Paging method, access network device, core network device and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides a paging method, a communication device, access network equipment, core network equipment, a storage medium and a program product. The method comprises: receiving first information sent by a first core network device, the first information being used for requesting an access network device to page a terminal; determining that the service link is unavailable; storing the first information; wherein the service link is a link between the satellite and the terminal, and the access network equipment is deployed on the satellite. According to the scheme of the invention, paging of the terminal is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of wireless communications, and in particular to a paging method, a communication device, an access network device, a core network device, a storage medium, and a program product. Background Art

[0002] During the communication between the terminal and the network, the network may need to page the terminal. Through paging, the terminal activates the network connection, so that the network can provide corresponding services to the terminal. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a paging method, a communication device, an access network device, a core network device, a storage medium, and a program product, thereby implementing paging of a terminal in an S&F mode.

[0004] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a paging method is provided. The paging method is performed by an access network device. The paging method includes: receiving first information sent by a first core network device, wherein the first information is used to request the access network device to page a terminal; determining that a service link is unavailable; and storing the first information; wherein the service link is a link between a satellite and a terminal, and the access network device is deployed on the satellite.

[0005] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a paging method is provided. The paging method is performed by a core network device. The paging method includes: sending first information to an access network device, wherein the first information is used to request the access network device to page a terminal, where the access network device is deployed on a satellite; obtaining a waiting time; setting a waiting timer based on the waiting time; and executing a paging response wait based on the waiting timer.

[0006] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is configured to receive first information sent by a first core network device, wherein the first information is used to request an access network device to page a terminal. The processing module is configured to determine that a service link is unavailable and store the first information. The service link is a link between a satellite and a terminal, and the access network device is deployed on the satellite.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is configured to send first information to an access network device, wherein the first information is used to request the access network device to page a terminal, where the access network device is deployed on a satellite. The processing module is configured to obtain a waiting time; set a waiting timer based on the waiting time; and execute a paging response wait based on the waiting timer.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an access network device is provided. The access network device includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the access network device, the access network device implements the paging method described in the first aspect.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a core network device is provided. The core network device includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the core network device, the core network device implements the paging method described in the second aspect.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes an access network device and a core network device. The access network device is configured to implement the paging method described in the first aspect. The core network device is configured to implement the paging method described in the second aspect.

[0011] According to an eighth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the paging method described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0012] According to a ninth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a program product is provided, which, when executed by a communication device, enables the communication device to execute the paging method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0013] According to a tenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to execute the paging method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0014] According to an eleventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a chip or a chip system is provided. The chip or chip system includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to execute the paging method as described in the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0015] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, paging of a terminal can be achieved when an access network device executes a store-and-forward mode.

[0016] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and do not constitute limitations on the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 1A Schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1B It is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system architecture based on transparent transmission payload according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system based on regenerative payload according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating normal or default satellite operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2B FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a store and forward satellite according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 3 It is an exemplary interaction diagram of the paging method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 4 It is an exemplary flow chart of a paging method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 5 It is an exemplary flow chart of a paging method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 6A It is an exemplary flow chart of a paging method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 6B It is an exemplary flow chart of a paging method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 7A It is an exemplary interaction diagram of a specific embodiment of the paging method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 7B It is an exemplary interaction diagram of a specific embodiment of the paging method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 8 is an exemplary structural diagram of a paging device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 9A It is a structural diagram of a paging device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 9B It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a paging method, a communication device, an access network device, a core network device, a storage medium, and a program product.

[0034] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a paging method. The paging method is performed by an access network device. The paging method includes: receiving first information sent by a first core network device, wherein the first information is used to request the access network device to page a terminal; determining that a service link is unavailable; and storing the first information. The service link is a link between a satellite and the terminal, and the access network device is deployed on the satellite.

[0035] Through this embodiment, upon receiving the first information, the access network device can determine that the service link is unavailable and store the first information. In this way, the access network device can cache the first information and send a paging message containing the first information to the terminal when the satellite movement makes the service link available. In this way, paging of the terminal is achieved.

[0036] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: location information, used to indicate the paging area; identification information, used to indicate the paging terminal.

[0037] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may be carried in one of the following: a paging message, used to page the terminal; or a RAN paging request message, used to request an access network device to page the terminal.

[0038] Through this embodiment, the access network device can receive a paging message to perform CN-initiated paging; or the access network device can receive a paging request message to perform RAN-initiated paging. In this way, the access network device can implement terminal paging after the service link becomes available.

[0039] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned paging method may further include: sending second information to the first core network device, wherein the second information is used for the first core network device to perform paging waiting.

[0040] Through this embodiment, the access network device can send the second information to the first core network device, so that the first core network device performs paging waiting. In this way, the first core network device can set a waiting timer to wait for receiving signaling and / or data sent by the terminal in response to the paging. Then, when the access network device implements the store-and-forward mode, the first core network device can wait for the service link and / or feeder link to become available from being unavailable, and then can use the store-and-forward mechanism to implement paging for the terminal.

[0041] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of the following: a waiting time, used to determine the duration for which the first core network device performs paging waiting; a waiting reason, used to indicate the reason for the paging waiting.

[0042] In this embodiment, the second information may include a waiting time and / or a waiting reason. Based on the waiting time, the first core network device may determine the required waiting time. Based on the waiting reason, the first core network device may determine that the paging waiting is caused by the unavailability of the service link and / or feeder link in the store-and-forward mode.

[0043] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the waiting time may be determined based on at least one of: the ephemeris of the satellite; and the position of the terminal.

[0044] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the waiting time may include at least one of the following: a first duration, wherein the first duration is the duration it takes for the service link to become available next time; a second duration, wherein the second duration is the duration it takes for the feeder link to become available next time; wherein the feeder link is a link between the satellite and the ground station.

[0045] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the waiting reason may include: the access network device executes a store-and-forward mode.

[0046] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the paging method may further include: determining that a service link is available; and sending third information to the terminal, wherein the third information is used to paging the terminal.

[0047] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include: identification information, used to indicate the paging terminal.

[0048] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a paging method. The paging method is performed by a core network device. The paging method includes: sending a first message to an access network device, wherein the first message is used to request the access network device to page a terminal, where the access network device is deployed on a satellite; obtaining a waiting time; setting a waiting timer based on the waiting time; and executing a paging wait based on the waiting timer.

[0049] Through this embodiment, the first core network device can determine the required waiting time. Based on the waiting reason, the first core network device can set the waiting timer duration. During the waiting timer duration, the first core network device can execute the paging wait. In this way, the first core network device can wait for the predetermined time and promptly determine whether the terminal paging is successful.

[0050] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: location information, used to indicate the paging area; identification information, used to indicate the paging terminal.

[0051] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may be carried in one of the following: a paging message, used to page the terminal; or a RAN paging request message, used to request an access network device to page the terminal.

[0052] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned paging method may further include: receiving second information sent by the access network device, wherein the second information is used by the first core network device to perform paging waiting.

[0053] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of the following: a waiting time, used to determine the duration for which the first core network device performs paging waiting; a waiting reason, used to indicate the reason for the paging waiting.

[0054] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the waiting reason may include: the access network device executes a store-and-forward mode.

[0055] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the waiting time can be obtained by at least one of the following methods: the first core network device determines the waiting time; the first core network device obtains the waiting time from the access network device.

[0056] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the waiting time may be determined based on at least one of: the ephemeris of the satellite; or the position of the terminal.

[0057] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the waiting time may include at least one of the following: a first duration, wherein the first duration is the duration it takes for the service link to become available next time; a second duration, wherein the second duration is the duration it takes for the feeder link to become available next time; wherein the service link is the link between the satellite and the terminal, and the feeder link is the link between the satellite and the ground station.

[0058] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned paging method may also include: determining that signaling and / or data sent by the access network device is received during the paging waiting period, wherein the signaling and / or data is associated with the terminal; determining that the paging for the terminal is successful; and canceling the waiting timer, wherein the waiting timer is set according to the waiting time.

