Communication method and apparatus, and communication device

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method and device and communication equipment, and belongs to the technical field of communication, and the communication method comprises the steps that a first network element determines target satellite information under the condition that a target data packet is received; the first network element sends the target data packet to a target network element corresponding to the target satellite information; wherein the target data packet is a data packet sent by a first terminal to a second terminal, the first terminal accesses a network through a first satellite, the second terminal accesses the network through a second satellite, and the first satellite and the second satellite are the same or different; the first network element is a network element deployed in the first satellite; the target network element is a network element deployed on a target satellite; the target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the field of communication technology, and specifically relates to a communication method, apparatus, and communication equipment. Background Art

[0002] Related technologies have proposed a non-terrestrial network (NTN) scenario. In this scenario, the communication path between two user equipment (UE, also known as "terminals") is UE1-satellite-ground station-core network-ground station-satellite-UE2. Since the satellite is far away from the ground, the communication path is long, which results in a large call delay. In order to shorten the call delay between the two UEs, it is proposed to deploy the user plane function (UPF) or access gateway (AGW) on the satellite to realize terminal-satellite-terminal (UE-satellite-UE, USU) communication. In related technologies, if the two UEs are connected to different satellites, the satellites can communicate through intersatellite links (ISL) to realize USU communication. The specific method is as follows: when a satellite receives a data packet, the satellite will forward the data packet to the surrounding satellites through the ISL, and then the correct satellite will forward the data packet to the corresponding UE. This USU communication method will occupy more satellite resources. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, apparatus, and communication equipment, which can solve the problem of excessive satellite resource occupation in the USU communication method in the related art.

[0004] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, performed by a first network element, the method comprising:

[0005] The first network element determines target satellite information when receiving the target data packet;

[0006] The first network element sends the target data packet to the target network element corresponding to the target satellite information;

[0007] The target data packet is a data packet sent from a first terminal to a second terminal, the first terminal accesses a network via a first satellite, the second terminal accesses a network via a second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite;

[0008] The first network element is a network element deployed on the first satellite;

[0009] The target network element is a network element deployed on the target satellite;

[0010] The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0011] According to a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which is performed by a second network element. The method includes:

[0012] When determining that the first terminal and the second terminal can perform terminal-satellite-terminal USU communication, the second network element sends a first message to the first network element, where the first message carries target satellite information;

[0013] The first terminal accesses the network through a first satellite, and the second terminal accesses the network through a second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite;

[0014] The first network element is a network element deployed on the first satellite;

[0015] The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0016] According to a third aspect, a communication method is provided, which is performed by a fourth network element. The method includes:

[0017] The fourth network element sends a third message to the third network element when determining that the first terminal and the second terminal can perform terminal-satellite-terminal USU communication, where the third message carries target satellite information;

[0018] The first terminal accesses the network through a first satellite, and the second terminal accesses the network through a second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite;

[0019] The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0020] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided, which is performed by a third network element, and the method includes:

[0021] The third network element receives a third message from the fourth network element, where the third message carries target satellite information;

[0022] The third network element sends a second message to the second network element, where the second message carries the target satellite information;

[0023] The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0024] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, applied to a first network element, the device including:

[0025] a first processing unit, configured to determine target satellite information upon receiving a target data packet;

[0026] A first sending unit is configured to send the target data packet to a target network element corresponding to the target satellite information;

[0027] The target data packet is a data packet sent from a first terminal to a second terminal, the first terminal accesses a network via a first satellite, the second terminal accesses a network via a second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite;

[0028] The first network element is a network element deployed on the first satellite;

[0029] The target network element is a network element deployed on the target satellite;

[0030] The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0031] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, applied to a second network element, the device including:

[0032] a sending unit, configured to send a first message carrying target satellite information to the first network element when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal can perform terminal-satellite-terminal USU communication;

[0033] The first terminal accesses the network through a first satellite, and the second terminal accesses the network through a second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite;

[0034] The first network element is a network element deployed on the first satellite;

[0035] The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0036] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, applied to a fourth network element, the device including:

[0037] a sending unit, configured to send a third message carrying target satellite information to a third network element when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal can perform terminal-satellite-terminal USU communication;

[0038] The first terminal accesses the network through a first satellite, and the second terminal accesses the network through a second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite;

[0039] The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0040] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, applied to a third network element, the device including:

[0041] a receiving unit, configured to receive a third message from a fourth network element, where the third message carries target satellite information;

[0042] a sending unit, configured to send a second message to a second network element, where the second message carries the target satellite information;

[0043] The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0044] In the ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a program or instruction that can be run on the processor, and when the program or instruction is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or implements the steps of the method described in the second aspect, or implements the steps of the method described in the third aspect, or implements the steps of the method described in the fourth aspect.

[0045] In the tenth aspect, a network side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor is used to: determine the target satellite information when receiving a target data packet; the communication interface is used to: send the target data packet to the target network element corresponding to the target satellite information; wherein the target data packet is a data packet sent from a first terminal to a second terminal, the first terminal accesses the network through a first satellite, the second terminal accesses the network through a second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite; the first network element is a network element deployed on the first satellite; the target network element is a network element deployed on the target satellite; and the target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0046] In the eleventh aspect, a network side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to: when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal can perform terminal-satellite-terminal USU communication, send a first message to the first network element, and the first message carries target satellite information; wherein the first terminal accesses the network through the first satellite, and the second terminal accesses the network through the second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite; the first network element is a network element deployed on the first satellite; and the target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0047] In the twelfth aspect, a network side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to: when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal can perform terminal-satellite-terminal USU communication, send a third message to a third network element, and the third message carries target satellite information; wherein the first terminal accesses the network through a first satellite, the second terminal accesses the network through a second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite; and the target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0048] In the thirteenth aspect, a network side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to: receive a third message from a fourth network element, the third message carrying target satellite information; send a second message to a second network element, the second message carrying the target satellite information; the target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0049] In the fourteenth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided, on which a program or instruction is stored. When the program or instruction is executed by a processor, the steps of the method described in the first aspect are implemented, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect are implemented, or the steps of the method described in the third aspect are implemented, or the steps of the method described in the fourth aspect are implemented.

[0050] In the fifteenth aspect, a wireless communication system is provided, including: a first network element and a second network element, wherein the first network element can be used to execute the steps of the method described in the first aspect, and the second network element can be used to execute the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0051] In the sixteenth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the method described in the first aspect, or the method described in the second aspect, or the method described in the third aspect, or the method described in the fourth aspect.

[0052] In the seventeenth aspect, a computer program / program product is provided, which is stored in a storage medium, and the program / program product is executed by at least one processor to implement the steps of the communication method as described in the first aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the second aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the third aspect, or the steps of the communication method as described in the fourth aspect.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present application, upon receiving a target data packet, a first network element determines target satellite information; the first network element sends the target data packet to a target network element corresponding to the target satellite information; wherein the target data packet is a data packet sent from a first terminal to a second terminal, the first terminal accesses the network via a first satellite, the second terminal accesses the network via a second satellite, and the first satellite and the second satellite are the same or different; the first network element is a network element deployed on the first satellite; the target network element is a network element deployed on the target satellite; and the target satellite information is information related to the target satellite. In this way, by determining the target satellite information, the first network element on the first satellite can directly send the target data packet to the target network element on the target satellite, without having to send data packets to multiple surrounding satellites, thereby conserving satellite resources. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a network structure applicable to the embodiments of the present application;

[0055] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of inter-satellite communication via ISL;

[0056] Figure 3 It is a flowchart of the USU communication establishment;

[0057] Figure 4 This is a flow chart for deploying AGW on a satellite;

[0058] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of end-to-end communication between UE1 and UE2;

[0059] Figure 6 This is a flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 7 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 8 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 9 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 10 This is one of the schematic diagrams of Example 1 provided in the embodiments of the present application;

[0064] Figure 11 This is the second schematic diagram of Example 1 provided in the embodiments of the present application;

[0065] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of Example 2 provided in the Examples of this application;

[0066] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of Example 3 provided in the Examples of this application;

[0067] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of Example 4 provided in the Examples of this application;

[0068] Figure 15 This is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figure 16 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Figure 17is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] Figure 18 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] Figure 19 This is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] Figure 20 This is a structural diagram of a network-side device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0075] The terms "first", "second", etc. in this application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the terms used in this way are interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same type, and do not limit the number of objects, for example, the first object can be one or more. In addition, "or" in this application represents at least one of the connected objects. For example, "A or B" covers three options, namely, Option 1: including A but not including B; Option 2: including B but not including A; Option 3: including both A and B. The character " / " generally indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0076] The term "indication" in this application can be either a direct indication (or explicit indication) or an indirect indication (or implicit indication). A direct indication can be understood as the sender explicitly informing the receiver of specific information, the operation to be performed, or the requested result, etc. in the instruction sent; an indirect indication can be understood as the receiver determining the corresponding information based on the instruction sent by the sender, or making a judgment and determining the operation to be performed or the requested result, etc. based on the judgment result.

[0077] It is worth noting that the technology described in the embodiments of the present application is not limited to the Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) system, but can also be used in other wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) or other systems. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application are often used interchangeably, and the technology described can be used for the systems and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as for other systems and radio technologies. The following description describes a New Radio (NR) system for illustrative purposes, and NR terminology is used in most of the following description, but these technologies can also be applied to systems other than NR systems, such as 6th generation (6G) systems. th Generation, 6G) communication system.

[0078] Figure 1The block diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application is shown. The wireless communication system includes a communication device 11 and a network-side device 12. The communication device 11 can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (Tablet Personal Computer), a laptop computer (Laptop Computer), a notebook computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld computer, a netbook, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a mobile internet device (MID), an augmented reality (AR), a virtual reality (VR) device, a robot, a wearable device (Wearable Device), an aircraft (flight vehicle), a vehicle user equipment (VUE), a ship-borne device, a pedestrian communication device (Pedestrian User Equipment, PUE), a smart home (home appliances with wireless communication functions, such as refrigerators, televisions, washing machines or furniture, etc.), a game console, a personal computer (PC), a teller machine or a self-service machine, and other communication device-side devices. Wearable devices include: smart watches, smart bracelets, smart headphones, smart glasses, smart jewelry (smart bracelets, smart bracelets, smart rings, smart necklaces, smart anklets, smart anklets, etc.), smart wristbands, smart clothing, etc. Among them, the vehicle-mounted device can also be called a vehicle-mounted communication device, a vehicle-mounted controller, a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted component, a vehicle-mounted chip or a vehicle-mounted unit, etc. In addition to the above-mentioned terminal devices, it can also be a chip in the terminal, such as a modem chip, a system-on-chip (SoC). It should be noted that the specific type of the communication device 11 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. The network side device 12 may include an access network device or a core network device, wherein the access network device may also be called a radio access network (RAN) device, a radio access network function or a radio access network unit. The access network device may include a base station, a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) node, etc.Among them, the base station can be referred to as Node B (NB), Evolved Node B (eNB), the next generation Node B (gNB), New Radio Node B (NR Node B), access point, Relay Base Station (RBS), Serving Base Station (SBS), Base Transceiver Station (BTS), radio base station, radio transceiver, Basic Service Set (BSS), Extended Service Set (ESS), Home Node B (HNB), Home Evolved Node B (home evolved Node B), Transmission Reception Point (TRP) or other appropriate terms in the relevant field. As long as the same technical effect is achieved, the base station is not limited to specific technical vocabulary. It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, only the base station in the NR system is used as an example for introduction, and the specific type of the base station is not limited.

