Communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and computer program product

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication method, communication equipment, a communication system, a storage medium and a computer program product. The communication method is executed by a first network device, and comprises the following steps: sending first information to a terminal; wherein the first information is used for at least one of the following items: selecting an access network; and executing switching of an access network, wherein the access network is a first access network or a second access network. According to the embodiment of the invention, a communication mechanism can adapt to communication after a satellite access network is introduced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular, to an information processing method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a computer program product. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of communication technology, satellite communication is introduced, and there are different kinds of satellites at different orbital altitudes. Multi-orbit satellite access system is a network provided by satellites running at different orbits. The access of each orbital altitude satellite in the satellite network brings unique communication effects to the entire communication system. SUMMARY

[0003] After the introduction of satellite communication, the communication mechanism needs to be adjusted.

[0004] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method is performed by a first network device, and the method comprises:

[0005] sending first information to a terminal;

[0006] The first information is used for at least one of the following:

[0007] selecting an access network;

[0008] performing handover of the access network, the access network being a first access network or a second access network.

[0009] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method is performed by a terminal, and the method comprises:

[0010] receiving first information sent by a first network device;

[0011] The first information is used for at least one of the following:

[0012] selecting an access network;

[0013] performing handover of the access network, the access network being a first access network or a second access network.

[0014] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprises:

[0015] a first core network device sends first information to a terminal;

[0016] The first information is used for at least one of the following:

[0017] selecting an access network;

[0018] performing handover of an access network, the access network being the first access network or the second access network.

[0019] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, which is configured to perform the communication method of the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

[0020] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: a terminal or a first network device; wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method of the first aspect, and the first network device is configured to implement the communication method of the second aspect.

[0021] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, which stores instructions, when the instructions are run on a communication device, causing the communication device to perform the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

[0022] According to a seventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, which comprises a computer program or instructions, and the computer program or instructions are executed by a processor to implement the method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

[0023] The embodiments of the present disclosure can enable the communication mechanism to adapt to the communication after the introduction of the satellite access network. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following describes the drawings required for the embodiments, and the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not specifically limit the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 1A is a structural schematic diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a communication architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2 is an interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 3A is an interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4A is a flow schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 4Bis a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 5A is a structural diagram of a first network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 5B is a structural diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 6A is a structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 6B is a structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information processing method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium and a computer program product.

[0036] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, the method is performed by a first network device, and the method comprises the following steps.

[0037] sending first information to a terminal;

[0038] The first information is used for at least one of the following:

[0039] selecting an access network;

[0040] performing handover of an access network, the access network being a first access network or a second access network.

[0041] In the above embodiments, the first network device can send first information to the terminal, the first information being used for indicating selection of an access network and / or performing handover of an access network, so that the terminal can adapt to the indication of the first information, and select an access network and / or perform handover of an access network in time, thereby improving the performance and reliability of network communication compared with the case where the communication effect is poor using the current satellite access network.

[0042] In some embodiments combined with the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first access network is a wireless access network GEO-RAN using geostationary orbit satellites; and the second access network is a wireless access network NGSO-RAN using non-geostationary orbit satellites.

[0043] In some embodiments combined with the first aspect, in some embodiments, before the first network device sends the first information to the terminal, the terminal has completed network registration using the first access network.

[0044] In the above embodiment, since the terminal has completed network registration using the first access network, the first information can be sent to the terminal based on the first access network that has been registered.

[0045] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the sending of the first information to the terminal comprises:

[0046] determining that the second information is acquired, and sending the first information to the terminal;

[0047] The second information is used to indicate an event, and the event comprises at least one of:

[0048] The first event is an event of detecting a service data packet;

[0049] The second event is an event of at least one of a data transmission amount and a number of established session connections being greater than or equal to a corresponding threshold value;

[0050] The third event is an event of a quality of service (QoS) value of transmitted service data not being within a first range.

[0051] In the above embodiment, since different events correspond to different triggering scenarios, the first information can be sent to the terminal based on detection and reporting of different events, and the timing of sending can be more diverse and flexible based on different event triggering.

[0052] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further comprises:

[0053] receiving the second information sent by the second network device.

[0054] In the above embodiment, since the second information can be acquired from the second network device, the acquisition approach is more diverse and flexible.

[0055] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the sending of the first information to the terminal comprises:

[0056] The first information is sent to the terminal through the first access network.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the first information can be reliably sent to the terminal through the first access network.

[0058] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first information is used to select an access network, and the first information comprises at least one of:

[0059] QoS information, and the selected access network needs to satisfy a QoS indicated by the QoS information;

[0060] signal coverage information, the signal of the selected access network needs to satisfy the signal coverage information.

[0061] In some embodiments, the access network provides at least a time of continuous coverage.

[0062] In the above embodiments, in the case where the first information is used for selecting an access network, the QoS information and / or the signal coverage information for selecting an access network can be provided through the first information, so that the terminal can select a network based on the QoS information and / or the signal coverage information, and an access network that meets the demand can be selected.

[0063] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used for performing access network switching; the first information comprises information of the second access network; the information of the second access network comprises at least one of:

[0064] a first identifier, the first identifier being used for indicating a satellite that provides access for the terminal after access network switching;

[0065] a second identifier, the second identifier being used for indicating a satellite-based station that provides access for the terminal after access network switching.

[0066] The second access network is an access network used by the terminal after access network switching.

[0067] In the above embodiments, in the case where the first information is used for performing access network switching, information assisting switching to the second access network can be provided, and the terminal can quickly perform switching based on the first identifier and / or the second identifier, so that the switching process is more reliable and efficient.

[0068] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second network device is one of: a session connection anchor user plane function, for example, PSA-UPF; an intermediate user plane function, for example, I-UPF.

[0069] In combination with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first network device is one of: a function for access and mobility management, for example, AMF; a function for session management, for example, SMF; a function for policy control, for example, PCF.

[0070] The second aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, the method is executed by a terminal, the method comprises:

[0071] receiving first information sent by a first network device;

[0072] The first information is used for at least one of:

[0073] selecting an access network;

[0074] performing handover of the access network, the access network being the first access network or the second access network.

[0075] In some embodiments in combination with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first access network is a wireless access network GEO-RAN using geostationary orbit satellites; and the second access network is a wireless access network NGSO-RAN using non-geostationary orbit satellites.

[0076] In some embodiments in combination with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the terminal has completed network registration using the first access network before the terminal or the access network device receives the first information sent by the first network device.

[0077] In some embodiments in combination with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the receiving the first information sent by the first network device comprises:

[0078] receiving the first information sent by the first network device based on the second information;

[0079] wherein the second information is used to indicate an event; and the event comprises at least one of:

[0080] a first event, the first event being an event of detecting a traffic data packet;

[0081] a second event, the second event being an event of at least one of a data transmission amount and a number of established session connections being greater than or equal to a corresponding threshold value;

[0082] a third event, the third event being an event of a quality of service, QoS, for transmitting traffic data not being within a first range.

