Communication method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device, and relates to the technical field of communication. A terminal adopts a first communication parameter to communicate with a first non-terrestrial network NTN network device in a first time period; the terminal adopts the second communication parameter to communicate with the second NTN network equipment in a second time period; and the terminal communicates with the third NTN network device based on the first communication parameter in the third time period. The terminal adopts the first communication parameter to communicate with the first NTN network equipment in the first time period, adopts the second communication parameter to communicate with the second NTN network equipment in the second time period, and can refer to the first communication parameter to communicate with the third NTN network equipment in the third time period, so that the calculation amount of the communication parameters can be reduced, and the communication efficiency is improved. The acquisition complexity of the communication parameters is reduced, and the data processing efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a communication method and apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the fifth-generation (5 th generation, 5G) new radio (NR) has entered the commercial deployment stage from the standardization stage. The NR standard is designed for terrestrial communication characteristics and features high speed, high reliability, and low latency communication for user terminals. Compared with terrestrial communication, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) communication has characteristics such as a large coverage area and flexible networking. Currently, various research institutes, communication organizations, companies, etc. are all involved in researching NTN communication technologies and standards, aiming to build a unified communication network for sky, air, and ground communications.

[0003] In the NTN communication scenario, the terminal obtains communication services through the satellite in orbit A. If the signal quality of the satellite in orbit A deteriorates, the terminal switches to the satellite in orbit B to obtain communication services. During the switching process of the terminal, it is necessary to recalculate the channel parameters of the satellite in orbit B and select channel parameters such as beams and delay compensation amounts that adapt to the communication requirements of the satellite in orbit B. When the terminal switches to receive services from satellites in different orbits, it is necessary to recalculate the channel parameters, resulting in relatively high power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus to ensure that when the terminal switches service satellites, the calculation amount of communication parameters is reduced and the data processing efficiency is improved.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method applied to a terminal, which can be the terminal itself, or a chip or a circuit provided in the terminal. This method can be applied to a 5G communication system or a communication system above 6G. This method can also be applied to non-terrestrial communication systems, etc., and the present application does not make any limitations in this regard. The method is executed as follows:

[0006] The terminal communicates with a first NTN network device using first communication parameters in a first time period; the terminal communicates with a second NTN network device using second communication parameters in a second time period; the terminal communicates with a third NTN network device based on the first communication parameters in a third time period.

[0007] The above NTN network device can be understood as different network devices in different communication modes. For example, in the transparent transmission mode, the NTN network device can be understood as a gateway station (or ground station, earth station, gateway station), a satellite, and a base station deployed on the ground. The gateway station and the satellite act as communication relays between the base station and the terminal. In the regeneration mode, the NTN network device can be understood as a satellite, which is a part of the base station or the entire base station and can directly communicate with the terminal.

[0008] In this application, the terminal communicates with the first NTN network device using the first communication parameters in the first time period, communicates with the second NTN network device using the second communication parameters in the second time period, and the terminal can refer to the first communication parameters to communicate with the third NTN network device in the third time period. Based on this, the calculation amount of communication parameters can be reduced, the acquisition complexity of communication parameters can be lowered, and the data processing efficiency can be improved.

[0009] In an optional manner, the first communication parameter may include one or more of the following: timing parameter, frequency offset parameter, beam angle parameter, expected service duration, or service start and end times.

[0010] The timing parameter in the above first communication parameter can indicate the scheduling uplink scheduling offset time. Specifically, the timing parameter may include the specific value of the timing parameter and may also include the changing value of the timing parameter. The frequency offset parameter can indicate the frequency point information or frequency compensation information of the transmitted and received signals. Specifically, the frequency offset parameter may include the specific value of the frequency offset parameter and may also include the changing value of the frequency offset parameter. The beam angle parameter can indicate the angle information of the communication between the terminal and the satellite. Specifically, the beam angle parameter may include the specific value of the beam angle parameter and may also include the changing value of the beam angle parameter. The expected service duration can indicate the service duration of the satellite for the terminal, can indicate the entire duration of the satellite's service for the terminal, or can also indicate the remaining duration of the satellite's service for the terminal. Specifically, the service start and end times can indicate the start time and end time of the satellite's service for the terminal.

[0011] In this application, the terminal can determine the communication parameters for communicating with the third NTN network device by referring to the information in the first communication parameter. Based on this, the data calculation amount of the terminal can be reduced.

[0012] In an optional manner, the associated satellite of the second NTN network device is the second satellite, the associated satellite of the first NTN network device is the first satellite, and the associated satellite of the third NTN network device is the third satellite. Among them, the projection trajectories of the second satellite and the first satellite on the ground are different; the projection trajectories of the third satellite and the first satellite on the ground are the same.

[0013] Since the projection trajectories of the first satellite and the third satellite on the ground are the same, there is consistency in the communication performance between the first satellite and the third satellite. Based on the first communication parameters for the terminal to communicate with the first NTN network device associated with the first satellite, determining the communication parameters for the terminal to communicate with the third NTN network device associated with the third satellite can reduce the amount of data calculation and improve the data processing efficiency.

[0014] In an alternative approach, the first satellite and the second satellite are located in the first orbit, and the third satellite is located in the second orbit.

[0015] Since the first satellite and the second satellite are located in the first orbit, the terminal switching from communicating with the first NTN network device associated with the first satellite to communicating with the second NTN network device associated with the second satellite can be understood as an in-orbit communication handover. The third satellite is located in the second orbit, and the terminal switching from communicating with the second NTN network device associated with the second satellite to communicating with the third NTN network device associated with the third satellite can be understood as an inter-orbit communication handover. In this application, when performing an inter-orbit communication handover, determining the communication parameters used during the inter-orbit communication handover based on the previously used first communication parameters can improve the data processing efficiency.

[0016] In an alternative approach, the first orbit and the second orbit are adjacent orbits.

[0017] Since the first orbit and the second orbit are adjacent orbits, the service time between the first satellite and the third satellite is relatively short, and the terminal needs to cache fewer communication parameters, which can reduce the cache pressure of the terminal's communication parameters.

[0018] In an alternative approach, the heights of the first orbit and the second orbit are the target height, and the target height is such that there are satellites in the first orbit and the second orbit for which the ratio of the difference in right ascension of the ascending node to the difference in the angle of inclination is an integer. The difference in the angle of inclination is the difference between the angle of inclination of the first satellite and the angle of inclination of the third satellite.

[0019] Based on this, any adjacent orbits have satellites that can cover the same area, maximizing the communication quality of the terminal.

[0020] In an alternative approach, the terminal also obtains the parameters of the first NTN network device and the parameters of the third NTN network device; the terminal determines the third time period based on the parameters of the first NTN network device and the parameters of the third NTN network device.

[0021] Based on this, the terminal can determine the communication time period with the third NTN network device so that when the signal quality of the terminal is poor, it can immediately switch to the third NTN network device to receive communication services.

[0022] In an alternative manner, the terminal also receives indication information for indicating a third time period.

[0023] Based on this, the terminal can directly obtain the communication time period of the third NTN network device, so that when the signal quality of the terminal is poor, it can immediately switch to the third NTN network device to receive communication services.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be applied to a 5G communication system or a communication system above 6G. This method can also be applied to non-terrestrial communication systems, etc., and the present application does not make any limitations in this regard. The following NTN network devices can be understood as different network devices in different communication modes. For example, in the transparent transmission mode, the NTN network device can be understood as a gateway station (or ground station, earth station, gateway station), serving as a communication relay between the satellite and the terminal; in the regeneration mode, the NTN network device can be understood as a satellite. The method is executed as follows:

[0025] The first NTN network device communicates with the terminal using third communication parameters in the first time period; the second NTN network device communicates with the terminal using fourth communication parameters in the second time period; the third NTN network device communicates with the terminal based on the third communication parameters in the third time period.

