Network function selection method, communication device and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a network function selection method, communication equipment and a storage medium. The network function selection method performed by a network element selection function comprises: receiving a first request; selecting a first network function serving user equipment (UE) according to the first request; the first request comprises at least one of the following: first capability information used for indicating whether the UE and / or a network accessed by the UE support storage and forwarding capabilities; the first satellite identifier is used for indicating a first satellite carrying the first base station; the first base station identifier is used for indicating a first base station; the first base station is a base station to which the UE requests to access or a target base station to which the UE requests to switch; and the first ground station identifier is used for indicating a ground station connected with the first satellite.

Description

Network function selection method, communication device and storage medium TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communication, and particularly relates to a network function selection method, a communication device and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a satellite access system, a satellite can operate in a regenerative mode. In the regenerative mode, the satellite can be equipped with a radio access network function (for example, a next generation base station and / or an evolved base station).

[0003] SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure provides a network function selection method, a communication device and a storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network function selection method is provided, wherein the function is selected by a network element, and the method comprises:

[0006] receiving a first request; selecting a first network function serving a user equipment (UE) according to the first request; the first request comprising at least one of:

[0007] first capability information, used to indicate whether a capability of storing and forwarding is supported by the UE and / or a network accessed by the UE;

[0008] a first satellite identifier, used to indicate a first satellite equipped with a first base station;

[0009] a first base station identifier, used to indicate the first base station; the first base station being a base station requested to be accessed by the UE or a target base station requested to be switched by the UE;

[0010] a first ground station identifier, used to indicate a ground station connected by the first satellite.

[0011] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a network function selection method is provided, wherein the function is executed by a first network function, and the method comprises:

[0012] sending a first request to a network element selection function; the first request comprising at least one of:

[0013] first capability information, used to indicate whether a capability of storing and forwarding is supported by the UE and / or a network accessed by the UE;

[0014] a first satellite identifier, used to indicate a first satellite equipped with a first base station;

[0015] a first base station identifier, used to indicate the first base station; the first base station being a base station requested to be accessed by the UE or a target base station requested to be switched by the UE;

[0016] a first ground station identifier, used to indicate a ground station connected by the first satellite.

[0017] According to a third aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a network element selection function is provided, comprising:

[0018] a receiving module configured to receive a first request; and a processing module configured to select a first network function serving a user equipment (UE) according to the first request; the first request comprising at least one of:

[0019] first capability information, used to indicate whether the UE and / or a network supporting store-and-forward capability;

[0020] a first satellite identifier, used to indicate a first satellite carrying a first base station;

[0021] a first base station identifier, used to indicate the first base station; the first base station being a base station requested to be accessed by the UE or a target base station requested to be handed over by the UE;

[0022] a first ground station identifier, used to indicate a ground station connected by the first satellite.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a second network function is provided, comprising:

[0024] a sending module configured to send a first request, the first request being used to select the second network function serving a user equipment (UE); the first request comprising at least one of:

[0025] first capability information, used to indicate whether the UE and / or a network accessed by the UE supporting store-and-forward capability;

[0026] a first satellite identifier, used to indicate a first satellite carrying a first base station;

[0027] a first base station identifier, used to indicate the first base station; the first base station being a base station requested to be accessed by the UE or a target base station requested to be handed over by the UE;

[0028] a first ground station identifier, used to indicate a ground station connected by the first satellite.

[0029] According to a fifth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processor is configured to invoke instructions to enable the communication device to perform the network function selection method provided by any of the first aspect to the second aspect.

[0030] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, when the instructions run on a communication device, the communication device executes the network function selection method provided in any of the first aspect to the second aspect.

[0031] According to a seventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, wherein the communication system comprises:

[0032] a network element selection function, configured to execute the network function selection method provided in any of the technical solutions of the first aspect;

[0033] a second network function, configured to execute the network function selection method provided in any of the technical solutions of the second aspect.

[0034] According to an eighth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided, when running on a computer, the computer program causes the computer to execute the network function selection method provided in any of the first aspect to the second aspect.

[0035] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can select a first network function that meets the service requirement or matches the UE access, so that the selected first network function can support the UE access and the storage and forwarding of signaling / data, and the communication quality of the UE is improved.

[0036] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure together with the specification.

[0038] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an example embodiment;

[0039] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a satellite network according to an example embodiment;

[0040] FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of a satellite network according to an example embodiment;

[0041] FIG. 1D is a schematic diagram of a satellite network according to an example embodiment;

[0042] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a network function selection method according to an example embodiment;

[0043] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a network function selection method according to an example embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a network function selection method according to an example embodiment;

[0045] FIG. 5A is a structural diagram of a terminal according to an example embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 5B is a structural diagram of a network device according to an example embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 6A is a structural diagram of a network element selection function according to an example embodiment;

[0048] FIG. 6B is a structural diagram of a first network element selection function according to an example embodiment;

[0049] FIG. 7A is a structural diagram of a communication device according to an example embodiment;

[0050] FIG. 7B is a structural diagram of a chip according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network function selection method, a communication device, a communication system and a storage medium.

[0052] The first aspect provides a network function selection method, executed by a terminal, comprising: a network function selection method, executed by a network element selection function, comprising:

[0053] receiving a first request; selecting a first network function serving a user equipment (UE) according to the first request; the first request comprising at least one of:

[0054] first capability information, used to indicate whether a capability of storing and forwarding is supported by the UE and / or a network accessed by the UE;

[0055] a first satellite identifier, used to indicate a first satellite carrying a first base station;

[0056] a first base station identifier, used to indicate the first base station; the first base station being a base station requested to be accessed by the UE or a target base station requested to be switched by the UE;

[0057] a first ground station identifier, used to indicate a ground station connected by the first satellite.

[0058] Based on the above scheme, the first network function meeting the service requirement or matching the UE access can be selected, so that the selected first network function can support the UE access and the storage and forwarding of signaling / data, and the communication quality of the UE is improved.

[0059] In some embodiments, the network function is also referred to as a network element or a network device. The network element selection function is used to select a corresponding network element, for example, the AMF selection function is used to select an AMF.

[0060] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the receiving the first request comprises receiving the first request sent by a second network function.

[0061] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first request is used to establish a connection between the second network function and the first network function.

[0062] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the selecting the first network function serving the user equipment (UE) according to the first request comprises:

[0063] The first request comprises the first capability information, and the first network function serving the UE is selected according to the first capability information, wherein the first network function is deployed on a satellite and the first network function supports the store-and-forward capability; or

[0064] The first request does not comprise the first capability information, and the first network function serving the UE is selected, wherein the first network function is deployed on the ground and the first network function does not support the store-and-forward capability.

[0065] The above scheme gives a specific implementation of determining whether to select the first network function supporting the store-and-forward capability for the UE according to the first capability information included in the first request.

[0066] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the selecting the first network function serving the UE according to the first request comprises:

[0067] The first request comprises the first satellite identifier, and the first network function serving the UE is selected according to the first satellite identifier, wherein the first satellite identifier is used to identify a target satellite after a service satellite switch of the UE.

