Communication method and related device

Abstract

A communication method and related device, the method comprising: acquiring a handover decision, the handover decision comprising information of a terminal device, address information of a first satellite and address information of a second satellite, the first satellite being a source satellite of the terminal device, and the second satellite being a target satellite of the terminal device; and sending a first message to the second satellite, wherein the first message indicates the second satellite to acquire the user data of the terminal device from the first satellite. By adopting the method, the access pressure of the ground station can be relieved.

Description

Communication method and related device Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and related devices. Background Art

[0002] Satellite networks mainly include user equipment (UE), satellites and ground stations. Currently, satellites are divided into low-orbit satellites, medium-orbit satellites and high-orbit satellites according to their orbital altitude. Except for high-orbit satellites which are stationary relative to the ground, low-orbit satellites and medium-orbit satellites are constantly moving relative to the ground. Due to this mobility, the UE will access different satellites at regular intervals. This process is called switching. Due to the proneness of satellites to failure, there is a risk of data loss when directly storing the user data generated after the UE accesses the satellite on the satellite. Therefore, user data is generally stored on the ground, such as in the database (DB) of the ground station. Every time the UE accesses a new satellite, the new satellite needs to pull user data from the ground station. However, considering the large number of UEs and the high switching frequency of satellites, the ground station faces enormous access pressure.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a communication method and related devices, which are helpful in alleviating the access pressure of ground stations.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0006] Obtaining a handover decision, where the handover decision includes information of a terminal device, address information of a first satellite, and address information of a second satellite, where the first satellite is a source satellite of the terminal device and the second satellite is a target satellite of the terminal device;

[0007] A first message is sent to the second satellite, where the first message instructs the second satellite to obtain user data of the terminal device from the first satellite.

[0008] It should be understood that the present application introduces a new network function, which may be a satellite user data management function (SUDMF). Optionally, the new network function may also be called other names, which are not limited here. Optionally, the new network function may be deployed on a satellite, or may be deployed on the ground, such as a ground station or a data center. The new network function is mainly responsible for the management of user data. Specifically, when the new network function obtains a switching decision, it may send a first message to a target satellite (such as a second satellite), and the first message instructs the target satellite to obtain the user data of the terminal device from the source satellite (such as the first satellite). That is, when the target satellite receives the first message, the target satellite may subscribe to the user data of the terminal device directly from the source satellite, instead of pulling data from the database (DB) of the ground station. Therefore, the access pressure of the target satellite to the ground station in the switching scenario can be reduced.

[0009] In a possible implementation, after sending the first message to the second satellite, the method further includes:

[0010] receiving a handover message from the first satellite, wherein the handover message instructs the terminal device to disconnect from the first satellite;

[0011] The second satellite is updated as the main satellite of the terminal device according to the switching message. The main satellite is used to establish a connection with a database DB corresponding to the terminal device and keep the user data of the terminal device in the main satellite and the DB synchronized.

[0012] In this implementation mode, after the terminal device is cut off from the first satellite (i.e., the source satellite), the source satellite can send a switching message to the SUDMF, and then the SUDMF can update the main satellite of the terminal device from the first satellite to the second satellite based on the received switching message, which is conducive to the subsequent second satellite to establish contact with the DB and synchronize user data.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0014] A notification message is sent to the second satellite, where the notification message indicates that the second satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device.

[0015] In this implementation mode, after the terminal device is successfully switched, the main satellite of the terminal device needs to be changed to the target satellite (for example, the second satellite). Specifically, the SUDMF can send a notification message to the second satellite to notify the second satellite that it is set as the main satellite of the terminal device, so that the second satellite can subsequently establish contact with the DB and synchronize user data.

[0016] In a possible implementation, before obtaining the handover decision, the method further includes:

[0017] receiving a registration request from the DB, wherein the registration request includes information of the DB;

[0018] A registration response is sent to the DB, where the registration response is used to indicate that the DB is successfully registered.

[0019] In this implementation mode, when the system is initialized or a new DB is added to the system, the DB will register with the SUDMF. Only successfully registered DBs can be allocated to terminal devices for use, which is conducive to standardized management.

[0020] In a possible implementation, before obtaining the handover decision, the method further includes:

[0021] receiving a first query request from the first satellite, where the first query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device;

[0022] A first query response is sent to the first satellite, where the first query response includes first information, and the first information is used to determine address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device.

[0023] In this implementation mode, when the terminal device initially accesses the satellite (for example, the first satellite), the first satellite may not have any data related to the terminal device. Therefore, the first satellite can send a first query request to the SUDMF. The SUDMF searches for the corresponding DB address information based on the first identifier of the terminal device included in the first query request, and returns the DB address information to the first satellite. It is understandable that if the SUDMF has maintained a mapping relationship between the first identifier and the DB address information, that is, the corresponding DB address can be found, the queried DB address information will be fed back to the first satellite. If the SUDMF has not maintained a mapping relationship between the first identifier and the DB address information, that is, the DB address information corresponding to the first identifier is not found, the SUDMF can assign a DB address to the terminal device.

[0024] In a possible implementation, after sending the notification message to the second satellite, the method further includes:

[0025] receiving a second query request from the first satellite, where the second query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and the first satellite is not a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device;

[0026] A second query response is sent to the first satellite. If address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device exists, the second query response includes the address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device. If address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device does not exist, the second query response includes the first information or the second information. The first information is used to determine the address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device, and the second information indicates that the address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device is not included.

[0027] In this implementation, after the terminal device successfully switches, the target satellite serves as the primary satellite of the terminal device, and the source satellite serves as the non-primary satellite. For the non-primary satellite, if the non-primary satellite needs to query the user data of the terminal device, then the non-primary satellite (for example, the first satellite) can send a second query request to the SUDMF. The SUDMF can query whether there is address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device based on the first identifier of the terminal device included in the second query request. If so, the address information of the corresponding primary satellite is returned; if not, the first information is returned, which is used to determine the DB address information where the user data is stored, or the second information is returned, which indicates that the address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device is not included. Therefore, the non-primary satellite can determine from whom to pull the user data of the terminal device based on the information carried in the second query response fed back by the SUDMF. It can be understood that if user data can be pulled directly from the primary satellite, it will help alleviate the access pressure of the DB in the ground station.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the first information used to determine address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device includes:

[0029] The first information indicates address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device; or,

[0030] The first information indicates a second identifier of the terminal device, and the second identifier of the terminal device is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

[0031] In this implementation, the SUDMF can indicate the DB address information directly or indirectly, with flexible indication methods. Direct indication can be understood as the first message directly including the DB address information, while indirect indication can be understood as the first message including the second identifier of the terminal device. The satellite receiving the second identifier can calculate the corresponding DB address information based on the second identifier and a calculation function.

[0032] In a possible implementation, obtaining the handover decision includes:

[0033] receiving the switching decision; or,

[0034] receiving status information from at least two satellites, where the status information of each satellite includes one or more of the following information: orbit information of the satellite, position information of the satellite, beam occupancy status of the satellite, and information of a terminal device accessing the satellite; the at least two satellites include the first satellite and the second satellite;

[0035] The switching decision is determined according to status information of the at least two satellites.

[0036] In this implementation mode, SUDMF can receive the switching decision sent by the management equipment of the ground station or other management satellites (i.e., certain equipment or satellites with switching decision-making functions), or SUDMF can also determine the switching decision on its own. The solution is diverse in implementation and highly applicable.

[0037] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a second satellite and includes:

[0038] receiving a first message, where the first message instructs the second satellite to obtain user data of the terminal device from the first satellite;

[0039] Sending a data subscription request to the first satellite, where the data subscription request is used to request user data of the terminal device;

[0040] The user data of the terminal device is received from the first satellite to keep the user data of the terminal device in the first satellite and the second satellite synchronized.

[0041] In the present application, after the target satellite (eg, the second satellite) of the terminal device receives the first message, the target satellite may send a data subscription request to the source satellite (eg, the first satellite) to request synchronization of user data of the terminal device.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0043] receiving a notification message, wherein the notification message indicates that the second satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device; or

[0044] A handover message is received, where the handover message instructs the terminal device to disconnect from the first satellite.

[0045] In this implementation, after the terminal device successfully switches, the terminal device's primary satellite needs to be changed to the target satellite (e.g., the second satellite). Specifically, the SUDMF can send a notification message to the second satellite to notify the second satellite that it has been set as the primary satellite. Optionally, the source satellite (e.g., the first satellite) can also send a notification message or a switch message to the second satellite to notify the second satellite that it has been set as the primary satellite for the terminal device.

