Communication method and apparatus, and communication device

Abstract

Disclosed are a communication method and apparatus, and a communication device, belonging to the technical field of communications, the communication method of the embodiment of the present application comprising: a first core network function receiving a first message from a target base station, the first message comprising information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit PDU session for a terminal, the target base station is a base station located at a target satellite; and the first core network function determines that the target satellite contains or does not contain a user plane function (UPF).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of communication technologies, and particularly relates to a communication method, apparatus, and communication device. Background Art

[0002] Related technologies have proposed a Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) scenario. In this scenario, the communication path for an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call between two User Equipments (UEs, also known as "terminals") is UE1 - satellite - ground station - terrestrial network - ground station - satellite - UE2. Since the satellite is far from the ground, this communication path is long, resulting in a large call delay. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of this application provide a communication method, apparatus, and communication device, which can solve the problem of large call delay caused by a long communication path in the NTN scenario of related technologies.

[0004] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which is executed by a first core network function. The method includes:

[0005] The first core network function receives a first message from a target base station. The first message contains information for requesting to establish a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session for a terminal. The target base station is a base station located on a target satellite;

[0006] The first core network function determines whether the target satellite includes or does not include a User Plane Function (UPF).

[0007] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which is executed by a second core network function. The method includes:

[0008] The second core network function receives a third message from the first core network function. The third message is used to request to establish a PDU session for a terminal;

[0009] The second core network function determines whether the target satellite includes or does not include a User Plane Function (UPF). The target satellite is the satellite where the terminal is located.

[0010] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, which is executed by a fourth core network function. The method includes:

[0011] The fourth core network function receives third information from the second core network function. The third information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0012] The fourth core network function sends fourth information to the second core network function, where the fourth information includes policy information, and the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0013] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided, which is executed by a base station. The method includes:

[0014] The base station sends a first message to a first core network function, where the first message includes information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for a terminal, and the base station is a base station located in a target satellite;

[0015] Wherein, the first message includes first information for indicating that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0016] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided, which is executed by a second core network function. The method includes:

[0017] The second core network function sends a fourth message to a third core network function, where the fourth message is used to request to register information of the second core network function;

[0018] Wherein, the fourth message includes fifth information for indicating that the second core network function supports a user terminal-satellite-user (USU) service or supports management of the UPF included in the satellite.

[0019] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, which is applied to a first core network function. The device includes:

[0020] A receiving unit, configured to receive a first message from a target base station, where the first message includes information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for a terminal, and the target base station is a base station located in a target satellite;

[0021] A first processing unit, configured to determine whether the target satellite includes or does not include a user plane function (UPF).

[0022] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which is applied to a second core network function. The device includes:

[0023] A first receiving unit, configured to receive a third message from a first core network function, where the third message is used to request to establish a PDU session for a terminal;

[0024] A first processing unit, configured to determine whether a target satellite includes or does not include a user plane function (UPF), where the target satellite is the satellite where the terminal is located.

[0025] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, which is applied to a fourth core network function. The device includes:

[0026] A receiving unit, configured to receive third information from a second core network function, where the third information is used to indicate that a target satellite includes a UPF;

[0027] A sending unit, configured to send fourth information to the second core network function, where the fourth information includes policy information, and the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0028] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, which is applied to a base station, and the device includes:

[0029] A sending unit, configured to send a first message to a first core network function, where the first message includes information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for a terminal, and the base station is a base station located in a target satellite;

[0030] Wherein, the first message includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0031] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, which is applied to a second core network function, and the device includes:

[0032] A sending unit, configured to send a fourth message to a third core network function, where the fourth message is used to request to register information of the second core network function;

[0033] Wherein, the fourth message includes fifth information, and the fifth information is used to indicate that the second core network function supports a terminal-satellite-terminal (UST) service, or supports management of the UPF included in a satellite.

[0034] In an eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes a processor and a memory, where the memory stores a program or instruction that can run on the processor, and when the program or instruction is executed by the processor, the steps of the method described in the first aspect are implemented, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect are implemented, or the steps of the method described in the third aspect are implemented, or the steps of the method described in the fourth aspect are implemented, or the steps of the method described in the fifth aspect are implemented.

[0035] In a twelfth aspect, a network-side device is provided, which includes a processor and a communication interface. Wherein, the communication interface is configured to: receive a first message from a target base station, where the first message includes information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for a terminal, and the target base station is a base station located in a target satellite; the processor is configured to: determine whether the target satellite includes or does not include a user plane function (UPF).

[0036] In a thirteenth aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to: receive a third message from a first core network function, where the third message is used to request to establish a PDU session for a terminal; the processor is configured to: determine whether a target satellite includes or does not include a user plane function (UPF), where the target satellite is the satellite where the terminal is located.

[0037] In a fourteenth aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to: receive third information from a second core network function, where the third information is used to indicate that a target satellite includes a UPF; send fourth information to the second core network function, where the fourth information includes policy information corresponding to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0038] In a fifteenth aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to: send a first message to a first core network function, where the first message includes information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for a terminal, and the base station is a base station located in the target satellite; where the first message includes first information for indicating that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0039] In a sixteenth aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to: send a fourth message to a third core network function, where the fourth message is used to request information for registering the second core network function; where the fourth message includes fifth information for indicating that the second core network function supports terminal-satellite-terminal (UST) service or supports managing the UPF included in the satellite.

[0040] In a seventeenth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided, where a program or instructions are stored on the readable storage medium, and when the program or instructions are executed by a processor, the steps of the method described in the first aspect are implemented, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect are implemented, or the steps of the method described in the third aspect are implemented, or the steps of the method described in the fourth aspect are implemented, or the steps of the method described in the fifth aspect are implemented.

[0041] In an eighteenth aspect, a wireless communication system is provided, including: a first core network function and a second core network function, where the first core network function can be used to execute the steps of the method described in the first aspect, and the second core network function can be used to execute the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0042] In a nineteenth aspect, a chip is provided. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to run programs or instructions to implement the method described in the first aspect, or the method described in the second aspect, or the method described in the third aspect, or the method described in the fourth aspect, or the method described in the fifth aspect.

[0043] In a twentieth aspect, a computer program / program product is provided. The computer program / program product is stored in a storage medium. The program / program product is executed by at least one processor to implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect, or the steps of the method described in the third aspect, or the steps of the method described in the fourth aspect, or the steps of the method described in the fifth aspect.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present application, a first core network function receives a first message from a target base station. The first message contains information for requesting to establish a PDU session for a terminal. The target base station is a base station located in a target satellite. The first core network function determines whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF. In this way, when it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF, a PDU session for UE-satellite-UE (USU) calls can be established, which is conducive to realizing USU calls. Compared with the related art, the communication path of USU calls is shorter, thus reducing the call delay. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 2 is a flowchart of PDU session establishment in the related art;

[0047] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 4 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 5 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 6 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 7 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 8 is the flowchart of Embodiment 1 provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 9 is the flowchart of Embodiment 2 provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 10 is the structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 11 is the structural diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 12 is the structural diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 13 is the structural diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 14 is the structural diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 15 is the structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 16 is the schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a network-side device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 17 is the schematic diagram of the hardware structure of another network-side device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0062] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly described with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present application. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments in the present application belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0063] The terms "first", "second", etc. in this application are used to distinguish similar objects, rather than to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments of this application can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same category, without limiting the number of objects. For example, the first object can be one or multiple. In addition, "or" in this application means at least one of the connected objects. For example, "A or B" covers three scenarios, namely, Scenario 1: including A and not including B; Scenario 2: including B and not including A; Scenario 3: including both A and B. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0064] The term "indication" in this application can be either a direct indication (or an explicit indication) or an indirect indication (or an implicit indication). Among them, a direct indication can be understood as that the sender clearly informs the receiver of specific information, operations to be performed, or request results, etc. in the sent indication; an indirect indication can be understood as that the receiver determines the corresponding information based on the indication sent by the sender, or makes a judgment and determines the operations to be performed or request results, etc. according to the judgment result.

[0065] It is worth noting that the technology described in the embodiments of this application is not limited to the Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) system, and can also be used in other wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-carrier Frequency-Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), or other systems. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of this application are often used interchangeably, and the described technology can be used in the above-mentioned systems and radio technologies, as well as in other systems and radio technologies. The following description describes the New Radio (NR) system for example purposes, and uses NR terms in most of the following descriptions, but these technologies can also be applied to systems other than the NR system, such as the 6th generation (6 thGeneration, 6G) communication system.

