Satellite communication method and electronic device

Abstract

The application provides a satellite communication method and an electronic device. The method can be applied to a communication system composed of a user equipment and a network equipment. In the method, the user equipment can send signaling carrying indication information to the network equipment. The indication information indicates whether the user equipment allows direct communication under the satellite. In a call flow, the network equipment can determine whether the called terminal allows direct communication under the satellite according to the indication information. When the called terminal does not allow direct communication under the satellite, the network equipment can directly reject the call of the calling terminal, thereby saving signaling expenses and avoiding waste of network resources.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of terminals, and more particularly to satellite communication methods and electronic devices. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, network devices do not record whether the UE supports direct on-satellite communication. Upon receiving a call request, the network device will by default forward the call request to the called party. When the called party does not support direct on-satellite communication, this forwarding of the call request incurs unnecessary signaling overhead and wastes network resources. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method applied to a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: sending a first signaling message to a network device, the first signaling message carrying first information, the first information indicating whether the UE allows direct communication between satellite and network devices.

[0004] The first signaling includes one or more of the following: mobile communication access related signaling, Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem related signaling, core network registration signaling, Radio Resource Control Protocol signaling, and Protocol Data Unit Session related signaling.

[0005] Among them, mobile communication access-related signaling includes, but is not limited to, 4GAttach (fourth-generation mobile communication access signaling) and 5Gregistration request (fifth-generation mobile communication registration signaling); Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IPMS)-related signaling includes, but is not limited to, IMS Registration request, SIP register, and SIP INVITE; Core network registration signaling includes, but is not limited to, service request; Radio Resource Control Protocol (RRC) signaling includes, but is not limited to, RRC Connection Request; Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session-related signaling includes, but is not limited to, PDU Session Establishment Request, Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request, and N4Session Modification Request.

[0006] In some embodiments, the network device includes a first network element and a second network element. The first network element is used to store first information. The first network element obtains the first information from the UE or the second network element through second signaling. The second signaling includes one or more of the following: mobile communication access related signaling, Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem related signaling, Radio Resource Control Protocol signaling, and Protocol Data Unit Session related signaling.

[0007] Among them, mobile communication access-related signaling includes, but is not limited to, initial connection setup request and initiated SM Policy Association Modification; Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem-related signaling includes, but is not limited to, SIP register and SIPIVITE; Radio Resource Control Protocol signaling includes, but is not limited to, RRC Connection Request; and Protocol Data Unit Session-related signaling includes, but is not limited to, Location info request.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the second network element verifying whether the UE allows direct on-satellite communication via a fourth signaling, wherein the fourth signaling includes one or more of the following: Identity Request signaling; Nudm_UECM_Registration signaling. In this case, the first network element may store the aforementioned first information after successful verification by itself or the second network element; otherwise, the first network element or the second network element may return a rejection message to the UE, supporting the UE's lack of support for direct on-satellite communication.

[0009] The first network element includes one or more of the following: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Mobility Management Entity (MME), Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF), Serving Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), and Unified Data Management Function (UDM). The second network element includes one or more of the following: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Unified Data Management Function (UDM), Packet Control Function (PCF), User Plane Function Entity (UPF), Mobility Management Entity (MME), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), and Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW).

[0010] For example,

[0011] The UE can send the first information to the MME for storage via 4G Attach signaling, or the MME can further send the first information to the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF for storage via initial connect setup request signaling;

[0012] Alternatively, the UE can send the first information to the AMF for storage via 5G registration request signaling. Similarly, the AMF can further send the first information to the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF for storage via SIPregister / INVITE signaling.

[0013] Alternatively, the UE can send the first information to the AMF via IMS Registration request signaling, and the AMF can then send the first information to the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF for storage via SIPregister / INVITE signaling;

[0014] Alternatively, the UE can send the first information to the AMF via the core network service request and N2 message signaling, and then the AMF can send the first information to the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF for storage via the initiated SM Policy Association Modification signaling;

[0015] Alternatively, the UE can send the first information to the MME / AMF via RRC Connection Request signaling, and then the MME / AMF can send the first information to the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF for storage via RRC Connection Request signaling;

[0016] Alternatively, the UE can send the first information to the AMF via SIP register / INVITE signaling, and then the AMF can send the first information to the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF for storage via SIP register / INVITE signaling;

[0017] Alternatively, the UE can send the first information to the SMF (second network element) via PDU Session Establishment Request signaling (first signaling), and the SMF can then send the first information to the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF (first network element) for storage via SIP register / INVITE signaling (second signaling);

[0018] Alternatively, the UE can send the first information to the SMF (second network element) via the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request signaling (first signaling), and the SMF can then send the first information to the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF (first network element) for storage via the initiated SM Policy Association Modification signaling (second signaling);

[0019] Alternatively, the UE can send the first information to the UPF (second network element) via the N4 Session Modification Request signaling (first signaling), and the UPF can then send the first information to the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF (first network element) for storage via the initiated SM Policy Association Modification signaling (second signaling).

[0020] In some embodiments, the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF may also continue to send the first information to the HSS or UDM via Locationinforequest signaling, and store the first information in the HSS or UDM.

[0021] Direct communication between satellites includes: direct communication between UEs via a single satellite and direct communication between UEs via multiple satellites. Communication between multiple satellites is via inter-satellite links.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving an accept message when the UE subscription information indicates that the UE has subscribed to the direct satellite communication service; and receiving a reject message when the UE subscription information indicates that the UE has not subscribed to the direct satellite communication service.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first network element and the second network element are deployed in a terrestrial network device. Sending the first signaling to the network device includes sending the first signaling to the terrestrial network device via a satellite device. Correspondingly, receiving an accept message / reject message includes receiving an accept message / reject message sent by the terrestrial network device via a satellite device.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first network element and the second network element may also be deployed in satellite equipment.

[0025] Secondly, this application provides a communication method applied to a network device, the method comprising: receiving a call request from a calling end; querying first information of the called end corresponding to the call request; and sending a call request to the called end when the first information indicates that the called end allows direct satellite communication.

[0026] In some embodiments, the method further includes: returning a rejection message to the calling end when the first information indicates that the calling end and / or the called end are not allowed to communicate directly under satellite.

[0027] In this way, when the called party does not support direct satellite communication, the network equipment can directly reject the caller's call, saving signaling costs and avoiding wasting network resources.

[0028] The network device includes a first network element, which queries the first information of the called party corresponding to the call request, including: querying the first network element for the first information of the called party corresponding to the call request; in some embodiments, the first network element includes one or more of the following: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Mobility Management Entity (MME), Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF), Serving Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), and Unified Data Management (UDM).

[0029] Network devices query the first information of the called party through third signaling, which includes one or more of the following: Session Initiation Protocol N11 (SIP) message; Session Description Protocol (SDP) offer and SDPresponse; Location Query.

[0030] For example, when the first information is stored in the AMF / MME, the network device can query the previously stored first information from the AMF / MME via a SIP N11 message; when the first information is stored in the P-CSCF / S-CSCF, the network device can query the previously stored first information from the P-CSCF / S-CSCF via an SDP offer / response; when the first information is stored in the HSS, the network device can query the previously stored first information from the HSS via a Location Query.

