Storage and forwarding communication method and device, terminal and network side equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a storage and forwarding communication method and device, a terminal and network side equipment, and belongs to the technical field of communication, and the storage and forwarding communication method comprises the steps that first equipment obtains first information and processes data or signaling according to the first information, and the processing comprises storage or forwarding. According to the embodiment of the invention, a technical scheme for storing and forwarding the data and the signaling can be provided under the condition that the service link and the feeder link cannot be ensured to be available at the same time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of communication technologies, and particularly relates to a storage and forwarding communication method, apparatus, terminal, and network-side device. Background Art

[0002] In a Non Terrestrial Network (NTN) communication system, to enable data or signaling interaction between a terminal and a terrestrial network, it is necessary to ensure that the service link (i.e., the link between the terminal and the satellite, service link) and the feeder link (i.e., the link between the satellite and the ground station, feeder link) can both remain connected simultaneously.

[0003] However, in NTN communication, if it is not possible to ensure the availability of both the service link and the feeder link simultaneously, there is no corresponding technical solution for how to implement data storage and forwarding. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of this application provide a storage and forwarding communication method, apparatus, terminal, and network-side device, which can provide a technical solution for data and signaling storage and forwarding when it is not possible to ensure the availability of both the service link and the feeder link simultaneously.

[0005] In a first aspect, a storage and forwarding communication method is provided. The method includes:

[0006] A first device obtains first information and processes data or signaling according to the first information, where the processing includes storage or forwarding.

[0007] In a second aspect, a storage and forwarding communication method is provided. The method includes:

[0008] A first network element sends first information to a first device, causing the first device to process data or signaling according to the first information, where the processing includes storage or forwarding.

[0009] In a third aspect, a storage and forwarding communication method is provided. The method includes:

[0010] A terminal obtains second information and processes data or signaling according to the second information, where the processing includes storage or sending;

[0011] Wherein, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0012] The service link is available;

[0013] The service link is unavailable;

[0014] A signaling or data suspension indication;

[0015] Signaling or data recovery indication;

[0016] First access time or time window or cell identifier.

[0017] In a fourth aspect, a store-and-forward communication device is provided, which is applied to a first device and includes:

[0018] An acquisition module, configured to acquire first information;

[0019] A processing module, configured to process data or signaling according to the first information, where the processing includes storage or forwarding.

[0020] In a fifth aspect, a store-and-forward communication device is provided, which is applied to a first network element and includes:

[0021] A sending module, configured to send first information to a first device, so that the first device processes data or signaling according to the first information, where the processing includes storage or forwarding.

[0022] In a sixth aspect, a store-and-forward communication device is provided, which is applied to a terminal and includes:

[0023] An information acquisition module, configured to acquire second information;

[0024] A processing module, configured to process data or signaling according to the second information, where the processing includes storage or sending;

[0025] Wherein, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0026] Service link available;

[0027] Service link unavailable;

[0028] Signaling or data suspension indication;

[0029] Signaling or data recovery indication;

[0030] First access time or time window or cell identifier.

[0031] In a seventh aspect, a network-side device is provided, where the network-side device includes a processor and a memory, and 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 or the second aspect are implemented.

[0032] In an eighth aspect, a terminal is provided, where the terminal includes a processor and a memory, and 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 third aspect are implemented.

[0033] In a ninth aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface. The processor is configured to obtain first information, and the communication interface is configured to process data or signaling according to the first information, where the processing includes storage or forwarding.

[0034] In a tenth aspect, a network-side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to send first information to a first device.

[0035] In an eleventh aspect, a terminal is provided, including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to obtain second information; the processor is configured to process data or signaling according to the second information, where the processing includes storage or transmission;

[0036] The second information includes at least one of the following:

[0037] The service link is available;

[0038] The service link is unavailable;

[0039] A signaling or data suspension indication;

[0040] A signaling or data resume indication;

[0041] The first access time or time window or cell identifier.

[0042] In a twelfth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided. Programs or instructions are stored on the readable storage medium. When the programs or instructions are executed by a processor, 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 are implemented.

[0043] In a thirteenth aspect, a wireless communication system is provided, including: a terminal and a network-side device. The network-side device can be configured to execute the steps of the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect, and the terminal can be configured to execute the steps of the method described in the third aspect.

[0044] In a fourteenth 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 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.

[0045] In a fifteenth 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.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present application, the first device obtains first information, stores data or signaling according to the first information, or sends data or signaling according to the first information. Thus, a technical solution for storing and forwarding data or signaling is provided in the case where it is not possible to ensure the availability of both the service link and the feeder link simultaneously. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system to which embodiments of the present application can be applied;

[0048] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of satellite communication;

[0049] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a session establishment process during the attachment process of an Internet of Things device;

[0050] Figure 6 is a session establishment process for PDN connection establishment;

[0051] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a downlink data transmission process optimized through the control plane with a PGW;

[0052] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a storage and forwarding communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 9 is a flowchart of another storage and forwarding communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 10 is a flowchart of yet another storage and forwarding communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figures 11 - 21 is a flowchart of a storage and forwarding communication method provided by a specific embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 22 is a schematic structural diagram of a storage and forwarding communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 23 is a schematic structural diagram of another storage and forwarding communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 24 is a schematic structural diagram of yet another storage and forwarding communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 25 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 26 is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 27 is a schematic structural diagram of a network-side device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Specific embodiments

[0062] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0063] The terms "first", "second", etc. in the present 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 the present application can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are usually of the same type, and the number of objects is not limited. For example, the first object can be one or multiple. In addition, "or" in the present 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 means that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0064] The term "indication" in the present 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 tells the receiver 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 according to 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 should be noted that the technology described in the embodiments of this application is not limited to Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, 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 the NR term is used 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 (6G) communication system.

[0066] Figure 1A 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 devices with wireless communication functions, such as refrigerators, TVs, washing machines, or furniture, etc.), a game console, a personal computer (PC), a teller machine, 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 referred to as a vehicle terminal, a vehicle controller, a vehicle module, a vehicle component, a vehicle chip, or a vehicle unit, etc. 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 referred to as 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, only the base station in the NR system is taken 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, only the core network devices in the NR system are taken as examples for introduction, and the specific types of core network devices are not limited.

[0068] It should be noted that the scenarios corresponding to the embodiments of this application may be for network-side devices, or scenarios where some hardware or functions in network-side devices can move. For example, network-side devices, or some hardware or functions in network-side devices are located on satellites, or on other movable devices (such as various mobile vehicles like cars, airplanes, drones, ships, etc.). This application takes network-side devices, or some hardware or functions in network-side devices being located on satellites as an example, but is not limited thereto, and may also be other forms of movable devices as described above.

[0069] In a Non Terrestrial Network (NTN) communication system, to enable data or signaling interaction between a UE and a terrestrial network, it is necessary to ensure that the service link (i.e., the link between the UE Figure 3 and a satellite or other movable platform) and the feeder link ( Figure 3 the link between the satellite and the ground station) can be connected simultaneously.

[0070] However, in some cases, such as in the initial stage of satellite network deployment, it cannot be guaranteed that the service link and the feeder link can be connected simultaneously. To support data transmission (e.g., delay-tolerant service data), a store and forward operation mode is proposed, as Figure 4 shown. Taking the uplink data transmission as an example, when the terminal has uplink data to send, it can be first sent to the satellite through the service link (such as Figure 4 step A in), and the satellite stores the relevant data (or the relevant data is stored by the network device on the satellite). When the satellite moves to a position where the feeder link is available, the stored data is forwarded to the terrestrial network (such as Figure 4 step B in). Similarly, when there is downlink data to be sent to the terminal, the terrestrial network first sends the data to the satellite, and the satellite stores the relevant downlink data. When the satellite moves to a position where the service link is available, the stored data is forwarded to the UE.

[0071] It should be noted that the service link in each embodiment of this application can be a satellite service link or a (movable) service link, that is, at least one network element or device in the link is in a moving state or has the ability to move. The feeder link in each embodiment of this application can be a satellite feeder link or a (movable) feeder link, that is, at least one network element or device in the link is in a moving state or has the ability to move.

[0072] The establishment of a session can be during the attach process or established separately after the attach process. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the session establishment process during an attach process of an Internet of Things (IoT) device (as a UE), including the following steps:

[0073] Step 1: The UE sends a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message carrying an attach request. If the UE supports Control Plane CIot EPS optimization, the attach request also carries the Control Plane CIot EPS optimization capability information. The UE also carries the indication information of CIot EPS optimization in the RRC message to the Radio Access Network (RAN) for the RAN to select a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

[0074] Step 2: After the RAN receives the attach request from the UE, if there is indication information of CIot EPS optimization in Step 1, the RAN selects an MME that supports CIot EPS optimization and forwards the UE's attach request to the MME.

[0075] Step 3: After the MME obtains the UE's subscription information and relevant authentication information, the MME and the UE perform the UE authentication and security establishment process.

[0076] Step 4: The MME initiates the establishment of a session.

[0077] Step 5: The MME sends an attach accept message to the UE. The attach accept message carries relevant parameters for mobility management, such as a Globally Unique Temporary Identifier (GUTI), a Tracking Area List (TAlist), and session-related information, such as an Access Point Name (APN), a Packet Data Networks (PDN) type, a Header Compression Configuration, and a Control Plane Only Indicator, etc.

[0078] Step 6: The UE sends an attach complete message to the MME.

