Communication method and device, computer equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication method and device and a storage medium, and the method comprises the steps that a terminal can transmit a network connection request to a satellite, and the network connection request is used for indicating the terminal to establish network connection with the satellite; and receiving a target response message returned by the equipment on the satellite to the terminal. By adopting the method, the terminal IoT equipment can establish network connection with the network based on the satellite with the on-satellite storage and forwarding characteristics, the comprehensive degree of communication coverage is improved, the reliability of terminal communication is ensured, a communication basis is provided for communication of terminals in remote areas, and the communication requirements of the terminal equipment are better met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of on-satellite store-and-forward, and particularly to a communication method, device, computer device, storage medium, and computer program product. Background Art

[0002] In areas where it is not easy to deploy devices such as base stations and gateway stations, information interaction needs to be achieved through satellites. By deploying 4G / 5G base stations on satellites, the cost requirements for ground satellite deployment can be reduced. Due to the limited deployment of gateway stations, when the satellite is in the air, it may not be able to connect to the gateway station in time, and thus data may not be immediately transmitted back to the core network.

[0003] In practical application scenarios, due to limited device resources on the satellite, only as few core network devices as possible can be deployed on the satellite. With numerous IoT devices, it is impossible to store the subscription information of each device on the satellite, and relevant core network devices such as HSS / AUSF / UDM will be deployed on the ground. Therefore, when the satellite is in the on-satellite store-and-forward working mode, the registration request of the UE cannot be sent to the ground in time to complete service authorization. How to timely implement authentication and authorization of the UE is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, in view of the above technical problems, it is necessary to provide a communication method, device, computer device, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method applied to a terminal. The method includes:

[0006] Sending a network connection request to the satellite, where the network connection request is used to instruct the terminal to establish a network connection with the satellite;

[0007] Receiving a target response message returned by a device on the satellite to the terminal.

[0008] In one embodiment, the network connection request includes an indication identifier for supporting store-and-forward, a terminal identifier, and first configuration information; the receiving the target response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal includes:

[0009] Receiving a first request acceptance response message returned by a device on the satellite to the terminal, where the first request acceptance response message carries the data retention period of on-board store-and-forward and the data storage quota of on-board store-and-forward. The first configuration information is used for the satellite to authenticate the terminal, and the first request acceptance response message is generated by the satellite after determining that the terminal is in an accessible network state based on a first configuration policy, the terminal identifier, the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward, and the first configuration information.

[0010] In one embodiment, the network connection request includes an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward and a terminal identifier; the receiving the target response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal includes:

[0011] Receiving a second request acceptance response message returned by a device on the satellite to the terminal, where the second request acceptance response message carries the data retention period of on-board store-and-forward and the data storage quota of on-board store-and-forward. The second request acceptance response message is generated by the satellite after determining that the terminal is in a restricted transmission state based on a second configuration policy, the terminal identifier, and the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward.

[0012] In one embodiment, the network connection request includes an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward; the receiving the target response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal includes:

[0013] Receiving a request staging response message returned by a device on the satellite to the terminal, where the request staging response message is generated by the device on the satellite based on the satellite being in store-and-forward mode, the terminal meeting the condition for initial access to the satellite, and the indication identifier of the terminal supporting store-and-forward; the request staging response message carries a satellite identifier.

[0014] In one embodiment, the network connection request includes an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward; the receiving the target response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal includes:

[0015] Receiving a rejection response message returned by a device on the satellite to the terminal, where the rejection response message is generated by the device on the satellite based on the satellite being in store-and-forward mode, the terminal meeting the condition for initial access to the satellite, and the indication identifier of the terminal supporting store-and-forward; the rejection response message carries a rejection reason message and a satellite identifier.

[0016] In one embodiment, the target response message further carries a satellite identifier and a bearer session identifier.

[0017] In one embodiment, the target response message further carries the satellite's fly-back time.

[0018] In one embodiment, before the step of sending a network connection request to the satellite, the method further includes:

[0019] Receiving a satellite broadcast message.

[0020] In one embodiment, the satellite broadcast message carries the store-and-forward feature and / or the satellite identifier.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0022] Sending data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota to the satellite.

[0023] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method applied to a satellite. The method includes:

[0024] Receiving a network connection request sent by a terminal, where the network connection request is used to instruct the terminal to establish a network connection with the satellite;

[0025] Generating a target response message based on the network connection request and returning the target response message to the terminal.

[0026] In one embodiment, the network connection request carries a terminal identifier, an indication identifier indicating support for store-and-forward, and first configuration information. Generating a target response message based on the network connection request and returning the target response message to the terminal includes:

[0027] Based on a first configuration policy, the terminal identifier, the indication identifier indicating support for store-and-forward, and the first configuration information, determining that the terminal is in an accessible network state, and determining the data retention period of the on-board store-and-forward data and the data storage quota of the on-board store-and-forward data based on the available satellite coverage time;

[0028] Returning a first request acceptance response message to the terminal, where the first request acceptance response message carries the data retention period of the on-board store-and-forward data and the data storage quota of the on-board store-and-forward data.

[0029] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0030] If the satellite covers the gateway station and receives the data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota sent by the terminal, then forwarding the data to be transmitted.

[0031] In one embodiment, if the satellite covers the gateway station and receives the data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota sent by the terminal, forwarding the data to be transmitted includes:

[0032] If the satellite covers the gateway station and receives the data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota sent by the terminal, perform secondary authentication processing on the terminal;

[0033] If it is determined that the terminal passes the secondary authentication, forward the data to be transmitted.

[0034] In one embodiment, the network connection request carries a terminal identifier and an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward. Generating a target response message based on the network connection request and returning the target response message to the terminal includes:

[0035] Based on the second configuration policy, the terminal identifier, and the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward, determine that the terminal is in a restricted transmission state, and determine the data retention period for on-satellite store-and-forward and the data storage quota for on-satellite store-and-forward based on the available satellite coverage time;

[0036] Return a second request acceptance response message to the terminal, where the second request acceptance response message carries the data retention period for on-satellite store-and-forward and the data storage quota for on-satellite store-and-forward.

[0037] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0038] If the satellite covers the gateway station, obtain the subscription information of the terminal; if it is determined based on the subscription information that the terminal passes authentication and the data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota sent by the terminal is received, forward the data to be transmitted, and update the restricted transmission state of the terminal to an unrestricted transmission state.

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

[0040] If it is detected that the terminal obtains the coverage of the satellite, send a status update message to the terminal, where the status update message indicates that the restricted transmission state of the terminal is updated to an unrestricted transmission state.

[0041] In one embodiment, the target response message further carries a satellite identifier and a bearer session identifier.

[0042] In one embodiment, generating a target response message based on the network connection request and returning the target response message to the terminal includes:

[0043] Generate a request for temporary storage response message based on the satellite being in the store-and-forward mode, the terminal meeting the conditions for initial access to the satellite, and the indication flag of the terminal supporting store-and-forward;

[0044] Return the request for temporary storage response message to the terminal, where the request for temporary storage response message carries the satellite identifier.

[0045] In one embodiment, the generating a target response message based on the network connection request and returning the target response message to the terminal includes:

[0046] Generate a rejection response message based on the satellite being in the store-and-forward mode, the terminal meeting the conditions for initial access to the satellite, and the indication flag of the terminal supporting store-and-forward;

[0047] Return the rejection response message to the terminal, where the rejection response message carries the rejection reason message and the satellite identifier.

[0048] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0049] Send a broadcast message for indicating that the terminal connects to the satellite.

[0050] In one embodiment, the broadcast message includes the store-and-forward feature and / or the satellite identifier.

[0051] In one embodiment, the target response message further carries the satellite fly-back time.

[0052] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication device applied to a terminal, and the device includes:

[0053] A first sending unit, configured to send a network connection request to a satellite, where the network connection request is used to indicate that the terminal establishes a network connection with the satellite;

[0054] A first receiving unit, configured to receive a target response message returned by a device on the satellite to the terminal.

[0055] In one embodiment, the network connection request includes an indication flag of supporting store-and-forward, a terminal identifier, and first configuration information; specifically, the first receiving unit is configured to:

[0056] Receive a first request acceptance response message returned by a device on the satellite to the terminal, where the first request acceptance response message carries the data retention period of on-satellite store-and-forward and the data storage quota of on-satellite store-and-forward. The first configuration information is used to enable the satellite to authenticate the terminal. The first request acceptance response message is generated by the satellite after determining that the terminal is in an accessible network state based on a first configuration policy, the terminal identifier, the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward, and the first configuration information.

[0057] In one embodiment, the network connection request includes an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward and a terminal identifier; the first receiving unit is specifically configured to:

[0058] Receive a second request acceptance response message returned by a device on the satellite to the terminal, where the second request acceptance response message carries the data retention period of on-satellite store-and-forward and the data storage quota of on-satellite store-and-forward. The second request acceptance response message is generated by the satellite after determining that the terminal is in a restricted transmission state based on a second configuration policy, the terminal identifier, and the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward.

[0059] In one embodiment, the network connection request includes an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward; the first receiving unit is specifically configured to:

[0060] Receive a request staging response message returned by a device on the satellite to the terminal, where the request staging response message is generated by the device on the satellite based on the satellite being in store-and-forward mode, the terminal meeting the conditions for initial access to the satellite, and the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward of the terminal; the request staging response message carries a satellite identifier.

[0061] In one embodiment, the network connection request includes an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward; the first receiving unit is specifically configured to:

[0062] Receive a rejection response message returned by a device on the satellite to the terminal, where the rejection response message is generated by the device on the satellite based on the satellite being in store-and-forward mode, the terminal meeting the conditions for initial access to the satellite, and the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward of the terminal; the rejection response message carries a rejection reason message and a satellite identifier.

[0063] In one embodiment, the first receiving unit is further configured to:

[0064] Receive satellite broadcast messages.

[0065] In one embodiment, the first sending unit is further configured to:

[0066] Send the data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota to the satellite.

[0067] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device applied to a satellite. The device includes:

[0068] A second receiving unit, configured to receive a network connection request sent by a terminal, where the network connection request is used to indicate that the terminal establishes a network connection with the satellite;

[0069] A second sending unit, configured to generate a target response message based on the network connection request and return the target response message to the terminal.

[0070] In one embodiment, the network connection request carries a terminal identifier, an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward, and first configuration information. The second sending unit is specifically configured to

[0071] Based on a first configuration policy, the terminal identifier, the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward, and the first configuration information, determine that the terminal is in an accessible network state, and determine the data retention period of the on-satellite store-and-forward data and the data storage quota of the on-satellite store-and-forward data based on the available time of satellite coverage;

[0072] Return a first request acceptance response message to the terminal, where the first request acceptance response message carries the data retention period of the on-satellite store-and-forward data and the data storage quota of the on-satellite store-and-forward data.

[0073] In one embodiment, the device further includes:

[0074] A forwarding unit, configured to forward the data to be transmitted if the satellite covers the gateway station and the data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota sent by the terminal is received.

[0075] In one embodiment, the forwarding unit is specifically configured to:

[0076] If the satellite covers the gateway station and the data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota sent by the terminal is received, perform secondary authentication processing on the terminal;

[0077] If it is determined that the terminal passes the secondary authentication, forward the data to be transmitted.

[0078] In one embodiment, the network connection request carries a terminal identifier and an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward. The second sending unit is specifically configured to

[0079] Based on the second configuration policy, the terminal identifier, and the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward, determine that the terminal is in a restricted transmission state, and determine the data retention period of on-board store-and-forward data and the data storage quota of on-board store-and-forward data based on the satellite coverage available time;

[0080] Return a second request acceptance response message to the terminal, where the second request acceptance response message carries the data retention period of on-board store-and-forward data and the data storage quota of on-board store-and-forward data.

