Data transmission method and related equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a data transmission method and related equipment. The method is executed by a satellite-borne network element deployed on a satellite, and the satellite-borne network element comprises a satellite-borne base station and / or a satellite-borne core network element. The method comprises the following steps: receiving data; storing the data to the satellite-borne network element; and triggering external forwarding of the data stored in the satellite-borne network element based on the state information of the service link or the feedback link of the satellite.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a data transmission method, a satellite-borne network element, a ground network element, a terminal, a communication device, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product. Background Art

[0002] In wireless communication technology research, satellite communications are considered a key future development direction. Satellite communications refers to the technology by which terrestrial wireless communication devices access a network via satellite, or by the technology by which terrestrial wireless communication devices communicate with each other using satellites as relays. Satellite communications offer a wide range and are less susceptible to land-based disasters. As a complementary access method for mobile communications, satellite communications effectively address the limited coverage and high construction costs of mobile communication systems.

[0003] In the future, satellite communication systems will be integrated with terrestrial mobile networks (such as the 4th Generation mobile communication technology (4G) and the 5th Generation mobile communication technology (5G) networks) to form a global integrated communication network with seamless coverage of sea, land, air and space, meeting the ubiquitous and diverse business needs of users. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a data transmission method, which is performed by an onboard network element deployed on a satellite, wherein the onboard network element includes an onboard base station and / or an onboard core network element. The method includes: receiving data; storing the data in the onboard network element; and triggering external forwarding of the data stored in the onboard network element based on status information of the satellite's service link or feedback link.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a data transmission method, which is performed by a ground network element, including a ground gateway or a ground core network element. The method includes: receiving downlink data; storing the downlink data in the ground network element; and, based on status information of a satellite feedback link, triggering the transmission of the downlink data stored in the ground network element to an onboard network element on the satellite, including an onboard base station and / or an onboard core network element.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a data transmission method, which is performed by a terminal. The method includes: receiving uplink data; storing the uplink data in the terminal; and, based on status information of a satellite's service link and / or feedback link, triggering the transmission of the uplink data stored in the terminal to an onboard network element deployed on the satellite, the onboard network element including an onboard base station and / or an onboard core network element.

[0007] The disclosed embodiments provide an onboard network element, which is deployed on a satellite and includes an onboard base station and / or an onboard core network element. The onboard network element includes: a receiving unit configured to receive data; a storage unit configured to store the data in the onboard network element; and a sending unit configured to trigger external forwarding of the data stored in the onboard network element based on status information of a service link or feedback link of the satellite.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a terrestrial network element, including a terrestrial gateway or a terrestrial core network element. The terrestrial network element includes: a receiving unit configured to receive downlink data; a storage unit configured to store the downlink data in the terrestrial network element; and a sending unit configured to trigger, based on status information of a satellite feedback link, the sending of the downlink data stored in the terrestrial network element to a satellite-borne network element, including a satellite-borne base station and / or a satellite-borne core network element.

[0009] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a terminal, comprising: a receiving unit for receiving uplink data; a storage unit for storing the uplink data in the terminal; and a sending unit for triggering, based on status information of a service link and / or feedback link of the satellite, sending the uplink data stored in the terminal to an onboard network element deployed on the satellite, the onboard network element comprising an onboard base station and / or an onboard core network element.

[0010] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, comprising: one or more processors; and a memory configured to store one or more programs, wherein when the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the communication device implements the data transmission method described in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. When the computer program is run on a computer, the computer implements the data transmission method described in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer program product, including a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the data transmission method described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is implemented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a system architecture diagram of the 5G network provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 A network architecture diagram of a transparent forwarding mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0016] Figure 4 The flowchart of the data transmission method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0017] Figure 5 The diagram schematically shows a network architecture diagram of a regeneration mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6 A network architecture diagram of a regeneration mode according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0019] Figure 7 The interactive diagram of the data transmission method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0020] Figure 8 The interactive diagram of the data transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0021] Figure 9 The interactive diagram of a data transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0022] Figure 10 The interactive diagram of a data transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0023] Figure 11 The interactive diagram of a data transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0024] Figure 12 The interactive diagram of a data transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0025] Figure 13 The interactive diagram of a data transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0026] Figure 14 The interactive diagram of a data transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0027] Figure 15The interactive diagram of a data transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0028] Figure 16 The interactive diagram of a data transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0029] Figure 17 The interactive diagram of a data transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0030] Figure 18 The interactive diagram of a data transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0031] Figure 19 The flowchart of the data transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0032] Figure 20 The following schematically shows a flow chart of a data transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 21 The block diagram of a satellite-borne network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0034] Figure 22 A block diagram of a ground network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0035] Figure 23 The figure schematically shows a block diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 24 The schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present disclosure more apparent, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals represent like elements throughout. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "module" or "unit" refers to a computer program or a part of a computer program that has a predetermined function and works together with other related parts to achieve a predetermined goal, and can be implemented in whole or in part by using software, hardware (such as processing circuits or memories) or a combination thereof. Similarly, a processor (or multiple processors or memories) can be used to implement one or more modules or units. In addition, each module or unit can be part of an overall module or unit that includes the function of the module or unit.

[0039] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system, 5G system or future evolved mobile communication system, etc.

[0040] For example, the communication system 100 used in the embodiment of the present disclosure is as follows: Figure 1As shown. The communication system can be a communication system based on cellular mobile communication technology. The communication system 100 can include a network device 110, which can be a device that communicates with a terminal 120 (or also referred to as a communication terminal or terminal). The network device 110 provides communication coverage for a specific geographical area and can communicate with terminals located within the coverage area. Optionally, the network device 110 can be a base station (Base Transceiver Station, BTS) in a GSM system or a CDMA system, a base station (NodeB, NB) in a WCDMA system, an evolved base station (Evolutional Node B, eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE (also known as 4G) system, a base station (gNB) in a 5G communication system, or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (Cloud Radio Access Network, CRAN), or the network device can be a mobile switching center, a relay station, an access point, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a hub, a switch, a bridge, a router, a network side device in a 5G network, a network side device in a 5G network and a satellite system fusion system, a network side device in a 5G system with new air interface satellite access technology, a network side device in a 5G network using satellite transmission as base station backhaul, or a network device in a future evolved public land mobile network (Public Land Mobile Network, PLMN), etc.

[0041] The communication system 100 also includes at least one terminal 120 located within the coverage area of the network device 110. As used herein, "terminal" includes, but is not limited to, a connection via a wired line, such as via a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), a digital cable, a direct cable connection; and / or another data connection / network; and / or via a wireless interface, such as for a cellular network, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a digital television network, a satellite network, a broadcast transmitter; and / or another terminal configured to receive / send communication signals; and / or an Internet of Things (IoT) device. A terminal configured to communicate via a wireless interface may be referred to as a "wireless communication terminal," "wireless terminal," or "mobile terminal." Examples of mobile terminals include, but are not limited to, satellite or cellular telephones; Personal Communications System (PCS) terminals that may combine cellular radiotelephones with data processing, fax, and data communications capabilities; Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) that may include a radiotelephone, pager, Internet / Intranet access, a web browser, a notepad, a calendar, and / or a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver; and conventional laptop and / or handheld receivers or other electronic devices that include a radiotelephone transceiver. A terminal may be referred to as an access terminal, user equipment / terminal (UE), a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user device. The access terminal can be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a device for an unmanned aerial vehicle, a vehicle-mounted device (for example, a driving computer with wireless communication capabilities, or a wireless communication device connected to an external driving computer), a wearable device, a terminal in a 5G network or a terminal in a future evolved PLMN, a roadside device (for example, a street lamp, a traffic light or other roadside device with wireless communication capabilities, etc.), etc.