[0031] Network equipment includes terrestrial network equipment and satellite equipment. In some embodiments, the first network element is deployed on the terrestrial network equipment. In this case, querying the first information of the called party corresponding to the call request from the first network element includes: the satellite equipment querying the first network element in the terrestrial network equipment for the first information of the called party corresponding to the call request.

[0032] In some embodiments, a first network element may also be deployed in the satellite equipment. In this case, the satellite equipment does not need to communicate with the ground network equipment when querying the first information.

[0033] After receiving a call request, the called end can ring its phone, waiting for the user to answer. The user can choose to answer or reject the call. Therefore, after sending a call request to the called end, the method also includes: returning a rejection message to the calling end, instructing the called end to refuse to answer. Examples of such rejection messages include 480 Busy Here, 486 Busy, and 603 Decline. Alternatively, after sending a call request to the called end, the method also includes: returning an acknowledgment message to the calling end, establishing a data channel to carry user traffic. The two parties then begin the call. An example of such an acknowledgment message is 200 OK.

[0034] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method applied to satellite equipment, the method comprising: receiving a call request from a calling end, the call request carrying a first satellite identifier; recording the first satellite identifier, the first satellite identifier being an identifier of a first satellite serving the calling end; receiving a response from a called end, the response carrying a second satellite identifier; and recording the second satellite identifier, the second satellite identifier being an identifier of a second satellite serving the called end.

[0035] In the above method, the call request can be a Session Initiation Protocol Invitation Signaling (SIPINVITE). The response can be a Session Initiation Protocol Temporary Response (SIP 18X).

[0036] The satellite equipment includes a first base station and a first gateway. In some embodiments, receiving a call request from a caller includes: the first base station receiving the call request from the caller; the first base station sending the call request to a ground proxy call session control function (P-CSCF); after the ground P-CSCF determines a first satellite identifier, the first gateway receiving the call request sent by the ground P-CSCF, the call request carrying the first satellite identifier. In some embodiments, a P-CSCF may also be deployed on the satellite equipment. In this case, the first base station on the satellite can obtain the first satellite identifier from the on-board P-CSCF via an inter-satellite link, without needing to communicate with the ground again.

[0037] The satellite equipment includes a second base station and a second gateway. In some embodiments, receiving a response from the called party includes: the second base station receiving the response from the called party; the second base station sending the response to the ground P-CSCF; and after the ground P-CSCF determines the second satellite identifier, the second gateway receiving a response sent by the ground P-CSCF, the response carrying the second satellite identifier. Similarly, the ground P-CSCF that determines the second satellite identifier can also be deployed on a satellite.

[0038] When the calling and called ends are in different geostationary orbit cells, the first base station and the second base station are different base stations; when the calling and called ends are in the same geostationary orbit cell, the first base station and the second base station are the same base station. The ground P-CSCF that determines the first satellite identifier and the ground P-CSCF that determines the second satellite identifier can be the same or different. Correspondingly, the first gateway serving the calling end and the second gateway serving the called end can be the same gateway or different gateways.

[0039] In some embodiments, the satellite device includes an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem Access Gateway (IMS-AGW), which records a first satellite identifier and a second satellite identifier.

[0040] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving first user data from the calling end; determining a second satellite based on a recorded second satellite identifier of the called end, and sending the first user data to the second satellite; receiving second user data from the called end; determining a first satellite based on a recorded first satellite identifier of the calling end, and sending the second user data to the first satellite.

[0041] In this way, when forwarding user plane data, satellite equipment no longer needs to obtain the satellite identifier of the target UE's satellite equipment from the ground P-CSCF, thus improving transmission efficiency.

[0042] Direct communication between UEs includes: direct communication between UEs via a single satellite and direct communication between UEs via multiple satellites. Communication between multiple satellites occurs via inter-satellite links. In direct communication between UEs via multiple satellites, the first satellite transmits first user data to the second satellite via an inter-satellite link, and the second satellite transmits second user data to the first satellite via an inter-satellite link.

[0043] Fourthly, this application provides a communication method applied to satellite equipment, the method comprising: receiving first user data from a calling end; querying a second satellite identifier from an on-board gateway; determining a second satellite serving the called end based on the second satellite identifier; and sending the first user data to the second satellite.

[0044] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving second user data from the called party; querying a first satellite identifier from the satellite gateway; determining a first satellite for the serving caller based on the first satellite identifier; and sending the second user data to the first satellite.

[0045] Using the above method, when forwarding user plane data, the satellite equipment can directly obtain the satellite identifier of the target UE's satellite equipment from the on-board gateway, without having to obtain the satellite identifier from the ground P-CSCF, which helps to improve transmission efficiency.

[0046] When the calling end and the called end are in different geostationary orbit cells, the calling end and the called end communicate directly through multiple satellites, and the multiple satellites communicate with each other through inter-satellite links. Satellite equipment sends first user data and second user data through inter-satellite links. When the calling end and the called end are in the same geostationary orbit cell, the calling end and the called end communicate directly through one satellite.

[0047] In some embodiments, the satellite gateway is an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem Access Gateway (IMS-AGW). The satellite gateway may include one or more.

[0048] Fifthly, this application provides an electronic device including one or more processors and one or more memories; wherein the one or more memories are coupled to the one or more processors, and the one or more memories are used to store a computer program, which, when the one or more processors execute the computer program, causes the electronic device to perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or to perform the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or to perform the method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or to perform the method described in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0049] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip system applied to an electronic device. The chip system includes one or more processors, which are configured to invoke computer instructions to cause the electronic device to perform a method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or to perform a method as described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or to perform a method as described in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or to perform a method as described in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0050] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including a computer program that, when the computer program is run on an electronic device, causes the electronic device to perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or to perform the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or to perform the method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or to perform the method described in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0051] Eighthly, this application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when the computer program product is run on an electronic device, causes the electronic device to perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or to perform the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or to perform the method described in the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof, or to perform the method described in the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0052] Understandably, the electronic device provided in the second aspect, the chip system provided in the third aspect, the computer storage medium provided in the fourth aspect, and the computer program product provided in the fifth aspect are all used to execute the method provided in this application. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a direct satellite communication architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of another direct satellite communication architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a specific communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 4 This is a session flowchart based on first information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 5 This is a specific session flowchart based on first information provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an improved on-board direct communication architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a specific communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a UE structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the network device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0063] The terminology used in the following embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be a limitation of this application.

[0064] The following is an explanation of the abbreviations of relevant technical terms used in the embodiments of this application:

[0065] 4G: The 4th Generation Mobile Communication.

[0066] 5G: The 5th Generation Mobile Communication.

[0067] 3GPP: The 3rd Generation Partnership Project.

[0068] UE: User Equipment, such as mobile phones, IoT devices, softphones, IP phones, etc.

[0069] RRC: Radio Resource Control;

[0070] LTE: Long Term Evolution;

[0071] NR: New Radio;

[0072] RAN: Radio Access Network;

[0073] UPF: User Plane Function;

[0074] PSA-UPF: User Plane Function for Protocol Data Unit Session Anchor.

[0075] UL-CL: Uplink Classifier;

[0076] L-PSA: Load-Based Policy and Steering Function for Access Networks.

[0077] IMS: Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem.

