Network switching method and device, equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides a network switching method and device, equipment and a storage medium, relates to the technical field of communication, and is used for improving communication session continuity in a non-ground network scene of a narrowband Internet of Things. The method comprises the following steps: performing a communication session of a non-ground network of the narrowband Internet of Things through a first SIM card; detecting available satellites through the second SIM card; and under the condition that the available satellite meets the network switching condition, accessing the available satellite through the second SIM card, and taking over the communication session of the non-ground network of the narrowband Internet of Things instead of the first SIM card.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a network switching method, apparatus, device, and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] With the development of commercial aerospace, low-orbit satellite Internet has developed rapidly, and the ground communication and satellite communication of the earth and the sky are deeply integrated. Narrowband Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Network (NB-IoT NTN) technology has gradually become an important means to achieve extensive connectivity and low-power communication, especially in remote areas, oceans, aviation and other scenarios.

[0003] However, since the non-terrestrial network of narrowband Internet of Things does not support mobility and lacks an effective switching mechanism, when the low-orbit satellite moves and causes the terminal to transition from one satellite coverage area to another, smooth switching cannot be achieved as in the terrestrial cellular network, and the continuity of voice calls cannot be effectively guaranteed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a network switching method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for improving voice call continuity in narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) non-terrestrial network scenarios.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a network switching method, which is applied to a dual-card terminal. The method includes: conducting a communication session of a narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network through a first subscriber identity module card (Subscriber Identity Module Card, SIM card); at the same time, detecting available satellites through a second SIM card; when the available satellites meet the network switching conditions, accessing the available satellites through the second SIM card, and taking over the communication session of the narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network in place of the first SIM card.

[0007] The network switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application detects available satellites through a second SIM card during a communication session of a narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network through a first SIM card. If the available satellite meets the network switching conditions, the second SIM card accesses the available satellite and takes over the communication session of the narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network instead of the first SIM card. This method detects available satellites through the second SIM card without affecting the call service of the first SIM card. If the available satellite meets the network switching conditions, the second SIM card accesses the available satellite and takes over the call service of the first SIM card. It can be seen that the method of the present application can achieve seamless network switching and effectively improve the continuity of voice calls in the narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network scenario.

[0008] In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect, after the second SIM card takes over the communication session of the narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network, the first SIM card is set to a standby state, and the standby state includes: detecting available satellites of the dual-card terminal under preset conditions.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect above, obtaining the network status of the current service satellite through the first SIM card; and detecting available satellites through the second SIM card at the same time, including: detecting available satellites through the second SIM card when the network status of the current service satellite meets the network abnormality condition.

[0010] In combination with the above-mentioned first aspect, the network status includes at least one of the following: network quality, network load, and satellite remaining time; the network abnormal condition includes at least one of the following: network quality is less than a first threshold, the satellite remaining time is less than a second threshold, and the network load is greater than a third threshold.

[0011] In combination with the above first aspect, the network status further includes: a bit error rate; and the network abnormality condition further includes: a bit error rate greater than a fourth threshold.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect above, when the network quality of the available satellite is greater than the first threshold and the remaining time of the available satellite is less than the fifth threshold, it is determined that the current available satellite meets the network switching condition.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, the second SIM card accesses the available satellite, including: the second SIM card sequentially performs connection request establishment, identity authentication, and resource allocation to access the available satellite.

[0014] In a second aspect, the present application provides a network switching device, comprising: a communication module, a detection module, and a processing module. The communication module is configured to conduct a communication session on a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) non-terrestrial network via a first SIM card; the detection module is configured to detect available satellites via a second SIM card; and the processing module is configured to, if an available satellite meets network switching conditions, access the available satellite via the second SIM card and take over the communication session on the NB-IoT non-terrestrial network in place of the first SIM card.

[0015] In combination with the above-mentioned second aspect, the processing module is also used to set the first SIM card to a standby state after the second SIM card takes over the communication session of the narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network; the standby state includes: detecting available satellites of the dual-card terminal under preset conditions.

[0016] In combination with the above second aspect, the communication module is further used to obtain the network status of the current service satellite through the first SIM card; the detection module is specifically used to detect available satellites through the second SIM card when the network status of the current service satellite meets the network abnormality condition.