[0066] Figure 1The block diagram of a wireless communication system to which embodiments of the present application can be applied is shown. The wireless communication system includes a terminal 11 and a network-side device 12. Among them, the terminal 11 can be a mobile phone, a tablet personal computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld computer, a netbook, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a mobile internet device (MID), an augmented reality (AR), a virtual reality (VR) device, a robot, a wearable device, a flight vehicle, a vehicle user equipment (VUE), a shipborne device, a pedestrian user equipment (PUE), a smart home (home appliances with wireless communication functions, such as refrigerators, TVs, washing machines or furniture, etc.), a game console, a personal computer (PC), an ATM or a self-service machine, etc. Wearable devices include: smart watches, smart bracelets, smart earphones, smart glasses, smart jewelry (smart bracelets, smart bracelets, smart rings, smart necklaces, smart anklets, smart ankle chains, etc.), smart wristbands, smart clothing, etc. Among them, the vehicle user equipment can also be called a vehicle terminal, a vehicle controller, a vehicle module, a vehicle component, a vehicle chip or a vehicle unit, etc. In addition to the above terminal devices, it can also be a chip inside the terminal, such as a modem chip or a system on chip (SoC). It should be noted that the specific type of the terminal 11 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The network-side device 12 can include an access network device or a core network device. Among them, the access network device can also be called a radio access network (RAN) device, a radio access network function or a radio access network unit. The access network device can include a base station, a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) node, etc.Among them, the base station can be referred to as Node B (NB), Evolved Node B (eNB), the next generation Node B (gNB), New Radio Node B (NR Node B), access point, Relay Base Station (RBS), Serving Base Station (SBS), Base Transceiver Station (BTS), radio base station, radio transceiver, Basic Service Set (BSS), Extended Service Set (ESS), home Node B (HNB), home evolved Node B, Transmission Reception Point (TRP), or some other suitable term in the art. As long as the same technical effect is achieved, the base station is not limited to specific technical terms. It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the base station in the NR system is mainly used as an example for introduction, and the specific type of the base station is not limited.

[0067] The core network device may include but is not limited to at least one of the following: core network node, core network function, Mobility Management Entity (MME), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Unified Data Repository (UDR), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Centralized network configuration (CNC), Network Repository Function (NRF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Local NEF (L-NEF), Binding Support Function (BSF), Application Function (AF), etc. It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the core network devices in the NR system are mainly used as examples for introduction, and the specific types of core network devices are not limited.

[0068] First, the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session establishment process in the related art will be briefly introduced below.

[0069] As Figure 2 shown, the PDU session establishment process includes the following steps:

[0070] 1. The UE sends a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message via a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message. The NAS message contains an IMS Data Network Name (DNN) and a PDU session establishment request.

[0071] Optionally, an indication of requesting a proxy-call session control function (Proxy-Call Session Control Function, P-CSCF) address is carried in a Protocol Configuration Option (PCO).

[0072] 2. The base station sends the NAS message to the AMF, and sends the Cell Global Identifier (CGI) and RAT type information to the AMF.

[0073] CGI is the globally unique identifier of the cell where the UE resides. When the cell is a 5G cell, it is NCGI (NR Cell Global Identifier); when the cell is a 4G cell, it is ECGI (E-Utran Cell Global Identifier).

[0074] 3.AMF selects SMF. Specifically, AMF can request SMF information from NRF.

[0075] 4.AMF sends IMSDNN, NCGI, Radio Access Technology (RAT) type and PDU session establishment request to SMF.

[0076] 5. If the SMF does not have the subscription information of the UE, the SMF obtains the subscription information of the UE from the UDM and HSS.

[0077] 6.SMF obtains the PDU session establishment strategy from PCF.

[0078] 7.SMF selects UPF and sends an N4 session establishment request to UPF.

[0079] 8. SMF or UPF allocates an IP address to the UE, and SMF selects a P-CSCF.

[0080] SMF sends N1 and N2 messages to AMF. The N1 message includes a PDU session establishment accept message, which includes the IP address allocated to the UE and the address of the P-CSCF.

[0081] 9. The AMF sends a PDU session establishment acceptance message to the base station.

[0082] 10. The base station sends the PDU session establishment acceptance message to the UE.

[0083] In the related art, in the NTN scenario, the communication path for an IMS call between two UEs is UE1 - satellite - ground station - ground network (e.g., 5G UPF) - ground station - satellite - UE2. Since the satellite is far from the ground, this communication path is long, resulting in a large call delay and affecting the user experience. One solution is to place the UPF on the satellite. In this way, when two UEs access the network through the same satellite, the two UEs can make a UE - satellite - UE (UE - satellite - UE, USU) call. The USU call can shorten the communication path between the two UEs, thereby reducing the call delay and improving the user experience.

[0084] It should be noted that in this application, the USU call can also be understood or replaced by USU communication (communicate), and the same will not be repeated hereinafter.

[0085] However, in the above PDU session establishment process, it is impossible to determine whether the satellite contains a UPF, so the USU call cannot be realized, and the problem of large call delay caused by the long communication path in the NTN scenario of the related art cannot be solved.

[0086] Based on this, the embodiments of this application propose a communication method, device and related equipment, which can solve the problem of large call delay caused by the long communication path in the NTN scenario of the related art.

[0087] Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the communication method provided by the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0088] Figure 3 The flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of this application is shown. As Figure 3 shown, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0089] Step 301: The first core network function receives a first message from the target base station, and the first message contains information for requesting to establish a PDU session for the terminal. The target base station is a base station located on the target satellite;

[0090] Step 302: The first core network function determines whether the target satellite contains or does not contain a UPF.

[0091] In the embodiments of this application, the first core network function can be, for example, the AMF.

[0092] The target base station is a base station located on the target satellite. It can be understood that the target satellite includes base station functions. The terminal connects to the target base station and connects to the 5G core network, 4G core network, or IMS network through this target base station; or the terminal is under the target satellite and connects to the 5G core network, 4G core network, or IMS network through the target base station included in this target satellite. Therefore, the target satellite can also be understood as the satellite to which the terminal connects, or the satellite accessed by the terminal, or the satellite where the terminal is located.

[0093] The first message can be, for example, an N2 message. The N2 message may include an NAS message, and the NAS message may include a PDU session establishment request.

[0094] After receiving the first message, the first core network function determines whether the target satellite includes (or has) a UPF or does not include (or does not have) a UPF; or rather, determines whether the target satellite includes (or has) a UPF. Here, the target satellite including a UPF means placing or deploying the UPF on the target satellite.

[0095] As mentioned above, the target satellite including a UPF is a condition required for the UE to be able to perform USU calls with other UEs located on this target satellite. Therefore, by determining whether the target satellite includes a UPF, it can be determined what operations to perform subsequently. For example, if the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF, the first core network function can establish a PDU session for USU calls, otherwise perform other operations. Therefore, the first core network function determining whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF is beneficial for implementing USU calls, thereby shortening the communication path of the call and reducing the call delay.

[0096] It should be noted that the first core network function determining whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF can be replaced by the first core network function determining whether the target satellite includes a UPF. Among them, the word "determine" can be replaced by words with similar meanings such as judge, verdict, decision, verify, etc.

[0097] The first core network function can determine whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF based on the first message, or can also determine whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF based on other methods. The specific determination methods will be described later.

[0098] In an embodiment of the present application, a first core network function receives a first message from a target base station. The first message includes information for requesting to establish a PDU session for a terminal. The target base station is a base station located on a target satellite. The first core network function determines whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF. In this way, when it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF, a PDU session for USU calls can be established, which is beneficial to realizing USU calls. Compared with the related art, the communication path for USU calls is shorter, thereby reducing call latency.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first core network function determines whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF, including:

[0100] When the first message includes first information, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF based on the first information;

[0101] Wherein, the first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0102] Since the target base station is located on or deployed on the target satellite, the target base station can know whether the target satellite includes a UPF. When the target satellite includes a UPF, the target base station on the target satellite can add first information in the first message to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF. The following describes the possible content of the first information.

[0103] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0104] A first CGI, where the first CGI is a CGI characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0105] A first satellite identifier (satellite ID), where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0106] Information of a first RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0107] A first indication, where the first indication is an indication characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF.

[0108] The first CGI can be understood as the CGI corresponding to the UE for which a PDU session needs to be established. For example, the first CGI includes a specific value or belongs to a specific range, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI includes a specific value or belongs to a specific range.

[0109] The first satellite identifier can be understood as the satellite identifier corresponding to the target satellite. For example, the first satellite identifier includes a specific value or belongs to a specific range.