[0042] A wireless connection can be established between the base station and the terminal via a wireless air interface. The wireless air interface can be a wireless air interface based on the 4G standard; or a wireless air interface based on the 5G standard, for example, a new air interface; or a wireless air interface based on the next generation mobile communication network technology standard of 5G.

[0043] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned communication system may further include a network management device (not shown in the figure). One or more (two or more) base stations are respectively connected to the network management device. The network management device may be a core network device (including core network elements) in the wireless communication system. For example, the network management device may be a mobility management entity (MME) in the evolved packet core (EPC), providing non-access stratum (NAS) signaling transmission with the UE (providing encryption and integrity protection for NAS signaling), and processing the UE's ESM (EPS Session Management) and EMM (EPS Mobility Management) transactions through the NAS layer. Alternatively, the network management device may also be other core network devices, such as a serving gateway (S-GW), a public data network gateway (P-GW), a policy and charging rules function (PCRF), or a home subscriber server (HSS). The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the implementation form of the network management device.

[0044] Figure 1 One network device and two terminals are shown as an example. Optionally, the communication system 100 may include multiple network devices and each network device may include another number of terminals within its coverage area, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] It should be understood that the device with communication function in the network / system in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be called a communication device. Figure 1 Taking the communication system 100 as an example, the communication equipment may include a network device 110 and a terminal 120 having communication functions. The network device 110 and the terminal 120 may be the specific devices described above and will not be described in detail here.

[0046] It should be understood that the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably herein. The term "and / or" is simply a description of an association between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a system architecture diagram of a 5G network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the equipment involved in the 5G network system include: terminal (UE), radio access network (Radio Access Network, RAN), user plane function (UserPlane Function, UPF) network element, data network (Data Network, DN), access and mobility management function (Accessand Mobility Management Function, AMF) network element, session management function (Session ManagementFunction, SMF) network element, policy control function (Policy Control Function, PCF) network element, application function (Application Function, AF) network element, authentication server function (Authentication Server Function, AUSF) network element, unified data management (Unified Data Management, UDM) network element, network slice selection function (Network Slice Selection Function, NSSF).

[0048] exist Figure 2 In the network architecture shown in the figure, each network element can communicate with each other through the interfaces shown in the figure. Figure 2As shown, the UE and AMF can interact via the N1 interface, which is used to deliver Quality of Service (QoS) control rules to the UE. N2 is the interface between the AMF and the RAN, which is used to deliver radio bearer control information from the core network to the RAN. The N2 interface can be used to send NAS messages, etc. The RAN and the UPF can interact via the N3 interface, which can be used to transmit user plane data, etc. N4 is the interface between the SMF and the UPF, which is used to transmit information between the control plane and the user plane, including the issuance of forwarding rules, QoS control rules, traffic statistics rules, etc. for the user plane, as well as the reporting of user plane information. The UPF and the DN can interact via the N6 interface, which can be used to transmit user plane data, etc. N7 is the interface between the PCF and the SMF, which is used to deliver Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session granularity and service data flow granularity control policies. N15 is the interface between the PCF and the AMF, which is used to deliver UE policies and access control-related policies. N5 is the interface between AF and PCF, used for issuing application service requests and reporting network events. N11 is the interface between SMF and AMF, used for transmitting PDU session tunnel information between RAN and UPF, transmitting control messages sent to UE, transmitting radio resource control information sent to RAN, etc. N8 is the interface between AMF and UDM, used for AMF to obtain subscription data and authentication data related to access and mobility management from UDM, and for AMF to register information related to the current mobility management of UE with UDM, etc. N10 is the interface between SMF and UDM, used for SMF to obtain subscription data related to session management from UDM, and for SMF to register information related to the current UE session with UDM, etc. N12 is the interface between AMF and AUSF, used for AMF to initiate an authentication process to AUSF, which can carry SUCI as a subscription identifier. N13 is the interface between UDM and AUSF, used for AUSF to obtain the user authentication vector from UDM to execute the authentication process. N22 is the interface between AMF and NSSF.

[0049] It should be understood that the naming in the embodiments of the present disclosure is only defined to facilitate the distinction between different functions and should not constitute any limitation to the present disclosure.

[0050] This disclosure does not exclude the possibility of adopting other nomenclatures in 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in 6G networks, some or all of the above network elements may continue to use 5G terminology or may adopt other names. Figure 2The interface names between the various network elements in the embodiment are merely examples. In specific implementations, the interface names may be other names, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this. In addition, the names of the messages (or signaling) transmitted between the various network elements are merely examples and do not limit the functions of the messages themselves.

[0051] It is understood that the above-mentioned network elements or functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). For ease of explanation, the following description of this disclosure takes the base station as an example of a radio access network RAN.

[0052] It should be understood that the above-mentioned network architecture applied to the embodiment of the present disclosure is only an example, and the network architecture applicable to the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. Any network architecture that can realize the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is applicable to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0054] The integration of 5G and satellite networks is an important technical direction for the integrated space-air-ground network. Figure 3 The transparent forwarding mode shown starts to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The regeneration mode transition is shown.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, all functions of the core network (such as EPC / 5G core network (5G core network, 5GC), but the present disclosure is not limited to this) 33 and the base station (such as eNB / gNB, but the present disclosure is not limited to this) 34 are deployed on the ground, and the service link (Service link) between the satellite 31 and the UE and the feedback link (feeder link) between the GS (ground station) 32 are carried as the underlying link of the Uu port to provide support for communication between the base station and the UE. The Uu port is an interface between the base station and the UE, which is used to transmit signaling and data. The GS 32 and the EPC / 5GC 33 are connected in communication through the eNB / gNB 34. The EPC / 5GC 33 is connected in communication with the application server 35. In Figure 3In the transparent forwarding mode shown, the satellite link is only responsible for relaying signals between the UE and the eNB / gNB 34, and 4G / 5G related protocol processing is all performed within the 4G / 5G network.

[0056] This transparent forwarding model suffers from high latency because base stations and core network equipment are deployed on the ground. Furthermore, since this model treats satellites only as signal relay links and does not utilize them for signal processing or conversion, communication between satellites cannot be achieved. Therefore, this model does not support inter-satellite links (ISLs), making it difficult to expand coverage of the Earth's surface using satellite constellations. Furthermore, the path between satellites and base stations is long, resulting in high latency.

[0057] To this end, the industry is developing a regenerative approach, placing base stations (and optionally at least part of the 4G / 5G core network) on satellites. This reduces link processing latency and enables satellite networking via ISLs. In this network architecture, since the satellite's service and feedback links may not persist, a data store and forward mechanism is required. The solutions provided by related technologies do not support flexible and efficient store and forward support.

[0058] Specifically, relying on information such as the ephemeris of satellites and constellations to calculate satellite motion time, without network element protocol triggering for data storage and forwarding, presents some inflexible drawbacks. For example, if the time granularity of ephemeris calculation (millisecond level) may differ from the time granularity of network element data forwarding operations (nanosecond level), relying solely on ephemeris-derived time without a network element triggering mechanism will not maximize data transmission efficiency. Furthermore, since service links and feedback links require proper protocol context management during disconnection and connection, namely the link discovery process between different satellites and between satellites and the ground, relying solely on ephemeris-derived time information to determine data storage and forwarding (referred to as the timer mechanism) has limitations, making it difficult to accurately determine the time for data forwarding. Furthermore, relying solely on time information makes the network element's operational logic inflexible.

[0059] According to the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, in the EPS (Evolved Packet System) and 5GS (5G System) network architecture, the network elements responsible for data storage and forwarding (such as one or more of the UE, satellite base station, satellite core network element, ground core network element, GS, etc.) do not only rely on pre-configured (calculated) time information for data forwarding, but also combine a specific trigger mechanism to perform more accurate and flexible data storage and forwarding. The trigger mechanism can come from the network element itself or other network elements.