[0046] In a possible implementation, before receiving the user data of the terminal device from the first satellite, the method further includes:

[0047] A data subscription reply message is received from the first satellite.

[0048] In this implementation mode, after the target satellite sends a data subscription request to the source satellite, the source satellite can send a data subscription reply message to the target satellite. This request-response communication mode helps the target satellite to promptly know whether the source satellite has successfully received the data subscription request.

[0049] In a possible implementation, before receiving the first message, the method further includes:

[0050] Sending a data query request to the first satellite, where the data query request is used to query user data of the terminal device, and the first satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device;

[0051] Receive user data of the terminal device from the first satellite.

[0052] In this implementation mode, before the terminal device switches, the source satellite serves as the main satellite of the terminal device, and the target satellite serves as the non-main satellite. The non-main satellite can send a data query request to the main satellite. Therefore, after receiving the data query request, the main satellite can respond to the request and feedback the currently stored user data of the terminal device to the non-main satellite.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0054] Send status information of the second satellite, where the status information of the second satellite includes one or more of the following information: orbit information of the second satellite, position information of the second satellite, beam occupancy of the second satellite, and information of a terminal device accessing the second satellite.

[0055] In this implementation, the second satellite sends its own status information, which helps the device with the handover decision function to determine whether to perform the handover based on the received status information of the second satellite.

[0056] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a first satellite and includes:

[0057] receiving a data subscription request from a second satellite, where the data subscription request is used to request user data of the terminal device;

[0058] The user data of the terminal device is sent to the second satellite to keep the user data of the terminal device in the first satellite and the second satellite synchronized.

[0059] In the present application, after a source satellite (eg, a first satellite) receives a data subscription request from a target satellite (eg, a second satellite), the first satellite may synchronize user data of a terminal device to the second satellite.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0061] sending a handover message, wherein the handover message instructs the terminal device to disconnect from the first satellite; or

[0062] A notification message is sent, where the notification message indicates that the second satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device.

[0063] In this implementation mode, after the terminal device is successfully switched, the main satellite of the terminal device needs to be changed to the target satellite (for example, the second satellite). Specifically, the source satellite (for example, the first satellite) can send a notification message or a switching message to the second satellite to notify the second satellite that it is set as the main satellite of the terminal device.

[0064] In a possible implementation, before sending the user data of the terminal device to the second satellite, the method further includes:

[0065] Send a data subscription reply message to the second satellite.

[0066] In this implementation mode, after the target satellite sends a data subscription request to the source satellite, the source satellite can send a data subscription reply message to the target satellite. This request-response communication mode helps the target satellite to promptly know whether the source satellite has successfully received the data subscription request.

[0067] In a possible implementation, before receiving the data subscription request from the second satellite, the method further includes:

[0068] receiving a data query request from the second satellite, where the data query request is used to query user data of the terminal device, and the first satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device;

[0069] The user data of the terminal device is sent to the second satellite.

[0070] In this implementation mode, before the terminal device switches, the source satellite serves as the main satellite of the terminal device, and the target satellite serves as the non-main satellite. The non-main satellite can send a data query request to the main satellite. Therefore, after receiving the data query request, the main satellite can respond to the request and feedback the currently stored user data of the terminal device to the non-main satellite.

[0071] In a possible implementation, before receiving the data subscription request from the second satellite, the method further includes:

[0072] Sending a first query request, where the first query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device;

[0073] A first query response is received, where the first query response includes first information, and the first information is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

[0074] In this implementation mode, when the terminal device initially accesses the satellite (for example, the first satellite), the first satellite may not have any data related to the terminal device. Therefore, the first satellite can send a first query request to the SUDMF. The SUDMF searches for the corresponding DB address information based on the first identifier of the terminal device included in the first query request, and returns the DB address information to the first satellite. It is understandable that if the SUDMF has maintained a mapping relationship between the first identifier and the DB address information, that is, the corresponding DB address can be found, the queried DB address information will be fed back to the first satellite. If the SUDMF has not maintained a mapping relationship between the first identifier and the DB address information, that is, the DB address information corresponding to the first identifier is not found, the SUDMF can assign a DB address to the terminal device.

[0075] In a possible implementation, after sending the user data of the terminal device to the second satellite, the method further includes:

[0076] sending a second query request, where the second query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and the first satellite is not a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device;

[0077] A second query response is received, where the second query response includes address information of a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device, or the second query response includes first information, where the first information is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

[0078] In this implementation, after the terminal device is successfully switched, the target satellite serves as the main satellite of the terminal device, and the source satellite serves as the non-main satellite. For the non-main satellite, if the non-main satellite needs to query the user data of the terminal device, then the non-main satellite (for example, the first satellite) can send a second query request to the SUDMF. The SUDMF can query whether there is address information of the main satellite corresponding to the terminal device based on the first identifier of the terminal device included in the second query request. If it exists, the address information of the corresponding main satellite is returned; if it does not exist, the first information is returned. The first information is used to determine the DB address information where the user data is stored. Therefore, the non-main satellite can determine from whom the user data of the terminal device should be pulled based on the information carried in the second query response fed back by the SUDMF. It can be understood that if user data can be pulled directly from the main satellite, it will help alleviate the access pressure of the DB in the ground station.

[0079] In a possible implementation, the first information used to determine address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device includes:

[0080] The first information indicates address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device; or,

[0081] The first information indicates a second identifier of the terminal device, and the second identifier of the terminal device is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

[0082] In this implementation, the SUDMF can indicate the DB address information directly or indirectly, with flexible indication methods. Direct indication can be understood as the first message directly including the DB address information, while indirect indication can be understood as the first message including the second identifier of the terminal device. The satellite receiving the second identifier can calculate the corresponding DB address information based on the second identifier and a calculation function.

[0083] In a possible implementation, the first information indicates a second identifier of the terminal device, where the second identifier of the terminal device is used to determine address information of a database corresponding to the terminal device. After sending the user data of the terminal device to the second satellite, the method further includes:

[0084] sending a second query request, where the second query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and the first satellite is not a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device;

[0085] receiving a second query response, where the second query response includes second information, and the second information indicates that address information of a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device is not included;

[0086] The address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device is determined according to the second identifier of the terminal device.

[0087] In this implementation, after the terminal device successfully switches, the target satellite serves as the primary satellite for the terminal device, and the source satellite serves as the non-primary satellite. For the non-primary satellite, if the non-primary satellite needs to query the terminal device's user data, the non-primary satellite (e.g., the first satellite) can send a second query request to the SUDMF. The SUDMF can query whether the address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device exists based on the first identifier of the terminal device included in the second query request. If so, the SUDMF returns the address information of the corresponding primary satellite; if not, the SUDMF returns second information indicating that the address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device is not included. It should be understood that if the second query response includes the second information, the first satellite can subsequently determine the address information of the database corresponding to the terminal device based on the second identifier of the terminal device, and then request the user data from the corresponding database. In other words, the non-primary satellite can determine from whom to pull the terminal device's user data based on the information carried in the second query response fed back by the SUDMF. It can be understood that if user data can be pulled directly from the primary satellite, it will help alleviate the access pressure on the database in the ground station.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0089] Send status information of the first satellite, where the status information of the first satellite includes one or more of the following information: orbit information of the first satellite, position information of the first satellite, beam occupancy of the first satellite, and information of a terminal device accessing the first satellite.

[0090] In this implementation, the first satellite sends its own status information, which helps the device with a handover decision function to determine whether to perform handover based on the received status information of the first satellite.

[0091] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising:

[0092] a transceiver unit, configured to obtain a handover decision, the handover decision including information of a terminal device, address information of a first satellite, and address information of a second satellite, wherein the first satellite is a source satellite of the terminal device and the second satellite is a target satellite of the terminal device;

[0093] The transceiver unit is configured to send a first message to the second satellite, where the first message instructs the second satellite to obtain user data of the terminal device from the first satellite.

[0094] In a possible implementation, after sending the first message to the second satellite, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a switching message from the first satellite, where the switching message instructs the terminal device to disconnect from the first satellite;

[0095] The apparatus further comprises a processing unit, wherein the processing unit is configured to:

[0096] The second satellite is updated as the main satellite of the terminal device according to the switching message. The main satellite is used to establish a connection with a database DB corresponding to the terminal device and keep the user data of the terminal device in the main satellite and the DB synchronized.

[0097] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0098] A notification message is sent to the second satellite, where the notification message indicates that the second satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device.

