Satellite service handover method and satellite system

Abstract

The application provides a satellite service switching method and a satellite system. When the service range of a second satellite is about to switch to a first service area originally served by a first satellite, a ground station sends core network function configuration information to the second satellite; the second satellite configures core network functions according to the core network function configuration information; the ground station sends a hot migration request information to the first satellite; the first satellite responds to the hot migration request information, and the first satellite hot-migrates user data of user terminals in the first service area to the second satellite; when the service range of the second satellite switches to the first service area, the second satellite provides services for the user terminals in the first service area according to the user data; the user data is completely hot-migrated between different satellites, the user terminal switching process is simplified, the signaling overhead of satellite-ground switching is reduced, and the continuity of user services is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to satellite service switching methods and satellite systems. Background Technology

[0002] With the launch of numerous low-Earth orbit communication satellites, the development of space communication networks is accelerating, leading to a greater demand for scalability in inter-satellite networking. The construction of space communication networks must possess the characteristics of elastic expansion and flexible control. When new communication nodes need to be added to the space communication network, strong reconfiguration capabilities are required to ensure the normal operation of the network and the continuity of user services. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The following is an overview of the subject matter described in detail herein. This overview is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0004] The purpose of this application is to at least partially solve one of the technical problems existing in the related technologies. The embodiments of this application provide a satellite service switching method and a satellite system that can ensure the continuity of user services.

[0005] An embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides a satellite service handover method, comprising:

[0006] When the service area of ​​the second satellite is about to switch to the first service area originally served by the first satellite, the ground station sends core network function configuration information to the second satellite.

[0007] The second satellite configures the core network functions according to the core network function configuration information;

[0008] The ground station sends a thermal migration request to the first satellite;

[0009] In response to the hot migration request information, the first satellite hot-migrates user data of user terminals within the first service area to the second satellite.

[0010] When the service range of the second satellite switches to the first service area, the second satellite provides services to user terminals in the first service area based on user data from user terminals in the first service area.

[0011] According to certain embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the ground station transmits core network function configuration information to the second satellite, including:

[0012] The ground station sends core network function configuration information to the second satellite based on ephemeris information;

[0013] The ephemeris information records the time when the service area of ​​the second satellite switched to the first service area originally served by the first satellite.

[0014] According to certain embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the ground station sends a thermal migration request message to the first satellite, including:

[0015] The ground station sends a hot migration request to the first satellite based on the ephemeris information;

[0016] The ephemeris information records the time when the service area of ​​the second satellite switched to the first service area originally served by the first satellite.

[0017] According to certain embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the ground station transmits core network function configuration information to the second satellite, including:

[0018] The ground station establishes a Network Function Controller (NFC) and sends the NFC to the second satellite. The NFC contains core network function configuration information.

[0019] According to certain embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the second satellite configures core network functions based on the core network function configuration information, including:

[0020] The second satellite receiving network function controller (NFC);

[0021] The second satellite's network operation and maintenance management system (OAM) and satellite network storage function module (S-NRF) configure core network functions based on the core network function configuration information in the network function controller (NFC).

[0022] According to certain embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the network operation and maintenance management system (OAM) of the second satellite and the satellite network storage function module (S-NRF) configure core network functions based on core network function configuration information in the network function controller (NFC), including:

[0023] The second satellite's network operation and maintenance management system (OAM) creates an instance of the core network function S-NF based on the core network function configuration information in the network function controller (NFC), and registers the instance of the core network function S-NF with the satellite network storage function module (S-NRF) of the second satellite.

[0024] According to certain embodiments of the first aspect of this application, the first satellite hot-migrates user data of user terminals within a first service area to the second satellite, including:

[0025] The satellite unstructured data storage function module S-UDSF of the first satellite interacts with the satellite unstructured data storage function module S-UDSF of the second satellite to hot-migrate the operating status data of the satellite unstructured data storage function module S-UDSF of the first satellite to the satellite unstructured data storage function module S-UDSF of the second satellite.

[0026] Among them, the operational status data of the satellite unstructured data storage function module S-UDSF of the first satellite includes user data of user terminals within the first service area.

[0027] According to a second aspect of this application, a satellite system applies the satellite service switching method described in the first aspect of this application. The satellite system includes a ground station and multiple satellites, and the satellite system is provided with a management plane and a control plane. The management plane includes a terrestrial network system and a satellite network system. The terrestrial network system is used to provide network resource management, network function and network service function configuration, and an NFC / NSFC orchestrator. The satellite network system is used to provide network resource management, network function and network service function configuration, and an NFC / NSFC orchestrator. The control plane includes a terrestrial network controller and a satellite network controller. The terrestrial network controller is used to provide network function and network service function management and data storage functions, and the satellite network controller is used to provide network service function management and data storage functions.

