Message transmission method, and network function determination method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a message transmission method and a network function determination method and device, and aims to solve the problem of how to determine a service core network for a terminal by a satellite network. The method provided by the embodiment of the invention comprises the following steps: a terminal sends a first message to a satellite access network node, the first message comprises first network information of the terminal, and the first network information is used for assisting in determining a first network function or a second network function of a first core network providing service for the terminal; wherein the first network function comprises at least one of the following functions: a core network entry function, an access management function, and an access and mobility management function; the second network function comprises at least one of a network resource management function and a mobility management network function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a message transmission method, a method for determining network functions, and an apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Among related technologies, satellite network construction involves large investments and long payback periods, but its wide coverage spans multiple regions. Therefore, the co-construction and sharing of satellite access networks has become a widely discussed approach to potentially drive the commercialization of satellite networks under the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). However, unlike terrestrial networks, satellite networks use unified international network identifiers that do not distinguish between geographical regions, such as those starting with 901. Traditional multi-network identifier sharing technologies used in terrestrial access networks are not applicable to this scenario. Therefore, for satellite access networks sharing network identifiers, how the satellite network determines the core network for serving terminals when terminals belonging to different operators access the network simultaneously is a problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a message transmission method, a method for determining network functions, and an apparatus to solve the problem of how satellite networks determine the core network for services provided to terminals.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a message transmission method, including:

[0005] The terminal sends a first message to the satellite access network node. The first message includes the terminal’s first network information. The first network information is used to assist in determining the first network function or the second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal.

[0006] The first network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, and access and mobility management function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: network resource management function and mobility management network function.

[0007] Optionally, the first network information includes at least one of the following:

[0008] The network information of the terminal's home network;

[0009] Network information of the equivalent home network of the terminal;

[0010] Network information of the equivalent network of the terminal;

[0011] The network information of the networks that the terminal has registered with.

[0012] Optionally, before the terminal sends the first message, the method further includes:

[0013] If the first condition is met, it is determined that the first network information is carried in the first message;

[0014] The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0015] The satellite access network node receives a first indication message broadcast by the satellite access network node, and the first indication message indicates that the satellite access network node supports network sharing capability or has enabled the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node;

[0016] The network identifier broadcast by the satellite access network node is received, and the network identifier is a unified international network identifier, which includes a shared network identifier or a shared mobile country code (MCC).

[0017] The terminal identifies the wireless access technology (RAT) type of the satellite access network node as satellite;

[0018] The network identifier broadcast by the satellite access network node is received, and the network identifier is different from the network identifier corresponding to the first network information.

[0019] This application also provides a method for determining network functions, including:

[0020] The satellite access network node receives a first message, which includes the terminal's first network information.

[0021] The satellite access network node determines, based on the first network information, a first network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal, and sends a non-access stratum (NAS) message of the terminal to the first network function of the first core network; or, based on the first network information, the satellite access network node selects a third network function in the satellite network and determines candidate service network information for the terminal, and sends the candidate service network information and the NAS message of the terminal to the third network function, wherein the candidate service network information is used to select either a first network function or a second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal; the satellite network is a core network connected to the satellite access network node;

[0022] The first network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, access and mobility management function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: network resource management function, mobility management network function; and the third network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, access and mobility management function, and shared core network gateway.

[0023] Optionally, the satellite access network node determines, based on the first network information, the first network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal, including:

[0024] The satellite access network node selects the first network function of the first core network based on the first network information, the terminal's location information, and the first association relationship; wherein, the first association relationship is the association relationship between a connection identifier and a network identifier, the connection identifier is the identifier of the connection between the satellite access network node and the first network function of each core network, and the network identifier is used to identify the core network to which the first network function corresponding to the connection identifier belongs.

[0025] Optionally, the method in this application embodiment further includes:

[0026] The satellite access network node receives a configuration message or a configuration update message. The configuration message or configuration update message includes at least one of one or more network identification information and a first indication information. The network identification information is used to characterize the shared network identifier of at least one shared network connected to the satellite access network node. The first indication information is used to indicate whether the satellite access network node supports network sharing capability, or to indicate whether the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is enabled.

[0027] The satellite access network node establishes the first association relationship according to the configuration message or updates the first association relationship according to the configuration update message.

[0028] Optionally, the method in this application embodiment further includes:

[0029] The satellite access network node sends a broadcast message, which includes at least one of the following:

[0030] Network identifier, which includes the shared network identifier or shared mobile country code (MCC) of the satellite access network node;

[0031] The first indication information is used to indicate whether the satellite access network node supports network sharing capability, or to indicate whether the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is enabled.

[0032] Optionally, the method in this application embodiment further includes:

[0033] When the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is disabled, the satellite access network node broadcasts a system message that does not include the first indication message, or the satellite access network node broadcasts a system message that includes the first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the satellite access network node does not support the network sharing capability, or indicates that the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is not enabled.

[0034] This application also provides a method for determining network functions, including:

[0035] The third network function of the satellite network acquires the non-access stratum NAS messages of the terminal forwarded by the satellite access network node, wherein the satellite network is the core network connected to the satellite access network node;

[0036] The third network function of the satellite network determines the first network function or the second network function of the first core network to provide services to the terminal based on the candidate service network information of the terminal sent by the satellite access network node, and sends the NAS message of the terminal to the first network function or the second network function of the first core network.

[0037] The first network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, and access and mobility management function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: network resource management function and mobility management network function; the third network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, access and mobility management function, and shared core network gateway.

[0038] Optionally, the third network function of the satellite network determines the second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal based on the first network information sent by the satellite access network node, including:

[0039] The third network function of the satellite network determines the second network function of the first core network based on the first network information and the third association relationship. The third association relationship is used to indicate the association relationship between routing information and network identifier. The routing information is the routing information between the third network function and the second network functions of each core network. The network identifier in the third association relationship is the identifier information of the core network to which the second network function belongs.

[0040] This application also provides a message transmission device, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0041] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory and performing the following operations:

[0042] Send a first message to the satellite access network node. The first message includes the first network information of the terminal. The first network information is used to assist in determining the first network function or the second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal.

[0043] The first network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, and access and mobility management function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: network resource management function and mobility management network function.

[0044] Optionally, the first network information includes at least one of the following:

[0045] The network information of the terminal's home network;

[0046] Network information of the equivalent home network of the terminal;

[0047] Network information of the equivalent network of the terminal;

[0048] The network information of the networks that the terminal has registered with.

[0049] Optionally, the processor further implements the following steps:

[0050] If the first condition is met, it is determined that the first network information is carried in the first message;

[0051] The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0052] The satellite access network node receives a first indication message broadcast by the satellite access network node, and the first indication message indicates that the satellite access network node supports network sharing capability or has enabled the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node;

[0053] The network identifier broadcast by the satellite access network node is received, and the network identifier is a unified international network identifier, which includes a shared network identifier or a shared mobile country code (MCC).

[0054] The terminal identifies the wireless access technology (RAT) type of the satellite access network node as satellite;

[0055] The network identifier broadcast by the satellite access network node is received, and the network identifier is different from the network identifier corresponding to the first network information.

[0056] This application also provides a network function determination device, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0057] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory and performing the following operations:

[0058] Receive a first message, the first message including the terminal's first network information;

[0059] Based on the first network information, a first network function of a first core network that provides services to the terminal is determined, and a non-access stratum (NAS) message of the terminal is sent to the first network function of the first core network; or, based on the first network information, the satellite access network node selects a third network function in the satellite network and determines candidate service network information for the terminal, and sends the candidate service network information and the NAS message of the terminal to the third network function, wherein the candidate service network information is used to select either a first network function or a second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal; the satellite network is a core network connected to the satellite access network node;

[0060] The first network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, access and mobility management function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: network resource management function, mobility management network function; and the third network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, access and mobility management function, and shared core network gateway.

[0061] Optionally, the processor further implements the following steps:

[0062] Based on the first network information, the terminal's location information, and the first association relationship, the first network function of the first core network is selected; wherein, the first association relationship is the association relationship between a connection identifier and a network identifier, the connection identifier is the identifier of the connection between the satellite access network node and the first network function of each core network, and the network identifier is used to identify the core network to which the first network function corresponding to the connection identifier belongs.

[0063] Optionally, the processor further implements the following steps:

[0064] Receive a configuration message or a configuration update message, wherein the configuration message or configuration update message includes at least one of one or more network identification information and a first indication information, wherein the network identification information is used to characterize the shared network identifier of at least one shared network connected to the satellite access network node, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the satellite access network node supports network sharing capability, or to indicate whether the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is enabled;

[0065] The first association is established based on the configuration message or the first association is updated based on the configuration update message.

[0066] Optionally, the processor further implements the following steps:

[0067] Sending a broadcast message, the broadcast message including at least one of the following:

[0068] Network identifier, which includes the shared network identifier or shared mobile country code (MCC) of the satellite access network node;

[0069] The first indication information is used to indicate whether the satellite access network node supports network sharing capability, or to indicate whether the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is enabled.

[0070] Optionally, the processor further implements the following steps:

[0071] When the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is disabled, a system message is broadcast that does not include the first indication message, or the satellite access network node broadcasts a system message that includes the first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the satellite access network node does not support the network sharing capability, or indicates that the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is not enabled.

[0072] This application also provides a network function determination device, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0073] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory and performing the following operations:

[0074] The satellite network obtains the non-access stratum NAS messages of the terminal forwarded by the satellite access network node through the third network function of the satellite network, wherein the satellite network is the core network connected to the satellite access network node;

[0075] Based on the candidate service network information of the terminal sent by the satellite access network node, the first network function or the second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal is determined, and the NAS message of the terminal is sent to the first network function or the second network function of the first core network.

