Data transmission method and device, communication equipment, storage medium and program product

Abstract

The invention relates to a data transmission method and device, communication equipment, a storage medium and a program product. The method comprises the steps of determining time information; the time information comprises communication time information between the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element; and sending the time information to the ground network element. By adopting the method, the communication time information between the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element can be determined by the satellite network element, and the communication time information can be sent to the ground network element, so that the ground network element obtains the communication time period between the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element, and thus the communication time period between the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element can be obtained. When data transmission (such as storage and forwarding of signaling or downlink data) needs to be carried out in a satellite regeneration mode, the ground network element can carry out data transmission in the communicable time period based on the communicable time information, so that the situation that data needs to be retransmitted due to data transmission failure can be avoided, and therefore, the data transmission efficiency is improved. The waste of transmission and processing resources can be avoided, and the resource utilization rate can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a data transmission method, apparatus, communication equipment, storage medium, and program product. Background Art

[0002] With the development of communication technology, NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) satellites have emerged, and data storage and transmission can be achieved based on NTN satellites.

[0003] However, in the current 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) standard specifications, when data transmission is required in satellite regeneration mode, ground network elements cannot obtain information about whether the satellite and the ground are communicating. As a result, data transmission fails when there is no communication connection between the satellite and the ground, resulting in a waste of transmission and processing resources.

[0004] Therefore, the current data transmission method has the problem of wasting resources. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a data transmission method, apparatus, communication equipment, storage medium and program product that can avoid waste of resources in response to the above technical problems.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a data transmission method, which is applied to a satellite network element, comprising:

[0007] Determine time information; the time information includes communication time information between the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element;

[0008] Sending the time information to the ground network element.

[0009] In one embodiment, determining the time information includes:

[0010] The time information is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite corresponding to the on-board network element and the feeder link connection information.

[0011] In one embodiment, the communication time information includes at least one communication time interval corresponding to a preset period.

[0012] In one embodiment, the communication time information includes: the end time corresponding to the current communication time interval, or the sustainable duration.

[0013] In one embodiment, the sending the time information to the ground network element includes:

[0014] Send a request message to the ground network element; the request message includes the time information.

[0015] In one embodiment, the request message includes an update location request message corresponding to a registration process.

[0016] In one embodiment, the request message includes an update location request message corresponding to a tracking area update procedure.

[0017] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes a mobility management entity network element MME, and the ground network element includes a home subscriber server network element HSS.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0019] Receive an update location confirmation message sent by the ground network element.

[0020] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes a serving gateway SGW, and the ground network element includes a packet data network gateway PDN-GW.

[0021] In one embodiment, the request message is a create session request message or a modify bearer request message.

[0022] In one embodiment, the satellite network elements include a mobility management entity network element MME, a base station eNodeB, a serving gateway SGW, a packet data network gateway PDN-GW and a policy and charging rules function network element PCRF.

[0023] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0024] The time information and corresponding sending status information are stored.

[0025] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0026] The sending status information is read to determine whether to send the time information to the ground network element.

[0027] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0028] Determining whether the time information is updated;

[0029] If the time information is updated, determining the updated time information;

[0030] Send the updated time information to the ground network element.

[0031] In a second aspect, the present application provides a data transmission method, applied to a ground network element, comprising:

[0032] Receive time information sent by at least one satellite network element; the time information includes communication time information between the satellite network element and the ground network element.

[0033] In one embodiment, the communication time information includes at least one communication time interval corresponding to a preset period.

[0034] In one embodiment, the communication time information includes: the end time corresponding to the current communication time interval, or the sustainable duration.

[0035] In one embodiment, receiving time information sent by at least one satellite network element includes:

[0036] Receive a request message sent by at least one of the satellite network elements; the request message includes the time information.

[0037] In one embodiment, the request message includes an update location request message in a registration process.

[0038] In one embodiment, the request message includes an update location request message in a tracking area update procedure.

[0039] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes a mobility management entity network element MME, and the ground network element includes a home subscriber server network element HSS.

[0040] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0041] Sending a location update confirmation message to the satellite network element.

[0042] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes a serving gateway SGW, and the ground network element includes a packet data network gateway PDN-GW.

[0043] In one embodiment, the request message is a create session request message or a modify bearer request message.

[0044] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0045] Receive updated time information sent by at least one of the satellite-based network elements.

[0046] In a third aspect, the present application further provides a data transmission device, which is applied to a satellite network element, and the device includes:

[0047] A determination module, configured to determine time information; the time information includes information on the communicable time between the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element;

[0048] A sending module is used to send the time information to the ground network element.

[0049] In a fourth aspect, the present application further provides a data transmission device, applied to a ground network element, the device comprising:

[0050] The receiving module is used to receive time information sent by at least one satellite network element; the time information includes the communication time information between the satellite network element and the ground network element.

[0051] In a fifth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device. The communication device includes a transceiver, a processor, and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and is characterized in that the processor executes the computer program to perform the steps of the method in any of the above embodiments.

[0052] In a sixth 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 steps of the method in any of the above embodiments.

[0053] In a seventh aspect, the present application further provides a computer program product, comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method in any of the above embodiments.

[0054] The above-mentioned data transmission method, apparatus, communication equipment, storage medium and program product determine time information; the time information includes the communicative time information between the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element; and the time information is sent to the ground network element. In the embodiment of the present application, the satellite network element can determine the communicative time information between the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element, and can send the communicative time information to the ground network element, so that the ground network element obtains the time period during which the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element can communicate. Therefore, when data transmission (such as signaling or downlink data storage and forwarding) is required under the satellite regeneration mode store and forward operation, the ground network element can perform data transmission within the communicative time period based on the communicative time information. In this way, the situation where data transmission fails and data needs to be resent can be avoided, thereby avoiding the waste of transmission and processing resources, and thus improving resource utilization. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or related technologies, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or related technical descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0056] Figure 1 A diagram showing an application environment of a data transmission method in one embodiment;

[0057] Figure 2 1 is a flow chart of a data transmission method according to an embodiment;

[0058] Figure 3 FIG1 is a flow chart of the steps of sending an update location request message in a registration process in one embodiment;

[0059] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of steps for sending a create session request message in one embodiment;

[0060] Figure 5 1. A flowchart illustrating the steps of sending a modify bearer request message when the satellite network element SGW remains unchanged in one embodiment;

[0061] Figure 6 1. A flowchart illustrating the steps of sending a modify bearer request message when a satellite network element SGW is changed in one embodiment;

[0062] Figure 7 A schematic flow chart of a data transmission method in another embodiment;

[0063] Figure 8 is a structural block diagram of a data transmission device in one embodiment;

[0064] Figure 9 is a structural block diagram of a data transmission device in another embodiment;

[0065] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of an on-board network element in one embodiment;

[0066] Figure 11 This is a diagram of the internal structure of a ground network element in one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] 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.