[0017] In combination with the above-mentioned second aspect, the network status includes at least one of the following: network quality, network load, and satellite remaining time; the network abnormal condition includes at least one of the following: network quality is less than a first threshold, the satellite remaining time is less than a second threshold, and the network load is greater than a third threshold.

[0018] In combination with the above second aspect, the network status further includes: a bit error rate; and the network abnormality condition further includes: a bit error rate greater than a fourth threshold.

[0019] In combination with the above second aspect, the processing module is further configured to, when the network quality of the available satellite is greater than a first threshold and the remaining time of the available satellite is less than a fifth threshold, determine that the available satellite meets the network switching condition.

[0020] In combination with the second aspect above, the processing module is specifically configured to enable the second SIM card to access an available satellite, including: the second SIM card sequentially performs connection request establishment, identity authentication, and resource allocation to access the available satellite.

[0021] In a third aspect, the present application provides an electronic device, which includes a memory and a processor; the memory and the processor are coupled; the memory is used to store computer program code, and the computer program code includes computer instructions; when the processor executes the computer instructions, the electronic device implements the method of the first aspect.

[0022] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a readable storage medium storing a program or instruction. When the program or instruction is executed on an electronic device, the electronic device implements the method of the first aspect.

[0023] For the detailed description of the second to fourth aspects and their various implementations in this application, reference can be made to the detailed description of the first aspect and its various implementations.

[0024] These and other aspects of the present application will become more readily apparent from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an application environment of a network switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a network switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another network switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 4 A complete flow chart of a network switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a primary and secondary card switching process provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the composition of a network switching device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0033] In order to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with basically the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art can understand that words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order.

[0034] Currently, in NB-IoT non-terrestrial network applications, low-orbit satellites (LEOs) supporting NB-IoT non-terrestrial network technology experience rapid satellite movement, rapidly leaving the terminal's coverage area. Furthermore, because NB-IoT non-terrestrial networks lack mobility and an effective handover mechanism, when LEO satellite movement causes a terminal to transition from one satellite coverage area to another, smooth handover, as in terrestrial cellular networks, is not achieved, effectively preventing voice call continuity. Existing NB-IoT non-terrestrial network technology supported by LEO satellites suffers from serious shortcomings in ensuring voice call continuity. Therefore, an innovative solution is urgently needed to improve its reliability and practicality in practical applications.

[0035] Against this background, an embodiment of the present application provides a network switching method. During a communication session on a narrowband Internet of Things (NIoT) non-terrestrial network using a first SIM card, a second SIM card is used to detect available satellites. If the available satellites meet the network switching conditions, the second SIM card is used to access the available satellites and take over the communication session on the Narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network in place of the first SIM card. This method uses the second SIM card to detect available satellites without affecting the call service of the first SIM card. If the available satellites meet the network switching conditions, the second SIM card is used to access the available satellites and take over the call service of the first SIM card. As can be seen, the method of the present application can achieve seamless network switching, effectively improving voice call continuity in Narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network scenarios.

[0036] The network switching method provided in this application can be applied to Figure 1 In the application environment shown. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an application environment of a network switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the application environment may include: an electronic device 101, a service satellite 104, and an available satellite 105 (at least one).

[0037] In some embodiments, the electronic device 101 may be a mobile phone, a smart wearable device, a computer, or an in-vehicle device. In this embodiment of the application, the electronic device 101 must be able to support dual SIM cards, and other specific device forms are not limited. Figure 1 The electronic device is shown as a mobile phone terminal (dual-SIM card terminal) as an example.

[0038] In some embodiments, a satellite may also be referred to as a satellite node, a communication satellite, etc. A satellite may be a geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite or a non-geostationary Earth orbit (NGEO) satellite. It may also be a high-orbit satellite, a medium-orbit satellite, or a low-orbit satellite. A wireless link exists between the satellite and the electronic device.

[0039] In some embodiments, satellites are used to provide wireless access services to electronic devices. Specifically, a satellite provides one or more service coverage areas (also known as cells). Electronic devices within these areas can communicate with the satellite via wireless signals to receive the wireless access services provided by the satellite.