[0026] In the present application, the first NTN network device communicates with the first NTN network device using third communication parameters in the first time period, the second NTN network device communicates with the terminal using fourth communication parameters in the second time period, and in the third time period, the third NTN network device can refer to the third communication parameters to communicate with the terminal. Based on this, the calculation amount of communication parameters can be reduced and the data processing efficiency can be improved.

[0027] In an alternative manner, the third communication parameters include one or more of the following: timing parameters, frequency offset parameters, beam angle parameters, expected service duration, or service start and end times.

[0028] In an alternative manner, the associated satellite of the second NTN network device is the second satellite, the associated satellite of the first NTN network device is the first satellite, and the associated satellite of the third NTN network device is the third satellite, where the projection trajectories of the second satellite and the first satellite on the ground are different; the projection trajectories of the third satellite and the first satellite on the ground are the same.

[0029] In an alternative manner, the first satellite and the second satellite are located in the first orbit, and the third satellite is located in the second orbit.

[0030] In an alternative manner, the first orbit and the second orbit are adjacent orbits.

[0031] In an alternative manner, the height of the first orbit and the second orbit is a target height, and the target height is such that there is a satellite in the first orbit and the second orbit for which the ratio of the right ascension of the ascending node difference to the ascending node angle difference value is an integer, and the ascending node angle difference value is the difference value between the ascending node angle of the first satellite and the ascending node angle of the third satellite.

[0032] In an alternative manner, the third NTN network device also obtains the parameters of the first NTN network device and the parameters of the third NTN network device; the third NTN network device determines a third time period according to the parameters of the first NTN network device and the parameters of the third NTN network device.

[0033] In an alternative manner, the third NTN network device also sends indication information to the terminal, and the indication information is used to indicate the third time period.

[0034] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, and the communication device may be a terminal or an NTN network device. The communication device has the functions of implementing any one of the above first aspect to the second aspect. For example, the communication device includes modules or units or means corresponding to the steps involved in any one of the above first aspect to the second aspect. The functions or units or means may be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0035] In a possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit. Among them, the transceiver unit may be used to transmit and receive signals to achieve communication between the communication device and other devices. For example, the transceiver unit is used to receive request information from a service requester; the processing unit may be used to perform some internal operations of the communication device. The transceiver unit may be referred to as an input / output unit, a communication unit, etc., and the transceiver unit may be a transceiver; the processing unit may be a processor. When the communication device is a module (such as a chip) in a communication device, the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, an input / output circuit, or an input / output pin, etc., and may also be referred to as an interface, a communication interface, or an interface circuit, etc.; the processing unit may be a processor, a processing circuit, or a logic circuit, etc.

[0036] In yet another possible design, the communication device includes a processor, and may further include a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals. The processor executes program instructions to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation manner of the above first aspect to the second aspect. Wherein, the communication device may further include one or more memories for coupling with the processor, and the memories may store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in any one of the above first aspect to the second aspect. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memories, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the methods in any possible design or implementation manner of the above first aspect to the second aspect.

[0037] In yet another possible design, the communication device includes a processor that can be used to couple with a memory. The memory may store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in any one of the above first aspect to the second aspect. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the methods in any possible design or implementation manner of the above first aspect to the second aspect.

[0038] In yet another possible design, the communication device includes a processor and an interface circuit. Among them, the processor is used to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and implement the methods in any possible design or implementation manner of the above first aspect to the second aspect.

[0039] It can be understood that in the above third aspect, the processor can be implemented by hardware or by software. When implemented by hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, etc.; when implemented by software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that implements by reading the software code stored in the memory. In addition, the above processors can be one or more, and the memories can be one or more. The memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory and the processor can be separately arranged. In the specific implementation process, the memory can be integrated with the processor on the same chip, or can be separately arranged on different chips. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the type of the memory and the setting manner of the memory and the processor.

[0040] Fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes the terminal, the first NTN network device, the second NTN network device, and the third NTN network device in the above first aspect to the second aspect.

[0041] Fifth aspect, the present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor for implementing the method described in any one of the possible designs in the above first aspect to the second aspect. Optionally, it includes a memory. The chip system can be composed of chips or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0042] Sixth aspect, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer-readable instructions are stored. When the computer-readable instructions run on a computer, the computer is enabled to execute the method in any one of the possible designs in the first aspect to the second aspect.

[0043] Seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer program product containing instructions, which when running on a computer, enables the computer to execute the methods of the embodiments in the above first aspect to the second aspect.

[0044] For the technical effects that can be achieved in the above second aspect to the seventh aspect, please refer to the technical effects that can be achieved in the corresponding possible design solutions in the above first aspect. The present application will not repeat them here. Description of the Drawings

[0045] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a transparent forwarding architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a regeneration architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 4 It is another schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 5A It is a schematic diagram of a ground co-trajectory satellite;

[0050] Figure 5B It is a schematic diagram of the movement of a ground co-trajectory satellite;

[0051] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a scenario where a terminal switches services;

[0052] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the flow of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 8A It is a schematic diagram of the satellite position relationship provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 8B It is another schematic diagram of the satellite position relationship provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 9 Shows a schematic diagram of an orbital position relationship;

[0056] Figure 10 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 11 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 12 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0059] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific operation methods in the method embodiments can also be applied to the device embodiments or system embodiments. Among them, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more. Therefore, the implementations of the device and the method can be referred to each other, and the repeated parts will not be described again.

[0060] The NTN system may include a satellite system. According to the satellite altitude, that is, the satellite orbital altitude, the satellite system can be divided into highly elliptical orbiting (HEO) satellites, geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites, medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites, and low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. In addition, the NTN system may also include aerial network devices such as a high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication system, and the network devices involved in the present application are not limited to the above examples.

[0061] As an example, refer to Figure 1 , which shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of the NTN network. The NTN network includes a first network device, a second network device, and a terminal. The first network device may be a satellite (or called a satellite base station), for example, it may be an HEO satellite, a GEO satellite, an MEO satellite, an LEO satellite, or a HAPS, etc., which is not limited here. The second network device may be a gateway (or called a ground station, an earth station, a gateway), which can be used to connect the second network device to the core network. In Figure 1In this case, the communication mode of the first network device is the transparent mode, that is, the first network device serves as the base station for wireless communication, and the second network device can serve as the relay of the first network device, and can transparently transmit the signals between the first network device and the terminal. For example, the second network device can access the core network through the base station, and then access the data network.

[0062] In the embodiment of the present application, the communication mode of the first network device can also be the regenerative mode. Refer to Figure 2 , which shows another schematic diagram of the architecture of the NTN network. In Figure 2 In this case, the communication mode of the first network device is the regenerative mode, that is, the first network device can serve as the base station for wireless communication. For example, the first network device can use artificial earth satellites and high-altitude aircraft, etc. as the base stations for wireless communication, such as evolved Node B (eNB) and 5G base station (gNB), etc. The second network device can transparently transmit the signaling between the first network device and the core network.

[0063] It should be understood that Figure 1 and Figure 2 only show one first network device and one second network device. In actual use, an architecture with multiple first network devices and / or one second network device can be adopted according to needs. Among them, each first network device can provide services to one or more terminals, each second network device can correspond to one or more first network devices, and each first network device can correspond to one or more second network devices, which are not specifically limited in this application.

[0064] The NTN communication system provides seamless coverage for terminal devices by deploying all or part of the functions of the access network device on NTN devices (such as high-altitude platforms or satellites, etc.). Since non-terrestrial devices are less affected by natural disasters, the reliability of the communication system can be improved.

[0065] Exemplarily, Figure 3 Exemplarily shows a possible network architecture. In the Figure 3 shown network architecture, the architecture of the NTN device can be the transparent transmission mode. Figure 4 Exemplarily shows another possible network architecture. In the Figure 4 shown network architecture, the architecture of the NTN device can be the regenerative mode.

[0066] In one example, the NTN device and the access network device on the ground can be interconnected through a common core network. Alternatively, the NTN device and the access network device on the ground can also achieve higher-timeliness assistance and interconnection through the interfaces defined between the access network devices. Referring to NR, the interface between the access network devices can be called the Xn interface, and the interface between the access network device and the core network can be called the NG interface. The NTN device and the access network device on the ground can achieve intercommunication and coordination through the Xn interface or the NG interface.