[0110] The first RAT type can be understood as the RAT type corresponding to the target satellite. For example, the information of the first RAT type includes special values of the RAT type, such as "NR with UPF (LEO)", "NR with UPF (MEO)", and "NR with UPF (GEO)", where LEO represents Low Earth Orbit, MEO represents Medium Earth Orbit, and GEO represents Geostationary Earth Orbit.

[0111] The first indication can be understood as a newly added indication, that is, a new indication is specifically used to indicate that the satellite includes a UPF.

[0112] Of course, a second indication can also be newly added to indicate that the satellite does not include a UPF.

[0113] Optionally, when the first message includes the first information, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF based on the first information, including at least one of the following:

[0114] When the first information includes the information of the first RAT type, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the first information;

[0115] When the first information includes the first indication, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the first information;

[0116] When the first information includes the first CGI, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured set of target CGIs, where the set of target CGIs is a set of CGIs representing that the satellite includes a UPF; among them, the first CGI belongs to the set of target CGIs;

[0117] When the first information includes the first CGI, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured target CGI range, where the target CGI range is a CGI range representing that the satellite includes a UPF; among them, the first CGI is located within the target CGI range;

[0118] When the first information includes the first CGI, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first identifier set, where the first identifier set is a base station identifier set characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI belongs to the first identifier set;

[0119] When the first information includes the first CGI, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first identifier range, where the first identifier range is a base station identifier range characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is within the first identifier range;

[0120] When the first information includes the first satellite identifier, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second identifier set, where the second identifier set is a satellite identifier set characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identifier belongs to the second identifier set;

[0121] When the first information includes the first satellite identifier, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second identifier range, where the second identifier range is a satellite identifier range characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identifier is within the second identifier range.

[0122] That is to say, when the first information is RAT type information or a new indication, the first core network function can directly determine whether the target satellite includes a UPF according to the first information.

[0123] When the first information is a CGI or a satellite identifier, the first core network function needs to determine whether the target satellite includes a UPF according to pre-configured information. The pre-configured information can be represented in the form of a specific set or in the form of a specific range. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF, including:

[0125] When the first message includes an IMS DNN, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF.

[0126] Here, the first message includes an IMS DNN indicating a need for an IMS call. In this case, it is necessary to determine whether the target satellite contains a UPF to consider whether to implement the USU service via the target satellite. If the first message does not include the IMS DNN, then it is not necessary to consider implementing the USU service via the target satellite, and there is no need to determine whether the target satellite contains a UPF.

[0127] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first core network function can first determine whether the first message includes the IMS DNN. If the first message includes the IMS DNN, then determine whether the target satellite contains a UPF, which can avoid unnecessary related processing by the first core network function and thus reduce unnecessary resource waste.

[0128] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0129] When it is determined that the target satellite contains a UPF, the first core network function selects a second core network function;

[0130] Wherein, the second core network function is a core network function that supports the USU service or a core network function that supports the management of the UPF included in the satellite.

[0131] The second core network function can be understood as a core network function that supports the USU service and can establish a PDU session for the UE; or, a core network function that supports the management of the UPF included in the satellite and can establish a PDU session for the UE.

[0132] The second core network function can be, for example, an SMF.

[0133] In this embodiment, if the first core network function determines that the satellite (i.e., the target satellite) to which the UE is connected has a UPF function, then it selects a second core network function that supports the USU service or supports the management of the UPF included in the satellite and can establish a PDU session for the UE.

[0134] In this application, the USU service can also be understood or replaced with the USU call service, the USU voice service, the USU data service, or the USU network service, and the same will not be elaborated hereinafter.

[0135] Therefore, in this embodiment, by selecting the second core network function, it is beneficial to establish a PDU session for the USU call, and thus beneficial to implement the USU call.

[0136] In some embodiments, the first core network function selects the second core network function, including at least one of the following:

[0137] The first core network function selects a second core network function from a pre-configured set of core network functions, where each core network function in the set of core network functions supports the USU service or supports the management of the UPF included in the satellite;

[0138] The first core network function sends a second message to a third core network function, where the second message is used to request: a core network function that supports the USU service or a core network function that supports the management of the UPF included in the satellite.

[0139] Exemplarily, the AMF can be pre-configured with which SMFs support the USU service or support the management of the UPF included in the satellite.

[0140] The second message can be, for example, an Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request message for requesting the discovery of core network functions. The AMF can carry a special indication in the second message sent to the third core network function (such as the NRF), where the special indication is used to indicate the discovery of an SMF that supports the USU service or the discovery of an SMF that supports the management of the UPF included in the satellite.

[0141] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0142] The first core network function sends a third message to the second core network function, where the third message is used to request the establishment of a PDU session for the terminal;

[0143] Wherein, the third message includes second information, and the second information is used to indicate that the satellite where the terminal is located includes a UPF.

[0144] In this implementation manner, after the first core network function selects the second core network function, it can send a third message to the second core network function to request the establishment of a PDU session for the UE.

[0145] The third message can be, for example, an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextRequest message, and the third message can carry a PDU session establishment request (PDU Session Establishment request) and information indicating that the satellite where the UE is located includes a UPF (i.e., the second information).

[0146] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0147] A first CGI, where the first CGI is a CGI characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0148] The first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier indicating that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0149] Information of the first RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type indicating that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0150] The first indication, where the first indication is an indication indicating that the satellite includes a UPF.

[0151] For each of the above items of the second information, it may have the same or similar meaning as each item in the first information. For relevant descriptions of each item in the first information, refer to the relevant descriptions in the first information. To avoid repetition, this will not be elaborated here.

[0152] In summary, the embodiments of the present application are beneficial to establishing a PDU session for USU calls, and thus are beneficial to realizing USU calls. Compared with the related art, the communication path of USU calls is shorter, thereby reducing the call delay.

[0153] The above are the related behaviors of the first core network function side. The following will describe the related behaviors of the second core network function side.

[0154] Figure 4 The flowchart of a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown. As Figure 4 shown, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0155] Step 401: The second core network function receives a third message from the first core network function, where the third message is used to request to establish a PDU session for the terminal;

[0156] Step 402: The second core network function determines whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF, where the target satellite is the satellite where the terminal is located.

[0157] Optionally, the second core network function determines whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF, including:

[0158] When the third message includes the second information, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF based on the second information;

[0159] Wherein, the second information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0160] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0161] The first CGI, where the first CGI is a CGI indicating that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier indicating that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0162] The first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier indicating that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0163] Information of the first RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type indicating that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0164] The first indication, where the first indication is an indication indicating that the satellite includes a UPF.

[0165] Optionally, when the third message includes the second information, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF based on the second information, including at least one of the following:

[0166] When the second information includes the information of the first RAT type, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the second information;

[0167] When the second information includes the first indication, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the second information;

[0168] When the second information includes the first CGI, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured set of target CGIs, where the set of target CGIs is a set of CGIs indicating that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first CGI belongs to the set of target CGIs;

[0169] When the second information includes the first CGI, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured range of target CGIs, where the range of target CGIs is a range of CGIs indicating that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first CGI is located within the range of target CGIs;

[0170] When the second information includes the first CGI, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first set of identifiers, where the first set of identifiers is a set of base station identifiers indicating that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI belongs to the first set of identifiers;

[0171] When the second information includes the first CGI, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first range of identifiers, where the first range of identifiers is a range of base station identifiers indicating that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is located within the first range of identifiers;

[0172] When the second information includes the first satellite identifier, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second identifier set, where the second identifier set is a satellite identifier set characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identifier belongs to the second identifier set.

[0173] When the second information includes the first satellite identifier, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second identifier range, where the second identifier range is a satellite identifier range characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identifier is located within the second identifier range.

[0174] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0175] When it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF, the second core network function sends third information to the fourth core network function; wherein, the third information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0176] The second core network function receives fourth information from the fourth core network function, and the fourth information includes policy information corresponding to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0177] In this embodiment, when the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF, it can obtain the establishment policy of the PDU session from the fourth core network function.

[0178] The fourth core network function can be, for example, a PCF.

[0179] The third information can be, for example, an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create message.

[0180] For the fourth core network function, it can determine whether to allow the UE to use the UPF on the satellite. If allowed, the fourth core network function can send policy information corresponding to the UPF included in the satellite to the second core network function.

[0181] Optionally, the policy information includes at least one of the following:

[0182] Information for indicating using a terrestrial UPF as the first Protocol Data Unit session anchor (PDU Session Anchor, PSA);

[0183] Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite as the second PSA when establishing a voice bearer (such as a QoS flow);

[0184] Information for indicating that when establishing a voice bearer, the UPF included in the target satellite is used as an Uplink Classifier (UL CL).

[0185] Information for indicating that when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite, the information of the UPF included in the target satellite is used.