[0040] Among them, the satellite that has established a communication connection with the electronic device 101 is called a service satellite 104. Among the satellites other than the service satellite 104, the satellites that are in normal operation and can stably provide one or more service coverage areas for the electronic device 101 are called available satellites 105. Among the satellites other than the service satellite 104, at least one available satellite 105, for example, Figure 1 The satellites 1-3 shown are exemplary satellites other than the serving satellite, of which at least one is available 105.

[0041] In some embodiments, when the electronic device 101 is used in a narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network scenario, the first SIM card 102 can communicate with the service satellite 104. At the same time, the second SIM card 103 is in standby mode. When monitoring the available satellite 105 under preset conditions, when the service satellite network connected to the first SIM card 102 is abnormal, the second SIM card 103 communicates with the available satellite, and the first SIM card 102 is in standby mode and then performs the monitoring of available satellites, thereby effectively ensuring communication continuity.

[0042] It should be understood that Figure 1 is an exemplary structural diagram, Figure 1 The communication system shown includes an unlimited number of devices, such as an unlimited number of satellites and an unlimited number of electronic devices. Figure 1 In addition to the equipment shown, Figure 1 The communication system shown may also include other devices, which is not limited thereto.

[0043] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a network switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 As shown, the network switching method provided by this application can be Figure 1 It is implemented in the application environment shown, and specifically may include S201-S203.

[0044] S201: Conduct a communication session on a narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network through a first SIM card.

[0045] Among them, the SIM card is an integrated circuit card provided by mobile operators, which stores user identity, authentication keys and network information. It is used to securely identify and verify user identity in the cellular network and realize access and management of communication services.

[0046] Narrowband IoT non-terrestrial networks are narrowband IoT communication systems deployed via satellite or other non-terrestrial platforms. They aim to provide low-power, wide-coverage IoT connectivity services in areas beyond the reach of terrestrial cellular networks. Non-terrestrial platforms include satellite systems, high-altitude platform stations, drone base stations, and other emerging platforms.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first SIM card is the primary card by default, and the primary card is responsible for communication sessions in the narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network.

[0048] For example, a mobile phone terminal contains two SIM cards. The mobile phone baseband chip usually maps the SIM1 card slot as the default communication channel, and the RF antenna resources are preferentially allocated to the primary card SIM1 to ensure the network stability of the primary card. SIM1 refers to the first SIM card.

[0049] S202: Detect available satellites through the second SIM card.

[0050] Among them, available satellites refer to the location where the current dual-SIM terminal is located, which is covered by the signals of some satellites. These satellites are called available satellites.

[0051] In some embodiments, the dual-SIM terminal uses the first SIM card as the primary card to be responsible for communication sessions on the narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network, and uses the second SIM card as the secondary card to detect available satellites.

[0052] In one possible implementation, Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another network switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, before S202, the network switching method of the embodiment of the present application further includes: S204, obtaining the network status of the current serving satellite through the first SIM card. When S204 is executed, the above S202 can be specifically implemented as follows: S2021, if the network status of the current serving satellite meets the network abnormality condition, detecting available satellites through the second SIM card.

[0053] Network Status (NS) refers to the real-time performance and availability of network connections, reflecting the quality of communication between a device and the local network or the internet. It encompasses multiple dimensions, including physical connection, signal strength, and data transmission efficiency, directly impacting the online experience.

[0054] In other words, under normal circumstances, the second SIM card, acting as a secondary card, is in standby mode to avoid occupying resources and conserving phone battery. While the first SIM card, acting as the primary card, is in a communication session, it also checks the network status of the current serving satellite (service network). If the network status is poor, the dual-SIM terminal activates the second SIM card to detect available satellites and prepare for subsequent network switching.

[0055] In some embodiments, the network status includes at least one of the following: network quality, network load, and satellite remaining time; the network abnormality condition includes at least one of the following: network quality is less than a first threshold, satellite remaining time is less than a second threshold, and network load is greater than a third threshold.