[0068] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the selecting the first network function serving the UE according to the first satellite identifier further comprises:

[0069] Determining a second ground station identifier according to the first satellite identifier and ephemeris information, and selecting the first network function serving the UE according to the second ground station identifier, wherein the second ground station identifier is an identifier of a ground station connected by the first satellite.

[0070] The above scheme defines an implementation mode of selecting the first network function according to the second ground station identifier after determining the second ground station identifier according to the first satellite identifier and ephemeris information.

[0071] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the selecting the first network function serving the UE according to the first request comprises:

[0072] The first request comprises the first ground station identifier, and the first network function serving the UE is selected according to the first ground station identifier, wherein the first ground station identifier is used to identify a ground station connected by a first satellite, and the first satellite is a target satellite after a serving satellite of the UE is switched.

[0073] The above scheme defines an implementation manner of selecting the first network function according to the first ground station identifier.

[0074] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the selecting the first network function serving the UE according to the first information comprises:

[0075] The first request comprises the first base station identifier, and the first network function serving the UE is selected according to the first base station identifier.

[0076] The above scheme defines an implementation manner of selecting the first network function according to the first base station identifier.

[0077] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the selecting the first network function serving the UE according to the first base station identifier further comprises:

[0078] Determining a second satellite identifier according to the first base station identifier, wherein the second satellite identifier is carried by a base station corresponding to the first base station identifier.

[0079] Determining a third ground station identifier according to the second satellite identifier and ephemeris information, wherein the third ground station identifier is used to identify a ground station connected by the base station corresponding to the first base station identifier.

[0080] The first network function serving the UE is selected according to the third ground station identifier.

[0081] The above scheme defines an implementation manner of how to select the first network function according to the first base station identifier.

[0082] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the selecting the first network function serving the UE according to the first request comprises at least one of:

[0083] In a case where the UE accesses a satellite network in a regenerative mode, the first network function is selected according to the first request.

[0084] In a case where a serving satellite of the UE is switched, the first network function is selected according to the first request.

[0085] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the satellite network in the regenerative mode is a communication network with access network functions and / or core network functions deployed on the satellite.

[0086] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in case that a user equipment, UE, accesses the satellite network in the regenerative mode, the second network function is an access network function or the second network function is a core network function; and / or,

[0087] In case that a user equipment, UE, accesses the satellite network in the regenerative mode, the first network function is a core network function.

[0088] In some embodiments of the first aspect,

[0089] In case that a serving satellite of the UE switches, the second network function is a core network function; and / or,

[0090] In case that a serving satellite of the UE switches, the first network function is a core network function.

[0091] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first network function comprises at least one of:

[0092] a mobility management entity, MME, a serving gateway, S-GW, an access management function, AMF, a session management function, SMF, a user plane function, UPF.

[0093] A second aspect provides a network function selection method, wherein the method is performed by a second network function, the method comprising:

[0094] sending a first request; the first request is used for selecting the second network function serving a user equipment, UE; the first request comprises at least one of:

[0095] first capability information, used for indicating whether a capability of store-and-forward is supported by the UE and / or a network accessed by the UE;

[0096] a first satellite identifier, used for indicating a first satellite carrying a first base station;

[0097] a first base station identifier, used for indicating a first base station, the first base station being a base station requested to be accessed by the UE or a target base station requested to be switched by the UE;

[0098] a first ground station identifier, used for indicating a ground station connected by the first satellite.

[0099] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the sending the first request comprises: sending the first request to a network element selection function.

[0100] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the sending the first request comprises: sending, to a network element selection function, the first request, the first request being used for selecting the second network function serving a user equipment (UE). In some embodiments of the second aspect, the first request is used for the second network function and a first network function to establish a connection.

[0101] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in a case that the UE accesses a satellite network in a regenerative mode, the second network function is an access network function or the second network function is a core network function; and / or, in a case that the UE accesses a satellite network in a regenerative mode, the second network function is a core network function.

[0102] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in a case that a serving satellite of the UE switches, the second network function is a core network function; and / or,

[0103] In a case that a serving satellite of the UE switches, the first network function is a core network function.

[0104] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the first network function comprises at least one of: a mobility management entity (MME), a serving gateway (S-GW), an access management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), and a user plane function (UPF).

[0105] The third aspect provides a network element selection function, comprising:

[0106] The receiving module is configured to receive a first request sent by a second network function; the first request being used for the second network function and a first network function to establish a connection;

[0107] The processing module is configured to select, according to the first request, a first network function serving a user equipment (UE); the first request comprising at least one of:

[0108] First capability information used for indicating whether the UE and / or a network supports a store-and-forward capability;

[0109] First satellite identification used for indicating a first satellite carrying a first base station;

[0110] First base station identification used for indicating the first base station; the first base station being a base station requested to be accessed by the UE or a target base station requested to be switched by the UE;

[0111] First ground station identification used for indicating a ground station connected by the first satellite.

[0112] The fourth aspect provides a second network function, comprising:

[0113] The sending module is configured to send a first request to a network element selection function, the first request being used to establish a connection with a first network function, and the network element selection function being used to select the first network function serving a user equipment (UE) according to the first request.

[0114] The first request includes at least one of the following:

[0115] First capability information used to indicate whether the UE and / or a network accessed by the UE supports a store-and-forward capability.

[0116] First satellite identification used to indicate a first satellite carrying a first base station.

[0117] First base station identification used to indicate the first base station, the first base station being a base station requested to be accessed by the UE or a target base station requested to be switched by the UE.

[0118] First ground station identification used to indicate a ground station connected with the first satellite.

[0119] The fifth aspect provides a communication system, wherein the communication system includes: a network element selection function used to perform the network function selection method described in any of the technical solutions of the first aspect; and a second network function used to perform the network function selection method described in any of the technical solutions of the second aspect.

[0120] The sixth aspect provides a communication device, and the communication device includes: one or more processors.

[0121] The processor is used to call instructions to cause the communication device to perform the network function selection method described in the optional implementation manners of the first aspect to the second aspect.

[0122] The seventh aspect provides a storage medium, and the storage medium stores instructions, when the instructions are run on a communication device, causing the communication device to perform the network function selection method described in the optional implementation manners of the first aspect to the second aspect.

[0123] The eighth aspect provides a program product, and the program product is executed by a communication device, causing the communication device to perform the network function selection method described in the optional implementation manners of the first aspect to the fifth aspect.

[0124] The ninth aspect provides a computer program, and when the computer program is run on a computer, causing the computer to perform the network function selection method described in the optional implementation manners of the first aspect to the second aspect.

[0125] It can be understood that the terminal, network device, communication system, program product and computer program described above are used to execute the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects achieved by them can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method, which will not be described here.

[0126] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network function selection method, a communication device, a communication system and a storage medium. 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 mode 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 modes in an embodiment can be combined arbitrarily; in addition, the embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the steps of different embodiments or part of the steps of different embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, an embodiment can be combined with the optional implementation modes of other embodiments.