[0078] IMS-AGW: IMS Access Gateway;

[0079] Wi-Fi: Wireless Fidelity.

[0080] ISL: Inter-satellite Link;

[0081] AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function;

[0082] SMF: Session Management Function;

[0083] PDU: Protocol Data Unit;

[0084] PCF: Packet Control Function;

[0085] P-CSCF: Proxy Call Session Control Function;

[0086] S-CSCF: Serving Call Session Control Function.

[0087] HSS: Home Subscriber Server.

[0088] MME: Mobility Management Entity;

[0089] PGW: Packet Data Network Gateway;

[0090] PCRF: Policy and Charging Rules Function;

[0091] UDM: Unified Data Management;

[0092] SIP: Session Initiation Protocol;

[0093] DL: Downlink;

[0094] NAS: Non-Access Stratum;

[0095] IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity).

[0096] TMSI: Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity;

[0097] MSISDN: Mobile Station International Subscriber Number;

[0098] SDP: Session Description Protocol.

[0099] Direct on-satellite communication, as proposed by 3GPP, refers to end-to-end direct communication between UEs within the coverage area of ​​one or more serving satellites, often also known as UE-Satellite-UE communication. In direct on-satellite communication, user plane data is transmitted to the other UE via one or more of these satellites, without needing to be transmitted through a terrestrial network.

[0100] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a direct satellite-to-ground communication architecture provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0101] like Figure 1A As shown, the direct satellite communication architecture includes user equipment (e.g., UE-A, UE-B), satellite equipment (e.g., Sat-A, Sat-B), and ground equipment. The satellite equipment deploys base stations (e.g., gNB, eNodeB) and UPFs. The base stations provide radio access services, and the UPFs manage user traffic forwarding between the base stations and the network. The ground equipment deploys core network elements such as AMF, SMF, and IMS.

[0102] The coverage area of ​​Sat-A corresponds to Earthstationary cells (hereinafter referred to as cell) A, and the coverage area of ​​Sat-B corresponds to cell B. For example, UE-A is in cell A, and UE-B is in cell B. UE-A can establish a wireless communication service link with Sat-A based on the radio access service provided by Sat-A, providing a data transmission channel for UE-A and carrying UE-A's service traffic (i.e., user plane data). Similarly, UE-B can establish a wireless communication connection service link with Sat-B based on the radio access service provided by Sat-B. Based on the service link between the UE and the satellite equipment and the satellite ISL, any two UEs (such as UE-A and UE-B mentioned above) can achieve end-to-end direct communication.

[0103] like Figure 1A As shown, in the direct communication architecture between satellite and ground equipment, a feeder link is also established. The feeder link is only used to transmit control plane data and does not carry user plane data. That is, user plane data between UEs does not pass through the ground network.

[0104] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of another satellite-to-ground direct communication architecture provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0105] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1B As shown, UE-A and UE-B are in the same geostationary orbit cell and access the same satellite device. In this case, direct on-board communication between UE-A and UE-B can be completed through this single satellite device without the need for ISL.

[0106] Currently, network devices (such as the aforementioned ground and satellite equipment) do not record whether the UE supports direct on-premises communication. Upon receiving a call request, the network device will by default forward the call request to the called party, who will then decide based on its own capabilities and subscription information. When the called party does not support direct on-premises communication, this forwarding of the call request incurs unnecessary signaling overhead for the network, wasting network resources.

[0107] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a communication method.

[0108] By implementing this method, the UE can send a first signaling message to the network device. This first signaling message carries first information, also known as UE-Satellite-UE information. This first information indicates whether the UE allows direct on-satellite communication.

[0109] When a call request is directed to a specific UE and uses direct satellite communication, the network device can immediately query the UE's initial information to confirm whether the UE supports direct satellite communication. If the called party supports direct satellite communication, the network device can send a call request to the called party. If the called party does not support direct satellite communication, the network device can directly reject the call, thereby avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead and improving network efficiency.

[0110] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown:

[0111] S201, First signaling (First information: indicating whether the UE allows direct communication under satellite).

[0112] The UE (e.g., UE-A, UE-B) can send the first signaling to the network device.

[0113] The first signaling includes one or more of the following: mobile communication access related signaling, Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem related signaling, core network registration signaling, Radio Resource Control Protocol signaling, and Protocol Data Unit Session related signaling.

[0114] Among them, mobile communication access-related signaling includes, but is not limited to, 4G Attach and 5G registration request; Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IPMS) related signaling includes, but is not limited to, IMS Registration request, SIP register, and SIP INVITE; Core network registration signaling includes, but is not limited to, service request; Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling includes, but is not limited to, RRC Connection Request; Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session-related signaling includes, but is not limited to, PDU Session Establishment Request, Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request, and N4Session Modification Request.

[0115] In this embodiment, the first signaling carries first information (i.e., first information). This information indicates whether the current UE allows direct sub-satellite communication. The first information can be carried by one field or by multiple fields. That is, the first information can be information carried in one field or a combination of information carried by multiple fields. This embodiment does not limit this. For example, the first signaling may include a UE-Satellite-UE field. UE-Satellite-UE=1 indicates that the UE allows direct sub-satellite communication; conversely, UE-Satellite-UE=0 or other values ​​indicate that the UE has not enabled satellite communication and does not allow direct sub-satellite communication. In some embodiments, the first signaling originally includes a field indicating the communication mode (mode). In this case, this field can be given an additional value, such as M1, where mode=M1 indicates that the UE allows direct sub-satellite communication. In some embodiments, the above-mentioned mode field can also be combined with other fields to indicate whether the UE allows direct sub-satellite communication; examples are not given here. Understandably, in addition to the first information, the first signaling also carries other information, such as UE identity identifier, protocol version identifier, context parameters, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0116] S202, Store the first information.

[0117] Network equipment includes a first network element. The first network element is used to store first information. The first network element includes one or more of the following: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Mobility Management Entity (MME), Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF), Serving Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), and Unified Data Management (UDM).

[0118] For example, the UE can send the first information to the MME for storage via 4G Attach signaling. Alternatively, the UE can send the first information to the AMF for storage via 5G registration request signaling.

[0119] In some embodiments, the network device further includes a second network element. The first signaling sent by the UE first reaches the second network element, which then sends the first information to the first network element for storage via a second signaling.

[0120] The second signaling includes one or more of the following: mobile communication access related signaling, Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem related signaling, Radio Resource Control Protocol signaling, and Protocol Data Unit Session related signaling.

[0121] Among them, mobile communication access-related signaling includes, but is not limited to, initial connection setup request and initiated SM Policy Association Modification; Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem-related signaling includes, but is not limited to, SIP register and SIPIVITE; Radio Resource Control Protocol signaling includes, but is not limited to, RRC Connection Request; and Protocol Data Unit Session-related signaling includes, but is not limited to, Location info request.

[0122] The second network element includes one or more of the following: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Unified Data Management (UDM), Packet Control Function (PCF), User Plane Function Entity (UPF), Mobility Management Entity (MME), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), and Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW).