[0083] In some embodiments in combination with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the receiving the first information sent by the first network device comprises:

[0084] receiving the first information sent by the first network device through the first access network.

[0085] In some embodiments in combination with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used to select an access network; and the first information comprises at least one of:

[0086] QoS information, a selected access network needing to satisfy a QoS indicated by the QoS information;

[0087] signal coverage information, a signal of a selected access network needing to satisfy the signal coverage information.

[0088] In some embodiments combining with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0089] selecting the second access network based on the first information.

[0090] In some embodiments combining with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0091] completing network registration using the second access network.

[0092] In some embodiments combining with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used to perform access network switching; the first information includes information of the second access network; the information of the second access network includes at least one of:

[0093] a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate a satellite providing access for the terminal after access network switching;

[0094] a second identifier, the second identifier being used to indicate a satellite-borne base station providing access for the terminal after access network switching.

[0095] wherein the second access network is an access network used by the terminal after access network switching.

[0096] In some embodiments combining with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0097] determining the second access network based on at least one of current location information and ephemeris information of the terminal.

[0098] In some embodiments combining with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0099] performing access network switching based on the information of the second access network.

[0100] In some embodiments combining with the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first network device is one of: a function for access and mobility management; a function for session management; a function for policy control.

[0101] In a third aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising: a first network device sending first information to a terminal; wherein the first information is used for at least one of: selecting an access network; performing switching of an access network, the access network being a first access network or a second access network.

[0102] In a fourth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a first network device, comprising: a transceiver configured to send first information to a terminal; wherein the first information is used for at least one of the following: selecting an access network; performing handover of an access network, the access network being a first access network or a second access network.

[0103] In a fifth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a terminal, comprising: a transceiver configured to receive first information sent by a first network device; wherein the first information is used for at least one of the following: selecting an access network; performing handover of an access network, the access network being a first access network or a second access network.

[0104] In a sixth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication device, comprising one or more processors; wherein the communication device is configured to perform the method according to the embodiments or optional implementation manners of the first aspect and / or the second aspect.

[0105] In a seventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication device, wherein the communication device is configured to perform the method according to the first aspect, the second aspect, or the optional implementation manners of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0106] In an eighth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication system, comprising: a first network device and a terminal; wherein the first network device is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation manners of the first aspect, and the terminal is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation manners of the second aspect.

[0107] In a ninth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a storage medium, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, and when the instructions run on a communication device, the communication device performs the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or the optional implementation manners of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0108] In a tenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer program product, comprising a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed by a processor, the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or the optional implementation manners of the first aspect and the second aspect is implemented.

[0109] In an eleventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer program, when the computer program runs on a computer, the computer performs the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or the optional implementation manners of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0110] In a twelfth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a chip or a chip system, comprising a processing circuit configured to perform the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or the optional implementation manners of the first aspect and the second aspect.

[0111] It can be understood that the network device, the terminal, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip or the chip system are used to execute the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects achieved thereby can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method, which will not be described here.

[0112] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a network device, a terminal, a communication system and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms of communication method and information processing method can be replaced with each other, the terms of information processing device and communication device can be replaced with each other, and the terms of information processing system and communication system can be replaced with each other.

[0113] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive, but only illustrate some embodiments, and are not specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure. In the case of no contradiction, each step in an embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the scheme after removing some steps in an embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in an embodiment can be exchanged arbitrarily, in addition, the optional implementation manners in an embodiment can be combined arbitrarily; in addition, the embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the steps of different embodiments or part or all of the steps of different embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, and an embodiment can be combined with the optional implementation manners of other embodiments.

[0114] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be used with each other if there is no special description and logical conflict, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0115] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and not as a limitation on the present disclosure.

[0116] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the elements expressed in singular form, such as “one”, “a”, “the”, “above”, “said”, “preceding”, “this” and the like, can represent “one and only one”, or “one or more”, “at least one” and the like. For example, in the case of using articles such as “a”, “an”, “the” and the like in English, the noun after the article can be understood as singular expression, or can be understood as plural expression.

[0117] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “a plurality of” means two or more.

[0118] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one of," "one or more of," "a plurality of," "multiple," and the like can be used interchangeably.

[0119] In some embodiments, the recitations "at least one of A, B," "A and / or B," "in one case A, in another case B," "in response to a case A, in response to a case B," and the like can include the following technical solutions according to the case: in some embodiments A (A is executed regardless of B); in some embodiments B (B is executed regardless of A); in some embodiments A and B are selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments A and B (A and B are both executed). When there are more branches such as A, B, C, and the like, the above is similar.

[0120] In some embodiments, the recitations "A or B" and the like can include the following technical solutions according to the case: in some embodiments A (A is executed regardless of B); in some embodiments B (B is executed regardless of A); in some embodiments A and B are selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). When there are more branches such as A, B, C, and the like, the above is similar.

[0121] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the prefix words "first", "second", and the like are only used to distinguish different description objects, and do not constitute a limitation on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the description objects. The description of the description objects should refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and should not constitute an unnecessary limitation because of the use of the prefix words. For example, the description object is "field", and the ordinal words before "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not limit the position or order between "fields", and "first" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" modified thereby are in the same message or not, nor do they limit the order of "first field" and "second field". For another example, the description object is "level", and the ordinal words before "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not limit the priority between "levels". For another example, the quantity of the description object is not limited by the ordinal words, and can be one or more. For example, "first device", wherein the quantity of "device" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefix words can be the same or different, for example, the description object is "device", and "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, the description object is "information", and "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0122] In some embodiments, “comprising”, “including”, “to indicate”, “carrying”, can be interpreted as directly carrying A, and can also be interpreted as indirectly indicating A.

[0123] In some embodiments, the terms “time / frequency”, “time / frequency domain” and the like refer to the time domain and / or the frequency domain.

[0124] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to”, “in response to determining”, “in the case of”, “when”, “when”, “if”, “if” and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0125] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than”, “greater than or equal to”, “not less than”, “more than”, “more than or equal to”, “not less than”, “higher than”, “higher than or equal to”, “not lower than”, “above” and the like can be replaced with each other, and the terms “less than”, “less than or equal to”, “not greater than”, “less than”, “less than or equal to”, “not more than”, “lower than”, “lower than or equal to”, “not higher than”, “below” and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0126] In some embodiments, the apparatus and the like can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and the name is not limited to the name recorded in the embodiments. The terms “apparatus”, “equipment”, “device”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, “subject” and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0127] In some embodiments, “network” can be interpreted as an apparatus (for example, access network device, core network device, etc.) contained in the network.

[0128] In some embodiments, the terms “access network device (AN device),” “radio access network device (RAN device),” “base station (BS),” “radio base station,” “fixed station,” “node,” “access point,” “transmission point (TP),” “reception point (RP),” “transmission / reception point (TRP),” “panel,” “antenna panel,” “antenna array,” “cell,” “macro cell,” “small cell,” “femto cell,” “pico cell,” “sector,” “cell group,” “carrier,” “component carrier,” “bandwidth part (BWP),” and the like can be used interchangeably.