[0079] The core network equipment may include but is not limited to at least one of the following: core network node, core network function, mobility management entity (MME), access mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), user plane function (UPF), policy control function (PCF), policy and charging rules function unit (PCRF), edge application service discovery function (EASDF), unified data management (UDM), unified data repository (UDR), home user server (HSS), centralized network configuration (CNC), network storage function (NRF), network exposure function (NEF), local NEF (L-NEF), binding support function (BSF), application function ( Function, AF), etc. It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, only the core network device in the NR system is introduced as an example, and the specific type of the core network device is not limited. But it is not limited to at least one of the following: core network node, core network function, mobility management entity (Mobility Management Entity, MME), access mobility management function (Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF), session management function (Session Management Function, SMF), user plane function (UserPlane Function, UPF), policy control function.

[0080] Before describing the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the relevant technologies:

[0081] In the 5G satellite NR NTN scenario, the communication path between two UEs is UE1-satellite-ground station-core network (such as UPF)-satellite-UE2. Since the satellite is far away from the ground, the communication path is long and the call delay is large, affecting the user experience.

[0082] One solution is to deploy UPF or AGW on satellites to achieve USU communication (also known as USU call or USU voice call). USU communication can shorten the call delay between two UEs and improve user experience.

[0083] In related technologies, USU communication can be achieved even if two UEs are connected to different satellites, and communication between satellites is carried out via ISL. Figure 2 As shown in the figure, when the satellite serving UE1 receives a data packet (also known as a voice packet, a Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) packet, or an Internet Protocol (IP) packet containing an RTP packet) sent by UE1, the satellite forwards the data packet to multiple satellites via ISL links with surrounding satellites. Only the correct satellite can forward the data packet to UE2. Due to the limited ISL resources on the satellite, this USU communication method wastes satellite resources (or ISL resources) and reduces the number of users the satellite can accommodate.

[0084] The following describes the process of establishing USU communication from the perspective of UE1.

[0085] like Figure 3 As shown, the USU communication establishment process includes the following steps:

[0086] Step 1: UE1 establishes a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. The PDU session of UE1 uses the ground UPF1 as the PDU session anchor (PSA).

[0087] Step 2: UE1 initiates a call request (invite) to UE2, which includes a Session Description Protocol (SDP) offer and, optionally, a Cell Global Identity (CGI) or a satellite ID.

[0088] CGI is the globally unique identifier of the cell where the UE resides. When the cell is a 5G cell, it is NCGI (NR Cell Global Identifier). When the cell is a 4G cell, it is ECGI (E-Utran Cell Global Identifier).

[0089] Step 3: The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Invite is sent to UE2 via the Serving-Call Session Control Function 1 (S-CSCF1) that provides service for UE1.

[0090] Step 4: UE2 replies with a 183 response message, which carries an SDP answer. The 183 message is sent to the Proxy-Call Session Control Function 1 (P-CSCF1).

[0091] Step 5: P-CSCF1 determines whether the calling and called UEs can perform USU communication based on the calling and called UE information, for example, based on CGI or satellite ID.

[0092] P-CSCF1 generates media information (media info) corresponding to the voice according to the SDP offer and SDP answer, and sends a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) POST request message to PCF. The message carries the media information and optionally also carries a USU indication.

[0093] Step 6: PCF sends Session Management (SM) related policy modifications to SMF, optionally carrying USU indication.

[0094] Step 7: SMF determines whether UE2 can perform USU communication. SMF can make the determination based on the USU indication sent by PCF, or SMF can make the determination itself.

[0095] The SMF sends a message to the UPF3 on the satellite to establish a PSA, that is, the UPF3 on the satellite is used as PSA2, the second PSA, and the UPF1 on the ground is the first PSA.

[0096] It should be noted that PSA2 can also be called local PSA or additional PSA.

[0097] Step 8: SMF sends a message to UPF3 on the satellite, and uses UPF3 on the satellite as uplink classifier (UL CL).

[0098] The satellite UPF3 has two logical functions: UL CL and PSA2. When a UE sends uplink data, the data passes through the base station and first reaches the UL CL. The UL CL then decides whether to send the data to PSA1 or PSA2 based on the filter rules sent by the SMF.

[0099] For the USU scenario involved in this application, when the UL CL receives a data packet sent by the UE, it will send it to the PSA2 on the satellite, thereby avoiding sending the data packet back to the ground and reducing call delay through USU communication.

[0100] Step 9: SMF updates UPF1 and establishes a connection between UPF1 and UL CL.

[0101] Step 10: SMF sends an N4 session establishment request (N4 session establishment Request) message or an N4 session modification request (N4 session modification Request) message to PSA2 of UPF3 on the satellite to establish or modify the bearer for transmitting voice services.

[0102] The SMF sends the UL CL filter rule to the UL CL of the UPF3 on the satellite, so that the UL CL can send the data packet to the PSA2 function of the UPF3.

[0103] Step 11: SMF generates a PDU session modification command (PDU Session Modification command) message sent to the UE and an N2 message sent to the base station, and SMF sends the PDU session modification command message and N2 message to the AMF.

[0104] Step 12: AMF sends a PDU Session Modify Command message to the UE.

[0105] Step 13: Continue with the subsequent PDU Session Modification procedure.

[0106] After step 13, a voice bearer is established for UE2. The path for this bearer is UE2 → base station 2 → ULCL → PSA2. The voice bearer is a Quality of Service (QoS) flow in 5G networks and an Evolved Packet System (EPS) bearer in 4G networks, with a QoS level of 1.

[0107] Step 14: The SMF sends an SMF association modification message to the PCF to notify the PCF that the bearer for transmitting voice is successfully established.

[0108] Step 15: The PCF sends a notification message to the P-CSCF1 to inform the P-CSCF1 that the bearer for voice transmission is successfully established.

[0109] Step 16: P-CSCF1 replies a 183 message to UE1.

[0110] Step 17: When the user of UE2 answers the call, UE2 responds with a 200 OK. The 200 OK is sent to UE1, and UE1 and UE2 begin a voice call.

[0111] The data packet transmission path between UE1 and UE2 is: UE1 → base station 1 → UPF3 → UPF4 → base station 2 → UE2, or, UE1 → base station 1 → UL CL1 → PSA2-1 → PSA2-2 → UL CL2 → base station 2 → UE2. UE1 and UE2 implement USU communication, where data packets between UPF3 and UPF4 (or, PSA2-1 and PSA2-2) are transmitted via the ISL link between the two satellites. Note: The IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Access Gateway (AGW) function can also be deployed on the satellite. This AGW function is controlled by the P-CSCF to join the communication link. At this point, the data packets between UE1 and UE2 are transmitted along the following path: UE1 → base station 1 → UPF3 → AGW1 → AGW2 → UPF4 → base station 2 → UE2, or UE1 → base station 1 → UL CL1 → PSA2-1 → AGW1 → AGW2 → PSA2-2 → UL CL2 → base station 2 → UE2. Data packets between AGW1 and AGW2 are transmitted over the ISL link between the two satellites.

[0112] It should be noted that base station 1 is the base station providing services for UE1, base station 2 is the base station providing services for UE2, ULCL1 is the UL CL providing services for UE1, UL CL2 is the UL CL providing services for UE2, PSA2-1 is the PSA2 providing services for UE1, PSA2-2 is the PSA2 providing services for UE2, AGW1 is the AGW providing services for UE1, and AGW2 is the AGW providing services for UE2.

[0113] The following describes the process when AGW is deployed on a satellite.

[0114] like Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the process of deploying AGW on a satellite includes the following steps:

[0115] Step 1: P-CSCF1 receives the Invite request sent by the UE (i.e. Figure 3 In step 2), the SDPoffer in the Invite request includes the IP address of UE1 (ie, IP1).

[0116] Step 2: When P-CSCF1 detects that there is a Network Address Translation (NAT) gateway between UE1 and P-CSCF1, P-CSCF1 requests the AGW that provides services for UE1 to allocate a transport address corresponding to IP1 to UE1.

[0117] Step 3: AGW allocates the transport address corresponding to IP1 to UE1: Tr_IP1.

[0118] Step 4: P-CSCF1 modifies UE1's SDP offer and replaces IP1 with Tr_IP1.

[0119] Step 5: P-CSCF1 sends the modified SDP offer to UE2.

[0120] Step 6: UE2 returns an SDP answer, which includes UE2's IP address IP2.

[0121] It should be noted that IP2 may be the IP address of UE2, or a transmission address allocated to UE2 by an AGW providing services for UE2.

[0122] Step 7: P-CSCF1 sends an Allocation Request message to the AGW.

[0123] Step 8: AGW allocates the transport address corresponding to IP2 to UE1: Tr_IP2.

[0124] Step 9: P-CSCF1 modifies UE2's SDP answer, replacing IP2 with Tr_IP2.

[0125] Step 10: P-CSCF1 sends the replaced SDP answer to UE1.

[0126] Step 11: When UE1 receives a data packet for voice service, the destination address of the data packet is set to Tr_IP_2 included in the SDP answer, and the data packet is routed to the AGW.

[0127] Step 12: The AGW modifies the destination address of the data packet to IP2 based on the correspondence between Tr_IP2 and IP2. Based on the destination address, the data packet is routed to UE2 or the AGW providing services for UE2.

[0128] Step 13: When UE2 receives a data packet for voice service, the destination address of the data packet is set to Tr_IP_1 included in the SDP offer, and the data packet is routed to the AGW.

[0129] Step 14: The AGW modifies the destination address of the data packet to IP1 based on the correspondence between Tr_IP1 and IP1. Based on the destination address, the data packet is routed to UE1.

[0130] Here, UE1 is taken as an example for description. UE2 can also perform the same action, which will not be described in detail here.

[0131] Through the above process, the P-CSCF can control the addition of the AGW to the communication path between UE1 and UE2.

[0132] The following process is used to facilitate understanding of how UE1 and UE2 achieve end-to-end communication.

[0133] like Figure 5 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0134] Step 1: UE1 and UE2 establish PDU sessions respectively. UE1's PDU session uses the ground UPF1 as PSA1, and UE2's PDU session uses the ground UPF2 as PSA1.

[0135] Step 2: UE1 initiates a call request (invite) to UE2, including an SDP offer and, optionally, a CGI or satellite ID.

[0136] CGI is a globally unique identifier of the cell where the UE resides. When the cell is a 5G cell, it is NCGI, and when the cell is a 4G cell, it is ECGI.

[0137] Step 3: The SIP Invite passes through the S-CSCF1 that provides services for UE1 and the S-CSCF2 that provides services for UE2, and arrives at the P-CSCF2 that provides services for UE2.

[0138] Step 4: P-CSCF2 sends the Invite request to UE2.

[0139] Step 5: UE2 replies with a 183 response message, which carries an SDP answer. The 183 message is sent to P-CSCF2.

[0140] Step 6: P-CSCF2 determines whether the calling and called UEs can perform USU communication based on the calling and called UE information, for example, based on CGI or satellite ID.