[0081] In one embodiment, the forwarding unit is further configured to:

[0082] If the satellite covers the gateway station, obtain the subscription information of the terminal; if it is determined based on the subscription information that the terminal authentication is passed and the data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota sent by the terminal is received, forward the data to be transmitted, and update the restricted transmission state of the terminal to an unrestricted transmission state.

[0083] In one embodiment, the device further includes:

[0084] An update unit, configured to send a status update message to the terminal if it is detected that the terminal obtains the coverage of the satellite, where the status update message indicates that the restricted transmission state of the terminal is updated to an unrestricted transmission state.

[0085] In one embodiment, the second sending unit is specifically configured to

[0086] Generate a request for temporary storage response message based on the satellite being in the store-and-forward mode, the terminal meeting the initial access to satellite conditions, and the indication identifier of the terminal supporting store-and-forward;

[0087] Return the request for temporary storage response message to the terminal, where the request for temporary storage response message carries the satellite identifier.

[0088] In one embodiment, the second sending unit is specifically configured to:

[0089] Generate a rejection response message based on the satellite being in the store-and-forward mode, the terminal meeting the initial access to satellite conditions, and the indication identifier of the terminal supporting store-and-forward;

[0090] Return the rejection response message to the terminal, where the rejection response message carries a rejection reason message and the satellite identifier.

[0091] In one embodiment, the second sending unit is further configured to:

[0092] Send a broadcast message, where the broadcast message is used to indicate the connection between the terminal and the satellite.

[0093] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0094] The memory is used to store a computer program; the transceiver is used to transmit and receive data under the control of the processor; the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and implement the steps of the communication method provided in the above embodiments when executing the computer program.

[0095] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the communication method provided in the above embodiments are implemented.

[0096] In a seventh aspect, the present application further provides a computer program product, including a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the communication method provided in the above embodiments are implemented.

[0097] For the above communication method, device, and storage medium, the terminal can send a network connection request to the satellite, and the network connection request is used to instruct the terminal to establish a network connection with the satellite; receive a target response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal. By adopting this method, the terminal IoT device can establish a network connection with the network based on the satellite with the on-orbit store-and-forward feature, improve the comprehensiveness of communication coverage, and ensure the reliability of terminal communication, providing a communication foundation for the communication of terminals in remote areas and better meeting the communication needs of terminal devices. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0098] Figure 1 It is an application environment diagram of the communication method in an embodiment;

[0099] Figure 2 It is a schematic flowchart of the communication method in an embodiment;

[0100] Figure 3 It is a schematic flowchart of the communication method in an embodiment;

[0101] Figure 4 It is a schematic flowchart of the communication method in an embodiment;

[0102] Figure 5 It is a schematic flowchart of the communication method in an embodiment;

[0103] Figure 6 It is a schematic flowchart of the communication method in an embodiment;

[0104] Figure 7 It is a signaling diagram of the communication method in an embodiment;

[0105] Figure 8It is a signaling diagram of a communication method in an embodiment;

[0106] Figure 9 It is a signaling diagram of a communication method in an embodiment;

[0107] Figure 10 It is a structural block diagram of a communication device in an embodiment;

[0108] Figure 11 It is a structural block diagram of a communication device in another embodiment;

[0109] Figure 12 It is an internal structural diagram of a communication device in an embodiment. Detailed implementation manners

[0110] In the embodiments of the present invention, the term "and / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0111] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "a plurality of" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar thereto.

[0112] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a 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 those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0113] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device for realizing communication between a terminal and a satellite, and between the satellite and a ground network based on an on-orbit store-and-forward mode. Among them, the method and the device are based on the same application concept. Since the principles for solving problems by the method and the device are similar, the implementation of the device and the method can be referred to each other, and the repeated parts will not be described again.

[0114] Figure 1 It shows an architecture schematic diagram of the communication system provided by the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 1As shown, the communication system architecture may include the following logical network elements: User Equipment (UE), Satellite (SAT), and terrestrial network elements. Among them, the satellite may include an evolved Node B (eNodeB), a Mobility Management Entity (MME), a Store-and-Forward Network Element (SFCF), and a target network element, which may be a Service Capability Exposure Function (SCEF) or a Serving Gateway (S-GW); the terrestrial network elements may include a Store-and-Forward Management Function (SFMF) and a server network element, which may be a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), a Packet-Switch (P-SW), or a Store-and-Forward Server (SandF server); optionally, 5G Core (5GC) and a base station may be deployed on the SAT, and the 5GC includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a Session Management Function (SMF), a User Plane Function (UPF), and an Authentication Server Function (AUSF); there are various ways to deploy the functions of all network elements on the satellite, which may be new network elements or enhancements to existing network elements.

[0115] AMF: A core network unit, mainly responsible for functions related to registration management, connection management, access management, mobility management, and security and access management and authorization.

[0116] SMF: A core network unit, mainly responsible for creating, updating, and deleting Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions.

[0117] UPF: A core network unit, mainly responsible for user plane network traffic transmission.

[0118] For IoT devices, a lightweight EPC (MME, S-GW, P-GW) or 5GC (AMF + SMF + UPF + AUSF) and a base station are deployed on the same satellite, and other Cellular IoT (CIoT) devices are on the ground (or all CIoT devices may be on the satellite). The functions of the above devices can be set up as multiple separate network elements or as one device; devices such as HSS / UDM are on the ground. That is, the functions of the on-satellite devices include the function of processing NAS information and only need to compare the authentication function of the UE and the network subscription information; optionally, it includes the function of allocating IP addresses to terminals and the function of user plane network elements; it can be an independent module or a new integrated network element.

[0119] Optionally, in the requirements study of 3GPP SA1 R19, the scenarios where data needs to be stored and forwarded on satellites can be as follows: for some research institutions, they need to study the living habits, movement trajectories, etc. of animals; for government departments, they need to give early warnings in a timely manner to mitigate or avoid disasters, such as the detection of submarine cables, etc.; these IoT devices deployed on animals or equipment are located in special or remote areas where there are no communication base stations, so satellite communication is required for data transmission. When the terminal device has low requirements for latency, the terminal can first upload the data to the satellite and store it on the satellite (there may be a base station or a core network element on the satellite), and then forward the data when the satellite can access the gateway station.

[0120] It should be understood that Figure 1 the communication system architecture in Figure 1 is only used as an example to introduce the possible application environments of the solution of this application. Those skilled in the art can understand that the embodiments of this application can be applied to Figure 1 or communication system architectures similar to Figure 1 . The communication architectures obtained by making appropriate deformations and changes based on the communication system architecture in

[0121] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application can be applicable to multiple systems. For example, the applicable systems can be Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) systems, 5G New Radio (NR) systems and their evolved communication systems, etc. These multiple systems can include terminal devices and network devices. The system can also include a core network part, such as an Evolved Packet System (EPS), a 5G System (5GS), etc.

[0122] The terminal device involved in the embodiments of the present application may refer to a terminal IoT (Internet of Things) device, or a CIoT (Cellular Internet of Things) device; it may also refer to a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to users, such as a handheld device with wireless connection capabilities, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, etc. In different systems, the name of the terminal device may also be different. For example, in a 5G system, the terminal device may be referred to as a user equipment (UE). The wireless terminal device may be a USB storage device, other personal computer memory devices, and dongles, and may also communicate with one or more core networks (CNs) via a radio access network (RAN). The wireless terminal device may be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone (or a "cellular" phone) and a computer with a mobile terminal device. For example, it may be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-integrated, or vehicle-mounted mobile device that exchanges voice and / or data with the radio access network. For example, devices such as personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiated protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal computers, tablets, and machine-type communication (MTC) terminal devices. The wireless terminal device may also be referred to as a system, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile, a remote station, an access point, a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user terminal, a user agent, a user device, and wireless access points and routers / modems that meet the limitations of this definition, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0123] The network device involved in the embodiments of the present application may be a base station, which may include multiple cells that provide services to terminals. Depending on the specific application scenarios, the base station may also be referred to as an access point, or may be a device in the access network that communicates with wireless terminal devices through one or more sectors over the air interface, or other names. The network device can be used to mutually replace the received air frames and Internet Protocol (IP) packets, and act as a router between the wireless terminal device and the rest of the access network, where the rest of the access network may include an IP communication network. The network device can also coordinate the attribute management of the air interface. For example, the network device involved in the embodiments of the present application may be an evolved network device (eNB or e-NodeB) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, a 5G base station (gNB) in a 5G network architecture (next generation system), etc., or may also be a Home evolved Node B (HeNB), a relay node, a femto, a pico, a network test device, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this. In some network architectures, the network device may include a Centralized Unit (CU) node and a Distributed Unit (DU) node, and the centralized unit and the distributed unit may also be geographically separated.

[0124] In the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device sends relevant information or similar descriptions to the network-side device, which only indicates that the relevant information is sent in the form of a wireless signal by the terminal device, and the intended recipient is the network device, and the network device can obtain the relevant information by receiving the wireless signal.

[0125] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 2 shown, a communication method is provided. Taking the terminal shown in Figure 1 as an example for illustration, the communication method may include:

[0126] Step 202: Send a network connection request to the satellite.

[0127] Wherein, the network connection request is used for the terminal to establish a network connection with the satellite.

[0128] Specifically, the terminal sends a network connection request to the MME in the satellite. The network connection request may carry corresponding data information based on the actual application scenario to establish a network connection with the satellite.

[0129] Step 204: Receive the target response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal.

[0130] Specifically, after receiving the network connection request, the satellite can generate a target response message based on the current communication mode of the satellite and return the target response message to the terminal.

[0131] In one example, the terminal can generate a network connection request based on the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward and send the network connection request to the satellite. The network connection request carries an indication of the store-and-forward feature. In one example, the terminal can send the network connection request carrying the indication of the store-and-forward feature to the MME in the satellite. After receiving the network connection request, the satellite can generate a target response message based on the current communication mode of the satellite and return the target response message to the terminal.

[0132] In the above communication method, the terminal can send a network connection request to the satellite, where the network connection request is used to indicate that the terminal establishes a network connection with the satellite; receive the target response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal. By adopting this method, the terminal IoT device can establish a network connection with the network based on the satellite with the on-board store-and-forward feature, improve the comprehensiveness of communication coverage and ensure the reliability of terminal communication, provide a communication foundation for the communication of terminals in remote areas, and better meet the communication requirements of terminal devices.

[0133] In one embodiment, the network connection request includes an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward, a terminal identifier, and first configuration information; specifically, carrying the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward may be carrying identification information indicating "supporting the store-and-forward feature", which characterizes that the terminal supports the store-and-forward feature. For example, the terminal may be an Internet of Things device that is not sensitive to and has low requirements for latency. The terminal identifier may be the device identification information of the terminal, etc., such as IMSI; the first configuration information may be pre-configured information, such as terminal information, specifically, it may be the security information of the terminal, or the subscription information of the terminal, or the user plane information of the terminal, etc. The satellite can perform security authentication on the terminal based on the terminal information, or perform authentication on the terminal, etc. For example, the satellite can determine that the terminal can access the network based on the terminal information.

[0134] Correspondingly, the step of receiving the target response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal may include:

[0135] Receive the first request acceptance response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal.

[0136] Among them, the first request acceptance response message carries the data retention period of on-board store-and-forward and the data storage quota of on-board store-and-forward; the first configuration information is used to enable the satellite to authenticate the terminal, and the first request acceptance response message is generated by the satellite after determining that the terminal is in an accessible network state based on the first configuration policy, the terminal identifier, the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward, and the first configuration information. The data retention period (S&F data retention period) can be a data retention cycle determined based on the available time of satellite coverage, or it can also be the duration of the unavailability period (Unavailability Period Duration); the data storage quota (S&F data storage quota) can be the data capacity allowed by the satellite for the terminal to transmit, such as the number of data transmissions and the size of each transmission, etc.