[0129] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal," "terminal device," "user equipment (UE)," "user terminal," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile terminal (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access terminal," "mobile terminal," "wireless terminal," "remote terminal," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," "client," and so on can be replaced with each other.

[0130] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced with a terminal. For example, for a structure in which communication between the access network device, the core network device, or the network device and the terminal is replaced with communication between a plurality of terminals (for example, also referred to as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and so on), the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied. In this case, a structure in which the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device can also be provided. Furthermore, the language of "uplink," "downlink," and so on can also be replaced with language corresponding to the communication between terminals (for example, "side"). For example, the uplink channel, the downlink channel, and so on can be replaced with the side channel, and the uplink, the downlink, and so on can be replaced with the sidelink.

[0131] In some embodiments, the terminal can be replaced with the access network device, the core network device, or the network device. In this case, a structure in which the access network device, the core network device, or the network device has all or part of the functions of the terminal can also be provided.

[0132] In some embodiments, the data, information, etc. can be obtained in compliance with the laws and regulations of the country in which the location is situated.

[0133] In some embodiments, the data, information, etc. can be obtained after obtaining the consent of the user.

[0134] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0135] Figure 1A is a structural schematic diagram of an information processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] As shown in Figure 1A , the information processing system 100 can include a terminal (terminal) 101, a network device 102.

[0137] In some embodiments, the network device 102 can include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0138] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes at least one of a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things (IOT) device or terminal, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in smart city, a wireless terminal device in smart home, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0139] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network, and the access network device can include at least one of an evolved NodeB (eNB) in a 5G communication system, a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved node B (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an Open RAN, a Cloud RAN, a base station in other communication systems, an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, but is not limited thereto.

[0140] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of the present disclosure can be applied to an Open RAN architecture, at this time, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can become internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be realized through software or programs.

[0141] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), wherein the CU can also be referred to as a control unit. The CU-DU structure can split the protocol layers of the access network device, and the functions of part of the protocol layers are controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers are distributed in the DU and controlled by the CU, but are not limited thereto.

[0142] In some embodiments, the core network device can be one device, can be the first network element or the second network element, or can be a plurality of devices or device groups, respectively including all or part of the above-mentioned first network element and / or second network element, etc. The first network element and / or the second network element can be virtual or physical. The core network includes at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), a next-generation core (NGC), and a 6G core network (6GCN), for example.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first network element can be any function or network element or entity, etc. in the core network that can be used for registration, connection and / or mobility management.

[0144] In some embodiments, the name of the first network element is not limited, which is one of an access and mobility management function, a session management function, and a policy control function, for example.

[0145] In some embodiments, the second network element can be any function or network element or entity, etc. in the core network that can implement a control plane and / or a user plane.

[0146] In some embodiments, the name of the second network element is not limited, which is one of a packet data unit session connection anchor user plane function and an intermediate user plane function, for example.

[0147] It can be understood that the information processing system described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is for more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can know that, with the evolution of system architecture and the appearance of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0148] The following embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Figure 1A The information processing system 100 shown is an example, and the information processing system can include Figure 1A The information processing system 100 shown is an example, and the information processing system can include Figure 1A all or part of the above-mentioned first network element and / or second network element, etc. The first network element and / or the second network element can be virtual or physical. The core network includes at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), a next-generation core (NGC), and a 6G core network (6GCN), for example. Figure 1A all or part of the above-mentioned first network element and / or second network element, etc. The first network element and / or the second network element can be virtual or physical. The core network includes at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), a next-generation core (NGC), and a 6G core network (6GCN), for example.

[0149] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), 5G New Radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New Radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) network, Device-to-Device (D2D) system, Machine to Machine (M2M) system, Internet of Things (IoT) system, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), system using other communication methods, next-generation system expanded based on them, and the like. Further, a plurality of systems can be applied in combination (for example, combination of LTE or LTE-A and 5G, combination of 5G and 5G, combination of 5G and 6G, and the like).

[0150] In some embodiments, there are different kinds of satellites at different orbital heights, such as Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites at about 36,000 km from the Earth, Middle Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites at 5,000 to 20,000 km from the Earth, and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites at 500 to 1,500 km from the Earth. These satellites have different performance due to their different altitudes. For example, GEO satellites can provide large continuous coverage with fewer satellite switches, and LEO satellites can support services with low latency requirements.

[0151] In some embodiments, a multi-orbit satellite access system is a network of satellites operating in different orbits to provide services. Each orbital height in a satellite network brings unique benefits to the overall ecosystem. With the surge in demand for global connectivity, multi-orbit satellite solutions offer a tremendous opportunity to provide global coverage that complements terrestrial networks and allows mobile network operators to deploy hybrid solutions (using GEO and non-geostationary orbit, NGSO, satellites) to achieve ubiquitous coverage and higher capacity.

[0152] In some embodiments, the biggest challenge for satellite networks is that in space, satellites operate in a power-limited environment, relying on solar panels for power generation and stored energy to power devices. In particular, NGSO (LEO & MEO) satellites limit the size and capacity of solar panels and batteries, which are more compact compared to GEO satellites. Another aspect is that NGSO satellites are subject to atmospheric drag, which requires frequent orbit adjustments, which in turn consumes more energy.

[0153] In some embodiments, NGSO satellites, compared to GEO satellites, can provide higher capacity and lower latency due to their proximity to the Earth, and play a vital role in providing connectivity to ships at sea, aircraft, offshore platforms, and remote islands.

[0154] In some embodiments, a 5G system with multi-orbit satellite access should take advantage of each orbit to ensure the best energy and resource efficiency of the satellite access network. For example, to achieve resource efficiency, when a UE is turned on, it can connect to a GEO satellite and stay connected there. If the UE needs to transmit data, it can switch to LEO satellite access.

[0155] In some embodiments, many UEs are power-limited and need to conserve energy to extend the running time. In some cases, UEs, such as IoT devices, etc., do not interact with data frequently. In these cases, it is a waste for the UEs to continuously establish and maintain NGSO satellite connections. GEO satellites can be very useful for these UEs. GEO can provide access to UEs. If the UE needs data transmission, it can switch to NGSO access.

[0156] In some embodiments, in order to save energy for UEs and satellite networks (especially LEO and MEO), it is proposed that UEs use the basic network services provided by GEO (such as GEO providing network access or small data transmission services for UEs), and when the services provided by the GEO network do not meet the requirements of business transmission, NGSO (LEO or MEO) is used to provide network services for the needs of UEs.

[0157] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1B , a network architecture is shown, in which UEs can access the same public land mobile network (PLMN) through multiple orbit type satellites, i.e., UEs can access the PLMN through LEO, and can also access the same PLMN through GEO or MEO, wherein the UEs access the PLMN through LEO to select the same access and mobility management function (AMF) and access the PLMN through GEO to select the same access management function, which can be the same or different, but select the same session management function (SMF) and user plane function (UPF).