[0060] Figure 4 The method provided in the embodiment is executed by a satellite-borne network element deployed on a satellite, and the satellite-borne network element includes a satellite-borne base station and / or a satellite-borne core network element. Figure 4 As shown, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0061] In S410 , data is received.

[0062] For example, the onboard network element may receive uplink data from the UE and / or receive downlink data from a terrestrial network element (eg, a GS and / or a terrestrial core network element).

[0063] In S420, the data is stored in the onboard network element.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, after receiving data, the onboard network element may first cache the received data in the onboard network element. For example, when the onboard network element receives uplink data from a UE, if the feedback link is disconnected at that time, the received uplink data may be cached. For another example, when the onboard network element receives downlink data from a terrestrial network element, if the serving link is disconnected at that time, the received downlink data may be cached.

[0065] In the disclosed embodiment, when the service link and / or feedback link of the satellite is disconnected, the received data can be cached in the onboard network element and then forwarded at a suitable time later, thereby preventing data loss.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the onboard network element may cache latency-insensitive service data packets among the received data, prioritizing the transmission of latency-sensitive service data packets. Examples of latency-insensitive service data packets include IoT services with low latency requirements, as well as multimedia services such as AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality), though this disclosure does not limit these.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the onboard network element may determine whether to perform a store-and-forward operation based on one or more of the following conditions: the onboard network element's data transmission capability, network congestion, the transmission delay requirements of the received data, the priority of the received data, and so forth. For example, if the onboard network element's current transmission capability is sufficient to transmit all received data packets, the onboard network element may directly transmit all received data packets. For another example, if the onboard network element's current transmission capability is insufficient to transmit all received data packets, the onboard network element may determine which service data packets require priority transmission based on the data packet's transmission delay requirements, the data packet's priority, and so forth, and store the remaining data packets in the onboard network element. In this way, the system can prioritize services with high latency requirements while delaying the forwarding of data packets for services that are less sensitive to latency, thereby ensuring and meeting the transmission needs of more services within limited network resources.

[0068] In converged satellite and mobile network systems, both those using satellite access and those using satellite as backhaul suffer from long transmission latency and limited transmission resources. Therefore, to effectively schedule transmission resources for services with less stringent latency requirements, the system is considering storing some packets of latency-insensitive services in onboard network elements and forwarding them at appropriate times. This allows the system to prioritize packets for services with higher latency requirements while delaying the forwarding of packets for less-latency services. This ensures that the transmission needs of more services can be met within limited network resources.

[0069] In S430, based on the status information of the service link or feedback link of the satellite, the data stored in the onboard network element is triggered to be forwarded externally.

[0070] For example, when the status information indicates that the satellite's service link is connected, the onboard network element may trigger the sending of buffered downlink data to the UE; if the status information indicates that the service link is disconnected, the onboard network element continues to wait. For another example, when the status information indicates that the satellite's feedback link is connected, the onboard network element may trigger the sending of buffered uplink data to the ground network element; if the status information indicates that the feedback link is disconnected, the onboard network element continues to wait.

[0071] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the service link / feedback link being connected means that the service link / feedback link remains connected at least during data transmission, and the UE and the satellite-borne base station can establish a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: obtaining an available time range of the satellite's service link or feedback link based on the satellite's ephemeris information, and configuring forwarding time information for the data stored in the onboard network element based on the available time range. Triggering external forwarding of the data stored in the onboard network element based on status information of the satellite's service link or feedback link includes triggering external forwarding of the data stored in the onboard network element based on the forwarding time information and status information of the satellite's service link or feedback link.

[0073] In the disclosed embodiments, an onboard network element can obtain ephemeris information for a satellite and its constellation. Based on the ephemeris information, the onboard network element can calculate the available time range of the satellite's service link and / or feedback link. Based on the available time range of the service link, forwarding time information for data received and cached by the onboard network element can be configured. The forwarding time information for the data can indicate the storage time of the data in the onboard network element, or can also indicate the time / time range at which the onboard network element transmits the data.

[0074] For example, the available time range of the service link can be configured as the forwarding time information of the downlink data cached in the onboard network element, and the available time range of the feedback link can be configured as the forwarding time information of the uplink data cached in the onboard network element. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The onboard network element can determine the forwarding time information of the cached data based on a comprehensive consideration of data transmission capabilities, network transmission conditions, the amount of data cached in the onboard network element, the size of the storage space in the onboard network element for caching data, status information of the service link and / or feedback link, and the like.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the data retention time information may include, for example, at least one of the latest forwarding time, recommended forwarding time, recommended retention time, and maximum retention time of the data. The latest forwarding time is used to instruct the onboard network element to send the data before the latest forwarding time. The recommended forwarding time is used to instruct the onboard network element to send the data at the recommended forwarding time. The recommended retention time is used to instruct the onboard network element to start timing upon receiving the data and to send the data when the recommended retention time is reached. The maximum retention time is used to instruct the onboard network element to start timing upon receiving the data and to send the data before the maximum retention time is reached.

[0076] In the disclosed embodiments, the onboard network element not only determines when to transmit cached data based on the determined forwarding time information, but also takes into account its own triggering mechanism. For example, when the lower limit of the time range corresponding to the forwarding time information is reached, the onboard network element begins to detect whether the service link and / or feedback link are connected. If the service link and / or feedback link are connected, the onboard network element triggers the transmission of the cached data, thereby improving the flexibility, efficiency, and accuracy of data storage and forwarding.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, when a satellite base station is deployed on the satellite but no satellite core network element is deployed on the satellite, the satellite network element is the satellite base station. When a satellite base station is deployed on the satellite but no satellite core network element is deployed on the satellite, the satellite base station has a data storage and forwarding function.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, the data includes downlink data. Receiving the data includes: receiving downlink data sent by a ground network element through a feedback link of the satellite, wherein the ground network element includes a ground gateway or a ground core network element.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the status information of the service link and / or feedback link of the satellite, the data stored in the onboard network element is triggered to be forwarded externally, including: if it is determined based on the status information of the service link of the satellite that the service link of the satellite is in a connected state (i.e., connected), then the downlink data stored in the onboard base station is triggered to be forwarded to the terminal.

[0080] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a satellite is simultaneously deployed with an onboard base station and an onboard core network element, when the satellite receives downlink data sent by a ground network element, the downlink data may be first cached in the onboard core network element. In some embodiments, the onboard base station may detect whether the service link between the satellite and the UE is connected. If it is detected that the service link is connected, the onboard base station may trigger the onboard core network element to forward the cached downlink data to the UE. In other embodiments, the onboard core network element may detect whether the service link between the satellite and the UE is connected. If it is detected that the service link is connected, the onboard core network element triggers the forwarding of the cached downlink data to the UE.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: sending a message to the ground network element through the S1 / N2 / N3 interface to trigger the ground network element to send the downlink data stored in the ground network element to the satellite base station.

[0082] For example, in a 4G and satellite converged network, the satellite base station can send an S1 interface message to a terrestrial network element to trigger the terrestrial network element to send downlink data stored in the terrestrial network element to the satellite base station. When the terrestrial network element receives the S1 interface message, it can indicate that the feedback link between the satellite and the terrestrial network element is connected. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For another example, the satellite base station can also send a new message to the terrestrial network element via the S1 interface to indicate that the feedback link is connected, thereby triggering the terrestrial network element to send downlink data stored in the terrestrial network element to the satellite base station.