[0056] Exemplarily, network quality refers to the comprehensive performance, stability, and user experience of network services, typically measured through multiple technical indicators, including at least signal strength and signal quality. For example, network quality is less than -110dBm, where -110dBm is the first threshold. Exemplarily, satellite remaining time refers to the remaining connectable time within the communication range of the current satellite, which is typically affected by the satellite's orbit, elevation angle, and coverage area. Due to the high-speed movement of satellites, NB-IoT devices must complete access, data transmission, and handover within this window and optimize energy consumption strategies (such as sleep and wakeup) to ensure reliable transmission of critical data before the satellite departs. For example, satellite service time remaining is less than 10s, where 10s is the second threshold. Exemplarily, network load refers to the comprehensive status of data traffic and resource utilization carried by the network system within a specific time period, reflecting the operating pressure of the device, link, and protocol layers. For example, network load is greater than 70%, where 70% is the third threshold.

[0057] In a possible implementation, when the first SIM card is communicating with the network, it continuously monitors key network quality parameters such as signal strength and signal quality of the current serving cell (satellite coverage area), as well as information such as network load, cell priority, and satellite ephemeris information.

[0058] For example, a serving cell (satellite coverage area) refers to the geographical range and communication resource allocation situation covered by the satellite to which the user terminal is currently connected.

[0059] For example, signal strength refers to the power of the wireless signal detected by the receiving end, reflecting the strength of the signal. Common indicators include Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). RSRP is the pure useful signal strength, while RSRP is a negative value. The closer to 0, the stronger it is, for example, -85dBm (good) vs. -110dBm (weak). RSSI is the received signal strength indicator, which measures the total received power within the entire channel bandwidth, including signal and noise. For example, signal quality refers to the available efficiency of the signal, taking into account interference, noise, and stability. Common indicators include Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) and Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR). RSRQ combines signal strength and interference. RSRP is a negative value. The closer to 0, the better, for example, -8dB (high quality) vs. -15dB (high interference). SINR is the ratio of useful signal to noise and interference. It is a positive value, and the larger the better, for example, 20dB (excellent) vs 5dB (difficult to communicate).

[0060] For example, satellite ephemeris information is detailed data describing the position and velocity of a space object (such as a satellite) in orbit.

[0061] Exemplarily, the connection between the first SIM card and the network determines the network status and satellite coverage duration by obtaining network status information and ephemeris information. When at least one condition is met, for example, RSRP in the network quality is less than -110dBm, the remaining satellite service time is less than 10s, the network load threshold is greater than 70%, etc., the second SIM card is started to monitor other satellite signals, where the first threshold is -110dBm, the second threshold is 10s, and the third threshold is 70%.

[0062] In some embodiments, the network status further includes: a bit error rate; and the network abnormality condition further includes: a bit error rate greater than a fourth threshold.

[0063] For example, the bit error rate (BER) is the ratio of the number of bits that have errors during transmission to the total number of bits transmitted. The lower the BER, the higher the communication quality. For example, if 1 bit out of 100,000 bits transmitted has an error, the BER is 0.001%. When the BER is greater than 0.1%, the current voice call is abnormal, reaching a network abnormality, and a network switch is required. 0.1% is the fourth threshold.

[0064] In another possible implementation, situations where the current service satellite's network status meets network anomaly conditions include, but are not limited to, signal strength continuously below a threshold, a sudden drop in the signal-to-noise ratio (SINR) leading to a high bit error rate, frequent communication interruptions, transmission delays or jitter exceeding standard ranges, the satellite-to-ground link being affected by extreme weather or external interference, and device-side authentication failures or onboard resource overload that prevents requests from being responded to. These anomalies are typically caused by environmental, device, or network scheduling issues and require response through signal monitoring, link optimization, or redundant switching.

[0065] For example, when the SIM card is in communication status, it may simultaneously monitor abnormal conditions of the service satellite network: RSRP <-120dBm or elevation angle <5°, abnormally shortened satellite overhead time or switching failure, LEO satellite delay >100ms, heavy rain / ionospheric disturbance, electromagnetic conflict / external interference from obstructions, etc.

[0066] In a possible implementation, when the second SIM card starts monitoring other satellite signals, it collects information about potentially accessible cells, searches for optimal cell information, and determines an optimal network.

[0067] In some embodiments, the best cell may include a satellite coverage area or a base station.

[0068] In one possible implementation, in a narrowband IoT non-terrestrial network, the determination of optimal cell information will evaluate satellite signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, remaining visible time, Doppler shift compensation capability, and satellite-to-ground link stability. A dynamic algorithm will be used to screen satellite beams with strong signal coverage, low communication latency, and high switching success rate in real time. Combined with the terminal location, service priority, and energy consumption constraints, the optimal cell that can efficiently complete data transmission within a limited communication window is selected to ensure the coordination of low power consumption and high reliability.