[0068] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned figure descriptions are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0069] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the quantity, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is more than two, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0070] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0071] With the advancement of communications technology, NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) satellites have emerged, enabling the storage and transmission of data or information. Currently, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) standards specify that NTN satellites only support transparent forwarding mode. Transparent forwarding involves transparent forwarding between ground terminals and base stations, or between base stations and the core network. However, due to geographical constraints and other factors, widespread deployment of NTN ground gateways is currently unavailable. Consequently, NTN satellite coverage is limited, meaning intermittent or temporary unavailability of the communication link between the satellite and the ground. For example, while providing service to terminals within its coverage area, the satellite may lose its feeder link to the ground, resulting in a loss of communication between the satellite and the ground.

[0072] Based on this, the 3GPP SA2 sub-working group is considering a satellite regeneration mode in the R19 phase, which involves moving base stations and / or (partial) core network functions to satellites, thereby reducing dependence on the terrestrial network, making networking more flexible, and reducing communication latency. Furthermore, considering the possibility of disconnection between the satellite and the ground feeder link, the satellite regeneration mode can provide store-and-forward operations for delay-tolerant or delay-insensitive services. Specifically, for uplink store-and-forward operations, "storage" refers to storing uplink information from the terminal (User Equipment, UE) on the satellite, and "forwarding" refers to forwarding the stored uplink information from the satellite to the terrestrial network. For downlink store-and-forward operations, "storage" refers to storing downlink information from the terrestrial network on the satellite, and "forwarding" refers to forwarding the stored downlink information to the terminal UE.

[0073] Existing standards and specifications address only the satellite's transparent forwarding mode and do not cover the interaction between the satellite's onboard network elements and the ground network elements. Consequently, when data transmission (such as signaling or downlink data store-and-forward) is required in satellite regeneration mode, the ground network elements cannot obtain information about whether the satellite and ground are connected. This results in data transmission failures when there is no communication between the satellite and the ground, resulting in a waste of transmission and processing resources. Therefore, current data transmission methods suffer from resource waste.

[0074] After introducing the background technology of the data transmission method provided by the embodiment of the present application, the implementation environment involved in the data transmission method provided by the embodiment of the present application will be briefly described below. The data transmission method provided by the embodiment of the present application can be applied to Figure 1 In the application environment shown. Figure 1 This can also be understood as an architectural diagram of a satellite regeneration mode. Specifically, embodiments of the present application are applied to the satellite regeneration mode, wherein at least one terminal 11 communicates with a satellite network element 12, which is deployed on a satellite. Thus, at least one terminal 11 can communicate with the satellite network element 12 via the satellite. The satellite network element 12 can also communicate with a terrestrial network element 13 via a ground gateway, enabling interaction between the satellite and the ground. Terminal 11 can be, but is not limited to, various personal computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, and portable wearable devices. IoT devices can include smart speakers, smart TVs, smart air conditioners, and smart in-vehicle devices. Portable wearable devices can include smart watches, smart bracelets, and head-mounted devices. Satellite network element 12 refers to a core network element deployed on a satellite in an LTE or NR network. Terrestrial network element 13 refers to a network element deployed on the ground.

[0075] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 1The structure shown in the figure is only a block diagram of a part of the structure related to the scheme of the present application, and does not constitute a limitation on the communication device to which the scheme of the present application is applied. The specific terminal may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have a different component arrangement.

[0076] In one embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, a data transmission 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:

[0077] S201, determine time information; the time information includes the communication time information between the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element.

[0078] The time information includes information about the communication time between the satellite network element and the ground network element corresponding to the satellite network element. The communication time information is used to indicate the time period during which the satellite network element and the ground network element corresponding to the satellite network element can communicate. In one embodiment, the satellite network element may include, but is not limited to, a Mobility Management Entity (MME), an Evolved Node B (eNodeB), a Serving GateWay (Serving GW or S-GW or SGW), a Public Data Network Gateway (PDN-GW), and a Policy Charging and Rules Function (PCRF).

[0079] In an embodiment of the present application, optionally, the satellite network element can directly receive the time information sent by the satellite where the satellite network element is located; or, the satellite network element can also obtain information such as the ephemeris information and feeder link connection information of the satellite where the satellite network element is located, and determine the time information based on the ephemeris information and feeder link connection information. Of course, the embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific method of determining the time information.

[0080] In one embodiment, the communicative time information includes at least one communicative time interval corresponding to a preset period. For example, assuming that the preset period is 24 hours, the communicative time information includes all communicative time intervals within the 24 hours, for example, the communicative time information between the satellite network element and the ground network element 1: communicable time interval 1-1, communicable time interval 1-2, etc.; the communicable time information between the satellite network element and the ground network element 2: communicable time interval 2-1, communicable time interval 2-2, etc.; the communicable time information between the satellite network element and the ground network element M: communicable time interval M-1, communicable time interval M-2, etc.

[0081] In another embodiment, the communicative time information includes: the end time corresponding to the current communicative time interval, or the sustainable duration. For example, assuming that the current time is 8:00 and the current communicative time interval is 7:00-10:00, the communicative time information may include the end time UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) corresponding to the current communicative time interval, i.e., 10:00; or the communicative time information may also include the sustainable duration corresponding to the current communicative time interval, i.e., two hours (from 8:00 to 10:00).