[0076] The first network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, and access and mobility management function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: network resource management function and mobility management network function; the third network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, access and mobility management function, and shared core network gateway.

[0077] Optionally, the processor further implements the following steps:

[0078] Based on the first network information and the third association relationship, the second network function of the first core network is determined. The third association relationship is used to indicate the association relationship between routing information and network identifier. The routing information is the routing information between the third network function and the second network function of each core network. The network identifier in the third association relationship is the identifier information of the core network to which the second network function belongs.

[0079] This application also provides a message transmission device, including:

[0080] The first sending unit is configured to send a first message to a satellite access network node. The first message includes first network information of the terminal. The first network information is used to assist in determining the first network function or the second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal.

[0081] The first network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, and access and mobility management function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: network resource management function and mobility management network function.

[0082] This application embodiment also provides a network function determination device, including:

[0083] The first receiving unit is configured to receive a first message, the first message including the first network information of the terminal;

[0084] A first processing unit is configured to, based on the first network information, determine a first network function of a first core network that provides services to the terminal, and send a non-access stratum (NAS) message of the terminal to the first network function of the first core network; or, based on the first network information, select a third network function in a satellite network and determine candidate service network information for the terminal, and send the candidate service network information and the NAS message of the terminal to the third network function, wherein the candidate service network information is used to select either a first network function or a second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal; the satellite network is a core network connected to the satellite access network node;

[0085] The first network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, access and mobility management function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: network resource management function, mobility management network function; and the third network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, access and mobility management function, and shared core network gateway.

[0086] This application embodiment also provides a network function determination device, including:

[0087] The second receiving unit is used to acquire the non-access stratum NAS message of the terminal forwarded by the satellite access network node, wherein the satellite network is the core network connected to the satellite access network node;

[0088] The second processing unit is used to determine the first network function or the second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal based on the candidate service network information of the terminal sent by the satellite access network node, and to send the NAS message of the terminal to the first network function or the second network function of the first core network.

[0089] The first network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, and access and mobility management function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: network resource management function and mobility management network function; the third network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, access and mobility management function, and shared core network gateway.

[0090] This application also provides a processor-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing the processor to perform the steps of the message transmission method or network function determination method as described above.

[0091] This application also provides a computer program product, including computer instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the message transmission method or network function determination method as described above.

[0092] The above-mentioned technical solution of this application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0093] In this embodiment, the terminal sends a first message to the satellite access network node. The first message includes the terminal's first network information. The first network information is used to assist in determining the first or second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal. This enables the satellite network to select the network function of the core network that provides services to the terminal based on the first network information, thereby achieving the goal of efficiently determining the appropriate service core network for terminals from different operators. Attached Figure Description

[0094] Figure 1a This diagram illustrates the network sharing architecture for satellite access under the MOCN mode.

[0095] Figure 1b This diagram illustrates the network sharing architecture for satellite access in INS mode.

[0096] Figure 1c An architecture diagram illustrating the network sharing method for satellite access under GWCN mode;

[0097] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the message transmission method in some embodiments of this application;

[0098] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the method for determining network functions in some embodiments of this application;

[0099] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the method for determining network functions in some embodiments of this application;

[0100] Figure 5 This indicates a network architecture for shared satellite access networks under MOCN and INS modes based on 5G networks;

[0101] Figure 6 This represents the general network architecture shared by the satellite access network under the GWCN model;

[0102] Figure 7 This application illustrates the interaction diagrams of network functions in some embodiments.

[0103] Figure 8 This application illustrates the interaction diagrams of network functions in some embodiments.

[0104] Figure 9 This application illustrates the interaction diagrams of network functions in some embodiments.

[0105] Figure 10 This application illustrates the interaction diagrams of network functions in some embodiments.

[0106] Figure 11 This application illustrates the interaction diagrams of network functions in some embodiments.

[0107] Figure 12 This application illustrates the interaction diagrams of network functions in some embodiments.

[0108] Figure 13 This is a structural block diagram of a message transmission device in some embodiments of this application;

[0109] Figure 14 This is a structural block diagram illustrating the network function determination apparatus in some embodiments of this application;

[0110] Figure 15 This diagram illustrates the modules of the message transmission device in some embodiments of this application.

[0111] Figure 16 This application shows a schematic diagram of a module for determining network functions in some embodiments;

[0112] Figure 17This is a schematic diagram of a module representing a network function determination device in some embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0113] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0114] The terms “first,” “second,” etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of the application described herein may be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0115] In this application's embodiments, the term "and / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. In this application's embodiments, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0116] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0117] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the embodiments of this application, the following description will be provided first.

[0118] I. Network sharing scenarios and modes for satellite access.

[0119] Achieving the rational utilization of operators' wireless spectrum resources and meeting the needs of shared access network construction are fundamental issues that must be addressed in the design of each generation of communication systems. From 2G to 5G standards, various network sharing schemes suitable for terrestrial access networks have been provided. With the introduction of satellite access in 5G systems, discussions on satellite access network sharing have also come to the forefront. On the one hand, satellite network construction involves large investments and long payback periods; on the other hand, satellite coverage is wide, spanning multiple regions and possessing the ability to cooperate with operators in different regions. Therefore, satellite access network sharing has become a potential driving force for the commercialization of 3GPP satellite networks and has received widespread attention. Standards organizations such as 3GPP and the China Communications Standards Association (CCSA) have mentioned various potential satellite access network sharing methods in their research, such as the Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) mode, the Gateway Core Network (GWCN) mode, and the Indirect Network Sharing (INS) mode. Figure 1a As shown, taking 5G as an example, in MOCN mode, shared base stations (i.e., shared satellite access networks) are directly connected to the core networks of multiple operators simultaneously; for example... Figure 1b As shown, in INS mode, the shared base station connects to the core network of the shared satellite operator, and then connects to the core networks of other participating operators; for example... Figure 1c As shown, in GWCN mode, a shared base station connects to the core networks of multiple operators simultaneously through a shared core network gateway. This gateway can have lightweight core network functions, such as Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message parsing and encapsulation, Access and Mobility Management (AM), Mobility Management (MM), and Session Management (SM) functions.

[0120] It should be noted that the above Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c The core network can be deployed on the ground or on a satellite. If deployed on a satellite, then... Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c The shared satellite access network does not include gateway stations.

[0121] II. Issues related to the application of satellite access network sharing in related technologies;

[0122] A shared access network will provide connections for users of multiple network operators simultaneously. Therefore, regardless of the network sharing mode adopted, the shared access network must support terminal access belonging to different operators and correctly route their signaling to the user's core network.

[0123] Terrestrial networks uniquely identify an operator's mobile network using a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID, composed of a Mobile Country Code (MCC) and a Mobile Network Code (MNC). Current shared terrestrial access network deployments primarily employ multi-network identifier technology to assist terminals in network selection and signaling routing. Base stations sharing the terrestrial access network broadcast network identifiers (PLMNIDs or Non-Public Network (NPN) IDs) from available networks of different participating operators via System Information Block (SIB) 1, based on their Operations, Administration & Maintenance (OAM) configuration, along with corresponding network access information such as Tracking Area Codes (TACs). The UE performs network selection and reselection by matching the network identifiers in the SIB1 message with SIM card information and locally stored network information. When a UE performs initial registration, location update, or registration update, it reports the selected network information (selected PLMN-Identity) in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message. For MOCN mode, the access network node selects the corresponding operator network and establishes signaling routes based on the selected network information. For GWCN or INS mode, the access network node sends the selected network information along with a NAS message to satellite operator core network functions, such as the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and the shared core network gateway, before proceeding with subsequent routing.

[0124] Unlike terrestrial access networks, satellite and non-terrestrial networks, while inheriting the PLMN (Public-Private Linked Network) model, face challenges. Because satellite coverage may span multiple countries and regions, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recommends that satellite and non-terrestrial networks adopt a public / shared MCC (Multi-Channel Code), such as 901; each satellite operator is assigned a unique MNC. This gives each satellite network a unique, geographically unrestricted network identifier, for example, a network identifier starting with 901. Regulatory requirements dictate that broadcast network identifiers must match the specific geographical area of ​​network operation. Shared satellite access networks may share access networks with participating operators located in different countries or regions, and satellites move across different countries and regions. If multiple network identifier technologies were still used, the configuration and maintenance of broadcast messages for satellite base station systems would significantly increase system complexity. Therefore, considering regulatory requirements and system complexity, broadcasting a unified shared network identifier starting with 901 is the deployment method adopted by some satellite operators for shared satellite access networks. In actual deployment, this shared network identifier may be the same as or different from the network identifier used by the satellite network's own users. When terminals belonging to different operators simultaneously access a shared satellite network, the problem that needs to be solved is how the shared satellite access network routes terminal signaling to the user core network that can provide services.

[0125] Terrestrial networks rely on broadcasting multiple terrestrial network identifiers to assist terminals in network selection and perform signaling routing to the serving core network based on the selected network identifier reported by the terminal. However, when deploying shared satellite access networks, most use broadcast unified network identifiers without geographical regional characteristics. Therefore, the selected network identifier reported by a terminal after accessing the network cannot distinguish the core network to which the terminal belongs and perform correct routing.

[0126] The message transmission method provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through some embodiments and application scenarios.

[0127] like Figure 2 As shown in the figure, this application provides a message transmission method, including:

[0128] Step 201: The terminal sends a first message to the satellite access network node. The first message includes the terminal's first network information. The first network information is used to assist in determining the first network function or the second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal.

[0129] The first network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, and access and mobility management function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: network resource management function and mobility management network function.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first network information is network information indicating the network to which the terminal belongs.

[0131] The first message mentioned above can be an RRC message. This first message also includes uplink NAS messages. These uplink NAS messages can be registration request messages, location update request messages, etc. The first message may also include terminal location information.

