of successful UE-satellite-UE communication establishments by the voice user served by the first target base station is greater than a first preset threshold.

[0149] As an optional implementation, the processor 1100 is specifically configured to execute: Receive a UE-satellite-UE communication establishment failure event message reported by the SMF network element, where the message includes a base station identifier of the second target base station; In the stored neighboring base station information, the switching priority of the second target base station is lowered.

[0150] As an optional implementation, the UE-satellite-UE communication establishment failure event message is triggered and reported by the SMF network element when the voice user served by the second target base station fails to establish UE-satellite-UE communication, or when the SMF network element triggers and reports when the number of failures to establish UE-satellite-UE communication for the voice user served by the second target base station is greater than a second preset threshold.

[0151] As an optional implementation, the stored neighboring base station information is the initial neighboring base station information or the initial neighboring base station information after maintenance and update. The initial neighboring base station information is obtained from a network management or data center, or is established based on the network topology of the satellite network where the onboard base station is located and the network element deployment information on the satellite.

[0152] As an optional implementation manner, the initial neighboring base station information includes at least the following switching priorities of neighboring base stations: Neighboring base stations that have inter-satellite links with the satellite-borne base station and neighboring base stations deployed with access gateways.

[0153] As an optional implementation manner, the neighboring base station information is obtained from a network management or a data center.

[0154] As an optional implementation, the processor 1100 is further configured to execute: Neighboring base station information is maintained for terminals of different device types.

[0155] As an optional implementation, the processor 1100 is further configured to execute: Receiving a neighbor base station information subscription request message sent by a base station; Periodically send neighboring base station information to the base station.

[0156] Based on the same inventive concept, Figure 12 As shown, on the satellite base station side, an embodiment of the present application further provides a network switching device, which includes a processor 1200 and a memory 1201, the memory 1201 is used to store a program executable by the processor 1200, and the processor 1200 is used to read the program in the memory 1201 and execute: receiving a measurement report reported by a terminal using UE-satellite-UE communication for voice services, where the measurement report carries at least one cell identifier; Based on the neighboring base station information, from the service cells corresponding to the cell identifiers contained in the measurement report, a cell served by a neighboring base station whose switching priority meets the preset requirements is selected as the target cell after switching, wherein the neighboring base station information is obtained from the core network, including the switching priority of at least one neighboring base station, and the switching priority represents the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users.

[0157] As an optional implementation, the processor 1200 is specifically configured to execute: Among the preferred neighboring base stations whose handover priorities meet preset requirements, a cell whose identifier is included in the measurement report and belongs to the preferred neighboring base station is selected as the target cell according to the order of handover priorities from high to low.

[0158] As an optional implementation, the processor 1200 is further configured to execute: When the target cell is not selected from the cell served by the preferred neighboring base station, the target cell is selected from the service cell corresponding to the cell identifier contained in the measurement report, or after eliminating the unselectable neighboring base stations from the base stations to which the cell identifier contained in the measurement report belongs, the remaining base stations are determined, and the cell whose identifier is included in the measurement report and belongs to the remaining base stations is selected as the target cell, where the unselectable neighboring base station is a neighboring base station whose switching priority does not meet the preset requirements.

[0159] As an optional implementation mode, the neighboring base station information is maintained by the core network for terminals of different device types respectively; The processor 1200 is specifically configured to execute: Determine the target neighboring base station information maintained by the core network for the device type of the terminal, and perform an operation of selecting a target cell based on the target neighboring base station information.

[0160] As an optional implementation, the processor 1200 is specifically configured to execute: When it is determined to start the switching priority service, the operation of selecting the target cell is performed based on the neighboring base station information, wherein the switching priority service is used to instruct the satellite-borne base station to select the service cell after switching based on the neighboring base station information when a network switching occurs in the terminal served by the satellite-borne base station.

[0161] As an optional implementation, the neighbor base station information is periodically obtained from the core network through the NG interface after subscribing to the neighbor base station information from the core network, or is obtained from the core network through the NG interface when an NG link connection is established with the core network.

[0162] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer storage medium, the computer storage medium includes: a computer program code, when the computer program code is executed on a computer, the computer executes any of the network switching methods discussed above. Since the principle of solving the problem by the above-mentioned computer storage medium is similar to that of the network switching method, the implementation of the above-mentioned computer storage medium can refer to the implementation of the method, and the repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0163] In a specific implementation process, computer storage media may include: Universal Serial Bus Flash Drive (USB), mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk or optical disk, and other storage media that can store program codes.

[0164] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer program product, which includes: computer program code, when the computer program code is run on a computer, the computer executes any of the network switching methods discussed above. Since the principle of solving the problem by the above computer program product is similar to that of the network switching method, the implementation of the above computer program product can refer to the implementation of the method, and the repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0165] The computer program product can adopt any combination of one or more readable media. The readable medium can be a readable signal medium or a readable storage medium. The readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, a system, device or device of electricity, magnetism, light, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor, or any combination of the above. More specific examples (non-exhaustive list) of readable storage media include: an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the above.

[0166] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present application may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Moreover, the present application may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage and optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program codes.