[0158] It should be noted that the network architecture of the embodiments of the present disclosure is only networked according to network functions, and the network architecture can be applied to 5G networks or 6G networks. With the evolution of the network, the network architecture can also be applied to other evolved networks, which are not limited here.

[0159] As Figure 2 is an interaction diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 2 shown, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an information processing method for an information processing system 100, and the above method comprises:

[0160] Step S2101, the second network device sends the second information to the first network device.

[0161] In some embodiments, the first network device receives the second information sent by the second network device, but is not limited thereto.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first network device obtains the second information from upper layer(s), and step S2101 can be omitted.

[0163] In some embodiments, the first network device processes to obtain the second information, and step S2101 can be omitted.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first network device is one of: a function for access and mobility management; a function for session management; a function for policy control. It is to be noted that the first network device can also be referred to as a network element or a first control network element.

[0165] For example, the first network device is an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), or a policy control function (PCF).

[0166] In some embodiments, the second network device is one of: a session anchor user plane function; an intermediate user plane function.

[0167] For example, the second network device is a packet data unit session anchor user plane function (PSA-UPF) or an intermediate user plane function (I-UPF).

[0168] In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate an event.

[0169] In some embodiments, the second information can be referred to as event information, which is not limited herein.

[0170] In some embodiments, the event includes at least one of:

[0171] A first event, the first event being an event of detecting a service data packet;

[0172] A second event, the second event being an event of at least one of a data transmission amount and a number of established session connections being greater than or equal to a corresponding threshold value;

[0173] A third event, the third event being an event of a value of a quality of service (QoS) for transmitting service data not being within a first range.

[0174] In some embodiments, in the second event, the data transmission volume being greater than or equal to the corresponding threshold can be greater than or equal to the first threshold. That is, the first threshold is the threshold corresponding to the data transmission volume.

[0175] In some embodiments, in the second event, the number of established session connections being greater than or equal to a corresponding threshold can be greater than or equal to a second threshold. That is, the second threshold is the threshold corresponding to the number of established session connections.

[0176] In some embodiments, the second event is at least one of the following: the amount of data transmitted is greater than or equal to a first threshold; the number of session connections established is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

[0177] In some embodiments, the second event is: at least one of the following: data transfer volume, number of established session connections, and number of connected users is greater than or equal to the corresponding threshold. It should be noted that this is not limited to data transfer volume, number of established session connections, and number of connected users.

[0178] In some embodiments, the first range is a predefined numerical range.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first range may be a numerical range configured by the network.

[0180] In some embodiments, the first range indicates the QoS range corresponding to the required service data transmission.

[0181] In some embodiments, the second network device may periodically perform event detection.

[0182] In some embodiments, a second network device detects an event and sends second information to a first network device, the second information indicating the event.

[0183] In some embodiments, when the second network device detects an event, the second network device immediately sends a second message to the first network device.

[0184] In some embodiments, the second network device detects an event multiple times, and then sends second information to the first network device. Here, "multiple times" can mean multiple consecutive occurrences. For example, multiple consecutive detections of service quality (QoS) failures in service data transmission and / or QoS values ​​of transmitted service data falling outside a first range.

[0185] For example, when a second network device detects a service data packet, the second network device sends second information to the first network device, the second information indicating the first event. This can be understood as the second network device sending the second information to the first network device when a service data packet needs to be transmitted.

[0186] Exemplarily, the second network device detects that the third information is greater than or equal to a corresponding threshold, and the second network device sends the second information to the first network device, the second information being used to indicate the second event. Here, it can be understood that the second network device sends the second information to the first network device when the load of the network is heavy.

[0187] Exemplarily, the second network device detects that a quality of service (QoS) does not meet a QoS requirement of the service data transmission, and the second network device sends the second information to the first network device, the second information being used to indicate the third event. Here, it can be understood that the second network device sends the second information to the first network device when the QoS does not meet the requirement.

[0188] Exemplarily, the QoS parameter associated with the QoS can be at least one of a bandwidth, a delay, and a packet loss rate.

[0189] It should be noted that the step S2101 is an optional step, and when the first network device can detect the event, the step S2101 does not need to be performed, which is not limited herein.

[0190] In step S2102, the first network device sends first information to the terminal.

[0191] In some embodiments, the terminal receives the first information sent by the first network device.

[0192] In some embodiments, the first information is used for at least one of the following:

[0193] selecting an access network;

[0194] performing handover of the access network, the access network being the first access network or the second access network.

[0195] In some embodiments, the selected access network can be used for access network handover, for example, as a target network after handover.

[0196] It should be noted that when the first information is used for selecting an access network, the first information can be referred to as network selection assistance information used for selecting an access network.

[0197] In some embodiments, the first access network is a wireless access network using a geostationary orbit satellite (GEO-RAN, Geostationary Orbit Radio Access Network), but is not limited thereto, and can also be any evolved access network.

[0198] In some embodiments, the second access network is a Non-Geostationary Orbit Radio Access Network (NGSO-RAN), but not limited to, and can be any evolved access network.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first access network is a satellite access network; the second access network is a terrestrial cellular access network.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first access network is a terrestrial cellular access network; the second access network is a terrestrial cellular access network different from the first access network.

[0201] In some embodiments, the NGSO-RAN includes at least one of a Low Earth Orbit Radio Access Network (LEO-RAN) using low orbit satellites and a Medium Earth Orbit Radio Access Network (MEO-RAN) using medium orbit satellites.

[0202] In some embodiments, the terminal has completed network registration using the first access network before the first network device sends the first information to the terminal.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first network device determines that the second information is obtained, and sends the first information to the terminal.

[0204] In some embodiments, the first network device obtaining the second information can be receiving the second information from the second network device. It should be noted that it is not limited to receiving the second information from the second network device.

[0205] In some embodiments, the first network device obtaining the second information can be based on itself to obtain the second information.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first network device obtaining the second information can be through event monitoring to obtain the second information.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first network device sends the first information to the terminal through the first access network.

[0208] In some embodiments, the first information is used for selecting an access network; the first information includes at least one of:

[0209] QoS information, the selected access network needs to meet the QoS indicated by the QoS information;

[0210] Signal coverage information, the signal of the selected access network needs to meet the signal coverage information.

[0211] In some embodiments, the signal of the selected access network provides at least the time of continuous coverage.

[0212] In some embodiments, the QoS information can be latency information, packet loss rate information, and / or bandwidth information, etc., which are not limited herein.

[0213] In some embodiments, the signal coverage parameter can be a parameter of a signal coverage area and / or a parameter of a signal coverage time, which are not limited herein.

[0214] In some embodiments, the first information is used to perform access network switching; the first information comprises information of the second access network; the information of the second access network comprises at least one of:

[0215] a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate a satellite providing access for the terminal after access network switching;

[0216] a second identifier, the second identifier being used to indicate a satellite-based base station providing access for the terminal after access network switching.

[0217] In some embodiments, the first identifier can be referred to as a satellite identifier.

[0218] In some embodiments, the second identifier can be referred to as a base station identifier.

[0219] In some embodiments, the second access network is an access network used by the terminal after access network switching.