[0132] The aforementioned first core network can be a satellite network connected to the satellite access network nodes, or it can be another core network other than the satellite network.

[0133] In some embodiments of this application, the first network function and the second network function are determined based on the location of the network function. The first network can be a network element that directly interacts with the access network and the core network. Under different architectures, the first network function can be undertaken by different network functions. The second network function is a network function that interacts with the first network function. The second network function may be different under different architectures.

[0134] In the scheme of this application embodiment, the terminal sends a first message to the satellite access network node. The first message includes the terminal's first network information. The first network information is used to assist in determining the first network function or the second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal. This enables the satellite network to select the network function of the core network that provides services to the terminal based on the first network information, thereby achieving the goal of efficiently determining the appropriate service core network for terminals from different operators.

[0135] Optionally, the first network information includes at least one of the following:

[0136] The network information of the terminal's home network, which may be a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN);

[0137] The network information of the terminal's equivalent home network, which can be described as an equivalent home public land mobile network (EHPLMN);

[0138] The network information of the terminal's equivalent network, which can be described as an Equivalent Public Land Mobile Network (EPLMN);

[0139] The network information of the networks that the terminal has registered with.

[0140] In some implementations, the aforementioned network information is a network identifier, and the aforementioned first network information can be represented in any of the following forms:

[0141] Form 1: Mobile Country Code (MCC) and Mobile Network Code (MNC);

[0142] Form 2: MCC and multiple MNCs with the same MCC;

[0143] Form 3: Multiple PLMN IDs, which consist of MCC and MNC.

[0144] Optionally, before the terminal sends the first message, the method further includes:

[0145] If the first condition is met, it is determined that the first network information is carried in the first message;

[0146] The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0147] The satellite access network node receives a first indication message broadcast by the satellite access network node, and the first indication message indicates that the satellite access network node supports network sharing capability or has enabled the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node;

[0148] The network identifier broadcast by the satellite access network node is received, and the network identifier is a unified international network identifier, which includes a shared network identifier or a shared mobile country code (MCC).

[0149] The terminal identifies the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type of the satellite access network node as satellite;

[0150] The network identifier broadcast by the satellite access network node is received, and the network identifier is different from the network identifier corresponding to the first network information.

[0151] In this embodiment of the application, if the network identifier broadcast by the satellite access network node is the same as the network identifier corresponding to the first network information, then the first network information is not carried, or the network information of the terminal's home network is carried.

[0152] Here, if the network identifier broadcast by the satellite access network node is different from the network representation corresponding to the first network information, it indicates that the network to which the terminal belongs is not the satellite network. In this case, writing the first network information in the first message helps the satellite access network node distinguish between the satellite network's own users (users of this network) and other users (users of shared networks).

[0153] In the scheme of this application embodiment, the terminal sends a first message to the satellite access network node. The first message includes the terminal's first network information. The first network information is used to assist in determining the first network function or the second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal. This enables the satellite network to select the network function of the core network that provides services to the terminal based on the first network information, thereby achieving the goal of efficiently determining the appropriate service core network for terminals from different operators.

[0154] like Figure 3 As shown in the figure, this application provides a method for determining network functions, including:

[0155] Step 301: The satellite access network node receives a first message, which includes the first network information of the terminal.

[0156] The satellite access network node receives the first message sent by the terminal. This first message may be an RRC message. The first message also includes an uplink NAS message. This uplink NAS message may be a registration request message, a location update request message, etc. The first message may also include terminal location information.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first network information is network information indicating the network to which the terminal belongs.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first network information includes at least one of the following:

[0159] The network information of the terminal's home network, which may be a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN);

[0160] The network information of the terminal's equivalent home network, which can be described as an equivalent home public land mobile network (EHPLMN);

[0161] The network information of the terminal's equivalent network, which can be described as an Equivalent Public Land Mobile Network (EPLMN);

[0162] The network information of the networks that the terminal has registered with.

[0163] In some implementations, the aforementioned network information is a network identifier, and the aforementioned first network information can be represented in any of the following forms:

[0164] Form 1: Mobile Country Code (MCC) and Mobile Network Code (MNC);

[0165] Form 2: MCC and multiple MNCs with the same MCC;

[0166] Form 3: Multiple PLMN IDs, which consist of MCC and MNC.

[0167] Step 302: The satellite access network node determines, based on the first network information, the first network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal, and sends a non-access stratum (NAS) message of the terminal to the first network function of the first core network; or, the satellite access network node selects a third network function in the satellite network based on the first network information, determines candidate service network information of the terminal, and sends the candidate service network information and the NAS message of the terminal to the third network function, wherein the candidate service network information is used to select either the first network function or the second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal; the satellite network is a core network connected to the satellite access network node.

[0168] The aforementioned first core network can be a satellite network connected to the satellite access network nodes, or it can be a ground core network or an on-board core network other than a satellite network.

[0169] The first network function includes at least one of the following: core network ingress function, access management function, and access and mobility management function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: network resource management function and mobility management network function; the third network function includes at least one of the following: core network ingress function, access management function, access and mobility management function, and shared core network gateway. That is, the third network function in this embodiment can be the first network function in the satellite network or the shared core network gateway, where the first network function includes at least one of the core network ingress function, access management function, and access and mobility management function in the satellite network.

[0170] This non-access stratum NAS message can be carried through the first message mentioned above. The NAS message for this terminal is also described as an uplink NAS message.

[0171] In some embodiments, the aforementioned third network function can be co-located with the satellite access network node, or the two can be set up independently.

[0172] In this embodiment, the satellite access network node can determine the first network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal based on the first network information, or the satellite access network node can select the third network function in the satellite network based on the first network information, and determine the first network element or the second network element of the first core network that provides services to the terminal based on the third network function in the satellite network.

[0173] In this embodiment, a satellite access network node receives a first message, which includes first network information of the terminal. Based on the first network information, the satellite access network node determines a first network function of a first core network to provide services to the terminal and sends the terminal's NAS message to the first network function of the first core network. Alternatively, based on the first network information, the satellite access network node selects a third network function in the satellite network and determines candidate service network information for the terminal. It then sends the candidate service network information and the terminal's NAS message to the third network function. The candidate service network information is used to select either a first network function or a second network function of the first core network to provide services to the terminal. This achieves the goal of the satellite network determining a suitable core network to provide services to the terminal based on the aforementioned first network information.

[0174] Optionally, the candidate service network information is the same as the first network information.

[0175] Optionally, as a first implementation, the satellite access network node determines, based on the first network information, the first network function of the first core network providing services to the terminal, including:

[0176] The satellite access network node selects the first network function of the first core network based on the first network information, the terminal's location information, and the first association relationship; wherein, the first association relationship is the association relationship between a connection identifier and a network identifier, the connection identifier is the identifier of the connection between the satellite access network node and the first network function of each core network, and the network identifier is used to identify the core network to which the first network function corresponding to the connection identifier belongs.

[0177] The aforementioned first core network can be a satellite network connected to the satellite access network nodes, or it can be a core network other than the satellite network. This satellite network can be abbreviated as SAT_PLMN.

[0178] For example, if the first network information indicates that the network to which the terminal belongs is PLMN1, then the satellite access network node, based on the first association relationship, selects a connection identifier associated with the network identifier PLMN1, and based on the selected connection identifier and the terminal's location information, selects a first network function that is closer to the terminal. This achieves the goal of the satellite access network node efficiently determining the appropriate service core network for users from different operators. Alternatively, if the first network information indicates that the network to which the terminal belongs is SAT_PLMN, or if the first message does not carry the first network information, or if there is no core network matching the first network information, the satellite access network node will determine the satellite network as the first core network.

[0179] Optionally, the method in this application embodiment further includes:

[0180] The satellite access network node updates the first association relationship based on the identification information of the service network of the terminal sent by the first network function of the first core network.

[0181] The identification information of this service network can be carried in downlink NAS messages.

[0182] In this embodiment of the application, for a roaming UE, the identification information of the serving network may be different from the home network information reported for the first time. Therefore, after receiving the identification information of the terminal's serving network returned by the first network function of the first core network to the satellite access network node, the satellite access network node updates the network identifier of the corresponding core network in the first association relationship based on the terminal's first network information and the identification information of the serving network, so as to make the network identifier in the first association relationship more accurate.

[0183] In addition, satellite access network nodes forward downlink NAS messages to terminals. When a terminal needs to report the identifier of its registered PLMN and / or serving PLMN, it will use the identifier information of the serving network in the downlink NAS message.

[0184] Optionally, as a second implementation, the satellite access network node selects a third network function in the satellite network based on the first network information, including:

[0185] The satellite access network node selects a third network function in the satellite network based on the first network information, the terminal's location information, the location information of each third network function in the satellite network, and the second network information; wherein, the second network information is used to indicate the core network that each third network function connects to and can provide services. The satellite network in this embodiment can be described as SAT_PLMN, and the third network function of the satellite network is abbreviated as SAT_PLMN third network function. The first network function can be the AMF of a 5G network, the access management network function of a 6G network, or the entry function of a 6G core network.

[0186] For example, assuming that the third network function of the satellite network is the first network function of the satellite network, and the first network information indicates that the core network to which the terminal belongs is PLMN2, then according to the second network information, the first network function connected to PLMN2 is selected from the first network functions of the satellite network, and based on the location information of the terminal and the location information of each first network function in the satellite network, the first network function connected to PLMN2 is selected that is less than a preset distance from the terminal.