[0059] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned paging method may also include: determining that no signaling and / or data sent by the access network device is received during the paging waiting period, wherein the signaling and / or data is associated with the terminal; and determining that the paging for the terminal has failed.

[0060] In combination with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the paging method may further include: resending the first information to the access network device.

[0061] In a third aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communications device. The communications device includes a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is configured to receive first information sent by a first core network device, wherein the first information is used to request an access network device to page a terminal. The processing module is configured to determine that a service link is unavailable and store the first information. The service link is a link between a satellite and a terminal, and the access network device is deployed on the satellite.

[0062] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: location information, used to indicate the paging area; identification information, used to indicate the paging terminal.

[0063] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may be carried in one of the following: a paging message, used to page the terminal; or a RAN paging request message, used to request an access network device to page the terminal.

[0064] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can also be configured to: send second information to the first core network device, wherein the second information is used for the first core network device to perform paging waiting.

[0065] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of the following: a waiting time, used to determine the duration for which the first core network device performs paging waiting; a waiting reason, used to indicate the reason for the paging waiting.

[0066] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the waiting time may be determined based on at least one of: the ephemeris of the satellite; or the position of the terminal.

[0067] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the waiting time may include at least one of the following: a first duration, wherein the first duration is the duration it takes for the service link to become available next time; a second duration, wherein the second duration is the duration it takes for the feeder link to become available next time; wherein the feeder link is a link between the satellite and the ground station.

[0068] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the waiting reason may include: the access network device executes a store-and-forward mode.

[0069] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the processing module can also be configured to: determine that the service link is available; the transceiver module can also be configured to: send third information to the terminal, wherein the third information is used to page the terminal.

[0070] In combination with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include: identification information for indicating the paging terminal.

[0071] In a fourth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module. The transceiver module is configured to send a first message to an access network device, wherein the first message is used to request the access network device to page a terminal. The access network device is deployed on a satellite. The processing module is configured to obtain a waiting time; set a waiting timer based on the waiting time; and execute a paging wait based on the waiting timer.

[0072] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: location information, used to indicate the paging area; identification information, used to indicate the paging terminal.

[0073] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may be carried in one of the following: a paging message, used to page the terminal; or a RAN paging request message, used to request an access network device to page the terminal.

[0074] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can also be configured to: receive second information sent by the access network device, wherein the second information is used for the first core network device to perform paging waiting.

[0075] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of the following: a waiting time, used to determine the duration for which the first core network device performs paging waiting; a waiting reason, used to indicate the reason for the paging waiting.

[0076] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the waiting reason may include: the access network device executes the store-and-forward mode.

[0077] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the waiting time can be obtained by at least one of the following methods: the first core network device determines the waiting time; the first core network device obtains the waiting time from the access network device.

[0078] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the waiting time can be determined based on at least one of the following: the ephemeris of the satellite; the position of the terminal.

[0079] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the waiting time may include at least one of the following: a first duration, wherein the first duration is the duration it takes for the service link to become available next time; a second duration, wherein the second duration is the duration it takes for the feeder link to become available next time; wherein the service link is the link between the satellite and the terminal, and the feeder link is the link between the satellite and the ground station.

[0080] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the processing module can be configured to: determine that signaling and / or data sent by the access network device is received during the paging waiting period, wherein the signaling and / or data is associated with the terminal; determine that the paging for the terminal is successful; and cancel the waiting timer, wherein the waiting timer is set according to the waiting time.

[0081] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the processing module can be configured to: determine that no signaling and / or data sent by the access network device is received during the paging waiting period, wherein the signaling and / or data is associated with the terminal; and determine that the paging for the terminal has failed.

[0082] In combination with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may be configured to: resend the first information to the access network device.

[0083] In a fifth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an access network device. The access network device includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the access network device, the access network device implements the paging method described in any one of the first aspect and possible implementations thereof.

[0084] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a core network device. The core network device includes one or more processors and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the core network device, the core network device implements the paging method as described in any one of the second aspect and possible implementations thereof.

[0085] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communications system. The communications system includes an access network device and a core network device. The access network device is configured to implement the paging method described in any one of the first aspect and possible implementations thereof. The core network device is configured to implement the paging method described in any one of the second aspect and possible implementations thereof.

[0086] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to execute the paging method described in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and possible implementations thereof.

[0087] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the paging method as described in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and possible implementations thereof.

[0088] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program. When the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer executes the paging method as described in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and possible implementations thereof.

[0089] In an eleventh aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to execute the paging method as described in any one of the first aspect, the second aspect, and possible implementations thereof.

[0090] It is understandable that the above-mentioned communication devices, access network equipment, core network equipment, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, and chip systems are all used to perform the methods provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding methods and will not be repeated here.

[0091] The present disclosure provides a paging method, communication device, access network equipment, core network equipment, storage medium, and program product. In some embodiments, the terms paging method, communication method, information processing method, and information transmission method are interchangeable; the terms paging device, communication device, communication equipment, communication function, and communication entity are interchangeable; and the terms paging system, communication system, and information processing system are interchangeable.

[0092] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0093] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0094] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0095] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English are used in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0096] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more than two.

[0097] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one", "one or more", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0098] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0099] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0100] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for example, if the description object is "information", then the "second information" and the "first information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0101] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0102] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0103] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0104] In some embodiments, devices, etc. can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as "device", "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", and "subject" can be used interchangeably.

[0105] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.). For example, a network device may include at least one access network device. For another example, a network device may include at least one core network device. For another example, a network device may include at least one access network device and at least one core network device.

[0106] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station" "fixed station", "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)" "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0107] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0108] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced by a terminal. For example, the various embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a structure in which the communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (for example, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, it is also possible to set the structure in which the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can also be replaced by terms corresponding to communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channels, downlink channels, etc. can be replaced by side channels, and uplinks, downlinks, etc. can be replaced by side links.

[0109] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device may have a structure that has all or part of the functions of the terminal.

[0110] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0111] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0112] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0113] Figure 1A Schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1A As shown, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 , an access network device 102 , and a core network 103 .

[0114] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0115] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 can be, for example, a node or device that accesses the terminal to the wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a satellite base station, a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0116] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces within the network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0117] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0118] In some embodiments, the core network 103 may be a device including a first core network device 1031, a second core network device 1032, a third core network device 1033, etc., or may be multiple devices or a device group including part or all of the first core network device 1031, the second core network device 1032, and the third core network device 1033. Network devices may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC) network, a 5G core network (5GC) network, and a next generation core (NGC) network.

[0119] In some embodiments, the core network may be an EPC network in a 4G system. Of course, the core network may also be a core network of other evolved versions, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may be, for example, a mobility management entity (MME).

[0121] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 can be used to perform user mobility management, for example, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0122] In some embodiments, the second core network device 1032 may be, for example, a packet data network (PDN) gateway (PDN gateway, P-GW).

[0123] In some embodiments, the second core network device 1032 may be responsible for the connection between the EPC and the external network, for example, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0124] In some embodiments, the third core network device 1033 may be, for example, a serving gateway (S-GW).

[0125] In some embodiments, the third core network device 1033 may be responsible for, for example, data exchange on the user plane when the user moves between different access technologies, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0126] In some embodiments, each core network device in the core network 103 may also be referred to as a network element, a network device, a network function, a network entity, etc., without limitation to the name.

[0127] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0128] The following embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Figure 1A The communication system 100 shown, or a part of the communication system 100, is shown, but not limited thereto. Figure 1A The various entities shown are examples, and the communication system 100 may include Figure 1A All or part of the subject, and may also include Figure 1A The number and form of other subjects are arbitrary, each subject can be physical or virtual, the connection relationship between the subjects is illustrative, the subjects can be connected or disconnected, and the connection can be in any way, which can be direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0129] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G New Radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New Radio Access (NX), Future Generation Radio Access (FX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and other technologies. Band (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems using other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, a combination of multiple systems (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G) may also be applied.