[0082] It should be noted that since at least one satellite network element can be deployed on a satellite, the time information sent in the embodiment of the present application may be the communicative time information of a single satellite network element on the satellite, or the time information sent in the embodiment of the present application may also be the communicative time information of all or multiple satellite network elements on the satellite. Of course, the embodiment of the present application does not limit the number of satellite network elements.

[0083] S202: Send time information to the ground network element.

[0084] In an embodiment of the present application, after the satellite network element determines the time information, the satellite network element can actively send the time information to the ground network element corresponding to the satellite network element in real time or at a fixed time. Optionally, the satellite network element can directly send separate time information to the ground network element; or, the satellite network element can also send a preset message to the ground network element, which carries the time information. Of course, the embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific method of sending the time information.

[0085] In the above-mentioned data transmission method, time information is determined; the time information includes the communicative time information between the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element; and the time information is sent to the ground network element. In the embodiment of the present application, the satellite network element can determine the communicative time information between the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element, and can send the communicative time information to the ground network element, so that the ground network element can obtain the time period during which the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element can communicate. Therefore, when data transmission (such as signaling or downlink data storage and forwarding) is required under the satellite regeneration mode store and forward operation, the ground network element can perform data transmission within the communicative time period based on the communicative time information. In this way, the situation where data transmission fails and data needs to be resent can be avoided, thereby avoiding the waste of transmission and processing resources, and thus improving resource utilization.

[0086] In one embodiment, a method for determining time information is provided, namely, the “determining time information” in S201 above, including:

[0087] The time information is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite corresponding to the on-board network element and the feeder link connection information.

[0088] In an embodiment of the present application, a satellite network element can obtain information such as ephemeris information and feeder link connection information of the satellite on which the satellite network element is located. Optionally, the satellite on which the satellite network element is located can proactively inform the satellite network element of the satellite's ephemeris information and feeder link connection information in real time or on a scheduled basis, so that the satellite network element receives the ephemeris information and feeder link connection information of the satellite on which the satellite network element is located. Alternatively, the satellite network element can proactively obtain information such as ephemeris information and feeder link connection information of the satellite on which the satellite network element is located from the satellite on which the satellite network element is located in real time or on a scheduled basis. Of course, the embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific method for obtaining ephemeris information and feeder link connection information. Thus, the satellite network element can determine time information based on the ephemeris information and feeder link connection information of the satellite corresponding to the satellite network element. Ephemeris information refers to information related to the temporal changes in satellite operating conditions in GPS (Global Positioning System) measurements. Feeder link connection information is used to indicate whether a communication connection is established between the satellite and the ground.

[0089] In this embodiment, time information can be determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite corresponding to the satellite network element and the feeder link connection information, that is, the time period in which the satellite network element and the ground network element corresponding to the satellite network element can communicate can be accurately determined.

[0090] In one embodiment, a method for implementing sending time information is provided, namely, the "sending time information to a ground network element" in S202, including:

[0091] Send a request message to the ground network element; the request message includes time information.

[0092] The request message includes time information. Exemplarily, the request message may include, but is not limited to, an Update Location Request message, a Create Session Request message, or a Modify Bearer Request message. In an embodiment of the present application, optionally, the satellite network element may separately send a request message carrying time information to the terrestrial network element corresponding to the satellite network element; or, the satellite network element may also send a request message carrying time information to the terrestrial network element corresponding to the satellite network element during the terminal UE performs a registration process; or, the satellite network element may also send a request message carrying time information to the terrestrial network element corresponding to the satellite network element during the terminal UE performs a tracking area update process. Of course, the embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific method of sending the request message.

[0093] In one embodiment, the request message includes an update location request message corresponding to a registration process.

[0094] In another embodiment, the request message includes an update location request message corresponding to a tracking area update procedure.

[0095] In one of the exemplary embodiments, if the request message is an update location request message, that is, the request message includes an update location request message corresponding to the registration process, or the request message includes an update location request message corresponding to the tracking area update process, the satellite network element includes a mobility management entity network element (Mobility Management Entity, MME), and the ground network element includes a home subscriber server network element (Home Subscriber Server, HSS).

[0096] In one embodiment, the data transmission method further includes:

[0097] Receive the update location confirmation message sent by the ground network element.

[0098] In an embodiment of the present application, if the request message is an update location request message, that is, the request message includes an update location request message corresponding to the registration process, or the request message includes an update location request message corresponding to the tracking area update process, then after the satellite network element sends an update location request message to the ground network element corresponding to the satellite network element, the ground network element can send an update location confirmation message to the satellite network element, wherein the update location confirmation message includes confirmation information, and the confirmation information is used to indicate that the ground network element has successfully received the time information.

[0099] For example, Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3This is a flow chart of the steps of sending an update location request message in a registration process in an embodiment. At this time, the satellite network elements include but are not limited to the mobility management entity network element (Mobility Management Entity, MME), base station (Evolved Node B, eNodeB), serving gateway (ServingGateWay, Serving GW or S-GW or SGW), packet data network gateway (Public Data Network Gateway, PDN-GW) and policy and charging rules function network element (Policy charging and rules function, PCRF), equipment identity register (Equipment Identity Register, EIR), etc., and the ground network element includes the home subscriber server network element HSS.

[0100] Combine Figure 3 As shown, the steps of the terminal UE performing the registration process include: first, the terminal UE sends a registration request and performs authentication, security, and other processes. Second, if, after executing the first step, the satellite network element MME has not registered the terminal UE's subscription context, or the satellite network element MME cannot obtain a valid context from the satellite network element MME based on the identifier provided by the terminal UE (such as IMSI or GUTI), the satellite network element MME may send an Update Location Request message to the terrestrial network element HSS. In the relevant standards, the Update Location Request message already includes the MME's identity (MME Identity), International Mobile Subscriber Identity Number (IMSI), International Mobile Equipment Identity Software Version (IMEISV), MME Capabilities, etc. It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application adds the above-mentioned time information to the Update Location Request message so that when the satellite network element MME sends the Update Location Request message to the terrestrial network element HSS, it can also inform the terrestrial network element HSS of the communication time information between the satellite network element MME and the terrestrial network element HSS. Exemplarily, the identification ID provided by the terminal UE may include but is not limited to an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) or a Globally Unique Temporary ID (GUTI), etc.