[0123] For example, the UE can send the first information to the MME (second network element) via 4G Attach signaling (first signaling), and the MME can then send the first information to the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF (first network element) for storage via initial contact setup request signaling (second signaling). Alternatively, the UE can send the first information to the AMF (second network element) for storage via 5G registration request signaling (first signaling), and the AMF can then send the first information to the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF (first network element) for storage via SIP register / INVITE signaling (second signaling); or, the UE can send the first information to the AMF (second network element) via IMS Registration request signaling (first signaling), and the AMF can then send the first information to the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF (first signaling) for storage via SIP register / INVITE signaling (second signaling); or, the UE can send the first information to the AMF (second network element) via core network service request and N2 message signaling (first signaling), and the AMF can then send the first information to the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF (first network element) for storage via initiated SM Policy Association Modification signaling (second signaling); or, the UE can send the first information via RRC Connection. The Request signaling (first signaling) sends the first information to the MME / AMF (second network element), and then the MME / AMF can send the first information to the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF (first network element) for storage via the RRC Connection Request signaling (second signaling); or, the UE can send the first information to the AMF (second network element) via the SIP register / INVITE signaling (first signaling), and then the AMF can send the first information to the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF (first network element) for storage via the SIP register / INVITE signaling (second signaling).

[0124] In some embodiments, the UE can also send the first information to the SMF (second network element) via a PDU Session Establishment Request signaling (first signaling), and the SMF can then send the first information to the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF (first network element) for storage via a SIP register / INVITE signaling (second signaling). Alternatively, the UE can also send the first information to the SMF (second network element) via an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request signaling (first signaling), and the SMF can then send the first information to the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF (first network element) for storage via an initiated SM Policy Association Modification signaling (second signaling). Alternatively, the UE can also send the first information to the UPF (second network element) via an N4 Session Modification Request signaling (first signaling), and the UPF can then send the first information to the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF (first network element) for storage via an initiated SM Policy Association Modification signaling (second signaling).

[0125] In some embodiments, the P-CSCF and / or S-CSCF may further send the first information to the HSS (first network element) via Location inforequest signaling (second signaling) and store the first information in the HSS.

[0126] Optionally, after obtaining the first information via the first signaling, the first network element or the second network element will also verify the first information via the fourth signaling, i.e., confirm whether the UE truly allows direct satellite-to-ground communication. In this case, the first network element will store the aforementioned first information after successful verification by itself or the second network element; otherwise, the first network element or the second network element can return a rejection message to the UE, indicating that the UE does not support direct satellite-to-ground communication.

[0127] The fourth signaling includes one or more of the following: Identity Request signaling; Nudm_UECM_Registration signaling for context management.

[0128] Taking the AMF (as the first or second network element) as an example, after obtaining the first information, the AMF can obtain the UE's capabilities from the UE through IdentityRequest to confirm whether the UE supports direct communication between satellite and terrestrial networks. The AMF can verify whether the UE's parameter configuration and functional modules meet the operating standards of the direct communication between satellite and terrestrial networks mode, including but not limited to specific format data encoding, signal processing capabilities, and interaction adaptation capabilities with satellite nodes. Understandably, if the UE is deficient in either hardware performance or software protocol support, even if the user intends to use it, the UE cannot meet the communication requirements in the UE-Satellite-UE mode, nor can it complete the effective exchange of relevant information. On the other hand, the AMF can also retrieve the UE's subscription records in the operator's subscription database to confirm whether the current UE has subscribed to the direct communication between satellite and terrestrial networks service and whether the tariff is normal. For example, the AMF can obtain the UE's subscription information from the UDM through Nudm_UECM_Registration to determine whether the UE has subscribed to the direct communication between satellite and terrestrial networks service and is in a normal tariff (i.e., not in arrears). Only when the UE subscribes to the direct satellite communication service and the tariff is normal will the operator open the corresponding network resources and service channels for the UE, and the UE will then be granted the right to use direct satellite communication.

[0129] Network equipment includes terrestrial network equipment (also called ground equipment) and non-terrestrial network equipment (also called non-terrestrial equipment). Non-terrestrial equipment includes satellite equipment. One or more network elements (such as the first network element and the second network element mentioned above) that transmit and store the first information can be deployed entirely on terrestrial equipment, entirely on non-terrestrial equipment, or partially on terrestrial equipment and partially on non-terrestrial equipment. This application does not impose such limitations.

[0130] Taking 5G registration request signaling as an example, Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a specific communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The network equipment includes satellite equipment and ground equipment. The satellite equipment provides access services to the UE, while a first network element P-CSCF for storing first information and a second network element AMF for transmitting the first information are deployed on the ground equipment.

[0131] like Figure 3 As shown:

[0132] S211. Generate a 5G or IMS registration request (UE-Satellite-UE=1).

[0133] The UE (e.g., UE-A, UE-B) can be equipped with controls for enabling / disabling satellite communication. Users can use these controls to enable / disable satellite communication on the UE. The aforementioned satellite communication refers to... Figure 1A-Figure 1B The image shows direct satellite communication. After enabling satellite communication, the UE enters the registration process.

[0134] First, the UE generates a RegistrationRequest (first signaling). The RegistrationRequest carries initial information, such as UE-Satellite-UE=1, indicating that the current UE allows direct sub-satellite communication. Powering on, resuming from sleep mode, or re-entering a coverage area also triggers the registration process. In this case, as long as satellite communication is enabled, the UE-generated RegistrationRequest will also carry the initial information indicating that the current UE allows direct sub-satellite communication.

[0135] S212, Registration request (UE-Satellite-UE=1).

[0136] After generating a RegistrationRequest, the UE can send the RegistrationRequest. The satellite equipment in the cell where the UE is located (such as Sat-A, Sat-B, which have base stations, also known as access satellites) can receive the above signaling.

[0137] For example, in Figure 1A In the communication scenario shown, when the UE is UE-A, Sat-A can receive the Registration request sent by UE-A first; when the UE is UE-B, Sat-B can receive the Registration request sent by UE-B first.

[0138] S213, Registration request (UE-Satellite-UE=1).

[0139] The N2 interface is the control plane interface between the gNB and the AMF. The gNB can send a Registration request to the AMF (the second network element) through the N2 interface. After receiving the Registration request, the AMF can obtain the initial information from it.

[0140] S214, SIP registration request (UE-Satellite-UE=1).

[0141] Upon receiving a RegistrationRequest, the AMF can verify whether the UE's hardware and software capabilities are compatible (i.e., whether it supports direct on-premises communication) and confirm whether the UE has subscribed to the direct on-premises communication service and is under normal tariff. Referring to the foregoing description, the AMF can obtain UE capabilities from the UE via an Identity Request to confirm whether the UE's hardware and software capabilities are compatible; the AMF can obtain the UE's subscription information from the UDM via Nudm_UECM_Registration to confirm whether the UE has subscribed to the direct on-premises communication service and is under normal tariff.

[0142] SIP register request is a signaling type in SIP. It is used to tell the SIP server (such as a registration server or proxy server) the UE's SIP address (e.g., sip:user@example.com) and current network location (e.g., IP address) so that the server can locate the UE.