[0130] The various embodiments of the present disclosure may be applicable to non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), including networks or network segments that utilize transmission equipment relay nodes or base stations carried on airborne or space-based vehicles, and any network involving non-terrestrial flying objects. For example, NTNs may include satellite communication networks and high-altitude platform systems (HAPs). In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a satellite communication NTN is used as an example for illustration.

[0131] With the development of communication technology, satellite communication technology is considered an important aspect of the future development of wireless communication technology. Communication systems that support satellite access technology (such as 4G and 5G networks) can also be called satellite communication networks. In this communication network, terminals can access the core network (such as EPC and 5GC) through the satellite access network and conduct business. However, due to the insufficient number of satellite deployments, satellite access networks may have problems such as limited coverage. Therefore, satellites may not be able to provide continuous connection services. This discontinuous satellite connection includes interruptions in the service connection between the satellite and the terminal or the feeder connection between the satellite and the ground station.

[0132] In some embodiments, the connection between the satellite and the terminal may also be referred to as a service link, and the connection between the satellite and the ground station may also be referred to as a feeder link.

[0133] In some embodiments, the satellite communication network may have two different architectures: a satellite communication network architecture based on transparent payloads (i.e., transparent mode) and a satellite communication network architecture based on regenerative payloads (i.e., regenerative mode).

[0134] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system architecture based on transparent transmission payload according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, Figure 1B As shown, in this satellite communication system architecture, the core network is used as the EPC. Of course, the core network can also be other evolved versions of the core network, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of this disclosure. In transparent transmission mode, the eNB can be deployed on the ground, and the satellite performs the eNB's radio frequency functions.

[0135] Figure 1C FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system architecture based on a regenerative payload according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1CAs shown, in this satellite communication system architecture, the core network is still used as the EPC. Of course, the core network can also be other evolved versions of the core network, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the disclosure. In regenerative mode, the eNB is deployed on the satellite. In this case, the eNB can be called a satellite-based eNB.

[0136] In some embodiments, handling discontinuous coverage of the service link when the satellite is in transparent transmission mode may include enhancing terminal mobility and power saving techniques when the satellite provides discontinuous coverage. However, when the satellite is in regeneration mode, handling discontinuous coverage of the feeder link has not yet been technically clarified to support terminal services.

[0137] In some embodiments, to provide delay-tolerant communication services, the satellite communication system supports store and forward (S&F) functionality. Store and forward (S&F) operation is an operating mode of a communication system with satellite access (i.e., a satellite communication system). When the satellite connection is intermittent or temporarily unavailable, the communication system can provide data storage services and provide buffered data forwarding services when the satellite connection is restored.

[0138] In some embodiments, the operation mode of the satellite communication system based on the transparent mode or the regeneration mode described above can be described as normal or default satellite operation.

[0139] In some embodiments, as Figure 2A As shown, Figure 2A Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating normal or default satellite operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In "normal / default satellite operation" mode, signaling and / or data transmission between a terminal and a remote terrestrial network (TN) via the satellite requires both a service link and a feeder link connection. Therefore, when the terminal interacts with the satellite via the service link, a continuous, end-to-end connection path exists between the terminal, the satellite, and the terrestrial network.

[0140] In some embodiments, as Figure 2B As shown, Figure 2B FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a store and forward satellite operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Compared with the normal satellite operation described above, in S&F satellite operation, the end-to-end signaling or data transmission interaction is processed as a combination of two steps that are not performed simultaneously (e.g., Figure 2BIn step A, signaling or data transmission is exchanged between the terminal and the satellite. At this time, there may be no connection between the satellite and the terrestrial network (i.e., the satellite can communicate using a service link even when no feeder link connection is available). In step B, a connection is established between the satellite and the terrestrial network (i.e., a feeder link is established), thereby enabling communication between the satellite and the terrestrial network. Thus, the satellite moves from establishing a connection with the terminal in step A to establishing a connection with the terrestrial network in step B.

[0141] In some embodiments, support for S&F satellite operations is particularly applicable to non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) satellites providing delay-tolerant or non-real-time IoT satellite services.

[0142] When the terminal is in an idle state, the network needs to send a paging message before sending signaling and / or data to the terminal to implement paging of the terminal.

[0143] Therefore, in the regeneration mode, if there is a situation where the satellite connection (including the service connection and the feeder connection) is discontinuous, how to implement paging of the terminal is a problem that needs to be solved urgently.

[0144] Figure 3 1 is an exemplary interaction diagram of a paging method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a paging method, which is applied to a communication system 100. Figure 3 As shown, the paging method includes steps S301 to S311.

[0145] In step S301 , the second core network device 1032 sends first data to the first core network device 1031 .

[0146] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may receive first data.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may be an MME.

[0148] In some embodiments, the second core network device 1032 may be a P-GW.

[0149] In some embodiments, the first data may be data for terminal 101. In one example, the first data may be downlink data for terminal 101. For example, the first data may be data from an external server. For example, the first data may be data from an external server and for terminal 101.

[0150] In some embodiments, step S301 may be implemented as follows: the second core network device 1032 sends the first data to the third core network device 1033 ; and the third core network device 1033 sends the first data to the first core network device 1031 .

[0151] In some embodiments, the first data may be sent by the second core network device 1032 to the third core network device 1033. In one example, the second core network device 1032 may send the first data received from the external server to the third core network device.

[0152] In some embodiments, the third core network device 1033 may be an S-GW.

[0153] In some embodiments, the first data may be sent from the second core network device 1032 to the third core network device 1033 via a user plane.

[0154] In some embodiments, the first data may be sent from the second core network device 1032 to the third core network device 1033 via an S5 interface.

[0155] In some embodiments, after receiving the first data, the third core network device 1033 may determine whether a user plane connection to the first core network device 1031 exists. In some embodiments, the third core network device 1033 may determine, based on the context data, that a user plane connection to the first core network device 1031 does not exist. In this case, the third core network device 1033 may store the first data. In some embodiments, the third core network device 1033 may determine, based on the context data, that a user plane connection to the first core network device 1031 exists. In this case, the third core network device 1033 may send the first data to the first core network device 1031. The first data sent to the first core network device 1031 may be the first data received by the third core network device 1033 from the second core network device 1032, or the stored first data.

[0156] In some embodiments, the user plane connection between the third core network device 1033 and the first core network device 1031 may be an S11-U connection.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first data may be transmitted on a user plane between the second core network device 1032 and the first core network device 1031. In some embodiments, the first data may be transmitted between the second core network device 1032 and the third core network device 1033 via an S5 interface.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first data may be transmitted on a user plane between the third core network device 1033 and the first core network device 1031. In some embodiments, the first data may be transmitted between the third core network device 1033 and the first core network device 1031 via an S11 interface. In one example, the first data may be transmitted between the third core network device 1033 and the first core network device 1031 via an S11-U connection.

[0159] In step S302 , the first core network device 1031 determines that the feeder link is unavailable.

[0160] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may determine that a feeder link between a ground station (not shown) and a satellite on which the access network device 102 is deployed is unavailable.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may determine that a feeder link between a ground station and the access network device 102 in the satellite is unavailable. In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may be located in the satellite. In one example, the access network device 102 may be an access network device in a non-terrestrial network (NTN). It will be appreciated that the access network device 102 located in the satellite may be, for example, a satellite-based base station.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may detect the availability of the feeder link and determine that the feeder link is unavailable.

[0163] In some embodiments, when it is determined that the feeder link is unavailable, the first core network device 1031 may store the first data.

[0164] In step S303 , the first core network device 1031 determines that the feeder link is available.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may determine that the feeder link between the ground station and the access network device 102 is unavailable.

[0166] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may determine that a feeder link between the ground station and the access network device 102 in the satellite is unavailable.

[0167] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may detect the availability of the feeder link and determine that the feeder link is available.