[0083] For example, in a 5G-satellite converged network, the satellite base station can send an N2 / N3 interface message to a ground network element to trigger the ground network element to send downlink data stored in the ground network element to the satellite base station. When the ground network element receives the N2 / N3 interface message, it can indicate that the feedback link between the satellite and the ground network element is connected. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For another example, the satellite base station can also send a new message to the ground network element via the N2 / N3 interface to indicate that the feedback link is connected, thereby triggering the ground network element to send downlink data stored in the ground network element to the satellite base station.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, the data includes uplink data. Wherein, receiving the data includes: receiving uplink data sent by a terminal via a service link of the satellite.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the status information of the service link and / or feedback link of the satellite, the data stored in the onboard network element is triggered to be forwarded externally, including: if it is determined based on the status information of the feedback link of the satellite that the feedback link of the satellite is in a connected state, then the uplink data stored in the onboard base station is triggered to be forwarded to the ground network element, and the ground network element includes a ground gateway or a ground core network element.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure also includes: based on maintenance information of the feedback link and / or S1 / N2 / N3 interface and / or transmission network layer link, sending indication information that the feedback link is in a connected state to the terminal to trigger the terminal to send the uplink data stored on the terminal to the satellite base station.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: determining status information of the feedback link of the satellite based on maintenance information of the feedback link and / or S1 / N2 / N3 interface and / or transmission network layer link.

[0088] In some embodiments, the satellite may have an indication (e.g., an indicator light) indicating whether the feedback link is connected. The status of the satellite's feedback link may be determined by detecting the indication. In other embodiments, whether the satellite's feedback link is connected may be determined based on whether an S1 or N2 / N3 interface message can be successfully sent. In still other embodiments, whether the satellite's feedback link is connected may be determined based on whether a transmission network layer link has been established. In yet other embodiments, the status of the feedback link may be determined by combining two or more of the following: the indication of the feedback link, messages sent via the S1 / N2 / N3 interface, and whether the transmission network layer link has been established.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, when an onboard base station and an onboard core network element are deployed on the satellite, the onboard network element is the onboard core network element. When both an onboard base station and an onboard core network element are deployed on a satellite, the onboard core network element has a data storage and forwarding function, that is, it first buffers received data and waits for an appropriate time before forwarding the data.

[0090] In some embodiments, in order to realize the storage and forwarding function, a new storage function network element can be added in the core network, or a new data storage module can be added in the core network (for example, for 5G networks, SMF / NEF / UPF and other network elements can be added; for 4G networks, MME / S-GW / P-GW can be added), that is, the function of the storage function network element can be integrated into the existing core network network elements.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, the data includes uplink data. The method further includes: sending, to the terminal via a radio resource control message or a non-access stratum message, an indication that the feedback link of the satellite is in a connected state, thereby triggering the terminal to forward the uplink data stored on the terminal to the onboard core network element.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, the data includes uplink data. The method further includes: based on maintenance information of a feedback link and a transmission network layer link between the onboard core network element and the terrestrial core network element, sending, to the terminal, indication information indicating that the feedback link is in a connected state, to trigger the terminal to send the uplink data stored on the terminal to the onboard base station.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment, the data includes uplink data; wherein, based on the status information of the service link or feedback link of the satellite, triggering the external forwarding of the data stored in the satellite network element includes: based on the maintenance information of the feedback link and the transmission network layer link between the satellite core network element and the ground core network element, determining the status information of the feedback link to trigger the sending of the uplink data stored in the satellite core network element to the ground network element through the feedback link, and the ground network element includes a ground gateway or a ground core network element.

[0094] The method provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be based on Figures 5 and 6 The network architecture of the regeneration mode shown can be oriented to the 5G system and can also be applied to the 4G system.

[0095] exist Figure 5 In the network architecture shown, a base station (e.g., eNB / gNB) 511 is deployed on a satellite 51 and is referred to as an onboard base station 511. Core network functional entities are deployed on the ground and are referred to as ground core network elements (e.g., EPC / 5GC) 53. When no core network equipment or core network elements are deployed on the satellite 51, the onboard base station 511 has data caching capabilities to support storage and forwarding functions. Furthermore, the onboard base station 511 supports a triggering mechanism for cached data. For example, the onboard base station 511 can cache received data and defer transmission based on the status information of the satellite's service link or feedback link. When the service link or feedback link is connected, the onboard base station 511 itself can trigger the transmission of the cached data. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the EPC / 5GC 53 is in communication with the application server 55 .

[0096] like Figure 5 As shown, the triggering of the data storage and forwarding mechanism after the integration of the 4G / 5G system and the satellite can be carried out in different network entities: terminal (UE) triggering mechanism, base station (satellite base station 511) triggering mechanism, core network element (here refers to the ground network element, including the ground core network element 53 and GS 52) triggering mechanism.

[0097] exist Figure 6In the illustrated network architecture, a satellite-based base station 611 and some core network functional entities are deployed on satellite 61, while other core network functional entities are deployed on the ground. That is, the functional entities of the core network (e.g., EPC / 5GC) can be distributed both on the satellite and on the ground. The core network functional entities deployed on the ground are referred to as ground-based core network elements (EPC / 5GC-ground part, i.e., the core network functional entities deployed on the satellite) 631, while the core network functional entities deployed on the satellite are referred to as onboard core network elements (EPC / 5GC-onboard part, i.e., the core network functional entities deployed on the satellite) 632. When both the satellite-based base station 611 and the onboard core network element 632 are deployed on satellite 61, the onboard core network element (e.g., a 4G MME, S-GW, or P-GW, or a 5G AMF, SMF, or UPF) 632 has data caching and forwarding capabilities. This means that the triggering mechanism for data caching and forwarding performed by the onboard core network element 632 is not limited to a timer mechanism, but also considers triggering mechanisms between network elements. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the ground EPC / 5GC 631 is in communication with the application server 65 .

[0098] Figure 6 In an embodiment, the triggering of the data storage and forwarding mechanism after the integration of the 4G / 5G system and the satellite can be performed in different network entities: terminal (UE) triggering mechanism, core network element triggering mechanism - on-board (i.e., satellite-borne core network element 632), core network element (here refers to ground network element) triggering mechanism, including ground core network element 631 and GS 62.

[0099] Combine Figure 5 and Figure 6 It can be seen that the triggering mechanisms of different network elements in the network architecture include at least one of the following: terminal; base station; core network element - onboard; core network element - ground core network element and GS.

[0100] The triggering of the ground station (GS) is mainly because the ground gateway may carry the S1 / N2 interface from the satellite base station. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a feedback link and a wired network (between the GS and the ground core network elements) to carry these interface messages. Therefore, the establishment of these bearers will trigger the upper layer protocol stack from the bottom layer of the protocol stack, thus also generating a trigger mechanism.

[0101] The following provides an embodiment of the storage and forwarding of triggering mechanisms by different network elements in different scenarios, combining the architecture of 4G and 5G networks integrated with satellite networks.

[0102] like Figures 7 to 12 The figure shows a scenario where the base station is located on the satellite and the core network is entirely located on the ground. The following example illustrates the triggering mechanism for caching and forwarding uplink and downlink data.

[0103] like Figure 7 As shown, the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a schematic flow chart of a cache forwarding triggering mechanism for downlink data, which may include the following steps.

[0104] In S71 , the application server sends downlink data to the CN network element.

[0105] The CN network element here refers to the ground core network element.

[0106] In S72 , after receiving the downlink data sent by the application server, the CN network element buffers the received downlink data.

[0107] For example, the ground core network element can detect the status information of the feedback link between it and the satellite. If it is disconnected at this time, the received downlink data can be cached in the ground core network element. For another example, if the ground core network element can also obtain the status information of the service link between the satellite and the UE, if it is disconnected at this time, the received downlink data can be cached in the ground core network element. That is, the ground core network element can only send downlink data to the satellite base station when both the service link and the satellite link are connected.

[0108] In S73, the CN network element determines whether the feedback link between the CN network element and the satellite is connected; if the feedback link is connected, S74 is executed; if the feedback link is not connected, S73 is continued to be executed, that is, whether the feedback link is connected is continued.

[0109] In S74, if the feedback link is connected, the CN network element sends the buffered downlink data to the satellite-borne base station through the GS.