[0101] Combine Figure 3As shown, in the third step, after the terrestrial network element HSS receives the communicable time information sent by the satellite network element MME, the terrestrial network element HSS can return an Update Location Ack message to the satellite network element MME, so that the satellite network element MME receives the Update Location Ack message. The Update Location Ack message already contains the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and subscription data. It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application adds confirmation information to the Update Location Ack message. The confirmation information is used to indicate that the terrestrial network element HSS has successfully received the "communication time between the satellite network element MME and the terrestrial network element HSS" information. In the fourth step, the terminal UE performs processes such as session establishment and registration completion.

[0102] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes a serving gateway SGW, and the ground network element includes a packet data network gateway PDN-GW.

[0103] In one embodiment, the request message is a create session request message or a modify bearer request message.

[0104] For example, Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of sending a Create Session Request message in one embodiment. The UE registration process involves sending a Create Session Request message. At this point, the satellite MME can send the Create Session Request message to the satellite SGW, which can then send the Create Session Request message to the terrestrial PDN-GW. It should be noted that this embodiment of the present application adds the aforementioned time information to the Create Session Request message, so that when the satellite SGW sends the Create Session Request message to the terrestrial PDN-GW, it can inform the terrestrial PDN-GW of the available communication time between the satellite SGW and the terrestrial PDN-GW. Consequently, the terrestrial PDN-GW can return a Create Session Response message to the satellite SGW, allowing the satellite SGW to receive the Create Session Response message. It should be noted that this embodiment of the present application adds confirmation information to the Create Session Response message, indicating that the terrestrial PDN-GW has successfully received the "available communication time between the satellite SGW and the terrestrial PDN-GW" information. Afterwards, the satellite network element SGW may return a create session response message to the satellite network element MME.

[0105] For example, Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of sending a Modify Bearer Request message when the satellite network element (SGW) remains unchanged in one embodiment. During the handover process of a terminal UE, the step of sending a Modify Bearer Request message (ModifyBearer Request message) is involved. If the satellite network element (SGW) remains unchanged during the handover process, the satellite network element MME can send a Modify Bearer Request message to the satellite network element SGW, and the satellite network element SGW can send a Modify Bearer Request message to the terrestrial network element (PDN-GW). It should be noted that in this embodiment of the present application, the aforementioned time information is added to the Modify Bearer Request message so that when the satellite network element SGW sends the Modify Bearer Request message to the terrestrial network element (PDN-GW), it can inform the terrestrial network element (PDN-GW) of the communication time between the satellite network element SGW and the terrestrial network element (PDN-GW). Consequently, the terrestrial network element (PDN-GW) can return a Modify Bearer Response message to the satellite network element SGW, so that the satellite network element SGW receives the Modify Bearer Response message. It should be noted that in this embodiment of the present application, confirmation information is added to the modify bearer response message. The confirmation information is used to indicate that the ground network element PDN-GW has successfully received the "communication time between the satellite network element SGW and the ground network element PDN-GW" information. Afterwards, the satellite network element SGW can return the modify bearer response message to the satellite network element MME.

[0106] For example, Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of sending a Modify Bearer Request message when a satellite network element (SGW) changes in one embodiment. During the handover process of a terminal UE, the step of sending a Modify Bearer Request message (ModifyBearer Request message) is involved. If the satellite network element (SGW) changes during the handover process, the satellite network element MME can send a Create Session Request message to the satellite network element SGW, and the satellite network element SGW can send a Modify Bearer Request message to the terrestrial network element (PDN-GW). It should be noted that in this embodiment of the present application, the aforementioned time information is added to the Modify Bearer Request message so that when the satellite network element SGW sends the Modify Bearer Request message to the terrestrial network element (PDN-GW), it can inform the terrestrial network element (PDN-GW) of the communication time between the satellite network element SGW and the terrestrial network element (PDN-GW). Consequently, the terrestrial network element (PDN-GW) can return a Modify Bearer Response message to the satellite network element SGW, so that the satellite network element SGW receives the Modify Bearer Response message. It should be noted that in this embodiment of the present application, confirmation information is added to the modify bearer response message. This confirmation information is used to indicate that the ground network element PDN-GW has successfully received the "communication time between the satellite network element SGW and the ground network element PDN-GW" information. Afterwards, the satellite network element SGW can return a create session response message to the satellite network element MME.

[0107] In this embodiment, the time period during which communication is possible between the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element can be accurately sent to the ground network element by sending a request message carrying time information to the ground network element. Thus, when data transmission is required in the satellite regeneration mode (such as storage and forwarding of signaling or downlink data), the ground network element can perform data transmission within the accurate communication time period based on the accurate communication time information. In this way, the situation where data transmission fails and data needs to be resent can be avoided. Therefore, the waste of transmission and processing resources can be avoided, thereby improving resource utilization.

[0108] In one embodiment, the data transmission method further includes:

[0109] Stores time information and corresponding sending status information.

[0110] The sending status information refers to the sending status information corresponding to the time information, and the sending status information is used to indicate whether the satellite network element has successfully sent the time information to the ground network element. In the embodiment of the present application, the satellite network element can obtain the sending status information corresponding to the time information after sending the time information to the ground network element, and store the time information and the sending status information corresponding to the time information in a preset memory.

[0111] In one embodiment, the data transmission method further includes:

[0112] Read the sending status information to determine whether to send time information to the ground network element.

[0113] In an embodiment of the present application, the satellite network element can read the transmission status information corresponding to the time information from a preset memory, and then determine whether to send the time information to the ground network element based on the transmission status information. If the transmission status information includes time information, it means that the satellite network element has successfully sent the time information to the ground network element; if the transmission status information does not include time information, it means that the satellite network element has not successfully sent the time information to the ground network element.