[0186] Information for indicating that when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite and an IMS call is requested, the information of the UPF included in the target satellite is used.

[0187] Information for indicating that when establishing a voice bearer, the fifth core network function is added to the communication path, and the fifth core network function is a core network function for controlling the UPF included in the satellite.

[0188] Information for indicating an IP address allocation policy.

[0189] Information for indicating a sixth core network function selection policy, and the sixth core network function is a P-CSCF.

[0190] For ease of description, the first PSA can be referred to as PSA1, and the second PSA can be referred to as PSA2. Regarding the UPF included in the target satellite as PSA2, it can be understood that the UPF included in the target satellite has the logical function of PSA. Or rather, the UPF included in the target satellite is regarded as a new PSA.

[0191] Regarding the UPF included in the target satellite as UL CL, it can be understood that the UPF included in the target satellite has the logical function of UL CL. Or rather, the UPF included in the target satellite is regarded as a new UL CL.

[0192] In the case of regarding the UPF included in the target satellite as PSA and regarding the UPF included in the target satellite as UL CL, the UPF included in the target satellite has two logical functions of PSA and UL CL.

[0193] When the policy information includes information for indicating that when establishing a voice bearer, the fifth core network function is added to the communication path, it can be understood that the control of the UPF included in the target satellite is implemented by the fifth core network function that specifically controls the UPF included in the satellite.

[0194] The fifth core network function can be, for example, an Intermediate SMF (I-SMF).

[0195] Optionally, the information for indicating an IP address allocation policy includes:

[0196] Information for indicating the allocation of an IPv6 address to a terminal.

[0197] The IPv6 address can be understood as a public network address. That is to say, when the policy information includes information for indicating the allocation of an IPv6 address to the terminal, the second core network function allocates a public network address to the terminal.

[0198] Optionally, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0199] The second core network function selects a sixth core network function for the terminal according to at least one of the second information, the fourth information, the ground station connected to the second core network function, and the CGI of the terminal;

[0200] The second core network function allocates an IP address to the terminal according to at least one of the second information, the fourth information, and the CGI of the terminal;

[0201] Wherein, the second information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0202] The fourth information includes policy information, and the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0203] In this embodiment, when the policy information includes information for indicating a sixth core network function selection policy, it can be understood that the second core network function can select a P-CSCF for the UE according to this selection policy.

[0204] When the policy information does not include a sixth core network function selection policy, the second core network function can also select a P-CSCF for the UE according to the CGI of the UE, or select a P-CSCF for the UE according to the second information, or select a P-CSCF for the UE according to the ground station connected to the second core network function.

[0205] When the policy information includes an IP address allocation policy, the second core network function can also allocate an IP address to the UE according to the IP address allocation policy.

[0206] When the policy information does not include an IP address allocation policy, the second core network function can also allocate an IP address to the UE according to the CGI of the UE, or allocate an IP address to the UE according to the second information.

[0207] It should be noted that the second core network function can allocate a specific range of IP addresses to UEs in the same satellite coverage area.

[0208] For the relevant descriptions of the embodiments of this application, reference can be made to Figure 3 the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments, and the same technical effects can be achieved. To avoid repetition, no further details are provided here.

[0209] The related behaviors of the fourth core network function side are described below.

[0210] Figure 5 The flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown. As Figure 5 shown, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0211] Step 501: The fourth core network function receives third information from the second core network function, and the third information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0212] Step 502: The fourth core network function sends fourth information to the second core network function, and the fourth information includes policy information, and the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0213] Optionally, the policy information includes at least one of the following:

[0214] Information for indicating using the UPF on the ground as the first PDU session anchor point PSA;

[0215] Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite as the second PSA when establishing a voice bearer;

[0216] Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite as the uplink splitting UL CL when establishing a voice bearer;

[0217] Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite;

[0218] Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite and an IMS call is requested;

[0219] Information for indicating adding the fifth core network function to the communication path when establishing a voice bearer, and the fifth core network function is a core network function for controlling the UPF included in the satellite;

[0220] Information for indicating the Internet Protocol IP address allocation policy;

[0221] Information for indicating the sixth core network function selection policy, and the sixth core network function is the proxy call session control function P-CSCF;

[0222] Optionally, the information for indicating the Internet Protocol IP address allocation policy includes:

[0223] Information for indicating allocating an IPv6 address to the terminal.

[0224] For the relevant descriptions of the embodiments of the present application, reference can be made to Figure 3 the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments, and the same technical effects can be achieved. To avoid repetition, no further elaboration will be provided here.

[0225] The following describes the relevant behaviors on the base station side.

[0226] Figure 6 The flowchart of a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown. As Figure 6 shown, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0227] Step 601: The base station sends a first message to the first core network function. The first message contains information for requesting to establish a PDU session for the terminal. The base station is a base station located at the target satellite;

[0228] Among them, the first message includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0229] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0230] The first Cell Global Identity CGI, where the first CGI is a CGI representing that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier representing that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0231] The first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier representing that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0232] The information of the first Radio Access Technology RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type representing that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0233] The first indication, where the first indication is an indication representing that the satellite includes a UPF.

[0234] For the relevant descriptions of the embodiments of the present application, reference can be made to Figure 3 the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments, and the same technical effects can be achieved. To avoid repetition, no further elaboration will be provided here.

[0235] The embodiments of the present application also relate to the registration scheme on the second core network function side.

[0236] Figure 7 The flowchart of a communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown. As Figure 7 shown, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0237] Step 701: The second core network function sends a fourth message to the third core network function. The fourth message is used to request the information for registering the second core network function;

[0238] Wherein, the fourth message includes a fifth piece of information, and the fifth piece of information is used to indicate that the second core network function supports the USU service or supports the management of the UPF included in the satellite.

[0239] The fourth message can be, for example, a registration request (Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister Request) message. The fourth message can carry the configuration (profile) of a network function entity (NF), and the fifth piece of information can be included in the NF profile.

[0240] For the third core network function, it can save the NF profile sent by the second core network function and send a response message (Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister response) to the second core network function.

[0241] The above realizes the registration of the second core network function.

[0242] For the relevant descriptions of the embodiments of this application, reference can be made to Figure 3 the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments, and the same technical effects can be achieved. To avoid repetition, no further details are provided here.

[0243] The following takes the first core network function as the AMF, the second core network function as the SMF, the third core network function as the NRF, and the fourth core network function as the PCF as examples to provide specific embodiments for exemplary illustration of the embodiments of this application.

[0244] Embodiment 1: Establishing a PDU session

[0245] As Figure 8 shown, the following steps are included:

[0246] 2. The base station on the satellite adds first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate that the satellite has a UPF function.

[0247] The first indication information can be a special value of the NCGI. For example, the NCGI belongs to a specific range, or the base station identifier corresponding to the NCGI belongs to a specific range (assuming a satellite with a base station and a UPF, the NCGI or base station identifier corresponding to its base station belongs to a specific value or specific range).

[0248] The first indication information can be a special value of the RAT type. For example, NR with UPF (LEO), NR with UPF (GEO).

[0249] The first indication information can be a satellite ID. For example, the satellite ID contains a specific value or belongs to a specific range.

[0250] The first indication information can be a new indication used to indicate that the satellite has the UPF function.

[0251] 3. The AMF determines that the satellite to which the UE is connected has the UPF function, and the AMF selects an SMF that supports this scenario.

[0252] The method for the AMF to determine that the satellite to which the UE is connected has the UPF function is as follows:

[0253] When the first indication information is the NCGI, the AMF determines based on the pre-provisioned information. For example, the AMF pre-provisions which base stations have the UPF function. When the NCGI or the base station ID corresponding to the NCGI belongs to a specific range, the AMF determines that the satellite where the base station is located has the UPF function.

[0254] When the first indication information is the satellite ID, the AMF determines based on the pre-configured information, or determines based on the satellite ID belonging to a specific range.

[0255] When the first indication information is the RAT type or the new indication, the AMF can directly determine based on the first indication information.

[0256] The method for the AMF to select an SMF that supports this scenario is as follows:

[0257] The AMF pre-provisions which SMFs support this scenario. Or,

[0258] When the AMF requests an SMF from the NRF, it carries a special indication, and the special indication is used to indicate to discover an SMF that supports special functions. At this time, the functions registered by the SMF in the NRF need to be enhanced (see Embodiment 2).

[0259] Optionally, the AMF only performs the above judgment action when it determines that it is an IMS DNN, and does not perform the above judgment action for other DNNs.

[0260] 4. The AMF sends second indication information to the SMF, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the satellite where the UE is located has the UPF function.

[0261] The second indication information can be a special value of the NCGI. For example, the NCGI belongs to a specific range, or the base station identifier corresponding to the NCGI belongs to a specific range.

