Information interaction method and device, network element equipment, storage medium and program product

Abstract

The invention relates to an information interaction method and device, network element equipment, a storage medium and a program product. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring satellite communication time information of a ground network element; the satellite communication time information is used for indicating the communication time of the ground network element and the satellite network element; and sending the satellite communication time information to the ground network element. By adopting the method, the problem that the downlink data sent from the ground to the satellite fails to be sent can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of data interaction technology, and in particular to an information interaction method, apparatus, network element equipment, storage medium and program product. Background Art

[0002] In the current 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard specifications, 3GPP SA2 is considering introducing a satellite regeneration mode in the R19 stage, that is, deploying base stations and / or some core network functions on satellites.

[0003] In satellite regeneration mode, the connection between the satellite and the ground may be intermittently unavailable. To address this, satellites can provide services for user equipment (UE) services that are latency-tolerant or latency-insensitive by performing store-and-forward operations. For example, satellites can store downlink data from the ground and forward it to the UE.

[0004] However, in the related art, there is a technical problem of transmission failure of downlink data sent from the ground to the satellite. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, it is necessary to provide an information interaction method, device, network element equipment, storage medium and program product to address the above technical problems, which can solve the problem of transmission failure of downlink data sent from the ground to the satellite.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides an information interaction method, applied to a satellite network element, the method comprising:

[0007] Obtain satellite communication time information of the ground network element; the satellite communication time information is used to indicate the time when the ground network element communicates with the satellite network element;

[0008] Send satellite communication time information to ground network elements.

[0009] In one embodiment, the terrestrial network element includes a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) network element, and the satellite network element includes a Mobility Management Entity (MME) network element.

[0010] In one embodiment, the satellite communication time information includes at least one of the following:

[0011] Information on the time during which the HSS network element can communicate with the packet data network gateway (PDN GW) element on the satellite;

[0012] Information about the communication time between the HSS network element and the MME network element on the satellite;

[0013] Information on the communication time between the HSS network element and the satellite network serving gateway Serving GW network element;

[0014] Information about the time during which the HSS network element can communicate with the policy and charging rules function (PCRF) network element on the satellite.

[0015] In one embodiment, the communicable time information includes at least one of the following:

[0016] Current communication time period information;

[0017] Information about all communicable time periods within a certain period.

[0018] In one embodiment, the current communication time period information includes at least two of the following:

[0019] The start time of the communication period;

[0020] End time of the communication period;

[0021] The duration of the communication period.

[0022] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes an MME network element, the satellite network element includes a PDN GW network element, and the PDN GW network element and the MME network element are deployed on different satellites.

[0023] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes a Serving GW network element, and obtaining satellite communication time information of a ground network element includes:

[0024] Send a create session request message to the Serving GW network element; the create session request carries the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element;

[0025] Receive a create session response message sent by the Serving GW network element; the create session response message carries the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element.

[0026] In one embodiment, sending satellite communication time information to a ground network element includes:

[0027] Send a time indication message to the ground network element; the time indication message carries the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the ground network element.

[0028] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0029] Receive a time indication response message sent by the ground network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communication time information.

[0030] In one embodiment, the time indication message includes a notification request message, and the time indication response message includes a notification response message; or, the time indication message includes a location update request message, and the time indication response message includes a location update response message.

[0031] In one embodiment, before sending the create session request message to the Serving GW network element, the method further includes:

[0032] Get the initial session request message;

[0033] A communication time information request field is added to the initial session request message to generate a create session request message.

[0034] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes an MME network element, the satellite network element includes a PDN GW network element, and the PDN GW network element and the MME network element are deployed on the same satellite.

[0035] In one embodiment, obtaining satellite communication time information of a ground network element includes:

[0036] Based on the ephemeris information, the communication time information between all network elements on the satellite and the ground network elements is determined.

[0037] In one embodiment, sending satellite communication time information to a ground network element includes:

[0038] Send a time indication message to the ground network element; the time indication message carries the communication time information of all network elements on the satellite and the ground network elements.

[0039] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0040] Receive a time indication response message sent by the ground network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communication time information.

[0041] In one embodiment, the time indication message includes a notification request message, and the time indication response message includes a notification response message; or, the time indication message includes a location update request message, and the time indication response message includes a location update response message.

[0042] In one embodiment, before sending the satellite communication time information to the ground network element, the method further includes:

[0043] Determine whether the communication time information is to be updated based on the sending parameter information of the MME network element; the sending parameter information includes sending time information and sending content information;

[0044] If so, execute the step of sending satellite communication time information to the ground network element.

[0045] In a second aspect, the present application further provides an information interaction method, applied to a ground network element, the method comprising:

[0046] Receive satellite communication time information sent by the satellite network element; the satellite communication time information is used to indicate the time when the ground network element and the satellite network element communicate.

[0047] In one embodiment, the terrestrial network element includes an HSS network element, and the satellite network element includes a mobility management entity MME network element.

[0048] In one embodiment, the satellite communication time information includes at least one of the following:

[0049] Information on the communication time between the HSS network element and the PDN GW network element on the satellite;

[0050] Information about the communication time between the HSS network element and the MME network element on the satellite;

[0051] Communication time information between the HSS network element and the Serving GW network element on the satellite;

[0052] Information about the time when the HSS network element can communicate with the PCRF network element on the satellite.

[0053] In one embodiment, the communicable time information includes at least one of the following:

[0054] Current communication time period information;

[0055] Information about all communicable time periods within a certain period.

[0056] In one embodiment, the current communication time period information includes at least two of the following:

[0057] The start time of the communication period;

[0058] End time of the communication period;

[0059] The duration of the communication period.

[0060] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes an MME network element, the satellite network element includes a PDN GW network element, and the PDN GW network element and the MME network element are deployed on different satellites.

[0061] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes a Serving GW network element, and receiving satellite communication time information sent by the satellite network element includes:

[0062] The receiving MME network element sends a time indication message; the time indication message carries the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element.

[0063] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0064] A time indication response message is sent to the MME network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communication time information.

[0065] In one embodiment, the time indication message includes a notification request message, and the time indication response message includes a notification response message; or, the time indication message includes a location update request message, and the time indication response message includes a location update response message.

[0066] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes an MME network element, the satellite network element includes a PDN GW network element, and the PDN GW network element and the MME network element are deployed on the same satellite.

[0067] In one embodiment, receiving satellite communication time information sent by an on-board network element includes:

[0068] Receive the time indication message sent by the MME network element; the time indication message carries the communication time information of all network elements on the satellite and the ground network elements.

[0069] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0070] A time indication response message is sent to the MME network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communication time information.

[0071] In one embodiment, the time indication message includes a notification request message, and the time indication response message includes a notification response message; or, the time indication message includes a location update request message, and the time indication response message includes a location update response message.

[0072] In a third aspect, the present application further provides an information interaction device, comprising:

[0073] An information acquisition module is used to obtain satellite communication time information of a ground network element; the satellite communication time information is used to indicate the time when the ground network element communicates with the satellite network element;

[0074] The information sending module is used to send satellite communication time information to ground network elements.

[0075] In a fourth aspect, the present application further provides an information interaction device, comprising:

[0076] The information receiving module is used to receive satellite communication time information sent by the satellite network element; the satellite communication time information is used to indicate the time when the ground network element communicates with the satellite network element.