[0187] In this way, the satellite access network node selects the first network function in the satellite network based on the first network information, the terminal's location information, the location information of each first network function in the satellite network, and the second network information. If the core network is on the ground, it also determines the gateway station for service. At the same time, based on the first network information and the gateway station's location information, it determines the candidate service network information for the terminal and then sends the candidate service network information to a network function of the selected satellite network so that the network function of the satellite network can select the first network function of the first core network based on the candidate service network information.

[0188] The terminal first sends an uplink NAS message to the satellite access network node. Then, the satellite access network node sends the terminal's uplink NAS message to the first network function selected in the satellite network. The first network function selected in the satellite network then forwards the terminal's uplink NAS message to the first network function of the first core network, thereby achieving the purpose of routing the uplink NAS message to the first network function of the first core network.

[0189] For example, assuming the third network function of the aforementioned satellite network is a shared core network gateway, and the first network information indicates that the core network to which the terminal belongs is PLMN2, then based on the second network information, a shared core network gateway connected to PLMN2 is selected from the shared core network gateways of the satellite network. Furthermore, based on the terminal's location information and the location information of each shared core network gateway in the satellite network, the shared core network gateway connected to PLMN2 is selected that is less than a preset distance from the terminal. This shared core network gateway is abbreviated as Shared GW.

[0190] Here, the satellite access network node selects a shared gateway in the satellite network based on the first network information reported by the UE, the UE's location, the location information of the shared gateway, and the second network information. If the shared gateway is on the ground, the serving gateway station is also determined. If the UE does not carry the first network information, the satellite access network node processes the shared satellite network identifier as the network information of the UE's network.

[0191] The satellite access network node sends the first network information to the selected shared core network gateway in the satellite network, so that the selected shared core network gateway can select the second network function of the first core network for the terminal based on the first network information.

[0192] Optionally, the satellite access network node sends the NAS message of the terminal to the second network function of the first core network through the selected shared core network gateway in the satellite network.

[0193] In this implementation, the terminal first sends an uplink NAS message to the satellite access network node, then the satellite access network node sends the terminal's uplink NAS message to the selected shared GW in the satellite network, and then the selected shared GW in the satellite network forwards the terminal's uplink NAS message to the second network function of the first core network, thereby achieving the purpose of routing the uplink NAS message to the second network function of the first core network.

[0194] Optionally, the method in this application embodiment further includes:

[0195] The satellite access network node establishes or updates a second association relationship based on the identification information of the service network of the terminal sent by the first network function of the first core network. The second association relationship is the association relationship between the identification information of the service network of the terminal and the third network function in the satellite network.

[0196] In some implementations, the identification information of the aforementioned serving network is carried in a downlink NAS message. The satellite access network node forwards this downlink NAS message to the UE. When the terminal needs to report the identifier of the registered PLMN and / or the serving PLMN, it will use the identification information of the serving network in the downlink NAS message.

[0197] Here, by establishing or updating the aforementioned second association, NAS messages can be routed subsequently based on this second association.

[0198] Optionally, the method in this application embodiment further includes:

[0199] The satellite access network node receives a configuration message or a configuration update message. The configuration message or configuration update message includes at least one of one or more network identification information and a first indication information. The network identification information is used to indicate at least one shared network identifier of the satellite access network node. The first indication information is used to indicate whether the satellite access network node supports network sharing capability, or to indicate whether the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is enabled.

[0200] Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, the method further includes: the satellite access network node establishing the first association relationship according to the configuration message or updating the first association relationship according to the configuration update message.

[0201] In some implementations, the above configuration message can be an NG setup response message, and the above configuration update message can be a RAN configuration update message.

[0202] In this embodiment, the satellite access network node sends a first request message to the third network function of the satellite operator's core network (satellite network) to establish a connection between the satellite access network node and the third network function of the satellite network. This first request message carries node identifier, node configuration, satellite type, and satellite identifier, etc. The third network function can be an AMF (Access Management Function) of a 5G network, an access management network function of a 6G network, a 6G core network entry function, or a shared core network gateway. The third network function of the satellite network sends a first request response message to the satellite access network node. This first request response message can be understood as the aforementioned configuration message. Alternatively, if the sharing capability of the satellite access network node changes or the network identifier information of the core network participating in the sharing changes, the third network function of the satellite network sends the aforementioned configuration update message to the satellite access network node.

[0203] Optionally, the method in this application embodiment further includes:

[0204] The satellite access network node sends a broadcast message, which includes at least one of the following:

[0205] Network identifier, which includes the shared network identifier or shared mobile country code (MCC) of the satellite access network node;

[0206] The first indication information is used to indicate whether the satellite access network node supports network sharing capability, or to indicate whether the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is enabled.

[0207] Here, the satellite access network node sends the aforementioned broadcast message so that the terminal can determine whether to carry the first network information in the first message based on the content of the broadcast message. For example, if the terminal receives the first indication information broadcast by the satellite access network node, and the first indication information indicates that the satellite access network node supports network sharing capabilities or has enabled the network sharing capabilities of the satellite access network node, then it determines to carry the first network information in the first message; or, if the terminal receives the network identifier broadcast by the satellite access network node, and the network identifier is a unified international network identifier, then it determines to carry the first network information in the first message; or, if the terminal receives the network identifier broadcast by the satellite access network node, and the network identifier is different from the network identifier corresponding to the first network information, then it determines to carry the first network information in the first message.

[0208] Optionally, the method in this application embodiment further includes:

[0209] When the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is disabled, the satellite access network node broadcasts a system message that does not include the first indication message, or the satellite access network node broadcasts a system message that includes the first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the satellite access network node does not support the network sharing capability, or indicates that the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is not enabled.

[0210] In this embodiment, a satellite access network node receives a first message, which includes first network information of the terminal. Based on the first network information, the satellite access network node determines a first network function of a first core network that provides services to the terminal, and sends the terminal's NAS message to the first network function of the first core network. Alternatively, based on the first network information, the satellite access network node selects a third network function in the satellite network and determines candidate service network information for the terminal, sending the candidate service network information and the terminal's NAS message to the third network function. The candidate service network information is used to select either a first network function or a second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal. In this way, the satellite network can select a suitable core network to provide services to the terminal based on the aforementioned first network information and route the terminal's NAS message to the corresponding core network, providing a deployment scheme for satellite network sharing that is low-complexity, easy to maintain, and compatible with multiple sharing modes.

[0211] like Figure 4 As shown in the figure, this application provides a message transmission method, including:

[0212] Step 401: The third network function of the satellite network acquires the non-access stratum NAS message sent by the satellite access network node, wherein the satellite network is the core network connected to the satellite access network node;

[0213] Step 402: The third network function of the satellite network determines the first network function or the second network function of the first core network to provide services to the terminal based on the candidate service network information of the terminal sent by the satellite access network node, and sends the NAS message of the terminal to the first network function or the second network function of the first core network.

[0214] The first network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, and access and mobility management function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: network resource management function and mobility management network function; the third network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, access and mobility management function, and shared core network gateway.

[0215] In this embodiment, the third network function of the satellite network acquires the non-access stratum (NAS) message sent by the satellite access network node. Based on the candidate service network information of the terminal sent by the satellite access network node, the third network function of the satellite network determines the first network function or the second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal, and sends the NAS message of the terminal to the first network function or the second network function of the first core network. Thus, the satellite network determines the appropriate core network that provides services to the terminal and routes the NAS message of the terminal to the corresponding core network, providing a deployment scheme for satellite network sharing that is low in complexity, easy to maintain, and compatible with multiple sharing modes.

[0216] Optionally, the method in this application embodiment further includes:

[0217] The third network function in the satellite network obtains the identification information of the service network of the terminal sent by the first network function of the first core network;

[0218] The third network function in the satellite network sends the identification information of the terminal's service network to the satellite access network node.

[0219] Optionally, as one implementation, the third network function of the satellite network determines the second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal based on the first network information sent by the satellite access network node, including:

[0220] The third network function of the satellite network determines the second network function of the first core network based on the first network information and the third association relationship. The third association relationship is used to indicate the association relationship between routing information and network identifier. The routing information is the routing information between the third network function and the second network functions of each core network. The network identifier in the third association relationship is the identifier information of the core network to which the second network function belongs.

[0221] Optionally, this implementation also includes:

[0222] The third network function obtains the identification information of the service network of the terminal sent by the second network function;

[0223] The third network function updates the third association relationship based on the identification information of the terminal's service network.

[0224] The following is based on, Figure 5 The network architecture shown and Figure 6 The network architecture shown illustrates the specific implementation process of the message transmission method in the embodiments of this application.

[0225] Assumption Figure 5 The network architecture shown is Architecture 1. Figure 6 The network architecture shown is Architecture 2, which is a shared satellite access network architecture based on the MOCN and INS modes of the 5G network. In this architecture, the satellite operator's network SAT_PLMN and the PLMN1 network of terrestrial participating operator 1 share satellite access in MOCN mode; the PLMN2 network of terrestrial participating operator 2 shares the satellite access resources of SAT_PLMN in INS mode. Figure 5 In this context, users UE2 of the ground-based participating operator 2 can access their respective core networks through the satellite base stations. For 6G networks, depending on the 6G network architecture, AMF may be replaced by the 6G Access and Management (AM) Network Function (NF), and the connection from the base station to the core network may need to be relayed through the core network entry function.

[0226] Architecture 2 is a general network architecture for satellite access network sharing under the GWCN model. In this architecture, satellite operators can deploy a shared core network gateway (Shared GW) on satellites or ground for user NAS message distribution, network function selection for the service core network, etc.

[0227] Example 1: Terminal access processing based on MOCN mode of architecture 1.

[0228] Assume the UE is a contracted user of cooperating operator 1, and its built-in SIM card or locally configured HPLMN or EHPLMN is PLMN1, and the configured PLMN list includes the satellite shared network identifier SAT_PLMN ID. The satellite access network node is configured with the shared network identifier SAT_PLMN ID.