[0079] The session establishment process for PDN connection establishment is asFigure 6 As shown, it is the optimisation of downlink data transport (Mobile Terminated Data Transport in Control Plane CIoTEPS Optimisation with P-GW connectivity) through the control plane CIoT with a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW).

[0080] Among them, for IoT devices, since the amount of data transmitted in both the uplink and downlink is generally small, the prior art has proposed a method for optimising uplink and downlink data transport through the control plane CIoT. The basic core point is to carry the uplink and downlink data in the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signalling or message to achieve data transport, that is, there is no need to specifically establish a user plane connection and establish a user plane bearer for the uplink and downlink data to be transmitted, which can effectively save resource overhead and the efficiency of data transport. Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the downlink data transport process optimised through the control plane CIoT with a PGW, including the following steps:

[0081] Step 0: The UE is in the Evolved Packet System (EPS) attached state and the connection state is the idle state.

[0082] Step 1: The Serving Gateway (SGW) receives the downlink data or signalling sent by the Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW). If the Mobility Management Entity (MME) has previously requested the SGW to delay sending the Data Notification, the SGW stores the downlink data and waits for the timer to expire before proceeding to Step 2; if the Downlink Tunnel Endpoint Identifier (DL-TEID) and the MME address have been received before the timer expires, then the SGW deletes the timer and then jumps to Step 11 for processing.

[0083] Step 2: If in Step 1, the SGW has cached downlink data, the SGW sends a Downlink Data Notification message, carrying the Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) and the EPS bearer ID to the MME. The MME replies to the SGW with a Downlink Data Notification Ack message.

[0084] If the MME detects that the UE is in an energy-saving state or cannot be paged, the MME derives an expected time before the establishment of the radio bearer is completed. The MME carries a Downlink Buffering Requested indication in the Downlink Data Notification Ack message, which also includes a Downlink Buffering Duration time and optionally a Downlink Buffering Suggested Packet Count. The MME generates and stores a new value for the Downlink Data Buffer Expiration Time based on the Downlink Buffering Duration time. And subsequent steps will be skipped, that is, subsequent steps will no longer be executed. The Downlink Data Buffer Expiration Time is used to indicate that the UE is in an energy-saving state, that there is buffered data in the SGW, and that a user plane procedure needs to be established to send data when the UE initiates a signaling procedure.

[0085] If the SGW receives the Downlink Buffering Requested indication carried in the Downlink Data Notification Ack message, the SGW stores a new value for the Downlink Data Buffer Expiration Time based on the received Downlink Buffering Duration time, and before the Downlink Data Buffer Expiration Time arrives, even if it receives downlink data packets of information, it will not send any additional Downlink Data Notification to the MME.

[0086] Step 3: If the UE is in the idle state, the MME sends a paging request to the RAN.

[0087] Step 4: The RAN performs paging of the UE.

[0088] Step 5: After receiving paging from the network, the UE sends a service request on the control plane. If Control Plane CIoT EPS Optimisation is used, the MME does not trigger the establishment of a data radio bearer on the user plane. The MME immediately sends downlink data to the RAN.

[0089] Step 6: The MME receives the service request from the UE. If no response from the UE is received, the MME sends a Downlink Data Notification Reject message to the SGW regarding the paging failure. After receiving the paging failure, the SGW deletes the cached UE downlink data.

[0090] Step 7: If the S11-U is not yet established, the MME sends a Modify Bearer Request message to the SGW, carrying the MME's address and TEID DL. At this time, the SGW can send downlink data to the UE.

[0091] Step 8: If the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type changes, or the UE's location changes, the SGW sends a Modify Bearer Request message (RAT Type) to the P-GW, which carries the RAT type.

[0092] Step 9: The PGW sends a Modify Bearer Response to the SGW.

[0093] Step 10: The SGW sends the SGW's address and TEID UL to the MME.

[0094] Step 11: The SGW sends the cached downlink data to the MME.

[0095] Steps 12 - 13: The MME encrypts and integrity protects the downlink data and sends it to the RAN in an S1-AP message carrying the NAS Protocol Data Unit (PDU).

[0096] Step 14: The RAN sends the UE's NAS PDU to the UE via an RRC message.

[0097] Step 15: The RAN sends a Non-Access Stratum Delivery indication to the MME to indicate whether the data forwarding is successful.

[0098] The above-described downlink data transmission process with PGW control plane CIoT optimization applies to the current terrestrial network communication or the scenario where both the service link and the feeder link are available in NTN communication. For the case where the service link and the feeder link cannot be guaranteed to be available simultaneously in NTN communication, it is not clear how to implement data storage and forwarding. For example:

[0099] When does the network device store data and when does it send data;

[0100] How to trigger data storage and forwarding;

[0101] How long to store the data, etc.

[0102] Next, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, through some embodiments and their application scenarios, the storage and forwarding communication method, apparatus, terminal, and network-side device provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail.

[0103] Please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 which is a flowchart of a storage and forwarding communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. This method is executed by a first device. As Figure 8 shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0104] Step 101: The first device obtains first information;

[0105] Step 102: Process data or signaling according to the first information, and the processing includes storage or forwarding.

[0106] Among them, the first device may include RAN, MME or SGW.

[0107] In the embodiments of the present application, the first device obtains first information, and stores data or signaling according to the first information, or sends data or signaling according to the first information. In this way, when the service link and the feeder link cannot be guaranteed to be available simultaneously, a technical solution for data or signaling storage and forwarding is provided.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0109] Storage and Forwarding S&F indication, including Storage and Forwarding S&F access mode and / or Storage and Forwarding S&F communication mode;

[0110] The first storage indication, which is determined according to the S&F access mode or the S&F communication mode;

[0111] The first storage time, which is determined according to the satellite operation cycle, the next access time of the terminal, the recovery time of the next service link, or the recovery time of the next feeder link;

[0112] The first transmission indication;

[0113] The service link is available;

[0114] The service link is unavailable;

[0115] The feeder link is available. Specifically, it can be determined that the feeder link is available according to the normal response of the heartbeat packet between the MME and the SGW within a specific time;

[0116] The feeder link is unavailable. Specifically, it can be determined that the feeder link is unavailable according to the lack of response of the heartbeat packet between the MME and the SGW within a specific time;

[0117] The time window of the satellite service terminal or the time window of the terminal access;

[0118] The time window for the satellite to connect to the ground station;

[0119] The first connection suspension indication, which is determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window for the satellite to connect to the ground station;

[0120] The first connection recovery indication, which is determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window for the satellite to connect to the ground station.

[0121] Through the first information, it is possible to clarify the operations of the first device on data and signaling when the feeder link and / or the service link are available or unavailable.

[0122] In a specific example, the first device is a serving gateway. When the first information includes the S&F indication, the established S11-U is retained without release;

[0123] When the first information includes the first storage indication, the downlink data is cached;

[0124] When the first information includes the first storage time, the first downlink data storage expiration time is set according to the first storage time, and the downlink data is stored before the first downlink data storage expiration time;

[0125] When the first information includes the indication that the feeder link is unavailable, the downlink data is cached;

[0126] When the first information includes the first connection suspension indication, buffer the downlink data;

[0127] When the first information includes the first storage indication and the first storage time, store the downlink data before the first downlink data storage expiration time;

[0128] When the first information includes the indication of feeder link unavailable and the first storage time, store the downlink data before the first downlink data storage expiration time;

[0129] When the first information includes the first connection suspension indication and the first storage time, store the downlink data before the first downlink data storage expiration time.

[0130] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the serving gateway on data and signaling when the feeder link and / or the serving link are available or unavailable.

[0131] In a specific example, the first device is an MME. When the first information includes the S&F indication, retain the established S11-U without release. The S11-U context includes at least one of the following: the address of the mobility management entity, the tunnel endpoint identifier of the mobility management entity, the address of the packet data network gateway, the address of the packet data network, the tunnel endpoint identifier of the packet data network gateway, the type of the packet data network, the address of the serving gateway, the tunnel endpoint identifier of the serving gateway;

[0132] When the first information includes the S&F indication or the indication of serving link unavailable, send the first storage indication and / or the first storage time to the serving gateway;

[0133] When the first information includes the indication of serving link unavailable, store the downlink data;

[0134] When the first information includes the indication of serving link unavailable, delay the execution of the paging operation;

[0135] When the first information includes the indication of serving link unavailable, send the address of the mobility management entity and / or the tunnel endpoint identifier of the mobility management entity to the serving gateway;

[0136] When the first information includes the indication of serving link unavailable, maintain the state of the UE unchanged. For example, if the UE is currently in the connected state, when the service link is unavailable, the UE is still considered to be in the connected state, and the context information of the UE will not be released;

[0137] When the first information includes an indication that the service link is available, perform a paging operation;

[0138] When the first information includes an indication that the feeder link is unavailable, send an indication of suspending the feeder link between the serving gateway and the mobility management entity to the serving gateway;

[0139] When the first information includes an indication that the feeder link is available, send a first storage indication to the serving gateway, and / or send a first storage time to the serving gateway, and / or send the address of the mobility management entity and / or the tunnel endpoint identifier of the mobility management entity to the serving gateway, and / or receive downlink data sent by the serving gateway;

[0140] When the first information includes the first storage time, and the first storage time includes the next access time of the terminal, after the next access time of the terminal is satisfied, perform a paging operation.

[0141] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the MME on data and signaling when the feeder link and / or the service link are available or unavailable.