[0137] Specifically, when the terminal wants to transmit information through the network, it can send a network connection request to the MME on the satellite. The terminal can generate a network connection request carrying the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward, the terminal identifier, and the first configuration information, and send the network connection request to the MME on the satellite; after receiving the network connection request, the MME on the satellite can first authenticate the terminal based on the first configuration policy. If the satellite determines that the terminal is in an accessible state, the satellite can determine the data retention period of on-board store-and-forward and the data storage quota of on-board store-and-forward based on the available time of satellite coverage, and generate a first request acceptance response message based on the data retention period of on-board store-and-forward and the data storage quota of on-board store-and-forward. Based on this, the satellite can return the first request acceptance response message to the terminal; after receiving the first request acceptance response message, the terminal can determine that the current terminal can transmit data to the satellite.

[0138] In this embodiment, the first configuration information of the terminal is sent to the satellite during the registration process, avoiding secondary data interaction between the terminal and the satellite, simplifying the data forwarding process, and improving the user experience and the network registration efficiency of the terminal.

[0139] In one embodiment, the network connection request includes an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward and a terminal identifier; specifically, the indication identifier carrying support for store-and-forward can be identification information carrying an indication of "supporting the store-and-forward feature", indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward feature. For example, the terminal can be an Internet of Things device that is not sensitive to and has low requirements for delay, etc.; the terminal identifier can be the device identification information of the terminal, etc., such as IMSI.

[0140] Correspondingly, the step of receiving the target response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal may include:

[0141] Receive a second request acceptance response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal.

[0142] Wherein, the second request acceptance response message carries the data retention period of on-satellite store-and-forward and the data storage quota of on-satellite store-and-forward. The second request acceptance response message is generated by the satellite after determining that the terminal is in a restricted transmission state based on a second configuration policy, the terminal identifier, and the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward. The second configuration policy can be a pre-configured operator configuration policy. The specific content of this second configuration policy can be that if the terminal supports the store-and-forward feature, it is determined that the terminal is in a restricted transmission state (limited state), and the terminal is supported to send limited data to the satellite.

[0143] Specifically, when the terminal wants to transmit information through the network, it can send a network connection request to the MME on the satellite. The terminal can generate a network connection request based on the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward and the terminal identifier, and send this network connection request to the satellite. After receiving the network connection request sent by the terminal, the satellite can determine that the terminal is in a restricted transmission state based on the terminal identifier reported by the terminal, the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward, and the pre-configured second configuration policy. The MME in the satellite can determine the data retention period of on-satellite store-and-forward and the data storage quota of on-satellite store-and-forward based on the available time of satellite coverage, and generate a second request acceptance response message. Based on this, the satellite can return this second request acceptance response message to the terminal. After receiving the second request acceptance response message, the terminal can determine that the current terminal can transmit limited data to the satellite.

[0144] In one example, the request acceptance response message can also carry a satellite identifier, a bearer session identifier (Bearer ID), etc. The satellite can return this request acceptance response message to the terminal.

[0145] In this embodiment, a network connection request carrying an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward can be sent to the satellite, so that the satellite returns a request acceptance response message to quickly establish communication between the terminal and the satellite.

[0146] In one embodiment, the network connection request includes an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward. Carrying an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward can be carrying identification information indicating "supporting the store-and-forward feature", characterizing that the terminal supports the store-and-forward feature. For example, the terminal can be an Internet of Things device that is not sensitive to and has low requirements for latency.

[0147] Correspondingly, the step of "receiving a target response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal" can include:

[0148] Receive a request staging response message returned by a device on the satellite to the terminal.

[0149] Wherein, the request staging response message is generated by a device on the satellite based on the satellite being in the store-and-forward mode, the terminal meeting the condition for initially accessing the satellite, and an indication identifier of the terminal supporting store-and-forward; the request staging response message carries a satellite identifier.

[0150] Specifically, in a scenario where a terminal needs to establish a network connection with a satellite, a network connection request carrying an indication identifier of supporting store-and-forward is generated and sent to the satellite; after receiving the network connection request carrying the indication identifier of supporting store-and-forward, the satellite can determine that the terminal sending the network connection request supports the store-and-forward feature based on the indication identifier of supporting store-and-forward carried in the network connection request; if the satellite is currently in the store-and-forward mode and the terminal sending the network connection request is a terminal that accesses the satellite for the first time, the satellite can store the terminal identifier and terminal capabilities of the terminal, generate a request staging response message, and return the request staging response message to the terminal, indicating that the satellite has cached the network connection request sent by the terminal.

[0151] Optionally, after receiving the request staging response message sent by the satellite, the terminal can switch the terminal to a low-power mode, for example, it can be switched to a power-saving mode. In one example, before switching to the power-saving mode, the terminal can determine the next wake-up time based on ephemeris information, and after determining the next wake-up time, switch to the power-saving mode until the current time reaches after the next wake-up time, and then the terminal can exit the power-saving mode and switch to the normal working state. The ephemeris information can be an accurate position or trajectory table that changes with time as a function of time.

[0152] Optionally, after the terminal has the coverage of the satellite, it can initiate an attach request again, that is, send the network connection request to the satellite, and the network connection request carries an indication flag supporting store-and-forward; if the MME in the satellite determines that the terminal is a non-first-access terminal based on the terminal identifier of the terminal, the satellite can authenticate the terminal based on the authentication information stored locally and send a message to the terminal, and the message carries the information required for the terminal to authenticate the network, completing mutual authentication. Another possible implementation method can be that after the terminal has the coverage of the satellite, it can establish an RRC connection with the satellite that is consistent with the satellite identifier carried in the rejection response message, and based on this RRC connection, the terminal can initiate an attach request again, that is, send the network connection request to the satellite through this RRC connection, and the network connection request carries an indication flag supporting store-and-forward. After receiving the network connection request, the satellite can perform mutual authentication based on the terminal identifier carried in the network connection request and the authentication information of the terminal stored locally in the satellite.

[0153] Based on this, after the satellite determines that the terminal has passed the authentication, the satellite can accept the network connection request sent by the terminal, determine the data retention period based on the available time of the satellite coverage, and determine the data storage quota corresponding to the terminal, generate a request acceptance response message based on the data retention period and the data storage quota, and return the request acceptance response message to the terminal.

[0154] In this embodiment, by sending a network connection request carrying an indication flag supporting store-and-forward from the terminal to the satellite, reliable communication between the terminal device and the satellite can be achieved. By prompting the terminal that the network request has been temporarily stored by the satellite through the request staging response message, the terminal can initiate a request to re-access the network in a timely manner when it is covered by the satellite in the subsequent process, improving the flexibility of the terminal to access the network.

[0155] In one embodiment, the network connection request includes an indication flag supporting store-and-forward. Carrying an indication flag supporting store-and-forward can be carrying identification information indicating "supporting the store-and-forward feature", indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward feature. For example, the terminal can be an Internet of Things device that is not sensitive to delay and has low requirements.

[0156] Correspondingly, the step of "receiving the target response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal" can include:

[0157] Receiving the rejection response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal.

[0158] The rejection response message is generated by a device on the satellite based on the fact that the satellite is in a store-and-forward mode, the terminal meets the conditions for first-time satellite access, and the terminal's indication identifier of supporting store-and-forward; the rejection response message carries a rejection reason message and a satellite identifier.

[0159] Specifically, in a scenario where a terminal needs to establish a network connection with a satellite, the terminal generates a network connection request carrying an indication mark of supporting storage and forwarding, and sends the network connection request to the satellite; the satellite can determine that the terminal sending the network connection request supports the storage and forwarding feature based on the indication mark of supporting storage and forwarding carried in the network connection request; if the satellite is currently in the storage and forwarding mode, and the terminal sending the network connection request is accessing the satellite for the first time, the satellite can temporarily store the network connection request corresponding to the terminal, store the terminal identification and terminal capabilities of the terminal, and generate a rejection response message carrying a rejection reason message and a satellite identification, and return the rejection response message to the terminal. Among them, the rejection reason message can be a request cache message, that is, the satellite is in the on-board storage and forwarding mode, and the terminal supports the on-board storage and forwarding mode, indicating that the satellite has cached the network connection request sent by the terminal.

[0160] In one example, if the satellite covers the gateway, that is, if the feeder link between the satellite and the ground is available (Feeder link is available), the MME in the satellite can send a network connection request to the ground network element through the ground C-SCN-Ground, obtain the contract information (authentication information) of the terminal through the ground network element, and store the authentication information of the terminal in the satellite.

[0161] Optionally, after the terminal has the coverage of the satellite, it can initiate an attach request again, that is, send the network connection request to the satellite, and the network connection request carries an indication mark that supports storage and forwarding; if the MME in the satellite determines that it is a terminal that is not accessing for the first time based on the terminal identifier of the terminal, the satellite can authenticate the terminal based on the locally stored authentication information, and send a message to the terminal, the message carries the information required for the terminal to authenticate the network, and completes the two-way authentication. Another possible implementation method may be that after the terminal has the coverage of the satellite, it can establish an RRC connection with a satellite that is consistent with the satellite identifier based on the satellite identifier carried in the rejection response message, and based on the RRC connection, the terminal can initiate an attach request again, that is, send the network connection request to the satellite through the RRC connection, carrying the indication mark that supports storage and forwarding. After receiving the network connection request, the satellite can perform two-way authentication based on the terminal identifier carried in the network connection request and the authentication information of the terminal stored locally in the satellite.

[0162] Based on this, after the satellite determines that the terminal has passed authentication, the satellite can accept the network connection request sent by the terminal, determine the data retention period based on the available time of satellite coverage, and determine the data storage quota corresponding to the terminal. Then, generate a request acceptance response message based on the data retention period and the data storage quota, and return the request acceptance response message to the terminal.

[0163] In this embodiment, through multiple requests between the terminal and the satellite, the terminal IoT device can be registered to the network through the satellite with the on-board storage and forwarding feature, realizing the communication between the terminal device and the ground through the satellite and improving the communication reliability.

[0164] In one embodiment, the step of "sending a network connection request to the satellite to enable the satellite to return a target response message to the terminal" may include:

[0165] Send a network connection request to the satellite to enable the satellite to return a connection response message to the terminal.

[0166] Among them, the network connection request carries the terminal identifier and the indication identifier supporting storage and forwarding, and the connection response message carries the data retention period and the data storage quota; the terminal identifier can be the device identifier information of the terminal, etc., for example, it can be IMSI; the target response message can be the connection response message.

[0167] Specifically, the terminal can generate a network connection request based on the terminal identifier and the indication identifier supporting storage and forwarding, and send the network connection request to the satellite; after receiving the network connection request, the satellite can parse the network connection request to obtain the terminal identifier and the indication identifier supporting storage and forwarding carried in the network connection request, and determine the data retention period based on the available time of satellite coverage, and determine the data storage quota corresponding to the terminal. Then, generate a connection response message based on the data retention period and the data storage quota, and return the connection response message to the terminal.

[0168] In this embodiment, the communication between the terminal and the satellite can be realized, and the connection between the terminal and the satellite can be established, providing a communication basis for subsequent data forwarding.

[0169] In one embodiment, the target response message further carries the satellite identifier and the bearer session identifier.

[0170] Specifically, during the process of generating the target response message, the satellite can generate a target response message that also carries the satellite identifier and the bearer session identifier. For example, it can generate a first request acceptance response message carrying the satellite identifier and the bearer session identifier, and can also generate a second request acceptance response message carrying the satellite identifier and the bearer session identifier. The terminal can, based on the satellite identifier carried in the target response message, send the data to be transmitted to the satellite whose identification information is consistent with this satellite identifier, and so on.

[0171] In one embodiment, the target response message also carries the satellite flyback time.

[0172] Specifically, the satellite flyback time can be the time when the satellite flies back next time. The terminal can, based on the satellite flyback time carried in the target response message, when the satellite flyback time is reached, or after an interval of the satellite flyback time, initiate a network connection request to the satellite again.

[0173] In this embodiment, it can facilitate the terminal to accurately initiate a network connection request to the satellite in a timely manner after the satellite flyback time.

[0174] In one embodiment, before the step of sending a network connection request to the satellite, the method further includes:

[0175] Receiving a satellite broadcast message.