[0229] like Figure 7 As shown, the process of this application embodiment includes:

[0230] Step 0: The shared satellite access network nodes have established the first association through OAM configuration or core network configuration procedures.

[0231] The first connection relationship is the association between a connection identifier and a network identifier. The connection identifier is the identifier of the connection (RAN-CN connection) between the satellite access network node and the first network function of each core network. The network identifier is used to identify the core network to which the first network function corresponding to the connection identifier belongs. For example, the connection identifier is a Transport Network Layer (TNL) connection identifier, which indicates that the satellite access network node is connected to the TNL layer, and the network identifier is the core network identifier corresponding to the TNL, such as the PLMN identifier. Another example is an AMF identifier, which indicates that the satellite access network node is connected to the AMF, and the network identifier is the identifier of the core network to which the AMF belongs, such as the PLMN identifier.

[0232] Step 0a: Satellite access network nodes broadcast and share the satellite network identifier SAT_PLMN ID.

[0233] Step 0b: The UE selects a network.

[0234] Specifically, the UE selects or reselects a network based on the SIM card configuration, the previously registered information stored locally, and the received system broadcast messages, and selects the satellite access network node.

[0235] Step 1: The UE sends a first RRC message, which carries uplink NAS message, first network information and terminal location information.

[0236] Specifically, when initiating satellite access, the UE sends the aforementioned first RRC message to the satellite access network node based on the shared MCC, shared satellite network identifier, and RAT type.

[0237] The aforementioned uplink NAS messages can be registration request messages, location update request messages, etc. The aforementioned first network information includes, but is not limited to, HPLMN, EHPLMN, the previously registered PLMN, and the identification information of the registered PLMN.

[0238] Step 2: The satellite access network node determines the first network function of the first core network based on the first network information, UE location information, and the first association relationship.

[0239] The first core network can be core network PLMN1. The first network function of the first core network can be the AMF of the 5G network, the access management network function of the 6G network, or the entry function of the 6G core network.

[0240] The first core network can also be SAT_PLMN.

[0241] If the first network information reported by the UE indicates that the UE belongs to the SAT_PLMN network, or does not carry the network information of the network to which the UE belongs, or there is no core network matching the network to which the UE belongs, the satellite access network node will determine the core network SAT_PLMN corresponding to the shared satellite network identifier as the serviceable core network and select the first network function of SAT_PLMN.

[0242] In addition, if the core network is on the ground, the satellite access network nodes determine the gateway stations for the services.

[0243] Step 3a: The satellite access network node establishes a connection to the first network function of PLMN1 and forwards the uplink NAS message to the first network function of PLMN1.

[0244] If the first core network in step 2 above is PLMN1, then proceed to step 3a.

[0245] Step 3b: The access network node establishes a connection to the first network function of SAT_PLMN and forwards the uplink NAS message to the first network function of SAT_PLMN.

[0246] If the first core network in step 2 above is SAT_PLMN, then proceed to step 3b.

[0247] Step 4a: The first network function of PLMN1 sends an interface message to the access network node, including a response downlink NAS message and / or identification information of the serving network.

[0248] PLMN1 performs user authentication, processes uplink NAS messages, and then sends the aforementioned interface message, which includes the responding downlink NAS message and / or the identification information of the serving network.

[0249] The uplink NAS message can be a registration acceptance message or a location update acceptance message. The downlink NAS message can carry an assigned user identifier, such as a globally unique temporary user identifier (GUTI).

[0250] After completing step 3a above, proceed to step 4a.

[0251] Step 4b: The first network function of SAT_PLMN sends an interface message to the satellite access network node. The interface message includes a response downlink NAS message and / or identification information of the serving network.

[0252] SAT_PLMN performs identity authentication, processes the uplink NAS message, and then sends the interface message. It should be noted that for roaming UEs, the serving network identifier may differ from the home network information reported initially.

[0253] After completing step 3b above, proceed to step 4b.

[0254] Step 5: The satellite access network node establishes or updates the UE context, and updates the first association relationship based on the network information to which the UE belongs and the identification information of the serving network.

[0255] Step 6: The satellite access network node forwards the downlink NAS message to the UE.

[0256] When the UE needs to report the identifier of the registered PLMN and / or the service PLMN, it will use the identifier of PLMN1.

[0257] Example 2: Terminal access processing based on INS mode of Architecture 1.

[0258] Assume the UE is a contracted user of cooperating operator 2, and its built-in SIM card or locally configured HPLMN or EHPLMN is PLMN2, and the configured PLMN list includes the satellite shared network identifier SAT_PLMN ID. The satellite access network node is configured with the shared network identifier SAT_PLMN ID.

[0259] like Figure 8 As shown, the process of this application embodiment includes:

[0260] Step 0a - Step 1;

[0261] Steps 0a to 1 are the same as steps 0a-1 in Example 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0262] 0a-1, same as Example 1 0a-1.

[0263] Step 2: The satellite access network node selects the first network function of SAT_PLMN based on the first network information and determines the candidate service network information of the UE.

[0264] The satellite access network node selects the SAT_PLMN first network function based on the first network information reported by the UE, the UE location information, the location information of the SAT_PLMN first network function, and the second network information.

[0265] If the core network is on the ground, the gateway station for the service is determined. The first network function can be the AMF (Access Management Function) of a 5G network, the access management network function of a 6G network, or the entry function of the 6G core network. Simultaneously, based on the UE's first network information and the gateway station location, the candidate serving network information for the UE is determined.

[0266] If the UE does not carry the first network information, the satellite access network node will share the satellite network identifier as the network information of the UE's network.

[0267] Step 3: The satellite access network node establishes a connection to the first network function of SAT_PLMN and sends the uplink NAS message and the UE's candidate service network information to the first network function of SAT_PLMN.

[0268] Step 4: SAT_PLMN forwards the UE's uplink NAS message to the first network function of PLMN2 based on the UE's candidate serving network information.

[0269] Based on the first network information, the UE's candidate serving network information, and the routing information between SAT_PLMN and other networks, SAT_PLMN selects the first network function of PLMN2 and the signaling route from the first network function of SAT_PLMN to the first network function of PLMN2, and forwards the UE's uplink NAS message.

[0270] Step 5: PLMN2 first network function sends an inter-network message to SAT_PLMN first network function, including a responding downlink NAS message and / or identification information of the serving network.

[0271] After PLMN2 performs user authentication and processes the uplink NAS message, the PLMN2 first network function sends an inter-network message to the SAT_PLMN first network function. The downlink NAS message can be a registration acceptance message or a location update acceptance message. This downlink NAS message may carry an assigned user identifier, such as a GUTI.

[0272] Step 6: The SAT_PLMN first network function sends interface messages to the satellite access network node, including downlink NAS messages and / or identification information of the serving network.

[0273] Step 7: The satellite access network node establishes or updates the UE context, and establishes the association between the identification information of the UE service network and the first network function of SAT_PLMN.

[0274] Step 8: The satellite access network node forwards the downlink NAS message to the UE.

[0275] When a UE needs to report the identifier of a registered PLMN and / or a serving PLMN, it will use the identifier of PLMN2.

[0276] Example 3: Terminal access processing under GWCN mode based on architecture 2.

[0277] Assume the UE is a subscribed user of cooperating operator 2, with its built-in SIM card or locally configured HPLMN or EHPLMN as PLMN2, and the configured PLMN list includes the satellite shared network identifier SAT_PLMN ID. The satellite access network node is configured with the shared network identifier SAT_PLMN ID. The third network function of SAT_PLMN is the shared core network gateway (hereinafter referred to as the shared GW), and routing information to the second network function of the core network of all participating operators has been configured.

[0278] like Figure 9 As shown, the process in this embodiment includes:

[0279] Step 0: The shared GW has established a third association through OAM configuration or network function registration.

[0280] The third association relationship is used to indicate the association between routing information and network identifiers. The routing information is the association between the shared core network element and the second network function of each core network. The network identifier in the third association relationship is the identifier information of the core network to which the second network function belongs. The second network function may be 5G NRF, 6G network resource management function, 6G core network mobility management network function, 6G core network session management function, etc.

[0281] Steps 0a to 1 are the same as steps 0a to 1 in Embodiment 1.

[0282] Step 2: The satellite access network node selects the shared GW and determines the candidate service network information of the UE based on the first network information.

[0283] Based on the first network information reported by the UE, the UE's location information, the location information of the shared GW, and the second network information, the shared GW is selected.

[0284] If the shared GW is on the ground, the serving gateway station needs to be determined. If the UE does not carry the first network information, the satellite access network node will process the shared satellite network identifier as the network information of the UE's network. At the same time, based on the first network information reported by the UE and the gateway station location, the candidate serving network information of the UE is determined. Step 3: The satellite access network node sends the uplink NAS message and the UE's candidate serving network information to the shared GW.

[0285] The satellite access network node establishes a connection to the shared GW and sends uplink NAS messages and candidate service network information of the UE to the shared GW.

[0286] Step 4: The shared GW determines the serviceable core network PLMN2 and the routes to the second network function of PLMN2.

[0287] The shared GW parses uplink NAS messages to obtain the user service type and the network-assigned user identifier (optional). Based on the UE's candidate serving network information, third-party association, and user identifier, the shared GW determines the serviceable core network PLMN2 and the route to the PLMN2 second network function.

[0288] The user identifier assigned by the network mentioned above can be the old GUTI.

[0289] Step 5: Share the GW's function of forwarding NAS messages to the PLMN2 second network and complete the relevant processes for NAS message processing.

[0290] The aforementioned processes can include registration, location update, and session management. The shared gateway encapsulates downlink NAS messages to obtain the serving network identifier.