[0077] In a fifth aspect, the present application further provides a network element device, the network element device comprising: a processor and a transmitter;

[0078] A processor, configured to obtain satellite communication time information of a ground network element; the satellite communication time information is used to indicate the time when the ground network element communicates with the satellite network element;

[0079] The transmitter is used to send satellite communication time information to ground network elements.

[0080] In a sixth aspect, the present application further provides a network element device, the network element device comprising: a receiver;

[0081] The receiver is used to receive satellite communication time information sent by the satellite network element; the satellite communication time information is used to indicate the time when the ground network element communicates with the satellite network element.

[0082] In a seventh aspect, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the content of any one of the information interaction methods of the first and second aspects.

[0083] In an eighth aspect, the present application further provides a computer program product, comprising a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the content of any one of the information interaction methods of the first and second aspects.

[0084] The above-described information interaction method, apparatus, network element device, storage medium, and program product obtain satellite communication time information from a ground network element; the satellite communication time information indicates the time during which the ground network element communicates with the satellite network element; and the satellite communication time information is transmitted to the ground network element. This method obtains the communication time between the ground network element and the satellite network element and transmits this communication time to the ground network element. The ground network element can subsequently transmit data to the satellite within this communication time range. This reduces the number of failed downlink data transmissions from the ground to the satellite and improves the success rate of data transmission. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0085] Figure 1 FIG1 is an architecture diagram of a satellite regeneration mode in one embodiment;

[0086] Figure 2 A diagram of an application environment of an information interaction method in one embodiment;

[0087] Figure 3 1 is a flow chart of an information interaction method in one embodiment;

[0088] Figure 41 is a flow chart of an information interaction method in one embodiment;

[0089] Figure 5 1 is a flow chart of an information interaction method in one embodiment;

[0090] Figure 6 1 is a flow chart of an information interaction method in one embodiment;

[0091] Figure 7 1 is a flow chart of an information interaction method in one embodiment;

[0092] Figure 8 1 is a flow chart of an information interaction method in one embodiment;

[0093] Figure 9 1 is a flow chart of an information interaction method in one embodiment;

[0094] Figure 10 1 is a flow chart of an information interaction method in one embodiment;

[0095] Figure 11 1 is a flow chart of an information interaction method in one embodiment;

[0096] Figure 12 1 is a flow chart of an information interaction method in one embodiment;

[0097] Figure 13 is a structural block diagram of an information interaction device in one embodiment;

[0098] Figure 14 is a structural block diagram of an information interaction device in one embodiment;

[0099] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of an on-board network element device in one embodiment;

[0100] Figure 16 This is a diagram of the internal structure of a ground network element device in one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0101] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application more clear, the following further describes this application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0102] Before introducing the technical solution of the present application in detail, a brief introduction to the background technology of the present application is first given.

[0103] In the current 3GPP standard, non-terrestrial network (NTN) satellites only support transparent forwarding mode. In transparent forwarding mode, NTN satellites can transparently forward data between UEs and ground base stations, or between ground base stations and the terrestrial core network.

[0104] The interaction between NTN satellites and the terrestrial core network is accomplished through ground gateways. However, due to various constraints, ground gateways cannot be widely deployed, resulting in limited satellite coverage. Therefore, in the Release 19 phase, 3GPP SA2 is considering a satellite regeneration model, where base stations and / or some core network functions are deployed on satellites. This reduces reliance on terrestrial networks, enables flexible networking, and reduces communication latency. Figure 1 This is the architecture diagram in satellite regeneration mode. It can be seen from the figure that the base station is deployed on the NTN satellite, and there is a feeder link between the base station and the satellite. The ground network elements and UE exchange information with the base station on the satellite.

[0105] In satellite regeneration mode, due to the limitations of ground gateway deployment, the connection between the satellite and the ground may be intermittently unavailable. In this regard, in related technologies, for some user terminal UE services with high latency tolerance or latency insensitivity, the satellite can provide services by performing store-and-forward operations. Specifically, for uplink data, "storage" means that the satellite stores the uplink data from the UE on the satellite, and "forwarding" means forwarding the stored uplink data to the ground network. For downlink data, "storage" means storing the downlink data from the ground network on the satellite, and "forwarding" means forwarding the stored downlink data to the UE.

[0106] For the downlink information in the above-mentioned storage and forwarding scenario, when the ground network element cannot obtain the satellite's communication time information, the ground network element needs to send signaling or downlink data to the satellite, and there may be multiple transmission failures, resulting in a waste of transmission and processing resources.

[0107] Therefore, in response to the above problems, the present application provides an information interaction method. By knowing the communication time of the satellite network element in advance during the information interaction process, the ground network element can send signaling or data based on the communication time, thereby avoiding multiple transmission failures.

[0108] The information interaction method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to Figure 2In the application environment shown. The application environment includes a satellite 11 and a ground network element 12. The satellite 11 includes multiple network elements. Among the multiple network elements on the satellite 11, a satellite network element 111 exchanges information with the ground network element 12. The satellite network element 111 can obtain the communication time information between the ground network element 12 and the satellite network element, and send the communication time information to the ground network element 12. For the LTE network, the network elements deployed on the satellite may include: at least one of: a satellite base station (Evolved Node B, eNodeB) network element, a satellite mobility management entity (Mobility Management Entity, MME) network element, a satellite network serving gateway (Serving GateWay, Serving GW) network element, a packet data network gateway (PDN GW) network element, and a policy and charging rule function (PCRF) network element. The ground network element includes a home subscriber server (HSS).

[0109] The following specific embodiments describe in detail the technical solution of the present application and how the technical solution of the present application solves the above-mentioned technical problems. The following specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. The embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0110] In one embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, an information interaction method is provided, which is applied to Figure 1 The following steps are used as an example to illustrate the satellite network element in the example:

[0111] S201, obtaining satellite communication time information of a ground network element; the satellite communication time information is used to indicate the time when the ground network element communicates with the satellite network element.

[0112] A satellite network element refers to a network element deployed on a satellite. The number of network elements deployed on a satellite can be one or more. For example, when there is only one network element deployed on a satellite, the network element on the satellite is called a satellite network element; when there are multiple network elements deployed on a satellite, the network elements on the satellite include the satellite network element and other network elements. In other words, a satellite network element is one of the satellite network elements. The above-mentioned terrestrial network element can be an HSS network element or a PDN GW network element.

[0113] In an embodiment of the present application, when the satellite network element includes a satellite network element, the satellite network element can infer the communication time information of the satellite network element based on the ephemeris information, and use the inferred result as the satellite communication time information of the ground network element. Alternatively, the satellite network element can also predict the communication time information of the satellite network element in a future time period based on the recorded historical communication time, and use the predicted result as the satellite communication time information of the ground network element.

[0114] When the satellite network element includes a satellite network element and other network elements, the satellite network element can obtain the communication time of other network elements by exchanging information with the other network elements. Alternatively, the satellite network element can determine the communication time of other network elements based on ephemeris information or historical communication ranges. This embodiment does not limit the method for obtaining satellite communication time information of ground network elements.

[0115] In one scenario, the terrestrial network elements include HSS elements, and the satellite network elements include MME elements. In this scenario, the MME element obtains the communication time between the HSS element and the satellite network element and sends this communication time to the HSS element. This allows the HSS element to obtain the satellite communication time information of the terrestrial network elements in advance and exchange information with the satellite network element based on this satellite communication time information.