[0141] P-CSCF2 generates media information corresponding to the voice according to the SDP offer and SDP answer, and sends a message to PCF. The message carries the media information and optionally carries a USU indication.

[0142] Step 7: PCF sends SM-related policy modifications to SMF, optionally carrying USU indication.

[0143] Step 8: SMF determines whether UE2 can perform USU communication. SMF can make the determination based on the USU indication sent by PCF, or SMF can make the determination itself.

[0144] SMF sends a message to UPF4 on the satellite, and uses UPF4 on the satellite as PSA2.

[0145] Step 9: SMF sends a message to UPF4 on the satellite, and uses UPF4 on the satellite as UL CL.

[0146] Step 10: SMF updates UPF2 and establishes a connection between UPF2 and UL CL.

[0147] Step 11: SMF sends a message to PSA2 of UPF4 on the satellite to establish a bearer for transmitting voice services.

[0148] Step 12: SMF generates a PDU session modification command message to be sent to the UE and an N2 message to be sent to the base station, and SMF sends the PDU session modification command message and N2 message to AMF.

[0149] Step 13: AMF sends a PDU Session Modification Command message to the UE.

[0150] Step 14: Continue with the subsequent process of PDU session modification.

[0151] After step 14, a voice bearer is established for UE2. The bearer path is UE2 → base station 2 → ULCL → PSA2. The voice bearer is a QoS flow in the 5G network and an EPS bearer in the 4G network, with a QoS service level of 1.

[0152] Step 15: The SMF sends an SMF association modification message to the PCF to notify the PCF that the bearer for transmitting voice is successfully established.

[0153] Step 16: The PCF sends a notification message to the P-CSCF2 to inform the P-CSCF2 that the bearer for voice transmission is successfully established.

[0154] Step 17: P-CSCF2 forwards the 183 message, which is routed to P-CSCF1 serving UE1.

[0155] Step 18: P-CSCF1 executes steps 6 to 16 to establish a bearer for UE1 for transmitting voice.

[0156] After step 18, a bearer for transmitting voice is established for UE1, and the path of the bearer is UE1→base station 1→UPF3.

[0157] Note: The PCF and SMF used by UE1 and UE2 can be the same or different, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0158] Step 19: P-CSCF1 replies with message 183 to UE1.

[0159] Step 20: When the user of UE2 answers the call, UE2 responds with 200 OK.

[0160] In related technologies, when two UEs communicate via USU over two satellites, when a UPF or AGW receives a data packet (such as a voice packet) from a UE, it forwards the packet to multiple satellites with an ISL relationship. However, only the correct satellite can forward the packet to the corresponding UE. Forwarding data packets to multiple satellites wastes satellite resources.

[0161] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, a communication apparatus and a communication device to solve the problem of excessive satellite resource occupation in the USU communication method in the related art.

[0162] The communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application is described in detail below through some embodiments and their application scenarios in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0163] Figure 6 A flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 6As shown, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0164] Step 601: Upon receiving a target data packet, the first network element determines target satellite information.

[0165] Step 602: The first network element sends the target data packet to the target network element corresponding to the target satellite information.

[0166] The target data packet is a data packet sent from a first terminal to a second terminal. The first terminal accesses a network via a first satellite, and the second terminal accesses a network via a second satellite. The first satellite and the second satellite are the same or different. The first network element is a network element deployed on the first satellite, and the target network element is a network element deployed on a target satellite. The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0167] It should be noted that the target data packet received by the first network element may be a target data packet sent by the first terminal, or a target data packet sent by a network element providing services for the first terminal.

[0168] It should be noted that a data packet sent by a first terminal to a second terminal can be understood as a data packet that the first terminal needs or wishes to send to the second terminal; alternatively, a data packet sent by the first terminal to the second terminal may be processed by other network elements, such as the UPF or AGW, before being ultimately routed to the second terminal. For example, when a first terminal and a second terminal are engaged in a USU voice call, this data packet is a voice data packet sent by the first terminal to the second terminal. The subsequent understanding is the same and will not be repeated here.

[0169] In an embodiment of the present application, both the first terminal and the second terminal access the network via a satellite, and USU communication can be performed between the first terminal and the second terminal. The first terminal and the second terminal can access the network via the same satellite, that is, the first satellite and the second satellite are the same. The first terminal and the second terminal can access the network via different satellites, that is, the first satellite and the second satellite are different.

[0170] When the first network element receives the target data packet, it can determine the target satellite information to which the target data packet needs to be sent, thereby eliminating the need to send the target data packet to multiple surrounding satellites.

[0171] Taking the example of a first terminal and a second terminal accessing the network through the same satellite, after the first network element receives the target data packet sent by the network element serving the first terminal, it can directly send the target data packet to the network element serving the second terminal (i.e., the target network element) on the same satellite by determining the target satellite information, without having to send the target data packet to other satellites. Here, the network element serving the first terminal and the network element serving the second terminal can be the same or different. As an example, after the AGW on the first satellite receives the data packet sent by PSA2 serving the first terminal, the AGW determines that PSA2 serving the second terminal is in the same satellite, and then sends it directly to PSA2 serving the second terminal.

[0172] Taking the example of the first terminal and the second terminal accessing the network through different satellites, after the first network element receives the target data packet sent by the network element serving the first terminal, it can directly send the target data packet to the target network element on the target satellite by determining the target satellite information, without sending the target data packet to other satellites.

[0173] The target data packet can be a voice data packet, an RTP packet, or an IP packet containing an RTP packet.

[0174] In an embodiment of the present application, upon receiving a target data packet, a first network element determines target satellite information; the first network element sends the target data packet to a target network element corresponding to the target satellite information; wherein the target data packet is a data packet sent from a first terminal to a second terminal, the first terminal accesses the network via a first satellite, the second terminal accesses the network via a second satellite, and the first satellite and the second satellite are the same or different; the first network element is a network element deployed on the first satellite; the target network element is a network element deployed on the target satellite; and the target satellite information is information related to the target satellite. In this way, the first network element on the first satellite can directly send the target data packet to the target network element on the target satellite by determining the target satellite information, without having to send data packets to all surrounding satellites, thereby conserving satellite resources.

[0175] In different situations, the target satellite is different and the target satellite information may be different. The following will describe various possible situations.

[0176] Optionally, when the first satellite and the second satellite are the same, the target satellite is the first satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0177] a satellite identifier of the first satellite;

[0178] The CGI of the first satellite.

[0179] Optionally, when the first satellite is connected to the second satellite through a first ISL, the target satellite is the second satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0180] a satellite identifier of the second satellite;

[0181] the CGI of the second satellite;

[0182] The identifier of the first ISL.

[0183] In this case, the first network element can directly send the target data packet to the target network element on the second satellite (such as the network element serving the second terminal) through the first ISL. After receiving the target data packet, the target network element on the second satellite sends the target data packet to the second terminal.

[0184] Optionally, in a case where the first satellite is routed to the second satellite via a third satellite, the target satellite is the third satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0185] routing information of the second satellite;

[0186] a satellite identifier of the third satellite;

[0187] the CGI of the third satellite;

[0188] an identifier of a second ISL, where the second ISL is an ISL between the first satellite and the third satellite;

[0189] An identifier of a third ISL, where the third ISL is the ISL between the second satellite and the third satellite.

[0190] In this case, there is no direct ISL between the first satellite and the second satellite. The first network element can send the target data packet to the target network element on the third satellite through the second ISL. After receiving the target data packet, the target network element on the third satellite sends the target data packet to the second satellite through the third ISL. The network element on the second satellite serving the second terminal sends the target data packet to the second terminal.

[0191] The routing information of the second satellite is used to describe how to route the target data packet to the second satellite. The routing information may include at least one of the following:

[0192] a satellite identifier of the third satellite;

[0193] the CGI of the third satellite;

[0194] an identifier of a second ISL, where the second ISL is an ISL between the first satellite and the third satellite;

[0195] An identifier of a third ISL, where the third ISL is the ISL between the second satellite and the third satellite.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first network element sending the target data packet to the target network element corresponding to the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0197] In a case where the first satellite is different from the second satellite, the first network element determines a target ISL between the first network element and the target satellite according to the target satellite information, and sends the target data packet to the target network element through the target ISL;

[0198] In the case that the first satellite is the same as the second satellite, the first network element performs local routing on the target data packet. Here, the target ISL may be the first ISL or the second ISL.

[0199] The first network element performs local routing on the target data packet. This can be understood as the first network element does not need to send the target data packet to other satellites, but instead performs routing within the satellite (ie, the first satellite).

[0200] It should be noted that local routing can also be understood or replaced by local switching (local switch) or offload (offload).

[0201] The following describes an implementation method for determining target satellite information.

[0202] In some embodiments, determining target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0203] Determining target satellite information according to the first information corresponding to the target data packet and the correspondence between the satellite information and the second information;

[0204] The target satellite information is determined according to the third information corresponding to the target data packet and the information of N satellites stored in the first network element, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0205] The premise of the first item above is that the first network element has pre-acquired (or pre-stored) the correspondence between the satellite information and the second information.

[0206] The premise of the second item above is that the first network element has pre-stored (or pre-configured) information of N satellites.

[0207] In some embodiments, determining the target satellite information according to the first information corresponding to the target data packet and the correspondence between the satellite information and the second information includes:

[0208] In a case where the first information corresponding to the target data packet matches the second information, the satellite information corresponding to the second information is determined as the target satellite information.

[0209] Here, there are many ways to match the first information with the second information. For example, the first information and the second information may be the same, or the first information may be within the range corresponding to the second information. The specific matching methods will be described later.

[0210] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0211] The first network element receives a first message from the second network element, where the first message carries satellite information;

[0212] The first network element determines a correspondence between the satellite information and the second information based on the first message.

[0213] In this implementation, the first network element obtains satellite information from the first message sent by the second network element, and determines a correspondence between the satellite information and the second information based on the first message.

[0214] In one case, the first message may include not only satellite information but also second information. In this way, the first network element may directly obtain the satellite information and the corresponding second information from the first message, thereby directly determining the correspondence between the satellite information and the second information based on the first message.

[0215] In another case, the first message may carry only satellite information, and the second information may be information related to data transmission known to the first network element. In this case, after obtaining the satellite information in the first message, the first network element may correlate the satellite information with the information related to data transmission known to the first network element, thereby determining the correspondence between the satellite information and the second information.

[0216] In the embodiments of the present application, the first network element may be a UPF deployed on the first satellite or an AGW deployed on the first satellite. The first message and the content carried by the first message may vary for different first network elements. The following describes the relevant implementations of different first network elements.

[0217] In some embodiments, the first network element includes a first UPF, and the second network element includes an SMF;

[0218] The first message includes at least one of the following:

[0219] Message used to establish PSA;

[0220] Message used to request establishment of an N4 session;

[0221] Message used to request modification of an N4 session.

[0222] Here, the first message can be Figure 3 The message sent by the SMF to the UPF in step 7 to establish the PSA.

[0223] The first message can also be Figure 3 The message sent by the SMF in step 10 to the UPF to request the establishment of an N4 session, or the message sent to request the modification of an N4 session.

[0224] That is, the second network element may send satellite information to the first network element through any one of the above two steps.