[0291] If the second network function is a 5G NRF or 6G network resource management function, then perform steps 5a and 5b before performing step 5.

[0292] Step 5a: The shared GW sends a service discovery request.

[0293] Step 5b: PLMN2 second network function sends a service discovery response.

[0294] In steps 5a and 5b above, the shared GW and PLMN2 second network functions determine other NFs in the core network, such as MMF and SMF, through the service discovery process.

[0295] Step 6: The shared GW sends interface messages to the satellite access network nodes, including downlink NAS messages and / or identification information of the serving network.

[0296] Step 7: Satellite access network nodes establish or update UE context.

[0297] Step 8: The satellite access network node forwards the downlink NAS message to the UE.

[0298] When a UE needs to report the identifier of a registered PLMN and / or a serving PLMN, it will use the identifier of PLMN2.

[0299] Example 4: Configuration of shared satellite access network nodes, applicable to scenarios such as initial activation or configuration update of satellite access network nodes.

[0300] like Figure 10 As shown, the process of this application embodiment includes:

[0301] Step 1: The satellite access network node sends a first request message to the third network function, which includes the satellite type (SAT Type) and the satellite identifier (SAT ID).

[0302] The first request message also includes the node identifier and configuration of the satellite access network node. This first request message is used to request the establishment of a connection between the satellite access network node and a third network function of the satellite operator's core network. This third network function can be the AMF of a 5G network, the access management network function of a 6G network, the 6G core network entry function, or a shared core network gateway.

[0303] Step 2: The third network function sends a first request-response message, carrying network identification information and / or first indication information.

[0304] The network identification information includes one or more shared network identifiers that share the satellite access network node, such as PLMN ID or a combination of PLMN ID and third network function ID.

[0305] The first indication information is used to indicate whether the satellite access network node supports network sharing capability, or to indicate whether the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is enabled.

[0306] Step 3: Establish the first association relationship between satellite access network nodes.

[0307] In some embodiments, a satellite access network node may also broadcast via system messages that it supports network sharing capabilities or has enabled network sharing.

[0308] Example 5: Configuration of shared satellite access network nodes, applicable to scenarios such as changes in the sharing capabilities of access network nodes and changes in the core network identification information participating in the sharing.

[0309] like Figure 11 As shown, the process of this application embodiment includes:

[0310] Step 1: The third network function sends a configuration update message, carrying updated network identification information and / or updated first indication information.

[0311] The network identification information includes one or more shared network identifiers that share the satellite access network node, such as PLMN ID or a combination of PLMN ID and third network function ID.

[0312] The first indication information is used to indicate whether the satellite access network node supports network sharing capability, or to indicate whether the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is enabled.

[0313] Step 2: The satellite access network node updates the first association relationship according to the configuration update content, or determines to enable the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node based on the updated first indication information, and then sends a configuration update response message to the third network function.

[0314] Step 3: (Optional) If network sharing is to be de-enabled, the satellite access network node stops broadcasting instructions on the “network sharing” capability or enabling the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node.

[0315] Example 6: Terminal processing flow when a satellite access network node broadcasts "network sharing" capability or first indication information.

[0316] like Figure 12 As shown, the process of this application embodiment includes:

[0317] Step 1: The satellite access network node broadcasts the network identifier and first indication information through system messages.

[0318] The first indication information indicates whether the satellite access network node supports network sharing capability or whether the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is enabled.

[0319] Step 2: The UE determines whether to include the first network information in the RRC message when initiating access based on the broadcast network identifier, the first indication information, and the first network information.

[0320] The aforementioned first network information includes the network identifier of the terminal's home network, the network identifier of the terminal's equivalent home network, or the network identifier of the network where the terminal was last registered.

[0321] If the first condition is met, it is determined that the first network information is carried in the RRC message;

[0322] The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0323] The satellite access network node receives a first indication message broadcast by the satellite access network node, and the first indication message indicates that the satellite access network node supports network sharing capability or has enabled the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node;

[0324] The network identifier broadcast by the satellite access network node is received, and the network identifier is a unified international network identifier, which includes a shared network identifier or a shared mobile country code (MCC).

[0325] The terminal identifies the wireless access technology (RAT) type of the satellite access network node as satellite;

[0326] The network identifier broadcast by the satellite access network node is received, and the network identifier is different from the network identifier corresponding to the first network information.

[0327] In this embodiment, if the network identifier broadcast by the satellite access network node is the same as the network identifier corresponding to the first network information, then the first network information is not carried, or the network information of the terminal's home network is carried.

[0328] Step 3: The UE initiates access by sending an RRC message to the satellite access network node.

[0329] It should be noted that the solution corresponding to Embodiment Six above can be used in combination with Embodiments One, Two, and Three.

[0330] In the scheme of this application embodiment, the terminal sends a first message to the satellite access network node. The first message includes the terminal's first network information. The first network information is used to assist in determining the first network function or the second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal. This enables the satellite network to select the network function of the core network that provides services to the terminal based on the first network information, thereby achieving the goal of efficiently determining the appropriate service core network for terminals from different operators.

[0331] like Figure 13 As shown, this application provides a message transmission device for a terminal, including a memory 1320, a transceiver 1300, and a processor 1310.

[0332] The memory 1320 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1300 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1310; the processor 1310 is used to read the computer program in the memory 1320 and perform the following operations:

[0333] Send a first message to the satellite access network node. The first message includes the first network information of the terminal. The first network information is used to assist in determining the first network function or the second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal.

[0334] The first network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, and access and mobility management function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: network resource management function and mobility management network function.

[0335] Among them, Figure 13In this context, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1310 and memory represented by memory 1320 together. The bus architecture can also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1300 can be multiple components, including transmitters and receivers, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical fibers, etc. For different user equipment, the user interface 1330 can also be an interface capable of connecting external or internal devices, including but not limited to keypads, displays, speakers, microphones, joysticks, etc.

[0336] The processor 1310 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1320 can store the data used by the processor 1310 when performing operations.

[0337] Optionally, the processor 1310 can be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and the processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0338] The processor executes any of the methods described in the embodiments of this application according to the obtained executable instructions by calling a computer program stored in memory. The processor and memory may also be physically separated.

[0339] Optionally, the first network information includes at least one of the following:

[0340] The network information of the terminal's home network;

[0341] Network information of the equivalent home network of the terminal;

[0342] Network information of the equivalent network of the terminal;

[0343] The network information of the networks that the terminal has registered with.

[0344] Optionally, the processor further implements the following steps:

[0345] If the first condition is met, it is determined that the first network information is carried in the first message;

[0346] The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0347] The satellite access network node receives a first indication message broadcast by the satellite access network node, and the first indication message indicates that the satellite access network node supports network sharing capability or has enabled the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node;

[0348] The network identifier broadcast by the satellite access network node is received, and the network identifier is a unified international network identifier, which includes a shared network identifier or a shared mobile country code (MCC).

[0349] The terminal identifies the wireless access technology (RAT) type of the satellite access network node as satellite;

[0350] The network identifier broadcast by the satellite access network node is received, and the network identifier is different from the network identifier corresponding to the first network information.

[0351] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above message transmission method embodiment applied to the terminal, and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0352] like Figure 14 As shown, this application embodiment also provides a network function determination device, including a memory 1420, a transceiver 1400, and a processor 1410;

[0353] Memory 1420 is used to store computer programs; transceiver 1400 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; processor 1410 is used to read the computer programs in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0354] Receive a first message, the first message including the terminal's first network information;

[0355] Based on the first network information, a first network function of a first core network that provides services to the terminal is determined, and a non-access stratum (NAS) message of the terminal is sent to the first network function of the first core network; or, based on the first network information, the satellite access network node selects a third network function in the satellite network and determines candidate service network information for the terminal, and sends the candidate service network information and the NAS message of the terminal to the third network function, wherein the candidate service network information is used to select either a first network function or a second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal; the satellite network is a core network connected to the satellite access network node;

[0356] The first network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, access and mobility management function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: network resource management function, mobility management network function; and the third network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, access and mobility management function, and shared core network gateway.

[0357] Alternatively, processor 1410 is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations:

[0358] The satellite network obtains the non-access stratum NAS messages of the terminal forwarded by the satellite access network node through the third network function of the satellite network, wherein the satellite network is the core network connected to the satellite access network node;

[0359] Based on the candidate service network information of the terminal sent by the satellite access network node, the first network function or the second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal is determined, and the NAS message of the terminal is sent to the first network function or the second network function of the first core network.

[0360] The first network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, and access and mobility management function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: network resource management function and mobility management network function; the third network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, access and mobility management function, and shared core network gateway.

[0361] Among them, Figure 14 In this context, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits together, represented by one or more processors (processor 1410) and memory (memory 1420). The bus architecture can also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1400 can be multiple elements, including transmitters and receivers, providing units for communicating with various other devices over transmission media, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical fibers, etc. The processor 1410 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1420 can store data used by the processor 1410 during operation.

[0362] The processor 1410 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0363] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment for determining the third network function applied to satellite access network nodes and satellite networks, and can achieve the same technical effect. Therefore, the parts and beneficial effects that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0364] like Figure 15 As shown in the illustration, this application also provides a message transmission device applied to a terminal. The device includes:

[0365] The first sending unit 1501 is used to send a first message to a satellite access network node. The first message includes first network information of the terminal. The first network information is used to assist in determining the first network function or the second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal.

[0366] The first network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, and access and mobility management function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: network resource management function and mobility management network function.

[0367] Optionally, the first network information includes at least one of the following:

[0368] The network information of the terminal's home network;

[0369] Network information of the equivalent home network of the terminal;

[0370] Network information of the equivalent network of the terminal;

[0371] The network information of the networks that the terminal has registered with.