[0168] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may detect the availability of the feeder link in a predetermined manner. In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may continuously detect the availability of the feeder link. In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may periodically detect the availability of the feeder link. In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may detect the availability of the feeder link based on an event trigger.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may determine that the feeder link is unavailable at a first time, and then determine that the feeder link is available at a second time after the first time. In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may detect that the feeder link is unavailable at a first time, and then detect that the feeder link is available at a second time after the first time. For example, after the first core network device 1031 receives the first data, if the ground station is not covered by the access network device 102 on the satellite at the first time, the feeder link is unavailable; as the satellite moves, the ground station is covered by the access network device 102 on the satellite at the second time, and the feeder link is available. In this case, step S303 can be performed after step S304.

[0170] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 can directly determine that the feeder link is available. For example, after the first core network device 1031 receives the first data, if the ground station is covered by the access network device 102 on the satellite, the feeder link is available. In this case, only step S304 can be performed, and step S303 can be omitted.

[0171] In step S304 , the first core network device 1031 sends first information to the access network device 102 .

[0172] In some embodiments, when determining that the feeder link is available, the first core network device 1031 may send first information to the access network device 102 .

[0173] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may receive the first information.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to request the access network device 102 to page the terminal. In some embodiments, the first information may be used to trigger the access network device 102 to page the terminal. In some embodiments, the first information may be used to instruct the access network device 102 to page the terminal.

[0175] In some embodiments, the name of the first information is not limited, and it can be, for example, paging information, paging request information, paging indication information, paging trigger information, etc.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may sense that the access network device 102 is operating in a store and forward (S&F) mode. In one example, the first core network device 1031 may determine that the access network device 102 is operating in the S&F mode based on information reported by the access network device 102 during the attachment process of the terminal 101.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first information may also be used to request a waiting time from the access network device 102 .

[0178] In some embodiments, the waiting time may be used by the first core network device 1031 to perform paging waiting. In one example, the waiting time may be used by the first core network device 1031 to determine a duration for performing paging waiting.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: location information, identification information.

[0180] In some embodiments, the location information may be used to indicate a paging area. In one example, the location information may be used to indicate an area in which the paged terminal 101 exists. In other words, the terminal 101 may be located within the area indicated by the location information.

[0181] In some embodiments, the location information may include identification information of the paging area.

[0182] In some embodiments, the paging area may be a tracking area (TA). In one example, the identification information of the area may be a tracking area list (TAL). A TAL may be used to indicate one or more TAs. For example, a TAL may include the tracking area identities (TAIs) of one or more TAs. Each TAI is used to identify a TA. In one example, the identification information of the area may be a TAI.

[0183] In some embodiments, the paging area may be a cell. In one example, the identification information of the area may be a cell identity (Cell ID). The cell identity may be used to identify the corresponding cell.

[0184] In some embodiments, the identification information may be used to indicate the terminal 101 being paged.

[0185] In some embodiments, the identification information may include identification information of the terminal 101. In one example, the identification information of the terminal 101 may include a UE ID.

[0186] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may be associated with a paging area indicated by the location information. In one example, the location information may be identification information of a TA, and the access network device 102 may be located in the TA. In another example, the location information may be identification information of a cell, and the access network device 102 may cover the cell.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first information may be carried in a first message. The first message may be used to page the terminal 101 or trigger the paging of the terminal 101.

[0188] In some embodiments, the first message may include at least one of the following: a paging message, a paging request message.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first information may be carried in a paging message. In some embodiments, paging may be initiated by the core network (CN). In this case, paging may also be referred to as CN paging, CN-initiated paging, CN-based paging, etc. In this case, the first core network device 1031 may send a paging message to the access network device 102. The paging message may include the first information.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first information may be carried in a paging request message. In some embodiments, paging may be initiated by a radio access network (RAN). In one example, paging may be initiated by access network device 102. In this case, paging may also be referred to as RAN paging, RAN-initiated paging, RAN-based paging, etc. In some embodiments, the name of the paging request message is not limited and may also be a paging trigger message, a paging indication message, a paging activation message, etc. In this case, the first core network device 1031 may send a paging request message to the access network device 102. The paging request message may include the first information.

[0191] In some embodiments, the first information may be sent from the first core network device 1031 to the access network device 102 via a control plane.

[0192] In some embodiments, the first information may be sent from the first core network device 1031 to the access network device 102 via an S1 interface. In one example, the first information may be sent from the first core network device 1031 to the access network device 102 via an S1-MME interface.

[0193] In step S305 , the access network device 102 determines that the service link is unavailable.

[0194] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may determine that the service link between the access network device 102 and the terminal 101 is unavailable.

[0195] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may determine that a service link between the access network device 102 in the satellite and the terminal 101 is unavailable.

[0196] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may detect the availability of the service link and determine that the service link is unavailable.

[0197] In some embodiments, after receiving the first information, the access network device 102 may determine that the service link is unavailable.

[0198] In step S306 , the access network device 102 stores the first information.

[0199] In some embodiments, after determining that the service link is unavailable, the access network device 102 may store the first information. For example, the access network device 102 may store the first information locally.

[0200] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may directly save the first message, where the first message includes the first information.

[0201] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may obtain the first information from the received first message and store the obtained first information.

[0202] In step S307 , the access network device 102 sends the second information to the first core network device 1031 .

[0203] In some embodiments, after determining that the service link is unavailable, the access network device 102 may send second information to the first core network device 1031 .

[0204] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may receive the second information.

[0205] In some embodiments, the second information may be used by the first core network device 1031 to perform paging waiting.

[0206] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate to the first core network device 1031 that paging will be delayed.

[0207] In some embodiments, the name of the second information is not limited, and it can be, for example, a paging delay indication, a paging waiting indication, a paging delay notification, etc.

[0208] In some embodiments, the second information may include at least one of the following: waiting time, waiting reason.

[0209] In some embodiments, a wait cause may be used to indicate the reason for the page wait.

[0210] In some embodiments, the waiting reason may include: the access network device 102 executes the S&F mode. In some embodiments, the waiting reason may include at least one of the following: the feeder link is unavailable, and the service link is unavailable.

[0211] In some embodiments, the waiting time may be used to determine the duration for which the first core network device 1031 performs paging waiting. In some embodiments, the waiting time may be used to indicate the duration for which paging is delayed.

[0212] In some embodiments, the waiting time may include at least one of the following: a first duration, a second duration.

[0213] In some embodiments, the first duration may be the duration until the service link becomes available again. In one example, the service link is determined to be unavailable in step S305; however, as the satellite moves, the service link will become available. The first duration may be the duration from the time the service link is currently unavailable to the time the service link becomes available later. For example, the first duration may be the duration from the time the service link is currently unavailable to the time the service link last became available.

[0214] In some embodiments, the first duration may be the duration that elapses each time the service link becomes available multiple times. In one example, in step S305, it is determined that the service link is unavailable; however, as the satellite moves, the service link becomes available; as the satellite continues to move, the service link becomes unavailable again, and so on. In this case, the first duration may be the duration that elapses each time the service link becomes available multiple times. For example, the first duration may include: the duration from the time the service link is currently unavailable to the time the service link becomes available for the first time, the duration from the time the service link is currently unavailable to the time the service link becomes available for the second time, the duration from the time the service link is currently unavailable to the time the service link becomes available for the third time, and so on. For example, the first duration may include: the duration from the time the service link is currently unavailable to the time the service link becomes available for the first time, the duration from the time the service link becomes available for the first time to the time the service link becomes available for the second time, the duration from the time the service link becomes available for the second time to the time the service link becomes available for the third time, and so on.

[0215] In some embodiments, the second duration may be the duration until the feeder link becomes available again. In one example, in step S303, it is determined that the feeder link is available, and in step S304, the access network device 102 receives first information via the feeder link. As the satellite moves, the feeder link may become unavailable and then become available again. In one example, the second duration may be the duration from the time the current feeder link becomes available to the time the feeder link becomes available again. For example, the second duration may be the duration from the time the current feeder link becomes available to the last time the feeder link became available.