[0225] Optionally, the first message carries forwarding action rule information, where the forwarding action rule information corresponds to the first network element;

[0226] The satellite information is included in the forwarding operation rule information.

[0227] Exemplarily, the satellite information may be included in a network instance, a destination interface, or a forwarding policy parameter.

[0228] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0229] a first IP address, where the first IP address is the source IP address of the target data packet;

[0230] a second IP address, where the second IP address is a destination IP address of the target data packet;

[0231] A first port number, where the first port number is a source port number of the target data packet;

[0232] A second port number, where the second port number is the destination port number of the target data packet;

[0233] A target tunnel identifier, where the target tunnel identifier is an identifier of a tunnel for transmitting the target data packet;

[0234] A first bearer identifier, where the first bearer identifier is an identifier of a bearer that transmits the target data packet.

[0235] Here, the target tunnel identifier can be the identifier of the tunnel between the first UPF (i.e., the UPF deployed on the first satellite) and the first base station (i.e., the base station deployed on the first satellite), or it can be the identifier of the tunnel between the first PSA (i.e., the PSA included in the first UPF) and the first UL CL (i.e., the UL CL included in the first UPF).

[0236] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0237] the third IP address and the fourth IP address carried by the first message;

[0238] The third IP address, third port number, fourth IP address, and fourth port number carried by the first message;

[0239] a second bearer identifier carried by the first message;

[0240] an identifier of a tunnel between the first network element and the first base station;

[0241] an identifier of a tunnel between the first PSA and the first UL CL;

[0242] Wherein, the third IP address is the IP address of the first terminal;

[0243] The fourth IP address is the IP address of the second terminal;

[0244] The third port number is the port number of the first terminal;

[0245] The fourth port number is the port number of the second terminal;

[0246] The second bearer identifier is the voice bearer identifier of the first terminal;

[0247] The first PSA is a functional module included in the first UPF;

[0248] The first UL CL is a functional module included in the first UPF.

[0249] The first three items of second information mentioned above can be understood as the second information carried by the first message, that is, the first message carries not only satellite information but also corresponding second information. The last two items of second information mentioned above can be understood as the second information known to the first network element itself.

[0250] Optionally, the first information matches the second information, including at least one of the following:

[0251] The first IP address is the same as the third IP address, and the second IP address is the same as the fourth IP address;

[0252] The first IP address is the same as the third IP address, the second IP address is the same as the fourth IP address, the first port number is the same as the third port number, and the second port number is the same as the fourth port number;

[0253] The first bearer identifier is the same as the second bearer identifier carried by the first message;

[0254] The target tunnel identifier is the same as the identifier of the tunnel between the first UPF and the first base station;

[0255] The target tunnel identifier is the same as an identifier of a tunnel between the first PSA and the first UL CL.

[0256] In some embodiments, the first network element includes a first AGW, and the second network element includes a P-CSCF;

[0257] The first message is a message for requesting allocation of an IP address or a transport address for the first terminal.

[0258] It should be noted that the transmission address can be an IP address, or a combination of an IP address and a port number.

[0259] Here, the first message can be Figure 4 The allocation request message sent by the P-CSCF to the AGW in step 7 above is used to request allocation of an IP address or transport address for the first terminal. Exemplarily, the first message is used to request allocation of a transport address corresponding to the destination IP address for the first terminal. Here, the transport address can be understood as the destination address of an uplink data packet, for example, the destination address of an uplink data packet sent by the first terminal is the transport address.

[0260] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0261] a second IP address, where the second IP address is the destination IP address of the target data packet;

[0262] A first transmission address, where the first transmission address is a destination transmission address of the target data packet.

[0263] Here, the first transmission address can be understood as the transmission address corresponding to the second IP address. The second IP address and the first transmission address can both be understood as the destination address of the target data packet.

[0264] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0265] a fifth IP address allocated by the first network element to the first terminal, the fifth IP address being a destination IP address for sending data packets;

[0266] The first network element allocates a second transmission address to the first terminal, where the second transmission address is a destination transmission address for sending data packets.

[0267] Here, the fifth IP address can be understood as the destination IP address used by the first terminal to send data packets.

[0268] The second transmission address can be understood as a destination transmission address used by the first terminal to send data packets.

[0269] Optionally, the first information matches the second information, including at least one of the following:

[0270] The second IP address is the same as the fifth IP address;

[0271] The second IP address is associated with the second transport address;

[0272] The first transmission address is the same as the second transmission address.

[0273] The second transmission address may be a combination of an IP address and a port number. In this case, the second IP address may be associated with the IP address in the second transmission address, and a matching judgment may be made based on the second IP address and the IP address in the second transmission address.

[0274] The following specifically describes a method for determining target satellite information based on the third information corresponding to the target data packet and the information of the N satellites stored by the first network element.

[0275] Optionally, the third information includes at least one of the following:

[0276] a second IP address, where the second IP address is the destination IP address of the target data packet;

[0277] a first transmission address, where the first transmission address is a destination transmission address of the target data packet;

[0278] a sixth IP address, where the sixth IP address is an IP address determined by the first network element based on the second IP address;

[0279] a third transmission address, where the third transmission address is a transmission address determined by the first network element based on the first transmission address;

[0280] an IP address range corresponding to the second IP address;

[0281] Realm information corresponding to the second IP address;

[0282] The IP address range corresponding to the sixth IP address;

[0283] Domain information corresponding to the sixth IP address;

[0284] The address range corresponding to the first transmission address;

[0285] domain information corresponding to the first transmission address;

[0286] The address range corresponding to the third transmission address;

[0287] Domain information corresponding to the third transmission address.

[0288] The sixth IP address can be understood as the IP address used by the first network element (such as the first AGW) to modify or replace the second IP address after receiving a data packet with the second IP address as the destination IP address. In other words, the first network element modifies or replaces the destination address of the target data packet from the second IP address to the sixth IP address.

[0289] The third transmission address can be understood as the transmission address that the first network element (such as the first AGW) uses to replace the first transmission address after receiving a data packet with the first transmission address as the destination transmission address. In other words, the first network element modifies or replaces the destination address of the target data packet from the first transmission address to the third transmission address.

[0290] Optionally, the information of the N satellites includes at least one of the following:

[0291] The IP address range corresponding to each satellite in the N satellites;

[0292] Domain information of the IP address corresponding to each satellite in the N satellites;

[0293] A transmission address range corresponding to each satellite in the N satellites;

[0294] Domain information of a transmission address corresponding to each satellite in the N satellites;

[0295] The IP address range corresponding to the UPF of each satellite in the N satellites;

[0296] Domain information of the IP address corresponding to the UPF of each satellite in the N satellites;

[0297] A transmission address range corresponding to the UPF of each satellite in the N satellites;

[0298] Domain information of the transmission address corresponding to the UPF of each satellite in the N satellites;

[0299] The IP address range corresponding to the AGW of each satellite in the N satellites;

[0300] Domain information of the IP address corresponding to the AGW of each of the N satellites;

[0301] A transmission address range corresponding to the AGW of each satellite in the N satellites;

[0302] Domain information of the transmission address corresponding to the AGW of each satellite in the N satellites.

[0303] Optionally, determining the target satellite information according to the third information corresponding to the target data packet and the information of the N satellites stored by the first network element includes at least one of the following:

[0304] When the second IP address is within the IP address range corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0305] When the IP address range corresponding to the second IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0306] When the domain information corresponding to the second IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0307] In a case where the sixth IP address is within the IP address range corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0308] When the IP address range corresponding to the sixth IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0309] When the domain information corresponding to the sixth IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0310] In a case where the first transmission address is within an address range corresponding to a target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0311] When the address range corresponding to the first transmission address is the same as the address range corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0312] When the domain information corresponding to the first transmission address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0313] In a case where the third transmission address is within an address range corresponding to a target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0314] In a case where the address range corresponding to the third transmission address is the same as the address range corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0315] When the domain information corresponding to the third transmission address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0316] If the second IP address is within the IP address range corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0317] When the IP address range corresponding to the second IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0318] When the domain information corresponding to the second IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0319] In a case where the sixth IP address is within the IP address range corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0320] When the IP address range corresponding to the sixth IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0321] When the domain information corresponding to the sixth IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0322] In a case where the first transmission address is within the IP address range corresponding to the UPF of a target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0323] When the IP address range corresponding to the first transmission address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0324] When the domain information corresponding to the first transmission address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0325] In a case where the third transmission address is within an address range corresponding to a UPF of a target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0326] In a case where the address range corresponding to the third transmission address is the same as the address range corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0327] When the domain information corresponding to the third transmission address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0328] When the second IP address is within the IP address range corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0329] When the IP address range corresponding to the second IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0330] When the domain information corresponding to the second IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0331] In a case where the sixth IP address is within the IP address range corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0332] When the IP address range corresponding to the sixth IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0333] When the domain information corresponding to the sixth IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0334] When the first transmission address is within the IP address range corresponding to the AGW of a target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0335] When the IP address range corresponding to the first transmission address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0336] When the domain information corresponding to the first transmission address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0337] In a case where the third transmission address is within an address range corresponding to the AGW of a target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0338] In a case where the address range corresponding to the third transmission address is the same as the address range corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0339] In a case where the domain information corresponding to the third transmission address is identical to the domain information corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, the information of the target satellite is determined as the target satellite information.

[0340] In summary, in the embodiment of the present application, the first network element on the first satellite can directly send the target data packet to the target network element on the target satellite by determining the target satellite information, without sending the data packet to all surrounding satellites, thereby saving satellite resources.

[0341] The above is an embodiment of the method on the first network element side. The following describes an embodiment of the method on the second network element side.

[0342] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 As shown, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0343] Step 701: When determining that the first terminal and the second terminal can perform USU communication, the second network element sends a first message to the first network element, where the first message carries target satellite information;

[0344] The first terminal accesses the network through a first satellite, and the second terminal accesses the network through a second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite;

[0345] The first network element is a network element deployed on the first satellite;

[0346] The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0347] Optionally, when the first satellite and the second satellite are the same, the target satellite is the first satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0348] a satellite identifier of the first satellite;

[0349] a cell global identifier (CGI) of the first satellite;

[0350] or,

[0351] In a case where the first satellite is connected to the second satellite via a first intersatellite link (ISL), the target satellite is the second satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0352] a satellite identifier of the second satellite;

[0353] the CGI of the second satellite;

[0354] an identifier of the first ISL;

[0355] or,

[0356] In the case where the first satellite is routed to the second satellite via a third satellite, the target satellite is the third satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0357] routing information of the second satellite;

[0358] a satellite identifier of the third satellite;

[0359] the CGI of the third satellite;

[0360] an identifier of a second ISL, where the second ISL is an ISL between the first satellite and the third satellite;

[0361] An identifier of a third ISL, where the third ISL is the ISL between the second satellite and the third satellite.

[0362] In some embodiments, the first network element includes a first user plane function UPF, and the second network element includes a session management function SMF;

[0363] The first message includes at least one of the following:

[0364] Message used to establish PSA functionality;

[0365] Message used to request establishment of an N4 session;

[0366] Message used to request modification of an N4 session.

[0367] Optionally, the first message carries forwarding operation rule information, and the forwarding operation rule information corresponds to the first network element;

[0368] The target satellite information is included in the forwarding operation rule information.