[0114] In one embodiment, the data transmission method further includes:

[0115] Determines whether the time information has been updated.

[0116] If the time information is updated, the updated time information is determined.

[0117] Send updated time information to ground network elements.

[0118] In an embodiment of the present application, a satellite network element may determine whether time information has been updated based on information such as the ephemeris information and feeder link connection information corresponding to the satellite where the satellite network element is located. If the satellite network element determines that the time information has been updated, the updated time information may be determined based on information such as the ephemeris information and feeder link connection information corresponding to the satellite where the satellite network element is located, and the updated time information may be sent to the ground network element.

[0119] It should be noted that, since the communicable time information between the satellite network element and the ground network element is related to the satellite where the satellite network element is located, and has nothing to do with the terminal with which the satellite network element communicates, if the satellite network element communicates with multiple terminals, and multiple terminals perform a registration process to the same satellite network element, there may be a situation where the same time information is repeatedly sent to the ground network element. Based on this, the embodiment of the present application can determine whether to send time information to the ground network element based on the read sending status information. If the satellite network element determines that the time information has been successfully sent to the ground network element, and the current time information has not been updated, there is no need to repeatedly send the same time information to the ground network element. Until the satellite network element determines that the time information has been updated, the updated time information can be sent to the ground network element. In this way, the situation where the satellite network element repeatedly sends the same time information to the ground network element can be avoided, thereby avoiding waste of resources.

[0120] In addition, the satellite network element can also determine whether the time information that has been successfully sent has expired, and when it is determined that the time information has expired, it can resend the time information to the ground network element, thereby avoiding resource waste.

[0121] In this embodiment, whether to send time information to the terrestrial network element can be determined based on the read transmission status information. If the satellite network element determines that the time information has been successfully sent to the terrestrial network element and the current time information has not been updated, there is no need to repeatedly send the same time information to the terrestrial network element. The satellite network element can wait until it determines that the time information has been updated, and then send the updated time information to the terrestrial network element. In this way, the satellite network element can avoid repeatedly sending the same time information to the terrestrial network element, thereby avoiding resource waste.

[0122] In one embodiment, Figure 7 As shown, a data transmission method is provided, which is applied to Figure 1 The ground network element in the example is used to illustrate the process, which includes the following steps:

[0123] S701, receiving time information sent by at least one satellite network element; the time information includes communication time information between the satellite network element and the ground network element.

[0124] In an embodiment of the present application, the ground network element may optionally directly receive separate time information sent by at least one satellite network element; alternatively, the ground network element may also receive a preset message sent by at least one satellite network element, the preset message carrying time information. Of course, the embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific method of receiving time information. The time information includes communication time information between the satellite network element and the ground network element corresponding to the satellite network element. The communication time information is used to indicate the time period during which communication is possible between the satellite network element and the ground network element corresponding to the satellite network element.

[0125] In one embodiment, the communicative time information includes at least one communicative time interval corresponding to a preset period. For example, assuming that the preset period is 24 hours, the communicative time information includes all communicative time intervals within the 24 hours, for example, the communicative time information between the satellite network element and the ground network element 1: communicable time interval 1-1, communicable time interval 1-2, etc.; the communicable time information between the satellite network element and the ground network element 2: communicable time interval 2-1, communicable time interval 2-2, etc.; the communicable time information between the satellite network element and the ground network element M: communicable time interval M-1, communicable time interval M-2, etc.

[0126] In another embodiment, the communicative time information includes: the end time corresponding to the current communicative time interval, or the sustainable duration. For example, assuming that the current time is 8:00 and the current communicative time interval is 7:00-10:00, the communicative time information may include the end time UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) corresponding to the current communicative time interval, i.e., 10:00; or the communicative time information may also include the sustainable duration corresponding to the current communicative time interval, i.e., two hours (from 8:00 to 10:00).

[0127] It should be noted that since at least one satellite network element can be deployed on a satellite, the time information sent in the embodiment of the present application may be the communicative time information of a single satellite network element on the satellite, or the time information sent in the embodiment of the present application may also be the communicative time information of all or multiple satellite network elements on the satellite. Of course, the embodiment of the present application does not limit the number of satellite network elements.

[0128] In the above-mentioned data transmission method, time information sent by at least one satellite network element is received; the time information includes communication time information between the satellite network element and the ground network element. In the embodiment of the present application, the ground network element can receive the time information sent by at least one satellite network element, that is, the ground network element can obtain the time period during which communication is possible between the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element. Therefore, when data transmission (such as signaling or storage and forwarding of downlink data) is required in the satellite regeneration mode, the ground network element can perform data transmission within the communication time period based on the communication time information. In this way, the situation in which data transmission failure and the need to resend data can be avoided, thereby avoiding the waste of transmission and processing resources and thus improving resource utilization.

[0129] In one embodiment, a method for implementing receiving time information is provided, namely, the step of "receiving time information sent by at least one satellite network element" in S701, including:

[0130] Receive a request message sent by at least one satellite network element; the request message includes time information.

[0131] The request message includes time information. Exemplarily, the request message may include, but is not limited to, an Update Location Request message, a Create Session Request message, or a Modify Bearer Request message. In an embodiment of the present application, optionally, the terrestrial network element may receive a request message carrying time information sent separately by the satellite network element; or, the terrestrial network element may receive a request message carrying time information sent by the satellite network element during the process of the terminal UE performing a registration procedure; or, the terrestrial network element may receive a request message carrying time information sent by the satellite network element during the process of the terminal UE performing a tracking area update procedure. Of course, the embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific method of receiving the request message.

[0132] In one embodiment, the request message includes an update location request message corresponding to a registration process.

[0133] In another embodiment, the request message includes an update location request message corresponding to a tracking area update procedure.