[0216] In some embodiments, the second duration may be the duration of each of the multiple times the feeder link becomes available. In one example, in step S303, it is determined that the feeder link is available, and in step S304, the access network device 102 receives first information via the feeder link. As the satellite moves, the feeder link may become unavailable and then become available again, and so on. In this case, the second duration may be the duration of each of the multiple times the service link becomes available. For example, the second duration may include: the duration from the time the current feeder link becomes available to the time the feeder link becomes available for the first time thereafter, the duration from the time the current feeder link becomes available to the time the feeder link becomes available for the second time thereafter, the duration from the time the current feeder link becomes available to the time the feeder link becomes available for the third time thereafter, and so on. For example, the second duration may include: the duration from the time the current feeder link becomes available to the time the feeder link becomes available for the first time thereafter, the duration from the time the feeder link becomes available for the first time thereafter to the time the feeder link becomes available for the second time thereafter, and the duration from the time the feeder link becomes available for the second time thereafter to the time the feeder link becomes available for the third time thereafter.

[0217] In some embodiments, the second duration may be the duration from the time the service link next becomes available to the time the feeder link becomes available thereafter. For example, the second duration may be the duration from the time the service link next becomes available to the time the feeder link next becomes available.

[0218] In some embodiments, the waiting time may be determined based on at least one of the following: satellite ephemeris, and the location of the terminal 101. In one example, the access network device 102 may determine the waiting time based on the satellite ephemeris and / or the location of the terminal 101.

[0219] In some embodiments, the satellite's ephemeris can be used to indicate the operating parameters of the satellite network, based on which the start time, coverage duration, and no-coverage duration of the satellite's coverage of a specified location can be calculated. The start time and connection duration between the satellite and a specified ground station can also be calculated.

[0220] In some embodiments, the satellite's ephemeris may be stored in the access network device 102. In this case, the access network device 102 may obtain the satellite's ephemeris locally. In some embodiments, the satellite's ephemeris may be stored in a portion of the satellite other than the access network device 102. In this case, the access network device 102 may obtain the satellite's ephemeris from other portions of the satellite.

[0221] In some embodiments, the location of the terminal 101 may be used to indicate the location of the terminal 101 .

[0222] In some embodiments, the location of the terminal 101 may be provided by the terminal 101 to the access network device 102. In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may store the location of the terminal 101.

[0223] In some embodiments, the location of the terminal 101 may be represented by the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) coordinates of the terminal 101. It is understood that the location of the terminal 101 may also be represented by other means, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0224] In some embodiments, the first duration can be determined based on the satellite's ephemeris and / or the location of terminal 101. In one example, access network device 102 can determine the next time the service link becomes available based on the satellite's ephemeris and / or the location of terminal 101. In this way, access network device 102 can further determine the first duration.

[0225] In some embodiments, the second duration can be determined based on the satellite's ephemeris and / or the location of terminal 101. In one example, access network device 102 can determine the next time the feeder link becomes available based on the satellite's ephemeris and / or the location of terminal 101. In this manner, access network device 102 can further determine the second duration.

[0226] In some embodiments, the second duration can be determined based on the satellite's ephemeris and / or the location of terminal 101. In one example, access network device 102 can determine the next available time of the serving link and the next available time of the feeder link based on the satellite's ephemeris and / or the location of terminal 101. In this manner, access network device 102 can further determine the second duration.

[0227] In some embodiments, the second duration may be determined based on the satellite's ephemeris. In one example, the second duration may be determined based on the satellite's ephemeris and the location of the ground station. In one example, the location of the ground station may be fixed, and the second duration may be determined based solely on the satellite's ephemeris.

[0228] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may independently determine the time to perform paging waiting.

[0229] In some embodiments, step S307 may be omitted, and the first core network device 1031 does not need to obtain the second information.

[0230] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may obtain the first duration through the second information, and determine the waiting time based on the obtained first duration and the second duration determined by itself.

[0231] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may determine the waiting time based on the satellite ephemeris and / or the position of the terminal 101. Thereafter, the first core network device 1031 may determine the duration of the paging wait based on the determined waiting time.

[0232] In step S308 , the first core network device 1031 performs paging waiting.

[0233] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may perform paging waiting based on the second information.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may determine the duration of the paging wait based on the waiting time in the second information.

[0235] In some embodiments, the second information may include a first duration and / or a second duration. The first core network device 1031 may then determine the duration of the paging wait based on the first duration and / or the second duration. In one example, the first core network device 1031 may determine the duration from the current time until the next service link becomes available and the feeder link becomes available again based on the first duration and / or the second duration. This duration may be the paging wait duration.

[0236] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may set a waiting timer according to the waiting time.

[0237] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may determine the duration of the paging wait based on the waiting time; and set the timing of the waiting timer to the duration.

[0238] In some embodiments, a wait timer is used to time the page wait.

[0239] In some embodiments, the wait timer may be referred to as a timer, a delay timer, etc.

[0240] In some embodiments, after setting the waiting timer to the paging wait duration, the first core network device 1031 may start the waiting timer. Then, during the timing of the waiting timer, the first core network device 1031 may perform paging wait.

[0241] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may receive signaling and / or data sent by the access network device 102. The signaling and / or data may be associated with the terminal 101. For example, the signaling and / or data may be a response of the terminal 101 to a paging request.

[0242] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may receive signaling and / or data sent by the access network device 102 during the waiting time. In some embodiments, when the waiting timer starts and does not time out, the first core network device 1031 may receive signaling and / or data sent by the access network device 102. At this point, the first core network device 1031 may determine that the paging for the terminal 101 is successful.

[0243] In some embodiments, when it is determined that the paging for the terminal 101 is successful, the first core network device 1031 may cancel the waiting timer.

[0244] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may not receive the signaling and / or data sent by the access network device 102 during the waiting time. In some embodiments, when the waiting timer expires, the first core network device 1031 may still not receive the signaling and / or data sent by the access network device 102. In this case, the first core network device 1031 may determine that the paging for the terminal 101 has failed.

[0245] In some embodiments, when it is determined that the paging for the terminal 101 fails, the first core network device 1031 may perform at least one of the following: re-page the terminal 101, and report the paging failure.

[0246] In some embodiments, when it is determined that the paging for the terminal 101 fails, the first core network device 1031 may resend the first information to the access network device 102. In this way, the first core network device 1031 may page the terminal 101 again.

[0247] In step S309 , the access network device 102 determines that the service link is available.

[0248] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may determine that a service link between the access network device 102 and the terminal 101 is available.

[0249] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may detect the availability of the service link and determine that the service link is available.

[0250] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may detect the availability of the service link in a predetermined manner. In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may continuously detect the availability of the service link. In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may periodically detect the availability of the service link. In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may detect the availability of the service link based on an event trigger.

[0251] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may determine that the feeder link is unavailable at a first time, and then determine that the feeder link is available at a second time after the first time. In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may detect that the feeder link is unavailable at a first time, and then detect that the feeder link is available at a second time after the first time. For example, after the first core network device 1031 receives the first data, if the ground station is not covered by the access network device 102 on the satellite at the first time, the feeder link is unavailable; as the satellite moves, the ground station is covered by the access network device 102 on the satellite at the second time, and the feeder link is available. In this case, step S303 can be performed after step S304.

[0252] In step S310 , the access network device 102 sends third information to the terminal 101 .

[0253] In some embodiments, when the access network device 102 determines that the service link is available, it may send third information to the terminal 101.

[0254] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may receive third information.

[0255] In some embodiments, the third information may be used to page terminal 101 .

[0256] In some embodiments, the name of the third information is not limited, and it can be, for example, paging information, terminal paging information, etc.

[0257] In some embodiments, the third information may include identification information. The identification information is used to indicate the paging terminal 101. For example, the identification information may be the UE ID of the terminal 101.

[0258] In some embodiments, the identification information in the third information may be obtained based on the first information. In one example, the access network device 102 may determine the third information based on the first information. The identification information in the first information may be the identification information in the third information.