[0372] Optionally, the apparatus in this application embodiment further includes:

[0373] The third processing unit is configured to determine, if the first condition is met, that the first network information is carried in the first message;

[0374] The first condition includes at least one of the following:

[0375] The satellite access network node receives a first indication message broadcast by the satellite access network node, and the first indication message indicates that the satellite access network node supports network sharing capability or has enabled the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node;

[0376] The network identifier broadcast by the satellite access network node is received, and the network identifier is a unified international network identifier, which includes a shared network identifier or a shared mobile country code (MCC).

[0377] The terminal identifies the wireless access technology (RAT) type of the satellite access network node as satellite;

[0378] The network identifier broadcast by the satellite access network node is received, and the network identifier is different from the network identifier corresponding to the first network information.

[0379] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above message transmission method embodiment applied to the terminal, and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0380] like Figure 16 As shown in the illustration, this application also provides a network function determination device, applied to a satellite access network node, the device comprising:

[0381] The first receiving unit 1601 is configured to receive a first message, the first message including the first network information of the terminal;

[0382] The first processing unit 1602 is configured to: determine, based on the first network information, a first network function of a first core network providing services to the terminal, and send a non-access stratum (NAS) message of the terminal to the first network function of the first core network; or, based on the first network information, select a third network function in a satellite network and determine candidate service network information for the terminal, and send the candidate service network information and the NAS message of the terminal to the third network function, wherein the candidate service network information is used to select either a first network function or a second network function of the first core network providing services to the terminal; the satellite network is a core network connected to the satellite access network node;

[0383] The first network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, access and mobility management function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: network resource management function, mobility management network function; and the third network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, access and mobility management function, and shared core network gateway.

[0384] Optionally, the first processing unit is used to:

[0385] Based on the first network information, the terminal's location information, and the first association relationship, the first network element of the first core network is selected; wherein, the first association relationship is the association relationship between the connection identifier and the network identifier, the connection identifier is the identifier of the connection between the satellite access network node and the first network element of each core network, and the network identifier is used to identify the core network to which the first network element corresponding to the connection identifier belongs.

[0386] Optionally, the first processing unit is further configured to:

[0387] The first association relationship is updated based on the identification information of the service network of the terminal sent by the first network function of the first core network.

[0388] Optionally, the first processing unit is configured to:

[0389] Based on the first network information, the terminal's location information, and the first association relationship, the first network function of the first core network is selected; wherein, the first association relationship is the association relationship between a connection identifier and a network identifier, the connection identifier is the identifier of the connection between the satellite access network node and the first network function of each core network, and the network identifier is used to identify the core network to which the first network function corresponding to the connection identifier belongs.

[0390] Optionally, the apparatus in this application embodiment further includes:

[0391] The third receiving unit is configured to receive a configuration message or a configuration update message. The configuration message or configuration update message includes at least one of one or more network identification information and first indication information. The network identification information is used to characterize the shared network identifier of at least one shared network connected to the satellite access network node. The first indication information is used to indicate whether the satellite access network node supports network sharing capability, or to indicate whether the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is enabled.

[0392] The fourth processing unit is used to establish the first association relationship according to the configuration message or to update the first association relationship according to the configuration update message.

[0393] Optionally, the apparatus in this application embodiment further includes:

[0394] The second sending unit is configured to send a broadcast message, the broadcast message including at least one of the following:

[0395] Network identifier, which includes the shared network identifier or shared mobile country code (MCC) of the satellite access network node;

[0396] The first indication information is used to indicate whether the satellite access network node supports network sharing capability, or to indicate whether the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is enabled.

[0397] Optionally, the first processing unit is further configured to:

[0398] When the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is disabled, a system message is broadcast that does not include the first indication message, or the satellite access network node broadcasts a system message that includes the first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the satellite access network node does not support the network sharing capability, or indicates that the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is not enabled.

[0399] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment for determining network functions applied to satellite access network nodes, and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0400] like Figure 17 As shown in the illustration, this application also provides a network function determination device for a third network function applied to a satellite network. The device includes:

[0401] The second receiving unit 1701 is used to acquire the non-access stratum NAS message of the terminal forwarded by the satellite access network node, wherein the satellite network is the core network connected to the satellite access network node;

[0402] The second processing unit 1702 is used to determine the first network function or the second network function of the first core network that provides services to the terminal based on the candidate service network information of the terminal sent by the satellite access network node, and to send the NAS message of the terminal to the first network function or the second network function of the first core network.

[0403] The first network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, and access and mobility management function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: network resource management function and mobility management network function; the third network function includes at least one of the following: core network entry function, access management function, access and mobility management function, and shared core network gateway.

[0404] Optionally, the second processing unit is configured to:

[0405] Based on the first network information and the third association relationship, the second network function of the first core network is determined. The third association relationship is used to indicate the association relationship between routing information and network identifier. The routing information is the routing information between the third network function and the second network function of each core network. The network identifier in the third association relationship is the identifier information of the core network to which the second network function belongs.

[0406] It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated units described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional units.

[0407] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0408] In some embodiments of this application, a processor-readable storage medium is also provided, which stores program instructions for causing the processor to execute all the steps implemented in the above-described terminal message transmission method embodiment or all the steps implemented in the network function determination method embodiment executed by the network-side device, and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0409] This application also provides a computer program product, including computer instructions. When these computer instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the various processes of the above-described message transmission method or network function determination method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0410] The terminal devices involved in the embodiments of this application can be devices that provide voice and / or data connectivity to users, handheld devices with wireless connectivity, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. The names of the terminal devices may differ in different systems; for example, in a 5G system, a terminal device can be called User Equipment (UE). Wireless terminal devices can communicate with one or more core networks (CNs) via a Radio Access Network (RAN). Wireless terminal devices can be mobile terminal devices, such as mobile phones (or "cellular" phones) and computers with mobile terminal devices, for example, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices that exchange voice and / or data with the RAN. Examples include Personal Communication Service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Wireless terminal equipment can also be referred to as a system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, access point, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, or user device, but is not limited to these terms in the embodiments of this application.

[0411] The network device (or network-side device) involved in the embodiments of this application can be a base station, which may include multiple cells providing services to terminals. Depending on the specific application, the base station may also be called an access point, or a device in the access network that communicates with the wireless terminal device through one or more sectors on the air interface, or other names. The network device can be used to exchange received air frames with Internet Protocol (IP) packets, acting as a router between the wireless terminal device and the rest of the access network, where the rest of the access network may include an Internet Protocol (IP) communication network. The network device can also coordinate the attribute management of the air interface. For example, the network equipment involved in the embodiments of this application can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, a 5G base station (gNB) in a next-generation 5G network architecture, an evolved Node B (eNB or e-NodeB) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, a Home evolved Node B (HeNB), a relay node, a femto, a pico, etc., and is not limited in the embodiments of this application. In some network structures, the network equipment may include centralized unit (CU) nodes and distributed unit (DU) nodes, and the centralized unit and distributed unit may also be geographically separated.

[0412] Network devices and terminal devices can each use one or more antennas for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission. MIMO transmission can be single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) or multiple-user MIMO (MU-MIMO). Depending on the configuration and number of antenna combinations, MIMO transmission can be 2D-MIMO, 3D-MIMO, FD-MIMO, or massive-MIMO, and can also be diversity transmission, precoding transmission, or beamforming transmission, etc.

[0413] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various systems, especially 5G or 6G systems. For example, applicable systems may include Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), 5G New Radio (NR), and 6G systems. These systems may include terminal equipment and network-side equipment. The systems may also include a core network component. Optionally, these systems may include management entities for model lifecycle management and / or data collection.

[0414] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage and optical storage) containing computer-usable program code.

[0415] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0416] These processor-executable instructions may also be stored in a processor-readable memory that can instruct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0417] These processor-executable instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0418] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A message transmission method, characterized by, The method comprises: The terminal sends a first message to the satellite access network node, and the first message comprises first network information of the terminal, the first network information being used for assisting in determining a first network function or a second network function of a first core network for providing services for the terminal; The first network function comprises at least one of the following: a core network entry function, an access management function, and an access and mobility management function; and the second network function comprises at least one of the following: a network resource management function and a mobility management network function.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first network information comprises at least one of the following: Network information of a home network of the terminal; Network information of an equivalent home network of the terminal; Network information of an equivalent network of the terminal; Network information of a network in which the terminal has registered.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before the terminal sends the first message, the method further comprises: In a case where a first condition is met, it is determined that the first network information is carried in the first message; The first condition comprises at least one of the following: First indication information broadcast by the satellite access network node is received, and the first indication information indicates that the satellite access network node supports a network sharing capability or has enabled the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node; Network identification broadcast by the satellite access network node is received, and the network identification is a unified international network identification, the network identification comprising a shared network identification or a shared mobile country code (MCC); The terminal identifies a radio access technology (RAT) type of the satellite access network node as a satellite; Network identification broadcast by the satellite access network node is received, and the network identification is different from network identification corresponding to the first network information.