[0369] Optionally, the first message further carries at least one of the following:

[0370] a third IP address and a fourth IP address;

[0371] a third IP address, a third port number, a fourth IP address, and a fourth port number;

[0372] Second bearer identification;

[0373] Wherein, the third IP address is the IP address of the first terminal;

[0374] The fourth IP address is the IP address of the second terminal;

[0375] The third port number is the port number of the first terminal;

[0376] The fourth port number is the port number of the second terminal;

[0377] The second bearer identifier is the voice bearer identifier of the first terminal.

[0378] In some embodiments, the method further comprises any of the following:

[0379] The second network element receives a second message from a third network element, where the second message carries the target satellite information;

[0380] The second network element determines the target satellite information based on a second message from a third network element, where the second message carries information related to the second terminal;

[0381] Wherein, the third network element is PCF.

[0382] Here, the second message can be Figure 3 The session management-related policy modification message sent by the PCF to the SMF in step 6. That is, the second network element can first obtain the target satellite information from the third network element, and then send the obtained target satellite information to the first network element through a subsequent message (ie, the first message).

[0383] In some embodiments, the first network element includes a first access gateway AGW, and the second network element includes a proxy call session control function P-CSCF;

[0384] The first message is a message for requesting allocation of an IP address or a transport address for the first terminal.

[0385] For details about the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 6 The relevant descriptions of the method embodiments are similar and can achieve the same technical effects, so they will not be described in detail to avoid repetition.

[0386] The above is a method embodiment on the second network element side. The following describes a method embodiment on the fourth network element side.

[0387] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 As shown, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0388] Step 801: When determining that the first terminal and the second terminal can perform USU communication, the fourth network element sends a third message to the third network element, where the third message carries target satellite information.

[0389] The first terminal accesses the network through a first satellite, and the second terminal accesses the network through a second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite;

[0390] The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0391] The fourth network element may be, for example, a P-CSCF serving the first terminal.

[0392] The third message can be Figure 3 The HTTP POST request message sent by P-CSCF1 to PCF in step 5. That is, the fourth network element first sends the target satellite information to PCF, which then sends it to SMF, and then SMF sends it to UPF on the first satellite.

[0393] Optionally, when the first satellite and the second satellite are the same, the target satellite is the first satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0394] a satellite identifier of the first satellite;

[0395] a cell global identifier (CGI) of the first satellite;

[0396] or,

[0397] In a case where the first satellite is connected to the second satellite via a first intersatellite link (ISL), the target satellite is the second satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0398] a satellite identifier of the second satellite;

[0399] the CGI of the second satellite;

[0400] an identifier of the first ISL;

[0401] or,

[0402] In the case where the first satellite is routed to the second satellite via a third satellite, the target satellite is the third satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0403] routing information of the second satellite;

[0404] a satellite identifier of the third satellite;

[0405] the CGI of the third satellite;

[0406] an identifier of a second ISL, where the second ISL is an ISL between the first satellite and the third satellite;

[0407] An identifier of a third ISL, where the third ISL is the ISL between the second satellite and the third satellite.

[0408] For details about the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 6 and 7 The relevant descriptions of the method embodiments are similar and can achieve the same technical effects, so they will not be described in detail to avoid repetition.

[0409] The above is a method embodiment on the fourth network element side. The following describes a method embodiment on the third network element side.

[0410] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 9 As shown, the communication method includes the following steps:

[0411] Step 901: A third network element receives a third message from a fourth network element, where the third message carries target satellite information.

[0412] Step 902: The third network element sends a second message to the second network element, where the second message carries the target satellite information;

[0413] The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0414] Optionally, the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0415] The satellite identifier of the target satellite;

[0416] A cell global identifier (CGI) of the target satellite;

[0417] An identifier of an interstellar link (ISL) associated with the target satellite;

[0418] Routing information related to the target satellite.

[0419] Specifically, when the target satellite is the first satellite, the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0420] a satellite identifier of the first satellite;

[0421] A cell global identifier (CGI) of the first satellite.

[0422] In a case where the first satellite is connected to the second satellite via a first intersatellite link (ISL), the target satellite is the second satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0423] a satellite identifier of the second satellite;

[0424] the CGI of the second satellite;

[0425] The identifier of the first ISL.

[0426] In the case where the first satellite is routed to the second satellite via a third satellite, the target satellite is the third satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0427] routing information of the second satellite;

[0428] a satellite identifier of the third satellite;

[0429] the CGI of the third satellite;

[0430] an identifier of a second ISL, where the second ISL is an ISL between the first satellite and the third satellite;

[0431] An identifier of a third ISL, where the third ISL is the ISL between the second satellite and the third satellite.

[0432] For details about the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 6 to 8 The relevant descriptions of the method embodiments are similar and can achieve the same technical effects, so they will not be described in detail to avoid repetition.

[0433] The following specific examples are provided to illustrate the embodiments of the present application.

[0434] For the convenience of description, the following embodiments uniformly represent the UPF of the first satellite as UPF3, the PSA contained in the UPF of the first satellite as PSA2, the P-CSCF serving the first terminal as P-CSCF1, and the S-CSCF serving the first terminal as S-CSCF1.

[0435] Example 1: UPF3 determines target satellite information

[0436] In this embodiment, the first network element is UPF3, the second network element is SMF, the third network element is PCF, and the fourth network element is P-CSCF1.

[0437] like Figure 10 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0438] Step 1 to Step 4: With Figure 3 Steps 1 to 4 are the same as in , and are not described here again to avoid repetition.

[0439] Step 5: P-CSCF1 determines whether the calling and called UEs can perform USU communication based on the calling and called UEs information. For example, it determines whether the calling and called UEs can perform USU communication based on the CGI or satellite ID.

[0440] P-CSCF1 sends an HTTP POST request message to PCF, which carries at least one of the following: media information, USU indication, and target satellite information. The target satellite information may be, for example, the satellite ID of the target satellite or the identifier of the ISL between the current satellite (the satellite where UE1 is located) and the target satellite.

[0441] Step 6: PCF sends the target satellite information to SMF.

[0442] Step 7 (or Step 10): SMF sends the target satellite information to UPF3, or the PSA2 function of UPF3.

[0443] That is, the target satellite information can be sent through step 7 or step 10.

[0444] Optionally, the target satellite information may be included in the forwarding action rule sent by the SMF to the UPF3, specifically, may be included in the Network instance, Destination interface or Forwarding policy parameters.

[0445] After step 7 (or step 10), the UPF records the correspondence between the second information and the target satellite information.

[0446] The second information may include at least one of the following:

[0447] Source IP address, destination IP address;

[0448] Source IP address, source port number, destination IP address, destination port number;

[0449] Tunnel ID between PSA2 of UPF3 and UL CL of UPF3;

[0450] Tunnel ID between UPF3 and the first base station;

[0451] Bearer identifier used by UE1 to transmit voice, such as QoS flow ID.

[0452] Instructions for the above steps and Figure 10 The remaining steps can be found in Figure 3 To avoid repetition, we will not elaborate on this.

[0453] For details on how to use the correspondence between the second information and the target satellite information, please refer to Figure 11 Related instructions.

[0454] It should be noted that: SMF can obtain the target satellite information according to the message sent by PCF in step 6; or, SMF itself obtains the target satellite information according to the identifier of the target UE (for example, IP address or subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) or international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) or general public subscription identifier (GPSI) or international mobile subscriber identity integrated service digital network (MSISDN)).

[0455] The subsequent process of UE1 sending data packets is as follows Figure 11 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0456] Step 1: UE1 sends a data packet, which is routed to PSA2.

[0457] Step 2: UPF3 or PSA2 of UPF3 determines target satellite information. The determination method may include at least one of the following:

[0458] If the address combination of the data packet (source IP address + destination IP address, or source IP address + source port number + destination IP address + destination port number) meets the address combination in the second information, the satellite information corresponding to the second information is determined as the target satellite information;

[0459] If the data packet is sent through the tunnel corresponding to the tunnel ID included in the second information, the satellite information corresponding to the second information is determined as the target satellite information;

[0460] The data packet is sent through the QoS flow corresponding to the QoS flow ID included in the second information, and the satellite information corresponding to the second information is determined as the target satellite information.

[0461] Step 3: PSA2 forwards the data packet according to the target satellite information.

[0462] Example 2: UPF3 pre-configures IP address ranges or realms corresponding to different satellites

[0463] In this embodiment, the first network element is UPF3 or PSA2 of UPF3.

[0464] like Figure 12 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0465] Step 1: UE1 sends a data packet, which is routed to PSA2

[0466] Step 2: UPF3 or PSA2 of UPF3 determines the target satellite information. Specifically, the target satellite information is determined based on the information of different satellites stored in UPF.

[0467] The information of different satellites may be, for example, the range or realm corresponding to the destination IP address.

[0468] The information corresponding to different satellites can be configured by the network management system to UPF3, or sent by SMF to UPF.

[0469] The information corresponding to different satellites may be information corresponding to the UPF on the satellite, such as the IP address range or IP address realm corresponding to the UPF on the satellite; or may be information corresponding to the AGW on the satellite, such as the IP address range or IP address realm corresponding to the UPF on the satellite.

[0470] Step 3: PSA2 forwards the data packet according to the target satellite information.

[0471] Example 3: AGW determines target satellite information

[0472] In this embodiment, the first network element is an AGW, and the second network element is a P-CSCF serving UE1.

[0473] like Figure 13 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0474] Step 7: When the P-CSCF serving UE1 determines that UE1 and UE2 can execute USU, it sends the satellite information of UE2 to the AGW.

[0475] Step 8: AGW saves the correspondence between Tr_B and satellite information.

[0476] Tr_B can be understood as the destination address of the uplink data packet allocated to UE1.

[0477] Subsequently, when the AGW receives a data packet sent by UE1 with Tr_B as the destination address, it obtains the target satellite information according to the corresponding relationship saved in step 8 and sends the data packet to the target satellite corresponding to the target satellite information.

[0478] Instructions for the above steps and Figure 13 The remaining steps can be found in Figure 4 To avoid repetition, we will not elaborate on this.

[0479] Example 4: AGW pre-configures IP address ranges or realms corresponding to different satellites

[0480] In this embodiment, the first network element is an AGW.

[0481] like Figure 14 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0482] Step 1: UE1 sends a data packet, which is routed to PSA2 on the satellite.

[0483] Step 2: The AGW on the satellite determines the target satellite information. Specifically, the target satellite information is determined based on the information of different satellites stored in the AGW.

[0484] The information of different satellites may be, for example, the range or realm corresponding to the destination IP address, or the range or realm corresponding to the destination transmission address.

[0485] The information corresponding to different satellites may be configured by the network management system to the AGW, or sent by the P-CSCF to the AGW.

[0486] The information corresponding to different satellites may be information corresponding to the UPF on the satellite, such as the IP address range or IP address realm corresponding to the UPF on the satellite; or information corresponding to the AGW on the satellite, such as the IP address range or IP address realm corresponding to the AGW on the satellite.

[0487] Step 3: AGW forwards the data packet based on the target satellite information.

[0488] In summary, in the embodiment of the present application, the first network element on the first satellite can directly send the target data packet to the target network element on the target satellite by determining the target satellite information, without sending the data packet to all surrounding satellites, thereby saving satellite resources.