[0142] Specifically, the MME can receive the S&F indication sent by the radio access network element, or receive the non-access stratum message sent by the terminal, and the non-access stratum message includes the S&F indication. And / or, the MME can receive an indication that the service link between the terminal and the satellite is available sent by the radio access network element, or judge that the service link between the terminal and the satellite is available according to the satellite cycle and the time of the reachable terminal. For example, the time of the reachable UE is 14:00 - 14:30. If it is between 14:00 - 14:30, then it can be judged that the Service link is available. And / or, the MME can receive an indication that the service link between the terminal and the satellite is unavailable sent by the radio access network element, or judge that the service link between the terminal and the satellite is unavailable according to the satellite cycle and the time of the reachable terminal. For example, the time of the reachable UE is 14:00 - 14:30. If it is not between 14:00 - 14:30, then it can be judged that the Service link is unavailable. And / or, the MME can judge that the feeder link between the serving gateway and the mobility management entity is unavailable based on the connection time between the mobility management entity and the serving gateway. For example, the time that can maintain the connection is 14:00 - 14:30. If it is currently 14:29, then the MME can judge that the feeder link is about to be unavailable. And / or, the MME can detect the normal sending and receiving of heartbeat packets between the mobility management entity and the serving gateway, and judge that the feeder link between the serving gateway and the mobility management entity is available.

[0143] In a specific example, the first device is a base station. When the first information includes the S&F indication or the service link is unavailable, the state of the UE is maintained unchanged. For example, if the UE is currently in a connected state, when the service link is unavailable, the UE is still considered to be in a connected state, and the context information of the UE is not released either.

[0144] In some embodiments, when the first information includes the unavailability of the service link, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0145] Maintain the state of the UE unchanged. For example, if the UE is currently in a connected state, when the service link is unavailable, the UE is still considered to be in a connected state;

[0146] Store downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0147] Delay the transmission or suspend the downlink signaling.

[0148] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the first device on downlink data and downlink signaling when the service link is unavailable.

[0149] In some embodiments, when the first information includes the availability of the service link, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0150] Transmit the stored downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0151] Transmit the downlink signaling that has been delayed in transmission or the suspended downlink signaling.

[0152] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the first device on downlink data and downlink signaling when the service link is available.

[0153] In some embodiments, when the first information includes the unavailability of the feeder link, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0154] Store uplink data, downlink data, uplink signaling or downlink signaling;

[0155] Delay the transmission or suspend the uplink signaling or downlink signaling.

[0156] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the first device on uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data and downlink signaling when the feeder link is unavailable.

[0157] In some embodiments, when the first information includes the availability of the feeder link, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0158] Transmit the stored uplink data, downlink data, uplink signaling or downlink signaling;

[0159] Transmit the uplink signaling or downlink signaling with transmission delay, or transmit the uplink signaling or downlink signaling in a pending state.

[0160] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the first device on uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, and downlink signaling when the feeder link is available.

[0161] In some embodiments, when the first information includes an S&F indication or a first storage indication, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0162] When the service link is unavailable, store the downlink data or downlink signaling, or delay the transmission or suspend the downlink signaling;

[0163] When the service link is available, transmit the downlink data or downlink signaling, or transmit the downlink signaling with transmission delay, or transmit the downlink signaling in a pending state;

[0164] When the feeder link is unavailable, store the uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling, delay the transmission of the uplink signaling or downlink signaling, or suspend the uplink signaling or downlink signaling;

[0165] When the feeder link is available, transmit the stored data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling, or transmit the downlink signaling with transmission delay, or transmit the downlink signaling in a pending state.

[0166] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the first device on uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, and downlink signaling when the service link and / or the feeder link is available or unavailable.

[0167] In some embodiments, when the first information includes an S&F indication, a first storage indication, or a first storage time, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0168] When the service link is unavailable, store the downlink data or downlink signaling, and transmit the downlink data or downlink signaling after the first storage time is satisfied;

[0169] When the feeder link is unavailable, store the uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling, and transmit the data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling after the first storage time is satisfied.

[0170] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the first device on uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, and downlink signaling when the service link and / or the feeder link is unavailable.

[0171] In some embodiments, when the first information includes the time window of the satellite service terminal, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0172] Within the time window of the satellite service terminal, send downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0173] Outside the time window of the satellite service terminal, store downlink data or downlink signaling.

[0174] This embodiment can clarify the operations of downlink data and downlink signaling when the first device is within or outside the time window of the satellite service terminal.

[0175] In some embodiments, when the first information includes the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0176] Within the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station, send uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0177] Outside the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station, store uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data or downlink signaling.

[0178] This embodiment can clarify the operations of uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data and downlink signaling when the first device is within or outside the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station.

[0179] In some embodiments, when the first information includes the first connection suspension indication, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0180] Stop sending downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0181] Store downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0182] Stop sending uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0183] Store uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0184] Retain the context of the S11-U interface without releasing it. The S11-U context includes at least one of the following: the address of the Mobility Management Entity (MME address), the Tunnel Endpoint Identifier of the Mobility Management Entity (MME TEID DL), the address of the Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN GW address), the address of the Packet Data Network (PDN Address), the Tunnel Endpoint Identifier of the Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN GW TEID), the type of the Packet Data Network (PDN Type), the address of the Serving Gateway (Serving GW address), and the Tunnel Endpoint Identifier of the Serving Gateway (Serving GW TEID).

[0185] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the first device on uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, and downlink signaling.

[0186] In some embodiments, when the first information includes a first connection recovery indication, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0187] Transmit stored downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0188] Transmit stored uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0189] Activate the context of the S11-U interface.

[0190] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the first device on uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, and downlink signaling.

[0191] In some embodiments, when the first information includes a first transmission indication, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0192] Transmit stored downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0193] Transmit stored uplink data or uplink signaling.

[0194] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the first device on uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, and downlink signaling.

[0195] In some embodiments, the obtaining of the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0196] Determine the first information according to local configuration or policy information, where the first information includes at least one of the following: the time window of the satellite and ground station connection, the feeder link is available, and the feeder link is unavailable;

[0197] Receive the first information from the first network element.

[0198] In some embodiments, the receiving of the first information by the first network element includes at least one of the following:

[0199] Receiving downlink data or downlink signaling and sending a downlink data notification message to the first network element (MME);

[0200] Receiving the first information sent by the first network element, where the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0201] The first storage indication;

[0202] The first storage time.

[0203] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0204] The first device stores the downlink data or downlink signaling according to the first information.

[0205] This embodiment can clarify the storage operation of the first device for downlink data and downlink signaling.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first information includes the first transmission indication, and the method further includes:

[0207] Sending downlink data or downlink signaling to the first network element according to the first transmission indication.

[0208] This embodiment can clarify the transmission operation of the first device for downlink data and downlink signaling.

[0209] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0210] According to the S&F indication included in the first information, retaining the context of the S11-U interface without releasing the context of the S11-U interface, where the S11-U context includes at least one of the following: the address of the mobility management entity (MME address), the tunnel endpoint identifier of the mobility management entity (MME TEID DL), the address of the packet data network gateway (PDN GW address), the address of the packet data network (PDN Address), the tunnel endpoint identifier of the packet data network gateway (PDN GW TEID), the type of the packet data network (PDN Type), the address of the serving gateway (Serving GW address), the tunnel endpoint identifier of the serving gateway (Serving GW TEID).

[0211] Please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 which is a flowchart of a storage and forwarding communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application, and this method is executed by the first network element. As Figure 9 shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0212] Step 201: A first network element sends first information to a first device, enabling the first device to process data or signaling according to the first information, where the processing includes storage or forwarding.

[0213] Among them, the first network element may include an MME.

[0214] In an embodiment of the present application, the first network element sends first information to the first device, and the first device stores data or signaling according to the first information, or sends data or signaling according to the first information. In this way, when it is not possible to ensure the availability of both the service link and the feeder link at the same time, a technical solution for storing and forwarding data or signaling is provided.

[0215] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0216] Storage and Forwarding S&F indication, including Storage and Forwarding S&F access mode and / or Storage and Forwarding S&F communication mode;

[0217] First storage indication, where the first storage indication is determined according to the S&F access mode or the S&F communication mode;

[0218] First storage time, where the first storage time is determined according to the satellite operation cycle, the next access time of the terminal, the recovery time of the next service link, or the recovery time of the next feeder link;

[0219] First transmission indication;

[0220] Service link available;

[0221] Service link unavailable;

[0222] Feeder link available;

[0223] Feeder link unavailable;

[0224] Time window of the satellite service terminal or time window of terminal access;

[0225] Time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station;

[0226] First connection suspension indication, where the first connection suspension indication is determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station;

[0227] First connection recovery indication, where the first connection recovery indication is determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station.

[0228] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0229] Receive a downlink data notification message sent by the first device.

[0230] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0231] Receive downlink data or downlink signaling sent by the first device.

[0232] Please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 which is a flowchart of a store-and-forward communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. This method is executed by a terminal. As Figure 10 shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0233] Step 301: The terminal obtains second information;

[0234] Step 302: Process data or signaling according to the second information, where the processing includes storing or sending;

[0235] Wherein, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0236] The service link is available;

[0237] The service link is unavailable;

[0238] A signaling or data suspension indication;

[0239] A signaling or data recovery indication;

[0240] The first access time or time window or cell identifier.