[0176] Specifically, the satellite can send a broadcast message within the communication coverage area of the satellite. After the terminal is powered on, it can search for the network and camp. After receiving the broadcast message sent by the satellite, it can, based on this broadcast message, send a network connection request to the satellite that sent this broadcast message.

[0177] In this embodiment, the terminal can, based on the received broadcast message, initiate a registration request to the satellites in a communicable state.

[0178] In one example, the satellite broadcast message carries the store-and-forward feature and / or the satellite identifier.

[0179] Among them, the broadcast message includes the store-and-forward feature and / or the satellite ID. The store-and-forward feature indicates that the satellite is a satellite in the on-board store-and-forward mode, that is, a satellite that can perform store-and-forward satellite operations (S&F Satellite Operation). For example, a base station or some core network elements can be deployed on the satellite. The terminal establishes a service link with the satellite to transmit signaling or data. When the satellite moves to establish a feeder link with the ground, the signaling or data can be interacted with the ground core network through the gateway station. The satellite ID represents the identifier of the satellite, such as the satellite number, and so on.

[0180] Specifically, the terminal can parse the broadcast message to obtain the store-and-forward feature and / or satellite ID carried in the broadcast message. In one example, the terminal can obtain the store-and-forward feature and the satellite ID carried in the broadcast message, the terminal can also obtain the store-and-forward feature carried in the broadcast message, and the terminal can also obtain the satellite ID carried in the broadcast, and so on.

[0181] In one embodiment, the communication method further includes:

[0182] Sending data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota to the satellite.

[0183] Specifically, when there is data that meets the emergency transmission condition at the terminal, the terminal can extract the data to be transmitted from the data that meets the emergency transmission condition based on the data storage quota, and send the data to be transmitted to the satellite.

[0184] In one example, the terminal can send the data to be transmitted to a target network element in the satellite. After receiving the data to be transmitted, the target network element can associate the data to be transmitted with the terminal identifier of the terminal that sent the data to be transmitted, and forward the data to be transmitted to the terrestrial network element. Optionally, the target network element can be an MME in the satellite, or a store-and-forward network element in the satellite. In the case of session establishment, the target network element can also be a P-GW.

[0185] In this embodiment, data transmission between the terminal and the terrestrial network element can be realized through the satellite, improving the comprehensiveness of communication coverage and ensuring the reliability of terminal communication, providing the possibility for the communication of terminals in remote areas.

[0186] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 3 shown, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a satellite. The communication method includes:

[0187] Step 302, receiving a network connection request sent by a terminal.

[0188] Wherein, the network connection request is used to indicate that the terminal establishes a network connection with the satellite.

[0189] Specifically, the satellite can receive the network connection request sent by the terminal and parse the network connection request.

[0190] Step 304, generating a target response message based on the network connection request, and returning the target response message to the terminal.

[0191] Specifically, the MME in the satellite can receive the network connection request sent by the terminal, and can generate a target response message based on the communication mode in which the current satellite is located, and return the target response message to the terminal.

[0192] In this embodiment, the terminal IoT device can establish a network connection with a satellite in the on-board store-and-forward mode, which can improve the comprehensiveness of communication coverage, ensure the reliability of terminal communication, provide a communication foundation for the communication of terminals in remote areas, and better meet the communication requirements of terminal devices.

[0193] In one embodiment, the network connection request carries a terminal identifier, an indication identifier indicating support for store-and-forward, and first configuration information. Specifically, the first configuration information can be the security information of the terminal, the subscription information of the terminal, the user plane information of the terminal, etc. The satellite performs security authentication on the terminal based on the first configuration information, or authenticates the terminal, etc. For example, the satellite can determine that the terminal can access the network based on the first configuration information; carrying an indication identifier indicating support for store-and-forward can be identification information carrying an indication of "supporting the store-and-forward feature", indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward feature. For example, it can indicate that the terminal is an Internet of Things device that is not sensitive to and has low requirements for latency.

[0194] Correspondingly, as Figure 4 shown, the step of "generating a target response message based on the network connection request and returning the target response message to the terminal" may include:

[0195] Step 402, determine that the terminal is in a state where it can access the network based on a first configuration policy, a terminal identifier, an indication identifier indicating support for store-and-forward, and first configuration information, and determine the data retention period for on-board store-and-forward and the data storage quota for on-board store-and-forward based on the available satellite coverage time.

[0196] Among them, the first configuration policy can be a pre-configured operator configuration policy. The specific content of the first configuration policy can be that if the terminal supports the store-and-forward feature and the terminal reports the first configuration information, then the terminal is supported to send data to the satellite, and the satellite is supported to forward data for the terminal.

[0197] Specifically, after receiving the network connection request sent by the terminal, the satellite can determine that the terminal can be in a state where it can access the network based on the first configuration information, terminal identifier, indication identifier indicating support for store-and-forward, and the pre-configured first configuration policy. The MME in the satellite can determine the data retention period for on-board store-and-forward based on the available satellite coverage time, and the MME in the satellite can determine the data storage quota for on-board store-and-forward.

[0198] Step 404, return a first request acceptance response message to the terminal.

[0199] Among them, the first request acceptance response message carries the data retention period of on-satellite store-and-forward and the data storage quota of on-satellite store-and-forward, and the target response message can be the first request acceptance response message.

[0200] Specifically, the satellite can generate a first request acceptance response message based on the determined data retention period of on-satellite store-and-forward and the data storage quota of on-satellite store-and-forward.

[0201] In one example, the first request acceptance response message can also carry a satellite identifier, a bearer session identifier (Bearer ID), etc. The satellite can return the first request acceptance response message to the terminal.

[0202] In one example, if the satellite establishes a session based on the information reported by the terminal, the satellite can encapsulate the data storage quota of on-satellite store-and-forward into the NAS information and return the NAS information to the terminal.

[0203] In this embodiment, when the satellite supports store-and-forward and the terminal reports the first configuration information, the satellite can determine that the terminal is in an accessible network state and return a first request acceptance response message to the terminal to quickly establish communication between the terminal and the satellite.

[0204] In one embodiment, the communication method further includes:

[0205] If the satellite covers the gateway station and receives the data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota sent by the terminal, forward the data to be transmitted.

[0206] Specifically, if the satellite covers the gateway station, that is, if the satellite moves into the communication coverage range of the gateway station and the satellite receives the data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota sent by the terminal, the satellite can forward the received data to be transmitted sent by the terminal to the terrestrial network element.

[0207] In this embodiment, when the terminal supports store-and-forward, a first request acceptance response message can be returned to the terminal to quickly establish communication between the terminal and the satellite, and when there is data to be forwarded corresponding to the terminal, the data can be directly forwarded to the terrestrial network element to ensure the timeliness of data forwarding.

[0208] In one embodiment, as Figure 5 shown, the step "If the satellite covers the gateway station and receives the data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota sent by the terminal, forward the data to be transmitted" can include:

[0209] Step 502, if the satellite covers the gateway station and receives the data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota sent by the terminal, perform secondary authentication processing on the terminal.

[0210] Specifically, if the satellite covers the gateway station, that is, if the satellite moves into the communication coverage area of the gateway station and the satellite receives the data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota sent by the terminal, the satellite can perform secondary authentication processing on the terminal that has completed verification. For example, it can be secondary authentication based on the first configuration information reported by the terminal, or the satellite can obtain the subscription information corresponding to the terminal that has completed verification through the terrestrial network element and perform authentication based on this subscription information.

[0211] In one example, when the satellite moves into the communication coverage area of the gateway station, the satellite receives the data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota sent by the terminal, and the terminal that has completed verification meets the conditions for secondary authentication, the satellite can perform secondary authentication processing on the terminal that has completed verification.

[0212] Step 504, if it is determined that the terminal passes the secondary authentication, forward the data to be transmitted.

[0213] Specifically, if the satellite determines that the secondary authentication of the terminal that has completed verification passes, the satellite can forward the data to be transmitted to the terrestrial network element.

[0214] In this embodiment, the authentication verification of the terminal can be performed again to further improve the security of data transmission.

[0215] In one embodiment, the network connection request carries the terminal identifier and an indication identifier indicating support for store-and-forward; specifically, the terminal identifier can be the terminal ID or the IMSI of the terminal.

[0216] Correspondingly, as Figure 6 shown, the step of "generating a target response message based on the network connection request and returning the target response message to the terminal" may include:

[0217] Step 602, based on the second configuration policy, the terminal identifier, and the indication identifier indicating support for store-and-forward, determine that the terminal is in a restricted transmission state, and determine the data retention period for on-board store-and-forward and the data storage quota for on-board store-and-forward based on the available satellite coverage time.

[0218] Among them, the second configuration policy can be a pre-configured operator configuration policy. The specific content of this second configuration policy is that if the terminal supports the store-and-forward feature, it is determined that the terminal is in a restricted transmission state (limited state), and the terminal is supported to send limited data to the satellite.

[0219] Specifically, after receiving the network connection request sent by the terminal, the satellite can determine that the terminal is in a restricted transmission state based on the terminal identifier reported by the terminal, the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward, and the pre-configured second configuration policy. The MME in the satellite can determine the data retention period of the on-board store-and-forward data and the data storage quota of the on-board store-and-forward data based on the available time of satellite coverage.

[0220] Step 604: Return a second request acceptance response message to the terminal.

[0221] Among them, the connection response message carries the data retention period of the on-board store-and-forward data and the data storage quota of the on-board store-and-forward data, and the target response message can be the second request acceptance response message.

[0222] Specifically, the satellite can generate a second request acceptance response message based on the determined data retention period of the on-board store-and-forward data and the data storage quota of the on-board store-and-forward data.

[0223] In one example, the second request acceptance response message can also carry a satellite identifier, a bearer session identifier (Bearer ID), etc. The satellite can return the second request acceptance response message to the terminal.

[0224] In this embodiment, when the terminal supports store-and-forward, a second request acceptance response message can be returned to the terminal to quickly establish communication between the terminal and the satellite.

[0225] In one embodiment, the communication method further includes:

[0226] If the satellite covers the gateway station, obtain the subscription information of the terminal. If it is determined based on the subscription information that the terminal authentication is passed and the satellite receives the data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota sent by the terminal, forward the data to be transmitted and update the restricted transmission state of the terminal to an unrestricted transmission state.

[0227] Specifically, if the satellite covers the gateway station, that is, if the satellite moves into the communication coverage range of the gateway station, the satellite can obtain the subscription information corresponding to the terminal in the restricted transmission state and perform authentication based on the subscription information of the terminal in the restricted transmission state; if the satellite determines that the authentication of the terminal in the restricted transmission state is passed and the satellite receives the data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota sent by the terminal, the satellite can forward the data to be transmitted sent by the terminal to the terrestrial network element; when the satellite determines that the authentication of the terminal is passed, update the restricted transmission state of the terminal to an unrestricted transmission state.

[0228] In this embodiment, when the terminal supports store-and-forward, a second request acceptance response message can be returned to the terminal to quickly establish communication between the terminal and the satellite. After the satellite determines that the terminal's authentication is passed, the terminal's data can be forwarded to the ground network element in a timely manner to ensure the reliability of data transmission.

[0229] In one embodiment, after the step of updating the restricted transmission state of the terminal to an unrestricted transmission state, the communication method further includes:

[0230] If it is detected that the terminal obtains satellite coverage, a status update message is sent to the terminal.

[0231] Specifically, the status update message indicates that the restricted transmission state of the terminal is updated to an unrestricted transmission state; when the satellite determines that the authentication of the terminal is passed, the restricted transmission state of the terminal can be updated to an unrestricted transmission state; if the terminal moves back into the communication coverage of the satellite again, that is, the terminal obtains the coverage of the satellite, the satellite can send the status update message to the terminal. After receiving the status update message, the terminal can determine that the status of the terminal has been updated from the restricted transmission state to the unrestricted transmission state.

[0232] In this embodiment, when the terminal obtains satellite coverage again, a status update message can be returned to the terminal in a timely manner.