[0143] After verifying the UE's hardware and software capabilities are compatible, and confirming that the UE has subscribed to the direct satellite communication service and its charges are normal, the AMF can send a SIP register request (second signaling) to the P-CSCF (first network element). In this embodiment, after obtaining the first information (e.g., UE-Satellite-UE=1) from the Registration request, the SIP register request will also carry the aforementioned first information. Therefore, the AMF can send the aforementioned first information to the P-CSCF via the SIP register request. The AMF will not send a SIP register request carrying the first information to the P-CSCF (first network element) if any of the following conditions are met: UE hardware and software capabilities are incompatible, the UE has not subscribed to the direct satellite communication service, or the charges are in arrears.

[0144] S215, Store UE-Satellite-UE=1.

[0145] Upon receiving a SIP register request, the P-CSCF can obtain first information from the SIP register request, such as UE-Satellite-UE=1. Then, the P-CSCF can store the first information in its local memory for later use.

[0146] S216, 5G or IMS registration: Accept or reject.

[0147] On the other hand, after verifying the UE's hardware and software capability compatibility, subscribing to the direct sub-satellite communication service, and ensuring normal tariffs, the AMF can return a Registration accept message to the gNB via the N2 interface, indicating successful registration. The UE can then perform direct sub-satellite communication. Conversely, if any of the following conditions are met: UE hardware and software capability incompatibility, failure to subscribe to the direct sub-satellite communication service, or unpaid tariffs, the AMF can return a Registration reject message to the gNB via the N2 interface, indicating registration failure. The AMF can send the Registration accept / reject message to the gNB via downlink non-access stratum transport (DL NAS transport). The UE will not be allowed to perform direct sub-satellite communication. The UE needs to resolve the hardware and software capability incompatibility and / or subscription issues, and then re-register.

[0148] The order in which S214 and S216 are executed is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0149] S217. Registration accept / reject.

[0150] Upon receiving a Registration accept / reject message, the gNB can send the Registration accept / reject message to the UE via downlink information transfer (DLInformationtransfer) to notify the UE of successful or failed registration.

[0151] When registration fails, the UE can display a pop-up window. The pop-up window may include prompts such as "Mobile phone hardware does not support satellite communication", "Satellite communication not subscribed", "Account in arrears", etc., to inform the user of the registration failure and the reason for the failure, so that the user can solve the problem and re-register to obtain satellite communication services.

[0152] In some examples, the first network element P-CSCF and the second network element AMF can also be deployed on satellite equipment. In this case, after receiving a Registration request carrying the first information, the access satellite can send the first information to the first network element and the second network element through the on-board communication of a single satellite and / or the ISL between multiple satellites, and then store the first information on the satellite for subsequent judgment.

[0153] Users can make satellite phone calls. In this embodiment, based on the aforementioned first information, the network device can determine whether the called party allows direct satellite communication according to the aforementioned indication information. When the called party does not allow direct satellite communication, the network device can directly reject the call from the calling party, thereby saving signaling costs and avoiding wasting network resources.

[0154] Figure 4 This is a session flowchart based on first information provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0155] S400, Call Request (UE-B, UE-A).

[0156] Upon detecting a satellite call dialing operation, the UE (e.g., UE-B) may send a call request, such as a SIP INVITE, to the network device. This call request carries the identification identifiers of the calling party (UE-B) and the called party (e.g., UE-A), such as IMSI, TMSI, and MSISDN. Understandably, in addition to the identification identifiers of the two parties, the call request also carries other information, such as SDP offers, which will not be listed here.

[0157] S401. Confirm whether the called end supports direct on-satellite communication.

[0158] Referring to S202, the network device stores the UE's initial information, indicating whether the UE supports direct communication between satellite and ground stations.

[0159] Upon receiving a call request, the network device can obtain the identity identifier of the called party (UE-A) from the call request and then query the corresponding first information. For example, when the called party UE-Satellite-UE=1 is found, the network device can determine that the called party supports direct satellite communication; conversely, when the called party UE-Satellite-UE=0 or other values ​​are found, the network device can determine that the called party does not support direct satellite communication.

[0160] Referring to S202, the first network element in the network device (e.g., AMF, MME, P-CSCF, S-CSCF, HSS) is responsible for storing the first information. Therefore, here, the network device specifically queries the aforementioned first network element for the first information of the called party.

[0161] For example, when the first information is stored in the AMF / MME, the network device can query the previously stored first information from the AMF / MME via SIP N11 message (third signaling); when the first information is stored in the P-CSCF / S-CSCF, the network device can query the previously stored first information from the P-CSCF / S-CSCF via SDP offer / response (third signaling); when the first information is stored in the HSS, the network device can query the previously stored first information from the HSS via Location Query (third signaling).

[0162] Similarly, network equipment includes terrestrial network equipment and satellite equipment. The first network element can be deployed on either terrestrial or satellite equipment. In a UE-Satellite-UE call, the satellite equipment first receives the call request from the calling end. When the first network element is deployed on the satellite equipment, the satellite equipment performs the on-board query directly when querying the first information, without communicating with the terrestrial network equipment. When the first network element is deployed on the terrestrial equipment, the satellite equipment can communicate with the terrestrial network equipment based on the Feeder Link between the satellite equipment and the terrestrial equipment to obtain the first information from the first network element in the terrestrial network equipment.

[0163] After confirming that the called party supports direct on-satellite communication, the S402 network device sends a call request to the called party.

[0164] Upon receiving the aforementioned call request, the called party (UE-A) may ring. The user can choose to answer or reject the call. If the user chooses to answer, the called party can send an acknowledgment message (e.g., 200 OK) to the caller via network equipment, establishing a data channel between the two parties to carry user traffic (e.g., voice packets). If the user rejects the call, the called party can send a rejection message (e.g., 480 Busy Here, 486 Busy, 603 Decline, etc.) to the caller via network equipment, ending the call.

[0165] When the called party does not support direct communication with satellite, the S403 network device sends a rejection message to the calling party.

[0166] At this point, the rejection message indicates that the called party does not support direct on-satellite communication. In response to the rejection message, the calling party can prompt the user to switch service types, such as making an LTE / 5G call. When the network device sends a rejection message to the calling party, the network device will no longer send a call request to the called party, avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead and improving network efficiency.

[0167] Taking ground-based AMF and P-CSCF as examples, Figure 5 This is a specific session flowchart based on first information provided in an embodiment of this application. In this flowchart, UE-B is the calling end, and UE-A is the called end.

[0168] S411, Session Invitation INVITE (UE-B, UE-A).

[0169] INVITE is a signaling type in SIP, primarily used to initiate multimedia session invitations (such as voice calls, video calls, or instant messaging). Upon detecting a user's satellite call dialing operation, UE-B can send an INVITE based on the SIP protocol. The INVITE carries the identity identifiers of the calling UE-B and the called UE-A, as well as information such as the SDP offer. The access satellite Sat-B of UE-B can receive the INVITE from UE-B.

[0170] S412, Data Notification (UE-A) for paging information.

[0171] The gNB can send an N4 Session Request to the UPF. This message carries the identity identifier of the called party (UE-A). The UPF can then obtain the identity identifier of the called party (UE-A). The UPF can then send a paging information notification (Data Notification) to the ground SMF. The Data Notification carries the identity identifier of the called party.

[0172] S413. Check if the called party supports direct communication under satellite.

[0173] The SMF can identify the called party (UE-A) using the called party's (UE-A) identity identifier carried in the Data Notification. Then, in response to the aforementioned notification, the SMF can query the P-CSCF for the first information of the called party (UE-A) via SDP offer / response (third signaling) to confirm whether the called party (UE-A) supports direct on-satellite communication.