[0259] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may send the stored paging message to the terminal 101. In one example, in the case of CN paging, the access network device 102 may send the locally stored paging message from the first core network device 1031 to the terminal 101.

[0260] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may send a paging message to the terminal 101 based on a stored paging request message. In one example, in the case of RAN paging, the access network device 102 may determine a paging message based on a locally stored paging request message from the first core network device 1031, and send the paging message to the terminal 101.

[0261] It should be noted that the paging message sent by the access network device 102 to the terminal 101 may also carry other information in addition to the third information, for example, information related to the paging of the terminal 101, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0262] In some embodiments, the third information may be sent from the access network device 102 to the terminal 101 via a Uu interface.

[0263] In step S311 , the terminal 101 performs a service request and / or data transmission.

[0264] In some embodiments, after receiving the third information from the access network device 102 , the terminal 101 may perform a service request and / or data transmission.

[0265] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 may send a service request, which may be used to request implementation of a corresponding service.

[0266] In some embodiments, as a response / follow-up to the third information, the terminal 101 may initiate a service request process. For example, the terminal 101 may send a service request.

[0267] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may receive first data.

[0268] In some embodiments, as a response / follow-up to the third information, the terminal 101 may perform mobile terminated (MT) data transmission. For example, the terminal 101 may receive the first data.

[0269] In some embodiments, when the terminal 101 executes a service request and / or transmits data, it may send signaling and / or data to the access network device 102. The access network device 102 may send the signaling and / or data from the terminal 101 to the first core network device 1031. Then, the first core network device 1031 may receive the signaling and / or data.

[0270] In some embodiments, signaling and / or data related to the terminal 101 can be transmitted between the terminal 101 and the first core network device 1031 through the access network device 102. In one example, the access network device 102 can transparently transmit the signaling and / or data between the terminal 101 and the first core network device 1031. In another example, the access network device 102 can forward the signaling and / or data between the terminal 101 and the first core network device 1031.

[0271] By combining one or more steps from S301 to S311 above, the paging method in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented, thereby implementing paging of the terminal 101 when the access network device 102 executes the S&F mode.

[0272] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc. are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codeword", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0273] In some embodiments, terms such as "uplink", "uplink", "physical uplink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "downlink", "downlink", "physical downlink" can be interchangeable with each other, and terms such as "side", "sidelink", "side communication", "sidelink communication", "direct connection", "direct link", "direct communication", "direct link communication" can be interchangeable with each other.

[0274] In some embodiments, terms such as "moment", "time point", "time", and "time position" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "duration", "period", "time window", "window", and "time" can be replaced with each other.

[0275] In some embodiments, the terms "radio", "wireless", "radio access network (RAN)", "access network (AN)", "RAN-based" and the like may be used interchangeably.

[0276] In some embodiments, "obtain", "get", "get", "receive", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be interchangeable, and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by self-processing, autonomous implementation, etc.

[0277] In some embodiments, terms such as "send", "transmit", "report", "download", "transmit", "bidirectional transmission", "send and / or receive" can be used interchangeably.

[0278] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "preset", "setting", "indicated", "some", "any", and "first" can be interchangeable. "Specific A", "preset A", "preset A", "setting A", "indicated A", "some A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-specified in a protocol, etc., or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or indication, etc., or as specific A, some A, any A, or first A, etc., but not limited to this.

[0279] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be performed by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (Boolean value) represented by true or false, or by comparison of numerical values (for example, comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0280] The paging method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S301 to S311. For example, step S304 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S307 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S308 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S304 and S307 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S304 and S308 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S307 and S308 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of steps S304, S307, and S308 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0281] In some embodiments, steps S301, S302, S303, S305, S306, S307, S308, S309, S310, and S311 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0282] In some embodiments, steps S301, S302, S303, S304, S305, S306, S308, S309, S310, and S311 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0283] In some embodiments, steps S301, S302, S303, S304, S305, S306, S307, S309, S310, and S311 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0284] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 Other optional implementations recorded before or after the corresponding description.

[0285] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is an exemplary flow chart of a paging method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 As shown, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a paging method. The paging method in this embodiment can be executed by the access network device 102. The paging method includes steps S401 to S407.

[0286] In step S401, first information is obtained.

[0287] Optional implementations of step S401 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S304, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0288] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may receive the first information sent by the first core network device 1031 , but is not limited thereto and may also receive the first information sent by other entities.

[0289] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to request the access network device 102 to page the terminal 101 .

[0290] In step S402, it is determined that the service link is unavailable.

[0291] Optional implementations of step S402 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S305, and Figure 3Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0292] In step S403, the first information is stored.

[0293] Optional implementations of step S403 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S306, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0294] In step S404, the second information is sent.

[0295] Optional implementations of step S404 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S307, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0296] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may send the second information to the first core network device 1031 , but is not limited thereto and may also send the second information to other entities.

[0297] In some embodiments, the second information may be used by the first core network device 1031 to perform paging waiting.

[0298] In step S405 , it is determined that the service link is available.

[0299] Optional implementations of step S405 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S309, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0300] In step S406, the third information is sent.

[0301] Optional implementations of step S406 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S310, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0302] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may send the third information to the terminal 101, but is not limited thereto and may also send the third information to other entities.

[0303] In some embodiments, the third information may be used to page terminal 101 .

[0304] In step S407 , signaling and / or data are transmitted.

[0305] Optional implementations of step S407 can be found in Figure 3Optional implementation of step S311, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0306] The paging method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S401 to S407. For example, step S401 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S404 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and a combination of steps S401 and S404 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0307] In some embodiments, steps S402, S403, S404, S405, S406, and S407 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0308] In some embodiments, steps S401 , S402 , S403 , S405 , S406 , and S407 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0309] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is an exemplary flow chart of a paging method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 As shown, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a paging method. The paging method in this embodiment can be executed by the first core network device 1031. The paging method includes steps S501 to S507.

[0310] In step S501, first data is acquired.

[0311] Optional implementations of step S501 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S301, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0312] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may receive first data sent by the second core network device 1032 , but is not limited thereto and may also receive first data sent by other entities.

[0313] In step S502, it is determined that the feeder link is unavailable.

[0314] Optional implementations of step S502 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S302, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0315] In step S503, it is determined whether the feeder link is available.

[0316] Optional implementations of step S503 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S303, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0317] In step S504, the first information is sent.

[0318] Optional implementations of step S504 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S304, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0319] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may send the first information to the access network device 102 , but is not limited thereto and may also send the first information to other entities.

[0320] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to request the access network device 102 to page the terminal 101 .

[0321] In step S505, the second information is obtained.

[0322] Optional implementations of step S505 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S307, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0323] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may receive the second information sent by the access network device 102 , but is not limited thereto and may also receive the second information sent by other entities.

[0324] In some embodiments, the second information may be used by the first core network device 1031 to perform paging waiting.

[0325] In step S506, paging waiting is performed.

[0326] Optional implementations of step S506 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S308, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0327] In some embodiments, paging waiting may be performed based on the second information.

[0328] In step S507 , signaling and / or data transmission is performed.

[0329] Optional implementations of step S507 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S311, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0330] The paging method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S501 to S507. For example, step S505 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S506 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of steps S505 and S506 may be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0331] In some embodiments, steps S501, S502, S503, S504, S506, and S507 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0332] In some embodiments, steps S501 , S502 , S503 , S504 , S505 , and S507 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or replaced in different embodiments.

[0333] Figure 6A FIG. 1 is an exemplary flow chart of a paging method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6A As shown, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a paging method. The paging method in this embodiment can be executed by the access network device 102. The paging method includes steps S6101 to S6103.

[0334] In step S6101, first information is obtained.

[0335] Optional implementations of step S6101 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S304, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0336] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may receive the first information sent by the first core network device 1031 , but is not limited thereto and may also receive the first information sent by other entities.

[0337] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to request the access network device 102 to page the terminal 101 .

[0338] In step S6102, it is determined that the service link is unavailable.