[0220] Step S2103, the terminal selects a second access network.

[0221] In some embodiments, the terminal selects the second access network based on the first information.

[0222] For example, the first information is used to select an access network; the first information comprises at least one of: QoS information, the selected access network needs to meet the QoS indicated by the QoS information; signal coverage information, the signal of the selected access network needs to meet the signal coverage information. The terminal selects the second access network based on the first information.

[0223] For example, the signal coverage information can be a time of continuous coverage by a satellite.

[0224] In some embodiments, the terminal completes network registration using the second access network.

[0225] In some embodiments, after selecting the second access network and completing registration, the terminal or the network can initiate a deregistration process of the first access network.

[0226] Step S2104, the terminal performs access network switching.

[0227] In some embodiments, the terminal performs the access network switching based on the first information.

[0228] Exemplarily, the first information is used for performing the access network switching, and the first information comprises information of the second access network; the information of the second access network comprises at least one of: a first identifier used for indicating a satellite providing access for the terminal after the access network switching; and a second identifier used for indicating a satellite-borne base station providing access for the terminal after the access network switching; wherein the second access network is an access network used by the terminal after the access network switching. The terminal performs the access network switching based on the first information.

[0229] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the second access network based on at least one of current location information of the terminal and ephemeris information; wherein the at least one of the current location information of the terminal and the ephemeris information comprises at least one of: the current location information of the terminal; and the ephemeris information.

[0230] In some embodiments, the terminal performs the access network switching based on the information of the second access network.

[0231] In some embodiments, after performing the access network switching, the network or the terminal can perform a de-registration procedure of the first access network.

[0232] In some embodiments, after the transmission of the service data is completed, the network can trigger the switching to the first access network and the de-registration from the second access network.

[0233] In some embodiments, the names of information and the like are not limited to the names described in the embodiments, and the terms such as “information”, “message”, “signal”, “signaling”, “report”, “configuration”, “indication”, “instruction”, “command”, “channel”, “parameter”, “domain”, “field”, “symbol”, “symbol”, “codebook”, “codeword”, “codepoint”, “bit”, “data”, “program”, “chip”, and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0234] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radio access network (RAN)”, access network (AN), “RAN-based”, and the like can be replaced by each other.

[0235] In some embodiments, the terms “acquire”, “obtain”, “get”, “receive”, “transmit”, “bidirectional transmission”, “send and / or receive”, and the like can be replaced by each other, which can be interpreted as receiving from other subjects, acquiring from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining by oneself, implementing autonomously, and the like.

[0236] In some embodiments, the terms “send”, “transmit”, “report”, “issue”, “transmit”, “bidirectional transmission”, “send and / or receive”, and the like can be replaced by each other.

[0237] In some embodiments, the terms “time”, “time point”, “time point”, “time position”, and the like can be replaced by each other, and the terms “time length”, “time period”, “time window”, “window”, “time”, and the like can be replaced by each other.

[0238] In some embodiments, the terms “certain”, “preset”, “pre-set”, “set”, “indicated”, “certain”, “arbitrary”, “first”, and the like can be replaced by each other, and “certain A”, “preset A”, “pre-set A”, “set A”, “indicated A”, “certain A”, “arbitrary A”, “first A” can be interpreted as A specified in advance in protocols and the like, A obtained by setting, configuration, or indication, and the like, A specified, certain, arbitrary, or first A, and the like, but are not limited thereto.

[0239] The information processing method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S2101 to S2104. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2102 and S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2102 and S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2101 and S2102, S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2101 and S2102, S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2101 and S2102, S2103, and S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0240] In some embodiments, step S2101 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0241] In some embodiments, step S2103 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0242] In some embodiments, steps S2101 and S2103 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0243] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their order.

[0244] Figure 3A This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 3A As shown, the embodiments of this disclosure relate to an information processing method, which includes:

[0245] Step S3101: The second network device sends the second information to the first network device.

[0246] In some embodiments, the second information is used to trigger the first network device to send the first information.

[0247] For optional implementations of step S3101, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 Optional implementation methods in step S2101, and Figure 2 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0248] Step S3102: The first network device sends the first information to the terminal.

[0249] For optional implementations of step S3102, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 Optional implementation methods in step S2102, and Figure 2 Other related parts in the embodiments involved will not be described in detail here.

[0250] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3102. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; step S3102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; a combination of steps S3101 and S3102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment.

[0251] In some embodiments, refer to other embodiments before or after the corresponding description of the present embodiment, each step and its optional implementation, and other related parts of the description will not be repeated here.

[0252] According to the information processing method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the method comprises:

[0253] In step S3201, the first network device sends first information to the terminal.

[0254] The first information is used for at least one of the following:

[0255] Selecting an access network;

[0256] Performing access network switching, the access network being the first access network or the second access network.

[0257] The optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2 and other related parts of the embodiments involved in Figure 2 will not be repeated here.

[0258] In some embodiments, the first access network is a wireless access network GEO-RAN using geostationary orbit satellites; and the second access network is a wireless access network NGSO-RAN using non-geostationary orbit satellites.

[0259] In some embodiments, before the first network device sends the first information to the terminal, the terminal has completed network registration using the first access network.

[0260] In some embodiments, the first network device sends the first information to the terminal, comprising:

[0261] Determining that the second information is obtained, the first network device sends the first information to the terminal;

[0262] The second information is used to indicate an event; the event comprises at least one of the following:

[0263] The first event is an event of detecting a service data packet;

[0264] The second event is an event that at least one of a data transmission amount and a number of established session connections is greater than or equal to a corresponding threshold value;

[0265] The third event is an event that a quality of service QoS value of transmitting service data is not within a first range.

[0266] In some embodiments, the first information is used for selecting an access network; and the first information comprises at least one of:

[0267] QoS information, the selected access network needs to meet a QoS indicated by the QoS information;

[0268] signal coverage information, a signal of the selected access network needs to meet the signal coverage information.

[0269] In some embodiments, the first information is used for performing access network switching; the first information comprises information of the second access network; and the information of the second access network comprises at least one of:

[0270] a first identifier, the first identifier is used to indicate a satellite providing access for the terminal after access network switching;

[0271] a second identifier, the second identifier is used to indicate a satellite-based station providing access for the terminal after access network switching;

[0272] wherein, the second access network is an access network used by the terminal after access network switching.

[0273] In some embodiments, the first network device is one of: a function for access and mobility management; a function for session management; and a function for policy control.

[0274] In some embodiments, refer to other embodiments of each step and its optional implementation, and other related parts in the description before or after the description corresponding to the present embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0275] According to the information processing method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the method comprises:

[0276] In step S3301, the terminal receives first information sent by the first network device;

[0277] wherein, the first information is used for at least one of:

[0278] selecting an access network;

[0279] performing switching of an access network, the access network being a first access network or a second access network.

[0280] The optional implementation of step S3301 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved by Figure 2 will not be repeated here.