[0174] After confirming that the called party supports direct on-satellite communication, S414 and SMF send an N11 message to AMF. The N11 message carries the called party's (UE-A) identity identifier, the called party's location area information, and the access satellite identifier, etc.

[0175] S415, calling PAGING.

[0176] In response to the aforementioned N11 message, the AMF can determine the called party's access satellite (e.g., Sat-A) using information such as the called party's location area information and access satellite identifier. Then, the AMF can send a paging signal to the calling party's access satellite to locate the called party. Specifically, the AMF sends the paging signal to the access satellite via the N2 interface. Upon receiving the paging signal from the AMF, the access satellite immediately broadcasts the paging signal to locate the called party, UE-A.

[0177] S416, RRC connection establishment request setuprequest.

[0178] Upon receiving PAGING, the called party can send an RRC setup request to its access satellite Sat-A to establish an RRC connection with the Sat-A base station.

[0179] Then, the called party can ring. The user can choose to answer or reject the call. After the user answers, the called party can send an acknowledgment message (e.g., 200 OK) to the caller via network equipment, establishing a data channel between the two parties to carry user traffic (e.g., voice packets). After the user rejects the call, the called party can send a rejection message (e.g., 480 Busy Here, 486 Busy, 603 Decline, etc.) to the caller via network equipment, ending the call.

[0180] When the called party does not support direct communication under satellite, S417, paging information notification Data Notification (reject).

[0181] At this point, the Data Notification carries a rejection message indicating that the called party does not support direct on-premises communication. The gNB can then send this rejection message to the calling party. In response to the rejection message, the calling party can display a prompt, such as "The other end does not support satellite calls," prompting the user to switch service types, such as making LTE / 5G or other types of calls. In this case, the network equipment no longer needs to send a call request to the called party, thus avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead and improving network efficiency.

[0182] Currently, the satellite identifier of the access satellite is stored on the ground equipment P-CSCF and transmitted through the ground IMS core network. In an IMS session based on direct on-board communication, the satellite equipment needs to communicate frequently with the ground equipment to obtain the satellite identifier of the target UE's access satellite, and then send user plane data to the target UE's access satellite through on-board communication or inter-satellite routing, and then send it to the target UE through the access satellite.

[0183] This increases the waiting time for user session establishment, increases the latency of user plane data transmission, and affects the user's call experience.

[0184] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a communication method.

[0185] By implementing this method, the satellite equipment can obtain the satellite identifiers of the access satellites of both UEs from the ground equipment during the session establishment phase and store them in the satellite equipment. When transmitting user plane data, the satellite equipment can obtain the satellite identifier of the target UE's access satellite locally, thereby determining the target UE's access satellite, sending the user plane data to the target UE's access satellite, and then transmitting it to the target UE via the access satellite.

[0186] In this way, when transmitting user plane data, satellite equipment no longer needs to obtain satellite identifiers from ground equipment, which can shorten the user plane data transmission time and improve the user's satellite call experience.

[0187] first, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an improved satellite-to-ground direct communication architecture provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0188] like Figure 6 As shown, in addition to the RAN (including base stations) and PSA-UPF, IMS-AGW can also be deployed on satellite equipment. IMS-AGW is responsible for managing the forwarding of user plane information and processing some control plane information.

[0189] The ground equipment is equipped with core network elements such as AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, P-CSCF, HSS, MME, PGW, PCRF, S-CSCF, and IMS. Figure 6 Only AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, and P-CSCF are shown; HSS, MME, PGW, PCRF, S-CSCF, and IMS are not shown. A control plane (C-plane) data channel lq can be established between the onboard IMS-AGW and the ground-based P-CSCF. The onboard IMS-AGW can retrieve the satellite identifiers stored in the P-CSCF via lq and store them in its local memory.

[0190] In this way, when transmitting user plane data, satellite equipment no longer needs to obtain satellite identifiers from ground equipment.

[0191] exist Figure 6 In the scenario shown, UE-A and UE-B are not in the same geostationary orbit cell, and their access satellites are different. Similarly, when UE-A and UE-B are not within the coverage area of ​​the same ground equipment, their ground equipment is also different; for example, UE-A's ground equipment is ground equipment A, and UE-B's ground equipment is ground equipment B.

[0192] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a specific communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0193] In this system, UE-A is the calling end, and UE-B is the called end. gNB(A) is the gNB of the calling end's access satellite Sat-A, and P-CSCF(A) is the P-CSCF of the calling end's ground equipment A; gNB(B) is the gNB of the called end's access satellite Sat-B, and P-CSCF(B) is the P-CSCF of the called end's ground equipment B; IMS-AGW is deployed on satellite equipment, which can be the access satellite Sat-A of UE-A, the access satellite Sat-B of UE-B, or other satellite equipment.

[0194] S501, Invite (session invitation);

[0195] Upon detecting a user's satellite call dialing operation, UE-A can send a SIPIVITE signaling message. The INVITE carries information such as the identity identifiers of the calling UE-A and the called UE-B, and the SDP offer. The base station gNB(A) (the first base station) of the access satellite Sat-A of UE-A can receive the INVITE from UE-A. Then, gNB(A) can send the aforementioned INVITE to the P-CSCF network element of UE-A, namely P-CSCF(A).

[0196] S502. Determine the satellite identifier of the service caller.

[0197] P-CSCF(A) can obtain the identity identifier of the calling UE-A from INVITE, and query network information based on the above identity identifier to determine the satellite identifier of the satellite equipment serving the calling UE (hereinafter referred to as: the satellite identifier of the serving UE), such as the satellite identifier of Sat-A.

[0198] In this embodiment, the operator deploys satellite core network elements (such as satellite gateway stations or onboard base stations), and the PCF has the ability to allocate and identify satellite beams or satellite identifiers. Therefore, the P-CSCF can query network information from the ground PCF to determine the satellite identifier of the serving client. Specifically, the P-CSCF(A) can request the access network information of the calling client UE-A from the PCF via the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Subscribe signaling. In response to the above signaling, the PCF can send Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify to the SMF, instructing the SMF to query the access satellite identifier of the calling client UE-A. After obtaining the access satellite identifier of the calling client UE-A, the SMF can send Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update to the PCF. Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update carries the access satellite identifier of the calling client UE-A. For example, a SATID field can be added to Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update. SATID=XXX indicates that the current UE's satellite access satellite identifier is XXX. Then, the PCF transmits the access satellite identifier of the calling UE-A back to the P-CSCF(A).

[0199] S503, Assign IMS-AGW to the calling end.

[0200] The P-CSCF(A) can allocate on-board IMS-AGWs to the calling party according to a policy. After allocating an on-board IMS-AGW, the P-CSCF(A) can send an Allocation Request (Req) to that IMS-AGW. Upon receiving a Reserved Response (Resp) from the IMS-AGW, the P-CSCF(A) can confirm that the allocation was successful.

[0201] S504, INVITE (Satellite Identifier for Service Caller).

[0202] P-CSCF(A) can send an INVITE to the assigned on-board IMS-AGW (first gateway). At this time, the INVITE also carries the satellite identifier of the serving UE-A, such as the satellite identifier of Sat-A (first satellite identifier).