[0241] In the embodiment of the present application, the terminal obtains second information and stores data or signaling according to the second information, or sends data or signaling according to the second information. Thus, in the case where it is not possible to ensure the availability of both the service link and the feeder link simultaneously, a technical solution for storing and forwarding data or signaling is provided.

[0242] In some embodiments, when the second information includes that the service link is available or includes a signaling or data recovery indication, the processing of data or signaling according to the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0243] Send uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0244] Send suspended uplink data or uplink signaling.

[0245] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the terminal on data and signaling when the service link is available and / or a signaling or data recovery indication is received.

[0246] In some embodiments, when the second information indicates that the service link is unavailable or includes a signaling or data suspension indication, processing data or signaling according to the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0247] Suspending uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0248] Delaying the transmission of uplink data or uplink signaling.

[0249] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the terminal on data and signaling when the service link is unavailable and / or a signaling or data suspension indication is received.

[0250] In some embodiments, when the second information includes a first access time or time window or cell identifier, when entering the first access time or within the time window or matching the cell identifier, perform at least one of the following:

[0251] Transmitting uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0252] Transmitting suspended uplink data or uplink signaling.

[0253] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the terminal on data and signaling when the second information includes a first access time or time window or cell identifier.

[0254] In some embodiments, obtaining the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0255] Determining whether the service link is available or unavailable according to configuration information;

[0256] Receiving a signaling or data suspension indication from a first device;

[0257] Receiving a signaling or data recovery indication from a first device.

[0258] The technical solution of the present invention will be further introduced below in combination with specific scenarios.

[0259] Embodiment 1

[0260] As Figure 11 shown, in this embodiment, the base station (eNB, as a RAN network element), MME, SGW, and PGW are located on the satellite. Through the downlink data transmission of Control Plane CIoT EPS Optimisation, the MME indicates in the Downlink data notification ACK that the SGW delays the transmission of downlink data, and the SGW stores the downlink data, that is, the first information is included in the Downlink data notification ACK. This embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0261] Step 0: The service link is unavailable;

[0262] Step 1: The PGW sends downlink data to the SGW;

[0263] Step 2a: The SGW sends a Downlink data notification to the MME;

[0264] Step 2b: Since the service link is unavailable, the MME cannot forward the data to the UE. Then the MME instructs the SGW to perform downlink data buffering and / or storage. The MME sends a downlink data notification confirmation to the SGW, which carries a Downlink Buffering Requested indication and a first downlink buffering duration (i.e., the above-mentioned first storage time). The value of the first Downlink Buffering Duration time can be determined according to the satellite operation cycle or the reachable UE time (the value of the reachable UE time can be the satellite operation cycle or the time when the satellite next reaches the UE coverage area. For example, if the current time is 13:00 and the time when the satellite next reaches the UE coverage area is 14:00, that is, the next access time of the terminal). The MME stores a first downlink data buffer expiration time in the UE context. The value of the first Downlink Data Buffer Expiration Time is determined based on the first Downlink Buffering Duration time. The first Downlink Data Buffer Expiration Time is used when the UE is in the S&F communication mode, indicating that there is data stored in the SGW and may also indicate that when the UE has signaling interaction with the network, a user plane bearer is established. If the indication includes the need to establish a user plane bearer, then the subsequent steps 3-15 are skipped. Among them, the satellite operation cycle or the reachable UE time is determined by the local configuration of the MME or sent by the RAN to the MME.

[0265] The SGW receives the Downlink Buffering Requested indication and the first Downlink Buffering Duration time sent by the MME. The SGW sets the value of the Downlink Data Buffer Expiration Time based on the value of the first Downlink Buffering Duration time (such as setting them to the same value), and before the Downlink Data Buffer Expiration Time arrives, even if it receives downlink data packets of information, it will not send any additional Downlink Data Notification to the MME.

[0266] Step 2c: Since the MME cannot perform paging for the TA area of the UE at this time, the MME performs paging suspension, or delayed paging.

[0267] Step 3: When the MME moves to the TA coverage of the UE, the MME sends paging to the RAN.

[0268] Step 4: The RAN sends paging to the UE.

[0269] Step 5: After receiving the paging from the network, the UE initiates RRC connection establishment.

[0270] Step 6: The RAN sends an S1-AP initial UE message to the MME.

[0271] Step 7: If the S11-U has not been established yet, the MME sends a Modify Bearer Request message to the SGW, carrying the address of the MME and the TEID DL. At this time, the SGW can send downlink data to the UE.

[0272] Step 8: If the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type changes, or the UE's location changes, the SGW sends a Modify Bearer Request message (RAT Type) to the P-GW, which carries the RAT type.

[0273] Step 9: The PGW sends a Modify Bearer Response to the SGW.

[0274] Step 10: The SGW sends a Modify Bearer Response to the MME, which carries the address of the SGW and the TEID UL.

[0275] Step 11: The SGW sends the buffered downlink data to the MME.

[0276] Steps 12 - 13: The MME encrypts and integrity - protects the downlink data and sends the NAS protocol data unit (PDU) carried in the S1 - AP message to the RAN.

[0277] Step 14: The RAN sends the UE's NAS PDU to the UE through the RRC message.

[0278] Step 15: The RAN sends a NAS Delivery indication to the MME to indicate whether the data forwarding is successful.

[0279] Embodiment 2

[0280] In this embodiment, as Figure 12 shown, the eNB, MME, SGW, and PGW are located on the satellite. Through the downlink data transmission of Control Plane CIoT EPS Optimisation, the SGW sends a Downlink data notification to the MME based on the reachable UE time delay, and the SGW stores the data. This embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0281] Step 1a: The MME determines that the UE executes the S&F communication mode of NTN. The MME sends a downlink data storage request indication (i.e., the above - mentioned first storage indication) and / or a first downlink data storage duration (i.e., the above - mentioned first storage time) to the SGW. The downlink data storage request indication is used to indicate that the UE stores the downlink data, and the first downlink data storage duration indicates the time for which the UE needs to store the data. The first downlink data storage duration is determined according to the satellite operation cycle or the reachable UE time. The value of the reachable UE time can be the satellite operation cycle or the time when the satellite next reaches the coverage range of the UE. For example, if the current time is 13:00 and the time when the satellite next reaches the coverage range of the UE is 14:00, that is, the next access time of the terminal.

[0282] Step 1b: The PGW sends the downlink data to the SGW.

[0283] Step 1c: The SGW starts the storage timer for the S&F communication mode, and the value of the timer is determined by the first downlink data storage duration.

[0284] Step 1d: When the storage timer for the S&F communication mode expires, the SGW sends a Downlink data Notification to the MME and proceeds to Step 2; before the storage timer for the S&F communication mode expires, the SGW stores the UE's downlink data.

[0285] Step 2a: The SGW sends a Downlink data notification to the MME.

[0286] Step 2b: The MME sends a Downlink data notification ACK to the SGW.

[0287] Step 2c: Since the MME cannot perform paging for the UE's TA area at this time, the MME performs paging suspension or delayed paging.

[0288] Step 3: When the MME moves to cover the UE's TA, the MME sends paging to the RAN.

[0289] Step 4: The RAN sends paging to the UE.

[0290] Step 5: After receiving the network paging, the UE initiates RRC connection establishment.

[0291] Step 6: The RAN sends an S1-AP initial UE message to the MME.

[0292] Step 7: If the S11-U has not been established yet, the MME sends a Modify Bearer Request message to the SGW, carrying the MME's address and TEID DL. At this time, the SGW can send downlink data to the UE.

[0293] Step 8: If the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type changes, or the UE's location changes, the SGW sends a Modify Bearer Request message (RAT Type) to the P-GW, carrying the RAT type.

[0294] Step 9: The PGW sends a Modify Bearer Response to the SGW.

[0295] Step 10: The SGW sends a Modify Bearer Response to the MME, carrying the SGW's address and TEID UL.

[0296] Step 11: The SGW sends the buffered downlink data to the MME.

[0297] Step 12 - 13: The MME encrypts and integrity - protects the downlink data, and carries the NAS protocol data unit (PDU) in the S1 - AP message and sends it to the RAN.

[0298] Step 14: The RAN sends the UE's NAS PDU to the UE through the RRC message.

[0299] Step 15: The RAN sends a NAS Delivery indication to the MME to indicate whether the data forwarding is successful.

[0300] Embodiment 3

[0301] In this embodiment, as Figure 13 shown, the eNB and the MME are located on the satellite, the SGW and the PGW are on the ground. Through the downlink data transmission of ControlPlane CIoT EPS Optimisation, when the SGW determines that the feeder link is unavailable, it stores the data, suspends the Downlink data notification, and sends the Downlink data notification when the feeder link is available. The SGW and the MME store the data. This embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0302] Step 1a: The SGW receives the downlink data sent by the PGW.

[0303] Step 1b: When the feeder link is unavailable, that is, the link between the MME and the SGW is still disconnected, the SGW delays sending the Downlink data Notification to the MME or suspends sending the Downlink data Notification to the MME, and the SGW stores the downlink data.

[0304] Step 2a: After the feeder link becomes available, the SGW sends the Downlink data Notification to the MME.

[0305] Step 2b: The MME sends the MME address and the MME TEID DL to the SGW, and the MME address and the MME TEID DL are carried in the Downlink data Notification ACK.

[0306] Step 2c: If the Downlink data Notification ACK carries the MME address and the MME TEIDDL, the SGW sends the downlink data to the MME according to the MME address and the MME TEID DL, and the MME stores the downlink data.