[0110] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the trigger mechanism on the core network side, which is entirely located on the ground, can be as follows: the ground core network network element determines whether the feedback link is connected or disconnected based on the message sent by the satellite base station through the S1 (for 4G network) and N2 / N3 (for 5G network) interface, as well as the S1 and N2 / N3 interface status, and thereby decides whether to send the downlink data to the satellite base station.

[0111] In S75 , after receiving the downlink data sent by the CN network element through the GS, the satellite-borne base station buffers the received downlink data.

[0112] In S76, the satellite-borne base station determines whether the service link between the satellite and the UE is connected; if connected, execute S77; if the service link is not connected, continue to execute S76, that is, continue to determine whether the service link is connected.

[0113] In S77, if the service link is connected, the satellite-borne base station sends the buffered downlink data to the UE.

[0114] like Figure 8 As shown, it is Figure 7 The embodiment is applied to an example of a 5G network. The method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0115] In S71a, the application server sends downlink data to CN network elements (terrestrial core network elements) such as AMF / SMF / UPF.

[0116] In S72a, after receiving the downlink data sent by the application server, the CN network elements such as AMF / SMF / UPF cache the received downlink data.

[0117] In S73a, the CN network elements such as AMF / SMF / UPF determine whether the feedback link between the CN network elements such as AMF / SMF / UPF and the satellite is connected; if the feedback link is connected, execute S74a; if the feedback link is not connected, continue to execute S73a, that is, continue to determine whether the feedback link is connected.

[0118] In S74a, if the feedback link is connected, the CN network elements such as AMF / SMF / UPF send the cached downlink data to the satellite base station gNB through GS.

[0119] In S75a, after receiving the downlink data sent by CN network elements such as AMF / SMF / UPF through GS, the satellite base station gNB caches the received downlink data.

[0120] In S76a, the satellite base station gNB determines whether the service link between the satellite and the UE is connected; if it is connected, S77a is executed; if the service link is not connected, S76a is continued to be executed, that is, whether the service link is connected is continued.

[0121] In S77a, if the service link is connected, the satellite base station gNB sends the buffered downlink data to the UE.

[0122] like Figure 9 As shown, it is Figure 7 The embodiment is applied to a 4G network. The method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0123] In S71b, the application server sends downlink data to CN network elements (terrestrial core network elements) such as MME / P-GW / S-GW.

[0124] In S72b, after receiving the downlink data sent by the application server, the CN network element such as MME / P-GW / S-GW caches the received downlink data.

[0125] In S73b, the CN network elements such as MME / P-GW / S-GW determine whether the feedback link between the CN network elements such as MME / P-GW / S-GW and the satellite is connected; if the feedback link is connected, execute S74b; if the feedback link is not connected, continue to execute S73b, that is, continue to determine whether the feedback link is connected.

[0126] In S74b, if the feedback link is connected, the CN network element such as MME / P-GW / S-GW sends the buffered downlink data to the satellite base station eNB through the GS.

[0127] In S75b, after receiving the downlink data sent by the CN network elements such as MME / P-GW / S-GW through the GS, the satellite-borne base station eNB buffers the received downlink data.

[0128] In S76b, the satellite-borne base station eNB determines whether the service link between the satellite and the UE is connected; if connected, S77b is executed; if the service link is not connected, S76b is continued to be executed, that is, whether the service link is connected is continued.

[0129] In S77b, if the service link is connected, the satellite base station eNB sends the buffered downlink data to the UE.

[0130] like Figure 10 As shown, the schematic flow chart of the cache forwarding mechanism of uplink data provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0131] In S101, the UE receives uplink data, for example, the uplink data may come from the UE APP (application) layer.

[0132] In S102, the UE buffers the received uplink data.

[0133] In S103, the UE determines whether the uplink data still needs to be sent at the current time; if it still needs to be sent, S104 is executed; if it does not need to be sent, the cached uplink data may not be sent to the satellite base station. For example, the cached uplink data may be deleted.

[0134] In the disclosed embodiment, the UE may determine whether to still send the uplink data based on the consideration of the data life cycle by the APP on the UE. For some data, it is time-sensitive, and uploading it after the time limit has expired is meaningless. In this case, the uplink data may no longer be uploaded. For example, if the uplink data is data detected by the UE for determining whether there is a forest fire, the data must be uploaded within 24 hours. If it is not uploaded after 24 hours, uploading it again is meaningless. Where necessary, S103 is optional.

[0135] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE-side triggering mechanism is considered as follows:

[0136] For uplink data, the UE can send the data to the satellite base station, which will be cached by the satellite base station; or it can send data to the satellite base station only when the satellite base station sends an RRC message indicating that the feedback link is connected. That is, between S102 and S103, optionally, a step can be added: the satellite base station sends an RRC message to the UE to indicate that the feedback link is connected. Only after the UE receives the RRC message containing the indication will it trigger the external transmission of the cached uplink data, that is, the UE can send the cached uplink data only when both the service link and the feedback link are connected. In this case, the satellite base station does not need to cache the uplink data received from the UE. The trigger on the UE side can come from itself or from the satellite base station.

[0137] It should be noted that the UE can also calculate an approximate time range (i.e., the available time range of the serving link and / or feedback link) based on the ephemeris information obtained from the network or the application layer. When it is not within this time range, the UE caches the uplink data. When it reaches this time range, the UE sends the cached uplink data. In combination with the trigger mechanism, more accurate data transmission can be achieved.

[0138] The UE can obtain the status information of the satellite's service link or feedback link in the following ways:

[0139] Satellite signaling broadcast: Satellites can periodically send signaling broadcasts containing status information about the serving link and feedback link. After receiving these signaling broadcasts, the UE can parse the status information to understand the link status.

[0140] UE directly communicates with satellite: UE can directly communicate with satellite and send detection signals or query requests to obtain status information of satellite service link and feedback link.

[0141] External data source: The UE can obtain the status information of the satellite's service link and feedback link from an external data source (such as a network server). This data may include historical data, predicted data, and other relevant information.

[0142] In S104 , if the buffered uplink data still needs to be sent at the current time, the UE sends the buffered uplink data to the satellite-borne base station.

[0143] In S105 , after receiving the uplink data sent by the UE, the satellite-borne base station buffers the received uplink data.

[0144] In S106 , the satellite-borne base station determines whether the feedback link is connected; if so, S107 is executed; if not, the determination of whether the feedback link is connected continues.

[0145] In S107 , if the feedback link is connected, the satellite-borne base station sends the buffered uplink data to the core network element (CN element).

[0146] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the base station side trigger mechanism considers:

[0147] The satellite base station calculates the available time range of the feedback link with the GS and the available time range of the service link with the UE based on information such as the ephemeris. Based on the calculated available time range, the satellite base station can determine when to trigger the external transmission of cached data. Furthermore, the satellite base station can also combine the trigger mechanism to more accurately control data storage and forwarding, including but not limited to:

[0148] Based on the maintenance status of the feedback link and / or S1 / N2 / N3 interface and / or TNL (Transport Network Layer) link (whether it is connected, link stability, and data transmission quality, etc.), the Uu interface sends an indication to the UE, indicating that the feedback link is connected, triggering relevant data forwarding behavior on the UE side (for example, triggering the UE to send buffered uplink data). N2 is the control plane interface between the gNB and the AMF, and N3 is the user plane interface between the gNB and the UPF. The S1 interface includes the S1-U (user plane) and the S1-C (control plane).

[0149] - Based on the maintenance status of the feedback link and / or S1 / N2 / N3 interface and / or TNL link (not just based on the timer), the buffered data is sent to the ground core network element via the feedback link.

[0150] In S108 , after receiving the uplink data, the CN network element sends the received uplink data to the application server.