[0203] S505, Store the satellite identifier of the calling terminal.

[0204] The onboard IMS-AGW can obtain the satellite identifier of the calling UE-A from the INVITE sent by the P-CSCF(A) and store it in the onboard IMS-AGW's local memory. Then, the onboard IMS-AGW can determine the P-CSCF network element of the called UE-B: P-CSCF(B), and send the aforementioned INVITE to the called UE-B's P-CSCF(B).

[0205] S506. Determine the satellite identifier of the called party.

[0206] The P-CSCF(B) can obtain the identity identifier of the called UE-B from the INVITE, and then query network information based on the identity identifier to determine the satellite identifier of the satellite equipment serving the called UE-B (hereinafter referred to as the satellite identifier serving the called UE-B), such as the satellite identifier of Sat-B. Similarly, the P-CSCF(B) can query network information from the terrestrial PCF to determine the satellite identifier serving the called UE-B. The P-CSCF(B) can obtain the satellite identifier of the called UE-B through the aforementioned Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Subscribe signaling, Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify signaling, and Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update signaling.

[0207] S507, Assign IMS-AGW to the called party.

[0208] Similarly, P-CSCF(B) can allocate an on-board IMS-AGW to the called party according to a policy. After allocating an on-board IMS-AGW, P-CSCF(B) can send an allocation request to that IMS-AGW. Upon receiving a hold response from the IMS-AGW, P-CSCF(B) can confirm successful allocation. When there are many satellite devices, there may be multiple on-board IMS-AGWs. In this case, the IMS-AGWs allocated by P-CSCF(B) for the called party may be different from the IMS-AGWs allocated by P-CSCF(A) for the calling party.

[0209] After IMS-AGW is assigned, P-CSCF(B) can send the above INVITE to the called UE-B via gNB(B) (second base station).

[0210] S508, Generate a temporary response 18X.

[0211] In response to the above INVITE, the called UE-B can generate a temporary 18X response, such as 180 Ringing, 182 Queued, or 183 Session Progress. The UE-B can then send this temporary response to the P-CSCF(B).

[0212] S509, 18X (Satellite identifier for the called party).

[0213] UE-B can send the aforementioned temporary response 18X to its onboard IMS-AGW (second gateway) via gNB(B) and P-CSCF(B). At this time, the 18X also carries the satellite identifier of the serving called party UE-B, such as the satellite identifier of Sat-B (second satellite identifier).

[0214] S510, stores the satellite identifier of the called party.

[0215] Upon receiving a temporary response 18X, the onboard IMS-AGW can obtain the satellite identifier of the called UE-B from the 18X and store it in the local memory of the onboard IMS-AGW.

[0216] S511, 18X.

[0217] After storing the satellite identifier of the called UE-B, the onboard IMS-AGW can send the aforementioned temporary response 18X to the P-CSCF(A), and then transmit the 18X to the calling UE-A via the gNB(A). Optionally, when satellite services are busy and satellite ISL transmission is unavailable, the P-CSCF(B) can also send the 18X to the P-CSCF(A) via the terrestrial link, and then transmit the 18X to the calling UE-A via the gNB(A).

[0218] S512: Query the satellite identifier stored in IMS-AGW, and send the control plane data and user plane data to the peer UE via ISL.

[0219] Upon receiving a temporary 18X response from the called UE-B, the calling UE-A can send an acknowledgment signaling 18X conf to the called UE-B. At this time, based on the satellite identifier of the called UE-B stored in the IMS-AGW, the IMS-AGW can directly confirm the access satellite Sat-B of UE-B, and then send the 18X conf to gNB(B), which in turn sends the 18X conf to UE-B. Similarly, when the called UE-A sends messages such as 200 OK / 480 Busy Here / 486 Busy / 603 Decline to the calling UE-A, the onboard IMS-AGW can also directly confirm the access satellite Sat-A of UE-A, and then send the aforementioned messages to gNB(A), which in turn sends the messages to UE-A.

[0220] Subsequently, when transmitting user plane data, based on the satellite identifiers of the calling and called ends stored in the IMS-AGW, the IMS-AGW can directly determine the access satellites of the calling and called ends, and send the aforementioned user plane data to the calling and called ends via the satellite ISL. For example, after receiving the first user data sent by the calling end UE-A, the IMS-AGW can directly obtain the satellite identifier of the called end UE-B from its local storage, thereby determining the access satellite Sat-B (the second satellite) of UE-B, and then sending the first user data to Sat-B; after receiving the second user data sent by the called end UE-B, the IMS-AGW can directly obtain the satellite identifier of the calling end UE-A from its local storage, thereby determining the access satellite Sat-A (the first satellite) of the calling end UE-A, and then sending the second user data to Sat-A.

[0221] In this way, satellite equipment no longer needs to obtain satellite identifiers from ground equipment, which can shorten the time for users to transmit data on the ground and improve users' satellite call experience.

[0222] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a UE structure provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the UE includes a chip system 61, a memory 62, an audio module 63, a display screen 64, a camera 65, and a sensor module 66.

[0223] The chip system 61 includes one or more processors (also called chips), such as an application processor (AP), a baseband processor (BP), a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), and a graphics processing unit (GPU). The UE can provide wireless communication solutions such as 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and satellite calling through the AP, BP, RFIC, and antennas.

[0224] Memory 62 includes one or more random access memory (RAM) and one or more non-volatile memory (NVM). RAM can be directly read and written by the processor and can be used to store executable programs (such as machine instructions) of the operating system or other running programs, as well as user and application data. NVM can store executable programs and user data. Executable programs and user data stored in NVM can be loaded into RAM for direct read and write operations by the processor.

[0225] In this embodiment, the executable program code for the application providing satellite calling services can be stored in the NVM. Upon power-on, the UE can retrieve the executable program code from the NVM and load it into RAM for execution. During operation, the UE can execute... Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 The communication method shown can shorten the waiting time for session establishment and improve the user experience of satellite calls.

[0226] Audio module 63 is used to convert digital audio information into analog audio signals for output, and also to convert analog audio input into digital audio signals. Audio module 63 includes a speaker, a receiver, and a microphone. The speaker, also called a "loudspeaker," is used to convert audio electrical signals into sound signals. The receiver, also called a "handpiece," is used to convert audio electrical signals into sound signals. The UE can play audio through the speaker / receiver for the user to listen to. The microphone, also called a "microphone" or "voice transducer," is used to collect sound signals and convert them into electrical signals.

[0227] In the satellite calling scenario shown in this application, after establishing a call connection, the UE can collect the user's voice signal through a microphone, generate a voice packet, and send the voice packet to the other UE through the aforementioned call connection. Simultaneously, the UE can receive the voice packet sent by the other UE through the aforementioned call connection and play the voice packet through a receiver or speaker.

[0228] The display screen 64 includes a display panel. The display panel can be a liquid crystal display (LCD). Alternatively, it can be manufactured using organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), active-matrix organic light-emitting diodes (AMOLEDs), flexible light-emitting diodes (FLEDs), miniled, microled, micro-OLEDs, quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs), etc. Optionally, the UE may include one or more displays 64. The UE can implement display functions, such as displaying dial-up interfaces, video images, etc., through the GPU, display screen 64, and AP.