[0262] The second indication information can be a special value of the RAT type. For example, NR with UPF (LEO).

[0263] The second indication information can be a special value of the satellite ID. For example, the satellite ID contains a specific value or belongs to a specific range.

[0264] The second indication information can be a new indication for indicating that the satellite has the UPF function.

[0265] 6. The SMF obtains the establishment policy of the PDU session from the PCF.

[0266] The SMF provides the third indication information to the PCF, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the satellite where the UE is located has the UPF function.

[0267] The PCF determines whether to allow the UE to use the UPF on the satellite. If allowed, the PCF sends the usage policy of the UPF on the satellite to the SMF. The usage policy may include at least one of the following:

[0268] Use the terrestrial UPF as PSA1;

[0269] Use the UPF on the satellite as UL CL and PSA 2 when establishing a voice bearer;

[0270] Only when both communication parties are on the same satellite and making a call, use the UPF on the satellite;

[0271] Insert a specific I-SMF when establishing a voice bearer;

[0272] Only assign IPv6 addresses;

[0273] P-CSCF address.

[0274] 8. The SMF selects the P-CSCF based on at least one of the following:

[0275] The usage policy sent by the PCF;

[0276] The second indication information;

[0277] NCGI;

[0278] The terrestrial station connected by the SMF.

[0279] Optionally, the SMF assigns an IP address in a specific range to the UE based on at least one of the following:

[0280] The usage policy sent by the PCF;

[0281] The second indication information;

[0282] NCGI.

[0283] Note: The SMF assigns a specific range of IP addresses to UEs in areas covered by the same satellite.

[0284] Figure 8 The remaining steps in Figure 2 can be referred to the relevant description in

[0285] Embodiment 2: SMF Registration

[0286] As Figure 9 shown, it includes the following steps:

[0287] 1. The SMF sends a registration request (Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister Request) to the NRF, carrying the NF profile, and the first information is included in the NF profile. The first information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0288] It supports the management of scenarios where there is a UPF on the satellite;

[0289] It supports the USU call scenario.

[0290] 2. The NRF saves the NF profile.

[0291] 3. The NRF sends a response message (Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister response) to the SMF.

[0292] 4. The AMF sends a discovery request (Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request) to the NRF, and the second information is included in the request. The second information is used to indicate the discovery of an SMF that supports specific functions.

[0293] The specific functions include at least one of the following:

[0294] It supports the management of scenarios where there is a UPF on the satellite;

[0295] It supports the USU call scenario.

[0296] 5. The NRF determines the SMF and sends a response message carrying the information of the SMF to the AMF.

[0297] In summary, the embodiments of the present application are beneficial to realizing USU calls. Compared with the related technologies, the communication path of USU calls is shorter, so that the call delay can be reduced.

[0298] For the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the execution subject can be a communication device. In the embodiments of the present application, taking the communication device executing the communication method as an example, the communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application is described.

[0299] Figure 10 The structural diagram of the communication device provided by the embodiment of the present application is shown. This communication device can be applied to the first core network function. As Figure 10 shown, the communication device 1010 includes:

[0300] A receiving unit 1011, configured to receive a first message from a target base station. The first message includes information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for a terminal. The target base station is a base station located on a target satellite;

[0301] A first processing unit 1012, configured to determine whether the target satellite includes or does not include a user plane function (UPF).

[0302] Optionally, the first processing unit is specifically configured to:

[0303] When the first message includes first information, based on the first information, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0304] Wherein, the first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0305] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0306] A first cell global identifier (CGI). The first CGI is a CGI characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0307] A first satellite identifier. The first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0308] Information on a first radio access technology (RAT) type. The first RAT type is a RAT type characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0309] A first indication. The first indication is an indication characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF.

[0310] Optionally, the first processing unit is specifically configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0311] When the first information includes the information on the first RAT type, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the first information;

[0312] When the first information includes the first indication, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the first information;

[0313] When the first information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured set of target CGIs, where the set of target CGIs is a set of CGIs characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first CGI belongs to the set of target CGIs;

[0314] When the first information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured target CGI range, where the target CGI range is a CGI range characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first CGI is located within the target CGI range;

[0315] When the first information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first set of identifiers, where the first set of identifiers is a set of base station identifiers characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI belongs to the first set of identifiers;

[0316] When the first information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first identifier range, where the first identifier range is a base station identifier range characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is located within the first identifier range;

[0317] When the first information includes the first satellite identifier, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second set of identifiers, where the second set of identifiers is a set of satellite identifiers characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identifier belongs to the second set of identifiers;

[0318] When the first information includes the first satellite identifier, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second identifier range, where the second identifier range is a satellite identifier range characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identifier is located within the second identifier range.

[0319] Optionally, the first processing unit is specifically configured to:

[0320] When the first message includes an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Data Network Name (DNN), determine whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF.

[0321] Optionally, the apparatus further includes:

[0322] A second processing unit, configured to select a second core network function when it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0323] Among them, the second core network function is a core network function that supports the terminal-satellite-terminal USU service, or a core network function that supports the management of the UPF included in the satellite.

[0324] Optionally, the second processing unit is specifically used for at least one of the following:

[0325] Select a second core network function from a pre-configured set of core network functions, where each core network function in the set of core network functions supports the USU service or supports the management of the UPF included in the satellite;

[0326] Send a second message to a third core network function, where the second message is used to request: a core network function that supports the USU service, or a core network function that supports the management of the UPF included in the satellite.

[0327] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0328] A sending unit, configured to send a third message to the second core network function, where the third message is used to request to establish a PDU session for the terminal;

[0329] Among them, the third message includes second information, and the second information is used to indicate that the satellite where the terminal is located includes a UPF.

[0330] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0331] A first cell global identifier CGI, where the first CGI is a CGI representing that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier representing that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0332] A first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier representing that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0333] Information of a first radio access technology RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type representing that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0334] A first indication, where the first indication is an indication representing that the satellite includes a UPF.

[0335] Figure 11 The structure diagram of the communication device provided by the embodiment of the present application is shown. This communication device can be applied to the second core network function. As Figure 11 shown, the communication device 1020 includes:

[0336] A first receiving unit 1021, configured to receive a third message from a first core network function, where the third message is used to request to establish a PDU session for the terminal;

[0337] The first processing unit 1022 is configured to determine whether the target satellite includes or does not include a user plane function (UPF), where the target satellite is the satellite where the terminal is located.

[0338] Optionally, the first processing unit is specifically configured to:

[0339] When the third message includes the second information, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF based on the second information;

[0340] Wherein, the second information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0341] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0342] The first cell global identifier (CGI), where the first CGI is a CGI representing that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier representing that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0343] The first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier representing that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0344] The information of the first radio access technology (RAT) type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type representing that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0345] The first indication, where the first indication is an indication representing that the satellite includes a UPF.

[0346] Optionally, the first processing unit is specifically configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0347] When the second information includes the information of the first RAT type, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the second information;

[0348] When the second information includes the first indication, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the second information;

[0349] When the second information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured target CGI set, where the target CGI set is a CGI set representing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first CGI belongs to the target CGI set;

[0350] When the second information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured target CGI range, where the target CGI range is a CGI range representing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first CGI is located within the target CGI range;

[0351] When the second information includes the first CGI, it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first identifier set, where the first identifier set is a base station identifier set characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI belongs to the first identifier set.

[0352] When the second information includes the first CGI, it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first identifier range, where the first identifier range is a base station identifier range characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is within the first identifier range.

[0353] When the second information includes the first satellite identifier, it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second identifier set, where the second identifier set is a satellite identifier set characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identifier belongs to the second identifier set.

[0354] When the second information includes the first satellite identifier, it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second identifier range, where the second identifier range is a satellite identifier range characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identifier is within the second identifier range.

[0355] Optionally, the apparatus further includes:

[0356] A sending unit, configured to send third information to a fourth core network function when it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the third information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0357] A second receiving unit, configured to receive fourth information from the fourth core network function, where the fourth information includes policy information corresponding to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0358] Optionally, the policy information includes at least one of the following:

[0359] Information for indicating to use a ground UPF as a first PDU session anchor point (PSA).

[0360] Information for indicating to use the UPF included in the target satellite as a second PSA when establishing a voice bearer.

[0361] Information for indicating to use the UPF included in the target satellite as an uplink split (UL CL) when establishing a voice bearer.

[0362] Information for indicating to use the UPF included in the target satellite when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite.