[0116] When the satellite network elements include the satellite PDN GW network element, the satellite MME network element, the satellite Serving GW network element, and the satellite PCRF network element, the terrestrial network element has communication time information with each satellite network element. That is, when the terrestrial network elements include HSS network elements, the satellite communication time information of the terrestrial network elements may include at least one of the following: communication time information between the HSS network element and the satellite PDN GW network element; communication time information between the HSS network element and the satellite MME network element; communication time information between the HSS network element and the satellite Serving GW network element; and communication time information between the HSS network element and the satellite PCRF network element.

[0117] It is understood that, in the process of the MME network element obtaining the satellite communication time information of the HSS network element, in one case, at the current moment, the ground network element and the satellite network element are within the communication time range. In this case, the satellite communication time information includes the current communicable time period information, or the satellite communication time information includes the current communicable time period information and all communicable time period information within a certain period.

[0118] The current communicable time period information may include a combination of any two of the three: the start time of the communicable time period, the end time of the communicable time period, and the duration of the communicable time period. That is, the current communicable time period information may include the start time and end time of the communicable time period. For example, if the start time is 8:00 and the end time is 9:00, it can be inferred that the duration is 1 hour. The current communicable time period information may also include the start time and duration of the communicable time period. For example, if the start time of the communicable time period is 8:00 and the duration is 1 hour, it can be inferred that the end time is 9:00. The current communicable time period information may also include the end time and duration of the communicable time period. For example, if the end time of the communicable time period is 9:00 and the duration is 1 hour, it can be inferred that the start time is 8:00.

[0119] In another case, the satellite communication time information includes all communicable time periods within a certain cycle. For example, if a cycle is 24 hours, the communicable time periods within the cycle are: 9:00-10:00, 15:00-16:00.

[0120] It should be noted that the current communicable time period information or all communicable time period information within a certain period is sent when the on-board network element and the ground network element are within the communicable time range.

[0121] Since satellite network elements and ground network elements exchange information through ground gateways, different ground gateways correspond to different time periods. The information of all communicable time periods within a certain cycle can be shown in Table 1.

[0122] Table 1

[0123]

[0124] S202: Send satellite communication time information to ground network elements.

[0125] In an embodiment of the present application, after obtaining the satellite communication time information of the ground network element, the satellite network element can directly transmit the satellite communication time information to the ground network element. Alternatively, the satellite network element can first add the satellite communication time information to the message before transmitting it to the ground network element. In other words, the message carries the satellite communication time information of the ground network element, and the transmission process of the message also represents the transmission process of the satellite communication time information.

[0126] In the above-mentioned information exchange method, satellite communication time information of a ground network element is obtained; the satellite communication time information indicates the time during which the ground network element communicates with the satellite network element; and the satellite communication time information is transmitted to the ground network element. This method obtains the communication time between the ground network element and the satellite network element and transmits this communication time to the ground network element. The ground network element can subsequently transmit data to the satellite within this communication time range. This reduces the number of failed downlink data transmissions from the ground to the satellite and improves the success rate of data transmission.

[0127] The aforementioned satellite network elements specifically refer to MME network elements, and satellite network elements include PDN GW network elements. The deployment of MME network elements and PDN GW network elements can be divided into two scenarios. In the first scenario, the MME network element and PDN GW network element can be deployed on different satellites. In the second scenario, the MME network element and PDN GW network element can be deployed on the same satellite.

[0128] Next, the first case is introduced. This embodiment introduces the specific content of deploying the MME network element and the PDN GW network element on different satellites.

[0129] On the basis of the above embodiment, the satellite network element includes the Serving GW network element. Figure 3 The relevant contents of step S201 "obtaining satellite communication time information of ground network elements" are introduced and explained. Figure 4 As shown, as a non-limiting example, the above step S201 may include the following content:

[0130] S301, sending a create session request message to the Serving GW network element; the create session request carries the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element.

[0131] In the embodiment of the present application, since the MME network element and the PDN GW network element are deployed on different satellites, information exchange between the MME network element and the PDN GW network element is required to obtain the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element. The MME network element and the PDN GW network element need to complete the information exchange process through the Serving GW network element. The interaction process between the MME network element and the PDN GW network element can be completed through a Create Session Request message or a Modify Bearer Request message.

[0132] Next, using the session creation request message as an example, the MME network element can send a create session request message to the Serving GW network element when determining that the communication time information has expired or needs to be updated. The create session request message carries a request for the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element. After receiving the create session request message, the Serving GW network element creates a new entry in its Evolved Packet System (EPS) network element bearer context table and forwards the create session request message to the PDN GW network element based on the address information of the PDN GW network element carried in the create session request message.

[0133] S302, receiving a create session response message sent by the Serving GW network element; the create session response message carries information on the communicable time between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element.

[0134] In an embodiment of the present application, after receiving the Create Session Request message, the PDN GW network element creates a new entry in its EPS network element bearer context table and generates a billing identifier (Identity Document, ID) for the default bearer. The PDN GW network element determines the communicative time information based on the ephemeris information and sends a session response message (Create Session Response) carrying the communicative time information to the Serving GW network element. The Serving GW network element forwards the Create Session Response message to the MME network element. The MME network element can then receive the Create Session Response message carrying the communicative time information of the PDN GW network element.

[0135] It should be noted that, taking the ground network element being the HSS network element as an example, the request for creating a session carries the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the HSS network element, and the request for creating a session response message carries the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the HSS network element.

[0136] In the above-mentioned information interaction method, a create session request message is sent to the Serving GW network element; the create session request carries a request for information about the communicative time between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element; a create session response message is received from the Serving GW network element; the create session response message carries information about the communicative time between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element. During the session establishment process, this method can simultaneously obtain the communicative time information between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element through information exchange between the MME network element and the Serving GW network element. This process does not require special acquisition, which can improve the efficiency of obtaining the communicative time information.

[0137] Based on the above embodiment, this embodiment is to Figure 3 The relevant contents of step S202 "sending satellite communication time information to ground network elements" are introduced and explained. Figure 5 As shown, as a non-limiting example, the above step S202 may include the following content:

[0138] S401, sending a time indication message to a terrestrial network element; the time indication message carries information on the communicable time between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element.

[0139] The time indication message refers to a message carrying the communication time information of the PDN GW network element.

[0140] In an embodiment of the present application, after the MME network element obtains the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element, it can send a time indication message carrying the communication time information to the terrestrial network element.

[0141] S402, receiving a time indication response message sent by a ground network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communication time information.

[0142] In this embodiment of the present application, after the MME sends a time indication message to the ground network element, it can receive a time indication response message with confirmation information sent by the ground network element within a preset time period. The confirmation message indicates that the ground network element has received the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the ground network element.

[0143] If the terrestrial network element includes an HSS network element, the MME network element sends a time indication message carrying communication time information to the HSS network element, and the MME network element receives a time indication response message sent by the HSS network element.

[0144] The MME network element and the terrestrial network element can interact via a Notification Request message or a Location Update Request message. That is, the time indication information can be a Notification Request message or a Location Update Request message. If the time indication information is a Notification Request message, the corresponding Time Indication Response message can be a Notification Response message. If the time indication information is a Location Update Request message, the corresponding Time Indication Response message can be a Location Update Response message.