[0067] Optionally, the link between the NTN device and the terminal device can be called a service link, and the link between the NTN device and the gateway device can be called a feeder link.

[0068] Among them, the network device can be an NTN device with all or part of the functions of an access network device, or it can also be an access network device on the ground. An access network device is an entity in the network side used to transmit or receive signals, such as a gNB. The access network device can be a device for communicating with a mobile device. The access network device can be an AP in a wireless local area network (WLAN), an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in a long term evolution (LTE), or a relay station or an access point or an integrated access and backhaul (IAB), or a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, and an access network device in a future 5G network or an access network device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN) network, or a gNodeB (gNB) in an NR system, etc. In addition, in the embodiments of this application, the access network device provides services for a cell, and the terminal device communicates with the access network device through the transmission resources used by this cell (for example, frequency domain resources, or in other words, spectrum resources). The access network device in the embodiments of this application can refer to a central unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). Or, the access network device can also be composed of a CU and a DU. Among them, the CU and the DU can be physically separated or deployed together, and the embodiments of this application do not make specific limitations on this. One CU can be connected to one DU, or multiple DUs can share one CU, which can save costs and is easy for network expansion. The split of the CU and the DU can be carried out according to the protocol stack. One possible way is to deploy the radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layers in the CU, and deploy the remaining radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, and physical layer in the DU. The embodiments of this application do not completely limit the above protocol stack split method, and there can be other split methods. The CU and the DU are connected through the F1 interface. The CU represents the gNB and is connected to the core network through the Ng interface.The access network device in the embodiments of the present application may also refer to a Centralized Unit Control Plane (CU-CP) node or a Centralized Unit User Plane (CU-UP) node. Alternatively, the access network device may also be a combination of CU-CP and CU-UP. Among them, CU-CP is responsible for the control plane functions, mainly including RRC and PDCP-C. PDCP-C is mainly responsible for encryption, decryption, integrity protection, and data transmission of control plane data. CU-UP is responsible for the user plane functions, mainly including SDAP and PDCP-U. Among them, SDAP is mainly responsible for processing the data from the core network and mapping the flow to the bearer. PDCP-U is mainly responsible for encryption, decryption, integrity protection, header compression, sequence number maintenance, and data transmission of the data plane. Among them, CU-CP and CU-UP are connected through the E1 interface. CU-CP represents the gNB connected to the core network through the Ng interface and is connected to the DU through F1-C (control plane). CU-UP is connected to the DU through F1-U (user plane). Of course, there is also a possible implementation where PDCP-C is also in CU-UP. The access network device mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a device including CU, or DU, or a device including CU and DU, or a device including a control plane CU node (CU-CP node), a user plane CU node (CU-UP node), and a DU node. In addition, in other possible cases, the access network device may be other devices that provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technologies and specific device forms adopted by the access network device. For the convenience of description, in the embodiments of the present application, the device that provides wireless communication functions for terminal devices is referred to as the access network device.

[0069] A terminal device can be a device capable of receiving scheduling and indication information from an access network device (or NTN device). A terminal device can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, or a handheld device with wireless connection capabilities, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. The terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks or the Internet via a radio access network (e.g., radio access network, RAN). The terminal device can be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone, mobile phone), computer, and data card. For example, it can be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-integrated, or vehicle-mounted mobile device that exchanges voice and / or data with the radio access network. For example, personal communications service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets (Pads), computers with wireless transceiver functions, etc. The terminal device can also be referred to as a system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, access point (AP), remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, user station (SS), customer premises equipment (CPE), terminal, UE, mobile terminal (MT), etc. The terminal device can also be a wearable device and the next-generation communication system. For example, a terminal device in a 5G network or a terminal device in a future evolved PLMN network, a terminal device in a new radio (NR) communication system, etc. The terminal device can also be a terminal that communicates with an NTN device.

[0070] In addition, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other future communication technologies, such as the sixth-generation mobile communication network (6G). The network architecture and service scenarios described in this application are for more clearly explaining the technical solutions of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by this application. As can be known to those of ordinary skill in the art, with the evolution of the network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided by this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0071] To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments of this application, the terms involved in the embodiments of this application will be briefly described below.

[0072] 1) Ground co-trajectory satellite chain: It includes a group of satellites with the same orbital inclination, but each satellite is on a discrete orbit and has the same projected trajectory on the ground. For example Figure 5A As shown, among them, Satellite 1, Satellite 2, and Satellite 3 are a group of satellites with the same orbital inclination, and their projected trajectories on the ground are all Trajectory 1. In order to make the projected trajectories of the ground co-trajectory satellite chain on the ground the same, in addition to having the same orbital inclination, for all satellites in the satellite chain, the difference in the right ascension of the ascending node (RAAN) (the difference in the right ascension of the ascending node, where the ascending node is the point where the satellite crosses the equator from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere) and the difference in the argument of latitude (AoL) (the difference in the argument of latitude, where the difference in the argument of latitude indicates the angular distance between a planet or satellite at any position on its orbit and the ascending node) of any two satellites have the same ratio, and this ratio can compensate for the longitude drift caused by the Earth's rotation and orbital perturbation, that is, it satisfies the following formula 1:

[0073]

[0074] Among them, ωE is the angular velocity of the Earth's rotation, and n0 is the angular velocity of satellite motion (where the angular velocities of two satellites are the same); is the orbital perturbation amount of the right ascension of the ascending node; is the orbital perturbation amount of the mean anomaly; is the orbital perturbation amount of the argument of perigee; δRAAN is the difference in the right ascension of the ascending node between satellite orbits, and δAoL is the difference in the argument of latitude between satellites.

[0075] As follows Figure 5BAs shown in the figure, satellite S1 and satellite S2 are two satellites on a ground co - track satellite chain. Both satellite S1 and satellite S2 are on independent orbits, and the orbital inclination I of both orbits is the same. At time t1, satellite S1 passes through the equator from south to north, and its ground projection is exactly located at UE. Satellite S2 is south of the equator and west of S1. Due to the rotation of the earth, at time t2, S2 also passes through the same point on the equator, and its ground projection is also exactly located at UE (assuming UE is stationary relative to the earth). Although satellite S1 and satellite S2 are operating on different orbits, their movement trajectories on the ground are the same.

[0076] 2) Ground co - track constellation: A constellation composed of one or more ground co - track satellite chains.

[0077] 3) Terminal handover communication service: When the communication signal quality between the terminal and the satellite deteriorates, the terminal actively switches to other satellites to receive communication services, or the satellite instructs the terminal to switch the serving satellite. Among them, when the terminal switches the serving satellite, it first performs an in - orbit handover and then an inter - orbit handover. As Figure 6 shown in the figure, orbit 1 includes multiple satellites. The terminal communicates with satellite 1 in orbit 1. As the position of satellite 1 changes, and / or as the position of the terminal changes, the signal quality of the communication between satellite 1 and the terminal deteriorates, and the terminal actively switches to satellite 2 (a co - orbit satellite adjacent to satellite 1) in orbit 1 for communication. As the position of satellite 2 changes, and / or as the position of the terminal changes, the signal quality of the communication between satellite 2 and the terminal deteriorates, and satellite 2 instructs the terminal to switch to satellite 3 (a co - orbit satellite adjacent to satellite 2) in orbit 1 for communication. As the position of satellite 3 changes, and / or as the position of the terminal changes, the signal quality of the communication between satellite 3 and the terminal deteriorates, and the terminal actively switches to satellite 4 (a satellite in the adjacent orbit of satellite 1) in orbit 2 for communication. This is only an exemplary illustration and does not specifically limit the specific handover communication service of the terminal.