[0151] like Figure 11 As shown, Figure 10 The embodiment is applied to a 4G network. The method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0152] In S101a, the UE receives uplink data, for example, the uplink data may come from the UE APP layer.

[0153] In S102a, the UE buffers the received uplink data.

[0154] In S103a, the UE determines whether the uplink data still needs to be sent at the current time; if it still needs to be sent, S104a is executed; if it does not need to be sent, the buffered uplink data may not be sent to the satellite base station eNB.

[0155] In S104a, if the buffered uplink data still needs to be sent at the current time, the UE sends the buffered uplink data to the satellite-borne base station eNB.

[0156] In S105a, after receiving the uplink data sent by the UE, the satellite-borne base station eNB buffers the received uplink data.

[0157] In S106a, the onboard base station eNB determines whether the feedback link is connected; if connected, S107a is executed; if not connected, the process continues to determine whether the feedback link is connected.

[0158] In S107a, if the feedback link is connected, the satellite-borne base station eNB sends the buffered uplink data to the CN network elements such as MME / S-GW / P-GW.

[0159] In S108a, after receiving the uplink data, the CN network element such as MME / S-GW / P-GW sends the received uplink data to the application server.

[0160] like Figure 12 As shown, Figure 10 The embodiment is applied to an example of a 5G network. The method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0161] In S101b, the UE receives uplink data, for example, the uplink data may come from the UE APP layer.

[0162] In S102b, the UE buffers the received uplink data.

[0163] In S103b, the UE determines whether the uplink data still needs to be sent at the current time; if it still needs to be sent, S104b is executed; if it does not need to be sent, the cached uplink data may not be sent to the satellite base station gNB.

[0164] In S104b, if the cached uplink data still needs to be sent at the current time, the UE sends the cached uplink data to the satellite base station gNB.

[0165] In S105b, after receiving the uplink data sent by the UE, the satellite base station gNB caches the received uplink data.

[0166] In S106b, the satellite base station gNB determines whether the feedback link is connected; if connected, executes S107b; if not connected, continues to determine whether the feedback link is connected.

[0167] In S107b, if the feedback link is connected, the satellite base station gNB sends the cached uplink data to CN network elements such as AMF / SMF / UPF.

[0168] In S108b, after receiving the uplink data, the CN network elements such as AMF / SMF / UPF send the received uplink data to the application server.

[0169] like Figures 13 to 15 ,as well as Figures 16 to 18 The figure shows a scenario where the base station is located on a satellite, some core network elements are located on the satellite (i.e., onboard core network elements, denoted by "onboard CN"), and some are located on the ground (i.e., onboard core network elements, denoted by "ground CN"). When some core network elements are located on the satellite, the cache and forwarding functions can be transferred from the satellite base station to the onboard core network elements. The following examples illustrate the triggering mechanisms for cache and forwarding of uplink and downlink data, respectively.

[0170] like Figure 13 As shown, the process of the cache forwarding trigger mechanism for downlink data provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0171] In S131 , the application server sends downlink data to the ground CN.

[0172] In S132 , after receiving the downlink data, the ground CN buffers the received downlink data.

[0173] In S133 , the ground CN determines whether the feedback link is connected; if so, S134 is executed; if not, the CN continues to determine whether the feedback link is connected.

[0174] In S134, if the feedback link is connected, the ground CN sends the buffered downlink data to the onboard CN via the GS.

[0175] In the disclosed embodiment, for the triggering mechanism on the ground core network side: the ground part of the core network element, the ground CN, decides whether to send downlink data to the onboard CN based on the interface message sent by the onboard CN and the interface status.

[0176] In the disclosed embodiments, the on-satellite CN and / or terrestrial CN are not a single network element but may include multiple elements, such as at least one of the AMF, UPF, and SMF, which can trigger each other. For example, if the gNB / eNB is on-satellite, the AMF / MME can be used to trigger other network elements to forward data. Because the AMF / MME communicates directly with the gNB / eNB, it will first be notified that the feedback link has been restored. For scenarios involving both on-satellite CN and terrestrial CN, the specific division of network element functions depends on the specific method, such as AMF-NT and AMF-T (i.e., AMF functional entities located both on the ground and in the satellite), UPF-NT and UPF-T (i.e., UPF functional entities located both on the ground and in the satellite), and SMF-NT and SMF-T (i.e., SMF functional entities located both on the ground and in the satellite).

[0177] In S135 , after receiving the downlink data sent by the ground CN through the GS, the onboard CN buffers the received downlink data.

[0178] In S136 , the onboard CN determines whether the service link is connected; if so, S137 is executed; if not, the CN continues to determine whether the service link is connected.

[0179] In S137 , if the service link is connected, the onboard CN sends the buffered downlink data to the UE.

[0180] In S138, if the UE is in the idle state, paging is continued and the connected state is entered first.

[0181] In the disclosed embodiments, the onboard CN trigger mechanism: The onboard CN can calculate the available time range of the feedback link with the GS and the available time range of the service link with the UE based on information such as the ephemeris, and determine when to send the cached data based on the available time range. Furthermore, the onboard CN can combine the trigger mechanism to more accurately control data storage and forwarding, including but not limited to:

[0182] -Based on the maintenance status of the feedback link and / or TNL link between the onboard CN and the terrestrial CN, an indication message is sent to the UE via the Uu interface, indicating that the feedback link is connected, triggering relevant data forwarding behavior on the UE side.

[0183] - Based on the maintenance status of the feedback link and / or TNL link between the onboard CN and the ground CN (rather than just based on the timer), the buffered data is sent to the ground core network element via the feedback link.

[0184] Figure 14In the embodiment, the ground CN refers to the core network functions such as AMF / SMF / UPF on the ground, and the satellite CN refers to the core network functions such as AMF / SMF / UPF on the satellite. Figure 14 As shown, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0185] In S131a, the application server sends downlink data to the core network functions such as AMF / SMF / UPF on the ground.

[0186] In S132a, after receiving the downlink data, some core network functions such as AMF / SMF / UPF on the ground cache the received downlink data.

[0187] In S133a, the core network functions such as AMF / SMF / UPF on the ground determine whether the feedback link is connected; if connected, execute S134a; if not connected, continue to determine whether the feedback link is connected.

[0188] In S134a, if the feedback link is connected, the core network functions such as AMF / SMF / UPF on the ground send the cached downlink data to the core network functions such as AMF / SMF / UPF on the satellite through GS.

[0189] In S135a, after receiving downlink data through GS, some core network functions such as AMF / SMF / UPF of the satellite cache the received downlink data.

[0190] In S136a, some core network functions such as the satellite AMF / SMF / UPF determine whether the service link is connected; if it is connected, execute S137a; if not, continue to determine whether the service link is connected.

[0191] In S137a, if the service link is connected, the core network functions such as the satellite AMF / SMF / UPF will send the cached downlink data to the UE.

[0192] In S138a, if the UE is in the idle state, the call is continued and the connected state is entered first.

[0193] Figure 15 In the embodiment, the ground CN refers to the core network functions such as MME / S-GW / P-GW on the ground, and the satellite CN refers to the core network functions such as MME / S-GW / P-GW on the satellite. Figure 15 As shown, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0194] In S131b, the application server sends downlink data to the core network functions such as MME / S-GW / P-GW on the ground.

[0195] In S132b, after receiving the downlink data, some core network functions such as MME / S-GW / P-GW on the ground cache the received downlink data.

[0196] In S133b, the core network functions such as the MME / S-GW / P-GW on the ground determine whether the feedback link is connected; if connected, execute S134b; if not connected, continue to determine whether the feedback link is connected.

[0197] In S134b, if the feedback link is connected, the core network functions such as the MME / S-GW / P-GW on the ground send the cached downlink data to the core network functions such as the MME / S-GW / P-GW on the satellite through the GS.

[0198] In S135b, after receiving downlink data through the GS, some core network functions such as the satellite-connected MME / S-GW / P-GW cache the received downlink data.