[0281] In some embodiments, the first access network is a wireless access network GEO-RAN using geostationary orbit satellites; and the second access network is a wireless access network NGSO-RAN using non-geostationary orbit satellites.

[0282] In some embodiments, before the terminal receives the first information sent by the first network device, the terminal has completed network registration using the first access network.

[0283] In some embodiments, the terminal receives the first information sent by the first network device, including:

[0284] The terminal receives the first information sent by the first network device based on the second information;

[0285] The second information is used to indicate an event; and the event includes at least one of:

[0286] The first event is an event of detecting a service data packet;

[0287] The second event is an event of at least one of a data transmission amount and a number of established session connections being greater than or equal to a corresponding threshold value;

[0288] The third event is an event of a quality of service (QoS) value of transmitting service data not being within a first range.

[0289] In some embodiments, the first information is used to select an access network; and the method further includes:

[0290] The terminal selects the second access network based on the first information;

[0291] The first information includes at least one of: QoS information, the selected access network needs to meet a QoS indicated by the QoS information; and signal coverage information, a signal of the selected access network needs to meet the signal coverage information.

[0292] In some embodiments, the first information is used to perform access network switching; the first information includes information of the second access network; and the method further includes:

[0293] The terminal performs access network switching based on the information of the second access network;

[0294] The information of the second access network includes at least one of:

[0295] The first identifier is used to indicate a satellite providing access for the terminal after access network switching;

[0296] The second identifier is used to indicate that a space-based base station is provided for the terminal after the access network switching.

[0297] The second access network is an access network used by the terminal after the access network switching.

[0298] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0299] The terminal determines the second access network based on at least one of current location information of the terminal and ephemeris information.

[0300] In some embodiments, the first network device is one of the following: a function for access and mobility management; a function for session management; a function for policy control.

[0301] In some embodiments, refer to the steps and optional implementation manners of the steps in other embodiments described before or after the description of the present embodiment, and other related parts of the description, which will not be repeated here.

[0302] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which can include:

[0303] In some embodiments, the first control network element (corresponding to the first network device) sends a first indication (corresponding to the first information) to the terminal or the access network, the first indication being network selection assistance information for selecting a network, or being an access network switching indication for indicating network switching.

[0304] In some embodiments, before sending the first indication, the terminal completes registration using the first access network.

[0305] In some embodiments, the first control network element triggers sending the first indication to the terminal or the access network when receiving a second indication (corresponding to the second information in the present disclosure). The second indication is sent by a second network element to the first control network element when detecting at least one of the following:

[0306] detecting service data packets;

[0307] reaching a switching threshold, the switching threshold indicating a data transmission threshold (corresponding to a threshold of data transmission amount), a session connection number threshold (corresponding to a threshold of the number of established session connections), or an access user number threshold (corresponding to a threshold of the number of access users);

[0308] QoS parameters not matching, the QoS parameters including bandwidth and / or delay and / or packet loss rate, the QoS parameters not matching indicating that the QoS parameters do not meet the QoS requirements of service data.

[0309] In some embodiments, the first control network element and the second network element (corresponding to the second network device) can be the same or different.

[0310] In some embodiments, the method further comprises that the first control network element sends the first indication to the first access network, or sends the first indication to the terminal through the first access network.

[0311] In some embodiments, if the first indication is network selection assistance information, the information comprises at least one of:

[0312] QoS information for indicating latency or packet loss rate or bandwidth, the QoS information guiding to select a network satisfying the QoS;

[0313] Coverage requirement (corresponding to signal coverage information) for indicating time of providing continuous coverage.

[0314] In some embodiments, the terminal selects a second access network satisfying the requirement according to the first indication.

[0315] In some embodiments, the terminal completes registration through the second access network.

[0316] In some embodiments, if the first indication is an access network switching indication, the first control network element further sends second access network information to the terminal, comprising at least one of:

[0317] Satellite identification for indicating a satellite providing access to the terminal after switching;

[0318] Base station identification for indicating identification of a satellite base station providing access to the terminal after switching;

[0319] Wherein, the second access network is an access network used by the terminal after switching.

[0320] In some embodiments, the second access network is determined according to at least one of the following information:

[0321] Current location information of the terminal;

[0322] Ephemeris information for indicating satellite coverage at a specified time and place.

[0323] In some embodiments, the terminal initiates cross-access network switching based on the second access network information.

[0324] Example 1

[0325] As Figure 4AAs shown, the embodiment describes that the UE accesses the network through the GEO access network, and detects that the packet data unit (PDU) session established using the GEO access network does not meet the transmission requirements of the service data flow, and instructs the UE to switch to other access modes for the transmission of the data flow. Figure 4A In the figure, GEO-RAN is an access network function integrated on a GEO satellite, LEO-RAN is an access network function integrated on a LEO satellite, GEO-RAN and LEO-RAN are different access networks. AMF is a network function responsible for user access management, SMF is a network function responsible for user session connection management, PCF is a policy management function, I-UPF(G) is an intermediate user plane function selected by the UE using the GEO-RAN access, I-UPF(L) is an intermediate user plane function selected by the UE using the LEO-RAN access, UPF(PSA) is an anchor user plane function, and UDM is a unified data management function. The network elements only represent the network functions executed, and can be applied to a 5G network or a 6G network. Figure 4A In the figure, the first control network element corresponds to AMF, SMF or PCF; the second network element corresponds to UPF(PSA); the first access network corresponds to GEO-RAN, and the second access network corresponds to LEO-RAN.

[0326] Please refer again to Figure 4A , a communication method is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0327] Step S4101, the UE completes GEO registration.

[0328] In some embodiments, the UE selects a GEO access network, completes registration through the GEO access network, and establishes a first packet data unit (PDU) session.

[0329] In some embodiments, during the session establishment process, a detection rule is configured on the AMF, SMF or UPF, and the detection rule can be configured as at least one of the following:

[0330] Detection of a new service data flow, indicating that the detection result is reported when a service data flow is detected;

[0331] Network switching threshold, such as configuring a data transmission threshold, a session connection number threshold on the UPF(PSA), or configuring an access user number threshold on the AMF or SMF; when the corresponding threshold meets the requirements, the detection result is reported;

[0332] QoS parameter mismatch, the QoS parameter including bandwidth and / or latency and / or packet loss rate, the QoS parameter mismatch indicating that the QoS parameter does not meet the QoS requirements of the service data, and the detection result is reported.

[0333] Step S4102, detecting the service data flow is performed.

[0334] In some embodiments, the UPF (PSA) detects that there is a new service data flow that meets the detection rule, for example, the delay of the current GEO access does not meet the requirement of the service data flow on the delay or the cumulative bandwidth usage reaches the traffic threshold configured by the detection rule.

[0335] Step S4103, saving the data flow is performed.

[0336] In some embodiments, the UPF (PSA) caches the downlink service data flow.

[0337] Step S4104, sending the second indication is performed.

[0338] In some embodiments, the UPF (PSA) reports the second indication to the AMF through the SMF, and the second indication is used to indicate the detection event (detection result) in step S4101.

[0339] Step S4105, sending the first indication is performed.