[0127] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referred to 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the elements expressed in singular form, such as "one", "a", "the", "above", "preceding", "this", etc., can represent "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, in the case of using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English, the noun after the article can be understood as singular expression, or as plural expression.

[0130] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0131] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one of", "one or more", "a plurality of", "multiple", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0132] In some embodiments, the description of "at least one of A, B", "A and / or B", "A or B in an instance", "A in one instance and B in another instance", and the like, can include the following technical manners according to the situation: A in some embodiments (A is executed regardless of B); B in some embodiments (B is executed regardless of A); A and B are selectively executed in some embodiments (A and B are selected from A and B); A and B are executed in some embodiments (A and B are executed). When there are more branches such as A, B, C, and the like, the above is similar.

[0133] In some embodiments, the description of "A or B" and the like can include the following technical manners according to the situation: A in some embodiments (A is executed regardless of B); B in some embodiments (B is executed regardless of A); A and B are selectively executed in some embodiments (A and B are selected from A and B). When there are more branches such as A, B, C, and the like, the above is similar.

[0134] The prefix words "first", "second", and the like in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects, and do not constitute limitations 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 be limited by 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". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, 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", where 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 type of information" and "second type of information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0135] In some embodiments, "including A", "containing A", "for indicating A", "carrying A", can be interpreted as directly carrying A, or indirectly indicating A.

[0136] In some embodiments, the terms "…", "determining …", "in the case of …", "when …", "when …", "if …", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0137] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than”, “greater than or equal to”, “no 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”, “no greater than”, “fewer than”, “fewer 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.

[0138] In some embodiments, an apparatus and the like can be interpreted as an entity, and can also be interpreted as virtual, and the names thereof are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. The terms “apparatus”, “equipment”, “device”, “circuitry”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, “subject”, and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0139] In some embodiments, “network” can be interpreted as an apparatus (for example, an access network device, a core network device, and the like) included in the network.

[0140] 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”, “serving cell”, “carrier”, “component carrier”, “bandwidth part (BWP)”, and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0141] 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.

[0142] In some embodiments, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can be replaced with a terminal. For example, the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to 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 (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and so on). In this case, the terminal can also be configured to have all or part of the functions of the access network device. In addition, the terms "uplink", "downlink", and so on can also be replaced with terms corresponding to the inter-terminal communication (e.g., "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 side link.

[0143] In some embodiments, a terminal can be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, the core network device, or the network device can also be configured to have all or part of the functions of the terminal. The network device can also be referred to as a network function or a network element.

[0144] In some embodiments, the data, information, and the like can be acquired in compliance with the laws and regulations of the country where the terminal is located.

[0145] In some embodiments, the data, information, and the like can be acquired after obtaining the consent of the user.

[0146] 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, and any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0147] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102. The network device 102 can include an access network device and / or a core network device.

[0149] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes at least one of a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, 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, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0150] In some embodiments, the terminal is also referred to as a user equipment (UE).

[0151] In some embodiments, the access network device may, for example, be at least one of a node or a device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network, and the access network device may include at least one of an evolved node B (eNB) in a 5G communication system, a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next generation node B (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 base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0152] In some embodiments, the technical means of the present disclosure can be applicable to an Open RAN architecture, at which 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 implemented through software or programs.

[0153] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where 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 some of the protocol layers are controlled by the CU, and the rest or all of the protocol layers are distributed in the DU and controlled by the CU, but is not limited thereto.

[0154] In some embodiments, the core network device can be one device including the first network element, etc., or a plurality of devices or device groups each including the first network element. The network element can be virtual or physical. The core network may, for example, include at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), and a next generation core (NGC).

[0155] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is for more clearly illustrating the technical means of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical means provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. It can be known by those skilled in the art that, as the system architecture evolves and new service scenarios appear, the technical means provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0156] The following embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1A or part of the subjects, but are not limited thereto. The subjects shown in FIG. 1A are exemplary, and the communication system can include all or part of the subjects in FIG. 1A, or other subjects other than FIG. 1A. The number and form of each subject is arbitrary, and the connection relationship between the subjects is exemplary. The subjects can be connected or not connected, and the connection can be in any way, can be direct connection or indirect connection, can be wired connection or wireless connection.

[0157] 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), 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 (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 resources, next-generation system extended based thereon, and the like. In addition, a plurality of systems can be combined (for example, combination of LTE and NR).

[0158] As shown in FIG. 1B, in the regenerative mode, the gNB can be carried on the satellite as a payload of the satellite. For example, the satellite can carry part or all of the functions of the gNB. A satellite wireless interface can be provided between the satellite and the ground station. The satellite wireless interface can correspond to the N1, N2, and / or N3 interface. If it is a non-synchronous satellite, the gNB providing service to the UE changes as the satellite moves.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 1C, assuming the UE is substantially stationary and the satellite is moving fast, the eNB X on the satellite will move out of the range of the Earth Station (ES) 1 and move into the range of the ES 2. Before time T, the operation and management system of the satellite system activates the S1 interface between the eNB X and the ES 2, so that the UE can be handed over from the eNB X to the eNB Y between time T and time T+k. This handover can be an S1 handover or an X2 handover. If the S1 handover, the eNB X and the eNB Y are connected with a Mobile Management Entity (MME). If the eNB X and the eNB Y, the handover can be an X2 handover.

[0160] In a satellite network, the satellite connection can be intermittent, for example, due to the limited number of ground stations, the NGSO satellite cannot always maintain the feeder link. In view of this, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a satellite store and forward operation to support the delay tolerant communication service of the satellite network. The satellite store and forward operation enables the satellite (SAT) to store data packets when the feeder link connection is interrupted, and forward the data packets when the feeder link connection with the ground network is restored. In order to enable the store and forward (S&F) function, some core network functions (such as MME, S-GW or AMF, SMF, AUSF, UPF) also need to start the S&F function.

[0161] Taking the on-board MME as an example, in order to improve the communication quality of the UE, the on-board MME can be required to have S&F capability. However, not all MMEs on each satellite in the constellation support S&F capability, that is, some MMEs on the satellite support S&F capability, and other MMEs do not support S&F capability. As shown in FIG. 1D, if a UE plans to start a delay tolerant service, the network function supporting S&F capability should be selected to provide communication services, so that when the UE is in a range without satellite signal coverage, the network function will store the service data, and when the UE is in a range with satellite signal coverage, the on-board network function will provide the stored service data to the UE. In FIG. 1D, SAT-1, SAT-2 and SAT-3 can constitute a satellite constellation, SAT-1 and SAT-2 cover the UE's area at times T1 and T2 respectively, and at some time between T1 and T2, the UE can not have satellite signal coverage.

[0162] In the UE access or handover process of some technologies, the selection of core network elements (taking MME or AMF selection as an example) needs to be combined with the International Mobile Subscriber Identification Number (IMSI) of the UE, Globally Unique MME Identity (GUMMEI), MME group ID and other information.