[0307] Step 2d: Since the MME of the TA area of the UE cannot perform paging at this time, the MME performs paging suspension, or delayed paging.

[0308] It should be noted that if Embodiment 5 is executed, Steps 2a and 2b are not executed.

[0309] Step 3: When the MME moves to the TA coverage of the UE, the MME sends paging to the RAN.

[0310] Step 4: The RAN sends paging to the UE.

[0311] Step 5: After receiving the paging from the network, the UE initiates the establishment of an RRC connection.

[0312] Step 6: The RAN sends an S1-AP initial UE message to the MME.

[0313] Step 7: After receiving the UE's NAS service request message, the MME immediately sends the downlink data stored in Step 2c to the UE.

[0314] Embodiment 4

[0315] In this embodiment, as Figure 14 shown, the eNB and the MME are located on the satellite, the SGW and the PGW are on the ground. Through the downlink data transmission of ControlPlane CIoT EPS Optimisation, after receiving the connection suspension indication of the MME, the SGW performs the storage of data and the suspension of Downlink data notification. When the SGW receives the connection resume indication of the MME, it sends the Downlink data notification to the MME. The SGW and the MME store the data. This embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0316] Step 1a: The MME may send a connection suspension request to the SGW before the feeder link becomes unavailable. The connection suspension request is used to indicate to the SGW that the feeder link is unavailable, to indicate the execution of data storage, and to instruct the SGW to save the UE's session context. The connection suspension request may also carry a cause value to indicate that the suspension is due to the unavailability of the feeder link. This connection suspension request can avoid the problem that the SGW continues to send downlink data when the feeder link is unavailable and the MME cannot receive it.

[0317] Step 1b: The SGW sends a connection suspension response message to the MME.

[0318] Step 1c: The SGW receives downlink data from the PGW.

[0319] Step 1d: Based on the connection suspension indication, the SGW performs the storage of downlink data.

[0320] Step 1e: After the feeder link becomes available, the MME sends a connection resume request to the SGW to indicate the restoration of the connection between the MME and the SGW.

[0321] Step 1f: The SGW sends a connection reply response message to the MME.

[0322] Step 2a: After the feeder link becomes available, the SGW sends a Downlink data Notification to the MME.

[0323] Step 2b: The MME sends the MME address and the MME TEID DL to the SGW, and the MME address and the MME TEID DL are carried in the Downlink data Notification ACK.

[0324] Step 2c: If the Downlink data Notification ACK carries the MME address and the MME TEID DL, the SGW sends downlink data to the MME according to the MME address and the MME TEID DL, and the MME stores the downlink data.

[0325] Step 2d: Since the MME cannot perform paging for the TA area of the UE at this time, the MME performs paging suspension or delayed paging.

[0326] It should be noted that if Embodiment 5 is executed, Steps 2a and 2b are not executed.

[0327] Step 3: When the MME moves to the TA coverage of the UE, the MME sends paging to the RAN.

[0328] Step 4: The RAN sends paging to the UE.

[0329] Step 5: After receiving the paging from the network, the UE initiates the establishment of an RRC connection.

[0330] Step 6: The RAN sends an S1-AP initial UE message to the MME.

[0331] Step 7: After receiving the UE's NAS service request message, the MME immediately sends the downlink data stored in step 2c to the UE.

[0332] Embodiment Five

[0333] In this embodiment, the eNB, MME, SGW, and PGW are located on the satellite. As Figure 15 shown, the MME, SGW, and PGW retain the S11-U without release according to the S&F communication mode. This embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0334] Step 1: The MME sends an indication for the UE to perform store-and-forward communication in satellite communication (i.e., the above-mentioned store-and-forward S&F indication) to the SGW. The MME can determine that the UE is to perform store-and-forward communication in satellite communication based on the UE's access type or the indication from the RAN. The indication can be carried in messages such as session establishment requests and modifications.

[0335] The SGW sends an indication for the UE to perform store-and-forward communication in satellite communication to the PGW. The indication can be carried in messages such as session establishment requests and modifications.

[0336] Step 2: According to the fact that the UE is to perform store-and-forward communication in satellite communication, the MME, SGW, and PGW always retain the S11-U connection, including not releasing the relevant context. The relevant context includes the MME address, MME TEID DL, PDN GW address, PDN Address, PDN GW TEID, PDN Type, PDN Address, Serving GW address, and Serving GW TEID, etc.

[0337] Embodiment Six

[0338] In this embodiment, as Figure 16 shown, the base station is located on the satellite, the MME, SGW, and PGW are on the ground, and the downlink data is stored at the base station. This embodiment includes the following steps:

[0339] Step 0: The service link is unavailable;

[0340] Step 1: The PGW sends downlink data to the SGW;

[0341] Step 2a: The SGW sends a Downlink data notification to the MME;

[0342] Step 2b: Since the service link is unavailable, the MME cannot forward the data to the UE. Then the MME instructs the SGW to perform downlink data buffering and / or storage. The MME sends a Downlink data notification acknowledgement to the SGW, carrying a Downlink Buffering Requested indication. After receiving the indication from the MME, the SGW stores the downlink data or signaling.

[0343] Step 2c: Since the MME cannot perform paging in the TA area of the UE at this time, the MME performs paging suspension, or delayed paging.

[0344] Step 3: When the MME moves to the TA coverage of the UE, the MME sends paging to the RAN.

[0345] Step 4: The RAN sends paging to the UE.

[0346] Step 5: After receiving the paging from the network, the UE initiates RRC connection establishment.

[0347] Step 5b: The RAN and the MME retrieve the terminal context.

[0348] Step 6: The RAN sends an S1-AP initial UE message to the MME.

[0349] Step 7: If the S11-U is not established yet, the MME sends a Modify Bearer Request message to the SGW, carrying the MME's address and TEID DL. At this time, the SGW can send downlink data to the UE (including the suspended or stored data or signaling).

[0350] Step 8: If the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type changes, or the UE's location changes, the SGW sends a Modify Bearer Request message (RAT Type) to the P-GW, carrying the RAT type.

[0351] Step 9: The PGW sends a Modify Bearer Response to the SGW.

[0352] Step 10: The SGW sends a Modify Bearer Response to the MME, carrying the address of the SGW and the TEID UL.

[0353] Step 11: The SGW sends the buffered downlink data to the MME.

[0354] Steps 12 - 13: The MME encrypts and integrity - protects the downlink data and sends the NAS Protocol Data Unit (PDU) in the S1 - AP message to the RAN.

[0355] Step 13.1: If the serving link is unavailable at this time, the RAN stores the downlink data and downlink signaling.

[0356] Step 14: The UE sends an RRC downlink message.

[0357] Step 15: The RAN sends a NAS Delivery indication to the MME, indicating whether the data forwarding is successful.

[0358] Embodiment Seven

[0359] In this embodiment, as Figure 17 shown, the base station, MME, SGW, and PGW are located on the satellite, and the SGW stores the uplink data. This embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0360] Step 1a: The terminal sends an RRC Connection establishment or an RRC early data request, carrying a NAS DATA PDU with EBI (EPS Bearer identifier);

[0361] Step 1b: The RAN and the MME retrieve the terminal context.

[0362] Step 2: The RAN sends an S1 - AP initial terminal message to the MME, carrying a NAS DATA PDU with EBI.

[0363] Step 3: The MME checks the integrity and decrypts the data;

[0364] Step 4: The MME sends a Modify Bearer Request message to the SGW, carrying first information for instructing the SGW or PGW to store uplink data or signaling.

[0365] Step 5: The SGW sends a Modify Bearer Request message to the P-GW, carrying the first information for instructing the SGW or PGW to store uplink data or signaling.

[0366] Step 6: The PGW sends a Modify Bearer Response to the SGW.

[0367] Step 7: The SGW sends a Modify Bearer Response to the MME.

[0368] Step 8: The MME sends uplink data to the SGW. The SGW stores the uplink data according to the availability of the feeder link, or determines to store the uplink data or information according to the first information in Step 4. If the PGW stores the data, the SGW sends the uplink data to the PGW. The PGW stores the uplink data according to the availability of the feeder link, or determines to store the uplink data or information according to the first information in Step 5.

[0369] Step 9: After the feeder link is available, the PGW sends the uplink data.

[0370] Embodiment VIII

[0371] In this embodiment, as Figure 18 shown, the base station and the MME are located on the satellite, the SGW and the PGW are on the ground, and the MME stores the uplink data. This embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0372] Step 1a: The terminal sends an RRC Connection establishment or an RRC early data request, carrying a NAS DATA PDU with an EBI (EPS Bearer identifier);

[0373] Step 1b: The RAN and the MME retrieve the terminal context.

[0374] Step 2: The RAN sends an S1-AP initial UE message to the MME, carrying a NAS DATA PDU with an EBI and first information for instructing the MME to perform data storage.

[0375] Step 3: The MME checks the integrity and decrypts the data;

[0376] When the feeder link is unavailable, the MME stores the uplink data.

[0377] When the feeder link is available:

[0378] Step 4: The MME sends a Modify Bearer Request message to the SGW.

[0379] Step 5: The SGW sends the Modify Bearer Request message to the P-GW.

[0380] Step 6: The PGW sends a Modify Bearer Response to the SGW.

[0381] Step 7: The SGW sends the Modify Bearer Response to the MME.

[0382] Step 8: The MME sends the uplink data to the SGW (including the stored data), and the SGW sends the uplink data to the PGW.

[0383] Step 9: The PGW sends the uplink data.