[0099] In a possible implementation, before obtaining the handover decision, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0100] receiving a registration request from the DB, wherein the registration request includes information of the DB;

[0101] A registration response is sent to the DB, where the registration response is used to indicate that the DB is successfully registered.

[0102] In a possible implementation, before obtaining the handover decision, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0103] receiving a first query request from the first satellite, where the first query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device;

[0104] A first query response is sent to the first satellite, where the first query response includes first information, and the first information is used to determine address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device.

[0105] In a possible implementation, after sending the notification message to the second satellite, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0106] receiving a second query request from the first satellite, where the second query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and the first satellite is not a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device;

[0107] A second query response is sent to the first satellite. If address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device exists, the second query response includes the address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device. If address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device does not exist, the second query response includes the first information or the second information. The first information is used to determine the address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device, and the second information indicates that the address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device is not included.

[0108] In a possible implementation, the first information used to determine address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device includes:

[0109] The first information indicates address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device; or,

[0110] The first information indicates a second identifier of the terminal device, and the second identifier of the terminal device is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

[0111] In a possible implementation, when obtaining the handover decision,

[0112] The transceiver unit is configured to receive the switching decision; or

[0113] The transceiver unit is configured to receive status information from at least two satellites, where the status information of each satellite includes one or more of the following information: orbit information of the satellite, position information of the satellite, beam occupancy status of the satellite, and information of a terminal device connected to the satellite; the at least two satellites include the first satellite and the second satellite;

[0114] The processing unit is configured to determine the switching decision according to the status information of the at least two satellites.

[0115] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, wherein the communication device is a second satellite, and the device includes:

[0116] a transceiver unit, configured to receive a first message, where the first message instructs the second satellite to obtain user data of the terminal device from the first satellite;

[0117] The transceiver unit is configured to send a data subscription request to the first satellite, wherein the data subscription request is used to request user data of the terminal device;

[0118] The transceiver unit is used to receive user data of the terminal device from the first satellite to keep the user data of the terminal device in the first satellite and the second satellite synchronized.

[0119] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0120] receiving a notification message, wherein the notification message indicates that the second satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device; or

[0121] A handover message is received, where the handover message instructs the terminal device to disconnect from the first satellite.

[0122] In a possible implementation, before receiving the user data of the terminal device from the first satellite, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0123] A data subscription reply message is received from the first satellite.

[0124] In a possible implementation, before receiving the first message, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0125] Sending a data query request to the first satellite, where the data query request is used to query user data of the terminal device, and the first satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device;

[0126] Receive user data of the terminal device from the first satellite.

[0127] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0128] Send status information of the second satellite, where the status information of the second satellite includes one or more of the following information: orbit information of the second satellite, position information of the second satellite, beam occupancy of the second satellite, and information of a terminal device accessing the second satellite.

[0129] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, wherein the device is a first satellite, and the device includes:

[0130] a transceiver unit, configured to receive a data subscription request from a second satellite, wherein the data subscription request is used to request user data of the terminal device;

[0131] The transceiver unit is used to send the user data of the terminal device to the second satellite to keep the user data of the terminal device in the first satellite and the second satellite synchronized.

[0132] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0133] sending a handover message, wherein the handover message instructs the terminal device to disconnect from the first satellite; or

[0134] A notification message is sent, where the notification message indicates that the second satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device.

[0135] In a possible implementation, before sending the user data of the terminal device to the second satellite, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0136] Send a data subscription reply message to the second satellite.

[0137] In a possible implementation, before receiving the data subscription request from the second satellite, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0138] receiving a data query request from the second satellite, where the data query request is used to query user data of the terminal device, and the first satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device;

[0139] The user data of the terminal device is sent to the second satellite.

[0140] In a possible implementation, before receiving the data subscription request from the second satellite, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0141] Sending a first query request, where the first query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device;

[0142] A first query response is received, where the first query response includes first information, and the first information is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

[0143] In a possible implementation, after sending the user data of the terminal device to the second satellite, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0144] sending a second query request, where the second query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and the first satellite is not a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device;

[0145] A second query response is received, where the second query response includes address information of a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device, or the second query response includes first information, where the first information is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

[0146] In a possible implementation, the first information used to determine address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device includes:

[0147] The first information indicates address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device; or,

[0148] The first information indicates a second identifier of the terminal device, and the second identifier of the terminal device is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

[0149] In a possible implementation, the first information indicates a second identifier of the terminal device, and the second identifier of the terminal device is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device; after sending the user data of the terminal device to the second satellite, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0150] sending a second query request, where the second query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and the first satellite is not a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device;

[0151] receiving a second query response, where the second query response includes second information, and the second information indicates that address information of a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device is not included;

[0152] The processing unit is configured to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device according to the second identifier of the terminal device.

[0153] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to:

[0154] Send status information of the first satellite, where the status information of the first satellite includes one or more of the following information: orbit information of the first satellite, position information of the first satellite, beam occupancy of the first satellite, and information of a terminal device accessing the first satellite.

[0155] In the seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may include a processor, a transceiver and a memory, wherein the processor, transceiver and memory are coupled, and a computer program is stored in the memory; the processor and transceiver are used to call the computer program in the memory so that the communication device executes the method as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0156] In one possible design, the communication device may be a chip that implements the method in the first aspect or a device including a chip.

[0157] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be a second satellite, comprising a processor, a transceiver and a memory, wherein the processor, the transceiver and the memory are coupled, and a computer program is stored in the memory; the processor and the transceiver are used to call the computer program in the memory so that the communication device executes a method as described in any one of the second aspects.

[0158] In one possible design, the communication device may be a chip that implements the method in the second aspect or a device including a chip.

[0159] In the ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which can be a first satellite, including a processor, a transceiver and a memory, the processor, transceiver and memory are coupled, and a computer program is stored in the memory; the processor and transceiver are used to call the computer program in the memory, so that the communication device executes any method as described in the third aspect.

[0160] In one possible design, the communication device may be a chip that implements the method in the third aspect or a device including a chip.

[0161] In the tenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may include a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor or send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device, and the processor being used to implement a method as described in any one of the first aspects through a logic circuit or executing code instructions.

[0162] In the eleventh aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be a second satellite, comprising a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device, the processor being used to implement a method as described in any one of the second aspects through a logic circuit or executing code instructions.

[0163] In the twelfth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be a first satellite, including a processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device, and the processor being used to implement a method as described in any one of the third aspects through a logic circuit or executing code instructions.

[0164] In a thirteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a computer, the method as described in any one of the first aspects is implemented.

[0165] In a fourteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a computer, the method as described in any one of the second aspects is implemented.

[0166] In a fifteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a computer, the method as described in any one of the third aspects is implemented.

[0167] In a sixteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which, when read and executed by a computer, enables the computer to execute any one of the methods in the first aspect.

[0168] In the seventeenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which, when read and executed by a computer, enables the computer to execute any one of the methods in the second aspect.

[0169] In the eighteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which, when read and executed by a computer, enables the computer to execute any one of the methods in the third aspect.

[0170] In the nineteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which includes the communication device of the fourth aspect or the seventh aspect or the tenth aspect, the communication device of the fifth aspect or the eighth aspect or the eleventh aspect, and the communication device of the sixth aspect or the ninth aspect or the twelfth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0171] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0172] FIG2 is an interactive diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0173] FIG3 is an interactive diagram of the registration process provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0174] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the interaction of the initial access process provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0175] FIG5 is an interactive diagram of a non-primary satellite data query process provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0176] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0177] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0178] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0179] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. In the embodiments of the present application, the terms "system" and "network" can be used interchangeably. Unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in this application is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, in the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" refers to two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be one or more. In addition, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between network elements and identical or similar items with substantially the same functions. Those skilled in the art will understand that terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and terms such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit differences.

[0180] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in the embodiments of the present application mean that one or more embodiments of the present application include specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in some other embodiments", "in some other embodiments", etc. that appear in different places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but mean "one or more but not all embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "including", "comprising", "having" and their variations all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0181] The following specific implementation methods further describe in detail the objectives, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present application. It should be understood that the following are only specific implementation methods of the present application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made on the basis of the technical solutions of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

[0182] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0183] It should be understood that the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the long term evolution (LTE) architecture, the fifth generation mobile communication technology (5G), wireless local area networks (WLAN) systems, V2X communication systems, etc. The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to other future communication systems, such as 6G communication systems, etc. In future communication systems, the functions may remain the same, but the names may change.