[0339] Optional implementations of step S6102 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S305, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0340] In step S6103, the first information is stored.

[0341] Optional implementations of step S6103 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S306, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0342] Figure 6B FIG. 1 is an exemplary flow chart of a paging method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6B As shown, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a paging method. The paging method in this embodiment can be executed by the first core network device 1031. The paging method includes steps S6201 to S6204.

[0343] In step S6201, the first information is sent.

[0344] Optional implementations of step S6201 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S304, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0345] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may send the first information to the access network device 102 , but is not limited thereto and may also send the first information to other entities.

[0346] In some embodiments, the first information may be used to request the access network device 102 to page the terminal 101 .

[0347] In step S6202, the waiting time is obtained.

[0348] Optional implementations of step S6202 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S307, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0349] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may receive second information, and the second information may indicate a waiting time.

[0350] In some embodiments, the first core network device 1031 may determine the waiting time by itself.

[0351] In step S6203, a waiting timer is set.

[0352] Optional implementations of step S6203 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S308, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0353] In step S6204, paging waiting is performed.

[0354] Optional implementations of step S6204 can be found in Figure 3 Optional implementation of step S308, and Figure 3 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0355] In the following, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure are exemplarily described through specific implementation methods.

[0356] Option 1:

[0357] In some embodiments, the MME (ie, the first core network device) sends a paging message that includes information such as a UE ID (ie, identification information), a TA list (ie, location information), and the like.

[0358] In some embodiments, after receiving a paging message, the eNB (i.e., access network device) saves the paging message and returns a paging delay notification message (i.e., second information) to the MME due to unavailable serving link. The delay notification may include that the delay reason is that the eNB is operating in S&F mode, i.e., the serving link or feeder link is unavailable.

[0359] In some embodiments, the delay notification message may further include a waiting time. The waiting time may be set based on the ephemeris information. For example, the waiting time includes the length of time to wait for the feeder link and the service link to become available.

[0360] In some embodiments, the eNB detects that the serving link is available and sends a paging message to the UE according to the TA list and UE identification information contained in the buffered paging message.

[0361] In some embodiments, when the waiting time expires, if the MME still has not received the message sent by the eNB, it is considered that the paging has failed.

[0362] Option 2:

[0363] In some embodiments, the MME detects that the serving eNB is operating in S&F mode and sends a RAN paging request message to the serving eNB. This message contains information such as the UE ID and TA list. The MME also sets a waiting time. This waiting time is the time it takes for the serving link to become available again and / or the time it takes for the feeder link to become available again. If the MME cannot determine the time it takes for the serving link to become available again, it can request the RAN to return the time it takes for the serving link to become available in the request message and set the waiting time based on this information.

[0364] Figure 7AThis is an exemplary interaction diagram of a specific embodiment of the paging method provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7A As shown, the paging method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include steps S7101 to S7112.

[0365] In step S7101, the UE is registered and in an idle state (IDLE).

[0366] In step S7102, when the S-GW (i.e., the third core network device) receives downlink data for the UE, if the context data of the S-GW indicates that the tunnel endpoint identity (TEID) of the user plane downlink has not reached the MME, the S-GW caches the downlink data packet until the S11-U connection is established; otherwise, the S-GW sends the downlink data to the MME.

[0367] In step S7103, if the MME detects that the feeder link is unavailable, the MME stores the downlink data based on the data storage quota.

[0368] In step S7104 , after a period of time, the MME detects that the feeder link becomes available.

[0369] In steps S7105 and S7106, the MME sends a paging message to the UE. The paging message includes the NAS ID, TAI, UE identity, etc. used for paging. The paging message is sent to each eNB in the TA to which the UE is registered.

[0370] In step S7107, the eNB receives the paging message. When the eNB detects that the serving link is unavailable, the eNB stores the paging message.

[0371] In step S7108, the eNB sends a paging delay notification to the MME to notify it that the paging process will be delayed. The paging delay notification indicates that the delay is due to unavailable serving links. In one example, a paging wait time may be provided to the MME. The paging wait time (i.e., wait time) may be generated based on satellite ephemeris information and the UE's location.

[0372] In step S7109, the MME saves the paging wait time. If the UE does not receive data or signaling before the wait timer expires, the MME may consider the paging to have failed. The MME may determine the appropriate action based on the operational policy. For example, the MME may resend the paging message to the eNB. If the UE receives data or signaling before the wait timer expires, the MME may cancel the wait timer.

[0373] In steps S7110 and S7111, the eNB detects that the serving link becomes available and forwards the stored paging message to the UE based on the paging information.

[0374] In step S7112 (S7112a / S7112b), if the UE receives a paging message, the UE may initiate a service request process, or the UE may complete the MT data transmission in the control plane CIoT EPS optimization process.

[0375] Figure 7B This is an exemplary interaction diagram of a specific embodiment of the paging method provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7B As shown, the paging method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include steps S7201 to S7212.

[0376] In step S7201, the UE is registered and in an idle state (IDLE).

[0377] In step S7202, when the S-GW (i.e., the third core network device) receives downlink data for the UE, if the context data of the S-GW indicates that the TEID of the user plane downlink has not reached the MME, the S-GW caches the downlink data packet until the S11-U connection is established; otherwise, the S-GW sends the downlink data to the MME.

[0378] In step S7203, if the MME detects that the feeder link is unavailable, the MME stores the downlink data based on the data storage quota.

[0379] In step S7204, after a period of time, the MME detects that the feeder link becomes available.

[0380] In step S7205, the MME detects that the eNB is operating in S&F mode (this can be achieved based on the eNB's S&F mode reporting during UE attachment) and requests that the eNB page the UE. The MME then sends a RAN Paging Request message to the eNB. The RAN Paging Request message includes paging-related information, including the TAI and UE identity. The TAI indicates the location the eNB needs to page.

[0381] In one example, the MME uses a request message to request the eNB to provide a paging wait time.

[0382] In step S7206 and step S7207, the eNB receives the RAN paging request message. When the eNB detects that the serving link is unavailable, the eNB saves the paging related information.

[0383] In step S7208, if the MME requests a paging waiting time in step S7205, the eNB sends time information related to the duration for which the serving link becomes available to the MME through a notification message.

[0384] In step S7209, after receiving the duration information, the MME generates a paging waiting time based on the received duration information and the duration information during which the feeder link becomes available.

[0385] In some embodiments, the MME stores a paging wait time. If the UE does not receive data or signaling before the wait timer expires, the MME may consider the paging to have failed. The MME may determine the appropriate action based on the operational policy. For example, the MME may resend the paging message to the eNB. If the UE receives data or signaling before the wait timer expires, the MME may cancel the wait timer.

[0386] In steps S7210 and S7211, the NB detects that the serving link becomes available. Based on the paging information, the eNB forwards the stored paging message to the UE.

[0387] In step S7212 (S7212a / S7212b), if the UE receives a paging message, the UE may initiate a service request process, or the UE may complete the MT data transmission in the control plane CIoT EPS optimization process.

[0388] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0389] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a communication device for implementing any of the above methods. For example, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication device including units or modules for implementing each step performed by an access network device in any of the above methods. For example, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication device including units or modules for implementing each step performed by a core network device in any of the above methods.

[0390] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above device, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0391] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit, a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP); in another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by a dedicated integrated circuit or a programmable logic device, such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0392] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 800 may include at least one of the following: a transceiver module 801 and a processing module 802 .

[0393] In the first aspect, the communication device 800 may be an access network device 102. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 801 may be configured to: receive first information sent by a first core network device, wherein the first information is used to request the access network device to page the terminal; the processing module 802 may be configured to: determine that the service link is unavailable and store the first information; wherein the service link is a link between a satellite and a terminal, and the access network device is deployed on the satellite. Optionally, the transceiver module 801 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the access network device 102 in any of the above methods (for example, steps S304, S307, S310, S311), which are not described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 802 may be configured to perform at least one of the other steps (for example, steps S305, S306, S309) other than the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the access network device 102 in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here.