[0363] For indicating that when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite and request an IMS call, the information of the UPF included in the target satellite is used;

[0364] For indicating the information for adding a fifth core network function to the communication path when establishing a voice bearer, where the fifth core network function is a core network function for controlling the UPF included in the satellite;

[0365] For indicating the information of the Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation policy;

[0366] For indicating the information of the sixth core network function selection policy, where the sixth core network function is the Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF).

[0367] Optionally, the information for indicating the Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation policy includes:

[0368] For indicating the information for allocating an IPv6 address to the terminal.

[0369] Optionally, the device further includes at least one of the following:

[0370] A second processing unit, configured to select a sixth core network function for the terminal according to at least one of the second information, the fourth information, the ground station connected to the second core network function, and the CGI of the terminal;

[0371] A third processing unit, configured to allocate an IP address to the terminal according to at least one of the second information, the fourth information, and the CGI of the terminal;

[0372] Wherein, the second information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0373] The fourth information includes policy information, and the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0374] Figure 12 The structure diagram of the communication device provided by the embodiment of the present application is shown. This communication device can be applied to the fourth core network function. As Figure 12 shown, the communication device 1030 includes:

[0375] A receiving unit 1031, configured to receive third information from the second core network function, where the third information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0376] A sending unit 1032, configured to send fourth information to the second core network function, where the fourth information includes policy information, and the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0377] Optionally, the policy information includes at least one of the following:

[0378] Information for indicating using the UPF on the ground as the first PDU session anchor point PSA;

[0379] Information for indicating that when establishing a voice bearer, using the UPF included in the target satellite as the second PSA;

[0380] Information for indicating that when establishing a voice bearer, using the UPF included in the target satellite as the uplink split UL CL;

[0381] Information for indicating that when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite, using the UPF included in the target satellite;

[0382] Information for indicating that when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite and request an IMS call, using the UPF included in the target satellite;

[0383] Information for indicating that when establishing a voice bearer, adding a fifth core network function to the communication path, where the fifth core network function is a core network function for controlling the UPF included in the satellite;

[0384] Information for indicating an Internet Protocol IP address allocation policy;

[0385] Information for indicating a sixth core network function selection policy, where the sixth core network function is a proxy call session control function P-CSCF.

[0386] Optionally, the information for indicating an Internet Protocol IP address allocation policy includes:

[0387] Information for indicating allocating an IPv6 address to a terminal.

[0388] Figure 13 FIG. shows a structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application, and this communication device can be applied to a base station. As Figure 13 shown, the communication device 1040 includes:

[0389] A sending unit 1041, configured to send a first message to a first core network function, where the first message includes information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit PDU session for a terminal, and the base station is a base station located in a target satellite;

[0390] Wherein, the first message includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0391] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0392] The first cell global identifier CGI, where the first CGI is a CGI indicating that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier indicating that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0393] The first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier indicating that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0394] Information on the first radio access technology RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type indicating that the satellite includes a UPF;

[0395] The first indication, where the first indication is an indication indicating that the satellite includes a UPF.

[0396] Figure 14 The structural diagram of the communication device provided by the embodiment of the present application is shown. This communication device can be applied to the second core network function. As Figure 14 shown, the communication device 1050 includes:

[0397] A sending unit 1051, configured to send a fourth message to a third core network function, where the fourth message is used to request registration of information of the second core network function;

[0398] Wherein, the fourth message includes fifth information, and the fifth information is used to indicate that the second core network function supports the terminal-satellite-terminal USU service or supports the management of the UPF included in the satellite.

[0399] The communication device in the embodiment of the present application can be an electronic device, such as an electronic device with an operating system, or a component in an electronic device, such as an integrated circuit or a chip. This electronic device can be a terminal or other devices other than the terminal. Exemplarily, the terminal can include, but is not limited to, the types of terminals listed above, and other devices can be a server, a network attached storage (NAS), etc. The embodiment of the present application does not make specific limitations.

[0400] The communication device provided by the embodiment of the present application can implement Figures 3 to 9 each process implemented by the method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be elaborated here.

[0401] As Figure 15As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device 1100, including a processor 1101 and a memory 1102. A program or instruction that can run on the processor 1101 is stored on the memory 1102. For example, when the communication device 1100 is a first core network function, when the program or instruction is executed by the processor 1101, each step of the method embodiment on the first core network function side is implemented, and the same technical effect can be achieved. When the communication device 1100 is a second core network function, when the program or instruction is executed by the processor 1101, each step of the method embodiment on the second core network function side is implemented, and the same technical effect can be achieved. When the communication device 1100 is a fourth core network function, when the program or instruction is executed by the processor 1101, each step of the method embodiment on the fourth core network function side is implemented, and the same technical effect can be achieved. When the communication device 1100 is a base station, when the program or instruction is executed by the processor 1101, each step of the method embodiment on the base station side is implemented, and the same technical effect can be achieved. To avoid repetition, it will not be elaborated here.

[0402] An embodiment of the present application further provides a network-side device, including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The communication interface is configured to: receive a first message from a target base station, where the first message includes information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for a terminal, and the target base station is a base station located on a target satellite; the processor is configured to: determine whether the target satellite includes or does not include a user plane function (UPF).

[0403] This embodiment of the network-side device corresponds to the method embodiment on the first core network function side. Each implementation process and implementation manner of the above method embodiment can be applied to this embodiment of the network-side device, and the same technical effect can be achieved.

[0404] An embodiment of the present application further provides a network-side device, including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The communication interface is configured to: receive a third message from a first core network function, where the third message is used to request to establish a PDU session for a terminal; the processor is configured to: determine whether a target satellite includes or does not include a user plane function (UPF), and the target satellite is the satellite where the terminal is located.

[0405] This embodiment of the network-side device corresponds to the method embodiment on the second core network function side. Each implementation process and implementation manner of the above method embodiment can be applied to this embodiment of the network-side device, and the same technical effect can be achieved.

[0406] An embodiment of the present application further provides a network-side device, including a processor and a communication interface, where the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the communication interface is configured to: receive third information from a second core network function, where the third information is used to indicate that a target satellite includes a UPF; send fourth information to the second core network function, where the fourth information includes policy information, and the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0407] This embodiment of the network-side device corresponds to the method embodiment on the fourth core network function side above. Each implementation process and implementation manner of the above method embodiment can be applied to this embodiment of the network-side device, and the same technical effects can be achieved.

[0408] An embodiment of the present application further provides a network-side device, including a processor and a communication interface, where the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the communication interface is configured to: send a first message to a first core network function, where the first message includes information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for a terminal; where the first message includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF, and the target satellite is the satellite where the base station is located.

[0409] This embodiment of the network-side device corresponds to the method embodiment on the base station side above. Each implementation process and implementation manner of the above method embodiment can be applied to this embodiment of the network-side device, and the same technical effects can be achieved.

[0410] An embodiment of the present application further provides a network-side device, including a processor and a communication interface, where the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the communication interface is configured to: send a fourth message to a third core network function, where the fourth message is used to request information for registering the second core network function; where the fourth message includes fifth information, and the fifth information is used to indicate that the second core network function supports the user-satellite-user (USU) service, or supports the management of the UPF included in the satellite.

[0411] This embodiment of the network-side device corresponds to the method embodiment on the second core network function side above. Each implementation process and implementation manner of the above method embodiment can be applied to this embodiment of the network-side device, and the same technical effects can be achieved.

[0412] Specifically, an embodiment of the present application further provides a network-side device. As Figure 16 shown, the network-side device 1300 includes: a processor 1301, a network interface 1302, and a memory 1303. Among them, the network interface 1302 is, for example, a common public radio interface (CPRI).

[0413] Specifically, the network-side device 1300 according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes: instructions or programs stored in the memory 1303 and executable on the processor 1301. The processor 1301 calls the instructions or programs in the memory 1303 to execute Figures 10 to 12 and Figure 14 the methods executed by the modules shown, and achieves the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, they will not be elaborated here.

[0414] Specifically, an embodiment of the present application further provides a network-side device. As Figure 17 shown, the network-side device 110 includes: an antenna 111, a radio frequency device 112, a baseband device 113, a processor 114, and a memory 115. The antenna 111 is connected to the radio frequency device 112. In the uplink direction, the radio frequency device 112 receives information through the antenna 111 and sends the received information to the baseband device 113 for processing. In the downlink direction, the baseband device 113 processes the information to be sent and sends it to the radio frequency device 112. The radio frequency device 112 processes the received information and then sends it out through the antenna 111.

[0415] The methods executed by the network-side device in the above embodiments can be implemented in the baseband device 113, and the baseband device 113 includes a baseband processor.