[0233] In one embodiment, the step "generating a target response message based on the network connection request and returning the target response message to the terminal" may include:

[0234] Generating a request suspension response message based on the satellite being in the store-and-forward mode, the terminal meeting the condition for initial access to the satellite, and the indication flag of the terminal's support for store-and-forward; returning the request suspension response message to the terminal.

[0235] Among them, the request suspension response message (attach suspend) carries the satellite identifier, and this request suspension response message is used to prompt the terminal that the network connection request of the terminal is cached by the satellite.

[0236] Specifically, the satellite can determine that the terminal sending the network connection request supports the store-and-forward feature based on the indication flag of support for store-and-forward carried in the network connection request; if the satellite is currently in the store-and-forward mode and the terminal sending the network connection request is a terminal that accesses the satellite for the first time, the satellite can store the terminal identifier and terminal capabilities of the terminal and generate a request suspension response message, and return this request suspension response message to the terminal, indicating that the satellite has cached the network connection request sent by the terminal.

[0237] Optionally, after receiving the request temporary storage response message sent by the satellite, the terminal can switch the terminal to a low power consumption mode, for example, it can switch to a power saving mode. In one example, before switching to the power saving mode, the terminal can determine the next wake-up time based on the ephemeris information, and after determining the next wake-up time, switch to the power saving mode, until the current time reaches the next wake-up time, the terminal can exit the power saving mode and switch to a normal working state. The ephemeris information can be a precise position or trajectory table of a celestial body that changes over time, which is a function of time.

[0238] In one example, if the satellite covers the gateway, that is, if the feeder link between the satellite and the ground is available (Feeder link is available), the MME in the satellite can send a network connection request to the ground network element through the ground C-SCN-Ground, obtain the contract information (authentication information) of the terminal through the ground network element, and store the authentication information of the terminal in the satellite.

[0239] Optionally, after the terminal has the coverage of the satellite, it can initiate an attach request again, that is, send the network connection request to the satellite, and the network connection request carries an indication mark that supports storage and forwarding; if the MME in the satellite determines that it is a terminal that is not accessing for the first time based on the terminal identifier of the terminal, the satellite can authenticate the terminal based on the locally stored authentication information, and send a message to the terminal, the message carrying the information required for the terminal to authenticate the network, to complete the two-way authentication. In addition, after the terminal has the coverage of the satellite, it can establish an RRC connection with a satellite that is consistent with the satellite identifier based on the satellite identifier carried in the rejection response message, and based on the RRC connection, the terminal can initiate an attach request again, that is, send the network connection request to the satellite through the RRC connection. After receiving the network connection request, the satellite can perform two-way authentication based on the terminal identifier carried in the network connection request and the authentication information of the terminal stored locally on the satellite.

[0240] Based on this, after the satellite determines that the terminal has passed the authentication, the satellite can accept the network connection request sent by the terminal, determine the data retention period based on the satellite coverage available time, and determine the data storage quota corresponding to the terminal, generate a request acceptance response message based on the data retention period and the data storage quota, and return the request acceptance response message to the terminal.

[0241] In this embodiment, by returning a request staging response message from the satellite to the terminal, reliable communication between the terminal device, the satellite, and the terrestrial network element can be achieved. By using the request staging response message to prompt that the network request of the terminal has been staged by the satellite, the terminal can initiate a request to re-connect to the network in a timely manner when it is covered by the satellite in the subsequent process, improving the flexibility of the terminal to access the network.

[0242] In one embodiment, the step of "generating a target response message based on the network connection request and returning the target response message to the terminal" may include:

[0243] Generating a rejection response message based on the satellite being in the store-and-forward mode, the terminal meeting the condition for initially accessing the satellite, and the indication flag of the terminal supporting store-and-forward; returning the rejection response message to the terminal.

[0244] Wherein, the rejection response message carries a rejection reason message and a satellite identifier, and this request caching message indicates that the network connection request sent by this terminal has been staged.

[0245] Specifically, the satellite can determine that the terminal sending the network connection request supports the store-and-forward feature based on the indication flag of supporting store-and-forward carried in the network connection request; if the satellite is currently in the store-and-forward mode and the terminal sending the network connection request is accessing the satellite for the first time, the satellite can stage the network connection request corresponding to this terminal, store the terminal identifier and terminal capabilities of this terminal, and generate a rejection response message carrying a rejection reason message and a satellite identifier, and return this rejection response message to the terminal. Among them, the rejection reason message can be to indicate that the satellite has cached the network connection request sent by this terminal.

[0246] In one example, if the satellite covers the gateway station, that is, if the feeder link between the satellite and the ground is in an available state (Feeder link is available), the MME in the satellite can send the network connection request to the terrestrial network element through the ground C-SCN-Ground, obtain the subscription information (authentication information) of this terminal through the terrestrial network element, and store the authentication information of this terminal in the satellite.

[0247] Optionally, after the terminal has the coverage of the satellite, it can initiate an attach request again, that is, send the network connection request to the satellite, and the network connection request carries an indication flag supporting store-and-forward. If the MME in the satellite determines that the terminal is a non-first access terminal based on the terminal identifier of the terminal, the satellite can authenticate the terminal based on the authentication information stored locally, and send a message to the terminal, and the message carries the information required for the terminal to authenticate the network, completing mutual authentication. In addition, after the terminal has the coverage of the satellite, it can establish an RRC connection with the satellite that is consistent with the satellite identifier carried in the rejection response message, and based on the RRC connection, the terminal can initiate an attach request again, that is, send the network connection request to the satellite through the RRC connection. After receiving the network connection request, the satellite can perform mutual authentication based on the terminal identifier carried in the network connection request and the authentication information of the terminal stored locally in the satellite.

[0248] Based on this, after the satellite determines that the terminal passes the authentication, the satellite can accept the network connection request sent by the terminal, determine the data retention period based on the available time of satellite coverage, and determine the data storage quota corresponding to the terminal, generate a request acceptance response message based on the data retention period and the data storage quota, and return the request acceptance response message to the terminal.

[0249] In this embodiment, through multiple requests between the terminal and the satellite, the terminal IoT device can be registered to the network through the satellite with the on-board store-and-forward feature, realizing the communication between the terminal device and the ground through the satellite, and improving the communication reliability.

[0250] In one embodiment, the communication method further includes:

[0251] Sending a broadcast message.

[0252] Among them, the broadcast message is used to indicate the connection between the terminal and the satellite.

[0253] Specifically, the satellite can send a broadcast message within the communication coverage of the satellite. After the terminal is powered on, it can search for the network and camp. After receiving the broadcast message sent by the satellite, it can parse the broadcast message and send a network connection request to the satellite.

[0254] In one example, the broadcast message includes a store-and-forward feature and / or a satellite ID. The store-and-forward feature indicates that the satellite is in an onboard store-and-forward mode, that is, a satellite that can perform store-and-forward satellite operations (S&F Satellite Operation). For example, a base station or part of a core network element can be deployed on a satellite, and a terminal establishes a service link with the satellite to transmit signaling or data. When the satellite moves to establish a feeder link with the ground, the signaling or data can be interacted with the ground core network through a gateway. The satellite ID represents the identification of the satellite, for example, it can be the satellite number, etc.

[0255] In an example, the terminal may obtain the store-and-forward feature and the satellite ID carried by the broadcast message, the terminal may obtain the store-and-forward feature carried by the broadcast message, the terminal may also obtain the satellite ID carried by the broadcast, and so on.

[0256] In one embodiment, the target response message also carries the satellite return time.

[0257] Specifically, the satellite return time may be the time when the satellite returns next time. The terminal may re-initiate a network connection request to the satellite based on the satellite return time carried in the target response message, when the satellite return time is reached, or after the satellite return time has elapsed. For example, the rejection response message may also carry the satellite return time, and, for example, the request temporary storage response message may also carry the satellite return time.

[0258] In this embodiment, the terminal can accurately initiate a network connection request to the satellite in a timely manner after the satellite flies back.

[0259] The specific implementation process of the above communication method in a specific application scenario is described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0260] In one example, if Figure 7 As shown, for example, the terminal may request store-and-forward during the registration process, and the MME / AMF may first suspend the request, and after the feeder link is available, obtain and store the subscription / authentication information of the terminal on the satellite; the terminal may initiate a registration request again, and the MME / AMF may directly complete the authentication, etc.;

[0261] The following example is taken as an example for application in EPS architecture, including user terminal (UE), satellite SAT and ground network elements. The ground network elements include SFMF and HSS / P-SW; the satellite includes evolved Node B (eNodeB), mobility management entity MME, SFCF and service gateway S-GW / SCEF.

[0262] Optionally, there are multiple ways to deploy the functions of all network elements on the satellite, which can be new network elements or enhancements to existing network elements.

[0263] Optionally, if it is 5GC, the authentication function of part of the AUSF can also be configured on the satellite. The communication method may include the following steps:

[0264] S0, the UE receives the broadcast message of the satellite (UE receives the SIB of the SAT#1). Specifically, the UE powers on to search for the network and camp, and receives the broadcast message of the satellite eNB. The broadcast message carries the store-and-forward feature and / or the satellite ID.

[0265] S1, the UE sends a network connection request (attach request). Specifically, when the UE needs to register to the network, it can send a network connection request to the on-satellite MME. Optionally, the network connection request may carry an indication of "supporting the store-and-forward feature".

[0266] Optionally, if the UE indicates support for EPS to connect without a PDN session, or only for SMS, then S6 and S7 can be skipped, and communication between the terminal and the satellite can be achieved without establishing a bearer session; if it is EPS Attach without PDN Connectivity, or SMS only, then steps 6 and 7 are skipped.

[0267] S2, a rejection response message (attach reject) is returned. Specifically, the on-satellite MME can determine to temporarily store the UE's network connection request attach request based on the current satellite being in the store-and-forward mode, the terminal's initial access, and the terminal's support for the store-and-forward feature, and store the UE's terminal identifier (device identifier, IMSI) and its corresponding UE capabilities, and send a rejection response message (attach reject) to the UE.

[0268] If the satellite has broadcast the S&F mode (on-satellite store-and-forward mode), the rejection response message carries the rejection reason and the ID of the satellite. The rejection reason can be that the network connection request is cached; carrying the satellite ID can facilitate the UE to find the satellite for registration next time;

[0269] Optionally, the rejection response message can also carry the time when the satellite will fly back next time, which is convenient for the UE to apply for the same satellite after the timer expires; if the terminal finds other suitable target satellites before the timer stops, the UE can send a network connection request to the target satellite.

[0270] S3, the satellite covers the gateway, that is, the feeder link is available, and identity authentication or authentication / secutity is performed. Specifically, the MME can send the UE's network connection request to the HSS through the ground C-SCN-Ground, obtain the terminal's subscription information (authentication information), and send the UE's authentication information back to the satellite and store it in the MME or other storage device.

[0271] S4, when the terminal is within the communication coverage of the satellite, the terminal sends a network connection request (attach request) to the satellite again; specifically, when the UE has coverage, it establishes an RRC connection with the target satellite based on the satellite ID and initiates an attach request again, indicating that "the store-and-forward feature is supported".

[0272] Optionally, if the UE indicates support for EPS Attach without PDN Connectivity, or SMS only, S6 and S7 can be skipped to achieve communication between the terminal and the satellite without establishing a bearer session; EPS Attachwithout PDN Connectivity, or SMS only, S6 and S7 are skipped.

[0273] S5: MME completes two-way authentication (authentication / secutity) based on the UE's IMSI and the stored authentication information.

[0274] S6. Optionally, the MME sends a Create session request to the SFCF, and the SFCF sends a Create session request to the S-GW / SCEF; that is, the MME establishes a bearer session with the SFCF, and the SFCF establishes a bearer session with the S-GW / SCEF. Specifically, the MME sends a Create task request to establish a bearer. If Control Plane CIoT EPS is allowed, the MME shall also indicate the S11-U tunnelling of NAS user data and send its own S11-U IP address and MME DL TEID for the SGW to forward DL data. If Control Plane CIoT EPS Optimisation applies, then the MME shall also indicate S11-U tunnelling of NAS user data and send its own S11-U IP address and MME DL TEID for DL data forwarding by the SGW.