[0163] However, in the scenario of UE accessing a network using a regenerative mode satellite network, the core network function deployed on the satellite may or may not have the capability of storing and forwarding, and therefore the network element selection information used in the related art cannot meet the needs of core network function selection. How to select a core network function (such as an MME) with S&F capability to serve the latency service carried out by the UE is a problem to be solved. In addition, the spaceborne eNB serving the UE is constantly moving, thereby connecting to different ground stations and then possibly selecting different core network functions (such as MME and AMF), and the use of the prior art cannot solve the problem of network function selection.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 2, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network function selection method, which is performed by a communication system. The method can include:

[0165] S2101: A second network function sends a first request to a network element selection function.

[0166] In some embodiments, the first request is used for the second network function and the first network function to establish a connection.

[0167] In some embodiments, the first request can be used to select the first network function serving the UE.

[0168] In some embodiments, the first request can be any request for triggering or requesting the network element selection function to select the first network function.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first request is used to establish a connection between the second network function and the first network function to provide services for the UE. Exemplarily, the connection can include, but is not limited to, a Control Plane (CP) connection and / or a User Plane (UP) connection.

[0170] In some embodiments, the second network function can be an access network function and / or a core network function.

[0171] In some embodiments, the second network function can be a network function serving the UE or a network function about to serve the UE.

[0172] In some embodiments, the second network function can be a network function that the UE needs to connect to.

[0173] In some embodiments, the network element selection function can also be referred to as a third network function, which can be different from the second network function and / or the first network function. Likewise, the network element selection function can be an access network function and / or a core network function.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first network function can be, but is not limited to, a core network function.

[0175] In some embodiments, the first network function can be a control plane function and / or a data plane function. For example, there is a buffering requirement for the transmission of traffic data mainly for the UE, at which time the first network function can be a data plane function.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first request can include the first information.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of:

[0178] First capability information, used to indicate whether the UE and / or the network accessed by the UE supports the capability of store-and-forward;

[0179] First satellite identifier, used to indicate a first satellite carrying the first base station;

[0180] First base station identifier, used to indicate the first base station; the first base station is a base station requested to be accessed by the UE or a target base station requested to be switched by the UE.

[0181] In some embodiments, the first request can be at least one of the following requests: an attachment request of the UE, a service base station request of the UE, a handover request of a service satellite, a link switching request of the UE, a session establishment, modification request of the UE.

[0182] In other embodiments, the first request can be a dedicated request specially used for establishing a connection between the second network function and the first network function.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first capability information can be used to indicate that the UE needs, supports or expects the service network function to have the capability of store-and-forward. At this time, whether the first request includes the first capability information can be used to indicate whether the UE needs, supports or expects the service network function to have the capability of store-and-forward.

[0184] In some embodiments, the first capability information is used to indicate whether the UE needs, supports or expects the serving network function to have the store-and-forward capability.

[0185] In some embodiments, the UE conducts a service that tolerates a longer delay, and the store-and-forward function is allowed to be used when the network connection is discontinuous, and it can be considered that the UE needs, supports or expects the serving network function to have the store-and-forward capability.

[0186] For example, the serving network function (such as MME) of the UE has the store-and-forward capability, and in the case of interruption of the service link, the serving network function stores the downlink signaling and / or data sent to the UE, and after the service link is restored, the stored downlink signaling and / or data are sent to the UE through the service link.

[0187] S2102: The network element selection function selects a first network function to serve the UE.

[0188] In some embodiments, the network element selection function selects the first network function to serve the UE according to the capability of the second network function. For example, the second network function supports the store-and-forward capability, and the network element selection function will preferentially select the first network function supporting the store-and-forward capability to serve the UE.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first network function is selected to serve the UE according to the first request.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first network function is selected to serve the UE according to the information included in the first request.

[0191] The following provides several specific optional ways of the network element selection function selecting the first network function:

[0192] Optional way 1:

[0193] The first request includes the first capability information, and the first network function supporting the store-and-forward capability is selected to serve the UE according to the first capability information; and / or the first request does not include the first capability information, and the first network function not supporting the store-and-forward capability is selected to serve the UE.

[0194] In some embodiments, the first request includes the first capability information, and the first network function supporting the store-and-forward capability and located on the satellite is selected according to the first capability information.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first request does not include the first capability information, and the UE does not need to support the capability of the network function it serves, and the first network function supporting the capability of storage and forwarding or not supporting the capability of storage and forwarding can be selected. Further, the network function on the ground has higher transmission efficiency and reliability, and in the case that the first request does not include the first capability information, the first network function on the ground and not supporting the capability of storage and forwarding can be selected preferentially.

[0196] Exemplarily, when the first network function is selected, the first network function can be selected according to whether the first request includes the first capability information and / or the information content of the first capability information, and in combination with the capability attribute of the alternative network function.

[0197] Optionally, the first request includes the first satellite identifier, and the first network function serving the UE is selected according to the first satellite identifier.

[0198] The first request includes the first satellite identifier, and the first network function serving the UE is selected according to the first satellite identifier, wherein the first satellite identifier is used to identify a target satellite of service satellite switching of the UE, that is, the first satellite identifier is used to identify a target satellite, and the target satellite is a satellite switched to when the service satellite of the UE switches.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first network function serving the UE is selected according to the first satellite identifier, and further includes:

[0200] The second ground station identifier is determined according to the first satellite identifier and ephemeris information.

[0201] The first network function serving the UE is selected according to the second ground station identifier, wherein the second ground station identifier is an identifier of a ground station connected by the first satellite.

[0202] Exemplarily, the ground station identified by the second ground station identifier can be connected with a core network function such as MME or AMF, and in this case, the first network function can be selected according to the mapping relationship between the second ground station identifier and the core network function having the capability of storage and forwarding.

[0203] Exemplarily, the ground station identified by the second ground station identifier can be connected with a core network function such as MME or AMF, and in this case, the first network function can be selected according to the mapping relationship between the second ground station identifier and the core network function not having the capability of storage and forwarding.

[0204] Exemplarily, the ground station identified by the second ground station identifier can be connected with a core network function such as MME or AMF, and in this case, the first network function having or not having the capability of storage and forwarding can be selected according to the capability of the core network function connected by the second ground station identifier.

[0205] In some embodiments, the first network function serving the UE is selected according to the first base station identifier.

[0206] A second satellite identifier is determined according to the first base station identifier; the second satellite identifier is associated with the base station corresponding to the first base station identifier.

[0207] A third ground station identifier is determined according to the second satellite identifier and ephemeris information; the third ground station identifier is used to identify a ground station connected to the base station corresponding to the first base station identifier.

[0208] The first network function serving the UE is selected according to the third ground station identifier.

[0209] In some embodiments, the first network function is selected for the UE according to the third ground station identifier according to a correspondence between ground station identifiers and function identifiers of network functions.

[0210] Option 3:

[0211] A second ground station identifier is determined according to the first satellite identifier and ephemeris information, and the first network function serving the UE is selected according to the second ground station identifier, wherein the second ground station identifier is an identifier of a ground station connected to the first satellite.

[0212] In this embodiment, the first request includes the first satellite identifier, and then the second ground identifier is determined according to the first satellite identifier and ephemeris information of one or more satellites in the satellite constellation. In combination with the network function that the ground station corresponding to the second ground identifier can connect, the first network function is selected for the UE.