[0340] In some embodiments, according to the second indication, the AMF issues the first indication to the UE, and the first indication is used to provide the UE with the assistance information of network selection, which can include QoS information and / or satellite coverage requirements, etc.

[0341] In some embodiments, the QoS information includes delay or packet loss rate or bandwidth, etc., which is used to indicate that the selected network needs to meet the QoS information, for example, the delay information indicated by the QoS requires that the UE selects the access network delay to meet its requirements.

[0342] In some embodiments, the satellite coverage requirement is used to indicate at least the time of continuous satellite coverage, for example, the satellite continuous coverage time of the selected LEO access network needs to meet the specified requirements.

[0343] Step S4106, saving the network selection assistance information is performed.

[0344] In some embodiments, the UE saves the network selection assistance information until the UE is powered off or the UE next time network switching occurs.

[0345] Step S4107, performing access network selection is performed.

[0346] In some embodiments, according to the first indication, the UE performs access network selection, and in the available access network list information, the network selection assistance information is combined to select the access network (in this embodiment, LEO access) that meets the requirements.

[0347] Step S4108, performing network registration is performed.

[0348] In some embodiments, the UE initiates network registration through the LEO access.

[0349] Step S4109, establishing a PDU session.

[0350] In some embodiments, the UE establishes a second PDU session through the LEO access, the second PDU session uses the same UPF (PSA) as the PDU session in step S4109. The UPF (PSA) receives data matching rule updates, the updated rules re-point the traffic data stream detected in step S4102 to be transmitted using the second PDU session.

[0351] Step S4110, transmitting using the LEO access network.

[0352] In some embodiments, according to the latest matching rule, the buffered traffic data stream is transmitted using the LEO access.

[0353] In some embodiments, after the UE selects to use the LEO access network and completes registration, the UE or the network can initiate a deregistration process from the GEO network.

[0354] Example 2:

[0355] As shown in Figure 4B A communication method is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0356] Step S4201, completing GEO access network registration.

[0357] In some embodiments, the UE selects the GEO access network and completes registration through the GEO access network, and establishes a first packet data unit (PDU) session.

[0358] In some embodiments, during the session establishment process, detection rules are configured on the AMF, SMF or UPF, and the detection rules can be configured as at least one of the following:

[0359] Detecting a new traffic data stream, indicating that the detection result is reported when a traffic data stream is detected;

[0360] Network switching threshold, such as configuring a data transmission threshold on the UPF (PSA), a session connection number threshold, or configuring an access user number threshold on the AMF (or SMF); when the corresponding required threshold is met, the detection result is reported;

[0361] QoS parameter mismatch, the QoS parameter includes bandwidth and / or latency and / or packet loss rate, and the QoS parameter mismatch indicates that the QoS parameter does not meet the QoS requirement of the traffic data, and the detection result is reported.

[0362] Step S4202, performing service data flow detection.

[0363] In some embodiments, the UPF (PSA) detects that there is a new service data flow satisfying the detection rule, for example, the latency of the current GEO access does not meet the requirement of the service data flow on latency or the cumulative bandwidth usage reaches the traffic threshold configured by the detection rule.

[0364] Step S4203, saving the downlink data flow.

[0365] In some embodiments, the UPF (PSA) buffers the downlink service data flow.

[0366] Step S4204, sending a second indication.

[0367] In some embodiments, the UPF (PSA) reports the second indication to the AMF through the SMF, and the second indication is used for the detection event described in step 1.

[0368] Step S4205, performing access network switching used by the UE.

[0369] In some embodiments, according to the second indication, the AMF decides to switch the access network used by the UE.

[0370] In some embodiments, the access network (LEO access network in this embodiment) that can provide coverage at the current location of the UE is determined according to the obtained location information of the UE and ephemeris information.

[0371] In some embodiments, the UE location information can be obtained from the UE or the base station, and the ephemeris information can be preconfigured or obtained from a satellite network management system.

[0372] Step S4206, sending a first indication.

[0373] In some embodiments, the AMF issues the first indication to the GEO-RAN, and the first indication is used to instruct to initiate access network switching, while providing the target access network (LEO access network) information of the switching, such as LEO satellite identifier or LEO satellite on-board base station identifier, etc.

[0374] Step S4207, performing access network switching.

[0375] In some embodiments, according to the first indication and the target access network information, the GEO-RAN initiates a cross-access network switching process, and the LEO access network information (satellite identifier or on-board base station identifier) is included in the switching request.

[0376] Step S4208, performing a cross-access network switching process.

[0377] In some embodiments, the handover procedure across access networks can refer to existing related art, for example, to a handover procedure across access networks based on an N2 interface.

[0378] At step S4209, downlink data transmission is performed.

[0379] In some embodiments, after the handover procedure is completed, the buffered downlink data at step S4203 is transmitted to the UE through the LEO access network.

[0380] In some embodiments, after the handover procedure is completed, the network can also initiate a de-registration procedure of the UE through the GEO access. When the service data transmission is completed, the network can trigger handover to the GEO access and de-register from the LEO access.

[0381] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, part or all of the steps, and optional implementation manners thereof, can be combined with part or all of the steps in other embodiments, or can be combined with optional implementation manners of other embodiments.

[0382] The embodiments of the present disclosure also propose an apparatus (which can also be referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods, for example, an apparatus including units or modules for implementing each step performed by a terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is proposed, including units or modules for implementing each step performed by a network device (for example, an access network device, a core network function node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods. Here, the core network device can include but is not limited to at least one of the following: a first network element, a second network element, etc.

[0383] It should be understood that the division of each unit or module in the above apparatus is only a logical function division, and all or part of them can be integrated into a physical entity or physically separated in actual implementation. In addition, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of processor calling software: for example, the apparatus includes a processor, the processor is connected with a memory, the memory stores instructions, and the processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to realize any of the above methods or realize the functions of each unit or module of the above apparatus, wherein the processor is a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory in the apparatus or a memory outside the apparatus. Alternatively, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, and the functions of part or all of the units or modules can be realized by the design of hardware circuit. The above hardware circuit can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functions of part or all of the units or modules are realized by the design of the logical relationship of elements in the circuit; for another example, in another implementation, the above hardware circuit is a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) is taken as an example, which can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by a configuration file, so as to realize the functions of part or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above apparatus can be all implemented in the form of processor calling software, or all implemented in the form of hardware circuit, or part implemented in the form of processor calling software and the remaining part implemented in the form of hardware circuit.

[0384] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be hardware circuits designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as ASICs, such as Neural Network Processing Units (NPUs), Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), and Deep Learning Processing Units (DPUs).

[0385] Figure 5A This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first network device 5100 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5A As shown, the first network device 5100 includes a first transceiver module 5101. In some embodiments, the first transceiver module 5101 is used to send first information and / or receive second information, etc. Optionally, the first transceiver module 5101 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps performed by the first network device 5100 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. In some embodiments, the first network device 5100 may include a first processing module.