[0145] In the above-mentioned information interaction method, a time indication message is sent to the ground network element; the time indication message carries the communicative time information between the PDN GW network element and the ground network element; a time indication response message sent by the ground network element is received; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communicative time information. After obtaining the communicative time information between the PDN GW network element and the ground network element, the method sends the communicative time information to the ground network element in the form of a time indication message. After the ground network element confirms receipt of the communicative time information, the time indication response message sent by the ground network element is received, so that the ground network element can know the communicative time information in advance, and can avoid multiple transmission failures in the subsequent data transmission process, thereby improving the success rate of data transmission.

[0146] Based on the above embodiment, this embodiment introduces and explains the relevant contents of generating a create session request message before sending the create session request message to the Serving GW network element. Figure 6 As shown, as a non-limiting example, the above method may further include the following:

[0147] S501: Obtain an initial session request message.

[0148] The initial session request information refers to establishing a session connection between the UE and the ground network element.

[0149] In an embodiment of the present application, when a user triggers a session connection establishment request on a display screen on a UE, the MME network element generates an initial session request message based on the session connection establishment request.

[0150] S502: Add a communication time information request field to the initial session request message to generate a create session request message.

[0151] In this embodiment of the present application, upon receiving an initial session request message and the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element meets the update conditions, the MME network element may add a communication time information request field to the initial session request message. In this way, the initial session request message carries a request for the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element, thereby generating a create session request message.

[0152] In the above information exchange method, an initial session request message is obtained; a communication availability time information request field is added to the initial session request message to generate a create session request message. By adding a field, this method causes the initial session request message to carry a request for communication availability time information to generate the create session request message. This allows the communication availability time information to be obtained simultaneously with the session establishment process.

[0153] Figure 7 It is a flow chart of the information interaction method, in which the ground network element includes the HSS network element. Taking the session establishment process as an example, the information interaction method includes: S11: UE triggers relevant signaling; S12: MME network element sends a create session request message to Serving GW network element; the create session request message carries a request for communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the HSS network element; S13: Serving GW network element forwards the create session request message to the PDN GW network element; S14: After receiving the create session request message, the PDN GW network element determines the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the HSS network element based on the ephemeris information, and sends a create session response message to the Serving GW network element; S15: The Serving GW network element sends a create session response message to the MME network element, and the create session response message carries the PDN The communication time information between the GW network element and the HSS network element; S16: When the UE registration process is completed, the MME network element sends a notification request message carrying the communication time to the HSS network element; S17: The MME network element receives the notification response message sent by the HSS network element with confirmation information of the communication time information.

[0154] Next, the second case is introduced. This embodiment introduces the specific content of deploying the MME network element and the PDN GW network element on the same satellite.

[0155] Based on the above embodiment, this embodiment is to Figure 3 The relevant contents of step S201 "obtaining satellite communication time information of ground network elements" are introduced and explained. As a non-limiting example, the above step S201 may include the following contents:

[0156] Based on the ephemeris information, the communication time information between all network elements on the satellite and the ground network elements is determined.

[0157] Among them, ephemeris information refers to the precise position or trajectory table of the satellite's movement over time.

[0158] In an embodiment of the present application, the MME network element can determine the operating pattern of the satellite based on the satellite's ephemeris information. Therefore, based on the satellite's operating pattern, the communicative time information between all network elements on the satellite and ground network elements can be inferred. It should be emphasized that the communicative time information between all network elements on the same satellite and ground network elements is the same information. For example, the communicative time information between the HSS network element and the PDN GW network element on the satellite, the HSS network element and the MME network element on the satellite, the HSS network element and the ServingGW network element on the satellite, and the HSS network element and the PCRF network element on the satellite are all the same communication time information.

[0159] In the above information exchange method, based on ephemeris information, the communication time information between all network elements on the satellite and terrestrial network elements is determined. When the MME network element and the PDN GW network element are deployed on the same satellite, this method can obtain the communication time information between all network elements on the satellite and terrestrial network elements by analyzing the ephemeris information, thus enriching the content of the obtained communication time information.

[0160] Based on the above embodiment, this embodiment is to Figure 3 The relevant contents of step S202 "sending satellite communication time information to ground network elements" are introduced and explained. Figure 8 As shown, as a non-limiting example, the above method may further include the following:

[0161] S601, sending a time indication message to a ground network element; the time indication message carries the communication time information of all network elements on the satellite and the ground network element.

[0162] The time indication message refers to a message carrying the communication time information of the PDN GW network element.

[0163] In an embodiment of the present application, after the MME network element obtains the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element, it can send a time indication message carrying the communication time information to the terrestrial network element.

[0164] S602, receiving a time indication response message sent by a ground network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communication time information.

[0165] In this embodiment of the present application, after the MME sends a time indication message to the ground network element, it can receive a time indication response message with confirmation information sent by the ground network element within a preset time period. The confirmation message indicates that the ground network element has received the communication time information of all network elements on the satellite and the ground network element.

[0166] If the terrestrial network element includes an HSS network element, the MME network element sends a time indication message carrying communication time information to the HSS network element, and the MME network element receives a time indication response message sent by the HSS network element.

[0167] The MME network element and the terrestrial network element can interact via a Notification Request message or a Location Update Request message. That is, the time indication information can be a Notification Request message or a Location Update Request message. If the time indication information is a Notification Request message, the corresponding Time Indication Response message can be a Notification Response message. If the time indication information is a Location Update Request message, the corresponding Time Indication Response message can be a Location Update Response message.

[0168] In the above-mentioned information interaction method, a time indication message is sent to the ground network element; the time indication message carries the communicative time information of all network elements on the satellite and the ground network element; a time indication response message sent by the ground network element is received; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communicative time information. After obtaining the communicative time information of all network elements on the satellite and the ground network element, the method sends the communicative time information to the ground network element in the form of a time indication message. After the ground network element confirms receipt of the communicative time information, the method receives the time indication response message sent by the ground network element, so that the ground network element can know the communicative time information in advance, and in the subsequent data transmission process, it can avoid multiple transmission failures, thereby improving the success rate of data transmission. In addition, by receiving the confirmation information sent by the ground network element, it is possible to avoid repeated transmission of the communicative time information.

[0169] Based on the above embodiment, this embodiment introduces and explains the triggering conditions for sending satellite communication time information to ground network elements. Figure 9 As shown, as a non-limiting example, the above method may further include the following:

[0170] S701, based on the sending parameter information of the MME network element, determine whether the communication time information needs to be updated; the sending parameter information includes sending time information and sending content information.

[0171] The transmission parameter information is the internal record of the transmission time and content information of each message sent by the MME to the terrestrial network element during the historical time period. For example, the transmission time information can be 9:00, and the transmission content can be the communication time information carried in the notification request message or location update request message.

[0172] Because the communication time information between satellite-based network elements and terrestrial network elements is only relevant to the satellite and not to the UE, when multiple UEs register with the satellite-based MME, the MME does not need to repeatedly send the communication time information to the terrestrial network element. Therefore, multiple transmissions can be avoided by determining whether the communication time information needs to be updated.

[0173] In this embodiment of the present application, the MME network element can confirm, based on the already sent transmission time information and transmission content information, that the time between the last location update time carrying the communicative time information and the current time is greater than a preset time. If it is greater than the preset time, the communicative time information is determined to be information to be updated; if it is less than or equal to the preset time, the communicative time information is determined not to need to be updated.

[0174] S702: If yes, execute the step of sending satellite communication time information to the ground network element.

[0175] In an embodiment of the present application, if it is determined that the communication time information is information to be updated, the satellite communication time information is sent to the ground network element through the MME network element.