[0384] Embodiment Nine

[0385] In this embodiment, as Figure 19 shown, the base station is located on the satellite, the MME, SGW, and PGW are on the ground, and the base station stores the uplink data. This embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0386] Step 1a: The terminal sends an RRC Connection establishment or an RRC early data request, which carries a NAS DATA PDU with an EBI (EPS Bearer identifier);

[0387] Step a: The RAN obtains the first information and the RAN stores the uplink data.

[0388] Step 1b: After the feeder link becomes available, the MME retrieves the terminal context.

[0389] Step 2: The RAN sends an S1-AP initial UE message to the MME, which carries a NAS DATA PDU with an EBI.

[0390] Step 3: The MME checks the integrity and decrypts the data;

[0391] Step 4: The MME sends a Modify Bearer Request message to the SGW.

[0392] Step 5: The SGW sends the Modify Bearer Request message to the P-GW.

[0393] Step 6: The P-GW sends a Modify Bearer Response to the SGW.

[0394] Step 7: The SGW sends the Modify Bearer Response to the MME.

[0395] Step 8: The MME sends uplink data to the SGW, and the SGW sends the uplink data to the P-GW.

[0396] Step 9: The P-GW sends the uplink data.

[0397] Embodiment Ten

[0398] As Figure 20 shown, this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0399] When the feeder link is unavailable:

[0400] Step 1: The first device (such as a base station, MME, SGW, P-GW, or PCRF) sends a signaling or data suspension indication to the terminal, indicating that the NAS or AS layer process of the terminal is suspended and cannot be processed in a timely manner. The reason can be that the feeder link is unavailable.

[0401] Step 2: The terminal sends a signaling or data suspension response to the first device. The UE saves all the contexts associated with the network, such as the UE's ID, security encryption parameters, UE policy parameters, PDU session-related parameters, etc. The UE maintains its own state unchanged. For example, if it is currently in a connected state, it still considers or remains in a connected state when the service link is unavailable.

[0402] After that, the UE suspends or delays sending data or signaling to the network side. After the feeder link becomes available, the first device executes the suspended processes, such as sessions, attachments, etc.

[0403] Step 3: After the link becomes available, the first device sends a signaling or data recovery indication to the terminal, notifying the UE to resume, that is, to cancel the suspended procedure.

[0404] Step 4: The terminal sends a signaling or data recovery response to the first device. After that, the UE can send uplink data or signaling, or send the suspended data or signaling.

[0405] Embodiment Eleven

[0406] As Figure 21 shown, this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0407] When the feeder link is unavailable:

[0408] Step 1: The first device (such as a base station, MME, SGW, PGW, or PCRF) sends a signaling or data suspension indication to the terminal to indicate that the NAS or AS layer process of the terminal is suspended and cannot be processed in a timely manner. The reason can be that the feeder link is unavailable, and it also includes the time of the terminal's next access, or a time window or cell identifier.

[0409] Step 2: The terminal sends a signaling or data suspension response to the first device. The UE saves all the contexts associated with the network, such as the UE's ID, security encryption parameters, UE policy parameters, PDU session-related parameters, etc. The UE keeps its own state unchanged. For example, if it is currently in a connected state, it still considers or remains in a connected state when the service link is unavailable.

[0410] After that, the UE suspends or delays sending data or signaling to the network side. After the feeder link becomes available, the first device executes the suspended processes, such as sessions, attachments, etc.

[0411] Step 3: The terminal starts a next access timer, and its value is determined according to the time of the next access or a time window. When the timer expires or times out, the terminal considers that it can access the network and sends uplink data or signaling, or, sends the suspended data or signaling. In one implementation, when the UE enters the time or time window of the next access, it considers that it can access the network and sends uplink data or signaling, or, sends the suspended data or signaling. In one implementation, when it enters the configured cell, it considers that it can access the network and sends uplink data or signaling, or, sends the suspended data or signaling.

[0412] For the storage and forwarding communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the execution subject can be a storage and forwarding communication device. In the embodiments of the present application, taking the storage and forwarding communication device executing the storage and forwarding communication method as an example, the storage and forwarding communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application is described.

[0413] Please refer to Figure 22 , Figure 22 which is a schematic structural diagram of a storage and forwarding communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application. This device is applied to the first device 3, such as Figure 22 shown, the first device 3 includes:

[0414] An obtaining module 31, configured to obtain first information;

[0415] A processing module 32, configured to process data or signaling according to the first information, and the processing includes storage or forwarding.

[0416] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0417] A store-and-forward S&F indication, including a store-and-forward S&F access mode and / or a store-and-forward S&F communication mode;

[0418] A first storage indication determined according to the S&F access mode or the S&F communication mode;

[0419] A first storage time determined according to the satellite operation cycle, the next access time of the terminal, the recovery time of the next service link, or the recovery time of the next feeder link;

[0420] A first transmission indication;

[0421] The service link is available;

[0422] The service link is unavailable;

[0423] The feeder link is available;

[0424] The feeder link is unavailable;

[0425] A time window of the satellite service terminal or a time window of the terminal access;

[0426] A time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station;

[0427] A first connection suspension indication determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, a time window of the satellite service terminal, or a time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station;

[0428] A first connection recovery indication determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, a time window of the satellite service terminal, or a time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station.

[0429] In some embodiments, when the first information includes that the service link is unavailable, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0430] Store the downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0431] Delay the transmission or suspend the downlink signaling.

[0432] In some embodiments, when the first information includes that the service link is available, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0433] Transmit the stored downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0434] Transmit the downlink signaling with delayed transmission or the suspended downlink signaling.

[0435] In some embodiments, when the first information indicates that the feeder link is unavailable, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0436] Store uplink data, downlink data, uplink signaling, or downlink signaling;

[0437] Delay sending or suspend uplink signaling or downlink signaling.

[0438] In some embodiments, when the first information indicates that the feeder link is available, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0439] Send stored uplink data, downlink data, uplink signaling, or downlink signaling;

[0440] Send the delayed uplink signaling or downlink signaling, or send the suspended uplink signaling or downlink signaling.

[0441] In some embodiments, when the first information includes the S&F indication or the first storage indication, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0442] When the service link is unavailable, store downlink data or downlink signaling, or delay sending or suspend downlink signaling;

[0443] When the service link is available, send downlink data or downlink signaling, or send the delayed downlink signaling, or send the suspended downlink signaling;

[0444] When the feeder link is unavailable, store uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling, delay sending uplink signaling or downlink signaling, or suspend uplink signaling or downlink signaling;

[0445] When the feeder link is available, send the stored data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling, or send the delayed downlink signaling, or send the suspended downlink signaling.

[0446] In some embodiments, when the first information includes the S&F indication, the first storage indication, or the first storage time, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0447] When the service link is unavailable, store downlink data or downlink signaling, and send downlink data or downlink signaling after the first storage time is satisfied;

[0448] When the feeder link is unavailable, store uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling, and send the data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling after the first storage time is satisfied.

[0449] In some embodiments, when the first information includes the time window of the satellite service terminal, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0450] Send downlink data or downlink signaling within the time window of the satellite service terminal;

[0451] Store downlink data or downlink signaling outside the time window of the satellite service terminal.

[0452] In some embodiments, when the first information includes the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0453] Send uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data or downlink signaling within the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station;

[0454] Store uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data or downlink signaling outside the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station.

[0455] In some embodiments, when the first information includes the first connection suspension indication, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0456] Stop sending downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0457] Store downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0458] Stop sending uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0459] Store uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0460] Retain the context of the S11-U interface and do not release the context of the S11-U interface.

[0461] In some embodiments, when the first information includes the first connection recovery indication, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0462] Send the stored downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0463] Send the stored uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0464] Activate the context of the S11-U interface.

[0465] In some embodiments, when the first information includes the first transmission indication, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0466] Send the stored downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0467] Send the stored uplink data or uplink signaling.

[0468] In some embodiments, the obtaining module 31 performs at least one of the following:

[0469] Determine first information according to local configuration or policy information, where the first information includes at least one of the following: time window for satellite and ground station connection, feeder link available, feeder link unavailable;

[0470] Receive the first information from the first network element.

[0471] In some embodiments, the obtaining module 31 performs at least one of the following:

[0472] Receive downlink data or downlink signaling, and send a downlink data notification message to the first network element (MME);

[0473] Receive the first information sent by the first network element, where the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0474] The first storage indication;

[0475] The first storage time.

[0476] In some embodiments, the processing module 32 is further configured to store downlink data or downlink signaling according to the first information.

[0477] In some embodiments, the first information includes the first transmission indication, and the processing module 32 is further configured to send downlink data or downlink signaling to the first network element according to the first transmission indication.

[0478] In some embodiments, the processing module 32 is further configured to retain the context of the S11-U interface and not release the context of the S11-U interface according to the S&F indication included in the first information.

[0479] Please refer to Figure 23 , Figure 23 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a store-and-forward communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. The device is applied to the first network element 4, as Figure 23 shown, the first network element 4 includes:

[0480] A sending module 41, configured to send first information to a first device, so that the first device processes data or signaling according to the first information, and the processing includes storage or forwarding.