[0394] In the second aspect, the communication device 800 may be the first core network device 1031. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 801 may be configured to: send a first message to the access network device, wherein the first message is used to request the access network device to page the terminal, and the access network device is deployed on a satellite; the processing module 802 may be configured to: obtain a waiting time, set a waiting timer according to the waiting time, and perform paging waiting according to the waiting timer. Optionally, the transceiver module 801 may be configured to execute at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving (for example, steps S301, S304, S307, and S311) executed by the first core network device 1031 in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module 802 may be configured to execute at least one of the other steps (for example, steps S302, S303, and S308) other than the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving executed by the first core network device 1031 in any of the above methods, which are not described in detail here.

[0395] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 801 may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module. The transmitting module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0396] In some embodiments, the processing module 802 can be a single module or include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules each execute all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module and the processor can be interchangeable.

[0397] Figure 9A 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 9100 can be an access network device, a first core network device, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the access network device in implementing any of the above methods. It can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the first core network device in implementing any of the above methods. Communication device 9100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0398] like Figure 9AAs shown, the communication device 9100 includes one or more processors 9101. The processor 9101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 9100 is used to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 9101 are used to call instructions to enable the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods.

[0399] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more transceivers 9102. When the communication device 9100 includes one or more transceivers 9102, the transceiver 9102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, steps S301, S304, S307, S310, S311, but not limited thereto), and the processor 9101 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, steps S302, S303, S305, S306, S308, S309, but not limited thereto). In an optional embodiment, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, and the receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface may be interchangeable, the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be interchangeable, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be interchangeable.

[0400] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more memories 9103 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 9103 may be located outside the communication device 9100. In alternative embodiments, the communication device 9100 may include one or more interface circuits 9104. Optionally, the interface circuits 9104 are connected to the memories 9103 and may be configured to receive data from the memories 9103 or other devices, or to send data to the memories 9103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 9104 may read data stored in the memories 9103 and send the data to the processor 9101.

[0401] The communication device 9100 described in the above embodiment may be an access network device or a first core network device, but the scope of the communication device 9100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 9100 may not be limited thereto. Figure 9AThe communication device may be an independent device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0402] Figure 9B Schematic diagram of the structure of the chip provided according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. For the case where the communication device 9100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to Figure 9B The structure of the chip 9200 is shown, but is not limited to this.

[0403] The chip 9200 includes one or more processors 9201. The chip 9200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0404] In some embodiments, chip 9200 further includes one or more interface circuits 9202. Terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pins may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 9200 further includes one or more memories 9203 for storing data. Alternatively, all or part of memory 9203 may be located external to chip 9200. Optionally, interface circuit 9202 is connected to memory 9203 and may be used to receive data from memory 9203 or other devices, or may be used to send data to memory 9203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 9202 may read data stored in memory 9203 and send the data to processor 9201.

[0405] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 9202 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S301, S304, S307, S310, and S311) of the above-described method. The interface circuit 9202 performing the communication steps (e.g., steps S301, S304, S307, S310, and S311) of the above-described method, for example, means that the interface circuit 9202 performs data exchange between the processor 9201, the chip 9200, the memory 9203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 9201 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., steps S302, S303, S305, S306, S308, and S309, but not limited thereto).

[0406] The modules and / or devices described in various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be arbitrarily combined or separated according to circumstances. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0407] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a storage medium having instructions stored thereon. When the instructions are executed on the communication device 9100, the communication device 9100 executes any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto and may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0408] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 9100, enables the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0409] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute any of the above methods.

[0410] Other embodiments of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow from the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

[0411] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact construction described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A paging method, performed by an access network device, wherein: The method comprises: Receiving first information sent by a first core network device, wherein the first information is used to request the access network device to page the terminal; Determine that the service link is unavailable; storing the first information; The service link is a link between the satellite and the terminal, and the access network device is deployed on the satellite.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first information includes at least one of the following: Location information, used to indicate the paging area; The identification information is used to indicate the terminal to be paged.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first information is carried in one of the following: A paging message, used to page the terminal; The radio access network RAN paging request message is used to request the access network device to page the terminal.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The method further comprises: Send second information to the first core network device, wherein the second information is used by the first core network device to perform paging waiting.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The second information includes at least one of the following: Waiting time, used to determine the duration for which the first core network device performs the paging wait; Waiting reason, used to indicate the reason for the paging waiting.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The waiting time is determined according to at least one of the following: the ephemeris of the satellite; The location of the terminal.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The waiting time includes at least one of the following: A first duration, wherein the first duration is the duration it takes for the service link to become available next time; A second duration, wherein the second duration is the duration it takes for the feeder link to become available next time; The feeder link is a link between the satellite and the ground station.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein The reasons for waiting include: The access network device executes a store-and-forward mode.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The method further comprises: Determining that the service link is available; Sending third information to the terminal, wherein the third information is used to page the terminal.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The third information includes: The identification information is used to indicate the terminal to be paged.

11. A paging method, performed by a first core network device, wherein: The method comprises: Sending first information to an access network device, wherein the first information is used to request the access network device to page a terminal, and the access network device is deployed on a satellite; Get waiting time; Setting a waiting timer according to the waiting time; According to the waiting timer, paging waiting is performed.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The first information includes at least one of the following: Location information, used to indicate the paging area; The identification information is used to indicate the terminal to be paged.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The first information is carried in one of the following: A paging message, used to page the terminal; The radio access network RAN paging request message is used to request the access network device to page the terminal.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein The method further comprises: Receive second information sent by the access network device, wherein the second information is used by the first core network device to perform paging waiting.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The second information includes at least one of the following: Waiting time, used to determine the duration for which the first core network device performs the paging wait; Waiting reason, used to indicate the reason for the paging waiting.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The reasons for waiting include: The access network device executes a store-and-forward mode.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein The waiting time is obtained by at least one of the following ways: Determining, by the first core network device, the waiting time; The first core network device obtains the waiting time from the access network device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein The waiting time is determined according to at least one of the following: the ephemeris of the satellite; The location of the terminal.

19. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein The waiting time includes at least one of the following: A first duration, wherein the first duration is the duration it takes for the service link to become available next time; A second duration, wherein the second duration is the duration it takes for the feeder link to become available next time; The service link is a link between the satellite and the terminal, and the feeder link is a link between the satellite and a ground station.

20. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein The method further comprises: determining that signaling and / or data sent by the access network device is received during the paging waiting period, wherein the signaling and / or data is associated with the terminal; Determining that the paging for the terminal is successful; A waiting timer is canceled, wherein the waiting timer is set according to the waiting time.

21. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 20, wherein The method further comprises: Determining that no signaling and / or data sent by the access network device is received during the paging wait period, wherein the signaling and / or data is associated with the terminal; It is determined that paging for the terminal fails.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein The method further comprises: Resend the first information to the access network device.

23. A communication device comprising: a transceiver module configured to receive first information sent by a first core network device, wherein the first information is used to request an access network device to page the terminal; Processing module, configured as: Determine that the service link is unavailable; storing the first information; The service link is a link between the satellite and the terminal, and the access network device is deployed on the satellite.

24. A communication device comprising: a transceiver module configured to send first information to an access network device, wherein the first information is used to request the access network device to page a terminal, and the access network device is deployed on a satellite; Processing module, configured as: Get waiting time; Setting a waiting timer according to the waiting time; According to the waiting timer, paging waiting is performed.

25. An access network device, comprising: one or more processors; a memory storing instructions; When the instruction is executed by the access network device, the access network device implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

26. A core network device, comprising: one or more processors; a memory storing instructions; When the instruction is executed by the core network device, the core network device implements the method as described in any one of claims 11 to 22.

27. A communication system comprising: Access network equipment and core network equipment; The access network device is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and the core network device is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 11 to 22.

28. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein: When the instruction is executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

29. A computer program product comprising instructions, wherein: When the instruction is executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

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