[0416] The baseband device 113 may include, for example, at least one baseband board, and multiple chips are provided on the baseband board. As Figure 17 shown, one of the chips is, for example, a baseband processor, which is connected to the memory 115 through a bus interface to call the programs in the memory 115 and execute the operations performed by the terminal or the network-side device shown in the above method embodiments.

[0417] The network-side device may further include a network interface 116, and this interface is, for example, a common public radio interface (CPRI).

[0418] Specifically, the network-side device 110 according to an embodiment of the present application further includes: instructions or programs stored in the memory 115 and executable on the processor 114. The processor 114 calls the instructions or programs in the memory 115 to execute Figure 13 the methods executed by the modules shown, and achieves the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, they will not be elaborated here.

[0419] An embodiment of the present application further provides a readable storage medium, on which programs or instructions are stored. When the programs or instructions are executed by a processor, the various processes of the method embodiments of the above communication are implemented, and the same technical effects can be achieved. To avoid repetition, they will not be elaborated here.

[0420] Among them, the processor is the processor in the terminal described in the above embodiments. The readable storage medium includes computer-readable storage media, such as computer read-only memory ROM, random access memory RAM, magnetic disks, or optical discs, etc. In some examples, the readable storage medium may be a non-transitory readable storage medium.

[0421] Another embodiment of the present application provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement each process of the method embodiment of the above communication, and can achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, it will not be elaborated here.

[0422] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may also be referred to as a system-on-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-chip, etc.

[0423] Another embodiment of the present application provides a computer program / program product. The computer program / program product is stored in a storage medium. The computer program / program product is executed by at least one processor to implement each process of the method embodiment of the above communication, and can achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, it will not be elaborated here.

[0424] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system, including: a terminal and a network-side device. The terminal can be used to execute the steps of the method for communication on the terminal side as described above, and the network-side device can be used to execute the steps of the method for communication on the first core network function side as described above.

[0425] It should be noted that in this article, the term "including", "comprising" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements not only includes those elements, but also includes other elements not expressly listed, or further includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "including one..." does not exclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or device including that element. In addition, it should be pointed out that the scope of the methods and devices in the embodiments of the present application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, and may also include performing functions in a substantially simultaneous manner or in a reverse order according to the functions involved. For example, the described method may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0426] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of computer software products plus a necessary general hardware platform, and of course, they can also be implemented by hardware. The computer software products are stored in a storage medium (such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.) and include several instructions for enabling a terminal or a network-side device to execute the methods described in various embodiments of the present application.

[0427] The embodiments of the present application have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present application is not limited to the above specific embodiments. The above specific embodiments are merely illustrative rather than restrictive. Under the inspiration of the present application, those of ordinary skill in the art can also make many forms of embodiments without departing from the purpose of the present application and the scope protected by the claims. These embodiments are all within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, including: The first core network function receives a first message from a target base station, where the first message contains information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for a terminal, and the target base station is a base station located on a target satellite; The first core network function determines whether the target satellite includes or does not include a user plane function (UPF).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first core network function determining whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF includes: When the first message includes first information, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF based on the first information; wherein the first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The first information includes at least one of the following: A first cell global identifier (CGI), where the first CGI is a CGI characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; A first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; Information on a first radio access technology (RAT) type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; A first indication, where the first indication is an indication characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein When the first message includes first information, the first core network function determining that the target satellite includes a UPF based on the first information includes at least one of the following: When the first information includes the information on the first RAT type, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the first information; When the first information includes the first indication, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the first information; When the first information includes the first CGI, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured set of target CGIs, where the set of target CGIs is a set of CGIs characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein the first CGI belongs to the set of target CGIs; When the first information includes the first CGI, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured target CGI range, where the target CGI range is a CGI range characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein the first CGI is within the target CGI range; When the first information includes the first CGI, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first set of identifiers, where the first set of identifiers is a set of base station identifiers characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI belongs to the first set of identifiers; When the first information includes the first CGI, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first identifier range, where the first identifier range is a base station identifier range characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is within the first identifier range; When the first information includes the first satellite identifier, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second identifier set, where the second identifier set is a set of satellite identifiers indicating that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identifier belongs to the second identifier set. When the first information includes the first satellite identifier, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second identifier range, where the second identifier range is a range of satellite identifiers indicating that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identifier is within the second identifier range.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first core network function determining whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF includes: When the first message includes an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Data Network Name (DNN), the first core network function determines whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that It further includes: When it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF, the first core network function selects a second core network function. Wherein, the second core network function is a core network function supporting the User-Satellite-User (USU) service or a core network function supporting the management of the UPF included in the satellite.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first core network function selecting a second core network function includes at least one of the following: The first core network function selects a second core network function from a pre-configured set of core network functions, and each core network function in the set of core network functions supports the USU service or supports the management of the UPF included in the satellite. The first core network function sends a second message to a third core network function, and the second message is used to request: a core network function supporting the USU service or a core network function supporting the management of the UPF included in the satellite.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that It further includes: The first core network function sends a third message to the second core network function, and the third message is used to request to establish a PDU session for the terminal. Wherein, the third message includes second information, and the second information is used to indicate that the satellite where the terminal is located includes a UPF.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The second information includes at least one of the following: A first CGI, where the first CGI is a CGI indicating that a satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier indicating that a satellite includes a UPF. A first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier indicating that a satellite includes a UPF. Information of a first RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type indicating that a satellite includes a UPF. A first indication, where the first indication is an indication indicating that a satellite includes a UPF.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, It includes: The second core network function receives a third message from the first core network function, and the third message is used to request to establish a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session for the terminal. The second core network function determines whether the target satellite includes or does not include a User Plane Function (UPF), and the target satellite is the satellite where the terminal is located.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein The second core network function determining whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF includes: When the third message includes the second information, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF based on the second information; wherein, the second information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The second information includes at least one of the following: The first Cell Global Identity (CGI), where the first CGI is a CGI characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; The first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; Information on the first Radio Access Technology (RAT) type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; The first indication, where the first indication is an indication characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein When the third message includes the second information, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF based on the second information, including at least one of the following: When the second information includes the information on the first RAT type, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the second information; When the second information includes the first indication, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the second information; When the second information includes the first CGI, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured set of target CGIs, where the set of target CGIs is a set of CGIs characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first CGI belongs to the set of target CGIs; When the second information includes the first CGI, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured range of target CGIs, where the range of target CGIs is a range of CGIs characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first CGI is within the range of target CGIs; When the second information includes the first CGI, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first set of identifiers, where the first set of identifiers is a set of base station identifiers characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI belongs to the first set of identifiers; When the second information includes the first CGI, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first range of identifiers, where the first range of identifiers is a range of base station identifiers characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is within the first range of identifiers; When the second information includes the first satellite identifier, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second set of identifiers, where the second set of identifiers is a set of satellite identifiers characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identifier belongs to the second set of identifiers; When the second information includes the first satellite identifier, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a preconfigured second identifier range, where the second identifier range is a satellite identifier range indicating that a satellite includes a UPF; among them, the first satellite identifier is within the second identifier range.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that It also includes: When it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF, the second core network function sends third information to the fourth core network function; among them, the third information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF; The second core network function receives fourth information from the fourth core network function, and the fourth information includes policy information, and the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The policy information includes at least one of the following: Information used to indicate using a terrestrial UPF as the first PDU session anchor point (PSA); Information used to indicate that when establishing a voice bearer, using the UPF included in the target satellite as the second PSA; Information used to indicate that when establishing a voice bearer, using the UPF included in the target satellite as the uplink split (UL CL); Information used to indicate that when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite, using the UPF included in the target satellite; Information used to indicate that when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite and request an IMS call, using the UPF included in the target satellite; Information used to indicate that when establishing a voice bearer, adding a fifth core network function to the communication path, where the fifth core network function is a core network function used to control the UPF included in the satellite; Information used to indicate an Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation policy; Information used to indicate a sixth core network function selection policy, where the sixth core network function is a proxy call session control function (P-CSCF).