[0078] 4) NTN network device: It can be understood as different network devices in different communication modes. For example, in the transparent transmission mode, the NTN network device can be understood as a gateway station (or ground station, earth station, gateway station) (such as the second network device in the above Figure 1 ), satellites and ground base stations. Satellites and gateway stations act as communication relays between base stations and terminals. In the regeneration mode, the NTN network device can be understood as a satellite (such as the first network device in the above Figure 2 ). The satellite is a base station or part of a base station and can directly communicate with the terminal.

[0079] 5) Communication parameters: The communication parameters used by the terminal to communicate with the NTN network device. Among them, the communication parameters may include one or more of the following: timing parameters, frequency offset parameters, beam angle parameters, expected service duration, or service start and end times. The timing parameters may indicate the scheduling uplink scheduling offset time. Specifically, the timing parameter may be the specific value of the timing parameter, or may also be the changing value of the timing parameter. For example, Satellite 1 communicates with Terminal 1 using timing parameter 1; or, when Satellite 1 passes over the top of Terminal 1, it communicates with Terminal 1 in sequence using timing parameter 1, timing parameter 2, and timing parameter 3 at different positions. Among them, the frequency offset parameter may indicate the frequency point information or frequency compensation information of the transmitted and received signals. Specifically, the frequency offset parameter may include the specific value of the frequency offset parameter, and may also include the changing value of the frequency offset parameter. For example, when the terminal communicates with Satellite 1, the frequency point compensation amount of the received signal is 5 ppm; or, when Satellite 1 passes over the top of Terminal 1, it communicates with Terminal 1 in sequence using a compensation amount of 5 ppm, 10 ppm, and 15 ppm at different positions. Among them, the beam angle parameter may indicate the angle information of the communication between the terminal and the satellite. For example, the beam angle of the communication signal transmitted (or received) by the satellite or the beam angle of the communication signal received (or transmitted) by the terminal. Specifically, the beam angle parameter may include the specific value of the beam angle parameter, and may also include the changing value of the beam angle parameter. For example, when Satellite 1 communicates with Terminal 1, the beam angle of the communication signal transmitted by Satellite 1 to Terminal 1 is Angle 1; or, when Satellite 1 passes over the top of Terminal 1, it communicates with Terminal 1 in sequence using Angle 1, Angle 2, and Angle 3 at different positions. Among them, the expected service duration may indicate the service duration of the satellite for the terminal, may indicate the entire service duration of the satellite for the terminal, or may also indicate the remaining service duration of the satellite for the terminal. For example, the service duration of Satellite 1 for Terminal 1 is 5 minutes, among which the occlusion duration is 1 minute, then the expected service duration may be 4 minutes (4 = 5 - 1); or, the service duration of Satellite 1 for Terminal 1 is 5 minutes, and the signal of Satellite 1 is occluded from the 2nd minute to the 3rd minute, then the expected service duration may be from the 1st minute to the 2nd minute and from the 3rd minute to the 5th minute. The service start and end times may indicate the start time and end time of the satellite's service for the terminal. For example, the service start time of Satellite 1 for Terminal 1 is 10:00, and the end time is 10:06. In addition, in addition to the above parameters, the communication parameters may also include other parameters, which are not specifically defined in this application.

[0080] The use of a ground co - track constellation can reduce the calculation of communication parameters and improve data processing efficiency. However, considering that the ground co - track constellation spans multiple orbits and the number of satellites in each orbit is small, the complexity of constructing a ground co - track constellation is high. In addition, a ground co - track constellation requires a high - density deployment of satellites to ensure continuous coverage of an area and guarantee the communication quality of terminal devices within that area. It is difficult to construct a ground co - track constellation for small - scale deployed satellites. Based on this, the present application provides a communication method that simplifies the processing flow of NTN communication by utilizing the characteristics of ground co - track satellites and improves data processing efficiency.

[0081] The following combines Figure 7 , and details the technical solution of the present application with specific method embodiments. It should be noted that Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of the method embodiment of the present application, showing the detailed communication steps or operations of the method. However, these steps or operations are only examples, and the embodiments of the present application can also perform other operations or Figure 7 variations of various operations in Figure 7 . In addition, Figure 7 each step in Figure 7 can be executed in a different order from that presented in Figure 7 , and it is possible that not all operations in Figure 1 need to be executed. Figure 2 The method shown in

[0082] Figure 7 can be applied to the transparent transmission mode in the above

[0083] Step 701 - A, the first NTN network device communicates with the terminal using the third communication parameters in the first time period.

[0084] Step 701 - B, the terminal communicates with the first NTN network device using the first communication parameters in the first time period.

[0085] It should be noted that the present application does not limit the execution order of the above steps 701-A and 701-B. If the first NTN network device sends downlink data to the terminal, then step 701-A can be executed first, and then step 701-B. If the terminal sends uplink data to the first NTN network device, then step 701-B can be executed first, and then step 701-A. The above-mentioned third communication parameter and the first communication parameter can be understood with reference to the communication parameters in the above 5). Among them, some parameters in the third communication parameter and the first communication parameter may be the same, such as timing parameters, expected service duration, and frequency offset parameters. Some parameters may be correlated, such as service start and end times. For example, the service start and end times in the third communication parameter are different from those in the first communication parameter, and the service start and end time in the first communication parameter is offset by a value ε relative to the service start and end time in the third communication parameter.

[0086] Step 702-A, the second NTN network device communicates with the terminal using the fourth communication parameter in the second time period.

[0087] Step 702-B, the terminal communicates with the second NTN network device using the second communication parameter in the second time period.

[0088] It should be noted that the present application does not limit the execution order of the above steps 702-A and 702-B. If the second NTN network device sends downlink data to the terminal, then step 702-A can be executed first, and then step 702-B. If the terminal sends uplink data to the second NTN network device, then step 702-B can be executed first, and then step 702-A. The above-mentioned fourth communication parameter and the second communication parameter can be understood with reference to the communication parameters in the above 5). Among them, some parameters in the fourth communication parameter and the second communication parameter may be the same, such as timing parameters, expected service duration, and frequency offset parameters. Some parameters may be correlated, such as service start and end times. It can be understood with reference to the description of the above step 701-B and will not be elaborated here.

[0089] Before performing the above steps 702-A to 702-B, there may be other NTN network devices communicating with the terminal. After performing the above steps 702-A to 702-B and before performing the above steps 703-A to 703-B, there may be other NTN network devices communicating with the terminal. There may be multiple such other NTN network devices, and different communication parameters can be used when different NTN network devices communicate with the terminal, which are not specifically limited herein. For example, before performing the above steps 702-A to 702-B, the fourth NTN network device communicates with the terminal using the fifth communication parameters during the fourth time period; or, after performing the above steps 702-A to 702-B and before performing the above steps 703-A to 703-B, the fifth NTN network device communicates with the terminal using the sixth communication parameters during the fifth time period. This is only an exemplary illustration herein and is not specifically limited.

[0090] Step 703-A, the third NTN network device communicates with the terminal based on the third communication parameters during the third time period.

[0091] Step 703-B, the terminal communicates with the third NTN network device based on the first communication parameters during the third time period.

[0092] It should be noted that this application does not limit the execution order of the above steps 703-A and 703-B. If the third NTN network device sends downlink data to the terminal, then step 703-A can be executed first, and then step 703-B. If the terminal sends uplink data to the third NTN network device, then step 703-B can be executed first, and then step 703-A.

[0093] Optionally, the associated satellite of the first NTN network device is the first satellite, the associated satellite of the second NTN network device is the second satellite, and the associated satellite of the third NTN network device is the third satellite. The projection trajectories of the second satellite and the first satellite on the ground are different; the projection trajectories of the third satellite and the first satellite on the ground are the same.

[0094] It should be noted that the first NTN network device can indicate to the terminal that the first satellite and the third satellite are associated satellites. The first NTN network device can also indicate to the terminal that the cells covered by the first satellite and the third satellite are the same. The first NTN network device can also indicate to the terminal that the beam scanning areas of the first satellite and the third satellite are the same. Based on the above information, it can be considered that the projection trajectories of the first satellite and the third satellite on the ground are the same.