[0275] S7. Optionally, the S-GW / SCEF sends a Create session response message to the SFCF, and the SFCF sends a Create session response message to the MME; optionally, the S-GW determines the on-board Store-and-Forward (S&F) data storage quota based on the requested data counter and the on-board memory.

[0276] S8. Determines the S&F parameters; specifically, the MME accepts the network connection request; optionally, the MME can determine the on-board S&F data retention period based on the available satellite coverage time, and encapsulate the on-board S&F data retention period and the on-board S&F data storage quota into the NAS information.

[0277] S9. The MME sends an Attach accept response to the UE. Optionally, the Attach accept response message carries the satellite ID, S&F data retention period, S&F data storage quota, and Bearer ID, etc.

[0278] In another example, for example, the terminal may request store-and-forward during the registration process, and the MME / AMF may first suspend the request, and after the feeder link is available, obtain and store the subscription / authentication information of the terminal on the satellite; the terminal may initiate a registration request again, and the MME / AMF may directly complete the authentication, etc. The following is an example of application to the EPS architecture, and the communication method may include the following steps:

[0279] Step 0, UE receives the broadcast message of the satellite (UE receives the SIB of the SAT#1). Specifically, the UE is powered on to search for the network and resides on it, and receives the broadcast message of the satellite eNB. The broadcast message does not carry the satellite ID and S&F mode.

[0280] Step 10, UE sends a network connection request (attach request); specifically, when the UE needs to register with the network, it can send a network connection request to the onboard MME. Optionally, the network connection request can carry an indication of "support for store-and-forward feature". Optionally, if the UE indicates support for EPS connection without PDN session, or SMS only, steps 60 and 70 can be skipped to achieve communication between the terminal and the satellite without establishing a bearer session; EPSAttach without PDN Connectivity, or SMS only, then steps 60 and 70 are skipped.

[0281] Step 20, returning a rejection response message (attach reject). Specifically, the onboard MME can determine to temporarily store the network connection request attach request of the UE based on the current satellite being in store-and-forward mode, the initial access of the terminal, and the terminal supporting the store-and-forward feature, and store the terminal identifier (device identifier, IMSI) of the UE and its corresponding UE capabilities, and send a rejection response message (attach reject) to the UE.

[0282] If the UE supports on-board store-and-forward, a rejection response message is sent to the UE, which carries the rejection reason and the ID of the satellite. The rejection reason may be the S&F feature mode and the attach request is cached (the network connection request is cached); carrying the satellite ID can facilitate the UE to find the satellite for registration next time; if the UE does not support on-board store-and-forward, the satellite directly sends a rejection response message to the terminal; that is, if the UE does not support S&F, it is directly rejected.

[0283] Step 30: The satellite covers the gateway, that is, the feeder link is available, and identity authentication or authentication / secutity is performed. Specifically, the MME can send the UE's network connection request to the ground network element (for example, to the HSS via the SFMF), obtain the terminal's subscription information (authentication information), and send the UE's authentication information back to the satellite, and store it in the MME or other storage device.

[0284] Step 40, when the terminal is within the communication coverage of the satellite, the terminal sends a network connection request (attach request) to the satellite again; specifically, when the UE has coverage, it establishes an RRC connection with the target satellite based on the satellite ID and initiates an attach request again, indicating that "store-and-forward feature is supported".

[0285] Optionally, if the UE indicates support for EPS Attach without PDN Connectivity, or SMS only, steps 60 and 70 can be skipped to achieve communication between the terminal and the satellite without establishing a bearer session; EPS Attach without PDN Connectivity, or SMS only, then steps 60 and 70 are skipped.

[0286] Step 50: If the MME determines based on the device identifier IMSI that the terminal is the IMSI of the terminal previously requested, the MME can authenticate and authorize the terminal based on the subscription information obtained in step 30; and send the information required by the UE to authenticate the network to complete two-way authentication.

[0287] Step 60. Optionally, the MME sends a Create session request to the SFCF, and the SFCF sends a Create session request to the S-GW / SCEF; that is, the MME establishes a bearer session with the SFCF, and the SFCF establishes a bearer session with the S-GW / SCEF. Specifically, the MME sends a create task request to establish a bearer. If Control Plane CIoT EPS is allowed, the MME shall also indicate S11-U tunnelling of NAS user data and send its own S11-U IP address and MME DL TEID for DL data forwarding by the SGW. If Control Plane CIoT EPS Optimisation applies, then the MME shall also indicate S11-U tunnelling of NAS user data and send its own S11-U IP address and MME DL TEID for DL data forwarding by the SGW.

[0288] Step 70. Optionally, the S-GW / SCEF sends a Create session response message to the SFCF, and the SFCF sends a Create session response message to the MME; optionally, the S-GW determines the on-board store-and-forward data storage quota (S&F data storage quota) based on the requested data counter and the on-board memory.

[0289] Step 80. Determine the on-board store-and-forward parameters; specifically, the MME accepts the network connection request; optionally, the MME may determine the on-board store-and-forward data retention period based on the available satellite coverage time, and encapsulate the on-board store-and-forward data retention period and the on-board store-and-forward data storage quota into the NAS information.

[0290] Step 90. The MME sends an Attach accept response (request acceptance response message) to the UE. Optionally, the request acceptance response message carries the satellite ID, S&F data retention period, S&F data storage quota, and Bearer ID, etc.

[0291] In another example, it could be the terminal network access process that introduces attach suspend. Taking the application to the EPS architecture as an example, the communication method may include the following steps:

[0292] Step 0, the UE receives the broadcast message of the satellite (UE receives the SIB of the SAT#1). Specifically, the UE powers on to search for the network and camp, and receives the broadcast message of the satellite eNB. The broadcast message carries the store-and-forward feature and / or the satellite ID.

[0293] Step 1, the UE sends an attach request. Specifically, when the UE needs to register to the network, it can send an attach request to the on-satellite MME. Optionally, the attach request may carry an indication of "supporting the store-and-forward feature".

[0294] Optionally, if the UE indicates support for EPS to connect without a PDN session, or only for SMS, then S6 and S7 can be skipped, and communication between the terminal and the satellite can be achieved without establishing a bearer session; for EPS Attach without PDN Connectivity, or SMS only, then S6 and S7 are skipped.

[0295] Step 2, an attach suspend response message is returned. Specifically, the on-satellite MME can determine to suspend the attach request of the UE based on the current satellite being in the store-and-forward mode, the initial access of the terminal, and the terminal supporting the store-and-forward feature, and store the terminal identifier (device identifier, IMSI) of the UE and its corresponding UE capabilities, and send an attach suspend response message to the UE, indicating to the UE that the attach request is cached. The attach suspend response message may also carry the ID of the satellite, so that the UE can still find the satellite for registration next time;

[0296] Optionally, the rejection response message may also carry the time when the satellite will fly back next time, which is convenient for the UE to apply for the same satellite after the timer expires; if the terminal finds other suitable target satellites before the timer stops, the UE can send an attach request to the target satellite.

[0297] Optionally, after receiving the request suspension response message sent by the satellite, the terminal can switch to a low-power mode, such as a power-saving mode. In one example, before switching to the power-saving mode, the terminal can determine the next wake-up time based on the ephemeris information, and after determining the next wake-up time, switch to the power-saving mode until the current time reaches the next wake-up time, and then the terminal can exit the power-saving mode and switch to the normal working state. The ephemeris information can be an accurate position or trajectory table that changes with time as a function of time for celestial body operation.

[0298] Step 3: When the satellite covers the gateway station, that is, the feeder link is available, perform authentication or authorization processing (authentication / secutity). Specifically, the MME can send the UE's network connection request through the terrestrial network element to obtain the subscription information (authentication information) of the terminal, and send the UE's authentication information back to the satellite and store it in the MME or other storage devices. Obtaining the authentication information can be, for example, sending it to the HSS through the SFMF to obtain the authentication information of the terminal, etc.

[0299] Step 4: When the terminal is within the communication coverage range of the satellite, the terminal can establish an RRC connection with the target satellite based on the satellite ID and initiate a network connection request (attach request) again. The network connection request carries identification information indicating "support for the store-and-forward feature".

[0300] The implementation processes of Steps 5 to 9 are the same as those of S5 - S9 provided in the above embodiment and will not be elaborated here.

[0301] In another example, for example, it can be a terminal access network process introducing attach suspend. The following takes the EPS architecture as an example for illustration. The communication method can include the following steps:

[0302] Step 0: The UE receives the broadcast message of the satellite (UE receives the SIB of the SAT#1). Specifically, the UE powers on, searches for the network and camps on it, and receives the broadcast message of the satellite eNB. The broadcast message does not carry the satellite ID and the S&F mode.

[0303] Step 1, the UE sends an attach request. Specifically, when the UE needs to register to the network, it can send an attach request to the on-satellite MME. Optionally, this attach request can carry an indication of "supporting the store-and-forward feature". Optionally, if the UE indicates support for EPS connection without a PDN session or SMS only, steps 6 and 7 can be skipped, and communication between the terminal and the satellite can be achieved without establishing a bearer session; for EPS Attach without PDN Connectivity, or SMS only, steps 6 and 7 are skipped.

[0304] Step 2, return an attach suspend response message. Specifically, based on the current satellite being in the store-and-forward mode, the terminal being in initial access, and the terminal supporting the store-and-forward feature, the on-satellite MME can determine to suspend the UE's attach request and store the UE's terminal identifier (device identifier, IMSI) and its corresponding UE capabilities, and send an attach suspend response message to the UE, indicating to the UE that the attach request has been cached. This attach suspend response message can also carry the ID of this satellite, so that the UE can still find the satellite for registration next time;

[0305] Optionally, this reject response message can also carry the time when the satellite will fly back next time, which is convenient for the UE to apply for the same satellite after the timer expires. If the terminal finds other suitable target satellites before the timer stops, the UE can send an attach request to the target satellite.

[0306] Optionally, after receiving the attach suspend response message sent by the satellite, the terminal can switch to a low-power mode, for example, it can switch to a power-saving mode. In one example, before switching to the power-saving mode, the terminal can determine the next wake-up time based on the ephemeris information, and after determining the next wake-up time, switch to the power-saving mode until the current time reaches the next wake-up time, and then the terminal can exit the power-saving mode and switch to the normal working state. This ephemeris information can be an accurate position or trajectory table that changes with time as a function of time.

[0307] The implementation processes of steps 3 to 9 are the same as those of steps 30 to 90 provided in the above embodiment, and will not be elaborated here.

[0308] In another example, as Figure 8As shown, it can be, for example, restricted transmission: The terminal requests store-and-forward during the registration process. The MME / AMF directly accepts the UE's request based on the reported store-and-forward feature and indicates that the UE is in a limited state and can send restricted data. After the feeder link becomes available, if necessary, the on-board device sends the UE's request to the ground, such as the UDM / SMSF. If authentication is passed, data is sent. The following takes EPS as an example for illustration, including the user terminal (UE), satellite SAT, and ground network elements. The ground network elements include SFMF, HSS / P-SW, and S&F server; the satellite includes evolved Node B (eNodeB), Mobility Management Entity MME, SFCF, and Serving Gateway S-GW / SCEF.

[0309] Optionally, if it is 5GC, the authentication function of part of the AUSF can also be configured on the satellite. The communication method may include the following steps:

[0310] Step 0, the UE receives the satellite's broadcast message (UE receives the SIB of the SAT#1). Specifically, the UE powers on and searches for the network and camps. It receives the broadcast message from the satellite eNB, and the broadcast message carries the store-and-forward feature and / or satellite ID.

[0311] Step 1, the UE sends a network connection request (attach request); specifically, when the UE wants to transmit information through the network, it can send a network connection request to the on-board MME. Optionally, the network connection request may carry the terminal identifier (IMSI) and indicate "support for the store-and-forward feature".