[0176] In the above-mentioned information exchange method, based on the transmission parameter information of the MME network element, it is determined whether the communication time information needs to be updated; the transmission parameter information includes transmission time information and transmission content information; if so, the step of transmitting the satellite communication time information to the ground network element is executed. This method can accurately determine whether the communication time information needs to be updated based on the transmission time information and transmission content information of the MME network element, thereby avoiding the repeated transmission of the communication time information.

[0177] Figure 10 This is a flow chart of the information interaction method. The ground network elements include the HSS network elements. Taking the location update request process as an example, the information interaction method includes: S21: After receiving the registration request information of the UE, the MME network element determines the communication time information between the satellite network element and the HSS network element based on the ephemeris information; S22: The MME network element sends a location update request message to the HSS network element, and the location update request message carries the communication time information; S23: The MME network element receives the location update response message sent by the HSS network element, and the location update response message carries confirmation information that the HSS network element has received the communication time information.

[0178] In one embodiment, an information interaction method is provided, which is applied to Figure 2 The ground network element in the example is used to illustrate the process, which includes the following steps:

[0179] Receive satellite communication time information sent by the satellite network element; the satellite communication time information is used to indicate the time when the ground network element and the satellite network element communicate.

[0180] In the embodiment of the present application, upon receiving the satellite communication time information sent by the satellite network element, the ground network element can obtain the time information for information exchange with the satellite network element. In this way, in subsequent information exchanges, the interaction can be based on this time information, thereby avoiding the situation where multiple downlink data transmission failures occur.

[0181] In one case, the ground network element includes an HSS network element and the satellite network element includes an MME network element. In this case, the HSS network element receives satellite communication time information sent by the MME network element, where the satellite communication time information refers to the time when the HSS network element communicates with the satellite network element.

[0182] When the satellite network elements include the satellite PDN GW network element, the satellite MME network element, the satellite Serving GW network element, and the satellite PCRF network element, the terrestrial network element has communication time information with each satellite network element. That is, when the terrestrial network elements include HSS network elements, the satellite communication time information of the terrestrial network elements may include at least one of the following: communication time information between the HSS network element and the satellite PDN GW network element; communication time information between the HSS network element and the satellite MME network element; communication time information between the HSS network element and the satellite Serving GW network element; and communication time information between the HSS network element and the satellite PCRF network element.

[0183] It is understood that, in the process of the MME network element obtaining the satellite communication time information of the HSS network element, in one case, at the current moment, the ground network element and the satellite network element are within the communication time range. In this case, the satellite communication time information includes the current communicable time period information, or the satellite communication time information includes the current communicable time period information and all communicable time period information within a certain period.

[0184] The current communicable time period information may include a combination of any two of the three: the start time of the communicable time period, the end time of the communicable time period, and the duration of the communicable time period. That is, the current communicable time period information may include the start time and end time of the communicable time period. For example, if the start time is 8:00 and the end time is 9:00, it can be inferred that the duration is 1 hour. The current communicable time period information may also include the start time and duration of the communicable time period. For example, if the start time of the communicable time period is 8:00 and the duration is 1 hour, it can be inferred that the end time is 9:00. The current communicable time period information may also include the end time and duration of the communicable time period. For example, if the end time of the communicable time period is 9:00 and the duration is 1 hour, it can be inferred that the start time is 8:00.

[0185] In another case, the satellite communication time information includes all communicable time periods within a certain cycle. For example, if a cycle is 24 hours, the communicable time periods within the cycle are: 9:00-10:00, 15:00-16:00.

[0186] It should be noted that the current communicable time period information or all communicable time period information within a certain period is sent when the on-board network element and the ground network element are within the communicable time range.

[0187] Since satellite network elements and ground network elements exchange information through ground gateways, different ground gateways correspond to different time periods. For information on all communicable time periods within a certain cycle, please refer to Table 1 above.

[0188] In the above-mentioned information exchange method, satellite communication time information transmitted by the satellite-based network element is received; the satellite communication time information indicates the time during which the ground network element and the satellite network element communicate. By receiving the satellite communication time information transmitted by the satellite-based network element, this method can determine the available communication time between the ground network element and the satellite network element. This allows the ground network element to subsequently transmit data to the satellite within this communication time range. This reduces the number of failed downlink data transmissions from the ground to the satellite, thereby improving the success rate of data transmission.

[0189] The aforementioned satellite network elements specifically refer to MME network elements, and satellite network elements include PDN GW network elements. The deployment of MME network elements and PDN GW network elements can be divided into two scenarios. In the first scenario, the MME network element and PDN GW network element can be deployed on different satellites. In the second scenario, the MME network element and PDN GW network element can be deployed on the same satellite.

[0190] Next, the first case is introduced. This embodiment introduces the specific content of deploying the MME network element and the PDN GW network element on different satellites.

[0191] Based on the above embodiment, this embodiment introduces and explains the relevant contents of the above step "receiving satellite communication time information sent by the satellite network element". Figure 11 As shown, as a non-limiting example, the above steps may include the following:

[0192] S801, receiving a time indication message sent by an MME network element; the time indication message carries information on the communication time between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element.

[0193] The time indication message refers to a message carrying the communication time information of the PDN GW network element.

[0194] In an embodiment of the present application, the ground network element is an HSS network element as an example. When the MME network element obtains the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the ground network element, it will send a time indication message to the HSS network element. The HSS network element can then receive the time indication message carrying the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the ground network element.

[0195] S802, sending a time indication response message to the MME network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communication time information.

[0196] In an embodiment of the present application, after the ground network element receives the time indication information sent by the MME network element, it is necessary to notify the MME network element of confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communicative time information. For example, the ground network element is an HSS network element. After receiving the communicative time information, the HSS network element confirms the communicative time information and sends a time indication response message to the MME network element, including the confirmation information of the communicative time information.

[0197] The terrestrial network element and the MME network element may interact via a notification request message or a location update request message. That is, the time indication information may be a notification request message or a location update request message. If the time indication information is a notification request message, the corresponding time indication response message may be a notification response message. If the time indication information is a location update request message, the corresponding time indication response message may be a location update response message.

[0198] In the above-mentioned information interaction method, a time indication message is received from an MME network element; the time indication message carries the communicative time information between the PDNGW network element and the ground network element; a time indication response message is sent to the MME network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communicative time information. This method receives the time indication message sent by the MME network element through the ground network element, and after the ground network element confirms receipt of the communicative time information, sends a time indication response message to the MME network element, so that the ground network element can know the communicative time information in advance, and can avoid multiple transmission failures in the subsequent data transmission process, thereby improving the success rate of data transmission. In addition, by sending a time indication response message carrying confirmation information to the MME network element, it is possible to avoid repeated transmission of the communicative time information.

[0199] Next, the second case is introduced. This embodiment introduces the specific content of deploying the MME network element and the PDN GW network element on the same satellite.

[0200] Based on the above embodiment, this embodiment introduces and explains the relevant contents of the above step "receiving satellite communication time information sent by the satellite network element". Figure 12 As shown, as a non-limiting example, the above steps may include the following:

[0201] S901, receiving a time indication message sent by an MME network element; the time indication message carries the communication time information of all network elements on the satellite and the ground network elements.

[0202] The time indication message refers to a message carrying the communication time information of the PDN GW network element.