[0481] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0482] Store-and-forward S&F indication, including store-and-forward S&F access mode and / or store-and-forward S&F communication mode;

[0483] The first storage indication, where the first storage indication is determined according to the S&F access mode or the S&F communication mode;

[0484] The first storage time, which is determined according to the satellite operation cycle, the next access time of the terminal, the recovery time of the next service link, or the recovery time of the next feeder link;

[0485] The first transmission indication;

[0486] The service link is available;

[0487] The service link is unavailable;

[0488] The feeder link is available;

[0489] The feeder link is unavailable;

[0490] The time window of the satellite service terminal or the time window of terminal access;

[0491] The time window for the satellite to connect to the ground station;

[0492] The first connection suspension indication, which is determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window for the satellite to connect to the ground station;

[0493] The first connection recovery indication, which is determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window for the satellite to connect to the ground station.

[0494] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes:

[0495] A receiving module, configured to receive the downlink data notification message sent by the first device.

[0496] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes:

[0497] A receiving module, configured to receive the downlink data or downlink signaling sent by the first device.

[0498] The storage and forwarding communication device in the embodiments of the present application may 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.

[0499] Please refer to Figure 24 , Figure 24 which is a schematic structural diagram of a storage and forwarding communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. The device is applied to the terminal 5, as Figure 24 shown. The terminal 5 includes:

[0500] An information acquisition module 51, configured to acquire second information;

[0501] A processing module 52, configured to process data or signaling according to the second information, where the processing includes storage or transmission;

[0502] Wherein, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0503] The service link is available;

[0504] The service link is unavailable;

[0505] A signaling or data suspension indication;

[0506] A signaling or data recovery indication;

[0507] The first access time or time window or cell identifier.

[0508] In some embodiments, when the second information includes that the service link is available or includes a signaling or data recovery indication, the processing module 52 performs at least one of the following:

[0509] Transmit uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0510] Transmit suspended uplink data or uplink signaling.

[0511] In some embodiments, when the second information includes that the service link is unavailable or includes a signaling or data suspension indication, the processing module 52 performs at least one of the following:

[0512] Suspend uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0513] Delay the transmission of uplink data or uplink signaling.

[0514] In some embodiments, when the second information includes the first access time or time window or cell identifier, when entering the first access time or within the time window or matching the cell identifier, the processing module 52 performs at least one of the following:

[0515] Transmit uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0516] Transmit suspended uplink data or uplink signaling.

[0517] In some embodiments, the information acquisition module 51 performs at least one of the following:

[0518] Determine whether the service link is available or unavailable according to the configuration information;

[0519] Receive a signaling or data suspension indication from the first device;

[0520] Receive a signaling or data recovery indication from the first device.

[0521] The storage and forwarding communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application can achieveFigures 8 - 21 The various processes implemented by the method embodiments achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, they will not be elaborated here.

[0522] As Figure 25 shown, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device 60, including a processor 61 and a memory 62, and a program or instruction that can run on the processor 61 is stored on the memory 62. When the communication device 60 is a network-side device, when the program or instruction is executed by the processor 61, each step of the above storage and forwarding communication method embodiment is implemented, and the same technical effects can be achieved. To avoid repetition, they will not be elaborated here. When the communication device 60 is a terminal, when the program or instruction is executed by the processor 61, each step of the above storage and forwarding communication method embodiment is implemented, and the same technical effects can be achieved. To avoid repetition, they will not be elaborated here.

[0523] An embodiment of the present application further provides a terminal, including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run a program or instruction to implement the steps in the method embodiment as shown above. This terminal embodiment corresponds to the above terminal-side method embodiment. Each implementation process and implementation manner of the above method embodiment can be applied to this terminal embodiment, and the same technical effects can be achieved.

[0524] Specifically, Figure 26 It is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a terminal for implementing an embodiment of the present application.

[0525] The terminal 700 includes but is not limited to at least some components such as a radio frequency unit 701, a network module 702, an audio output unit 703, an input unit 704, a sensor 705, a display unit 706, a user input unit 707, an interface unit 708, a memory 709, and a processor 710.

[0526] Those skilled in the art can understand that the terminal 700 may further include a power source (such as a battery) for supplying power to each component. The power source can be logically connected to the processor 710 through a power management system, so as to implement functions such as management of charging, discharging, and power consumption management through the power management system. Figure 26 The terminal structure shown in does not constitute a limitation on the terminal. The terminal may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements, which will not be elaborated here.

[0527] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the input unit 704 may include a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) 7041 and a microphone 7042. The graphics processor 7041 processes the image data of static pictures or videos obtained by an image capturing device (such as a camera) in a video capturing mode or an image capturing mode. The display unit 706 may include a display panel 7061, and the display panel 7061 may be configured in the form of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic light emitting diode, etc. The user input unit 707 includes at least one of a touch panel 7071 and other input devices 7072. The touch panel 7071 is also referred to as a touch screen. The touch panel 7071 may include two parts: a touch detection device and a touch controller. The other input devices 7072 may include, but are not limited to, a physical keyboard, function keys (such as volume control keys, power on / off keys, etc.), a trackball, a mouse, and a joystick, which will not be elaborated here.

[0528] In the embodiments of the present application, after receiving downlink data from a network-side device, the radio frequency unit 701 may transmit it to the processor 710 for processing; in addition, the radio frequency unit 701 may send uplink data to the network-side device. Generally, the radio frequency unit 701 includes, but is not limited to, an antenna, an amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a low noise amplifier, a duplexer, etc.

[0529] The memory 709 can be used to store software programs or instructions as well as various data. The memory 709 may mainly include a first storage area for storing programs or instructions and a second storage area for storing data. Among them, the first storage area may store an operating system, application programs or instructions required for at least one function (such as a sound playback function, an image playback function, etc.). In addition, the memory 709 may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), a double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), an enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), a synch link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and a direct rambus random access memory (DRRAM). The memory 709 in the embodiments of the present application includes, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0530] The processor 710 may include one or more processing units; optionally, the processor 710 integrates an application processor and a modem processor. Among them, the application processor mainly processes operations related to the operating system, user interface, and application programs, etc., and the modem processor mainly processes wireless communication signals, such as a baseband processor. It can be understood that the above-mentioned modem processor may not be integrated into the processor 710 either.

[0531] It can be understood that the implementation processes of the various implementation manners mentioned in this embodiment can refer to the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments above and achieve the same or corresponding technical effects. To avoid repetition, they will not be elaborated here.

[0532] The embodiments of the present application further provide a network-side device, including 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 the steps of the method embodiments as shown above. This network-side device embodiment corresponds to the above-mentioned network-side device method embodiments. Each implementation process and implementation manner of the above method embodiments can be applied to this network-side device embodiment, and the same technical effects can be achieved.

[0533] Specifically, the embodiments of the present application further provide a network-side device. As Figure 27 shown, the network-side device 80 includes: an antenna 81, a radio frequency device 82, a baseband device 83, a processor 84, and a memory 85. The antenna 81 is connected to the radio frequency device 82. In the uplink direction, the radio frequency device 82 receives information through the antenna 81 and sends the received information to the baseband device 83 for processing. In the downlink direction, the baseband device 83 processes the information to be sent and sends it to the radio frequency device 82. The radio frequency device 82 processes the received information and then sends it out through the antenna 81.

[0534] The method executed by the network-side device in the above embodiments can be implemented in the baseband device 83, and the baseband device 83 includes a baseband processor.

[0535] The baseband device 83 may include, for example, at least one baseband board, and multiple chips are arranged on the baseband board. As Figure 27 shown, one of the chips is, for example, a baseband processor, which is connected to the memory 85 through a bus interface to call the programs in the memory 85 and execute the operations of the network device shown in the above method embodiments.

[0536] The network-side device may further include a network interface 86, and this interface is, for example, a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI).

[0537] Specifically, the network-side device 80 of the embodiments of the present application further includes: instructions or programs stored on the memory 85 and executable on the processor 84. The processor 84 calls the instructions or programs in the memory 85 to execute Figure X the methods executed by the respective modules shown in XX and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, they are not elaborated herein.

[0538] The embodiments of the present application further provide a network-side device, including 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 the steps of the above method embodiments.

[0539] An embodiment of the present application further provides a terminal, including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor, and the processor being configured to run a program or an instruction to implement the steps of the above method embodiment.

[0540] An embodiment of the present application further provides a readable storage medium, on which a program or an instruction is stored. When the program or the instruction is executed by a processor, it implements each process of the above storage and forwarding communication method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be elaborated here.

[0541] The readable storage medium includes a computer-readable storage medium, such as a computer read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disc, etc. In some examples, the readable storage medium may be a non-transitory readable storage medium.

[0542] Another embodiment of the present application provides a chip, the chip including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor, and the processor being configured to run a program or an instruction to implement each process of the above storage and forwarding communication method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be elaborated here.

[0543] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiment of the present application may also be referred to as a system-on-chip, a system chip, a chip system, or a system-on-chip, etc.

[0544] Another embodiment of the present application provides a computer program / program product, the computer program / program product being stored in a storage medium, and the computer program / program product being executed by at least one processor to implement each process of the above storage and forwarding communication method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be elaborated here.

[0545] An embodiment of the present application further provides a wireless communication system, including: a terminal and a network-side device. The network-side device and the terminal can be used to execute each process of the above storage and forwarding communication method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be elaborated here.

[0546] It should be noted that in this text, the term "including", "comprising" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article or apparatus including a series of elements not only includes those elements but also includes other elements not explicitly listed, or further includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or apparatus. 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 apparatus including such element. In addition, it should be pointed out that the scope of the methods and apparatuses 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 methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may be added, omitted or combined. Additionally, the features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0547] 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 a computer software product plus a necessary general hardware platform, and of course, can also be implemented by hardware. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.) and includes several instructions for causing a terminal or a network-side device to execute the methods described in various embodiments of the present application.