[0312] Optionally, if the UE indicates support for EPS to connect without a PDN session or only for SMS, then steps S3 and S4 can be skipped, and communication between the terminal and the satellite can be achieved without establishing a bearer session; EPS Attach without PDN Connectivity, or SMS only, then steps 3 and 4 are skipped.

[0313] Step 2, determine the terminal state; specifically, since the UE's subscription and / or security information does not exist locally on the satellite, the MME on the satellite can, based on the IMSI reported by the UE, "support for the store-and-forward feature", and the operator configuration policy (the second configuration policy), determine that the UE can be in a restricted transmission state (limited state), that is, the satellite supports the UE to send limited data.

[0314] Optionally, after the terminal identifier and terminal capabilities of the terminal are locally stored in the MME, if the feeder link connection is available, i.e., after the feeder link connection, the UE can obtain subscription and / or security information from a terrestrial network element such as the HSS, and then the satellite can update the restricted transmission state of the UE to an unrestricted transmission state.

[0315] If the UE indicates support for connecting without a PDN session in EPS, or SMS only, then S3 and S4 can be skipped to achieve communication between the terminal and the satellite without establishing a bearer session; for EPS Attach without PDN Connectivity, or SMS only, steps 3 and 4 are skipped.

[0316] Step 3, optionally, the MME sends a Create session request to the SFCF, and the SFCF sends a Create session request to the S-GW / SCEF; that is, the MME establishes a bearer session with the SFCF, and the SFCF establishes a bearer session with the S-GW / SCEF. Specifically, the MME sends a Create task request to establish a bearer. If Control Plane CIoT EPS Optimisation applies, then the MME shall also indicate S11-U tunnelling of NAS user data and send its own S11-U IP address and MME DL TEID for DL data forwarding by the SGW.

[0317] Step 4, optionally, the S-GW / SCEF sends a Create session response message to the SFCF, and the SFCF sends a Create session response message to the MME; optionally, the S-GW determines the on-board store-and-forward data storage quota (S&F data storage quota) based on the requested data counter and the on-board memory.

[0318] Step 5, determine the on-satellite store-and-forward parameters; specifically, the MME can determine the on-satellite store-and-forward data retention period based on the available time of satellite coverage (this parameter can also be the unavailability period duration); optionally, if the UE is determined to be in a limited state, the MME determines the on-satellite data storage quota for the UE to transmit. This data storage quota can be the number of data items allowed by the satellite for the terminal to send and the size of each data item.

[0319] Step 6, the MME sends an Attach accept response to the UE (request acceptance response message). Optionally, this request acceptance response message carries the satellite ID, S&F data retention period, S&F data storage quota, and Bearer ID, etc.

[0320] Step 7, send the uplink data (first uplink data); specifically, if the UE needs to transmit emergency data, the terminal can send data that meets the quota to the on-satellite device (MME or if the session is established, there is an S-GW, or a new network element device). The on-satellite device stores the data associated with the UE's IMSI.

[0321] Step 8, authentication; specifically, when the satellite covers the gateway station, that is, the feeder link is available. For terminals in a restricted transmission state, the MME can send the UE's request to the HSS through a terrestrial network element to obtain the subscription information and / or security information of the terminal and return it to the MME; if the authentication is completed, the MME can remove the limitation of the UE's limited state. If the UE is covered by the satellite again, the satellite can return the status update to the UE.

[0322] Step 9, optionally, the on-satellite device forwards the received UE data to the ground.

[0323] In another example, as Figure 9 shown, for example, it can be direct transmission: the terminal sends security information, etc. in the registration process request to the network. The MME / AMF directly accepts the UE request based on the reported information and UE capabilities. If necessary, the on-satellite device sends the UE request to the ground, such as UDM / SMSF. If the authentication is passed, the data is sent.

[0324] Taking EPS as an example for illustration below, it includes a user terminal (UE), a satellite SAT, and a terrestrial network element. The terrestrial network element includes an SFMF, an HSS / P-SW, and an S&F server; the satellite includes an evolved Node B (eNodeB), a Mobility Management Entity (MME), an SFCF, and a Serving Gateway S-GW / SCEF.

[0325] Optionally, if it is 5GC, the authentication function of part of the AUSF can also be configured on the satellite. The communication method may include the following steps:

[0326] Step 0, the UE receives the broadcast message of the satellite (UE receives the SIB of the SAT#1). Specifically, the UE powers on to search for the network and camp, and receives the broadcast message of the satellite eNB. The broadcast message carries the store-and-forward feature and / or the satellite ID.

[0327] Step 1, the UE sends a network connection request (attach request); specifically, when the UE wants to transmit information through the network, it can send a network connection request to the on-satellite MME. Optionally, the network connection request may carry the terminal identifier (IMSI), an indication of "supporting the store-and-forward feature", and terminal information.

[0328] Optionally, if the UE indicates support for EPS to connect without a PDN session, or only for SMS, steps S3 and S4 can be skipped to achieve communication between the terminal and the satellite without establishing a bearer session; for EPS Attach without PDN Connectivity, or SMS only, steps 3 and 4 are skipped.

[0329] Step 2, authentication; specifically, based on the IMSI reported by the UE, the "support for the store-and-forward feature", and the first configuration policy, and the first configuration information reported by the terminal, the MME can authenticate the terminal. For example, it can determine that the terminal can access the network. Optionally, if the UE indicates support for EPS to connect without a PDN session, or only for SMS, steps 9 and 10 can be skipped to achieve communication between the terminal and the satellite without establishing a bearer session; for EPS Attach without PDN Connectivity, or SMS only, steps 3 and 4 are skipped.

[0330] Optionally, if the UE indicates support for EPS connection without a PDN session or SMS only, then S3 and S4 can be skipped to enable communication between the terminal and the satellite without establishing a bearer session; for EPS Attach without PDN Connectivity, or SMS only, steps 3 and 4 are skipped.

[0331] Step 3, optionally, the MME sends a Create session request to the SFCF, and the SFCF sends a Create session request to the S-GW / SCEF; that is, the MME establishes a bearer session with the SFCF, and the SFCF establishes a bearer session with the S-GW / SCEF. Specifically, the MME sends a Create task request to establish the bearer. If Control Plane CIoT EPS Optimisation applies, then the MME shall also indicate S11-U tunnelling of NAS user data and send its own S11-U IP address and MME DL TEID for DL data forwarding by the SGW.

[0332] Step 4, optionally, the S-GW / SCEF sends a Create session response message to the SFCF, and the SFCF sends a Create session response message to the MME; optionally, the S-GW determines the on-board store-and-forward data storage quota (S&F data storage quota) based on the requested data counter and the on-board memory.

[0333] Step 5: Determine the on-satellite store-and-forward parameters; specifically, the MME can determine the store-and-forward data retention period (this parameter can also be the unavailability period duration) based on the satellite coverage available time; optionally, if the information reported by the UE establishes a session, encapsulate the store-and-forward data retention period and the store-and-forward data storage quota into the NAS information.

[0334] Step 6: The MME sends an Attach accept response to the UE. Optionally, this Attach accept response message carries the satellite ID, S&F data retention period, S&F data storage quota, and Bearer ID, etc.

[0335] Step 7: Send the first uplink data; specifically, if the UE needs to transmit emergency data, the terminal can send data that meets the quota to the on-satellite device (MME or, if the session is established, there is an S-GW, or a new network element device), and the on-satellite device stores the data associated with the UE's IMSI.

[0336] Step 8: Authentication; specifically, when the satellite covers the gateway station, i.e., the feeder link is available, if secondary authentication is required, perform secondary authentication on the UE that has already completed authentication, otherwise step 8 can be skipped.

[0337] Step 9: Optionally, the on-satellite device forwards the received UE data to the ground.

[0338] For the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, the terminal IoT device can be registered to the network through a satellite with the on-satellite store-and-forward feature, enabling devices even in remote areas to connect to the network and send data, providing effective communication guarantees for institutions such as scientific research and government, and providing strong support for the vision of ubiquitous communication.

[0339] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts involved in the above-described embodiments are sequentially shown according to the indications of the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless there is a clear indication in this document, the execution of these steps has no strict order limit, and these steps can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least a part of the steps in the flowcharts involved in the above-described embodiments may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily executed at the same moment, but can be executed at different moments. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be executed alternately or in turn with at least a part of other steps or steps or stages in other steps.

[0340] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device for implementing the communication method involved above. The solution provided by this device for solving problems is similar to the solution described in the above method. Therefore, the specific limitations in one or more embodiments of the communication device provided below can refer to the limitations on the communication method in the above text, and will not be repeated here.

[0341] In one embodiment, as Figure 10 shown, a communication device 1000 is provided, which is applied to a terminal and includes:

[0342] A first sending unit 1002, configured to send a network connection request to a satellite, where the network connection request is used to indicate that the terminal establishes a network connection with the satellite;

[0343] A first receiving unit 1004, configured to receive a target response message returned by a device on the satellite to the terminal.

[0344] In one of the embodiments, the network connection request includes an indication identifier for supporting store-and-forward, a terminal identifier, and first configuration information; the first receiving unit is specifically configured to:

[0345] Receive a first request acceptance response message returned by a device on the satellite to the terminal, where the first request acceptance response message carries a data retention period for on-board store-and-forward and a data storage quota for on-board store-and-forward. The first configuration information is used to enable the satellite to authenticate the terminal, and the first request acceptance response message is generated by the satellite after determining that the terminal is in an accessible network state based on a first configuration policy, the terminal identifier, the indication identifier for supporting store-and-forward, and the first configuration information.

[0346] In one of the embodiments, the network connection request includes an indication identifier for supporting store-and-forward and a terminal identifier; the first receiving unit is specifically configured to:

[0347] Receiving a second request acceptance response message returned by a device on the satellite to the terminal, where the second request acceptance response message carries the data retention period of on-satellite store-and-forward and the data storage quota of on-satellite store-and-forward, and the second request acceptance response message is generated by the satellite after determining that the terminal is in a restricted transmission state based on a second configuration policy, the terminal identifier, and the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward.

[0348] In one embodiment, the network connection request includes an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward; the first receiving unit is specifically configured to:

[0349] Receiving a request staging response message returned by a device on the satellite to the terminal, where the request staging response message is generated by the device on the satellite based on the satellite being in store-and-forward mode, the terminal meeting the condition for initial access to the satellite, and the indication identifier of the terminal supporting store-and-forward; the request staging response message carries a satellite identifier.

[0350] In one embodiment, the network connection request includes an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward; the first receiving unit is specifically configured to:

[0351] Receiving a rejection response message returned by a device on the satellite to the terminal, where the rejection response message is generated by the device on the satellite based on the satellite being in store-and-forward mode, the terminal meeting the condition for initial access to the satellite, and the indication identifier of the terminal supporting store-and-forward; the rejection response message carries a rejection reason message and a satellite identifier.

[0352] In one embodiment, the first receiving unit is further configured to:

[0353] Receiving satellite broadcast messages.

[0354] In one embodiment, the first sending unit is further configured to:

[0355] Sending data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota to the satellite.

[0356] In one embodiment, as Figure 11 shown, a communication device 1100 is provided, which is applied to a satellite and includes:

[0357] A second receiving unit 1102, configured to receive a network connection request sent by a terminal, where the network connection request is used to indicate that the terminal establishes a network connection with the satellite;

[0358] A second sending unit 1104, configured to generate a target response message based on the network connection request and return the target response message to the terminal.

[0359] In one embodiment, the network connection request carries a terminal identifier, an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward, and first configuration information. The second sending unit is specifically configured to

[0360] Based on a first configuration policy, the terminal identifier, the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward, and the first configuration information, determine that the terminal is in an accessible network state, and determine the data retention period of on-satellite store-and-forward and the data storage quota of on-satellite store-and-forward based on the available satellite coverage time;

[0361] Return a first request acceptance response message to the terminal, where the first request acceptance response message carries the data retention period of on-satellite store-and-forward and the data storage quota of on-satellite store-and-forward.