[0203] In the embodiment of the present application, after the MME network element obtains the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the ground network element, it can send a time indication message carrying the communication time information to the ground network element. At this time, the ground network element can receive the time indication message carrying the communication time information.

[0204] S902, sending a time indication response message to the MME network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communication time information.

[0205] In an embodiment of the present application, after receiving the time indication message sent by the MME network element, the ground network element can confirm the communication time information and carry the confirmation information in the time indication response message sent to the MME network element.

[0206] The terrestrial network element and the MME network element may interact via a notification request message or a location update request message. That is, the time indication information may be a notification request message or a location update request message. If the time indication information is a notification request message, the corresponding time indication response message may be a notification response message. If the time indication information is a location update request message, the corresponding time indication response message may be a location update response message.

[0207] In the above-mentioned information exchange method, a time indication message sent by an MME network element is received; the time indication message carries the communicative time information of all network elements on the satellite and the ground network elements; a time indication response message is sent to the MME network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communicative time information. By receiving the time indication message carrying the communicative time information from the MME network element, this method can obtain the communicative time information in advance, avoiding multiple transmission failures during subsequent data transmission, and improving the success rate of data transmission. In addition, by sending a time indication response message carrying confirmation information to the MME network element, repeated transmission of the communicative time information can be avoided.

[0208] It should be understood that, although the steps in the flowcharts of the above embodiments are shown in sequence as indicated by the arrows, these steps are not necessarily performed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and these steps can be performed in other orders. Moreover, at least a portion of the steps in the flowcharts of the above embodiments may include multiple steps or multiple stages, and these steps or stages are not necessarily performed at the same time, but can be performed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily to be performed in sequence, but can be performed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least a portion of steps or stages in other steps.

[0209] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the present application also provide an information interaction device for implementing the aforementioned information interaction method. The implementation solution provided by this device is similar to the implementation solution described in the aforementioned method. Therefore, the specific limitations in one or more of the following information interaction device embodiments can be found in the above-mentioned limitations on the information interaction method and will not be further elaborated here.

[0210] In one embodiment, Figure 13 As shown, an information interaction device is provided, including: an information acquisition module 11 and an information sending module 12, wherein:

[0211] The information acquisition module 11 is used to obtain satellite communication time information of the ground network element; the satellite communication time information is used to indicate the time when the ground network element communicates with the satellite network element;

[0212] Among them, the ground network elements include the home subscriber server HSS network element, and the satellite network elements include the mobility management entity MME network element;

[0213] Satellite communication time information includes at least one of the following:

[0214] Information on the time during which the HSS network element can communicate with the packet data network gateway (PDN GW) element on the satellite;

[0215] Information about the communication time between the HSS network element and the MME network element on the satellite;

[0216] Information on the communication time between the HSS network element and the satellite network serving gateway Serving GW network element;

[0217] Information about the communication time between the HSS network element and the policy and charging rules function (PCRF) network element on the satellite;

[0218] The communication time information includes at least one of the following:

[0219] Current communication time period information;

[0220] Information about all communicable time periods within a certain period;

[0221] The current communication time period information includes at least two of the following:

[0222] The start time of the communication period;

[0223] End time of the communication period;

[0224] the duration of the communication period;

[0225] The information sending module 12 is used to send satellite communication time information to the ground network element.

[0226] In one embodiment, the information acquisition module includes: a conversation message sending unit and a conversation message receiving unit, wherein:

[0227] A session message sending unit is configured to send a session creation request message to a Serving GW network element; the session creation request carries a request for information on the communication time between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element; the satellite network element includes the MME network element, and the satellite network element includes the PDN GW network element and the Serving GW network element, and the PDN GW network element and the MME network element are deployed on different satellites;

[0228] The session message receiving unit is used to receive a create session response message sent by the Serving GW network element; the create session response message carries the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element.

[0229] In one embodiment, the information sending module includes: a time information sending unit, wherein:

[0230] The time information sending unit is used to send a time indication message to the ground network element; the time indication message carries the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the ground network element.

[0231] In one embodiment, the information acquisition module further includes a time information receiving unit, wherein:

[0232] A time information receiving unit is configured to receive a time indication response message sent by a ground network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communicable time information;

[0233] The time indication message includes a notification request message, and the time indication response message includes a notification response message; or the time indication message includes a location update request message, and the time indication response message includes a location update response message.

[0234] In one embodiment, the information acquisition module further includes: a session message acquisition unit and a session message generation unit, wherein:

[0235] A session message acquisition unit, configured to acquire an initial session request message;

[0236] The session message generating unit is used to add a communication time information request field to the initial session request message to generate a session creation request message.

[0237] In one embodiment, the information acquisition module further includes a time information determination unit, wherein:

[0238] Based on the ephemeris information, the communication time information between all network elements on the satellite and the ground network elements is determined; the satellite network elements include the MME network elements, and the satellite network elements include the PDN GW network elements. The PDN GW network elements and the MME network elements are deployed on the same satellite.

[0239] In one embodiment, the time information determination unit is further configured to send a time indication message to the ground network element; the time indication message carries the communication time information between all network elements on the satellite and the ground network element.

[0240] In one embodiment, the time information determining unit is further configured to receive a time indication response message sent by a ground network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communicable time information;

[0241] The time indication message includes a notification request message, and the time indication response message includes a notification response message; or the time indication message includes a location update request message, and the time indication response message includes a location update response message.

[0242] In one embodiment, the information interaction device further includes: an update determination module and an execution module, wherein:

[0243] An update determination module is used to determine whether the communication time information is to be updated based on the sending parameter information of the MME network element; the sending parameter information includes sending time information and sending content information;

[0244] The execution module is used to execute the step of sending satellite communication time information to the ground network element when the communication time information is to be updated.

[0245] In one embodiment, Figure 14 As shown, an information interaction device is provided, including: an information receiving module 21, wherein:

[0246] The information receiving module 21 is used to receive satellite communication time information sent by the satellite network element; the satellite communication time information is used to indicate the time when the ground network element communicates with the satellite network element;

[0247] Ground network elements include HSS network elements, and satellite network elements include mobility management entity MME network elements;

[0248] Satellite communication time information includes at least one of the following:

[0249] Information on the communication time between the HSS network element and the PDN GW network element on the satellite;

[0250] Information about the communication time between the HSS network element and the MME network element on the satellite;

[0251] Communication time information between the HSS network element and the Serving GW network element on the satellite;

[0252] Communication time information between HSS network elements and PCRF network elements on satellites;

[0253] The communication time information includes at least one of the following:

[0254] Current communication time period information;

[0255] Information about all communicable time periods within a certain period;

[0256] The current communication time period information includes at least two of the following:

[0257] The start time of the communication period;

[0258] End time of the communication period;

[0259] The duration of the communication period.

[0260] In one embodiment, the information receiving module includes: an indication information receiving unit, wherein:

[0261] The indication information receiving unit is used to receive the time indication message sent by the MME network element; the time indication message carries the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the ground network element; the satellite network elements include the MME network element, and the satellite network elements include the PDN GW network element and the Serving GW network element. The PDN GW network element and the MME network element are deployed on different satellites.

[0262] In one embodiment, the information receiving module further includes: a confirmation information sending unit, wherein:

[0263] A confirmation information sending unit is used to send a time indication response message to the MME network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communication time information; the time indication message includes a notification request message, and the time indication response message includes a notification response message; or, the time indication message includes a location update request message, and the time indication response message includes a location update response message.