[0069] In another possible implementation, in the base station scenario, finding the optimal cell information requires a comprehensive evaluation of signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, neighboring cell interference, and base station load. Target cells with stable coverage, minimal interference, and high handover success rates are screened through real-time measurement and dynamic algorithms. Antenna parameters are adjusted based on user mobility trajectories and service needs to achieve a global optimal balance between coverage, capacity, and interference.

[0070] It should be noted that the relevant technology is to include satellite coverage areas and base stations in the optimal cell selection, which can significantly improve network resilience and achieve full-area seamless coverage through space-ground collaboration. For example, remote areas rely on satellites to fill blind spots, and densely populated urban areas are carried by ground base stations. In the event of natural disasters or base station overloads, it automatically switches to satellite links to ensure communication continuity. At the same time, it optimizes service quality in multiple scenarios and reduces congestion with the help of dynamic load balancing, forming a highly reliable, low-latency, and wide-coverage three-dimensional heterogeneous network to meet the differentiated needs of emergency communications, ocean IoT, and high-speed mobile users.

[0071] S203: When the available satellite meets the network switching condition, access the available satellite through the second SIM card, and take over the communication session of the narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network instead of the first SIM card.

[0072] Exemplarily, the conditions for network switching via available satellites include that the satellite quality and the remaining time reach corresponding thresholds, and network switching is performed. The first SIM card ends the call, and the second SIM card accesses the available satellite for the communication session to ensure the continuity of the communication session.

[0073] In some embodiments, when the network quality of the available satellite is greater than a first threshold and the remaining time of the available satellite is less than a fifth threshold, it is determined that the available satellite meets the network switching condition.

[0074] For example, when RSRP is less than -110dBm and the remaining satellite service time is less than 5s, the call connection of the first SIM card will be cut off and the communication connection will be switched to the second SIM card, where the first threshold is -110dBm and the fifth threshold is 5s.

[0075] In some embodiments, a connection request, identity authentication, and resource allocation are sequentially performed through the second SIM card to access an available satellite.

[0076] For example, a mobile terminal device has dual SIM cards SIM1 and SIM2. SIM2 quickly establishes a connection with an available satellite, completes access processes such as connection request, identity authentication, and resource allocation, and then takes over the communication session of the primary card to ensure that the session continues on the new network. At this time, SIM1 switches to standby mode to prepare for the next possible switch.

[0077] For example, when a terminal is powered on, the SIM card initiates a connection request by scanning for synchronization signals from surrounding base stations or satellites to lock onto the target cell. The SIM card then sends a preamble on the random access channel, to which the base station responds and allocates a temporary identifier and initial resources. In non-terrestrial networks, high latency due to high-speed satellite movement necessitates an extended guard interval or a long preamble design to ensure reliable signal synchronization over long distances between the satellite and the ground, enabling initial access.

[0078] For example, after a connection is established, the SIM card authentication process proceeds as follows: the core network sends an authentication request to the terminal. The SIM card uses the pre-configured key Ki and an encryption algorithm to generate an authentication response and session key, and then transmits a resource element (RES) for network verification. In satellite scenarios, authentication signaling must be forwarded through a satellite-to-ground gateway, potentially introducing additional latency. Therefore, it's necessary to optimize the asynchronous authentication process or pre-store some security context to ensure rapid bidirectional authentication even over long-distance interactions between the satellite and the ground.

[0079] For example, after verification, the SIM card resource allocation step is performed: network encryption and integrity protection are activated, and a permanent identifier and IP address are allocated through Network-Attached Storage (NAS) signaling. A default bearer is also established to ensure quality of service. In non-terrestrial narrowband IoT networks, resource allocation must adapt to highly dynamic environments. Semi-static scheduling or pre-scheduling strategies are used, combined with satellite beam coverage windows, to allocate fixed time-frequency resources to terminals, reducing signaling overhead and ensuring efficient transmission of small data packets within limited communication time.