[0134] In one of the exemplary embodiments, if the request message is an update location request message, that is, the request message includes an update location request message corresponding to a registration process, or the request message includes an update location request message corresponding to a tracking area update process, then the satellite network element includes a mobility management entity network element (Mobility Management Entity, MME), and the ground network element includes a home subscriber server network element (Home Subscriber Server, HSS).

[0135] In one embodiment, the data transmission method further includes:

[0136] Send an update position confirmation message to the satellite network element.

[0137] In the embodiment of the present application, if the request message is an update location request message, that is, the request message includes an update location request message corresponding to the registration process, or the request message includes an update location request message corresponding to the tracking area update process, then after the satellite network element sends an update location request message to the ground network element corresponding to the satellite network element, the ground network element can send an update location confirmation message to the satellite network element, wherein the update location confirmation message includes confirmation information, and the confirmation information is used to indicate that the ground network element has successfully received the time information. Among them, the specific example of the step of sending the update location confirmation message can be referred to Figure 3 And the corresponding embodiments are not described in detail here.

[0138] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes a serving gateway SGW, and the ground network element includes a packet data network gateway PDN-GW.

[0139] In one embodiment, the request message is a create session request message or a modify bearer request message.

[0140] The specific examples of the steps executed by the packet data network gateway PDN-GW can be found in Figures 4 to 6 And the corresponding embodiments are not described in detail here.

[0141] In this embodiment, by receiving a request message carrying time information, the time period during which communication is possible between the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element, which is sent by the satellite network element, can be accurately received. Therefore, when data transmission is required in the satellite regeneration mode (such as signaling or storage and forwarding of downlink data), the ground network element can perform data transmission within the accurate communication time period based on the accurate communication time information. In this way, the situation where data transmission fails and data needs to be resent can be avoided. Therefore, the waste of transmission and processing resources can be avoided, and the resource utilization rate can be improved.

[0142] In one embodiment, the data transmission method further includes:

[0143] Receive updated time information sent by at least one satellite network element.

[0144] In an embodiment of the present application, after a satellite network element sends updated time information to a terrestrial network element, the terrestrial network element can receive updated time information sent by at least one satellite network element. It should be noted that since the communicable time information between a satellite network element and a terrestrial network element is related to the satellite on which the satellite network element is located, and is unrelated to the terminal with which the satellite network element communicates, if the satellite network element communicates with multiple terminals and multiple terminals perform registration procedures with the same satellite network element, the same time information may be repeatedly sent to the terrestrial network element. Based on this, an embodiment of the present application can determine whether to send time information to the terrestrial network element based on the read transmission status information. If the satellite network element determines that the time information has been successfully sent to the terrestrial network element and the current time information has not been updated, there is no need to repeatedly send the same time information to the terrestrial network element. The updated time information can be sent to the terrestrial network element only when the satellite network element determines that the time information has been updated. In this way, the satellite network element can avoid repeatedly sending the same time information to the terrestrial network element, thereby avoiding resource waste. In addition, the satellite network element can also determine whether the time information that has been successfully sent has expired, and when it is determined that the time information has expired, it can resend the time information to the ground network element, thereby avoiding resource waste.

[0145] In this embodiment, the ground network element can receive updated time information sent by at least one satellite network element, so that the ground network element only needs to receive one time information and updated time information without repeatedly receiving the same time information, which can avoid resource waste.

[0146] 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.

[0147] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the present application further provide a data transmission device for implementing the aforementioned data transmission method. The implementation solution provided by this device is similar to the implementation solution described in the aforementioned method. Therefore, the specific limitations of one or more data transmission device embodiments provided below can be found in the above-mentioned limitations of the data transmission method and will not be further elaborated here.

[0148] In one embodiment, Figure 8 As shown, a data transmission device is provided, which is applied to a satellite network element, including: a determination module 31 and a sending module 32, wherein:

[0149] The determination module 31 is used to determine time information; the time information includes the communication time information between the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element.

[0150] The sending module 32 is used to send time information to the ground network element.

[0151] In one embodiment, the determination module 31 includes:

[0152] The determining unit is used to determine the time information based on the ephemeris information of the satellite corresponding to the on-board network element and the feeder link connection information.

[0153] In one embodiment, the communication time information includes at least one communication time interval corresponding to a preset period.

[0154] In one embodiment, the communication time information includes: the end time corresponding to the current communication time interval, or the sustainable duration.

[0155] In one embodiment, the sending module 32 includes:

[0156] The sending unit is used to send a request message to the ground network element; the request message includes time information.

[0157] In one embodiment, the request message includes an update location request message corresponding to a registration process.

[0158] In one embodiment, the request message includes an update location request message corresponding to a tracking area update procedure.

[0159] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes a mobility management entity network element MME, and the ground network element includes a home subscriber server network element HSS.

[0160] In one embodiment, the data transmission device further includes:

[0161] The update location confirmation message receiving module is used to receive the update location confirmation message sent by the ground network element.

[0162] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes a serving gateway SGW, and the ground network element includes a packet data network gateway PDN-GW.

[0163] In one embodiment, the request message is a create session request message or a modify bearer request message.

[0164] In one embodiment, the satellite network elements include a mobility management entity network element MME, a base station eNodeB, a serving gateway SGW, a packet data network gateway PDN-GW, and a policy and charging rules function network element PCRF.

[0165] In one embodiment, the data transmission device further includes:

[0166] The storage module is used to store time information and corresponding sending status information.

[0167] In one embodiment, the data transmission device further includes:

[0168] The reading module is used to read the sending status information and determine whether to send time information to the ground network element.

[0169] In one embodiment, the data transmission device further includes:

[0170] A first determining module, configured to determine whether the time information is updated;

[0171] A second determining module is used to determine the updated time information if the time information is updated;

[0172] The updated time information sending module is used to send the updated time information to the ground network element.

[0173] In one embodiment, Figure 9 As shown, a data transmission device is provided, which is applied to a ground network element, including: a receiving module 41, wherein:

[0174] The receiving module 41 is configured to receive time information sent by at least one satellite network element; the time information includes communication time information between the satellite network element and the ground network element.

[0175] In one embodiment, the communication time information includes at least one communication time interval corresponding to a preset period.