[0548] 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 and not 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 store-and-forward communication method, characterized in that, Including: A first device obtains first information and processes data or signaling according to the first information, where the processing includes storage or forwarding.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first information includes at least one of the following: A store-and-forward S&F indication, including a store-and-forward S&F access mode and / or a store-and-forward S&F communication mode; A first storage indication determined according to the S&F access mode or the S&F communication mode; A first storage time determined according to the satellite operation cycle, the next access time of the terminal, the recovery time of the next service link, or the recovery time of the next feeder link; A first transmission indication; The service link is available; The service link is unavailable; The feeder link is available; The feeder link is unavailable; A time window of the satellite service terminal or a time window of terminal access; A time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station; A first connection suspension indication determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station; A first connection recovery indication determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the case where the first information includes that the service link is unavailable, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: Maintaining the state of the UE unchanged; Storing downlink data or downlink signaling; Delaying the transmission or suspending the downlink signaling.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that In the case where the first information includes that the service link is available, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: Transmitting the stored downlink data or downlink signaling; Transmitting the delayed downlink signaling or the suspended downlink signaling.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that In the case where the first information includes that the feeder link is unavailable, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: Storing uplink data, downlink data, uplink signaling, or downlink signaling; Delaying the transmission or suspending the uplink signaling or downlink signaling.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the case where the first information includes that the feeder link is available, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: Transmitting the stored uplink data, downlink data, uplink signaling, or downlink signaling; Transmitting the delayed uplink signaling or downlink signaling, or transmitting the suspended uplink signaling or downlink signaling.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that In the case where the first information includes the S&F indication or the first storage indication, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: When the service link is unavailable, storing downlink data or downlink signaling, or delaying the transmission or suspending the downlink signaling; When the service link is available, transmitting downlink data or downlink signaling, or transmitting the delayed downlink signaling, or transmitting the suspended downlink signaling; When the feeder link is unavailable, storing uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling, delaying the transmission of uplink signaling or downlink signaling, or suspending the uplink signaling or downlink signaling; When the feeder link is available, transmitting the stored data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling, or transmitting the delayed downlink signaling, or transmitting the suspended downlink signaling.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that When the first information includes an S&F indication, a first storage indication, or a first storage time, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: When the service link is unavailable, store downlink data or downlink signaling, and send the downlink data or downlink signaling after the first storage time is met; When the feeder link is unavailable, store uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling, and send the data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling after the first storage time is met.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the first information includes a time window of the satellite service terminal, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: Send downlink data or downlink signaling within the time window of the satellite service terminal; Store downlink data or downlink signaling outside the time window of the satellite service terminal.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the first information includes a time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: Send uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling within the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station; Store uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling outside the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station.

11. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the first information includes a first connection suspension indication, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: Stop sending downlink data or downlink signaling; Store downlink data or downlink signaling; Stop sending uplink data or uplink signaling; Store uplink data or uplink signaling; Retain the context of the S11-U interface and do not release the context of the S11-U interface.

12. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the first information includes a first connection resume indication, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: Send the stored downlink data or downlink signaling; Send the stored uplink data or uplink signaling; Activate the context of the S11-U interface.

13. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When the first information includes a first transmission indication, the method further includes at least one of the following: Send the stored downlink data or downlink signaling; Send the stored uplink data or uplink signaling.

14. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The obtaining of the first information includes at least one of the following: Determine the first information according to local configuration or policy information, where the first information includes at least one of the following: the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station, the feeder link is available, the feeder link is unavailable; Receive the first information from the first network element.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The receiving of the first information from the first network element includes at least one of the following: Receive downlink data or downlink signaling and send a downlink data notification message to the first network element; Receive the first information sent by the first network element, where the first information includes at least one of the following: A first storage indication, which is determined according to the S&F access mode or S&F communication mode; A first storage time, which is determined according to the satellite operation cycle, the next access time of the terminal, the recovery time of the next service link, or the recovery time of the next feeder link.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The method further includes: The first device stores downlink data or downlink signaling according to the first information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 2-15, characterized in that, The first information includes the first transmission indication, and the method further includes: Sending downlink data or downlink signaling to a first network element according to the first transmission indication.

18. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Retaining the context of the S11-U interface and not releasing the context of the S11-U interface according to the S&F indication included in the first information.

19. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes sending at least one of the following information to the terminal: A signaling or data suspension indication; A signaling or data recovery indication; A first access time or time window or cell identifier.

20. A store-and-forward communication method, characterized in that, Including: The first network element sends the first information to the first device, enabling the first device to process data or signaling according to the first information, and the processing includes storage or forwarding.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein The first information includes at least one of the following: A store-and-forward S&F indication, including a store-and-forward S&F access mode and / or a store-and-forward S&F communication mode; A first storage indication, which is determined according to the S&F access mode or the S&F communication mode; A first storage time, which is determined according to the satellite operation cycle, the terminal's next access time, the recovery time of the next service link, or the recovery time of the next feeder link; A first transmission indication; The service link is available; The service link is unavailable; The feeder link is available; The feeder link is unavailable; A time window of the satellite service terminal or a time window of the terminal access; A time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station; A first connection suspension indication, which is determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station; A first connection recovery indication, which is determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving a downlink data notification message sent by the first device.

23. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that The method further includes: Receiving downlink data or downlink signaling sent by the first device.

24. A store-and-forward communication method, characterized in that, Including: The terminal obtains second information and processes data or signaling according to the second information, and the processing includes storage or transmission; Wherein, the second information includes at least one of the following: The service link is available; The service link is unavailable; A signaling or data suspension indication; A signaling or data recovery indication; A first access time or time window or cell identifier.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein In the case where the second information includes that the service link is available or includes a signaling or data recovery indication, the processing of data or signaling according to the second information includes at least one of the following: Sending uplink data or uplink signaling; Sending suspended uplink data or uplink signaling.

26. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, In the case where the second information includes that the service link is unavailable or includes a signaling or data suspension indication, the processing of data or signaling according to the second information includes at least one of the following: Suspending uplink data or uplink signaling; Delaying the sending of uplink data or uplink signaling.

27. The method according to claim 24, wherein In the case where the second information includes a first access time or time window or cell identifier, when entering the first access time or within the time window or matching the cell identifier, perform at least one of the following: Sending uplink data or uplink signaling; Sending suspended uplink data or uplink signaling.

28. The method according to claim 24, wherein The obtaining of the second information includes at least one of the following: Determining whether the service link is available or unavailable according to configuration information; Receiving a signaling or data suspension indication from a first device; Receiving a signaling or data recovery indication from a first device.

29. A store-and-forward communication device, characterized in that, It includes: An obtaining module, configured to obtain first information; A processing module, configured to process data or signaling according to the first information, where the processing includes storage or forwarding.

30. The device according to claim 29, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: A store-and-forward S&F indication, including a store-and-forward S&F access mode and / or a store-and-forward S&F communication mode; A first storage indication, which is determined according to the S&F access mode or the S&F communication mode; A first storage time, which is determined according to the satellite operation cycle, the next access time of the terminal, the recovery time of the next service link, or the recovery time of the next feeder link; A first transmission indication; The service link is available; The service link is unavailable; The feeder link is available; The feeder link is unavailable; A time window of the satellite service terminal or a time window of terminal access; A time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station; A first connection suspension indication, which is determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station; A first connection recovery indication, which is determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station.

31. A store-and-forward communication device, characterized in that It includes: A sending module, configured to send the first information to a first device, so that the first device processes data or signaling according to the first information, where the processing includes storage or forwarding.

32. The device according to claim 31, wherein The first information includes at least one of the following: A store-and-forward S&F indication, including a store-and-forward S&F access mode and / or a store-and-forward S&F communication mode; A first storage indication, which is determined according to the S&F access mode or the S&F communication mode; A first storage time, which is determined according to the satellite operation cycle, the next access time of the terminal, the recovery time of the next service link, or the recovery time of the next feeder link; A first transmission indication; The service link is available; The service link is unavailable; The feeder link is available; The feeder link is unavailable; A time window of the satellite service terminal or a time window of terminal access; A time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station; A first connection suspension indication, which is determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station; A first connection recovery indication, which is determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station.

33. A store-and-forward communication device, characterized in that, It includes: An information obtaining module, configured to obtain second information; A processing module, configured to process data or signaling according to the second information, where the processing includes storage or transmission; Wherein, the second information includes at least one of the following: The service link is available; The service link is unavailable; A signaling or data suspension indication; A signaling or data recovery indication; The first access time or time window or cell identifier.

34. A network-side device, characterized in that, Comprising a processor and a memory, the memory stores a program or instructions that can be run on the processor, and when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the steps of the storage and forwarding communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 19 are implemented, or the steps of the storage and forwarding communication method according to any one of claims 20 to 23 are implemented.

35. A terminal, characterized in that, Comprising a processor and a memory, the memory stores a program or instructions that can be run on the processor, and when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the steps of the storage and forwarding communication method according to any one of claims 24 to 28 are implemented.

36. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, 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 storage and forwarding communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 19 are implemented, or the steps of the storage and forwarding communication method according to any one of claims 20 to 23 are implemented, or the steps of the storage and forwarding communication method according to any one of claims 24 to 28 are implemented.

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