[0199] In S136b, the core network functions such as the satellite MME / S-GW / P-GW determine whether the service link is connected; if connected, execute S137b; if not connected, continue to determine whether the service link is connected.

[0200] In S137b, if the service link is connected, the core network functions such as the satellite MME / S-GW / P-GW will send the cached downlink data to the UE.

[0201] In S138b, if the UE is in the idle state, the call is continued and the connected state is entered first.

[0202] like Figure 16 As shown, the cache forwarding trigger mechanism process for uplink data provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0203] In S161 , the UE receives uplink data, for example, the uplink data comes from the UE APP layer.

[0204] In S162, the UE buffers the received uplink data.

[0205] In S163 , the UE determines whether the buffered uplink data still needs to be sent at the current time; if it still needs to be sent, S164 is executed; if it does not need to be sent, the buffered uplink data is not sent.

[0206] In the disclosed embodiment, the UE triggering mechanism is considered as follows: for uplink data, the UE may send the data to the onboard CN, which will cache the data; or the UE may send the uplink data only when the onboard CN sends an RRC message indicating that the feedback link is connected; or the UE may send the uplink data only when the onboard CN directly sends a NAS message to the UE, indicating that the feedback link is connected.

[0207] It should be noted that the UE may also calculate an approximate time range based on the ephemeris information obtained from the network or the application layer, and more accurate data transmission may use the mechanism proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0208] In S164 , if the data still needs to be sent, the UE sends the buffered uplink data to the onboard CN.

[0209] In S165 , after receiving the uplink data sent by the UE, the onboard CN buffers the received uplink data.

[0210] In S166 , the onboard CN determines whether the feedback link is connected; if so, S167 is executed; if not, the CN continues to determine whether the feedback link is connected.

[0211] In S167, if the feedback link is connected, the onboard CN sends the buffered uplink data to the ground CN via the GS.

[0212] In S168 , after receiving the uplink data, the ground CN sends the uplink data to the application server.

[0213] Figure 17 Examples and Figure 16 The embodiment differs in that S171 may be further included between S162 and S163: the UE receives, through the satellite base station, indication information sent by the onboard CN indicating that the feedback link is connected. For example, the onboard CN sends an S1-AP or N2-AP to the onboard base station (e.g., eNB / gNB) indicating that the feedback link is connected, and the eNB / gNB sends an RRC message to the UE to indicate that the feedback link is connected.

[0214] Figure 18 Examples and Figure 16 The difference of the embodiment is that, between S162 and S163, there may be further included S181: the UE receives a NAS indication from the onboard CN indicating that the feedback link is connected, that is, the onboard CN notifies the UE through the NAS mechanism that the feedback link is connected.

[0215] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for triggering storage and forwarding in a satellite and 4G / 5G network converged network. In the EPS / 5GS network architecture, the network elements responsible for data storage and forwarding (including UE, base station, core network elements (including on-satellite and on-ground), GS) do not only rely on pre-configured time information for data forwarding, but are combined with specific triggers. The trigger mechanism can come from the network element itself or other network elements.

[0216] Figure 19 The flowchart of the data transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 19 The method provided in the embodiment may be executed by a ground network element, which includes a ground gateway or a ground core network element, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 19 As shown, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0217] In S1910 , downlink data is received.

[0218] In S1920, the downlink data is stored in the ground network element.

[0219] In S1930, based on the status information of the feedback link of the satellite, the downlink data stored in the ground network element is triggered to be sent to the onboard network element on the satellite.

[0220] Figure 19 For other contents of the embodiment, reference can be made to the above embodiment.

[0221] Figure 20 The following schematically shows a flow chart of a data transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 20 The method provided in the embodiment can be executed by a terminal, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 20 As shown, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0222] In S2010, uplink data is received.

[0223] In S2020, the uplink data is stored in the terminal.

[0224] In S2030, based on the status information of the satellite's service link and / or feedback link, uplink data stored in the terminal is triggered to be sent to onboard network elements deployed on the satellite. The onboard network elements include onboard base stations and / or onboard core network elements.

[0225] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the status information of the satellite's service link and / or feedback link, triggering the uplink data stored in the terminal to be sent to the onboard network element deployed on the satellite includes: receiving indication information sent by the onboard network element to indicate that the feedback link of the satellite is in a connected state; based on the indication information, triggering the uplink data stored in the terminal to be sent to the onboard network element.

[0226] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure also includes: acquiring the ephemeris information of the satellite; obtaining the available time range of the service link and / or feedback link of the satellite based on the ephemeris information, and configuring the forwarding time information of the uplink data stored in the terminal based on the available time range.

[0227] In an exemplary embodiment, based on the status information of the satellite's service link and / or feedback link, triggering the uplink data stored in the terminal to be sent to the onboard network element deployed on the satellite includes: triggering the uplink data stored in the terminal to be sent to the onboard network element according to the forwarding time information and the status information of the satellite's service link and / or feedback link.

[0228] Figure 20 For other contents of the embodiment, reference can be made to the above embodiment.

[0229] Figure 21 The block diagram of a satellite-borne network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. The satellite-borne network element is deployed on a satellite and includes a satellite-borne base station and / or a satellite-borne core network element. Figure 21 The provided onboard network element 2100 may include a receiving unit 2110 , a storage unit 2120 and a sending unit 2130 .

[0230] The receiving unit 2110 is configured to receive data. The storage unit 2120 is configured to store the data in the onboard network element. The sending unit 2130 is configured to trigger external forwarding of the data stored in the onboard network element based on status information of the satellite's service link and / or feedback link.

[0231] Figure 21 For other contents of the satellite-borne network element provided in the embodiment, reference can be made to the other embodiments mentioned above.

[0232] Figure 22 A block diagram of a ground network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 22 The provided onboard network element 2200 may include a receiving unit 2210 , a storage unit 2220 and a sending unit 2230 .

[0233] The receiving unit 2210 is configured to receive downlink data. The storage unit 2220 is configured to store the downlink data in the ground network element. The sending unit 2230 is configured to trigger, based on the status information of the satellite feedback link, the transmission of the downlink data stored in the ground network element to the satellite-borne network element, the satellite-borne network element including the satellite-borne base station and / or the satellite-borne core network element.

[0234] Figure 22 For other contents of the ground network element provided in the embodiment, reference can be made to the other embodiments mentioned above.

[0235] Figure 23 The figure schematically shows a block diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 23 The provided onboard network element 2300 may include a receiving unit 2310 , a storage unit 2320 and a sending unit 2330 .

[0236] The receiving unit 2310 is configured to receive uplink data. The storage unit 2320 is configured to store the uplink data in the terminal. The sending unit 2330 is configured to trigger, based on status information of the satellite's service link and / or feedback link, the transmission of the uplink data stored in the terminal to an onboard network element deployed on the satellite, the onboard network element including an onboard base station and / or an onboard core network element.

[0237] Figure 23 For other contents of the terminal provided in the embodiment, reference can be made to the other embodiments mentioned above.

[0238] Figure 24 The schematic diagram shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device may be a terminal such as a UE, or a network device such as a base station, or an AMF network element and / or a UPF network element and / or an SMF network element and / or a PCF network element and / or a NEF network element and / or an AF network element and / or an SMF network element and / or an MME and / or an S-GW and / or a P-GW, etc. Figure 24 The communication device 2400 shown includes a processor 2410, which can call and execute a computer program from a memory to implement the method in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0239] Alternatively, as Figure 24 As shown, the communication device 2400 may further include a memory 2420. The processor 2410 may call and execute a computer program from the memory 2420 to implement the method in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0240] The memory 2420 may be a separate device independent of the processor 2410 , or may be integrated into the processor 2410 .