[0264] In one embodiment, the information receiving module further includes: a communication time information receiving unit, wherein:

[0265] The communication time information receiving unit is used to receive the time indication message sent by the MME network element; the time indication message carries the communication time information of all network elements on the satellite and the ground network elements; the satellite network elements include the MME network element, and the satellite network elements include the PDN GW network element, and the PDN GW network element and the MME network element are deployed on the same satellite.

[0266] In one embodiment, the information receiving module further includes: a communication time information sending unit, wherein:

[0267] A communicative time information sending unit is used to send a time indication response message to an MME network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communicative time information; the time indication message includes a notification request message, and the time indication response message includes a notification response message; or, the time indication message includes a location update request message, and the time indication response message includes a location update response message.

[0268] Each module in the above-mentioned information interaction device can be implemented in whole or in part through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Each module can be embedded in or independent of the processor in the computer device in the form of hardware, or can be stored in the memory of the computer device in the form of software, so that the processor can call and execute the corresponding operations of each module.

[0269] Figure 15 The schematic diagram of the structure of the satellite network element device 900 provided in an embodiment of the present application includes a receiver 901, a memory 902, a processor 903, at least one communication bus 904 and a transmitter 905. The communication bus 904 is used to realize the communication connection between the components. The memory 902 may include a high-speed RAM memory, and may also include a non-volatile storage NVM, such as at least one disk storage. The memory 902 can store various programs for completing various processing functions and implementing the method steps of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the transmitter 905 can be a radio frequency processing module or a baseband processing module in the satellite network element device, and the receiver 901 can also be a radio frequency processing module or a baseband processing module in the satellite network element device. The transmitter 905 and the receiver 901 can be integrated together to form a transceiver. The transmitter 905 and the receiver 901 can both be coupled to the processor 903, and can perform receiving or transmitting actions under the instruction or control of the processor 903.

[0270] In the embodiment of the present application, the processor 903 is configured to obtain satellite communication time information of the ground network element; the satellite communication time information is used to indicate the time when the ground network element communicates with the satellite network element;

[0271] The transmitter 905 is used to send satellite communication time information to the ground network element.

[0272] In one embodiment, the terrestrial network element includes a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) network element, and the satellite network element includes a Mobility Management Entity (MME) network element.

[0273] In one embodiment, the satellite communication time information includes at least one of the following:

[0274] Information on the time during which the HSS network element can communicate with the packet data network gateway (PDN GW) element on the satellite;

[0275] Information about the communication time between the HSS network element and the MME network element on the satellite;

[0276] Information on the communication time between the HSS network element and the satellite network serving gateway Serving GW network element;

[0277] Information about the time during which the HSS network element can communicate with the policy and charging rules function (PCRF) network element on the satellite.

[0278] In one embodiment, the communicable time information includes at least one of the following:

[0279] Current communication time period information;

[0280] Information about all communicable time periods within a certain period.

[0281] In one embodiment, the current communication time period information includes at least two of the following:

[0282] The start time of the communication period;

[0283] End time of the communication period;

[0284] The duration of the communication period.

[0285] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes an MME network element, and the satellite network element includes a PDN GW network element, and the PDN GW network element and the MME network element are deployed on different satellites.

[0286] In one embodiment, the transmitter 905 is further configured to send a create session request message to the Serving GW network element; the create session request carries the communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element;

[0287] The receiver 901 is configured to receive a create session response message sent by the Serving GW network element; the create session response message carries information on the communication time between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element.

[0288] In one embodiment, the transmitter 905 is further configured to send a time indication message to the terrestrial network element; the time indication message carries information on the time at which the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element can communicate.

[0289] In one embodiment, the receiver 901 is further configured to receive a time indication response message sent by a ground network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communication time information.

[0290] In one embodiment, the time indication message includes a notification request message, and the time indication response message includes a notification response message; or, the time indication message includes a location update request message, and the time indication response message includes a location update response message.

[0291] In one embodiment, the processor 903 is further configured to obtain an initial session request message before sending the create session request message to the Serving GW network element; add a communication time information request field to the initial session request message, and generate a create session request message.

[0292] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes an MME network element, and the satellite network element includes a PDN GW network element, and the PDN GW network element and the MME network element are deployed on the same satellite.

[0293] In one embodiment, the processor 903 is further configured to determine, based on the ephemeris information, the communicable time information between all network elements on the satellite and the ground network elements.

[0294] In one embodiment, the transmitter 905 is further configured to send a time indication message to the ground network element; the time indication message carries the communication time information between all network elements on the satellite and the ground network element.

[0295] In one embodiment, the receiver 901 is also used to receive a time indication response message sent by a ground network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communicative time information; the time indication message includes a notification request message, and the time indication response message includes a notification response message; or, the time indication message includes a location update request message, and the time indication response message includes a location update response message.

[0296] In one embodiment, the processor 903 is further configured to determine whether the communication time information is to be updated based on the sending parameter information of the MME network element; the sending parameter information includes sending time information and sending content information;

[0297] The transmitter 905 is further configured to execute the step of sending the satellite communication time information to the ground network element when the communication time information is to be updated.

[0298] Figure 16The structural diagram of the ground network element device 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present application includes a receiver 1001, a memory 1002, a processor 1003, at least one communication bus 1004, and a transmitter 1005. The communication bus 1004 is used to implement communication connections between components. The memory 1002 may include a high-speed RAM memory, and may also include a non-volatile storage NVM, such as at least one disk storage. The memory 1002 can store various programs for performing various processing functions and implementing the method steps of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the transmitter 1005 can be a radio frequency processing module or a baseband processing module in the ground network element device, and the receiver 1001 can also be a radio frequency processing module or a baseband processing module in the ground network element device. The transmitter 1005 and the receiver 1001 can be integrated together to form a transceiver. The transmitter 1005 and the receiver 1001 can both be coupled to the processor 1003, and can perform receiving or transmitting actions under the instruction or control of the processor 1003.

[0299] In the embodiment of the present application, the receiver 1001 is used to receive satellite communication time information sent by the satellite network element; the satellite communication time information is used to indicate the time when the ground network element communicates with the satellite network element.

[0300] In one embodiment, the ground network element includes an HSS network element, and the satellite network element includes a mobility management entity MME network element.

[0301] In one embodiment, the satellite communication time information includes at least one of the following:

[0302] Information on the communication time between the HSS network element and the PDN GW network element on the satellite;

[0303] Information about the communication time between the HSS network element and the MME network element on the satellite;

[0304] Communication time information between the HSS network element and the Serving GW network element on the satellite;

[0305] Information about the time when the HSS network element can communicate with the PCRF network element on the satellite.

[0306] In one embodiment, the communicable time information includes at least one of the following:

[0307] Current communication time period information;

[0308] Information about all communicable time periods within a certain period.

[0309] In one embodiment, the current communication time period information includes at least two of the following:

[0310] The start time of the communication period;

[0311] End time of the communication period;

[0312] The duration of the communication period.

[0313] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes an MME network element, and the satellite network element includes a PDN GW network element, and the PDN GW network element and the MME network element are deployed on different satellites.

[0314] In one embodiment, the receiver 1001 is further configured to receive a time indication message sent by an MME network element; the time indication message carries information on the communication time between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element.

[0315] In one embodiment, the transmitter 1005 is further configured to send a time indication response message to the MME network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communication time information.