[0213] Option 4: The first request includes the first ground station identifier, and the first network function serving the UE is selected according to the first ground station identifier, wherein the first satellite is a target satellite of service satellite switching of the UE, that is, the first satellite identifier is used to identify a target satellite, and the target satellite is a satellite to which the UE switches when the service satellite of the UE switches.

[0214] In this embodiment, the first request directly includes the first ground identifier, and the first network function can be directly selected according to the network function connected by the ground station.

[0215] Exemplarily, the first request includes the first satellite identifier and the first ground station identifier, and the first network function serving the UE is selected according to the first ground station identifier, wherein the first satellite is a target satellite of service satellite switching of the UE. In this embodiment, the first request includes at least the first satellite identifier and the first ground identifier at the same time. One ground station can be connected to one or more satellites.

[0216] Option 5: The first request comprises the first base station identifier, and the first network function is selected according to the first base station identifier.

[0217] In some embodiments, the base station identifier and the identifier of the one or more core network functions have a mapping relationship, and in this case, the first network function can be directly selected according to the first base station identifier and the mapping relationship.

[0218] In some embodiments, a second satellite identifier is determined according to the first base station identifier; the second satellite identifier is carried by the base station corresponding to the first base station identifier.

[0219] A third ground station identifier is determined according to the second satellite identifier and ephemeris information; the third ground station identifier is used to identify a ground station connected to the base station corresponding to the first base station identifier.

[0220] The first network function is selected according to the third ground station identifier.

[0221] In this case, the first network function can be determined simply according to the mapping relationship between the ground station identifier and the identifier of the plurality of core network functions, in combination with the third ground station identifier.

[0222] In some embodiments, the first network function is selected according to the first request in the case that the user equipment (UE) accesses a regenerative mode satellite network. For example, the first network function is selected for the UE according to the content included in the first request when the UE accesses the regenerative mode satellite network.

[0223] The first network function is selected according to the first request in the case that the satellite serving the UE is switched. For example, the first network function is selected for the UE according to the content included in the first request when the satellite serving the UE is switched.

[0224] In some embodiments, the regenerative mode satellite network is a communication network in which an access network function and / or a core network function are deployed on a satellite.

[0225] In some embodiments, the second network function is an access network function or the second network function is a core network function in the case that the user equipment (UE) accesses a regenerative mode satellite network; and / or, the first network function is a core network function in the case that the user equipment (UE) accesses a regenerative mode satellite network.

[0226] In some embodiments, the second network function is a core network function in the case that the satellite serving the UE is switched; and / or, the first network function is a core network function in the case that the satellite serving the UE is switched.

[0227] In some embodiments, the first network function comprises at least one of: an MME, an S-GW, an AMF, an SMF, and a UPF.

[0228] In some embodiments, the network element selection function is an access network function, and the first network function comprises a mobile management entity (MME) or an access management function (AMF).

[0229] In some embodiments, the network element selection function is a core network function, and the first network function comprises a session management function (SMF), a user plane function (UPF), and / or a gateway (GW).

[0230] In some embodiments, the network element selection function is an AMF or an MME, and the first network function is an SMF.

[0231] In some embodiments, the network element selection function is an SMF, and the first network function is a UPF and / or a GW.

[0232] As shown in FIG. 3, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network function selection method, which is performed by a network element selection function. The method can comprise:

[0233] S3101: receiving a first request.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first request is received from a second network function.

[0235] In some embodiments, the first request comprises at least one of:

[0236] first capability information, used to indicate whether the UE and / or a network accessed by the UE supports a store-and-forward capability;

[0237] a first satellite identifier, used to indicate a first satellite carrying a first base station;

[0238] a first base station identifier, used to indicate the first base station; the first base station is a base station requested to be accessed by the UE or a target base station requested to be switched by the UE;

[0239] a first ground station identifier, used to indicate a ground station connected to the first satellite.

[0240] In some embodiments, the second network function can be an access network function and / or a core network function.

[0241] In some embodiments, the second network function can be a network function serving the UE or a network function about to serve the UE.

[0242] In some embodiments, the second network function can be a network function needed to be connected by the UE.

[0243] In some embodiments, the network element selection function can also be referred to as a third network function, which can be different from the second network function and / or the first network function. Likewise, the network element selection function can be an access network function and / or a core network function.

[0244] In some embodiments, the first network function can be, but is not limited to, a core network function.

[0245] S3102: Selecting the first network function.

[0246] In some embodiments, the first network function is selected according to the first request to serve the UE.

[0247] It is worth noting that the optional embodiment manner of the network element selection function selecting the first network function can refer to any one of the optional embodiment manners of the corresponding embodiments of FIG. 2.

[0248] As shown in FIG. 4, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network function selection method, which is performed by a second network function. The method can include:

[0249] S4101: Sending a first request.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first request is used for the second network function and the first network function to establish a connection.

[0251] In some embodiments, the first request can be any request for triggering or requesting the third network function to select the first network function.

[0252] In some embodiments, the first request is used for the second network function and the first network function to establish a connection for serving the UE. Exemplarily, the connection can include, but is not limited to, a control plane (CP) connection and / or a user plane (UP) connection.

[0253] In some embodiments, the second network function can be an access network function and / or a core network function.

[0254] In some embodiments, the second network function can be a network function serving the UE or a network function about to serve the UE.

[0255] In some embodiments, the second network function can be a network function that the UE needs to connect to.

[0256] In some embodiments, the network element selection function can also be referred to as a third network function, which can be different from the second network function and / or the first network function. Likewise, the network element selection function can be an access network function and / or a core network function.

[0257] In some embodiments, the first network function can be, but is not limited to, a core network function.

[0258] In some embodiments, the first request can comprise first information.

[0259] In some embodiments, the first information comprises at least one of:

[0260] first capability information, used to indicate whether the UE and / or the network accessed by the UE supports the capability of store-and-forward;

[0261] a first satellite identifier, used to indicate a first satellite carrying the first base station;

[0262] a first base station identifier, used to indicate the first base station; the first base station is a base station requested to be accessed by the UE or a target base station requested to be switched by the UE.

[0263] In some embodiments, the first request can be an attachment request of the UE, a handover request of the UE to a serving base station or a serving satellite, a link switching request of the UE, a session establishment and / or modification request of the UE. At this time, the first request has multiple purposes, thereby reducing the signaling overhead between network functions.

[0264] In other embodiments, the first request can be a dedicated request specially used for establishing a connection between the second network function and the first network function.

[0265] In some embodiments, the first capability information can be used to indicate that the UE needs, supports or expects the network function serving the UE to have the capability of store-and-forward. At this time, whether the first request comprises the first capability information can be used to indicate whether the UE needs, supports or expects the network function serving the UE to have the capability of store-and-forward.

[0266] In other embodiments, the first capability information can be used to indicate whether the UE needs, supports or expects the network function serving the UE to have the capability of store-and-forward. At this time, the information content of the first capability information is used to indicate whether the UE needs, supports or expects the network function serving the UE to have the capability of store-and-forward.