[0184] The following introduces the basic architecture of the communication system provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0185] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system may include a satellite user data management function (SUDMF), one or more satellites (such as satellite 1 and satellite 2 in Figure 1), a ground station and user equipment (UE). Among them, the UE can access the network through the satellite to complete the corresponding service through the satellite network. Satellites are classified into three categories according to their orbital altitude: low-orbit satellites, medium-orbit satellites and high-orbit satellites. Except for high-orbit satellites, which are stationary relative to the ground, low-orbit satellites and medium-orbit satellites are constantly moving relative to the ground. Due to this mobility, the UE will access different satellites at regular intervals. This process is called switching. As shown in Figure 1, assuming that the satellite moves from left to right, the satellite accessed by the UE can change from satellite 1 to satellite 2. That is, due to the mobility of the satellite, the UE can switch from satellite 1 to satellite 2. Generally speaking, user data (referred to as data) will be generated after the UE accesses the network, and the network needs to save this data to maintain continuous user services. UE data is often stored in a certain data domain on the ground, such as a database (DB) in a ground station or data center.

[0186] The satellite referred to in this application refers to an artificial spacecraft that orbits the earth periodically.

[0187] The terminal device involved in this application is an entity on the user side for receiving signals, or sending signals, or receiving and sending signals. The terminal device can be used to provide one or more of voice services and data connectivity services to the user. The terminal device can be a device that includes wireless transceiver functions and can cooperate with network equipment to provide communication services to users. Specifically, the terminal device can refer to user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, user device or road side unit (RSU). The terminal device may also be a drone, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a station (ST) in a WLAN, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a cordless phone, a wireless data card, a tablet computer, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a laptop computer, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device (also referred to as a wearable smart device), a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, or a wireless terminal in a healthcare system. The terminal device may also be a device-to-device (D2D) device, such as an electricity meter or a water meter. The terminal device may also be a terminal in a 5G system or a terminal in a next-generation communication system, which is not limited in the present embodiment.

[0188] The ground station involved in this application is a key node for satellite data to reach the data network or the Internet. A DB, etc. can be deployed in the ground station, without limitation.

[0189] The SUDMF involved in this application is a new network function, which is mainly responsible for the management of user data. Optionally, the new network function may also be called other names, which are not limited here. Optionally, the deployment location of the new network function is flexible, for example, it can be deployed on a satellite, or it can also be deployed on the ground, such as a ground station or a data center. Specifically, when the new network function obtains the switching decision, it can send a first message to the target satellite (such as satellite 2), and the first message instructs the target satellite to obtain the user data of the terminal device from the source satellite (such as satellite 1). That is to say, when the target satellite receives the first message, the target satellite can subscribe to the user data of the terminal device directly from the source satellite, instead of pulling data from the database (DB) of the ground station, thereby reducing the access pressure of the target satellite to the ground station in the switching scenario.

[0190] The communication method and communication device provided by this application are described in detail below:

[0191] Please refer to Figure 2, which is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2, the communication method includes the following steps S201 to S208. The execution subject of the method shown in Figure 2 may be SUDMF, the first satellite and / or the second satellite. Alternatively, the execution subject of the method shown in Figure 2 may be a chip in the SUDMF, a chip in the first satellite and / or a chip in the second satellite. It should be noted that Figure 2 is a schematic flow chart of an embodiment of the method of the present application, showing the detailed communication steps or operations of the method, but these steps or operations are only examples, and the embodiment of the present application may also perform other operations or variations of the various operations in Figure 2. In addition, the various steps in Figure 2 may be executed in a different order from that presented in Figure 2, and it may not be necessary to execute all the operations in Figure 2. Figure 2 mainly takes the SUDMF, the first satellite and the second satellite as the execution subjects of the method as an example for explanation. Among them:

[0192] S201. SUDMF obtains a handover decision.

[0193] In some feasible implementations, the handover decision includes terminal device information, address information of a first satellite, and address information of a second satellite. The first satellite is the source satellite for the terminal device, i.e., the satellite to which the terminal device accessed or provided services before the handover, and the second satellite is the target satellite for the terminal device, i.e., the satellite to which the terminal device accessed or provided services after the handover. The terminal device information may be, for example, terminal device identification information or terminal device address information, etc., without limitation herein.

[0194] It should be understood that, in one implementation, the SUDMF obtaining the handover decision can be understood as: the SUDMF receiving the handover decision sent by other network devices having a handover decision function.

[0195] Optionally, in another implementation, SUDMF obtaining the switching decision can be understood as: SUDMF itself determines the switching decision. Exemplarily, each satellite can report its own status information to SUDMF, and accordingly, SUDMF can receive status information from at least two satellites, and the status information of each satellite includes one or more of the following information: satellite orbit information, satellite position information, satellite beam occupancy, and information of terminal devices accessing the satellite. The above-mentioned at least two satellites include a first satellite and a second satellite. Further, SUDMF determines the switching decision based on the received status information of the at least two satellites, that is, SUDMF can decide whether the terminal device needs to switch and which satellite the terminal device needs to switch to based on the status information reported by each satellite in the management domain. Optionally, the switching decision may also include which beam to use for connection. It should be understood that the satellite's orbital information may be the specific trajectory of the satellite orbiting the earth, and the satellite's position information may include the satellite's altitude, global positioning system (GPS) position, etc. Generally speaking, the antenna of a satellite can generate multiple isolated beams within its coverage area. Different beams can be used to serve different terminal devices. Therefore, the beam occupancy of the above-mentioned satellite can be understood as which beam resources of the satellite have been occupied by terminal devices, and which beam resources are idle and waiting to be used. The information of the terminal device accessing the satellite may include the location information, speed, and signal measurement report of the terminal device, etc., which are not limited here. It is understandable that the way other network devices with switching decision-making functions implement switching decisions can refer to the way SUDMF implements switching decisions, which will not be repeated here.

[0196] S202: The SUDMF sends a first message to the second satellite. Correspondingly, the second satellite receives the first message from the SUDMF.

[0197] In some feasible implementations, after the SUDMF obtains the handover decision, the SUDMF may send a first message to the second satellite (i.e., the target satellite), instructing the second satellite to obtain the user data of the terminal device from the first satellite. Here, the first message may also be described as a data subscription instruction (data_sub_inst), which is not limited here.

[0198] S203: The second satellite sends a data subscription request to the first satellite. Correspondingly, the first satellite receives the data subscription request from the second satellite.

[0199] In some feasible implementations, after the second satellite receives the first message, the second satellite may send a data subscription request to the first satellite, where the data subscription request is used to request (subscribe) user data of the terminal device.

[0200] S204: The first satellite sends a data subscription reply message to the second satellite. Correspondingly, the second satellite receives the data subscription reply message from the first satellite.

[0201] Exemplarily, the data subscription reply message may be used to indicate whether the first satellite successfully received the data subscription request. For example, the data subscription reply message may include positive confirmation information or negative confirmation information, where positive confirmation information indicates that the first satellite successfully received the data subscription request, and negative confirmation information indicates that the first satellite did not successfully receive the data subscription request.

[0202] Among them, step S204 is an optional step.

[0203] S205: The first satellite sends user data of the terminal device to the second satellite to keep the user data of the terminal device in the first satellite and the second satellite synchronized.

[0204] In some feasible implementations, a first satellite transmits user data of a terminal device to a second satellite, and correspondingly, the second satellite receives the user data of the terminal device from the first satellite, thereby maintaining synchronization of the user data of the terminal device between the first satellite and the second satellite. It should be understood that to maintain synchronization of the user data between the first satellite and the second satellite, the first satellite may need to transmit the user data of the terminal device to the second satellite multiple times. In other words, before the terminal device disconnects from the first satellite, if the user data on the first satellite is updated, the first satellite must synchronously transmit the updated user data to the second satellite.

[0205] S206: The first satellite sends a handover message to the SUDMF. Correspondingly, the SUDMF receives the handover message from the first satellite.

[0206] In some feasible implementations, when the terminal device switches away from the first satellite, the first satellite may send a switch message (ue_switch_notify) to the SUDMF to inform the terminal device of the switch. In other words, the switch message instructs the terminal device to disconnect from the first satellite.

[0207] S207. The SUDMF updates the second satellite as the primary satellite of the terminal device according to the switching message.

[0208] In some feasible implementations, after the SUDMF receives the handover message from the first satellite, it is informed that the terminal device has been disconnected from the first satellite. Therefore, the SUDMF can update the second satellite as the primary satellite of the terminal device. It should be understood that the primary satellite in the embodiments of the present application can be used to establish a connection with the database corresponding to the terminal device and maintain synchronization of user data of the terminal device in the primary satellite and the database.