[0095] Specifically, in the transparent transmission mode, the first NTN network device is a gateway station, and the satellite associated with it is the first satellite; in the regeneration mode, the first NTN network device is the first satellite, and the satellite associated with it is the first satellite. Other NTN network devices can be understood with reference to the description here and will not be elaborated here. Among them, the projection trajectories of the second satellite and the first satellite on the ground are different, that is, they do not meet the requirements of formula 1 in the above 1). The projection trajectories of the third satellite and the first satellite on the ground are the same, that is, they meet the requirements of formula 1 in the above 1). Since the projection trajectories of the first satellite and the third satellite on the ground are the same, there is consistency in the communication performance between the first satellite and the third satellite. The terminal can reduce the data calculation amount and improve the data processing efficiency by determining the communication parameters for communicating with the third NTN network device associated with the third satellite based on the first communication parameters for communicating with the first NTN network device associated with the first satellite.

[0096] In step 703-A, the third NTN network device communicates with the terminal based on the third communication parameters, which can be understood as the third NTN network device determining the communication parameters for communicating with the terminal with reference to the third communication parameters. Specifically, the third NTN network device can reuse the third communication parameters and can also adjust some of the third communication parameters. For example, the third communication parameters include timing parameters, frequency offset parameters, beam angle parameters, expected service duration, and service start and end times. Among them, the timing parameter in the third communication parameters is parameter 1, the frequency offset parameter is frequency offset compensation amount 1 (pre-compensation amount candidate constant for transmitted signal), the beam angle parameter is the beam transmission angle α, the expected service duration is L, and the service start time is from 8:00 to 8:05. Since the projection trajectories of the third satellite and the first satellite on the ground are the same, then when the third satellite communicates with the terminal, the timing parameters, frequency offset parameters, beam angle parameters, and expected service duration can be reused, and the offset of the service start and end times is the time interval between the start time of the first time period and the start time of the third time period. Among them, the timing parameter in the communication parameters for the third satellite to communicate with the terminal is parameter 1, the frequency offset parameter is frequency offset compensation amount 1, the beam angle parameter is the beam transmission angle α, the expected service duration is L, and the service start time is from 9:00 to 9:05 (where the time interval between the start time of the first time period and the start time of the third time period is 60 minutes). In addition, since the third NTN network device communicates with the terminal based on the third communication parameters, the third NTN network device can request the first communication parameters from the first NTN network device.

[0097] In step 703-B, the terminal communicates with the third NTN network device based on the first communication parameter in the third time period, which can be understood as the terminal determining the communication parameter for communicating with the third NTN network device with reference to the first communication parameter. Specifically, the terminal can reuse the first communication parameter and can also adjust some of the first communication parameters. It can be understood by referring to the description of the third communication parameter in step 703-A above, and will not be elaborated here. In addition, since the terminal communicates with the third NTN network device based on the first communication parameter, the terminal can pre-cache the first communication parameter.

[0098] In addition, it should be noted that the above-mentioned first satellite and the third satellite are in different orbits. The second satellite can be in the same orbit as the first satellite or in a different orbit from the first satellite. This application does not specifically limit this here. In an alternative embodiment, the first satellite and the second satellite are in the first orbit, and the third satellite is in the second orbit. Among them, the first orbit and the second orbit can be adjacent orbits (since the first orbit and the second orbit are adjacent orbits, the service time between the first satellite and the third satellite is shorter, and the terminal needs to cache fewer communication parameters, which can reduce the cache pressure of the terminal's communication parameters), or they can be non-adjacent orbits. Since the first satellite and the second satellite are in the first orbit, the communication handover of the terminal from communicating with the first NTN network device associated with the first satellite to communicating with the second NTN network device associated with the second satellite can be understood as an in-orbit communication handover. The third satellite is in the second orbit, and the communication handover of the terminal from communicating with the second NTN network device associated with the second satellite to communicating with the third NTN network device associated with the third satellite can be understood as an inter-orbit communication handover. In another alternative embodiment, the first satellite is in the first orbit, the third satellite is in the second orbit, and the second satellite is in the third orbit. Since the third satellite is in the second orbit, the communication handover of the terminal from communicating with the second NTN network device associated with the second satellite to communicating with the third NTN network device associated with the third satellite can be understood as an inter-orbit communication handover. In this application, during the inter-orbit communication handover, the communication parameter used during the inter-orbit communication handover is determined based on the previously used first communication parameter, which can improve the data processing efficiency.

[0099] Such as Figure 8A, it shows that satellite 1 (equivalent to the first satellite) is located in orbit 1 (equivalent to the first orbit), satellite 2 (equivalent to the second satellite) is located in orbit 1, satellite 3 (equivalent to the third satellite) is located in orbit 2 (equivalent to the second orbit), and satellite 4 (also equivalent to the third satellite) is located in orbit 3 (equivalent to the second orbit). Among them, orbit 1 and orbit 2 are adjacent orbits, and orbit 2 and orbit 3 are adjacent orbits. When the terminal switches communication services, other satellites may also be involved, which will not be elaborated one by one here. Only taking the terminal to communicate with satellite 1 in orbit 1 first, then switching to satellite 2 in orbit 1 for communication, and then switching to satellite 3 and satellite X in orbit 2 for communication, and finally switching to satellite 4 in orbit 3 for communication as an example. Among them, the RAAN of satellite 1 is 25.7143, the AOL is 345.72, the RAAN of satellite 2 is 25.7143, the AOL is 173.58, the RAAN of satellite 3 is 38.5714, the AOL is 173.58, the RAAN of satellite 4 is 51.4286, the AOL is 1.4403. After calculation, it is determined that satellite 1 and satellite 3 meet the requirements of formula 1, and satellite 3 and satellite 4 meet the requirements of formula 1, that is, satellite 1, satellite 3, and satellite 4 are ground co-track satellites ( Figure 8A schematically shown by associated satellites). Based on this, the terminal can determine the communication parameters between satellite 3 (or satellite 4) and the terminal by referring to the communication parameters between satellite 1 and the terminal, improving the data processing efficiency. Or, satellite 1 can determine the communication parameters between satellite 3 (or satellite 4) and the terminal by referring to the communication parameters between satellite 1 and the terminal, improving the data processing efficiency.

[0100] Such as Figure 8B , it shows that satellite 1 (equivalent to the first satellite) is located in orbit 1 (equivalent to the first orbit), satellite 2 (equivalent to the second satellite) is located in orbit 2 (equivalent to the third orbit), satellite 3 (equivalent to the third satellite) is located in orbit 3 (equivalent to the second orbit). Among them, orbit 1 and orbit 2 are adjacent orbits, orbit 2 and orbit 3 are adjacent orbits, and orbit 1 and orbit 3 are non-adjacent orbits. When the terminal switches communication services, other satellites may also be involved, which will not be elaborated one by one here. Only taking the terminal to communicate with satellite 1 and satellite X1 in orbit 1 first, then switching to satellite 2 and satellite X2 in orbit 2 for communication, and finally switching to satellite 3 in orbit 3 for communication as an example. Among them, the RAAN of satellite 1 is 38.5714, the AOL is 359.357, the RAAN of satellite 2 is 50, the AOL is 200, the RAAN of satellite 3 is 84.2857, the AOL is 15.0767. After calculation, it is determined that satellite 1 and satellite 3 meet the requirements of formula 1 ( Figure 8B(schematically shown with associated satellites). Based on this, the terminal can determine the communication parameters between the satellite 3 and the terminal by referring to the communication parameters between the satellite 1 and the terminal, improving the data processing efficiency. Or, the satellite 1 can determine the communication parameters between the satellite 3 and the terminal by referring to the communication parameters between the satellite 1 and the terminal, improving the data processing efficiency.