[0176] In one embodiment, the communication time information includes: the end time corresponding to the current communication time interval, or the sustainable duration.

[0177] In one embodiment, the receiving module 41 includes:

[0178] The receiving unit is used to receive a request message sent by at least one satellite network element; the request message includes time information.

[0179] In one embodiment, the request message includes an update location request message in a registration process.

[0180] In one embodiment, the request message includes an update location request message in a tracking area update procedure.

[0181] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes a mobility management entity network element MME, and the ground network element includes a home subscriber server network element HSS.

[0182] In one embodiment, the data transmission device further includes:

[0183] The update location confirmation message sending module is used to send an update location confirmation message to the satellite network element.

[0184] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes a serving gateway SGW, and the ground network element includes a packet data network gateway PDN-GW.

[0185] In one embodiment, the request message is a create session request message or a modify bearer request message.

[0186] In one embodiment, the data transmission device further includes:

[0187] The updated time information receiving module is used to receive updated time information sent by at least one satellite network element.

[0188] Each module in the above-mentioned data transmission device can be implemented in whole or in part through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Each of the above-mentioned modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in the communication device in hardware form, or can be stored in the memory of the communication device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the corresponding operations of each of the above modules.

[0189] In one embodiment, a communication device is provided, which may be a satellite network element. Figure 10 . Figure 10 It is a structural diagram of a satellite network element provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 The satellite network element 1000 shown includes: at least one processor 1001, a memory 1002, and at least one network interface 1004. The various components in the satellite network element 1000 are coupled together via a bus system 1005. It is understood that the bus system 1005 is used to achieve connection and communication between these components. In addition to including a data bus, the bus system 1005 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for the sake of clarity, the bus system 1005 is not described in detail. Figure 2 Various buses are labeled as bus system 1005. In addition, the embodiment of the present invention further includes a transceiver 1006. The transceiver can be multiple components, that is, including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium.

[0190] It is understood that the memory 1002 in the embodiment of the present invention may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus random access memory (DRRAM). The memory 1002 of the systems and methods described in the embodiments of the present invention is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0191] In some embodiments, the memory 1002 stores the following elements, executable modules or data structures, or subsets thereof, or extended sets thereof: an operating system 10021. The operating system 10021 includes various system programs, such as a framework layer, a core library layer, and a driver layer, for implementing various basic services and processing hardware-based tasks.

[0192] In an embodiment of the present invention, by calling the program or instructions stored in the memory 1002, the transmitter is used to send time information to the ground network element; the processor is used to determine the time information; the time information includes the communicative time information between the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element.

[0193] Some or all of the methods disclosed in the above embodiments of the present invention may also be applied to processor 1001, or implemented by processor 1001, or implemented by processor 1001 in conjunction with other components (e.g., a transceiver). Processor 1001 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method may be performed by hardware integrated logic circuits or software instructions within processor 1001. Processor 1001 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component. The methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented or executed. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention may be directly executed by a hardware decoding processor or by a combination of hardware and software modules within the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium well-known in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. The storage medium is located in memory 1002, and processor 1001 reads the information in memory 1002 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0194] It is understood that the embodiments described in the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or a combination thereof. For hardware implementation, the processing unit can be implemented in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSP devices, DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units for performing the functions of the present application, or a combination thereof.

[0195] For software implementation, the techniques of the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented through modules (e.g., procedures, functions, etc.) that perform the functions of the embodiments of the present invention. The software code can be stored in a memory and executed by the processor 1001. The memory can be implemented in the processor 1001 or external to the processor 1001.

[0196] In one embodiment, the processor is specifically configured to determine time information based on the ephemeris information of the satellite corresponding to the on-board network element and the feeder link connection information.

[0197] In one embodiment, the communicative time information includes at least one communicative time interval corresponding to a preset period.

[0198] In one embodiment, the communicative time information includes: the end time corresponding to the current communicative time interval, or the sustainable duration.

[0199] In one embodiment, the transmitter is specifically configured to send a request message to a ground network element; the request message includes time information.

[0200] In one embodiment, the request message includes an update location request message corresponding to the registration process.

[0201] In one embodiment, the request message includes an update location request message corresponding to a tracking area update procedure.

[0202] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes a mobility management entity network element MME, and the ground network element includes a home subscriber server network element HSS.

[0203] In one embodiment, the receiver is further configured to receive a location update confirmation message sent by a ground network element.

[0204] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes a serving gateway SGW, and the ground network element includes a packet data network gateway PDN-GW.

[0205] In one embodiment, the request message is a create session request message or a modify bearer request message.

[0206] In one embodiment, the satellite network elements include a mobility management entity network element MME, a base station eNodeB, a serving gateway SGW, a packet data network gateway PDN-GW, and a policy and charging rules function network element PCRF.

[0207] In one embodiment, the processor is further configured to store time information and corresponding sending status information.

[0208] In one embodiment, the processor is further configured to read the sending status information and determine whether to send the time information to the ground network element.

[0209] In one embodiment, the processor is further used to determine whether the time information is updated; if the time information is updated, determine the updated time information; and the transmitter is further used to send the updated time information to the ground network element.

[0210] In one embodiment, a communication device is provided, which may also be a ground network element. Figure 11 . Figure 11 It is a structural diagram of a ground network element provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 The ground network element 1100 shown includes: at least one processor 1101, a memory 1102, and at least one network interface 1104. The various components in the satellite network element 1100 are coupled together via a bus system 1105. It is understood that the bus system 1105 is used to achieve connection and communication between these components. In addition to including a data bus, the bus system 1105 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for the sake of clarity, the bus system 1105 is not shown in FIG. Figure 2 Various buses are labeled as bus system 1105. In addition, the embodiment of the present invention further includes a transceiver 1106. The transceiver can be multiple components, that is, including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium.