[0489] The embodiments of the present application are applicable to LTE and NR communication systems, as well as subsequent evolved communication systems.

[0490] The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be executed by a communication device. In the embodiment of the present application, the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described by taking the communication method executed by the communication device as an example.

[0491] Reference Figure 15 , the embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device, which can be applied to the first network element. Figure 15 As shown, the communication device 1010 includes:

[0492] The first processing unit 1011 is configured to determine target satellite information upon receiving a target data packet;

[0493] A first sending unit 1012 is configured to send the target data packet to a target network element corresponding to the target satellite information;

[0494] The target data packet is a data packet sent from a first terminal to a second terminal, the first terminal accesses a network via a first satellite, the second terminal accesses a network via a second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite;

[0495] The first network element is a network element deployed on the first satellite;

[0496] The target network element is a network element deployed on the target satellite;

[0497] The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0498] Optionally, when the first satellite and the second satellite are the same, the target satellite is the first satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0499] a satellite identifier of the first satellite;

[0500] a cell global identifier (CGI) of the first satellite;

[0501] or,

[0502] In a case where the first satellite is connected to the second satellite via a first intersatellite link (ISL), the target satellite is the second satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0503] a satellite identifier of the second satellite;

[0504] the CGI of the second satellite;

[0505] an identifier of the first ISL;

[0506] or,

[0507] In the case where the first satellite is routed to the second satellite via a third satellite, the target satellite is the third satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0508] routing information of the second satellite;

[0509] a satellite identifier of the third satellite;

[0510] the CGI of the third satellite;

[0511] an identifier of a second ISL, where the second ISL is an ISL between the first satellite and the third satellite;

[0512] An identifier of a third ISL, where the third ISL is the ISL between the second satellite and the third satellite.

[0513] Optionally, the first processing unit 1011 includes at least one of the following:

[0514] A first processing subunit is configured to determine target satellite information based on the first information corresponding to the target data packet and the correspondence between the satellite information and the second information;

[0515] The second processing subunit is configured to determine target satellite information according to the third information corresponding to the target data packet and the information of N satellites stored in the first network element, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0516] Optionally, the first processing subunit is specifically configured to:

[0517] In a case where the first information corresponding to the target data packet matches the second information, the satellite information corresponding to the second information is determined as the target satellite information.

[0518] Optionally, the device further comprises:

[0519] a receiving unit, configured to receive a first message from a second network element, where the first message carries satellite information;

[0520] The second processing unit is configured to determine a correspondence between the satellite information and the second information based on the first message.

[0521] Optionally, the first network element includes a first user plane function UPF, and the second network element includes a session management function SMF;

[0522] The first message includes at least one of the following:

[0523] Message for establishing a protocol data unit session anchor PSA;

[0524] Message used to request establishment of an N4 session;

[0525] Message used to request modification of an N4 session.

[0526] Optionally, the first message carries forwarding operation rule information, and the forwarding operation rule information corresponds to the first network element;

[0527] The satellite information is included in the forwarding operation rule information.

[0528] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0529] a first Internet Protocol (IP) address, where the first IP address is a source IP address of the target data packet;

[0530] a second IP address, where the second IP address is the destination IP address of the target data packet;

[0531] A first port number, where the first port number is a source port number of the target data packet;

[0532] A second port number, where the second port number is the destination port number of the target data packet;

[0533] A target tunnel identifier, where the target tunnel identifier is an identifier of a tunnel for transmitting the target data packet;

[0534] A first bearer identifier, where the first bearer identifier is an identifier of a bearer that transmits the target data packet.

[0535] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0536] the third IP address and the fourth IP address carried by the first message;

[0537] The third IP address, third port number, fourth IP address, and fourth port number carried by the first message;

[0538] a second bearer identifier carried by the first message;

[0539] an identifier of a tunnel between the first network element and the first base station;

[0540] an identifier of a tunnel between the first PSA and the first uplink traffic split UL CL;

[0541] Wherein, the third IP address is the IP address of the first terminal;

[0542] The fourth IP address is the IP address of the second terminal;

[0543] The third port number is the port number of the first terminal;

[0544] The fourth port number is the port number of the second terminal;

[0545] The second bearer identifier is the voice bearer identifier of the first terminal;

[0546] The first PSA is a functional module included in the first UPF;

[0547] The first UL CL is a functional module included in the first UPF.

[0548] Optionally, the first information matches the second information, including at least one of the following:

[0549] The first IP address is the same as the third IP address, and the second IP address is the same as the fourth IP address;

[0550] The first IP address is the same as the third IP address, the second IP address is the same as the fourth IP address, the first port number is the same as the third port number, and the second port number is the same as the fourth port number;

[0551] The first bearer identifier is the same as the second bearer identifier carried by the first message;

[0552] The target tunnel identifier is the same as the identifier of the tunnel between the first UPF and the first base station;

[0553] The target tunnel identifier is the same as an identifier of a tunnel between the first PSA and the first UL CL.

[0554] Optionally, the first network element includes a first access gateway AGW, and the second network element includes a proxy call session control function P-CSCF;

[0555] The first message is a message for requesting allocation of an IP address or a transport address for the first terminal.

[0556] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0557] a second IP address, where the second IP address is the destination IP address of the target data packet;

[0558] A first transmission address, where the first transmission address is a destination transmission address of the target data packet.

[0559] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0560] a fifth IP address allocated by the first network element to the first terminal, the fifth IP address being a destination IP address for sending data packets;

[0561] The first network element allocates a second transmission address to the first terminal, where the second transmission address is a destination transmission address for sending data packets.

[0562] Optionally, the first information matches the second information, including at least one of the following:

[0563] The second IP address is the same as the fifth IP address;

[0564] The second IP address is associated with the second transport address;

[0565] The first transmission address is the same as the second transmission address.

[0566] Optionally, the third information includes at least one of the following:

[0567] a second IP address, where the second IP address is the destination IP address of the target data packet;

[0568] a first transmission address, where the first transmission address is a destination transmission address of the target data packet;

[0569] a sixth IP address, where the sixth IP address is an IP address determined by the first network element based on the second IP address;

[0570] a third transmission address, where the third transmission address is a transmission address determined by the first network element based on the first transmission address;

[0571] The IP address range corresponding to the second IP address;

[0572] Domain information corresponding to the second IP address;

[0573] The IP address range corresponding to the sixth IP address;

[0574] Domain information corresponding to the sixth IP address;

[0575] The address range corresponding to the first transmission address;

[0576] domain information corresponding to the first transmission address;

[0577] The address range corresponding to the third transmission address;

[0578] domain information corresponding to the third transmission address;

[0579] or,

[0580] The information of the N satellites includes at least one of the following:

[0581] The IP address range corresponding to each satellite in the N satellites;

[0582] Domain information of the IP address corresponding to each satellite in the N satellites;

[0583] A transmission address range corresponding to each satellite in the N satellites;

[0584] Domain information of a transmission address corresponding to each satellite in the N satellites;

[0585] The IP address range corresponding to the UPF of each satellite in the N satellites;

[0586] Domain information of the IP address corresponding to the UPF of each satellite in the N satellites;

[0587] A transmission address range corresponding to the UPF of each satellite in the N satellites;

[0588] Domain information of the transmission address corresponding to the UPF of each satellite in the N satellites;

[0589] The IP address range corresponding to the AGW of each satellite in the N satellites;

[0590] Domain information of the IP address corresponding to the AGW of each of the N satellites;

[0591] A transmission address range corresponding to the AGW of each satellite in the N satellites;

[0592] Domain information of the transmission address corresponding to the AGW of each satellite in the N satellites.

[0593] Optionally, the second processing subunit is specifically configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0594] When the second IP address is within the IP address range corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0595] When the IP address range corresponding to the second IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0596] When the domain information corresponding to the second IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0597] In a case where the sixth IP address is within the IP address range corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0598] When the IP address range corresponding to the sixth IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0599] When the domain information corresponding to the sixth IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0600] In a case where the first transmission address is within an address range corresponding to a target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0601] When the address range corresponding to the first transmission address is the same as the address range corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0602] When the domain information corresponding to the first transmission address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0603] In a case where the third transmission address is within an address range corresponding to a target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0604] In a case where the address range corresponding to the third transmission address is the same as the address range corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0605] When the domain information corresponding to the third transmission address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0606] If the second IP address is within the IP address range corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0607] When the IP address range corresponding to the second IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0608] When the domain information corresponding to the second IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0609] In a case where the sixth IP address is within the IP address range corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0610] When the IP address range corresponding to the sixth IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0611] When the domain information corresponding to the sixth IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0612] In a case where the first transmission address is within the IP address range corresponding to the UPF of a target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0613] When the IP address range corresponding to the first transmission address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0614] When the domain information corresponding to the first transmission address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0615] In a case where the third transmission address is within an address range corresponding to a UPF of a target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0616] In a case where the address range corresponding to the third transmission address is the same as the address range corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0617] When the domain information corresponding to the third transmission address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0618] When the second IP address is within the IP address range corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0619] When the IP address range corresponding to the second IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0620] When the domain information corresponding to the second IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0621] In a case where the sixth IP address is within the IP address range corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0622] When the IP address range corresponding to the sixth IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0623] When the domain information corresponding to the sixth IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0624] When the first transmission address is within the IP address range corresponding to the AGW of a target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0625] When the IP address range corresponding to the first transmission address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0626] When the domain information corresponding to the first transmission address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0627] In a case where the third transmission address is within an address range corresponding to the AGW of a target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information;

[0628] In a case where the address range corresponding to the third transmission address is the same as the address range corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information;

[0629] In a case where the domain information corresponding to the third transmission address is identical to the domain information corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, the information of the target satellite is determined as the target satellite information.

[0630] Optionally, the first sending unit is specifically configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0631] In a case where the first satellite is different from the second satellite, determining a target ISL between the first satellite and the target satellite according to the target satellite information, and sending the target data packet to the target network element through the target ISL;

[0632] In a case where the first satellite and the second satellite are the same, the target data packet is locally routed.

[0633] Reference Figure 16 , the embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device, which can be applied to the second network element. Figure 16 As shown, the communication device 1020 includes:

[0634] The sending unit 1021 is configured to send a first message carrying target satellite information to the first network element when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal can perform terminal-satellite-terminal USU communication.

[0635] The first terminal accesses the network through a first satellite, and the second terminal accesses the network through a second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite;

[0636] The first network element is a network element deployed on the first satellite;

[0637] The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0638] Optionally, when the first satellite and the second satellite are the same, the target satellite is the first satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0639] a satellite identifier of the first satellite;

[0640] a cell global identifier (CGI) of the first satellite;

[0641] or,

[0642] In a case where the first satellite is connected to the second satellite via a first intersatellite link (ISL), the target satellite is the second satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0643] a satellite identifier of the second satellite;

[0644] the CGI of the second satellite;

[0645] an identifier of the first ISL;

[0646] or,

[0647] In the case where the first satellite is routed to the second satellite via a third satellite, the target satellite is the third satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0648] routing information of the second satellite;

[0649] a satellite identifier of the third satellite;

[0650] the CGI of the third satellite;

[0651] an identifier of a second ISL, where the second ISL is an ISL between the first satellite and the third satellite;

[0652] An identifier of a third ISL, where the third ISL is the ISL between the second satellite and the third satellite.