[0028] According to a third aspect of this application, an electronic device includes: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the satellite service switching method as described in the first aspect of this application.

[0029] According to a fourth aspect of this application, a computer storage medium stores computer-executable instructions for performing the satellite service switching method as described in an embodiment of the first aspect of this application.

[0030] The above scheme has at least the following beneficial effects: by completely hot migrating user data between different satellites, the user terminal switching process is simplified and the signaling overhead of satellite-to-ground switching is reduced; the hot migration process is automatically carried out based on ephemeris information, which reduces network operation and maintenance costs; and by hot migrating data before the satellite arrives at the service area, the satellite can provide services to user terminals in the service area based on user data when it arrives at the service area, thus ensuring the continuity of user services. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the technical solutions of this application and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this application to explain the technical solutions of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of this application.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a step-by-step diagram of the satellite service switching method;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the management and control planes of a satellite system;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first stage of the satellite service handover method;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second phase of the satellite service handover method;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the satellite service switching method. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0038] It should be noted that although functional modules are divided in the device schematic diagram and a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be performed in a different order than the module division in the device or the order in the flowchart. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, or the aforementioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0039] The embodiments of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] An embodiment of this application provides a satellite system.

[0041] The satellite system comprises ground stations and multiple satellites. Based on the principles of Software-Defined Networking (SDN), the satellite system establishes a layered, hierarchical, and domain-specific network architecture between the low-Earth orbit satellite wireless communication system and the terrestrial wireless communication system. The satellite-to-ground communication system is divided into a ground domain and a space domain; its control architecture is divided into two planes: a management plane and a control plane.

[0042] Reference Figure 2The management plane includes a terrestrial network system and a satellite network system. The terrestrial network system is used to provide network resource management, network function and network service function configuration, and NFC / NSFC orchestrator. The satellite network system is used to provide network resource management, network function and network service function configuration, and NFC / NSFC orchestrator. The control plane includes a terrestrial network controller and a satellite network controller. The terrestrial network controller is used to provide network function and network service function management and data storage functions. The satellite network controller is used to provide network service function management and data storage functions.

[0043] For the management plane, the Operation Administration and Maintenance (OAM) system within the domain management plane has Network Resource Management (NRM) capabilities. The NRM entity can be placed near the terrestrial core network NRF to facilitate the acquisition of network functions and service status of the terrestrial core network. The OAM system has the ability to instantiate network functions and network service functions. The OAM system can create NFCs based on service requirements for configuring core network functions and network service functions.

[0044] For the control plane, the domain control plane has network function and network service function management capabilities, and uses the Network Repository Function (NRF) for lifecycle management of NF instances and NF Service instances. The domain control plane also has network data storage capabilities, storing core network function configuration information and core network migration status information through the Network Traffic Detection and Response (UDR) and UDSF.

[0045] Each satellite is equipped with a satellite network function module (S-NF), a satellite network storage function module (S-NRF), and a satellite unstructured data storage function module (S-UDSF). Therefore, the first satellite is equipped with satellite network function module S-NF_1, satellite network storage function module S-NRF_1, and satellite unstructured data storage function module S-UDSF_1. The second satellite is equipped with satellite network function module S-NF_2, satellite network storage function module S-NRF_2, and satellite unstructured data storage function module S-UDSF_2.

[0046] After the space-based network management plane, control plane, and user plane are configured, users obtain services through the low-Earth orbit satellite communication system. Because the mobility of satellites means users cannot receive continuous service from the same satellite for extended periods, a stateless hot migration method is required during satellite operation to ensure service continuity and thus guarantee the Quality of Service (QoS).

[0047] The satellite system uses the following satellite service switching method to hot-migrate data from one satellite to another.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 The satellite service switching method includes the following steps:

[0049] Step S100: When the service range of the second satellite is about to switch to the first service area originally served by the first satellite, the ground station sends core network function configuration information to the second satellite.

[0050] Step S200: The second satellite configures the core network functions according to the core network function configuration information;

[0051] In step S300, the ground station sends a hot migration request to the first satellite;

[0052] In step S400, the first satellite responds to the hot migration request information and hot migrates the user data of the user terminals in the first service area to the second satellite.

[0053] In step S500, the second satellite provides services to user terminals within the first service area based on user data from user terminals within the first service area.

[0054] The satellite service switching method is mainly divided into two stages. The first stage includes steps S100, S200 and S300; the second stage includes steps S400 and S500.