[0101] It should be noted that the orbits where the first satellite and the third satellite are located are adjacent orbits, and the time interval between the first time period and the third time period is the time period 1. The orbits where the first satellite and the third satellite are located are non - adjacent orbits, and the time interval between the first time period and the third time period is the time period 2. Among them, due to the non - adjacent orbits, the distance between the first satellite and the third satellite is relatively far, so the duration of the time period 2 is greater than that of the time period 1. Specifically, how to set the time lengths of the time period 1 and the time period 2 can be determined by referring to the satellite deployment plan and other requirements (such as earth observation), and it is not specifically limited here.

[0102] In specific applications, there are satellites that meet the requirements of the above formula 1 in both adjacent orbits. Here, the adjacent orbits that meet the above conditions are defined as associated orbits. As Figure 9 shown, there may be multiple associated orbits. For example, orbit 1 and orbit 2 are associated orbits, orbit 2 and orbit 3 are associated orbits, orbit N - 1 and orbit N are associated orbits, but orbit 1 and orbit N are not associated orbits (that is, there are no satellites that meet the requirements of the above formula 1 in orbit 1 and orbit N). Then, directly using the communication parameters of the satellite that meets the requirements of formula 1 in orbit 1 and the terminal to determine the communication parameters of the satellite that meets the requirements of formula 1 in orbit N and the terminal cannot guarantee the communication quality, and the communication quality is unreliable.

[0103] To ensure the communication quality of the terminal, the heights of the first orbit and the second orbit are the target heights, and the target heights make the ratio of the difference in right ascension of the ascending node to the difference in the angle of inclination between the first orbit and the second orbit an integer (or approximately an integer). The difference in the angle of inclination is the difference in the angle of inclination between the first satellite and the third satellite. Based on this, in the above Figure 9 orbit 1 and orbit N are also associated orbits. Then, directly using the communication parameters of the satellite that meets the requirements of formula 1 in orbit 1 and the terminal to determine the communication parameters of the satellite that meets the requirements of formula 1 in orbit N and the terminal, the communication quality is reliable. Specifically, the heights of the first orbit and the second orbit are the target heights, making the following formula 2 hold:

[0104]

[0105] where mod is the modulo operation, and other parameters can be understood by referring to the above formula 1 and will not be elaborated here.

[0106] In addition, it should be noted that the above first time period, second time period, and third time period are time periods that continuously cover the terminal. For example, the terminal communicates with the first satellite in the first time period, the terminal communicates with the second satellite in the second time period, and the terminal communicates with the third satellite in the third time period. Among them, the first time period, the second time period, and the third time period are continuous time periods without overlap.

[0107] Before performing the above steps 702-A to 702-B, or after performing the above steps 702-A to 702-B, and before performing the above steps 703-A to 703-B, if there may be other NTN network devices communicating with the terminal, then the first time period, the second time period, the time period during which the other NTN network devices communicate with the terminal, and the third time period are time periods that continuously cover the terminal. For example, the terminal communicates with the first satellite in the first time period, the terminal communicates with the second satellite in the second time period, the terminal communicates with the fourth satellite in the fourth time period, and the terminal communicates with the third satellite in the third time period. Among them, the first time period, the second time period, the fourth time period, and the third time period are continuous time periods without overlap.

[0108] In addition, the above continuity can be complete continuity in time, or can be understood as continuity in time within the allowable error range. This application does not specifically limit it here. For example, the first time period is from 8:10 to 8:15, the second time period is from 8:16 to 8:21, and the error is set to 1 minute. Since the end time of the first time period and the start time of the second time period differ by 1 minute (1 = 8:16 - 8:15), and 1 minute is within the allowable error range, the first time period and the second time period are continuous time periods. This is only an exemplary illustration here and does not specifically limit.

[0109] The communication between the above third NTN network device and the terminal is determined based on the third communication parameter or the first communication parameter. Then, there may be an association between the third time period and the first time period. Specifically, the third time period can be determined in the following manner:

[0110] Mode 1 The terminal determines the third time period

[0111] Specifically, the terminal can obtain the parameters of the first NTN network device and the parameters of the third NTN network device; the terminal determines the third time period according to the parameters of the first NTN network device and the parameters of the third NTN network device. Based on this, the terminal can determine the communication time period with the third NTN network device so that when the signal quality of the terminal is poor, it can immediately switch to the third NTN network device to receive communication services.

[0112] When the communication mode is the regeneration mode, the parameters of the first NTN network device described above can be the satellite parameters of the first satellite associated with the first NTN network device. For example, the ephemeris information of the first satellite. When the communication mode is the transparent transmission mode, the parameters of the first NTN network device can also be the satellite parameters of the first satellite associated with the first NTN network device and the parameters of the gateway station. For example, the ephemeris information of the first satellite and the communication delay of the gateway station, etc. The parameters of the third NTN network device described above can be the satellite parameters of the third satellite associated with the third NTN network device. For example, the ephemeris information of the third satellite. When the communication mode is the transparent transmission mode, the parameters of the third NTN network device can also be the satellite parameters of the third satellite associated with the third NTN network device and the parameters of the gateway station. For example, the ephemeris information of the third satellite and the communication delay of the gateway station, etc. Here, only the parameters of the first NTN network device and the third NTN network device are exemplarily described, without specific limitations.

[0113] The terminal determines the third time period according to the parameters of the first NTN network device and the parameters of the third NTN network device. Specifically, the terminal can determine the third time period by referring to the ephemeris information of the first satellite and the ephemeris information of the third satellite. The terminal can also determine the third time period by referring to the ephemeris information of the first satellite, the first communication parameter, and the ephemeris information of the third satellite. Here, there is no specific limitation. For example, the first time period of the first satellite is from t1 to t2, the difference in the AOL value between the first satellite and the third satellite is δAOL, the difference between the first time period and the third time period is δAOL / n0, and the third time period is from t1 + δAOL / n0 to t2 + δAOP / n0.

[0114] Mode 2 The third NTN network device determines the third time period

[0115] Specifically, the third NTN network device also obtains the parameters of the first NTN network device and the parameters of the third NTN network device; the third NTN network device determines the third time period according to the parameters of the first NTN network device and the parameters of the third NTN network device.

[0116] Among them, the parameters of the first NTN network device and the parameters of the third NTN network device can be understood with reference to the above method 1, and will not be elaborated here.

[0117] The third NTN network device determines the third time period according to the parameters of the first NTN network device and the parameters of the third NTN network device. Specifically, the third NTN network device can determine the third time period by referring to the ephemeris information of the first satellite and the ephemeris information of the third satellite. The third NTN network device can also determine the third time period by referring to the ephemeris information of the first satellite, the first communication parameter, and the ephemeris information of the third satellite. Here, there is no specific limitation. It can be understood with reference to the above method 2, and will not be elaborated here.

[0118] Optionally, the third NTN network device also sends indication information to the terminal, and the indication information is used to indicate the third time period. Correspondingly, the terminal also receives the indication information. Based on this, the terminal can directly obtain the communication time period of the third NTN network device, so that when the signal quality of the terminal is poor, it can immediately switch to the third NTN network device to receive communication services.

[0119] In this application, the terminal communicates with the first NTN network device using the first communication parameters in the first time period, the terminal communicates with the second NTN network device using the second communication parameters in the second time period, and in the third time period, the terminal can refer to the first communication parameters to communicate with the third NTN network device. The first NTN network device communicates with the first NTN network device using the third communication parameters in the first time period, the second NTN network device communicates with the terminal using the fourth communication parameters in the second time period, and in the third time period, the third NTN network device can refer to the third communication parameters to communicate with the terminal. Based on this, the calculation amount of communication parameters can be reduced, the acquisition complexity of communication parameters can be reduced, and the data processing efficiency can be improved.

[0120] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of device interaction. It can be understood that, in order to implement the above functions, each device may include a corresponding hardware structure and / or software module for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, combining the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in this article, the embodiments of this application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of this application.