[0653] Optionally, the first network element includes a first user plane function UPF, and the second network element includes a session management function SMF;

[0654] The first message includes at least one of the following:

[0655] Message used to establish PSA functionality;

[0656] Message used to request establishment of an N4 session;

[0657] Message used to request modification of an N4 session.

[0658] Optionally, the first message carries forwarding operation rule information, and the forwarding operation rule information corresponds to the first network element;

[0659] The target satellite information is included in the forwarding operation rule information.

[0660] Optionally, the first message further carries at least one of the following:

[0661] a third IP address and a fourth IP address;

[0662] a third IP address, a third port number, a fourth IP address, and a fourth port number;

[0663] Second bearer identification;

[0664] Wherein, the third IP address is the IP address of the first terminal;

[0665] The fourth IP address is the IP address of the second terminal;

[0666] The third port number is the port number of the first terminal;

[0667] The fourth port number is the port number of the second terminal;

[0668] The second bearer identifier is the voice bearer identifier of the first terminal.

[0669] Optionally, the device further comprises any one of the following:

[0670] a receiving unit, configured to receive a second message from a third network element, where the second message carries the target satellite information;

[0671] a processing unit, configured to determine the target satellite information based on a second message from a third network element, where the second message carries information related to the second terminal;

[0672] The third network element is a policy control function PCF.

[0673] Optionally, the first network element includes a first access gateway AGW, and the second network element includes a proxy call session control function P-CSCF;

[0674] The first message is a message for requesting allocation of an IP address or a transport address for the first terminal.

[0675] Reference Figure 17 , the embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device, which can be applied to the fourth network element. Figure 17 As shown, the communication device 1030 includes:

[0676] The sending unit 1031 is configured to send a third message carrying target satellite information to a third network element when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal can perform terminal-satellite-terminal USU communication.

[0677] The first terminal accesses the network through a first satellite, and the second terminal accesses the network through a second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite;

[0678] The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0679] Optionally, when the first satellite and the second satellite are the same, the target satellite is the first satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0680] a satellite identifier of the first satellite;

[0681] a cell global identifier (CGI) of the first satellite;

[0682] or,

[0683] In a case where the first satellite is connected to the second satellite via a first intersatellite link (ISL), the target satellite is the second satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0684] a satellite identifier of the second satellite;

[0685] the CGI of the second satellite;

[0686] an identifier of the first ISL;

[0687] or,

[0688] In the case where the first satellite is routed to the second satellite via a third satellite, the target satellite is the third satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0689] routing information of the second satellite;

[0690] a satellite identifier of the third satellite;

[0691] the CGI of the third satellite;

[0692] an identifier of a second ISL, where the second ISL is an ISL between the first satellite and the third satellite;

[0693] An identifier of a third ISL, where the third ISL is the ISL between the second satellite and the third satellite.

[0694] Reference Figure 18 , the embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device, which can be applied to a third network element. Figure 18 As shown, the communication device 1040 includes:

[0695] The receiving unit 1041 is configured to receive a third message from a fourth network element, where the third message carries target satellite information;

[0696] The sending unit 1042 is configured to send a second message to the second network element, where the second message carries the target satellite information;

[0697] The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

[0698] Optionally, the target satellite information includes at least one of the following:

[0699] The satellite identifier of the target satellite;

[0700] A cell global identifier (CGI) of the target satellite;

[0701] An identifier of an interstellar link (ISL) associated with the target satellite;

[0702] Routing information related to the target satellite.

[0703] The communication device in the embodiments of the present application can be an electronic device, such as an electronic device with an operating system, or a component in an electronic device, such as an integrated circuit or chip. The electronic device can be a communication device, or it can be other devices other than a communication device. For example, the communication device can include but is not limited to the types of communication devices 11 listed above, and other devices can be servers, network attached storage (NAS), etc., which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0704] The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application can realize Figures 6 to 9 The various processes implemented by the method embodiment achieve the same technical effect and are not described here again to avoid repetition.

[0705] like Figure 19 As shown, an embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device 1100, including a processor 1101 and a memory 1102, and the memory 1102 stores a program or instruction that can be run on the processor 1101. When the program or instruction is executed by the processor 1101, it implements the various steps of the above-mentioned first network element side method embodiment, or implements the various steps of the above-mentioned second network element side method embodiment, or implements the various steps of the above-mentioned fourth network element side method embodiment, or implements the various steps of the above-mentioned third network element side method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0706] The embodiment of the present application further provides a network side device, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run a program or instruction to implement the following Figures 6 to 9 The steps of the method embodiment shown. This network side device embodiment corresponds to the method embodiment of the first network element side, the second network element side, the fourth network element side, or the third network element side described above. Each implementation process and implementation method of the above method embodiment can be applied to this network side device embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect.

[0707] Specifically, the embodiment of the present application also provides a network side device. Figure 20 As shown, the network side device 1300 includes: a processor 1301, a network interface 1302 and a memory 1303. The network interface 1302 is, for example, a common public radio interface (CPRI).

[0708] Specifically, the network side device 1300 of the embodiment of the present application further includes: instructions or programs stored in the memory 1303 and executable on the processor 1301, and the processor 1301 calls the instructions or programs in the memory 1303 to execute. Figures 15 to 18 The methods executed by the modules shown achieve the same technical effects, so they will not be described here to avoid repetition.

[0709] An embodiment of the present application also provides a readable storage medium, on which a program or instruction is stored. When the program or instruction is executed by a processor, the various processes of the above-mentioned communication method embodiment are implemented and the same technical effect can be achieved. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0710] The processor is the processor in the communication device described in the above embodiment. The readable storage medium includes a computer-readable storage medium, such as a computer read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. In some examples, the readable storage medium may be a non-transitory readable storage medium.

[0711] An embodiment of the present application further provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the various processes of the above-mentioned communication method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0712] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can also be called a system-level chip, a system chip, a chip system or a system-on-chip chip, etc.

[0713] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program / program product, which is stored in a storage medium. The computer program / program product is executed by at least one processor to implement the various processes of the above-mentioned communication method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0714] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, including: a first network element and a second network element, wherein the first network element can be used to execute the steps of the communication method on the first network element side, and the second network element can be used to execute the steps of the communication method on the second network element side.

[0715] Optionally, the communication system further includes a fourth network element, and the fourth network element can be used to execute the steps of the communication method on the fourth network element side.

[0716] Optionally, the communication system further includes a third network element, and the third network element can be used to execute the steps of the communication method on the third network element side.

[0717] It should be noted that, in this article, the terms "comprise", "include" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the sentence "comprises a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device comprising the element. In addition, it should be pointed out that the scope of the methods and devices in the embodiments of the present application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, and may also include performing functions in a substantially simultaneous manner or in the opposite order according to the functions involved. For example, the described method may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may also be added, omitted or combined. In addition, the features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0718] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the above-mentioned embodiment methods can be implemented by means of a computer software product plus a necessary general hardware platform, or of course, by hardware. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.) and includes a number of instructions for causing a communication device or a network-side device to execute the methods described in each embodiment of the present application.

[0719] The embodiments of the present application are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of this application, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms of implementation methods without departing from the purpose of this application and the scope of protection of the claims. These implementation methods are all within the protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The first network element determines target satellite information when receiving the target data packet; The first network element sends the target data packet to the target network element corresponding to the target satellite information; The target data packet is a data packet sent from a first terminal to a second terminal, the first terminal accesses a network via a first satellite, the second terminal accesses a network via a second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite; The first network element is a network element deployed on the first satellite; The target network element is a network element deployed on the target satellite; The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that In the case that the first satellite is the same as the second satellite, the target satellite is the first satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following: a satellite identifier of the first satellite; a cell global identifier (CGI) of the first satellite; or, In a case where the first satellite is connected to the second satellite via a first intersatellite link (ISL), the target satellite is the second satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following: a satellite identifier of the second satellite; the CGI of the second satellite; an identifier of the first ISL; or, In the case where the first satellite is routed to the second satellite via a third satellite, the target satellite is the third satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following: routing information of the second satellite; a satellite identifier of the third satellite; the CGI of the third satellite; an identifier of a second ISL, where the second ISL is an ISL between the first satellite and the third satellite; An identifier of a third ISL, where the third ISL is the ISL between the second satellite and the third satellite.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Determining target satellite information includes at least one of the following: Determining target satellite information according to the first information corresponding to the target data packet and the correspondence between the satellite information and the second information; The target satellite information is determined according to the third information corresponding to the target data packet and the information of N satellites stored in the first network element, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The determining the target satellite information according to the first information corresponding to the target data packet and the correspondence between the satellite information and the second information includes: In a case where the first information corresponding to the target data packet matches the second information, the satellite information corresponding to the second information is determined as the target satellite information.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: The first network element receives a first message from the second network element, where the first message carries satellite information; The first network element determines a correspondence between the satellite information and the second information based on the first message.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The first network element includes a first user plane function UPF, and the second network element includes a session management function SMF; The first message includes at least one of the following: Message for establishing a protocol data unit session anchor PSA; Message used to request establishment of an N4 session; Message used to request modification of an N4 session.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The first message carries forwarding operation rule information, where the forwarding operation rule information corresponds to the first network element; The satellite information is included in the forwarding operation rule information.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that The first information includes at least one of the following: a first Internet Protocol (IP) address, where the first IP address is a source IP address of the target data packet; a second IP address, where the second IP address is the destination IP address of the target data packet; A first port number, where the first port number is a source port number of the target data packet; A second port number, where the second port number is the destination port number of the target data packet; A target tunnel identifier, where the target tunnel identifier is an identifier of a tunnel for transmitting the target data packet; a first bearer identifier, where the first bearer identifier is an identifier of a bearer for transmitting the target data packet; or, The second information includes at least one of the following: the third IP address and the fourth IP address carried by the first message; The third IP address, third port number, fourth IP address, and fourth port number carried by the first message; a second bearer identifier carried by the first message; an identifier of a tunnel between the first network element and the first base station; an identifier of a tunnel between the first PSA and the first uplink traffic split UL CL; Wherein, the third IP address is the IP address of the first terminal; The fourth IP address is the IP address of the second terminal; The third port number is the port number of the first terminal; The fourth port number is the port number of the second terminal; The second bearer identifier is the voice bearer identifier of the first terminal; The first PSA is a functional module included in the first UPF; The first UL CL is a functional module included in the first UPF.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The first information matches the second information, including at least one of the following: The first IP address is the same as the third IP address, and the second IP address is the same as the fourth IP address; The first IP address is the same as the third IP address, the second IP address is the same as the fourth IP address, the first port number is the same as the third port number, and the second port number is the same as the fourth port number; The first bearer identifier is the same as the second bearer identifier carried by the first message; The target tunnel identifier is the same as the identifier of the tunnel between the first UPF and the first base station; The target tunnel identifier is the same as an identifier of a tunnel between the first PSA and the first UL CL.

10. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The first network element includes a first access gateway AGW, and the second network element includes a proxy call session control function P-CSCF; The first message is a message for requesting allocation of an IP address or a transport address for the first terminal.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The first information includes at least one of the following: a second IP address, where the second IP address is the destination IP address of the target data packet; a first transmission address, where the first transmission address is a destination transmission address of the target data packet; or, The second information includes at least one of the following: a fifth IP address allocated by the first network element to the first terminal, the fifth IP address being a destination IP address for sending data packets; The first network element allocates a second transmission address to the first terminal, where the second transmission address is a destination transmission address for sending data packets.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The first information matches the second information, including at least one of the following: The second IP address is the same as the fifth IP address; The second IP address is associated with the second transport address; The first transmission address is the same as the second transmission address.

13. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The third information includes at least one of the following: a second IP address, where the second IP address is the destination IP address of the target data packet; a first transmission address, where the first transmission address is a destination transmission address of the target data packet; a sixth IP address, where the sixth IP address is an IP address determined by the first network element based on the second IP address; a third transmission address, where the third transmission address is a transmission address determined by the first network element based on the first transmission address; The IP address range corresponding to the second IP address; Domain information corresponding to the second IP address; The IP address range corresponding to the sixth IP address; Domain information corresponding to the sixth IP address; The address range corresponding to the first transmission address; domain information corresponding to the first transmission address; The address range corresponding to the third transmission address; domain information corresponding to the third transmission address; or, The information of the N satellites includes at least one of the following: The IP address range corresponding to each satellite in the N satellites; Domain information of the IP address corresponding to each satellite in the N satellites; A transmission address range corresponding to each satellite in the N satellites; Domain information of a transmission address corresponding to each satellite in the N satellites; The IP address range corresponding to the UPF of each satellite in the N satellites; Domain information of the IP address corresponding to the UPF of each satellite in the N satellites; A transmission address range corresponding to the UPF of each satellite in the N satellites; Domain information of the transmission address corresponding to the UPF of each satellite in the N satellites; The IP address range corresponding to the AGW of each satellite in the N satellites; Domain information of the IP address corresponding to the AGW of each of the N satellites; A transmission address range corresponding to the AGW of each satellite in the N satellites; Domain information of the transmission address corresponding to the AGW of each satellite in the N satellites.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The determining the target satellite information according to the third information corresponding to the target data packet and the information of the N satellites stored by the first network element includes at least one of the following: When the second IP address is within the IP address range corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information; When the IP address range corresponding to the second IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; When the domain information corresponding to the second IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; In a case where the sixth IP address is within the IP address range corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information; When the IP address range corresponding to the sixth IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; When the domain information corresponding to the sixth IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; In a case where the first transmission address is within an address range corresponding to a target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information; When the address range corresponding to the first transmission address is the same as the address range corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; When the domain information corresponding to the first transmission address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; In a case where the third transmission address is within an address range corresponding to a target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information; In a case where the address range corresponding to the third transmission address is the same as the address range corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; When the domain information corresponding to the third transmission address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; If the second IP address is within the IP address range corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information; When the IP address range corresponding to the second IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; When the domain information corresponding to the second IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; In a case where the sixth IP address is within the IP address range corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information; When the IP address range corresponding to the sixth IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; When the domain information corresponding to the sixth IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; In a case where the first transmission address is within the IP address range corresponding to the UPF of a target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information; When the IP address range corresponding to the first transmission address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; When the domain information corresponding to the first transmission address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; In a case where the third transmission address is within an address range corresponding to a UPF of a target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information; In a case where the address range corresponding to the third transmission address is the same as the address range corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; When the domain information corresponding to the third transmission address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the UPF of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; When the second IP address is within the IP address range corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information; When the IP address range corresponding to the second IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; When the domain information corresponding to the second IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; In a case where the sixth IP address is within the IP address range corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information; When the IP address range corresponding to the sixth IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; When the domain information corresponding to the sixth IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; When the first transmission address is within the IP address range corresponding to the AGW of a target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information; When the IP address range corresponding to the first transmission address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; When the domain information corresponding to the first transmission address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; In a case where the third transmission address is within an address range corresponding to the AGW of a target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as target satellite information; In a case where the address range corresponding to the third transmission address is the same as the address range corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, determining the information of the target satellite as the target satellite information; In a case where the domain information corresponding to the third transmission address is identical to the domain information corresponding to the AGW of the target satellite among the N satellites, the information of the target satellite is determined as the target satellite information.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The first network element sending the target data packet to the target network element corresponding to the target satellite information includes at least one of the following: In a case where the first satellite is different from the second satellite, the first network element determines a target ISL between the first network element and the target satellite according to the target satellite information, and sends the target data packet to the target network element through the target ISL; In a case where the first satellite is the same as the second satellite, the first network element locally routes the target data packet.

16. A method of communication, characterized in that: include: When determining that the first terminal and the second terminal can perform terminal-satellite-terminal USU communication, the second network element sends a first message to the first network element, where the first message carries target satellite information; The first terminal accesses the network through a first satellite, and the second terminal accesses the network through a second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite; The first network element is a network element deployed on the first satellite; The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that In the case that the first satellite is the same as the second satellite, the target satellite is the first satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following: a satellite identifier of the first satellite; a cell global identifier (CGI) of the first satellite; or, In a case where the first satellite is connected to the second satellite via a first intersatellite link (ISL), the target satellite is the second satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following: a satellite identifier of the second satellite; the CGI of the second satellite; an identifier of the first ISL; or, In the case where the first satellite is routed to the second satellite via a third satellite, the target satellite is the third satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following: routing information of the second satellite; a satellite identifier of the third satellite; the CGI of the third satellite; an identifier of a second ISL, where the second ISL is an ISL between the first satellite and the third satellite; An identifier of a third ISL, where the third ISL is the ISL between the second satellite and the third satellite.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The first network element includes a first user plane function UPF, and the second network element includes a session management function SMF; The first message includes at least one of the following: Message used to establish PSA functionality; Message used to request establishment of an N4 session; Message used to request modification of an N4 session.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The first message carries forwarding operation rule information, where the forwarding operation rule information corresponds to the first network element; The target satellite information is included in the forwarding operation rule information.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that The first message also carries at least one of the following: a third IP address and a fourth IP address; a third IP address, a third port number, a fourth IP address, and a fourth port number; Second bearer identification; Wherein, the third IP address is the IP address of the first terminal; The fourth IP address is the IP address of the second terminal; The third port number is the port number of the first terminal; The fourth port number is the port number of the second terminal; The second bearer identifier is the voice bearer identifier of the first terminal.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that Also includes any of the following: The second network element receives a second message from a third network element, where the second message carries the target satellite information; The second network element determines the target satellite information based on a second message from a third network element, where the second message carries information related to the second terminal; The third network element is a policy control function PCF.

22. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The first network element includes a first access gateway AGW, and the second network element includes a proxy call session control function P-CSCF; The first message is a message for requesting allocation of an IP address or a transport address for the first terminal.

23. A method of communication, characterized in that: include: The fourth network element sends a third message to the third network element when determining that the first terminal and the second terminal can perform terminal-satellite-terminal USU communication, where the third message carries target satellite information; The first terminal accesses the network through a first satellite, and the second terminal accesses the network through a second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite; The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein In the case that the first satellite is the same as the second satellite, the target satellite is the first satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following: a satellite identifier of the first satellite; a cell global identifier (CGI) of the first satellite; or, In a case where the first satellite is connected to the second satellite via a first intersatellite link (ISL), the target satellite is the second satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following: a satellite identifier of the second satellite; the CGI of the second satellite; an identifier of the first ISL; or, In the case where the first satellite is routed to the second satellite via a third satellite, the target satellite is the third satellite, and the target satellite information includes at least one of the following: routing information of the second satellite; a satellite identifier of the third satellite; the CGI of the third satellite; an identifier of a second ISL, where the second ISL is an ISL between the first satellite and the third satellite; An identifier of a third ISL, where the third ISL is the ISL between the second satellite and the third satellite.

25. A method of communication, characterized in that include: The third network element receives a third message from the fourth network element, where the third message carries target satellite information; The third network element sends a second message to the second network element, where the second message carries the target satellite information; The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that The target satellite information includes at least one of the following: The satellite identifier of the target satellite; A cell global identifier (CGI) of the target satellite; An identifier of an interstellar link (ISL) associated with the target satellite; Routing information related to the target satellite.

27. A communication device, characterized in that: Applied to a first network element, the apparatus includes: a first processing unit, configured to determine target satellite information upon receiving a target data packet; A first sending unit is configured to send the target data packet to a target network element corresponding to the target satellite information; The target data packet is a data packet sent from a first terminal to a second terminal, the first terminal accesses a network via a first satellite, the second terminal accesses a network via a second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite; The first network element is a network element deployed on the first satellite; The target network element is a network element deployed on the target satellite; The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

28. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that The first processing unit includes at least one of the following: A first processing subunit is configured to determine target satellite information based on the first information corresponding to the target data packet and the correspondence between the satellite information and the second information; The second processing subunit is configured to determine target satellite information according to the third information corresponding to the target data packet and the information of N satellites stored in the first network element, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

29. The device according to claim 28, characterized in that The first processing subunit is specifically configured to: In a case where the first information corresponding to the target data packet matches the second information, the satellite information corresponding to the second information is determined as the target satellite information.

30. The device according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that Also includes: a receiving unit, configured to receive a first message from a second network element, where the first message carries satellite information; The second processing unit is configured to determine a correspondence between the satellite information and the second information based on the first message.

31. A communication device, characterized in that: Applied to a second network element, the device includes: a sending unit, configured to send a first message carrying target satellite information to the first network element when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal can perform terminal-satellite-terminal USU communication; The first terminal accesses the network through a first satellite, and the second terminal accesses the network through a second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite; The first network element is a network element deployed on the first satellite; The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

32. The device according to claim 31, characterized in that The first network element includes a first user plane function UPF, and the second network element includes a session management function SMF; The device further comprises any of the following: a receiving unit, configured to receive a second message from a third network element, where the second message carries the target satellite information; a processing unit, configured to determine the target satellite information based on a second message from a third network element, where the second message carries information related to the second terminal; The third network element is a policy control function PCF.

33. A communication device, characterized in that: Applied to a fourth network element, the apparatus includes: a sending unit, configured to send a third message carrying target satellite information to a third network element when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal can perform terminal-satellite-terminal USU communication; The first terminal accesses the network through a first satellite, and the second terminal accesses the network through a second satellite, and the first satellite is the same as or different from the second satellite; The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

34. A communication device, characterized in that Applied to a third network element, the device includes: a receiving unit, configured to receive a third message from a fourth network element, where the third message carries target satellite information; a sending unit, configured to send a second message to a second network element, where the second message carries the target satellite information; The target satellite information is information related to the target satellite.

35. A communication device, characterized in that: The present invention comprises a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a program or instruction that can be run on the processor, and when the program or instruction is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or implements the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, or implements the steps of the communication method according to claim 23 or 24, or implements the steps of the communication method according to claim 23 or 24.

36. A readable storage medium, characterized in that The readable storage medium stores a program or instruction, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or implements the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, or implements the steps of the communication method according to claim 23 or 24, or implements the steps of the communication method according to claim 23 or 24.

37. A computer program product, characterized in that The method comprises computer instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or implement the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, or implement the steps of the communication method according to claim 23 or 24, or implement the steps of the communication method according to claim 23 or 24.

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