[0209] S208: The SUDMF sends a notification message to the second satellite. Correspondingly, the second satellite receives the notification message from the SUDMF.

[0210] In some feasible implementations, the notification message indicates that the second satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device.

[0211] Optionally, in some feasible implementations, the notification message may be sent not by the SUDMF to the second satellite, but by the first satellite to the second satellite. That is, the first satellite may send a notification message to the second satellite after sending the switching message to the SUDMF, or before sending the switching message to the SUDMF, or at the same time as sending the switching message to the SUDMF. The notification message directly indicates that the second satellite is the main satellite of the terminal device.

[0212] Optionally, in some feasible implementations, the second satellite may be informed of its configuration as the primary satellite for the terminal device through indirect indication. For example, the SUDMF may forward a handover message to the second satellite. After the second satellite receives the handover message from the SUDMF, the second satellite may determine, based on the handover message, that the terminal device has been disconnected from the first satellite. The second satellite may then learn that it has been configured as the primary satellite for the terminal device. In another example, the first satellite may forward a handover message to the second satellite. After the second satellite receives the handover message from the first satellite, the second satellite may determine, based on the handover message, that the terminal device has been disconnected from the first satellite. Therefore, the second satellite may learn that it has been configured as the primary satellite for the terminal device.

[0213] It should be understood that after the second satellite determines that it is set as the master satellite of the terminal device, the second satellite can establish a connection with the DB and synchronize user data.

[0214] It is understandable that step S208 is an optional step.

[0215] It should be noted that the DB in the embodiment of the present application can be deployed on the ground, such as in a ground station. Among them, the SUDMF can manage multiple DBs at the same time, and the characteristics of each DB may be different, such as the address information of the DB (such as the Internet Protocol (IP) address), the database type of the DB, and / or the capacity of the DB. It should be understood that when the system is initialized or a new DB is added to the system, the new DB needs to be registered with the SUDMF before it can be allocated to the terminal device for use. Exemplarily, the process of DB registering with the SUDMF is shown in Figure 3:

[0216] S301. A DB sends a registration request to a SUDMF, where the registration request includes DB information. For example, the DB information carried in the registration request may include DB address information, DB capacity, and / or DB database type.

[0217] S302. After receiving the registration request from the DB, the SUDMF may respond to the DB with a registration response. The registration response includes information on whether the DB has been successfully registered. It should be understood that only DBs that have successfully registered can be allocated to a terminal device for use; DBs that have failed registration cannot be allocated to a terminal device for use. For ease of understanding, the embodiments of this application are primarily illustrated using an example where a registration response is used to indicate a successful DB registration.

[0218] It is understandable that when a DB is successfully registered with the SUDMF, it can be allocated by the SUDMF to the terminal device for use. Generally speaking, when a terminal device first (initial) accesses, the SUDMF can allocate a DB to the terminal device, or when a terminal device re-establishes a connection after being disconnected from a satellite, the SUDMF can allocate a DB to the terminal device. For example, the process of a terminal device initially accessing a satellite (for example, the first satellite) is shown in Figure 4:

[0219] S401: The terminal device establishes a connection with a first satellite. At this time, the first satellite may not have any user data, or the first satellite may have some previously stored user data.

[0220] S402. After establishing a connection with the terminal device, the first satellite initiates a first query request to the SUDMF. The first query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device. The first identifier of the terminal device may be an address of the terminal device or a user ID, etc., which is not limited here.

[0221] S403. The SUDMF sends a first query response to the first satellite. The first query response includes first information. The first information is used to determine address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device.

[0222] Exemplarily, the SUDMF can search for the corresponding DB address based on the first identifier of the terminal device carried in the first query request. If the DB address corresponding to the first identifier of the terminal device can be found, the queried DB address will be returned to the first satellite; if the DB address corresponding to the first identifier of the terminal device is not found, a DB will be allocated to the terminal device from the DB pool, and the mapping relationship between the first identifier of the terminal device and the DB address will be maintained.

[0223] In one implementation, the first information is used to determine the address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device in the following two cases:

[0224] Case 1: the first information directly indicates the address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device, that is, the first query response directly includes the address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device.

[0225] Case 2: The first information indicates the second identifier of the terminal device, that is, the first query response directly includes the second identifier of the terminal device. The second identifier of the terminal device is used to determine the address information of the database corresponding to the terminal device. In other words, the first information can also indirectly indicate the address information of the database corresponding to the terminal device.

[0226] Optionally, when the first query response includes the second identifier of the terminal device, the first query response may also include a calculation function f for the DB address. Therefore, the first satellite may subsequently calculate the DB address information based on the second identifier and the calculation function f in the received first query response. The calculation function f may also be predefined or preconfigured in the protocol and is not limited here.

[0227] For example, assuming the terminal device's second identifier is 16 bits long, with the first four bits used to determine the DB address and the remaining 12 bits representing the user's first identifier, the calculation function f can be to take the first four bits and map them to the corresponding DB. For example, assuming a terminal device's second identifier is 0001000000011010, with the first four bits being 0001, the first satellite can determine the corresponding DB based on the first four bits (0001) and the calculation function f.

[0228] S404: The first satellite obtains user data from the corresponding DB according to the address information of the DB returned by the SUDMF, that is, sends a data query request to the DB.

[0229] S405: After receiving the data query request, the DB feeds back the queried user data to the first satellite. After the first satellite obtains the user data queried from the DB, it can provide services to the terminal device.

[0230] It should be noted that the above steps S404 and S405 are optional steps. When a terminal device accesses for the first time (initial), there is no user data in the DB, so the first satellite may not execute steps S404 and S405.

[0231] S406: During the process of serving the terminal device, the user data is modified and synchronized to the DB in a timely manner.

[0232] It should be noted that when a satellite serves a terminal device, it also stores the terminal device's user data, and the user data stored in the satellite remains consistent with the user data in the database corresponding to the terminal device. Generally speaking, only one satellite has full control over a user's data at a time. This satellite is called the user's primary satellite (i.e., holder). In other words, the primary satellite can establish a connection with the database corresponding to the terminal device and perform operations such as adding, deleting, and modifying user data in the database to keep the terminal device's user data synchronized between the primary satellite and the database. The SUDMF records and maintains the mapping relationship between the terminal device and the primary satellite. The primary satellite needs to periodically report heartbeats to the SUDMF. If the heartbeat of the primary satellite times out due to a failure or other reason, the SUDMF will delete the mapping relationship between the terminal device and the primary satellite. Here, a heartbeat report can be understood as the primary satellite sending a heartbeat message to the SUDMF. This heartbeat message allows the SUDMF to determine whether and when the primary satellite has failed or terminated.

[0233] It should be understood that for the primary satellites corresponding to other non-terminal devices (hereinafter referred to as non-primary satellites), when the non-primary satellites need to query the user data of a certain terminal device, the steps shown in FIG5 may be followed:

[0234] S501: A non-primary satellite initiates a second query request to a SUDMF, where the second query request includes a first identifier of a terminal device.

[0235] S502: After receiving the second query request, the SUDMF queries a mapping table between the terminal device identifier and the primary satellite based on the first identifier of the terminal device carried in the second query request. If the mapping table contains address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the first identifier of the terminal device, the SUDMF returns the address information of the primary satellite. If the mapping table does not contain an entry (i.e., the SUDMF does not contain the address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the first identifier of the terminal device), the SUDMF returns the address information of the database storing user data, or returns an indication that the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device cannot be found. In other words, the second satellite may send a second query response to the first satellite. If the address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device exists, the second query response includes the address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device. If the address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device does not exist, the second query response includes either the first information or the second information. The first information is used to determine the address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device, and the second information indicates that the address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device is not included.

[0236] S503: The non-master satellite determines to whom the data query request should be sent based on the second query response returned by the SUDMF. For example, if the second query response includes the address information of the master satellite, the non-master satellite can initiate a data query request to the master satellite. In response, the master satellite receives the data query request from the non-master satellite and returns the queried user data to the non-master satellite. In another example, if the second query response includes the first information, the non-master satellite can determine the address information of the database based on the first information and directly query the database for user data. In another example, if the second query response includes the second information, and during initial access, the first query response received by the non-master satellite includes the second identifier of the terminal device, then, upon determining that the SUDMF does not include the address information of the master satellite corresponding to the terminal device (i.e., parsing the second information included in the second query response), the non-master satellite can determine the address information of the database for the terminal device based on the previously assigned second identifier of the terminal device. Therefore, the non-master satellite can subsequently query the database for user data directly based on the acquired address information of the database.