[0267] In some embodiments, the second network function transmits the first request through an interface message between network element selection functions, or the second network function can transmit the first request through a standardized service between network element selection functions.

[0268] In some embodiments, in the case that the user equipment (UE) accesses a regenerative mode satellite network, the second network function is an access network function or a core network function and the first network function is a core network function.

[0269] In some embodiments, the second network function is a core network function and the second network function is a core network function when the serving satellite of the UE switches.

[0270] In some embodiments, the first network function comprises at least one of: MME, S-GW, AMF, SMF, UPF.

[0271] Exemplarily, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network function selection method, which can comprise but is not limited to at least one of the following:

[0272] 1. The second network function selects a first core network function (such as MME, AMF, UPF, S-GW, etc.) through a first core network element selection function, and establishes a connection with the selected core network function.

[0273] The first core network element selection function selects the first core network function according to at least one of the following information:

[0274] a store and forward supporting capability, which is the aforementioned store and forward capability;

[0275] a satellite ID;

[0276] an earth station ID;

[0277] 2. The second network function is an access network function (such as eNB or gNB) or a second network function;

[0278] 3. The selection of the first core network function is performed in a UE access process through a regenerative mode satellite network, or the selection of the first core network function is performed when a satellite serving the user UE switches.

[0279] 4. The regenerative mode satellite network refers to that a base station providing access for the UE is deployed on a satellite.

[0280] 5. The regenerative mode satellite network further comprises that the first core network function and / or the second network function are deployed on a satellite.

[0281] 6. The store and forward supporting capability refers to whether the first core network function deployed on the satellite supports the capability of storing and forwarding data and / or signaling.

[0282] As shown in FIG. 5A, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network function selection method, which can comprise but is not limited to at least one of the following:

[0283] 1. When a UE camps on an eNB1 of a satellite, the UE reads the system information broadcast related to the eNB1. The UE initiates an attach procedure by sending an attach request message to the eNB1, which is forwarded to a MME. The message contains an IMSI or an old GUTI, UE core network capabilities, preferred network behavior, etc. In addition, the UE can indicate its S&F support capability in the message.

[0284] 2. When the eNB1 receives the attach request message, it selects a MME through a MME selection function. The selection of the MME can be based on the S&F support capability. If the S&F support capability is not required, a terrestrial MME can be selected to establish a connection with the eNB1, otherwise a satellite-borne MME can be selected to establish a connection with the eNB1.

[0285] The S&F can be a capability of the UE or a capability of the MME. For example, if the UE does not support the S&F capability, a terrestrial MME can be selected to provide UE access service. If the UE indicates that it supports the S&F capability, and the satellite 1 is equipped with a MME with the S&F capability, the MME carried by the satellite 1 can be selected to provide UE access service.

[0286] 3. The eNB1 sends an attach request to a terrestrial MME, and other steps can refer to the corresponding description in the attach procedure.

[0287] As shown in FIG. 5B, the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network function selection method, which can include:

[0288] 1. A UE accesses an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) through a SAT-eNB1, and downlink data is sent to the UE through a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW), a Serving Gateway (S-GW), and the SAT-eNB1. Over time, the source SAT-eNB1 will fly out of the coverage area of the UE, and then the UE decides to access a target SAT-eNB2 by initiating an S1-based handover. For example, this error prompt can be triggered because the UE has no X2 connection with the target eNodeB or the target eNodeB sends an error indication after the X2 handover fails.

[0289] 2. The source SAT-eNB1 sends information required for the handover to the source MME, for example, the information can include but is not limited to a target TAI, a target eNB2 ID, and / or a ground station ID, etc.

[0290] 3. The ground station ID is sent to the source MME, which facilitates the selection of a suitable target MME. The source MME selection function selects a target MME for the handover caused by the satellite movement according to the ground station ID and a mapping relationship between the ground station ID and the MME ID.

[0291] 4. The source MME selects the target MME according to the MME selection function. If the MME needs to be relocated, the source MME sends a Forward Relocation Request to the target MME, which can include but is not limited to MME UE context, target SAT-eNB2 identity, target TAIs, etc. With this relocation request, the source MME indicates that the handover of this MME is caused by satellite movement.

[0292] The MME UE context includes IMSI, MSISDN, ME identity, UE security context, UE network capability, AMBR, selected CN operator ID, APN restriction, S-GW address and TEID for control signaling, and EPS bearer context, UE radio capability ID.

[0293] The target TAIs are sent to the target MME to help the MME determine whether to switch the S-GW after the handover.

[0294] 5. If the MME has been relocated, the target MME is aware that the handover is triggered by satellite movement, the target MME authorizes the handover and verifies whether the source S-GW can continue to serve the UE. If the source S-GW cannot continue to serve the UE, a new S-GW needs to be selected. If a new S-GW is selected, the target MME sends a Create Session Request message to the target S-GW according to each Public Data Network (PDN) connection.

[0295] If the target MME does not authorize the handover, the handover fails.

[0296] 6. The target MME sends a Handover Request message to the target SAT-eNB2. The target SAT-eNB2 is selected according to the mapping relationship between the eNB ID and the satellite ID. This message creates a UE context in the target eNodeB, including information about the bearer and security context.

[0297] 7. If the SAT-eNB2 sends a Handover Request to the target MME.

[0298] 8. If the indirect forwarding mode is adopted and the S-GW is being relocated, the target MME establishes the transmission of forwarding parameters by sending a Create Indirect Data Forwarding Tunnel Request to the target S-GW.

[0299] 9. If the MME has been relocated, the target MME sends a Forward Relocation Response to the source MME.

[0300] 10. If the non-direct forwarding is adopted, the source MME sends a "Create Non-direct Forwarding Tunnel Request" to the S-GW.

[0301] 11. The source MME sends a handover command to the source SAT-eNB1 informing of the success of the handover. The handover command is sent to the NB-IoT UE.

[0302] A second network function (e.g. eNB or MME) selects a first core network function (e.g. MME) by a first core network element selection function and establishes a connection with the selected core network function.

[0303] The first core network element selection function selects the first core network function according to at least one of the following information:

[0304] a store and forward supporting capability;

[0305] a satellite ID;

[0306] an earth station ID.

[0307] 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.

[0308] 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.

[0309] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a device for implementing any of the above methods, for example, providing a device, the above device includes units or modules for implementing each step performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another device is also provided, which includes units or modules for implementing each step performed by the network device (for example, an access network device, or a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0310] 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 connected with a memory, the memory stores instructions, and the processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or realize the functions of the units or modules of the above apparatus, wherein the processor is, for example, 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 units or modules. All units or modules of the above apparatus can be implemented in the form of processor calling software, or all units or modules can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, or part of the units or modules are implemented in the form of processor calling software, and the remaining part is implemented in the form of hardware circuit.