[0316] In one embodiment, the time indication message includes a notification request message, and the time indication response message includes a notification response message; or, the time indication message includes a location update request message, and the time indication response message includes a location update response message.

[0317] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes an MME network element, and the satellite network element includes a PDN GW network element, and the PDN GW network element and the MME network element are deployed on the same satellite.

[0318] In one embodiment, the receiver 1001 is further configured to receive a time indication message sent by an MME network element; the time indication message carries information on the communicable time between all network elements on the satellite and the ground network elements.

[0319] In one embodiment, the transmitter 1005 is further configured to send a time indication response message to the MME network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communication time information.

[0320] In one embodiment, the time indication message includes a notification request message, and the time indication response message includes a notification response message; or, the time indication message includes a location update request message, and the time indication response message includes a location update response message.

[0321] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the content of any embodiment of the above-mentioned information interaction method is implemented.

[0322] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program, which implements the content of any embodiment of the above-mentioned information interaction method when executed by a processor.

[0323] It should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, stored data, displayed data, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties.

[0324] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that all or part of the processes in the above-mentioned embodiments can be implemented by instructing the relevant hardware through a computer program, and the computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above-mentioned methods. Among them, any reference to memory, database or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can be in various forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The database involved in the various embodiments provided herein may include at least one of a relational database and a non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, distributed databases based on blockchains. The processor involved in the various embodiments provided herein may be, but are not limited to, a general-purpose processor, a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, a digital signal processor, a programmable logic unit, a data processing logic unit based on quantum computing, and the like.

[0325] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0326] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An information interaction method, characterized in that: Applied to satellite network elements, the method includes: Acquire satellite communication time information of a ground network element; the satellite communication time information is used to indicate the time when the ground network element communicates with the satellite network element; The satellite communication time information is sent to the ground network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The terrestrial network element includes a Home Subscriber Server HSS network element, and the satellite network element includes a Mobility Management Entity MME network element.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The satellite communication time information includes at least one of the following: Information on the time during which the HSS network element can communicate with the satellite packet data network gateway (PDN GW) network element; Communication time information between the HSS network element and the MME network element on the satellite; Information on the time during which the HSS network element can communicate with the satellite network serving gateway Serving GW network element; The communication time information between the HSS network element and the policy and charging rules function PCRF network element on the satellite.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The communication time information includes at least one of the following: Current communication time period information; Information about all communicable time periods within a certain period.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The current communication time period information includes at least two of the following: The start time of the communication period; End time of the communication period; The duration of the communication period.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The satellite network element includes an MME network element, and the satellite network element includes a PDN GW network element. The PDN GW network element and the MME network element are deployed on different satellites.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The satellite network element includes a Serving GW network element, and obtaining satellite communication time information of the ground network element includes: Sending a create session request message to the Serving GW network element; the create session request carries a request for information on the communicable time between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element; Receive a create session response message sent by the Serving GW network element; the create session response message carries communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The sending the satellite communication time information to the ground network element includes: A time indication message is sent to the ground network element; the time indication message carries communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the ground network element.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive a time indication response message sent by the ground network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communicative time information.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The time indication message includes a notification request message, and the time indication response message includes a notification response message; or, the time indication message includes a location update request message, and the time indication response message includes a location update response message.

11. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that Before sending the create session request message to the Serving GW network element, the method further includes: Get the initial session request message; A communication time information request field is added to the initial session request message to generate the create session request message.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The satellite network element includes an MME network element, and the satellite network element includes a PDN GW network element. The PDN GW network element and the MME network element are deployed on the same satellite.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The obtaining of satellite communication time information of the ground network element includes: Based on the ephemeris information, the communicable time information between all network elements on the satellite and the ground network elements is determined.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The sending the satellite communication time information to the ground network element includes: A time indication message is sent to the ground network element; the time indication message carries the communication time information between all network elements on the satellite and the ground network element.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive a time indication response message sent by the ground network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communicative time information.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The time indication message includes a notification request message, and the time indication response message includes a notification response message; or, the time indication message includes a location update request message, and the time indication response message includes a location update response message.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Before sending the satellite communication time information to the ground network element, the method further includes: Determining whether the communication time information is to be updated based on the sending parameter information of the MME network element; the sending parameter information includes sending time information and sending content information; If so, execute the step of sending the satellite communication time information to the ground network element.

18. An information interaction method, characterized in that: Applied to a ground network element, the method includes: Receive satellite communication time information sent by the satellite network element; the satellite communication time information is used to indicate the time when the ground network element communicates with the satellite network element.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The terrestrial network element includes an HSS network element, and the satellite network element includes a mobility management entity MME network element.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The satellite communication time information includes at least one of the following: Information on the time during which the HSS network element and the PDN GW network element on the satellite can communicate; Communication time information between the HSS network element and the MME network element on the satellite; Information on the time during which the HSS network element and the Serving GW network element on the satellite can communicate; The communication time information between the HSS network element and the PCRF network element on the satellite.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The communication time information includes at least one of the following: Current communication time period information; Information about all communicable time periods within a certain period.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The current communication time period information includes at least two of the following: The start time of the communication period; End time of the communication period; The duration of the communication period.

23. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that The satellite network element includes an MME network element, and the satellite network element includes a PDN GW network element. The PDN GW network element and the MME network element are deployed on different satellites.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein The satellite network element includes a Serving GW network element, and the receiving satellite communication time information sent by the satellite network element includes: Receive a time indication message sent by the MME network element; the time indication message carries communication time information between the PDN GW network element and the terrestrial network element.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The method further comprises: A time indication response message is sent to the MME network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communicative time information.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that The time indication message includes a notification request message, and the time indication response message includes a notification response message; or, the time indication message includes a location update request message, and the time indication response message includes a location update response message.

27. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that The satellite network element includes an MME network element, and the satellite network element includes a PDN GW network element. The PDN GW network element and the MME network element are deployed on the same satellite.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that The receiving satellite communication time information sent by the satellite network element includes: Receive a time indication message sent by the MME network element; the time indication message carries the communication time information of all network elements on the satellite and the ground network element.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that The method further comprises: A time indication response message is sent to the MME network element; the time indication response message carries confirmation information that the ground network element has received the communicative time information.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein The time indication message includes a notification request message, and the time indication response message includes a notification response message; or, the time indication message includes a location update request message, and the time indication response message includes a location update response message.

31. An information interaction device, characterized in that: Applicable to a satellite network element deployed on a satellite, the device includes: An information acquisition module is used to obtain satellite communication time information of a ground network element; the satellite communication time information is used to indicate the time when the ground network element communicates with the satellite network element; An information sending module is used to send the satellite communication time information to the ground network element.

32. An information interaction device, characterized in that: Applied to a ground network element, the device includes: The information receiving module is used to receive satellite communication time information sent by the satellite network element; the satellite communication time information is used to indicate the time when the ground network element communicates with the satellite network element.

33. A network element device, characterized in that: include: processor and transmitter; The processor is used to obtain satellite communication time information of the ground network element; The satellite communication time information is used to indicate the time when the ground network element communicates with the satellite network element; The transmitter is used to send the satellite communication time information to the ground network element.

34. A network element device, characterized in that: include: Receiver; The receiver is used to receive satellite communication time information sent by the satellite network element; The satellite communication time information is used to indicate the time when the ground network element communicates with the satellite network element.

35. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 30 are implemented.

36. A computer program product comprising a computer program, characterized in that When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 30 are implemented.

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