[0055] The first and second satellites are two adjacent satellites in the same orbit. The second satellite's service area is the second service region, providing services to user terminals within that region. The first satellite's service area is the first service region, providing services to user terminals within that region. During the movement of the first and second satellites, the first satellite deviates from its original position, while the second satellite moves towards the first satellite's position. Based on ephemeris predictions, the second satellite will reach the position of the first satellite at a future time.

[0056] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 In step S100, when the service range of the second satellite is about to switch to the first service area originally served by the first satellite, the ground station sends core network function configuration information to the second satellite based on ephemeris information. The ephemeris information records the time when the service range of the second satellite switches to the first service area originally served by the first satellite. Specifically, the core network function configuration information is stored in the Network Function Controller (NFC). The ground station establishes the NFC and sends the NFC information to the second satellite.

[0057] Understandably, before the handover, user terminals in the first service area were served by the core network function S-NF_1 of the first satellite.

[0058] For step S200, the second satellite configures the core network functions according to the core network function configuration information, including: the second satellite receiving the network function controller NFC; the second satellite's network operation and maintenance management system OAM and satellite network storage function module S-NRF configuring the core network functions according to the core network function configuration information in the network function controller NFC.

[0059] Specifically, the network operation and maintenance management system (OAM) of the second satellite creates an instance of the core network function S-NF_2 based on the core network function configuration information in the network function controller (NFC), registers the instance of the core network function S-NF_2 with the satellite network storage function module (S-NRF_2) of the second satellite, and thus enables the configuration of the core network function based on the core network function configuration information in the network function controller (NFC).

[0060] In step S300, the ground station sends a hot migration request to the first satellite based on ephemeris information; the ephemeris information records the time when the service area of ​​the second satellite switches to the first service area originally served by the first satellite. The hot migration request is used to request the first satellite and the second satellite to perform a hot migration of data.

[0061] Specifically, the ground station sends a hot migration request to S-UDSF_1, which is carried by the first satellite, based on the ephemeris information.

[0062] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 In step S400, the first satellite receives a hot migration request from the ground station. Responding to the hot migration request, the first satellite hot-migrates user data from user terminals within the first service area to the second satellite.

[0063] Specifically, the unstructured data storage module S-UDSF_1 of the first satellite and the unstructured data storage module S-UDSF_2 of the second satellite communicate via an inter-satellite link. The unstructured data storage module S-UDSF_1 of the first satellite interacts with the unstructured data storage module S-UDSF_2 of the second satellite, hot-migrating the operational status data of the unstructured data storage module S-UDSF of the first satellite to the unstructured data storage module S-UDSF of the second satellite; wherein, the operational status data of the unstructured data storage module S-UDSF of the first satellite includes user data of user terminals within the first service area.

[0064] The second satellite's unstructured data storage module S-UDSF_2 receives operational status data transmitted from the first satellite's unstructured data storage module S-UDSF_1. The transmission process continues as the satellite moves and is completed before the second satellite's beam coverage reaches the first service area or before the second satellite officially provides services to the first service area.

[0065] Hot migration allows for the complete preservation of the virtual machine's runtime state and rapid restoration to different hardware platforms. After restoration, the virtual machine continues to run smoothly, and users will not perceive any difference. Through hot migration, when a second satellite provides service to user terminals within the first service area, the user terminals within the first service area will not experience any difference.

[0066] In step S500, when the service range of the second satellite switches to the first service area, the second satellite provides services to the user terminals in the first service area based on user data from the user terminals in the first service area. The user terminals in the first service area resume service from the S-NF_2 of the second satellite. The S-NF_2 state of the second satellite is restored.

[0067] It is understandable that other satellites in the same orbit as the first and second satellites will undergo the same satellite data hot migration process to ensure the continuity of UE services.

[0068] By performing a complete hot migration of user data between different satellites, the user terminal handover process is simplified and the signaling overhead of satellite-to-ground handover is reduced. The hot migration process is automatically carried out based on ephemeris information, which reduces network operation and maintenance costs. Performing hot migration of data before the satellite arrives at the service area enables the satellite to provide services to user terminals in the service area based on user data when it arrives, thus ensuring the continuity of user services.

[0069] Embodiments of this application provide an electronic device. The electronic device includes: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the satellite service switching method described above.

[0070] This electronic device can be any smart terminal, including computers.

[0071] In general, for the hardware structure of electronic devices, the processor can be implemented using a general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits, to execute relevant programs and implement the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0072] The memory can be implemented in the form of read-only memory (ROM), static storage device, dynamic storage device, or random access memory (RAM). The memory can store the operating system and other applications. When the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this specification are implemented through software or firmware, the relevant program code is stored in the memory and is called and executed by the processor.