[0080] It should be noted that the relevant technologies have achieved enhanced terminal equipment capabilities. The SIM card pre-determines the optimal cell selection and performs switching operations in a timely manner when network switching conditions are met, effectively ensuring the continuity of communication sessions in medium and low-orbit satellite systems.

[0081] In some embodiments, after the second SIM card takes over the communication session of the narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network, the first SIM card is set to a standby state, and the standby state includes: detecting available satellites of the dual-SIM terminal under preset conditions.

[0082] Illustratively, after steps S201-203, the first SIM card switches to a standby state, and starts an operation of monitoring available satellites under certain conditions to wait for a timely network switching operation.

[0083] For example, when SIM1 of a mobile phone terminal is conducting a communication session on a narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network, SIM2 is in standby mode. When SIM1 detects a network anomaly, it begins to monitor other available satellites in real time to prepare for subsequent network switching to ensure communication continuity.

[0084] Figure 4 This is a complete flow chart of a network switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 As shown, the specific steps include S401-S406.

[0085] S401 , SIM1 conducts a communication session with a service satellite.

[0086] For example, SIM1 is connected to the satellite and performs a communication session (corresponding to the above step S201 ).

[0087] S402 : Continuously monitor the current serving cell information through the connection between SIM1 and the network.

[0088] For example, through the connection between SIM1 and the network, the network status information of the current service cell (satellite coverage area) is continuously monitored, including at least one key network quality parameter such as signal strength (such as RSSI), signal quality (such as RSRQ), bit error rate, as well as network load, cell priority and other information and satellite ephemeris information (corresponding to the above step S204).

[0089] S403: Determine whether the network status and satellite coverage duration meet abnormal conditions.

[0090] For example, SIM1 judges the network status and satellite coverage duration through the network status information and ephemeris information obtained in step S402. When at least one of condition 1 is met (such as RSRP <-110dBm, satellite service time remaining <10s, network load threshold greater than 70%, etc.), SIM2 is started to monitor other satellite signals and collect information on potentially accessible cells. Otherwise, SIM2 remains in standby mode (corresponding to the above step S202).

[0091] S404: Determine whether network switching is required.

[0092] For example, SIM1 continues to judge the network status and satellite coverage duration based on the network status information and ephemeris information obtained in step S402. When condition 2 is met (such as RSRP <-110dBm, remaining satellite service time <5s, etc.), SIM2 quickly evaluates and selects an optimal alternative network based on its pre-collected potential accessible cell information. Otherwise, SIM1 continues the communication session (corresponding to the above step S203).

[0093] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a primary and secondary card switching process provided by an embodiment of the present application. For example, when condition 2 is met, the communication session of SIM1 starts to switch to SIM2.

[0094] For example, Figure 5 At time T0 in FIG, the communication session of satellite 1 connected by SIM1 starts to switch to SIM2, and SIM2 starts to connect to satellite 2 for communication session. Figure 4 At time Tn in FIG, the communication session of satellite 3 connected to SIM1 starts to switch to SIM2, and SIM2 starts to connect to satellite 4 for communication session. Figure 5At time Tm, the communication session of satellite 5 connected to SIM1 starts to switch to SIM2, and SIM2 starts to connect to satellite 6 for the communication session.

[0095] S405. SIM2 card quickly establishes a connection with the network, completes access processes such as identity authentication and resource allocation, and then takes over the communication session of the primary card to ensure that the session continues on the new network (corresponding to the above step S203).

[0096] S406: SIM1 switches to a standby state to prepare for the next possible switch (corresponding to the above step S203).

[0097] For example, the complete process of the network switching method of the present application is as follows: SIM1 connects to the satellite for a communication session while monitoring the status of the serving satellite network. When an abnormality occurs (e.g., RSRP <-110dBm, satellite service time remaining <10s), SIM2 switches from standby mode to monitoring available satellites. At this point, SIM1 continuously monitors the status of the serving satellite network. When an abnormality occurs requiring a network switch (e.g., RSRP <-110dBm, satellite service time remaining <5s), SIM2 quickly determines the optimal available satellite network, establishes a connection with it, and establishes a communication session. SIM1 then switches to standby mode to prepare for the next switch. This advanced network preparation and rapid handover effectively ensures the continuity of the communication session.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, the present application also provides a network switching device, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the components of a network switching device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device includes a communication module 601, a detection module 602, and a processing module 603. The communication module 601 is configured to conduct a communication session on a NB-IoT non-terrestrial network using a first SIM card; the detection module 602 is configured to detect available satellites using a second SIM card; and the processing module 603 is configured to, if an available satellite meets the network switching conditions, access the available satellite using the second SIM card and take over the communication session on the NB-IoT non-terrestrial network in place of the first SIM card.