[0237] For example, before the terminal device switches away from the first satellite, that is, before the terminal device disconnects from the first satellite, the first satellite is the primary satellite of the terminal device, and the second satellite is a non-primary satellite. In another example, after the terminal device switches from the first satellite to the second satellite, that is, after the terminal device connects to the second satellite, the second satellite is the primary satellite of the terminal device, and the first satellite is a non-primary satellite.

[0238] In an embodiment of the present application, the new satellite (i.e., the second satellite) to which the terminal device accesses subscribes to user data directly from the source satellite (i.e., the first satellite) instead of pulling data from the DB, thereby reducing query requests to the DB during the switching process. In addition, since the SUDMF can inform the target satellite in advance to establish a data synchronization relationship before switching, the second satellite already has the complete user data before the terminal device switches to the second satellite. When the terminal device switches to the second satellite, it can directly serve the terminal device. Compared with the previous method of pulling user data from the DB after switching to the second satellite, this solution can also effectively reduce the service interruption delay caused by switching.

[0239] The communication device provided by the present application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 6 to 8. It will be understood that in order to realize the above functions, the above-mentioned implementation devices include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0240] In the embodiments of the present application, the SUDMF or the first satellite or the second satellite may be divided into functional modules according to the above-mentioned method example. For example, each functional module may be divided according to each function, or two or more functions may be integrated into a processing module. The above-mentioned integrated module may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative and is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used.

[0241] Please refer to Figure 6, which is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device shown in Figure 6 can be used to perform some or all of the functions of the SUDMF in the method embodiment described in Figure 2 above. The device can be a SUDMF, or a device in the SUDMF, or a device that can be used in combination with the SUDMF. Among them, the communication device can also be a chip or a chip system. The communication device shown in Figure 6 may include a transceiver unit 601 and a processing unit 602. Among them, the processing unit 602 is used to perform data processing. The transceiver unit 601 integrates a receiving unit and a sending unit. The transceiver unit 601 can also be called a communication unit. Alternatively, the transceiver unit 601 can also be split into a receiving unit and a sending unit. Optionally, the transceiver unit 601 can also have the function of obtaining information. The processing unit and the transceiver unit below are similar, and will not be repeated below. Among them:

[0242] The transceiver unit 601 is configured to obtain a handover decision, where the handover decision includes information about a terminal device, address information of a first satellite, and address information of a second satellite, where the first satellite is a source satellite for the terminal device and the second satellite is a target satellite for the terminal device.

[0243] The transceiver unit 601 is configured to send a first message to the second satellite, where the first message instructs the second satellite to obtain user data of the terminal device from the first satellite.

[0244] In a possible implementation, after sending the first message to the second satellite, the transceiver unit 601 is further configured to receive a switching message from the first satellite, where the switching message instructs the terminal device to disconnect from the first satellite;

[0245] The apparatus further includes a processing unit 602, wherein the processing unit 602 is configured to:

[0246] The second satellite is updated as the main satellite of the terminal device according to the switching message. The main satellite is used to establish a connection with a database DB corresponding to the terminal device and keep the user data of the terminal device in the main satellite and the DB synchronized.

[0247] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 601 is further configured to:

[0248] A notification message is sent to the second satellite, where the notification message indicates that the second satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device.

[0249] In a possible implementation, before obtaining the handover decision, the transceiver unit 601 is further configured to:

[0250] receiving a registration request from the DB, wherein the registration request includes information of the DB;

[0251] A registration response is sent to the DB, where the registration response is used to indicate that the DB is successfully registered.

[0252] In a possible implementation, before obtaining the handover decision, the transceiver unit 601 is further configured to:

[0253] receiving a first query request from the first satellite, where the first query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device;

[0254] A first query response is sent to the first satellite, where the first query response includes first information, and the first information is used to determine address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device.

[0255] In a possible implementation, after sending the notification message to the second satellite, the transceiver unit 601 is further configured to:

[0256] receiving a second query request from the first satellite, where the second query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and the first satellite is not a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device;

[0257] A second query response is sent to the first satellite. If address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device exists, the second query response includes the address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device. If address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device does not exist, the second query response includes the first information or the second information. The first information is used to determine the address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device, and the second information indicates that the address information of the primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device is not included.

[0258] In a possible implementation, the first information used to determine address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device includes:

[0259] The first information indicates address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device; or,

[0260] The first information indicates a second identifier of the terminal device, and the second identifier of the terminal device is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

[0261] In a possible implementation, when obtaining the handover decision,

[0262] The transceiver unit 601 is configured to receive the handover decision; or

[0263] The transceiver unit 601 is configured to receive status information from at least two satellites, where the status information of each satellite includes one or more of the following information: orbit information of the satellite, position information of the satellite, beam occupancy status of the satellite, and information of a terminal device connected to the satellite; the at least two satellites include the first satellite and the second satellite;

[0264] The processing unit 602 is configured to determine the switching decision according to the status information of the at least two satellites.

[0265] For other possible implementations of the communication device, reference may be made to the description of the first satellite function in the method embodiment corresponding to FIG2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0266] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device shown in Figure 7 can be used to perform some or all of the functions of the first satellite or the second satellite in the method embodiment described in Figure 2 above. The device can be the first satellite or the second satellite, or a device in the first satellite or the second satellite, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the first satellite or the second satellite. The communication device can also be a chip or a chip system. The communication device shown in Figure 7 may include a transceiver unit 701 and a processing unit 702. Among them:

[0267] In one implementation, the communication device may be a second satellite, wherein:

[0268] The transceiver unit 701 is configured to receive a first message, where the first message instructs the second satellite to obtain user data of the terminal device from the first satellite;

[0269] The transceiver unit 701 is configured to send a data subscription request to the first satellite, where the data subscription request is used to request user data of the terminal device;

[0270] The transceiver unit 701 is configured to receive user data of the terminal device from the first satellite to keep the user data of the terminal device in the first satellite and the second satellite synchronized.

[0271] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 701 is further configured to:

[0272] receiving a notification message, wherein the notification message indicates that the second satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device; or

[0273] A handover message is received, where the handover message instructs the terminal device to disconnect from the first satellite.

[0274] In a possible implementation, before receiving the user data of the terminal device from the first satellite, the transceiver unit 701 is further configured to:

[0275] A data subscription reply message is received from the first satellite.

[0276] In a possible implementation, before receiving the first message, the transceiver unit 701 is further configured to:

[0277] Sending a data query request to the first satellite, where the data query request is used to query user data of the terminal device, and the first satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device;

[0278] Receive user data of the terminal device from the first satellite.

[0279] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 701 is further configured to:

[0280] Send status information of the second satellite, where the status information of the second satellite includes one or more of the following information: orbit information of the second satellite, position information of the second satellite, beam occupancy of the second satellite, and information of a terminal device accessing the second satellite.

[0281] In another implementation, the communication device may be a first satellite, wherein:

[0282] The transceiver unit 701 is configured to receive a data subscription request from a second satellite, where the data subscription request is used to request user data of the terminal device;

[0283] The transceiver unit 701 is configured to send user data of the terminal device to the second satellite to keep the user data of the terminal device in the first satellite and the second satellite synchronized.

[0284] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 701 is further configured to:

[0285] sending a handover message, wherein the handover message instructs the terminal device to disconnect from the first satellite; or

[0286] A notification message is sent, where the notification message indicates that the second satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device.

[0287] In a possible implementation, before sending the user data of the terminal device to the second satellite, the transceiver unit 701 is further configured to:

[0288] Send a data subscription reply message to the second satellite.

[0289] In a possible implementation, before receiving the data subscription request from the second satellite, the transceiver unit 701 is further configured to:

[0290] receiving a data query request from the second satellite, where the data query request is used to query user data of the terminal device, and the first satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device;

[0291] The user data of the terminal device is sent to the second satellite.

[0292] In a possible implementation, before receiving the data subscription request from the second satellite, the transceiver unit 701 is further configured to:

[0293] Sending a first query request, where the first query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device;

[0294] A first query response is received, where the first query response includes first information, and the first information is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

[0295] In a possible implementation, after sending the user data of the terminal device to the second satellite, the transceiver unit 701 is further configured to:

[0296] sending a second query request, where the second query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and the first satellite is not a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device;

[0297] A second query response is received, where the second query response includes address information of a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device, or the second query response includes first information, where the first information is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

[0298] In a possible implementation, the first information used to determine address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device includes:

[0299] The first information indicates address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device; or,

[0300] The first information indicates a second identifier of the terminal device, and the second identifier of the terminal device is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

[0301] In a possible implementation, the first information indicates a second identifier of the terminal device, and the second identifier of the terminal device is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device; after sending the user data of the terminal device to the second satellite, the transceiver unit 701 is further configured to:

[0302] sending a second query request, where the second query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and the first satellite is not a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device;

[0303] receiving a second query response, where the second query response includes second information, and the second information indicates that address information of a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device is not included;

[0304] The processing unit 702 is configured to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device according to the second identifier of the terminal device.