[0311] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capability. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and running capability, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), a digital signal processor (DSP), and the like. In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through a logical relationship of a hardware circuit, and the logical relationship of the hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In the reconfigurable hardware circuit, the processor loads a configuration document to implement the configuration of the hardware circuit. It can be understood that the processor loads an instruction to implement the functions of the above part or all units or modules. In addition, the hardware circuit can also be designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), and the like.

[0312] As shown in FIG. 6A, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network element selection function, which includes the following:

[0313] The receiving module 6101 is configured to receive a first request, and the processing module 6102 is configured to select a first network function serving a user equipment (UE) according to the first request. The first request includes at least one of the following:

[0314] First capability information, used to indicate whether the UE and / or a network accessed by the UE supports the capability of store-and-forward;

[0315] First satellite identification, used to indicate a first satellite carrying a first base station;

[0316] First base station identification, used to indicate the first base station; the first base station is a base station requested to be accessed by the UE or a target base station requested to be switched by the UE;

[0317] First ground station identification, used to indicate a ground station connected by the first satellite.

[0318] In some embodiments, the processing module can be configured to perform, by the network element selection function, steps related to information processing in any one of the network function selection methods.

[0319] In some embodiments, the network element selection function further comprises a sending module.

[0320] In some embodiments, the sending module and / or the receiving module can correspond to a network interface and / or a transceiving antenna of the network element selection function.

[0321] In some embodiments, the sending module can be configured to perform, by the network element selection function, steps related to information sending in any one of the network function selection methods.

[0322] In some embodiments, the receiving module can be configured to perform, by the network selection, steps related to information sending in any one of the network function selection methods.

[0323] In some embodiments, the receiving the first request comprises: receiving the first request sent by a second network function.

[0324] In some embodiments, the first request is used to establish a connection between the second network function and the first network function.

[0325] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to: determine, according to the first request, that the first request comprises the first capability information; select the first network function serving the UE according to the first capability information, wherein the first network function is deployed on a satellite, and the first network function supports the store-and-forward capability; or

[0326] determine, according to the first request, that the first request does not comprise the first capability information; and select the first network function serving the UE, wherein the first network function is deployed on the ground, and the first network function does not support the store-and-forward capability.

[0327] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to: determine, according to the first request, that the first request comprises the first satellite identifier; and select the first network function serving the UE according to the first satellite identifier, wherein the first satellite identifier is used to identify a target satellite of the UE after satellite switching.

[0328] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to: determine, according to the first satellite identifier and ephemeris information, a second ground station identifier; and select the first network function serving the UE according to the second ground station identifier, wherein the second ground station identifier is an identifier of a ground station connected with the first satellite.

[0329] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to select, according to the first base station identifier, a first network function serving the UE, in response to the first request including the first base station identifier.

[0330] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to select, according to the first base station identifier, a first network function serving the UE, in response to the first request including the first base station identifier.

[0331] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to perform at least one of the following: determining a second satellite identifier according to the first base station identifier; the second satellite identifier hosting a base station corresponding to the first base station identifier;

[0332] determining a third ground station identifier according to the second satellite identifier and ephemeris information; the third ground station identifier identifying a ground station connected with the base station corresponding to the first base station identifier;

[0333] selecting, according to the third ground station identifier, a first network function serving the UE.

[0334] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to perform at least one of the following: selecting, according to the first request, the first network function in response to the UE accessing a satellite network in a regenerative mode;

[0335] selecting, according to the first request, the first network function in response to a serving satellite of the UE switching.

[0336] In some embodiments, in response to the UE accessing a satellite network in a regenerative mode, the second network function is an access network function or the second network function is a core network function; and / or,

[0337] in response to the UE accessing a satellite network in a regenerative mode, the first network function is a core network function.

[0338] In some embodiments, in response to a serving satellite of the UE switching, the second network function is a core network function; and / or, in response to a serving satellite of the UE switching, the first network function is a core network function.

[0339] In some embodiments, in response to a serving satellite of the UE switching, the second network function is a core network function and the second network function is a core network function.

[0340] In some embodiments, the first network function comprises at least one of the following:

[0341] A mobile management entity (MME), a serving gateway (S-GW), an access management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), and a user plane function (UPF).

[0342] FIG. 6B is a second network function provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes:

[0343] The sending module 6201 is configured to send a first request for selecting the second network function serving a user equipment (UE); the first request includes at least one of the following:

[0344] First capability information for indicating whether the UE and / or a network accessed by the UE supports a store-and-forward capability;

[0345] First satellite identification for indicating a first satellite carrying a first base station;

[0346] First base station identification for indicating a first base station, which is a base station requested to be accessed by the UE or a target base station requested to be switched by the UE;

[0347] First ground station identification for indicating a ground station connected by the first satellite.

[0348] In some embodiments, the sending of the first request includes sending the first request to a network element selection function.

[0349] In some embodiments, the first request is used for the second network function and a first network function to establish a connection.

[0350] In some embodiments, the processing module can be configured to perform any step related to information processing in a network function selection method performed by the second network function.

[0351] In some embodiments, the second network function can further include a processing module and / or a receiving module.

[0352] In some embodiments, the sending module and / or the receiving module can correspond to a network interface and / or a transceiving antenna of a network device.

[0353] In some embodiments, in a case where a user equipment (UE) accesses a regenerative mode satellite network, the second network function is an access network function or the second network function is a core network function; and / or, in a case where a user equipment (UE) accesses a regenerative mode satellite network, the first network function is a core network function.

[0354] In some embodiments, in a case where a serving satellite of the UE is switched, the second network function is a core network function; and / or, in a case where a serving satellite of the UE is switched, the second network function is a core network function.

[0355] In some embodiments, the first network function comprises at least one of: a mobility management entity (MME), a serving gateway (S-GW), an access management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), and a user plane function (UPF).

[0356] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a communication device, which can include one or more processors; wherein the processor is configured to invoke instructions to cause the communication device to perform the network function selection method implemented by any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0357] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7A and / or FIG. 7B, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8102 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memory 8102 can also be outside the communication device 8100.

[0358] The communication device can be the terminal and the network device described above. In some embodiments, the network device can be a master node and / or a secondary node.

[0359] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8103. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8103, the communication steps such as sending and receiving in the above method are performed by the transceiver 8103, and the other steps are performed by the processor 8101.

[0360] In some embodiments, the transceiver can include a receiver and a transmitter, which can be separate or integrated together. Alternatively, the terms transceiver, transceiving unit, transceiver, transceiving circuit, etc. can be replaced by each other, the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc. can be replaced by each other, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc. can be replaced by each other.

[0361] Alternatively, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more interface circuits 8104, which are connected with the memory 8102, and can be used to receive signals from the memory 8102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 8102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8104 can read the instructions stored in the memory 8102 and send the instructions to the processor 8101.

[0362] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiments can be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 can not be limited by FIG. 7A. The communication device can be a standalone device or can be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit (IC), or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, which can optionally also include storage components 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, and the like; (6) other devices, and the like.

[0363] FIG. 7B is a structural schematic diagram of a chip 8200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the case where the communication device 8100 is a chip or a chip system, the structural schematic diagram of the chip 8200 shown in FIG. 7B can be referred to, but is not limited thereto.