4. A method of determining a network function, the method comprising: The method comprises: The satellite access network node receives a first message, and the first message comprises first network information of a terminal; The satellite access network node determines a first network function of a first core network for providing services for the terminal according to the first network information, and sends non-access stratum (NAS) information of the terminal to the first network function of the first core network; Or, the satellite access network node selects a third network function in a satellite network and determines candidate service network information of the terminal according to the first network information, sends the candidate service network information and NAS information of the terminal to the third network function, and the candidate service network information is used for selecting a first network function or a second network function of a first core network for providing services for the terminal; the satellite network is a core network connected with the satellite access network node. The first network function comprises at least one of the following: a core network entry function, an access management function, and an access and mobility management function; the second network function comprises at least one of the following: a network resource management function and a mobility management network function; and the third network function comprises at least one of the following: a core network entry function, an access management function, an access and mobility management function, and a shared core network gateway.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The satellite access network node determines a first network function of a first core network for providing services for the terminal according to the first network information, and comprises: The satellite access network node selects a first network function of the first core network according to the first network information, location information of the terminal, and a first association relationship. The first association relationship is an association relationship between a connection identifier and a network identifier. The connection identifier is an identifier of a connection between the satellite access network node and the first network function of each core network. The network identifier is used to identify the core network to which the first network function corresponding to the connection identifier belongs.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, Further comprising: The satellite access network node receives a configuration message or a configuration update message. The configuration message or the configuration update message includes at least one of one or more network identifier information and first indication information. The network identifier information is used to represent a shared network identifier of at least one shared network connected by the satellite access network node. The first indication information is used to indicate whether the satellite access network node supports a network sharing capability, or to indicate whether to enable the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node. The satellite access network node establishes the first association relationship according to the configuration message or updates the first association relationship according to the configuration update message.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, Further comprising: The satellite access network node sends a broadcast message. The broadcast message includes at least one of the following: A network identifier, which includes a shared network identifier or a shared mobile country code (MCC) of the satellite access network node. First indication information, which is used to indicate whether the satellite access network node supports a network sharing capability, or to indicate whether to enable the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, Further comprising: In the case of disabling the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node, the satellite access network node broadcasts a system message that does not include the first indication message, or the satellite access network node broadcasts a system message that includes first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the satellite access network node does not support a network sharing capability, or indicates that the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is not enabled.

9. A method of determining a network function, the method comprising: Including: A third network function of a satellite network obtains a non-access stratum (NAS) message of a terminal forwarded by a satellite access network node. The satellite network is a core network connected with the satellite access network node. The third network function of the satellite network determines a first network function or a second network function of a first core network that provides services for the terminal according to candidate service network information of the terminal sent by the satellite access network node, and sends the NAS message of the terminal to the first network function or the second network function of the first core network. The first network function includes at least one of the following: a core network entry function, an access management function, and an access and mobility management function. The second network function includes at least one of the following: a network resource management function and a mobility management network function. The third network function includes at least one of the following: a core network entry function, an access management function, an access and mobility management function, and a shared core network gateway.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The third network function of the satellite network determines, according to the first network information sent by the satellite access network node, a second network function of a first core network providing services for the terminal, and the method comprises the following steps: The third network function of the satellite network determines the second network function of the first core network according to the first network information and a third association relationship, the third association relationship is used to indicate an association relationship between routing information and a network identifier, the routing information is routing information between the third network function and the second network function of each core network, and the network identifier in the third association relationship is identifier information of a core network to which the second network function belongs.

11. A message transmission apparatus characterized by comprising: The memory, the transceiver and the processor are included. The memory is used for storing a computer program; the transceiver is used for transceiving data under the control of the processor; and the processor is used for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations: sending a first message to a satellite access network node, the first message comprising first network information of a terminal, the first network information being used to assist in determining a first network function or a second network function of a first core network providing services for the terminal; The first network function comprises at least one of the following: a core network entry function, an access management function and an access and mobility management function; and the second network function comprises at least one of the following: a network resource management function and a mobility management network function.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The first network information comprises at least one of the following: Network information of a home network of the terminal; Network information of an equivalent home network of the terminal; Network information of an equivalent network of the terminal; Network information of a network registered by the terminal.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 or 12, wherein, The processor further implements the following steps: In the case where a first condition is met, determining to carry the first network information in the first message; The first condition comprises at least one of the following: Receiving first indication information broadcast by the satellite access network node, and the first indication information indicating that the satellite access network node supports a network sharing capability or has enabled the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node; Receiving network identifier broadcast by the satellite access network node, and the network identifier being a unified international network identifier, the network identifier comprising a shared network identifier or a shared mobile country code (MCC); The terminal identifies a radio access technology (RAT) type of the satellite access network node as a satellite; Receiving network identifier broadcast by the satellite access network node, and the network identifier being different from network identifier corresponding to the first network information.

14. A network function determining apparatus, characterized by, The memory, the transceiver and the processor are included. The memory is used for storing a computer program; the transceiver is used for transceiving data under the control of the processor; and the processor is used for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations: receiving a first message, the first message comprising first network information of a terminal; determining a first network function of a first core network providing services for the terminal according to the first network information, and sending a non-access stratum (NAS) message of the terminal to the first network function of the first core network; and determining a second network function of the first core network according to the first network information, and sending a non-access stratum (NAS) message of the terminal to the second network function of the first core network. Or, according to the first network information, a third network function in the satellite network is selected and candidate service network information of the terminal is determined, and the candidate service network information and the NAS message of the terminal are sent to the third network function, the candidate service network information being used for selecting a first network function or a second network function of a first core network for providing service for the terminal; the satellite network is a core network connected with the satellite access network node; The first network function includes at least one of the following: a core network entry function, an access management function, and a mobility management function; the second network function includes at least one of the following: a network resource management function and a mobility management network function; and the third network function includes at least one of the following: a core network entry function, an access management function, an access and mobility management function, and a shared core network gateway.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein, The processor further implements the following steps: According to the first network information, the location information of the terminal, and the first association relationship, a first network function of the first core network is selected; the first association relationship is an association relationship between a connection identifier and a network identifier, the connection identifier is an identifier of a connection between the satellite access network node and the first network function of each core network, and the network identifier is used to identify the core network to which the first network function corresponding to the connection identifier belongs.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein, The processor further implements the following steps: A configuration message or a configuration update message is received, the configuration message or the configuration update message including at least one of one or more network identifier information and first indication information, the network identifier information being used to represent a shared network identifier of at least one shared network connected with the satellite access network node, and the first indication information being used to indicate whether the satellite access network node supports a network sharing capability or whether the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is enabled; The first association relationship is established according to the configuration message or is updated according to the configuration update message.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The processor further implements the following steps: A broadcast message is sent, the broadcast message including at least one of the following: A network identifier, the network identifier including a shared network identifier or a shared mobile country code (MCC) of the satellite access network node; First indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate whether the satellite access network node supports a network sharing capability or whether the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is enabled.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein, The processor further implements the following steps: In the case that the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node is disabled, a system message not including the first indication message is broadcasted, or the satellite access network node broadcasts a system message including first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the satellite access network node does not support a network sharing capability or does not enable the network sharing capability of the satellite access network node.

19. A network function determining apparatus, characterized by, The memory, the transceiver, and the processor; The memory is used to store a computer program; the transceiver is used to transceive data under the control of the processor; and the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: obtaining, by a third network function of a satellite network, a non-access stratum (NAS) message of a terminal forwarded by a satellite access network node, the satellite network being a core network connected with the satellite access network node; determining, according to candidate serving network information of the terminal sent by the satellite access network node, a first network function or a second network function of a first core network providing service for the terminal, and sending the NAS message of the terminal to the first network function or the second network function of the first core network; wherein the first network function comprises at least one of a core network entry function, an access management function, and an access and mobility management function; the second network function comprises at least one of a network resource management function and a mobility management network function; and the third network function comprises at least one of a core network entry function, an access management function, an access and mobility management function, and a shared core network gateway.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein, The processor further implements the following steps: determining, according to the first network information and a third association relationship, a second network function of the first core network, the third association relationship being used to indicate an association relationship between routing information and a network identifier, the routing information being routing information between the third network function and the second network function of each core network, and the network identifier in the third association relationship being identifier information of a core network to which the second network function belongs.

21. A message transmission apparatus characterized by comprising: comprising: a first sending unit configured to send a first message to a satellite access network node, the first message comprising first network information of a terminal, the first network information being used to assist in determining a first network function or a second network function of a first core network providing service for the terminal; wherein the first network function comprises at least one of a core network entry function, an access management function, and an access and mobility management function; and the second network function comprises at least one of a network resource management function and a mobility management network function.

22. A network function determining apparatus, characterized by, comprising: a first receiving unit configured to receive a first message, the first message comprising first network information of a terminal; a first processing unit configured to determine, according to the first network information, a first network function of a first core network providing service for the terminal, and send a non-access stratum (NAS) message of the terminal to the first network function of the first core network; or, according to the first network information, select a third network function in a satellite network and determine candidate serving network information of the terminal, send the candidate serving network information and the NAS message of the terminal to the third network function, the candidate serving network information being used to select a first network function or a second network function of a first core network providing service for the terminal; the satellite network being a core network connected with the satellite access network node; wherein the first network function comprises at least one of a core network entry function, an access management function, and an access and mobility management function; the second network function comprises at least one of a network resource management function and a mobility management network function; and the third network function comprises at least one of a core network entry function, an access management function, an access and mobility management function, and a shared core network gateway.

23. A network function determining apparatus, characterized by, comprising: The second receiving unit is configured to acquire a non-access stratum (NAS) message of a terminal forwarded by a satellite access network node. The second processing unit is configured to determine a first network function or a second network function of a first core network for providing services for the terminal according to candidate serving network information of the terminal sent by the satellite access network node, and send the NAS message of the terminal to the first network function or the second network function of the first core network. The first network function includes at least one of a core network gateway function, an access management function, and an access and mobility management function, and the second network function includes at least one of a network resource management function and a mobility management network function.

24. A processor-readable storage medium, comprising: The processor readable storage medium stores a computer program, which is configured to make the processor execute the steps of the message transmission method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, or the steps of the network function determination method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, or the steps of the network function determination method according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

25. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program includes computer instructions, which are executed by the processor to implement the steps of the message transmission method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, or the steps of the network function determination method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, or the steps of the network function determination method according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

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