[0073] Input / output interfaces are used to implement information input and output.

[0074] The communication interface is used to enable communication and interaction between this device and other devices. Communication can be achieved through wired means (such as USB, Ethernet cable, etc.) or wireless means (such as mobile network, WIFI, Bluetooth, etc.).

[0075] The bus transmits information between various components of a device, such as the processor, memory, input / output interfaces, and communication interfaces. The processor, memory, input / output interfaces, and communication interfaces communicate with each other within the device via the bus.

[0076] Embodiments of this application provide a computer storage medium. The computer storage medium stores computer-executable instructions for performing the satellite service handover method described above.

[0077] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that all or some of the steps and systems in the methods disclosed above can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, and suitable combinations thereof. Some or all of the physical components can be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, digital signal processor, or microprocessor, or as hardware, or as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. Such software can be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which can include computer storage media (or non-transitory media) and communication media (or transient media). As is known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible to a computer. Furthermore, it is well known to those skilled in the art that communication media typically contain computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and may include any information delivery medium. In the foregoing description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "another embodiment," or "some embodiments," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or some of the steps in the methods disclosed above, as well as the functional modules / units in the systems and devices, can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, or suitable combinations thereof.

[0079] The units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0080] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0081] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes multiple instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing programs, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0082] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of the units described above is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed between each other may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0083] The above is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of this application, but this application is not limited to the embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of this application, and these equivalent modifications or substitutions are all included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A satellite service handover method, characterized by, include: When the service area of ​​the second satellite is about to switch to the first service area originally served by the first satellite, the ground station sends core network function configuration information to the second satellite. The second satellite configures the core network functions according to the core network function configuration information; The ground station sends a thermal migration request to the first satellite; In response to the hot migration request information, the first satellite hot-migrates user data of user terminals within the first service area to the second satellite. When the service range of the second satellite switches to the first service area, the second satellite provides services to the user terminals in the first service area based on the user data of the user terminals in the first service area. The process of the ground station sending core network function configuration information to the second satellite includes: the ground station establishing a network function controller (NFC) and sending the NFC to the second satellite, wherein the NFC contains core network function configuration information. The second satellite configures core network functions according to the core network function configuration information, including: the second satellite receives the network function controller NFC, the network operation and maintenance management system OAM of the second satellite creates an instance of core network function S-NF according to the core network function configuration information in the network function controller NFC, and registers the instance of core network function S-NF with the satellite network storage function module S-NRF of the second satellite.

2. The satellite service handover method of claim 1, wherein, The ground station sends core network function configuration information to the second satellite, including: The ground station sends core network function configuration information to the second satellite based on ephemeris information; The ephemeris information records the time when the service area of ​​the second satellite switched to the first service area originally served by the first satellite.

3. The satellite service handover method of claim 1, wherein, The ground station sends a hot migration request message to the first satellite, including: The ground station sends a hot migration request to the first satellite based on the ephemeris information; The ephemeris information records the time when the service area of ​​the second satellite switched to the first service area originally served by the first satellite.

4. The satellite service handover method of claim 1, wherein, The first satellite performs hot migration of user data from user terminals within the first service area to the second satellite, including: The satellite unstructured data storage function module S-UDSF of the first satellite interacts with the satellite unstructured data storage function module S-UDSF of the second satellite to hot-migrate the operating status data of the satellite unstructured data storage function module S-UDSF of the first satellite to the satellite unstructured data storage function module S-UDSF of the second satellite. Among them, the operational status data of the satellite unstructured data storage function module S-UDSF of the first satellite includes user data of user terminals within the first service area.

5. A satellite system, characterised in that, The satellite service switching method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is used, wherein the satellite system includes a ground station and multiple satellites, and the satellite system is provided with a management plane and a control plane; the management plane includes a terrestrial network system and a satellite network system, wherein the terrestrial network system is used to provide network resource management, network function and network service function configuration, and an NFC / NSFC orchestrator, and the satellite network system is used to provide network resource management, network function and network service function configuration, and an NFC / NSFC orchestrator; the control plane includes a terrestrial network controller and a satellite network controller, wherein the terrestrial network controller is used to provide network function and network service function management and data storage functions, and the satellite network controller is used to provide network service function management and data storage functions.

6. An electronic device, comprising: include: A memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program, implements the satellite service switching method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A computer storage medium, characterized in that The system stores computer-executable instructions for performing the satellite service switching method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images