[0167] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the processes and / or boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to generate a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowchart and / or block diagram. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that has the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0168] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A function specified in one or more boxes.

[0169] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions for implementing the process. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps for the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0170] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A network switching method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Receiving a next generation NG link establishment request message sent by a satellite base station; An NG link establishment response message is sent to the satellite base station, where the response message includes neighboring base station information, where the neighboring base station information is used to record the switching priority of at least one neighboring base station of the satellite base station, and the switching priority represents the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing user-satellite-user UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: Maintain the stored neighboring base station information based on the event messages reported by the session management function SMF network element.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The event message reported by the session management function SMF network element maintains the stored neighboring base station information, including: Receive a UE-satellite-UE communication establishment success event message reported by the SMF network element, wherein the message includes a base station identifier of the first target base station; In the stored neighboring base station information, the switching priority of the first target base station is increased.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The UE-satellite-UE communication establishment success event message is triggered and reported by the SMF network element when the voice user served by the first target base station successfully establishes UE-satellite-UE communication, or the SMF network element is triggered and reported when the number of successful UE-satellite-UE communication establishments by the voice user served by the first target base station is greater than a first preset threshold.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The event message reported by the session management function SMF network element maintains the stored neighboring base station information, including: Receive a UE-satellite-UE communication establishment failure event message reported by the SMF network element, wherein the message includes a base station identifier of the second target base station; In the stored neighboring base station information, the switching priority of the second target base station is lowered.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The UE-satellite-UE communication establishment failure event message is triggered and reported by the SMF network element when the voice user served by the second target base station fails to establish UE-satellite-UE communication, or the SMF network element is triggered and reported when the number of failures in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for the voice user served by the second target base station is greater than a second preset threshold.

7. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The stored neighboring base station information is the initial neighboring base station information or the initial neighboring base station information after maintenance and update. The initial neighboring base station information is obtained from a network management or data center, or is established based on the network topology of the satellite network where the satellite-borne base station is located and the network element deployment information on the satellite.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The initial neighboring base station information includes at least the switching priorities of the following neighboring base stations: A neighboring base station having an inter-satellite link with the satellite-borne base station and a neighboring base station deployed with an access gateway.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The neighboring base station information is obtained from a network management or a data center.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: For terminals of different device types, the neighboring base station information is maintained respectively.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receiving a neighboring base station information subscription request message sent by the base station; The neighboring base station information is periodically sent to the base station.

12. A network switching method, characterized in that: include: receiving a measurement report reported by a terminal that uses user-satellite-user UE-satellite-UE communication to perform a voice service, wherein the measurement report carries at least one cell identifier; Based on the neighboring base station information, from the service cells corresponding to the cell identifier contained in the measurement report, a cell served by a neighboring base station whose switching priority meets the preset requirements is selected as the target cell after switching, wherein the neighboring base station information is obtained from the core network, including the switching priority of at least one neighboring base station, and the switching priority represents the success rate of the neighboring base station in establishing UE-satellite-UE communication for voice users.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The step of selecting a cell served by a neighboring base station whose handover priority meets a preset requirement as a target cell after handover includes: Among the preferred neighboring base stations whose switching priorities meet preset requirements, a cell whose identifier is included in the measurement report and belongs to the preferred neighboring base station is selected as the target cell according to the order of switching priorities from high to low.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: In the case that the target cell is not selected among the cells served by the preferred neighboring base station, the target cell is selected from the service cell corresponding to the cell identifier contained in the measurement report, or after eliminating the unselectable neighboring base stations from the base stations to which the cell identifier contained in the measurement report belongs, the remaining base stations are determined, and the cell whose identifier is contained in the measurement report and belongs to the remaining base stations is selected as the target cell, wherein the unselectable neighboring base station is a neighboring base station whose switching priority does not meet the preset requirements.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The neighboring base station information is maintained by the core network for terminals of different device types respectively; The selecting, based on the neighboring base station information, from the serving cells corresponding to the cell identifiers included in the measurement report, a cell served by a base station whose handover priority meets preset requirements as a target cell after handover, includes: Determine the target neighboring base station information maintained by the core network for the device type of the terminal, and perform an operation of selecting a target cell based on the target neighboring base station information.

16. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The selecting, based on the neighboring base station information, from the serving cells corresponding to the cell identifiers included in the measurement report, a cell served by a base station whose handover priority meets preset requirements as a target cell after handover, includes: When it is determined to start the switching priority service, an operation of selecting a target cell is performed based on the neighboring base station information, wherein the switching priority service is used to instruct the satellite-borne base station to select a service cell after switching based on the neighboring base station information when a network switching occurs in the terminal served by the satellite-borne base station.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that: The neighboring base station information is periodically obtained from the core network through the NG interface after subscribing to the neighboring base station information from the core network, or is obtained from the core network through the NG interface when an NG link connection is established with the core network.

18. A network switching device, characterized in that: The device comprises a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is used to store a program executable by the processor, and the processor is used to read the program in the memory and execute the steps of any one of the methods described in claims 1-17.

19. A computer storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 17 are implemented.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises: a computer program code, and when the computer program code is executed on a computer, the computer executes the steps of any one of the methods of claims 1 to 17.

Images