[0364] The chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201 for invoking instructions to cause the chip 8200 to perform any of the above network function selection methods.

[0365] In some embodiments, the chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202 connected with the memory 8203, which can be used to receive signals from the memory 8203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 8203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8202 can read instructions stored in the memory 8203 and send the instructions to the processor 8201. Alternatively, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver can be replaced with each other.

[0366] In some embodiments, the chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memory 8203 can be outside the chip 8200.

[0367] The present disclosure also provides a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 8100, cause the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Alternatively, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but can also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Alternatively, the storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, but can also be a transitory storage medium.

[0368] The present disclosure also provides a program product which, when executed by the communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above network function selection methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0369] The present disclosure also provides a computer program which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above network function selection methods.

[0370] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the features disclosed herein. The present disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the present disclosure embodiments following, in general, the principles of the present disclosure and including such features to the present disclosure as come within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Specification and examples are to be regarded as illustrative only, and the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure embodiments are indicated by the following claims.

[0371] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise structures herein described and illustrated in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A network function selection method, wherein: Executed by a network element selection function, the method includes: receiving a first request; selecting a first network function serving a user equipment UE according to the first request; the first request including at least one of the following: First capability information, used to indicate whether the UE and / or the network accessed by the UE supports a store-and-forward capability; A first satellite identifier, used to indicate a first satellite carrying a first base station; A first base station identifier, used to indicate the first base station; the first base station is the base station to which the UE requests access or the target base station to which the UE requests handover; The first ground station identifier is used to indicate the ground station to which the first satellite is connected.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The receiving the first request includes: A first request sent by a second network function is received.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first request is used to establish a connection between the second network function and the first network function.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The selecting, according to the first request, a first network function serving the user equipment UE includes: The first request includes the first capability information, and the first network function serving the UE is selected according to the first capability information, wherein the first network function is deployed on a satellite and supports the store and forward capability; or The first request does not include the first capability information, and selects the first network function to serve the UE, wherein the first network function is deployed on the ground and does not support the storage and forwarding capability.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The selecting, according to the first request, a first network function serving the UE includes: The first request includes the first satellite identifier, and a first network function serving the UE is selected according to the first satellite identifier, wherein the first satellite identifier is used to identify a target satellite for switching the serving satellite of the UE.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The method further includes selecting a first network function serving the UE according to the first satellite identifier: Determine a second ground station identifier based on the first satellite identifier and ephemeris information, and select a first network function serving the UE based on the second ground station identifier, wherein the second ground station identifier is the identifier of the ground station connected to the first satellite.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The selecting, according to the first request, a first network function serving the UE includes: The first request includes the first ground station identifier, and a first network function serving the UE is selected according to the first ground station identifier, wherein the first satellite is a target satellite for switching the serving satellite of the UE.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The selecting, according to the first request, a first network function serving the UE includes: The first request includes the first base station identifier, and a first network function serving the UE is selected according to the first base station identifier, wherein the first base station is a target base station for handover of a serving base station of the UE.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein Selecting a first network function serving the UE according to the first base station identifier further includes: Determine a second satellite identifier based on the first base station identifier; the second satellite identifier carries a base station corresponding to the first base station identifier; Determine a third ground station identifier based on the second satellite identifier and the ephemeris information; the third ground station identifier is used to identify the ground station connected to the base station corresponding to the first base station identifier; A first network function serving the UE is selected according to the third ground station identifier.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The selecting, according to the first request, a first network function serving the UE includes at least one of the following: In case that user equipment UE accesses a satellite network in a regeneration mode, selecting the first network function according to the first request; In case of a serving satellite switch of the UE, the first network function is selected according to the first request.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The satellite network in the regeneration mode is a satellite on which access network functions and / or core network functions are deployed.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein: In the case where the user equipment UE accesses a satellite network in a regeneration mode, the second network function is an access network function or the second network function is a core network function; and / or, When the user equipment UE accesses a satellite network in a regeneration mode, the first network function is a core network function.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein: In the case of a serving satellite handover of the UE, the second network function is a core network function; and / or, In the case of switching of the serving satellite of the UE, the first network function is a core network function.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The first network function includes at least one of the following: Mobility management entity MME, service gateway S-GW, access management function AMF, session management function SMF, and user plane function UPF.

15. A network function selection method, wherein: Executed by a second network function, the method includes: Sending a first request, where the first request is used to select a first network function serving a user equipment UE; The first request includes at least one of the following: First capability information, used to indicate whether the UE and / or the network accessed by the UE supports a store-and-forward capability; A first satellite identifier, used to indicate a first satellite carrying a first base station; A first base station identifier, used to indicate the first base station, where the first base station is the base station that the UE requests to access or the target base station that the UE requests to be handed over; The first ground station identifier is used to indicate the ground station to which the first satellite is connected.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The sending of the first request includes: A first request is sent to the network element selection function.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The first request is used to establish a connection between the second network function and the first network function.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein: When the user equipment UE accesses a satellite network in a regeneration mode, the second network function is an access network function or a core network function; and / or, When the user equipment UE accesses a satellite network in a regeneration mode, the first network function is a core network function.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein: In the case of a serving satellite handover of the UE, the second network function is a core network function; and / or, In the case of switching of the serving satellite of the UE, the first network function is a core network function.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein The first network function includes at least one of the following: Mobility management entity MME, service gateway S-GW, access management function AMF, session management function SMF, and user plane function UPF.

21. A network element selection function, wherein: include: A receiving module configured to receive a first request; A processing module is configured to select a first network function serving a user equipment UE according to the first request, wherein the first request includes at least one of the following: First capability information, used to indicate whether the UE and / or the network supports a store-and-forward capability; A first satellite identifier, used to indicate a first satellite carrying a first base station; A first base station identifier, used to indicate the first base station; The first base station is a base station that the UE requests to access or a target base station that the UE requests to be handed over; The first ground station identifier is used to indicate the ground station to which the first satellite is connected.

22. A second network function, wherein: include: A sending module is configured to send a first request, where the first request is used to select the second network function serving the user equipment UE; the first request includes at least one of the following: First capability information, used to indicate whether the UE and / or the network accessed by the UE supports a store-and-forward capability; A first satellite identifier, used to indicate a first satellite carrying a first base station; A first base station identifier, used to indicate the first base station, where the first base station is the base station that the UE requests to access or the target base station that the UE requests to be handed over; The first ground station identifier is used to indicate the ground station to which the first satellite is connected.

23. A communication system, wherein: The communication system comprises: A network element selection function, configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14; The second network function is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 15 to 20.

24. A communication device, wherein: The communication device comprises: one or more processors; The processor is configured to call instructions to enable the communication device to execute the network function selection method according to any one of claims 1 to 14 or 15 to 20.

25. A storage medium, wherein: The storage medium stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device executes the network function selection method according to any one of claims 1 to 14 or 15 to 20.

26. A computer program, wherein When the method is executed on a computer, the computer is caused to execute any one of the network function selection methods 1 to 14 or 15 to 20.

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