[0386] Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal 5200 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 5B As shown, terminal 5200 includes a second transceiver module 5201. Optionally, the second transceiver module 5201 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps performed by terminal 5200 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, terminal 5200 may include a second processing module.

[0387] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver. For example, the first transceiver module described above includes a first transmitting module and / or a first receiving module. For example, the second transceiver module described above includes a second transmitting module and / or a second receiving module.

[0388] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0389] Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 6100 proposed in this embodiment. The communication device 6100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0390] like Figure 6A As shown, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 6100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0391] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceiver 6102 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2101 and / or step S2102 and / or step S2103 and / or step S2105, etc., but not limited to) in the above-described methods, and the processor 6101 performs at least one of the other steps (e.g., step S2104 and / or step S2106, etc., but not limited to). In optional embodiments, the transceiver can include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiving unit, transceiver, transceiving circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be replaced with each other, and the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be replaced with each other, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be replaced with each other.

[0392] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memory 6103 can also be outside the communication device 6100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 6100 can include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuit 6104 is connected to the memory 6103, and the interface circuit 6104 can be used to receive data from the memory 6103 or other devices, and can be used to send data to the memory 6103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 6104 can read the data stored in the memory 6103 and send the data to the processor 6101.

[0393] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments can be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 can not be limited by Figure 6A The communication device can be a stand-alone device or can be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be: (1) a stand-alone integrated circuit (IC), or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, which can optionally include a storage component for storing data, programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, a smart terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handset, a mobile unit, a vehicle-mounted device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0394] Figure 6BFIG. 6 is a structural diagram of a chip 6200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the case where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, reference can be made to Figure 6B FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of the chip 6200, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0395] The chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. The chip 6200 is configured to perform any of the above methods.

[0396] In some embodiments, the chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, etc. can be replaced by each other. In some embodiments, the chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memory 6203 can be outside the chip 6200. Optionally, the interface circuit 6202 is connected with the memory 6203, and the interface circuit 6202 can be configured to receive data from the memory 6203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 6202 can be configured to send data to the memory 6203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 6202 can read the data stored in the memory 6203 and send the data to the processor 6201.

[0397] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps (such as steps S2101 and / or steps S2102 and / or steps S2103 and / or steps S2105, etc., but the present disclosure is not limited thereto) in the above methods. The interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above methods means that the interface circuit 6202 performs data interaction between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203 or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs at least one of the other steps (such as steps S2104 and / or steps S2106, etc., but the present disclosure is not limited thereto).

[0398] The modules and / or devices described in each of the embodiments of the virtual device, the physical device, the chip, etc. can be combined or separated as appropriate. Optionally, part or all of the steps can also be performed by multiple modules and / or devices in cooperation, which is not limited herein.

[0399] The present disclosure further proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, and when the instructions run on the communication device 6100, the communication device 6100 performs any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it can also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it can also be a transitory storage medium.

[0400] The present disclosure also provides a program product comprising a program and / or instructions which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on a storage medium.

[0401] The present disclosure also provides a computer program which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by a first network device, and the method comprises: sending first information to a terminal; wherein the first information is used for at least one of the following: selecting an access network; performing handover of an access network, the access network being a first access network or a second access network.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first access network is a wireless access network GEO-RAN using geostationary orbit satellites; and the second access network is a wireless access network NGSO-RAN using non-geostationary orbit satellites.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before the first network device sends the first information to the terminal, the terminal has completed network registration using the first access network.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The sending of the first information to the terminal comprises: determining that second information is obtained, and sending the first information to the terminal; wherein the second information is used to indicate an event; and the event comprises at least one of the following: a first event, the first event being an event of detecting a service data packet; a second event, the second event being an event of at least one of a data transmission amount and a number of established session connections being greater than or equal to a corresponding threshold value; a third event, the third event being an event of a value of quality of service QoS for transmitting service data not being within a first range.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first information is used for selecting an access network; and the first information comprises at least one of the following: QoS information, the selected access network needing to satisfy a QoS indicated by the QoS information; signal coverage information, a signal of the selected access network needing to satisfy the signal coverage information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first information is used for performing handover of an access network; and the first information comprises information of the second access network; and the information of the second access network comprises at least one of the following: a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate a satellite that provides access for the terminal after the handover of the access network; a second identifier, the second identifier being used to indicate a satellite-borne base station that provides access for the terminal after the handover of the access network; wherein the second access network is an access network used by the terminal after the handover of the access network.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first network device is one of the following: a function for access and mobility management; a function for session management; and a function for policy control.

8. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by a terminal, and the method comprises: receiving first information sent by a first network device; wherein the first information is used for at least one of the following: selecting an access network; performing handover of an access network, the access network being a first access network or a second access network.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The first access network is a wireless access network GEO-RAN using geostationary orbit satellites; and the second access network is a wireless access network NGSO-RAN using non-geostationary orbit satellites.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, Before the terminal receives the first information sent by the first network device, the terminal has completed network registration using the first access network.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The receiving of the first information sent by the first network device comprises: receiving first information sent by the first network device based on second information; wherein the second information is used to indicate an event; and the event comprises at least one of the following: a first event, the first event being an event of detecting a service data packet; a second event, the second event being an event of at least one of a data transmission amount and a number of established session connections being greater than or equal to a corresponding threshold value; a third event, the third event being an event of a value of quality of service QoS for transmitting service data not being within a first range. a second event, the second event being an event that at least one of a data transmission amount and a number of established session connections is greater than or equal to a corresponding threshold value; a third event, the third event being an event that a value of quality of service (QoS) of transmitted service data is not within a first range.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, The first information is used for selecting an access network; and the method further comprises: selecting the second access network based on the first information; wherein the first information comprises at least one of: QoS information, the selected access network being required to satisfy a QoS indicated by the QoS information; signal coverage information, a signal of the selected access network being required to satisfy the signal coverage information.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, The first information is used for performing access network switching; and the first information comprises information of the second access network; and the method further comprises: performing access network switching based on the information of the second access network; wherein the information of the second access network comprises at least one of: a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate a satellite that provides an access for the terminal after the access network switching; a second identifier, the second identifier being used to indicate a satellite-based station that provides an access for the terminal after the access network switching; wherein the second access network is an access network used by the terminal after the access network switching.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The method further comprises: determining the second access network based on at least one of current location information and ephemeris information of the terminal.

15. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that, The first network device is one of: a function for access and mobility management; a function for session management; a function for policy control.

16. A method of communication, comprising: The method comprises: a first network device sending first information to a terminal; wherein the first information is used for at least one of: selecting an access network; performing switching of an access network, the access network being a first access network or a second access network.

17. A communication device, characterized by The communication device is configured to perform the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 7 or claims 8 to 15.

18. A communication system, characterized by comprises: a terminal or a first network device; wherein the terminal is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 7, and the first network device is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 8 to 15.

19. A storage medium, the storage medium storing instructions, wherein, The instructions, when executed on the communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 7 or claims 8 to 15.

20. A computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions, characterized in that, The computer program or instructions, when executed on a processor, implement the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 7 or claims 8 to 15.

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