[0305] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 701 is further configured to:

[0306] Send status information of the first satellite, where the status information of the first satellite includes one or more of the following information: orbit information of the first satellite, position information of the first satellite, beam occupancy of the first satellite, and information of a terminal device accessing the first satellite.

[0307] For other possible implementations of the communication device, reference may be made to the description of the second satellite function in the method embodiment corresponding to FIG2 , which will not be described in detail here.

[0308] In one possible embodiment, when the first or second satellite is a chip, the transceiver unit may be a communication interface, pin, or circuit. The communication interface may be used to input data to be processed into the processor and output the processor's processing results. In a specific implementation, the communication interface may be a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) interface that can connect to multiple peripheral devices (such as a display (LCD), camera, radio frequency (RF) module, antenna, etc.). The communication interface is connected to the processor via a bus.

[0309] The processing unit may be a processor that can execute computer-executable instructions stored in the storage unit to enable the chip to execute the method involved in FIG. 2 .

[0310] Furthermore, the processor may include a controller, an arithmetic unit and a register. For example, the controller is mainly responsible for decoding instructions and issuing control signals for operations corresponding to the instructions. The arithmetic unit is mainly responsible for performing fixed-point or floating-point arithmetic operations, shift operations and logical operations, etc., and can also perform address operations and conversions. The register is mainly responsible for storing register operands and intermediate operation results temporarily stored during the execution of instructions. In a specific implementation, the hardware architecture of the processor can be an ASIC architecture, a microprocessor without interlocked piped stages architecture (MIPS) architecture, an advanced RISC machines (ARM) architecture or a network processor (NP) architecture, etc. The processor can be single-core or multi-core.

[0311] The storage unit may be a storage unit within the chip, such as a register, cache, etc. The storage unit may also be a storage unit located outside the chip, such as a ROM or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, RAM, etc.

[0312] It should be noted that the functions corresponding to the processor and the interface can be implemented through hardware design, software design, or a combination of hardware and software, and there is no limitation here.

[0313] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device includes a processor 810 and an interface circuit 820. The processor 810 and the interface circuit 820 are coupled to each other. It will be understood that the interface circuit 820 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device may also include a memory 830 for storing instructions executed by the processor 810, or storing input data required by the processor 810 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 810 executes instructions.

[0314] When the communication device is used to implement the method in the above method embodiment, the processor 810 is used to execute the functions of the above processing unit, and the interface circuit 820 is used to execute the functions of the above transceiver unit.

[0315] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0316] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, removable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in the first satellite or the second satellite. Of course, the processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the first satellite or the second satellite.

[0317] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instruction is loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is executed in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program or instruction can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted via the computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital versatile disc (DVD); it can also be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid state drive (SSD).

[0318] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0319] It is understood that the various numbers used in the embodiments of this application are merely for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not necessarily imply a specific order of execution; the order of execution of the processes should be determined by their functions and inherent logic.

[0320] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed, the method performed by the first satellite or the second satellite in the above method embodiment is implemented.

[0321] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the method performed by the first satellite or the second satellite in the above method embodiment is implemented.

[0322] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system, comprising a first satellite or a second satellite, wherein the first satellite is configured to execute the method executed by the first satellite in the above method embodiment, and the second satellite is configured to execute the method executed by the second satellite in the above method embodiment.

[0323] It should be noted that for the aforementioned method embodiments, for the sake of simplicity, they are all expressed as a series of action combinations, but those skilled in the art should be aware that this application is not limited by the order of the actions described, because according to this application, certain steps can be performed in other orders or simultaneously. Secondly, those skilled in the art should also be aware that the embodiments described in the specification are all preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily required by this application.

[0324] The descriptions of the various embodiments provided in this application can refer to each other. The descriptions of each embodiment have their own focus. For parts not described in detail in a particular embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. For the convenience and brevity of description, for example, the functions and execution steps of the various devices and equipment provided in the embodiments of this application can refer to the relevant descriptions of the method embodiments of this application. The various method embodiments and the various device embodiments can also refer to, be combined with, or quote each other.

[0325] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0326] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical functional division. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the present embodiment.

[0327] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), universal serial bus flash disk, mobile hard disk, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer. In addition, by way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), or direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0328] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the embodiments of the present application, and such changes or substitutions should be included in the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Acquire a switching decision, where the switching decision includes information of a terminal device, address information of a first satellite, and address information of a second satellite, where the first satellite is a source satellite of the terminal device, and the second satellite is a target satellite of the terminal device; A first message is sent to the second satellite, where the first message instructs the second satellite to obtain user data of the terminal device from the first satellite.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: After sending the first message to the second satellite, the method further includes: receiving a switching message from the first satellite, wherein the switching message instructs the terminal device to disconnect from the first satellite; The second satellite is updated as the main satellite of the terminal device according to the switching message. The main satellite is used to establish a connection with a database DB corresponding to the terminal device and keep the user data of the terminal device in the main satellite and the DB synchronized.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method further comprises: A notification message is sent to the second satellite, where the notification message indicates that the second satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: Before obtaining the switching decision, the method further includes: receiving a registration request from the DB, wherein the registration request includes information of the DB; A registration response is sent to the DB, where the registration response is used to indicate that the DB is successfully registered.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that Before obtaining the switching decision, the method further includes: receiving a first query request from the first satellite, wherein the first query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device; A first query response is sent to the first satellite, where the first query response includes first information, and the first information is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: After sending the notification message to the second satellite, the method further includes: receiving a second query request from the first satellite, where the second query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and the first satellite is not a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device; A second query response is sent to the first satellite. If address information of the main satellite corresponding to the terminal device exists, the second query response includes the address information of the main satellite corresponding to the terminal device. If address information of the main satellite corresponding to the terminal device does not exist, the second query response includes the first information or the second information. The first information is used to determine the address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device, and the second information indicates that the address information of the main satellite corresponding to the terminal device is not included.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The first information is used to determine the address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device, including: The first information indicates address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device; or, The first information indicates a second identifier of the terminal device, and the second identifier of the terminal device is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The obtaining of the switching decision comprises: receiving the switching decision; or, Receiving status information from at least two satellites, the status information of each satellite including one or more of the following information: orbit information of the satellite, position information of the satellite, beam occupancy of the satellite, and information of a terminal device accessing the satellite; the at least two satellites include the first satellite and the second satellite; The switching decision is determined according to status information of the at least two satellites.

9. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a second satellite, comprising: receiving a first message, wherein the first message instructs the second satellite to obtain user data of the terminal device from the first satellite; Sending a data subscription request to the first satellite, where the data subscription request is used to request user data of the terminal device; The user data of the terminal device is received from the first satellite to keep the user data of the terminal device in the first satellite and the second satellite synchronized.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a notification message, wherein the notification message indicates that the second satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device; or, A switching message is received, wherein the switching message instructs the terminal device to disconnect from the first satellite.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: Before receiving the user data of the terminal device from the first satellite, the method further includes: A data subscription reply message is received from the first satellite.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that: Before receiving the first message, the method further includes: Sending a data query request to the first satellite, where the data query request is used to query user data of the terminal device, and the first satellite is a main satellite of the terminal device; Receive user data of the terminal device from the first satellite.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Send status information of the second satellite, where the status information of the second satellite includes one or more of the following information: orbit information of the second satellite, position information of the second satellite, beam occupancy of the second satellite, and information of a terminal device accessing the second satellite.

14. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a first satellite, comprising: receiving a data subscription request from a second satellite, wherein the data subscription request is used to request user data of the terminal device; The user data of the terminal device is sent to the second satellite to keep the user data of the terminal device in the first satellite and the second satellite synchronized.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: sending a switching message, wherein the switching message instructs the terminal device to disconnect from the first satellite; or, A notification message is sent, wherein the notification message indicates that the second satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that Before sending the user data of the terminal device to the second satellite, the method further includes: A data subscription reply message is sent to the second satellite.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that: Before receiving the data subscription request from the second satellite, the method further includes: receiving a data query request from the second satellite, where the data query request is used to query user data of the terminal device, and the first satellite is a main satellite of the terminal device; The user data of the terminal device is sent to the second satellite.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that: Before receiving the data subscription request from the second satellite, the method further includes: Sending a first query request, where the first query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device; A first query response is received, where the first query response includes first information, and the first information is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that: After sending the user data of the terminal device to the second satellite, the method further includes: Sending a second query request, where the second query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and the first satellite is not a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device; A second query response is received, where the second query response includes address information of a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device, or the second query response includes first information, where the first information is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that The first information is used to determine the address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device, including: The first information indicates address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device; or, The first information indicates a second identifier of the terminal device, and the second identifier of the terminal device is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The first information indicates a second identifier of the terminal device, and the second identifier of the terminal device is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device; After sending the user data of the terminal device to the second satellite, the method further includes: Sending a second query request, where the second query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and the first satellite is not a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device; receiving a second query response, where the second query response includes second information, and the second information indicates that address information of a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device is not included; The address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device is determined according to the second identifier of the terminal device.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Send status information of the first satellite, where the status information of the first satellite includes one or more of the following information: orbit information of the first satellite, position information of the first satellite, beam occupancy of the first satellite, and information of a terminal device accessing the first satellite.

23. A communication device, characterized in that: include: a transceiver unit, configured to obtain a switching decision, wherein the switching decision includes information of a terminal device, address information of a first satellite, and address information of a second satellite, wherein the first satellite is a source satellite of the terminal device, and the second satellite is a target satellite of the terminal device; The transceiver unit is used to send a first message to the second satellite, where the first message instructs the second satellite to obtain the user data of the terminal device from the first satellite.

24. The device according to claim 23, characterized in that After sending the first message to the second satellite, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a switching message from the first satellite, wherein the switching message indicates that the terminal device is disconnected from the first satellite; The device further comprises a processing unit, wherein the processing unit is configured to: The second satellite is updated as the main satellite of the terminal device according to the switching message. The main satellite is used to establish a connection with a database DB corresponding to the terminal device and keep the user data of the terminal device in the main satellite and the DB synchronized.

25. The device according to claim 24, characterized in that The transceiver unit is also used for: A notification message is sent to the second satellite, where the notification message indicates that the second satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device.

26. The device according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that Before obtaining the switching decision, the transceiver unit is further used for: receiving a registration request from the DB, wherein the registration request includes information of the DB; A registration response is sent to the DB, where the registration response is used to indicate that the DB is successfully registered.

27. The device according to claim 26, characterized in that Before obtaining the switching decision, the transceiver unit is further used for: receiving a first query request from the first satellite, wherein the first query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device; A first query response is sent to the first satellite, where the first query response includes first information, and the first information is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

28. The device according to any one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that After sending the notification message to the second satellite, the transceiver unit is further used for: receiving a second query request from the first satellite, where the second query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and the first satellite is not a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device; A second query response is sent to the first satellite. If address information of the main satellite corresponding to the terminal device exists, the second query response includes the address information of the main satellite corresponding to the terminal device. If address information of the main satellite corresponding to the terminal device does not exist, the second query response includes the first information or the second information. The first information is used to determine the address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device, and the second information indicates that the address information of the main satellite corresponding to the terminal device is not included.

29. The device according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that The first information is used to determine the address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device, including: The first information indicates address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device; or, The first information indicates a second identifier of the terminal device, and the second identifier of the terminal device is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

30. The device according to any one of claims 23 to 29, characterized in that When obtaining the switching decision, The transceiver unit is configured to receive the switching decision; or The transceiver unit is used to receive status information from at least two satellites, where the status information of each satellite includes one or more of the following information: orbit information of the satellite, position information of the satellite, beam occupancy of the satellite, and information of a terminal device accessing the satellite; the at least two satellites include the first satellite and the second satellite; The processing unit is used to determine the switching decision according to the status information of the at least two satellites.

31. A communication device, characterized in that: The device is applied to a second satellite, comprising: a transceiver unit, configured to receive a first message, wherein the first message instructs the second satellite to obtain user data of the terminal device from the first satellite; The transceiver unit is used to send a data subscription request to the first satellite, where the data subscription request is used to request user data of the terminal device; The transceiver unit is used to receive user data of the terminal device from the first satellite to keep the user data of the terminal device in the first satellite and the second satellite synchronized.

32. The device according to claim 31, characterized in that The transceiver unit is also used for: receiving a notification message, wherein the notification message indicates that the second satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device; or, A switching message is received, wherein the switching message instructs the terminal device to disconnect from the first satellite.

33. The device according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that Before receiving the user data of the terminal device from the first satellite, the transceiver unit is further used for: A data subscription reply message is received from the first satellite.

34. The device according to any one of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that Before receiving the first message, the transceiver unit is further used for: Sending a data query request to the first satellite, where the data query request is used to query user data of the terminal device, and the first satellite is a main satellite of the terminal device; Receive user data of the terminal device from the first satellite.

35. The device according to any one of claims 31 to 34, characterized in that The transceiver unit is also used for: Send status information of the second satellite, where the status information of the second satellite includes one or more of the following information: orbit information of the second satellite, position information of the second satellite, beam occupancy of the second satellite, and information of a terminal device accessing the second satellite.

36. A communication device, characterized in that: The device is applied to a first satellite, comprising: a transceiver unit, configured to receive a data subscription request from a second satellite, wherein the data subscription request is used to request user data of the terminal device; The transceiver unit is used to send the user data of the terminal device to the second satellite to keep the user data of the terminal device in the first satellite and the second satellite synchronized.

37. The device according to claim 36, characterized in that The transceiver unit is also used for: sending a switching message, wherein the switching message instructs the terminal device to disconnect from the first satellite; or, A notification message is sent, wherein the notification message indicates that the second satellite is a primary satellite of the terminal device.

38. The device according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that Before sending the user data of the terminal device to the second satellite, the transceiver unit is further used for: A data subscription reply message is sent to the second satellite.

39. The device according to any one of claims 36 to 38, characterized in that Before receiving the data subscription request from the second satellite, the transceiver unit is further used for: receiving a data query request from the second satellite, where the data query request is used to query user data of the terminal device, and the first satellite is a main satellite of the terminal device; The user data of the terminal device is sent to the second satellite.

40. The device according to any one of claims 36 to 38, characterized in that Before receiving the data subscription request from the second satellite, the transceiver unit is further used for: Sending a first query request, where the first query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device; A first query response is received, where the first query response includes first information, and the first information is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

41. The device according to any one of claims 36 to 40, characterized in that After sending the user data of the terminal device to the second satellite, the transceiver unit is further used for: Sending a second query request, where the second query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and the first satellite is not a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device; A second query response is received, where the second query response includes address information of a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device, or the second query response includes first information, where the first information is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

42. The device according to claim 40 or 41, characterized in that The first information is used to determine the address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device, including: The first information indicates address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device; or, The first information indicates a second identifier of the terminal device, and the second identifier of the terminal device is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device.

43. The device according to claim 42, characterized in that The first information indicates a second identifier of the terminal device, and the second identifier of the terminal device is used to determine address information of a DB corresponding to the terminal device; after sending the user data of the terminal device to the second satellite, the transceiver unit is further used to: Sending a second query request, where the second query request includes a first identifier of the terminal device, and the first satellite is not a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device; receiving a second query response, where the second query response includes second information, and the second information indicates that address information of a primary satellite corresponding to the terminal device is not included; The processing unit is used to determine the address information of the DB corresponding to the terminal device according to the second identification of the terminal device.

44. The device according to any one of claims 36 to 43, characterized in that The transceiver unit is also used for: Send status information of the first satellite, where the status information of the first satellite includes one or more of the following information: orbit information of the first satellite, position information of the first satellite, beam occupancy of the first satellite, and information of a terminal device accessing the first satellite.

45. A communication device, characterized in that: include: one or more processors, one or more transceivers, and one or more memories; The one or more memories are used to store computer programs, and the one or more processors and the one or more transceivers are used to execute the computer programs stored in the one or more memories, so that the communication device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-8, or, performs the method as described in any one of claims 9-13, or, performs the method as described in any one of claims 14-22.

46. ​​A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The storage medium stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a computer, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or implements the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 13, or implements the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 22.

47. A computer program product, characterized in that The method comprises a computer program code, and when the computer program code is executed on a computer, the method is implemented as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, or the method is implemented as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13, or the method is implemented as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 22.

48. A chip or a chip system, characterized in that: It includes an input-output interface and a processing circuit, wherein the input-output interface is used to exchange information or data, and the processing circuit is used to run instructions so that the device installed with the chip or chip system executes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or executes the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 13, or executes the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 22.

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