[0211] It is understood that the memory 1102 in the embodiment of the present invention may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus random access memory (DRRAM). The memory 1102 of the systems and methods described in the embodiments of the present invention is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0212] In some embodiments, the memory 1102 stores the following elements, executable modules or data structures, or subsets thereof, or extended sets thereof: an operating system 11021. The operating system 11021 includes various system programs, such as a framework layer, a core library layer, and a driver layer, for implementing various basic services and processing hardware-based tasks.

[0213] In an embodiment of the present invention, by calling the program or instruction stored in the memory 1102, the receiver is used to receive time information sent by at least one satellite network element; the time information includes the communicable time information between the satellite network element and the ground network element.

[0214] Some or all of the methods disclosed in the above embodiments of the present invention may also be applied to processor 1101, or implemented by processor 1101, or implemented by processor 1101 in conjunction with other components (e.g., a transceiver). Processor 1101 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method may be performed by hardware integrated logic circuits or software instructions within processor 1101. Processor 1101 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component. The methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented or executed. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention may be directly executed by a hardware decoding processor or by a combination of hardware and software modules within the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium well-known in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. The storage medium is located in memory 1102, and processor 1101 reads information in memory 1102 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0215] It is understood that the embodiments described in the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or a combination thereof. For hardware implementation, the processing unit can be implemented in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSP devices, DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units for performing the functions of the present application, or a combination thereof.

[0216] For software implementation, the techniques of the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented through modules (e.g., procedures, functions, etc.) that perform the functions of the embodiments of the present invention. The software code can be stored in a memory and executed by the processor 1101. The memory can be implemented in the processor 1101 or external to the processor 1101.

[0217] In one embodiment, the communicative time information includes at least one communicative time interval corresponding to a preset period.

[0218] In one embodiment, the communicative time information includes: the end time corresponding to the current communicative time interval, or the sustainable duration.

[0219] In one embodiment, the receiver is specifically configured to receive a request message sent by at least one satellite network element; the request message includes time information.

[0220] In one embodiment, the request message includes an update location request message in a registration procedure.

[0221] In one embodiment, the request message includes an update location request message in a tracking area update procedure.

[0222] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes a mobility management entity network element MME, and the ground network element includes a home subscriber server network element HSS.

[0223] In one embodiment, the transmitter is further configured to send a location update confirmation message to the satellite network element.

[0224] In one embodiment, the satellite network element includes a serving gateway SGW, and the ground network element includes a packet data network gateway PDN-GW.

[0225] In one embodiment, the request message is a create session request message or a modify bearer request message.

[0226] In one embodiment, the receiver is further configured to receive updated time information sent by at least one satellite-based network element.

[0227] 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 steps in the above-mentioned method embodiments are implemented.

[0228] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program, which implements the steps in the above method embodiments when executed by a processor.

[0229] 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, and the collection, use and processing of relevant data must comply with relevant regulations.

[0230] 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. 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 above-mentioned embodiments. In particular, any reference to memory, database, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can 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 can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take various forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The databases 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 processors involved in the various embodiments provided herein may be, but are not limited to, general-purpose processors, central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), data processing logic devices based on quantum computing, and the like.

[0231] 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.

[0232] 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. A data transmission method, characterized in that: Applied to satellite network elements, the method includes: Determine time information; the time information includes communication time information between the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element; Sending the time information to the ground network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The determining time information includes: The time information is determined based on the ephemeris information of the satellite corresponding to the on-board network element and the feeder link connection information.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The communicative time information includes at least one communicative time interval corresponding to a preset period.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The communicable time information includes: the end time corresponding to the current communicable time interval, or the sustainable duration.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The sending the time information to the ground network element includes: Send a request message to the ground network element; the request message includes the time information.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The request message includes an update location request message corresponding to the registration process.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The request message includes an update location request message corresponding to the tracking area update process.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that The satellite network element includes a mobility management entity network element MME, and the ground network element includes a home subscriber server network element HSS.

9. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive an update location confirmation message sent by the ground network element.

10. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The satellite network element includes a serving gateway SGW, and the ground network element includes a packet data network gateway PDN-GW.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The request message is a create session request message or a modify bearer request message.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The satellite network elements include a mobility management entity network element MME, a base station eNodeB, a serving gateway SGW, a packet data network gateway PDN-GW and a policy and charging rule function network element PCRF.

13. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: The time information and corresponding sending status information are stored.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: The sending status information is read to determine whether to send the time information to the ground network element.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The method further comprises: Determining whether the time information is updated; If the time information is updated, determining the updated time information; Send the updated time information to the ground network element.

16. A data transmission method, characterized in that: Applied to a ground network element, the method includes: Receive time information sent by at least one satellite network element; the time information includes communication time information between the satellite network element and the ground network element.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The communicative time information includes at least one communicative time interval corresponding to a preset period.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The communicable time information includes: the end time corresponding to the current communicable time interval, or the sustainable duration.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein The receiving of time information sent by at least one satellite network element includes: Receive a request message sent by at least one of the satellite network elements; the request message includes the time information.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The request message includes an update location request message in a registration process.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein The request message includes an update location request message in a tracking area update procedure.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that The satellite network element includes a mobility management entity network element MME, and the ground network element includes a home subscriber server network element HSS.

23. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending a location update confirmation message to the satellite network element.

24. The method according to claim 19, wherein The satellite network element includes a serving gateway SGW, and the ground network element includes a packet data network gateway PDN-GW.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The request message is a create session request message or a modify bearer request message.

26. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive updated time information sent by at least one of the satellite-based network elements.

27. A data transmission device, characterized in that: Applicable to satellite network elements, the device includes: A determination module, configured to determine time information; the time information includes information on the communicable time between the satellite network element and the corresponding ground network element; A sending module is used to send the time information to the ground network element.

28. A data transmission device, characterized in that: Applied to a ground network element, the device includes: The receiving module is used to receive time information sent by at least one satellite network element; the time information includes the communication time information between the satellite network element and the ground network element.

29. A communication device comprising a transceiver, a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program, characterized in that: The processor executes the computer program to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15 or 16 to 28.

30. 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 15 or 16 to 28 are implemented.

31. 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 15 or 16 to 28 are implemented.

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