[0229] Camera 65 is used to capture images. The UE may include one or more cameras 65. The UE can implement the shooting function through an ISP, camera 65, video codec, GPU, display 64, and application processor. In a satellite calling scenario, the UE can use the above-mentioned shooting function to make video calls.

[0230] Sensor module 66 includes a touch sensor, a gyroscope sensor, and an accelerometer sensor. The touch sensor, also known as a "touch device," can be located in the display screen 64. The touch sensor and the display screen 64 together form a touchscreen, also known as a "touchscreen." The touch sensor detects touch operations applied to or near it. The touch sensor transmits the detected touch operation to the application processor to determine the touch event type. The UE can then provide visual output related to the touch operation through the display screen 64 based on the detected touch event type, such as making a call based on the user's dialing operation or updating the user interface. The gyroscope sensor and accelerometer sensor determine the UE's motion state and position. The UE can use the motion state and position determined by the gyroscope sensor and accelerometer sensor for positioning.

[0231] Not limited to the sensors mentioned above, sensor module 66 may also include other sensors, such as pressure sensors, air pressure sensors, magnetic sensors, distance sensors, proximity sensors, fingerprint sensors, temperature sensors, ambient light sensors, bone conduction sensors, etc., to enable the UE to achieve richer sensing capabilities.

[0232] Chip system 61, memory 62, audio module 63, display screen 64, camera 65, sensor module 66, and other components are connected via a bus and communicate and exchange data based on the aforementioned bus. The aforementioned bus includes, but is not limited to, an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) bus, an inter-integrated circuit sound (I2S) bus, a pulse code modulation (PCM) bus, a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) bus, a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI) bus, a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) interface bus, and / or a universal serial bus (USB) interface bus.

[0233] It is understood that the structures illustrated in the embodiments of the present invention do not constitute a specific limitation on the UE. Optionally, the UE may also include more components, such as buttons, motors, indicators, and a subscriber identification module (SIM) card interface. The embodiments of this application do not impose such limitations.

[0234] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the network device provided in an embodiment of this application. The network device described above can be a terrestrial network device deployed on the ground or a satellite device deployed in space.

[0235] like Figure 9 As shown, the network device includes a processor 71, a transceiver 72, an antenna 73, and a memory 74.

[0236] In the embodiments of this application, the implementation is as follows: Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 The instructions for the communication method shown can be stored in memory 74 and / or processor 71. These instructions can be a computer program. By executing the computer program described above, the network device can send signaling and data to other network devices and / or UEs via transceiver 72 and antenna 73, and receive signaling and data sent by other network devices and / or UEs.

[0237] The term "user interface (UI)" in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application refers to the medium through which an application or operating system interacts and exchanges information with a user. It enables the conversion between the internal form of information and a form acceptable to the user. A common form of user interface is the graphical user interface (GUI), which refers to a user interface related to computer operation displayed graphically. It can be a window or control displayed on the screen of an electronic device. Controls can include visual interface elements such as icons, pictures, text, buttons, menu bars, tabs, text boxes, dialog boxes, status bars, navigation bars, scroll bars, and widgets.

[0238] As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” “the,” and “this” are intended to include the plural expressions as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in this application refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. As used in the above embodiments, depending on the context, the term “when” can be interpreted as meaning “if…” or “after…” or “in response to determining…” or “in response to detecting…”. Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase “when…” or “if (the stated condition or event) is interpreted as meaning “if…” or “in response to determining…” or “when (the stated condition or event) is detected” or “in response to detecting (the stated condition or event)”.

[0239] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state drive), etc.

[0240] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. This program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes described in the above method embodiments. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as ROM or random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A communication method applied to a user equipment (UE), characterized in that, The method includes: A first signaling message is sent to the network device, the first signaling message carrying first information, the first information indicating whether the UE allows direct sub-satellite communication. The network device includes a first network element Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) and a second network element Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). The P-CSCF stores the first information, and the AMF verifies the UE's hardware and software capabilities and subscription information. The subscription information is used to determine whether the UE has subscribed to the on-premises direct communication service and is in good service with normal tariffs. Wherein, when the AMF verifies the UE's hardware and software capabilities and subscription information and confirms that it supports direct on-satellite communication, the first information is obtained by the AMF from the UE through the first signaling and sent to the P-CSCF, and stored by the P-CSCF.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first signaling includes one or more of the following: mobile communication access related signaling, Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem related signaling, core network registration signaling, and Radio Resource Control Protocol signaling.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mobile communication access related signaling includes: 5G registration request; The Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IPMS) related signaling includes one or more of the following: IMS Registration request, SIP register, and SIP INVITE. The core network registration signaling includes: core network registration signaling service request; The Radio Resource Control Protocol (RRC) signaling includes: RRC ConnectionRequest.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The P-CSCF obtains the first information from the AMF through a second signaling, the second signaling including one or more of the following: mobile communication access related signaling, Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem related signaling, and Radio Resource Control Protocol signaling.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mobile communication access-related signaling used for the second signaling includes: initiating SM Policy Association Modification signaling; The Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem related signaling used for the second signaling includes one or more of the following: SIPregister, SIP INVITE; The Radio Resource Control Protocol signaling used for the second signaling includes: RRC Connection Request.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The direct communication between satellites includes: direct communication between UEs via a single satellite and direct communication between UEs via multiple satellites.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the UE subscription information indicates that the UE has subscribed to the on-satellite direct communication service, receive the accept message; When the UE subscription information indicates that the UE has not subscribed to the on-satellite direct communication service, a rejection message is received.

8. A communication method applied to a network device, the network device comprising a first network element proxy call session control function (P-CSCF) and a second network element access and mobility management function (AMF), wherein the P-CSCF stores first information indicating whether a user equipment (UE) allows direct sub-satellite communication, and the AMF verifies the UE's hardware and software capabilities and subscription information, the subscription information determining whether the UE has subscribed to direct sub-satellite communication service and is in good service status; when the AMF verifies the UE's hardware and software capabilities and subscription information and confirms support for direct sub-satellite communication, the first information is obtained by the AMF from the UE and sent to the P-CSCF, and stored by the P-CSCF, characterized in that... The method includes: Receive call requests from the calling party; Query the P-CSCF for the first information of the called party corresponding to the call request; When the first information from the called end indicates that the called end allows direct on-satellite communication, the call request is sent to the called end using the AMF.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: when the first information of the called end indicates that the called end does not allow direct satellite communication, returning a rejection message to the calling end.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The network device queries the first information of the called party through a third signaling, the third signaling including: The session description protocol query response signaling includes SDP offer and SDP response.

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, After sending the call request to the called party, the method further includes: returning a rejection message to the calling party, the rejection message indicating that the called party refuses to answer the call.

12. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, After sending the call request to the called party, the method further includes: returning a confirmation message to the calling party and establishing a data channel to carry user traffic.

13. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes one or more processors and one or more memories; wherein the one or more memories are coupled to the one or more processors, and the one or more memories are used to store a computer program that, when the one or more processors execute the computer program, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1-7 or 8-12 to be performed.

14. A computer-readable storage medium comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is run on an electronic device, it causes the electronic device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-7 or 8-12.

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