[0099] In some embodiments, the processing module 603 is further used to set the first SIM card to standby mode after the second SIM card takes over the communication session of the narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network; the standby mode includes: detecting available satellites of the dual-SIM terminal under preset conditions.

[0100] In some embodiments, the communication module 601 is further configured to obtain the network status of the current service satellite through the first SIM card; the detection module 602 is specifically configured to detect available satellites through the second SIM card when the network status of the current service satellite meets the network abnormality condition.

[0101] In some embodiments, the network status includes at least one of the following: network quality, network load, and satellite remaining time; the network abnormality condition includes at least one of the following: network quality is less than a first threshold, satellite remaining time is less than a second threshold, and network load is greater than a third threshold.

[0102] In some embodiments, the network status further includes: a bit error rate; and the network abnormality condition further includes: a bit error rate greater than a fourth threshold.

[0103] In some embodiments, the processing module 603 is further configured to, when the network quality of the available satellite is greater than a first threshold and the remaining time of the available satellite is less than a fifth threshold, determine that the available satellite meets the network switching condition.

[0104] In some embodiments, the processing module 603 is specifically configured to enable the second SIM card to access an available satellite, including: the second SIM card sequentially performs connection request establishment, identity authentication, and resource allocation to access the available satellite.

[0105] In an exemplary embodiment, the present application also provides an electronic device, which may be the electronic device 101 in the above method embodiment.

[0106] In an exemplary embodiment, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer program instructions stored thereon; when the computer program instructions are executed by a computer, the computer implements the method described in the aforementioned embodiment. The computer may be an electronic device, a network device, or a manager. The computer-readable storage medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, a random access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storage device, or the like.

[0107] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0108] The above are only specific embodiments of the present application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A network switching method, characterized in that: Applied to a dual-SIM card terminal, the method includes: Conducting NB-IoT non-terrestrial network communication sessions via the first SIM card; Detect available satellites through the second SIM card; When the available satellite meets the network switching condition, the available satellite is accessed through the second SIM card, and the communication session of the narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network is taken over instead of the first SIM card.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: After the second SIM card takes over the communication session of the narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network, the first SIM card is set to a standby state; the standby state includes: detecting available satellites of the dual-card terminal under preset conditions.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: Obtaining the network status of the current service satellite through the first SIM card; Detecting available satellites through the second SIM card includes: When the network status of the current serving satellite meets a network abnormality condition, available satellites are detected through the second SIM card.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The network status includes at least one of the following: network quality, network load, and satellite remaining time; The network abnormality condition includes at least one of the following: the network quality is less than a first threshold, the satellite remaining time is less than a second threshold, and the network load is greater than a third threshold.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The network status also includes: bit error rate; The network abnormality condition also includes: a bit error rate greater than a fourth threshold.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The method further comprises: When the network quality of the available satellite is greater than a first threshold and the remaining time of the available satellite is less than a fifth threshold, it is determined that the available satellite meets the network switching condition.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Accessing the available satellite through the second SIM card includes: The second SIM card is used to sequentially perform a connection request, identity authentication, and resource allocation to access the available satellite.

8. A network switching device, characterized in that: It includes a communication module, a detection module and a processing module; The communication module is used to conduct a communication session of the narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network through the first SIM card; The detection module is used to detect available satellites through the second SIM card; The processing module is configured to, when the available satellite meets a network switching condition, access the available satellite through the second SIM card and take over the communication session of the narrowband Internet of Things non-terrestrial network in place of the first SIM card.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device includes a memory and a processor; the memory and the processor are coupled; the memory is used to store computer program code, and the computer program code includes computer instructions; When the processor executes the computer instructions, the electronic device executes the network switching method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A readable storage medium, characterized in that: The readable storage medium stores a program or instruction, and when the program or instruction runs on the electronic device, the electronic device executes the network switching method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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