[0362] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes:

[0363] A forwarding unit, configured to forward the data to be transmitted if the satellite covers the gateway station and the data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota sent by the terminal is received.

[0364] In one embodiment, the forwarding unit is specifically configured to:

[0365] If the satellite covers the gateway station and the data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota sent by the terminal is received, perform secondary authentication processing on the terminal;

[0366] If it is determined that the terminal passes the secondary authentication, forward the data to be transmitted.

[0367] In one embodiment, the network connection request carries a terminal identifier and an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward. The second sending unit is specifically configured to

[0368] Based on a second configuration policy, the terminal identifier, and the indication identifier supporting store-and-forward, determine that the terminal is in a restricted transmission state, and determine the data retention period of on-satellite store-and-forward and the data storage quota of on-satellite store-and-forward based on the available satellite coverage time;

[0369] Return a second request acceptance response message to the terminal, where the second request acceptance response message carries the data retention period of on-satellite store-and-forward and the data storage quota of on-satellite store-and-forward.

[0370] In one embodiment, the forwarding unit is further configured to:

[0371] If the satellite covers the gateway station, obtain the subscription information of the terminal; if it is determined based on the subscription information that the authentication of the terminal passes and the data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota sent by the terminal is received, forward the data to be transmitted and update the restricted transmission state of the terminal to an unrestricted transmission state.

[0372] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes:

[0373] An update unit, configured to send a status update message to the terminal if it is detected that the terminal obtains the coverage of the satellite, where the status update message indicates that the restricted transmission state of the terminal is updated to an unrestricted transmission state.

[0374] In one embodiment, the second sending unit is specifically configured to

[0375] Generate a request for temporary storage response message based on the satellite being in the store-and-forward mode, the terminal meeting the condition for initially accessing the satellite, and the indication flag of the terminal supporting store-and-forward;

[0376] Return the request for temporary storage response message to the terminal, where the request for temporary storage response message carries a satellite identifier.

[0377] In one embodiment, the second sending unit is specifically configured to:

[0378] Generate a rejection response message based on the satellite being in the store-and-forward mode, the terminal meeting the condition for initially accessing the satellite, and the indication flag of the terminal supporting store-and-forward;

[0379] Return the rejection response message to the terminal, where the rejection response message carries a rejection reason message and a satellite identifier.

[0380] In one embodiment, the second sending unit is further configured to:

[0381] Send a broadcast message, where the broadcast message is used to instruct the terminal to connect to the satellite.

[0382] It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, only a logical function division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. In addition, in each embodiment of the present application, the functional units may be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically alone, or two or more units may be integrated in one unit. The above integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0383] When the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of this technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods in various embodiments of this application.

[0384] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned device provided in the embodiments of this application can implement all the method steps implemented by the above-mentioned method embodiments and can achieve the same technical effects. Therefore, the same parts and beneficial effects as those in the method embodiments will not be specifically described in this embodiment.

[0385] In an exemplary embodiment, a communication device is provided. The communication device may be a terminal device or a network device, and its internal structure may be as Figure 12 shown. The communication device includes a memory, a transceiver, and a processor.

[0386] The transceiver is used to receive and send data under the control of the processor.

[0387] Among them, in Figure 12 , the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges. Specifically, various circuits of one or more processors represented by the processor and the memory represented by the memory are linked together. The bus architecture can also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits. These are all well known in the art, so they will not be further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver may be multiple components, that is, including a transmitter and a receiver, and provides a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium, and these transmission mediums include wireless channels, wired channels, optical cables, and other transmission mediums. The processor is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory can store the data used by the processor when executing operations.

[0388] The processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0389] The processor is used to execute any of the methods provided in the embodiments of the present application according to the obtained executable instructions by calling a program stored in the memory. The processor and the memory may also be physically separated.

[0390] It should be noted here that the above device provided in the embodiments of the present invention can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effects. The same parts and beneficial effects as those in the method embodiments will not be specifically described herein.

[0391] The corresponding entity device of the terminal device or the network device, such as Figure 12 shown in, can implement all the method steps implemented in the method embodiments on the terminal device or network device side, and can achieve the same technical effects. The same parts and beneficial effects as those in the method embodiments will not be specifically described herein.

[0392] It should be noted here that the above device provided in the embodiments of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effects. The same parts and beneficial effects as those in the method embodiments will not be specifically described herein.

[0393] In an exemplary embodiment, a network device is provided, including a memory and a processor. A computer program is stored in the memory, and when the processor executes the computer program, the steps in the above method embodiments are implemented.

[0394] In an embodiment, a processor-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by the processor, the steps in the above method embodiments are implemented.

[0395] In an embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program. When the computer program is executed by the processor, the steps in the above method embodiments are implemented.

[0396] The processor-readable storage medium may be any available medium or data storage device accessible by the processor, including but not limited to magnetic memories (such as floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks (MO), etc.), optical memories (such as CDs, DVDs, BDs, HVDs, etc.), and semiconductor memories (such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, non-volatile memories (NAND FLASH), solid-state drives (SSD)).

[0397] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, the present application can take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the present application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk memories and optical memories, etc.) that contain computer-usable program code.

[0398] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatuses (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that each flow and / or block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, as well as the combination of flows and / or blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions can be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing devices to generate a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing devices generate means for implementing the functions specified in Figure 1 one or more of the flows Figure 1 or blocks or the combination of blocks.

[0399] These processor-executable instructions can also be stored in a processor-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 processor-readable memory generate a manufactured article including instruction means that implement the functions specified in Figure 1 one or more of the flows Figure 1 or blocks or the combination of blocks.

[0400] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations 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 equivalent technologies, the present application is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal, the method includes: Sending a network connection request to a satellite, where the network connection request is used for the terminal to establish a network connection with the satellite; Receiving a target response message returned by a device on the satellite to the terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The network connection request includes an indication flag supporting store-and-forward, a terminal identifier, and first configuration information; the receiving the target response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal includes: Receiving a first request acceptance response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal, where the first request acceptance response message carries the data retention period of on-board store-and-forward and the data storage quota of on-board store-and-forward, and the first configuration information is used for the satellite to authenticate the terminal, and the first request acceptance response message is generated by the satellite after determining that the terminal is in an accessible network state based on a first configuration policy, the terminal identifier, the indication flag supporting store-and-forward, and the first configuration information.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The network connection request includes an indication flag supporting store-and-forward and a terminal identifier; the receiving the target response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal includes: Receiving a second request acceptance response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal, where the second request acceptance response message carries the data retention period of on-board store-and-forward and the data storage quota of on-board store-and-forward, and the second request acceptance response message is generated by the satellite after determining that the terminal is in a restricted transmission state based on a second configuration policy, the terminal identifier, and the indication flag supporting store-and-forward.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The network connection request includes an indication flag supporting store-and-forward; the receiving the target response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal includes: Receiving a request staging response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal, where the request staging response message is generated by the device on the satellite based on the satellite being in a store-and-forward mode, the terminal meeting the condition for initially accessing the satellite, and the indication flag of the terminal supporting store-and-forward; the request staging response message carries a satellite identifier.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The network connection request includes an indication flag supporting store-and-forward; the receiving the target response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal includes: Receiving a rejection response message returned by the device on the satellite to the terminal, where the rejection response message is generated by the device on the satellite based on the satellite being in a store-and-forward mode, the terminal meeting the condition for initially accessing the satellite, and the indication flag of the terminal supporting store-and-forward; the rejection response message carries a rejection reason message and a satellite identifier.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The target response message also carries a satellite identifier and a bearer session identifier.

7. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The target response message also carries a satellite flyback time.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein Before the step of sending the network connection request to the satellite, the method further includes: Receiving a satellite broadcast message.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The satellite broadcast message carries store-and-forward characteristics and / or a satellite identifier.

10. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The method further includes: Sending data to be transmitted that meets the data storage quota to the satellite.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a satellite, the method includes: Receive a network connection request sent by a receiving terminal, where the network connection request is used to indicate that the terminal establishes a network connection with the satellite; Generate a target response message based on the network connection request, and return the target response message to the terminal.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The network connection request carries a terminal identifier, an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward, and first configuration information. The generating a target response message based on the network connection request and returning the target response message to the terminal includes: Based on a first configuration policy, a terminal identifier, an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward, and the first configuration information, determine that the terminal is in an accessible network state, and determine a data retention period for on-board store-and-forward and a data storage quota for on-board store-and-forward based on the available satellite coverage time; Return a first request acceptance response message to the terminal, where the first request acceptance response message carries the data retention period for on-board store-and-forward and the data storage quota for on-board store-and-forward.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein The method further includes: If the satellite covers a gateway station and receives the data to be transmitted sent by the terminal that meets the data storage quota, forward the data to be transmitted.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The if the satellite covers a gateway station and receives the data to be transmitted sent by the terminal that meets the data storage quota, forward the data to be transmitted includes: If the satellite covers a gateway station and receives the data to be transmitted sent by the terminal that meets the data storage quota, perform secondary authentication processing on the terminal; If it is determined that the terminal passes the secondary authentication, forward the data to be transmitted.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein The network connection request carries a terminal identifier and an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward. The generating a target response message based on the network connection request and returning the target response message to the terminal includes: Based on a second configuration policy, a terminal identifier, and an indication identifier supporting store-and-forward, determine that the terminal is in a restricted transmission state, and determine a data retention period for on-board store-and-forward and a data storage quota for on-board store-and-forward based on the available satellite coverage time; Return a second request acceptance response message to the terminal, where the second request acceptance response message carries the data retention period for on-board store-and-forward and the data storage quota for on-board store-and-forward.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The method further includes: If the satellite covers a gateway station, obtain the subscription information of the terminal; if it is determined based on the subscription information that the terminal passes authentication and receives the data to be transmitted sent by the terminal that meets the data storage quota, forward the data to be transmitted, and update the restricted transmission state of the terminal to a non-restricted transmission state.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein The method further includes: If it is detected that the terminal obtains the coverage of the satellite, send a status update message to the terminal, where the status update message indicates that the restricted transmission state of the terminal is updated to a non-restricted transmission state.

18. The method according to claim 12 or 15, characterized in that, The target response message further carries a satellite identifier and a bearer session identifier.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein The generating a target response message based on the network connection request and returning the target response message to the terminal includes: Generate a request for temporary storage response message based on the satellite being in the store-and-forward mode, the terminal meeting the condition for initially accessing the satellite, and the indication flag of the terminal supporting store-and-forward. Return the request for temporary storage response message to the terminal, where the request for temporary storage response message carries the satellite identifier.

20. The method according to claim 11, wherein The generating a target response message based on the network connection request and returning the target response message to the terminal includes: Generate a rejection response message based on the satellite being in the store-and-forward mode, the terminal meeting the condition for initially accessing the satellite, and the indication flag of the terminal supporting store-and-forward. Return the rejection response message to the terminal, where the rejection response message carries a rejection reason message and the satellite identifier.

21. The method according to claim 11, wherein The method further includes: Send a broadcast message for indicating that the terminal connects to the satellite.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein The broadcast message includes store-and-forward characteristics and / or the satellite identifier.

23. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The target response message further carries the satellite flyback time.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal, the device includes: A first sending unit, configured to send a network connection request to the satellite, where the network connection request is used to indicate that the terminal establishes a network connection with the satellite. A first receiving unit, configured to receive a target response message returned by a device on the satellite to the terminal.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, Applied to a satellite, the device includes: A second receiving unit, configured to receive a network connection request sent by the terminal, where the network connection request is used to indicate that the terminal establishes a network connection with the satellite. A second sending unit, configured to generate a target response message based on the network connection request and return the target response message to the terminal.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, Including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor: The memory is used to store a computer program. The transceiver is configured to transmit and receive data under the control of the processor; the processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

27. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23 are implemented.

Images