[0121] The embodiments of this application can divide the device into functional units according to the above method examples. For example, each functional unit can be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one unit. The above integrated unit can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0122] In the case of adopting an integrated unit, Figure 10 shows a possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in the embodiments of this application. As Figure 10As shown in the figure, the communication device 1000 may include: a processing unit 1001 and a transceiver unit 1002. The processing unit 1001 is used to control and manage the operations of the communication device 1000. The transceiver unit 1002 is used to support the communication between the communication device 1000 and other devices. Optionally, the transceiver unit 1002 may include a receiving unit and / or a transmitting unit, which are respectively used to perform receiving and transmitting operations. Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a storage unit, which is used to store the program code and / or data of the communication device 1000. The transceiver unit may be referred to as an input / output unit, a communication unit, etc., and the transceiver unit may be a transceiver; the processing unit may be a processor. When the communication device is a module (such as a chip) in a communication device, the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, an input / output circuit, or an input / output pin, etc., and may also be referred to as an interface, a communication interface, or an interface circuit, etc.; the processing unit may be a processor, a processing circuit, or a logic circuit, etc. Specifically, the device may be the above-mentioned terminal, NTN network device, etc.

[0123] In one embodiment, the communication device 1000 is a terminal. The processing unit 1001 is used to communicate with a first NTN network device using first communication parameters in a first time period; communicate with a second NTN network device using second communication parameters in a second time period; and communicate with a third NTN network device based on the first communication parameters in a third time period.

[0124] In an optional manner, the first communication parameters may include one or more of the following: timing parameters, frequency offset parameters, beam angle parameters, expected service duration, or service start and end times.

[0125] In an optional manner, the associated satellite of the second NTN network device is the second satellite, the associated satellite of the first NTN network device is the first satellite, and the associated satellite of the third NTN network device is the third satellite. Among them, the projection trajectories of the second satellite and the first satellite on the ground are different; the projection trajectories of the third satellite and the first satellite on the ground are the same.

[0126] In an optional manner, the first satellite and the second satellite are located in the first orbit, and the third satellite is located in the second orbit.

[0127] In an optional manner, the first orbit and the second orbit are adjacent orbits.

[0128] In an optional manner, the heights of the first orbit and the second orbit are the target height, and the target height enables there to be satellites in the first orbit and the second orbit whose ratio of the difference in right ascension of the ascending node to the difference in the angle of inclination is an integer. The difference in the angle of inclination is the difference in the angle of inclination between the first satellite and the third satellite.

[0129] In an alternative manner, the processing unit 1001 is further configured to obtain the parameters of the first NTN network device and the parameters of the third NTN network device; the processing unit 1001 is further configured to determine a third time period according to the parameters of the first NTN network device and the parameters of the third NTN network device.

[0130] In an alternative manner, the transceiver unit 1002 is configured to receive indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate the third time period.

[0131] In another implementation manner, the communication device 1000 is the first NTN network device, and the processing unit 1001 is configured to communicate with the terminal using the third communication parameters in the first time period; the communication device 1000 is the second NTN network device, and the processing unit 1001 is configured to communicate with the terminal using the fourth communication parameters in the second time period; the communication device 1000 is the third NTN network device, and the processing unit 1001 is configured to communicate with the terminal based on the third communication parameters in the third time period.

[0132] In an alternative manner, the third communication parameters include one or more of the following: timing parameters, frequency offset parameters, beam angle parameters, expected service duration, or service start and end times.

[0133] In an alternative manner, the associated satellite of the second NTN network device is the second satellite, the associated satellite of the first NTN network device is the first satellite, and the associated satellite of the third NTN network device is the third satellite, wherein the projection trajectories of the second satellite and the first satellite on the ground are different; the projection trajectories of the third satellite and the first satellite on the ground are the same.

[0134] In an alternative manner, the first satellite and the second satellite are located in the first orbit, and the third satellite is located in the second orbit.

[0135] In an alternative manner, the first orbit and the second orbit are adjacent orbits.

[0136] In an alternative manner, the heights of the first orbit and the second orbit are the target height, and the target height enables there to be a satellite in the first orbit and the second orbit where the ratio of the right ascension of the ascending node difference to the ascending node angle difference value is an integer, and the ascending node angle difference value is the difference value between the ascending node angle of the first satellite and the ascending node angle of the third satellite.

[0137] In an alternative manner, the communication device 1000 is the third NTN network device, and the processing unit 1001 is further configured to obtain the parameters of the first NTN network device and the parameters of the third NTN network device; determine the third time period according to the parameters of the first NTN network device and the parameters of the third NTN network device.

[0138] In an alternative manner, the communication device 1000 is a third NTN network device, and the transceiver unit 1002 sends indication information to the terminal, where the indication information is used to indicate a third time period.

[0139] In addition, as Figure 11 shown, it is a schematic structural diagram of a simplified terminal device provided by this application. For the convenience of understanding and illustration, Figure 11 in this example, the mobile phone is taken as an example of the terminal device. As Figure 11 shown, the terminal device includes a processor, a memory, a radio frequency circuit, an antenna, and an input / output device.

[0140] The processor is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the terminal device, execute software programs, process data of software programs, etc.

[0141] The memory is mainly used to store software programs and data.

[0142] The radio frequency circuit is mainly used for the conversion between baseband signals and radio frequency signals and the processing of radio frequency signals.

[0143] The antenna is mainly used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves.

[0144] The input / output device, such as a touch screen, a display screen, a keyboard, etc., is mainly used to receive data input by the terminal device and output data to the terminal device.

[0145] It should be noted that some types of terminal devices may not have an input / output device.

[0146] When data needs to be sent, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be sent, outputs a baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit, and the radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then sends the radio frequency signal outwards in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the terminal device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0147] For ease of explanation, Figure 11 only one memory and one processor are shown in this figure. In actual terminal device products, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. The memory can also be referred to as a storage medium or a storage device, etc. The memory can be set independently of the processor or integrated with the processor. The embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0148] In the embodiments of this application, the antenna and the radio frequency circuit with transceiver functions can be regarded as the transceiver unit of the terminal device, and the processor with processing functions can be regarded as the processing unit of the terminal device.

[0149] As shown Figure 11 in the figure, the terminal device 1100 includes a transceiver unit 1110 and a processing unit 1120. The transceiver unit 1110 may also be referred to as a transceiver, a transceiver machine, a transceiver device, etc. The processing unit 1120 may also be referred to as a processor, a processing board, a processing module, a processing device, etc.

[0150] Optionally, the devices in the transceiver unit 1110 for implementing the receiving function may be regarded as a receiving unit, and the devices in the transceiver unit 1110 for implementing the sending function may be regarded as a sending unit, that is, the transceiver unit 1110 includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. The transceiver unit may sometimes also be referred to as a transceiver machine, a transceiver, or a transceiver circuit, etc. The receiving unit may sometimes also be referred to as a receiver, a receiver machine, or a receiving circuit, etc. The sending unit may sometimes also be referred to as a transmitter, a transmitter machine, or a transmitting circuit, etc.

[0151] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 1110 is used to perform the sending operation and receiving operation of the terminal device in the above method embodiment, and the processing unit 1120 is used to perform other operations of the terminal device except the sending and receiving operations in the above method embodiment.

[0152] When the terminal device is a chip, the chip includes a transceiver unit 1110 and a processing unit 1120. Among them, the transceiver unit 1110 may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processing unit 1120 is a processor, a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, or a logic circuit integrated on the chip.

[0153] This application also provides a network device. As Figure 12 shown in the figure, it is a schematic structural diagram of the network device 1200 provided by the embodiment of this application. The network device 1200 can be applied to a system as Figures 1 to 4 shown in the figure. For example, the network device 1200 can be a network device in the system to perform the functions of the network device in the above method embodiment. It should be understood that the following is only an example. In future communication systems, the network device may have other forms and compositions. Figures 1 to 4 For example, in a 5G communication system, the network device 1200 may include a CU, a DU, and an AAU. Compared with the network device in an LTE communication system, which consists of one or more radio frequency units (such as a remote radio unit (RRU)) and one or more indoor baseband processing units (building base band unit, BBU)):

[0154]

[0155] ​The non-real-time part of the original BBU will be split out and redefined as the CU, which is responsible for processing non-real-time protocols and services. Part of the physical layer processing functions of the BBU, together with the original RRU and passive antennas, are merged into the AAU, and the remaining functions of the BBU are redefined as the DU, which is responsible for processing physical layer protocols and real-time services. In short, the CU and DU are distinguished by the real-time nature of the processed content, and the AAU is a combination of the RRU and the antenna.