[0241] Alternatively, as Figure 24 As shown, the communication device 2400 may further include a transceiver 2430 , and the processor 2410 may control the transceiver 2430 to communicate with other devices. Specifically, it may send information or data to other devices, or receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0242] The transceiver 2430 may include a transmitter (which may be used as the transmitting unit in the above embodiment) and a receiver (which may be used as the receiving unit in the above embodiment). The transceiver 2430 may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0243] Optionally, the communication device 2400 may specifically be various network elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the communication device 2400 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by each network element in each method of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0244] Optionally, the communication device 2400 may specifically be a mobile terminal / terminal of an embodiment of the present disclosure, and the communication device 2400 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile terminal / terminal in each method of the embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0245] Optionally, the processor 2410 , the memory 2420 , and the transceiver 2430 may implement bidirectional communication with each other via the communication bus 2440 .

[0246] It should be understood that the processor of the embodiment of the present disclosure may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiment may be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor or software instructions.

[0247] The above-mentioned processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component. The various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present disclosure can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the art, such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above-mentioned method in combination with its hardware.

[0248] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus random access memory (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory. It should be understood that the above memory is provided by way of example and not limitation.

[0249] The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program.

[0250] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to each network element in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the computer program enables the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by each network element in each method of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0251] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the mobile terminal / terminal in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the computer program enables the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile terminal / terminal in the various methods of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

[0252] An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer program product, including computer program instructions.

[0253] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to each network element in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the computer program instructions enable the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by each network element in each method of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0254] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the mobile terminal / terminal in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the computer program instructions enable the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile terminal / terminal in the various methods of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

[0255] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a computer program.

[0256] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to each network element in the embodiments of the present disclosure. When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer executes the corresponding processes implemented by each network element in the various methods of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0257] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the mobile terminal / terminal in the embodiments of the present disclosure. When the computer program runs on the computer, the computer executes the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile terminal / terminal in the various methods of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

[0258] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0259] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0260] In the several embodiments provided in this disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units described is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used, such as combining or integrating multiple units or components into another system, or omitting or not implementing certain features.

[0261] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0262] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present disclosure may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0263] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A data transmission method, characterized in that: The method is performed by an onboard network element deployed on a satellite, wherein the onboard network element includes an onboard base station and / or an onboard core network element; wherein the method includes: Receive data; storing the data in the onboard network element; Based on the status information of the service link or feedback link of the satellite, trigger the external forwarding of the data stored in the onboard network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: Obtaining an available time range of a service link or a feedback link of the satellite according to the ephemeris information of the satellite, and configuring forwarding time information of the data stored in the onboard network element according to the available time range; The triggering of externally forwarding the data stored in the onboard network element based on the status information of the service link or feedback link of the satellite includes: According to the forwarding time information and the status information of the service link or feedback link of the satellite, triggering the external forwarding of the data stored in the onboard network element.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that When a satellite-borne base station is deployed on the satellite but no satellite-borne core network element is deployed on the satellite, the satellite-borne network element is the satellite-borne base station.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The data includes downlink data; wherein receiving data includes: Receiving downlink data sent by a ground network element through a feedback link of the satellite, the ground network element including a ground gateway or a ground core network element; The triggering of externally forwarding the data stored in the onboard network element based on the status information of the service link or feedback link of the satellite includes: If it is determined based on the status information of the satellite's service link that the satellite's service link is in a connected state, the downlink data stored in the satellite-borne base station is triggered to be forwarded to the terminal.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that Also includes: Send a message to the ground network element through the S1 / N2 / N3 interface to trigger the ground network element to send the downlink data stored in the ground network element to the satellite-borne base station.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The data includes uplink data; wherein receiving data includes: receiving uplink data sent by a terminal via a service link of the satellite; The triggering of externally forwarding the data stored in the onboard network element based on the status information of the service link or feedback link of the satellite includes: If it is determined based on the status information of the feedback link of the satellite that the feedback link of the satellite is in a connected state, the uplink data stored in the satellite base station is triggered to be forwarded to the ground network element, and the ground network element includes a ground gateway or a ground core network element.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that Also includes: Based on the maintenance information of the feedback link and / or S1 / N2 / N3 interface and / or the transmission network layer link, an indication information that the feedback link is in a connected state is sent to the terminal to trigger the terminal to send the uplink data stored on the terminal to the satellite base station.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that Also includes: Based on the maintenance information of the feedback link and / or the S1 / N2 / N3 interface and / or the transmission network layer link, the status information of the feedback link of the satellite is determined.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that When an onboard base station and an onboard core network element are deployed on the satellite, the onboard network element is the onboard core network element.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The data includes uplink data; wherein the method further includes: Indication information indicating that the feedback link of the satellite is in a connected state is sent to the terminal via a radio resource control message or a non-access layer message, so as to trigger the terminal to forward the uplink data stored on the terminal to the onboard core network element.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The data includes uplink data; wherein the method further includes: Based on the maintenance information of the feedback link and the transmission network layer link between the onboard core network element and the ground core network element, an indication information that the feedback link is in a connected state is sent to the terminal to trigger the terminal to send the uplink data stored on the terminal to the onboard base station.

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The data includes uplink data; wherein, triggering external forwarding of the data stored in the onboard network element based on status information of the service link or feedback link of the satellite includes: Based on the maintenance information of the feedback link and the transmission network layer link between the onboard core network element and the ground core network element, the status information of the feedback link is determined to trigger the sending of the uplink data stored in the onboard core network element to the ground network element through the feedback link. The ground network element includes a ground gateway or a ground core network element.

13. A data transmission method, characterized in that: The method is executed by a terminal; wherein the method includes: Receive uplink data; storing the uplink data in the terminal; Based on the status information of the satellite's service link and / or feedback link, the uplink data stored in the terminal is triggered to be sent to the onboard network elements deployed on the satellite, and the onboard network elements include onboard base stations and / or onboard core network elements.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method triggers, based on status information of a service link and / or a feedback link of a satellite, sending the uplink data stored in the terminal to an onboard network element deployed on the satellite, including: receiving indication information sent by the onboard network element to indicate that the feedback link of the satellite is in a connected state; Based on the indication information, trigger the uplink data stored in the terminal to be sent to the onboard network element.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that Also includes: Obtaining ephemeris information of the satellite; Obtaining an available time range of a service link and / or a feedback link of the satellite according to the ephemeris information, and configuring forwarding time information of the uplink data stored in the terminal according to the available time range; The triggering, based on status information of a service link and / or a feedback link of the satellite, to send the uplink data stored in the terminal to an onboard network element deployed on the satellite includes: According to the forwarding time information and the status information of the service link and / or feedback link of the satellite, the uplink data stored in the terminal is triggered to be sent to the onboard network element.

16. A satellite-borne network element, characterized in that: The onboard network elements are deployed on a satellite, and the onboard network elements include onboard base stations and / or onboard core network elements; wherein the onboard network elements include: a receiving unit, configured to receive data; A storage unit, configured to store the data in the onboard network element; The sending unit is used to trigger the external forwarding of the data stored in the onboard network element based on the status information of the service link or feedback link of the satellite.

17. A terminal, characterized in that: The terminal includes: A receiving unit, configured to receive uplink data; A storage unit, configured to store the uplink data in the terminal; A sending unit is used to trigger the sending of the uplink data stored in the terminal to the onboard network elements deployed on the satellite based on the status information of the satellite's service link and / or feedback link, wherein the onboard network elements include onboard base stations and / or onboard core network elements.

18. A communication device, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; a memory configured to store one or more programs, which, when executed by the one or more processors, enable the communication device to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12; or The method of claim 13; or The method of any one of claims 14 to 16.

19. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that: When the computer program is run on a computer, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12; or The method of any one of claims 13 to 15.

20. A computer program product comprising a computer program, characterized in that When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is implemented; or The method of any one of claims 13 to 15.

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