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The information used to indicate an Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation policy includes: Information used to indicate allocating an IPv6 address to a terminal.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that, It also includes at least one of the following: The second core network function selects a sixth core network function for the terminal according to at least one of the second information, the fourth information, the terrestrial station connected to the second core network function, and the CGI of the terminal; The second core network function allocates an IP address for the terminal according to at least one of the second information, the fourth information, and the CGI of the terminal; Among them, the second information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF; The fourth information includes policy information, and the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, It includes: The fourth core network function receives third information from the second core network function, and the third information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF; The fourth core network function sends fourth information to the second core network function, and the fourth information includes policy information, and the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The policy information includes at least one of the following: Information used to indicate using a terrestrial UPF as the first PDU session anchor point (PSA); Information for indicating that when establishing a voice bearer, the UPF included in the target satellite is used as the second PSA; Information for indicating that when establishing a voice bearer, the UPF included in the target satellite is used as the uplink splitting UL CL; Information for indicating that when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite, the UPF included in the target satellite is used; Information for indicating that when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite and request an IMS call, the UPF included in the target satellite is used; Information for indicating that when establishing a voice bearer, a fifth core network function is added to the communication path, and the fifth core network function is a core network function for controlling the UPF included in the satellite; Information for indicating the Internet Protocol IP address allocation policy; Information for indicating the sixth core network function selection policy, where the sixth core network function is the Proxy Call Session Control Function P-CSCF; 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The information for indicating the Internet Protocol IP address allocation policy includes: Information for indicating the allocation of an IPv6 address to the terminal.

21. A communication method, characterized in that, Includes: The base station sends a first message to the first core network function, and the first message contains information for requesting to establish a Protocol Data Unit PDU session for the terminal. The base station is a base station located in the target satellite; Wherein, the first message includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein The first information includes at least one of the following: The first Cell Global Identity CGI, where the first CGI is a CGI characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; The first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; Information of the first Radio Access Technology RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; The first indication, where the first indication is an indication characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF.

23. A communication method, characterized in that, Includes: The second core network function sends a fourth message to the third core network function, and the fourth message is used to request the information for registering the second core network function; Wherein, the fourth message includes fifth information, and the fifth information is used to indicate that the second core network function supports the User-Satellite-User USU service or supports the management of the UPF included in the satellite.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, Applied to the first core network function, the device includes: A receiving unit, configured to receive a first message from a target base station, where the first message contains information for requesting to establish a Protocol Data Unit PDU session for the terminal. The target base station is a base station located in the target satellite; A first processing unit, configured to determine whether the target satellite includes or does not include a User Plane Function UPF.

25. The device according to claim 24, characterized in that, The first processing unit is specifically configured to: When the first message includes the first information, based on the first information, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF; Wherein, the first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

26. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: The first cell global identifier CGI, where the first CGI is a CGI indicating that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier indicating that the satellite includes a UPF; The first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier indicating that the satellite includes a UPF; Information on the first radio access technology RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type indicating that the satellite includes a UPF; The first indication, where the first indication is an indication indicating that the satellite includes a UPF.

27. The device according to claim 26, characterized in that, The first processing unit is specifically configured to perform at least one of the following: When the first information includes the information on the first RAT type, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the first information; When the first information includes the first indication, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the first information; When the first information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured set of target CGIs, where the set of target CGIs is a set of CGIs indicating that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first CGI belongs to the set of target CGIs; When the first information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured target CGI range, where the target CGI range is a CGI range indicating that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first CGI is within the target CGI range; When the first information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first set of identifiers, where the first set of identifiers is a set of base station identifiers indicating that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI belongs to the first set of identifiers; When the first information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first identifier range, where the first identifier range is a base station identifier range indicating that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is within the first identifier range; When the first information includes the first satellite identifier, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second set of identifiers, where the second set of identifiers is a set of satellite identifiers indicating that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identifier belongs to the second set of identifiers; When the first information includes the first satellite identifier, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second identifier range, where the second identifier range is a satellite identifier range indicating that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identifier is within the second identifier range.

28. The device according to any one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that, The first processing unit is specifically configured to: When the first message includes the Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem IMS data network name DNN, determine whether the target satellite includes a UPF or not.

29. The device according to any one of claims 24 to 28, characterized in that, Further included is: A second processing unit, configured to select a second core network function when it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF. Among them, the second core network function is a core network function that supports the terminal-satellite-terminal USU service or a core network function that supports the management of the UPF included in the satellite.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, Applied to the second core network function, the apparatus includes: A first receiving unit, configured to receive a third message from a first core network function, where the third message is used to request to establish a PDU session for a terminal. A first processing unit, configured to determine whether a target satellite includes or does not include a user plane function UPF, where the target satellite is the satellite where the terminal is located.

31. The device according to claim 30, characterized in that, Specifically, the first processing unit is configured to: When the third message includes second information, based on the second information, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF. Among them, the second information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

32. The device according to claim 31, wherein The second information includes at least one of the following: A first cell global identifier CGI, where the first CGI is a CGI characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF. A first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF. Information of a first radio access technology RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF. A first indication, where the first indication is an indication characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF.

33. The device according to claim 32, characterized in that, Specifically, the first processing unit is configured to at least one of the following: When the second information includes the information of the first RAT type, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the second information. When the second information includes the first indication, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the second information. When the second information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured target CGI set, where the target CGI set is a CGI set characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; among them, the first CGI belongs to the target CGI set. When the second information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured target CGI range, where the target CGI range is a CGI range characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; among them, the first CGI is located within the target CGI range. When the second information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first identifier set, where the first identifier set is a base station identifier set characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; among them, the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI belongs to the first identifier set. When the second information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first identifier range, where the first identifier range is a base station identifier range characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; among them, the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is located within the first identifier range. When the second information includes the first satellite identifier, determining that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second identifier set, where the second identifier set is a satellite identifier set characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identifier belongs to the second identifier set; When the second information includes the first satellite identifier, determining that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second identifier range, where the second identifier range is a satellite identifier range characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identifier is within the second identifier range.

34. The device according to any one of claims 30 to 33, characterized in that Further comprising: A sending unit, configured to send third information to a fourth core network function when it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the third information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF; A second receiving unit, configured to receive fourth information from the fourth core network function, where the fourth information includes policy information, and the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

35. The device according to claim 34, characterized in that, The policy information includes at least one of the following: Information for indicating using a UPF on the ground as a first PDU session anchor point (PSA); Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite as a second PSA when establishing a voice bearer; Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite as an uplink splitting (UL CL) when establishing a voice bearer; Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite; Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite and request an IMS call; Information for indicating adding a fifth core network function to a communication path when establishing a voice bearer, where the fifth core network function is a core network function for controlling the UPF included in a satellite; Information for indicating an Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation policy; Information for indicating a sixth core network function selection policy, where the sixth core network function is a proxy call session control function (P-CSCF).

36. A communication device, characterized in that, Applied to a fourth core network function, the apparatus includes: A receiving unit, configured to receive third information from a second core network function, where the third information is used to indicate that a target satellite includes a UPF; A sending unit, configured to send fourth information to the second core network function, where the fourth information includes policy information, and the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

37. The device according to claim 36, characterized in that, The policy information includes at least one of the following: Information for indicating using a UPF on the ground as a first PDU session anchor point (PSA); Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite as a second PSA when establishing a voice bearer; Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite as an uplink splitting (UL CL) when establishing a voice bearer; Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite; It is used to indicate that when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite and request an IMS call, the information of the UPF included in the target satellite is used; It is used to indicate that when establishing a voice bearer, a fifth core network function is added to the communication path, and the fifth core network function is information about the core network function used to control the UPF included in the satellite; Information used to indicate the Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation policy; Information used to indicate a sixth core network function selection policy, where the sixth core network function is information about the Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF); 38. A communication device, characterized in that, Applied to a base station, the device includes: A sending unit, configured to send a first message to a first core network function, where the first message includes information used to request the establishment of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session for a terminal, and the base station is a base station located in the target satellite; Wherein, the first message includes a first piece of information, and the first piece of information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

39. The device according to claim 38, characterized in that, The first piece of information includes at least one of the following: A first Cell Global Identity (CGI), where the first CGI is a CGI characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; A first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; Information about a first Radio Access Technology (RAT) type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; A first indication, where the first indication is an indication characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF.

40. A communication device, characterized in that, Applied to a second core network function, the device includes: A sending unit, configured to send a fourth message to a third core network function, where the fourth message is used to request the registration of the information of the second core network function; Wherein, the fourth message includes a fifth piece of information, and the fifth piece of information is used to indicate that the second core network function supports the User-Satellite-User (USU) service or supports the management of the UPF included in the satellite.

41. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores a program or instruction that can run on the processor. When the program or instruction is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or implements the steps of the communication method described in any one of claims 10 to 17, or implements the steps of the communication method described in any one of claims 18 to 20, or implements the steps of the communication method described in claim 21 or 22, or implements the steps of the communication method described in claim 23.

42. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The program or instruction is stored on the readable storage medium. When the program or instruction is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or implements the steps of the communication method described in any one of claims 10 to 17, or implements the steps of the communication method described in any one of claims 18 to 20, or implements the steps of the communication method described in claim 21 or 22, or implements the steps of the communication method described in claim 23.

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