[0156] The CU, DU, and AAU can be deployed separately or integrated, so there will be various network deployment forms. One possible deployment form is as Figure 12 shown, which is the same as the traditional 4G network equipment, and the CU and DU are co-deployed on the same hardware. It should be understood that Figure 12 this is just an example and does not limit the protection scope of this application. For example, the deployment form can also be that the DU is deployed in the BBU computer room, the CU is centrally deployed or the DU is centrally deployed, and the CU is more highly centralized, etc.

[0157] The AAU1300 can implement the transceiver function corresponding to the Figure 10 transceiver unit 1002 therein. Optionally, the AAU1300 can also be referred to as a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, etc., and it can include at least one antenna 1301 and a radio frequency unit 1302. Optionally, the AAU1300 can include a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit can correspond to a receiver (or a receiver, a receiving circuit), and the transmitting unit can correspond to a transmitter (or a transmitter, a transmitting circuit). The CU and DU1400 can implement the internal processing function corresponding to the Figure 10 processing unit 1001 therein. Optionally, the CU and DU1400 can control the network device, etc., and can be referred to as a controller. The AAU, CU, and DU can be physically set together or physically separated.

[0158] In addition, the network device is not limited to the Figure 10 form shown. It can also be other forms: for example, it includes a BBU and an adaptive radio unit (ARU), or includes a BBU and an AAU; it can also be a customer premises equipment (CPE), or other forms, which are not limited in this application.

[0159] In one example, the CU and DU 1400 may be composed of one or more single boards. Multiple single boards may jointly support a radio access network of a single access mode (such as an LTE network), or may separately support radio access networks of different access modes (such as an LTE network, a 5G network, a future network, or other networks). The CU and DU 1400 further include a memory 1401 and a processor 1402. The memory 1401 is used to store necessary instructions and data. The processor 1402 is used to control the first network device to perform necessary actions, for example, to control the network device to execute the operation processes of the network device in the above method embodiments. The memory 1401 and the processor 1402 may serve one or more single boards. That is to say, a memory and a processor may be separately provided on each single board. Multiple single boards may also share the same memory and processor. In addition, necessary circuits may be provided on each single board.

[0160] It should be understood that Figure 12 the network device shown is capable of implementing Figure 7 the functions of the network device involved in the method embodiments. The operations and / or functions of each unit in the network device are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes executed by the network device in the method embodiments of the present application. To avoid repetition, the detailed description is appropriately omitted here. Figure 12 The structure of the exemplary network device is only one possible form and should not constitute any limitation to the embodiments of the present application. The present application does not exclude the possibility of other forms of network device structures that may appear in the future.

[0161] The above CU and DU 1400 may be used to execute the actions implemented inside the network device described in the previous method embodiments, while the AAU 1300 may be used to execute the actions of the network device sending to or receiving from the terminal device described in the previous method embodiments. For specific details, please refer to the description in the previous method embodiments and will not be elaborated here.

[0162] Embodiments of the present application further provide a communication system, which includes a terminal and an NTN network device. The terminal device is used to execute all or part of the steps executed by the terminal device in the above Figure 7 shown embodiments. The network device is used to execute Figure 7 all or part of the steps executed by the network device in the shown embodiments.

[0163] Based on the above embodiments, embodiments of the present application further provide a readable storage medium, which stores instructions that, when executed, implement the methods in any of the above embodiments. The readable storage medium may include various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory, a random access memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disc.

[0164] It should be noted that, between all or part of any features in any embodiment of the present application, without contradiction, they can be freely combined. The combined technical solutions are also within the scope described in the present application.

[0165] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, the present application can take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the present application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical memory, etc.) that contain computer-usable program code.

[0166] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatuses (systems), and computer program products according to the present application. It should be understood that each process and / or block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, and the combination of processes and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing devices to generate a machine, such that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing devices generate a device for implementing the functions specified in Figure 1 one process or multiple processes and / or blocks Figure 1 one block or multiple blocks.

[0167] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory generate a manufactured article including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in Figure 1 one process or multiple processes and / or blocks Figure 1 one block or multiple blocks.

[0168] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device, such that a series of operation steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to generate a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in Figure 1 one process or multiple processes and / or blocks Figure 1 one block or multiple blocks.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, including: The terminal communicates with a first non-terrestrial network (NTN) network device using first communication parameters in a first time period; The terminal communicates with a second NTN network device using second communication parameters in a second time period; The terminal communicates with a third NTN network device based on the first communication parameters in a third time period.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first communication parameters include one or more of the following: Timing parameters, frequency offset parameters, beam angle parameters, expected service duration, or service start and end times.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The associated satellite of the second NTN network device is the second satellite, the associated satellite of the first NTN network device is the first satellite, and the associated satellite of the third NTN network device is the third satellite. Among them, the projection trajectories of the second satellite and the first satellite on the ground are different; the projection trajectories of the third satellite and the first satellite on the ground are the same.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first satellite and the second satellite are located in a first orbit, and the third satellite is located in a second orbit.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first orbit and the second orbit are adjacent orbits.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein The heights of the first orbit and the second orbit are the target heights, and the target heights are such that there are satellites in the first orbit and the second orbit for which the ratio of the right ascension of the ascending node difference to the inclination difference value is an integer. The inclination difference value is the difference between the inclination of the first satellite and the inclination of the third satellite.

7. According to the method described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Further including: The terminal obtains the parameters of the first NTN network device and the parameters of the third NTN network device; The terminal determines the third time period according to the parameters of the first NTN network device and the parameters of the third NTN network device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Further including: The terminal receives indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate the third time period.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, including: A first non-terrestrial network (NTN) network device communicates with the terminal using third communication parameters in a first time period; A second NTN network device communicates with the terminal using fourth communication parameters in a second time period; A third NTN network device communicates with the terminal based on the third communication parameters in a third time period.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The third communication parameters include one or more of the following: Timing parameters, frequency offset parameters, beam angle parameters, expected service duration, or service start and end times.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The associated satellite of the second NTN network device is the second satellite, the associated satellite of the first NTN network device is the first satellite, and the associated satellite of the third NTN network device is the third satellite. Among them, the projection trajectories of the second satellite and the first satellite on the ground are different; the projection trajectories of the third satellite and the first satellite on the ground are the same.

12. According to the method as claimed in any one of claims 9-11, wherein, The first satellite and the second satellite are located in a first orbit, and the third satellite is located in a second orbit.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein The first orbit and the second orbit are adjacent orbits.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The heights of the first orbit and the second orbit are the target heights, and the target heights are such that the ratio of the right ascension of the ascending node difference to the inclination difference value in the first orbit and the second orbit is an integer. The inclination difference value is the difference between the inclination of the first satellite and the inclination of the third satellite.

15. According to the method of any one of claims 9-14, characterized in that, Further including: The third NTN network device obtains the parameters of the first NTN network device and the parameters of the third NTN network device; The third NTN network device determines the third time period according to the parameters of the first NTN network device and the parameters of the third NTN network device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, Further included: The third NTN network device sends indication information to the terminal, and the indication information is used to indicate the third time period.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, Included: Functional modules for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1-16.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, Included: At least one processor and a memory; The memory is used to store computer programs or instructions; The at least one processor is used to execute the computer programs or instructions so that the method according to any one of claims 1-16 is executed.

19. A chip system, characterized in that, The chip system includes: a processing circuit; the processing circuit is coupled to a storage medium; The processing circuit is used to execute some or all of the computer programs or instructions in the storage medium. When the some or all of the computer programs or instructions are executed, they are used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1-16.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed by a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1-16 is executed.

21. A computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions run on a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1-16 is executed.

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