Paging method and device

Abstract

The invention provides a paging method and device, and relates to the technical field of communication. The problems that air interface resources are wasted and the energy consumption of the terminal equipment is increased due to paging of the terminal equipment through a satellite base station can be solved. The method can be applied to an AMF entity, and comprises the following steps: under the condition that coverage areas of a plurality of satellite base stations have an overlapping area, and determining a target satellite base station from the plurality of satellite base stations based on at least one of the types of the accessed satellite base stations before the terminal equipment enters the connection management-idle state, the number of the satellite base stations paging the terminal equipment in the registration area of the terminal equipment, and the types of the satellite base stations covering the overlapping area. Wherein the plurality of satellite base stations jointly cover a registration area of the terminal equipment, and the registration area comprises the overlapping area. A paging message may then be sent to the target satellite base station, the paging message being used to page the terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, specifically to paging methods and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous evolution of communication technology, satellite communication networks have become a key technology for future communication. Satellite communication networks support terminal devices accessing satellite base stations to achieve various communication services. Taking paging services as an example, core network equipment can page terminal devices through satellite base stations covering the area where the terminal device is registered.

[0003] In some scenarios, the coverage areas of different satellite base stations may overlap, and this overlapping area may be within the registration area of ​​the terminal device. In such cases, the core network equipment will send paging messages for the terminal device to all satellite base stations covering the overlapping area. The terminal device will receive multiple paging messages, resulting in a waste of air interface resources and increased power consumption of the terminal device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a paging method and apparatus that can solve the problems of wasted air interface resources and increased energy consumption of terminal equipment caused by paging terminal equipment through satellite base stations.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, a paging method is provided, applied to a terminal device, the method comprising: receiving target information from a target satellite base station; determining the type of a first satellite base station to be accessed based on the target information and paging indication information, wherein the paging indication information is indication information for paging the terminal device carried in a paging message.

[0007] Based on the above technical solution, a satellite base station can send target information to a terminal device. The terminal device can then determine the type of satellite base station it is accessing based on the target information and the paging indication information carried in the paging message for that terminal device. In this way, the satellite base station accessed by the terminal device does not necessarily have to be the base station that paging the terminal device, thus improving the flexibility of the terminal device accessing satellite base stations.

[0008] Secondly, a paging method is provided for an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity. The method includes: determining a target satellite base station from the plurality of satellite base stations in cases where the coverage areas of multiple satellite base stations overlap; determining the target satellite base station based on at least one of the following: the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the Connection Management-Idle state, the number of satellite base stations paging the terminal device in the terminal device's registration area, and the type of satellite base stations covering the overlapping area; wherein the plurality of satellite base stations jointly cover the terminal device's registration area, and the registration area includes the overlapping area; and sending a paging message to the target satellite base station, the paging message being used to paging the terminal device.

[0009] Thirdly, a paging method is provided, applied to a satellite base station, the method comprising: receiving target information from an AMF entity, the target information being used to indicate the type of satellite base station accessed by a terminal device when responding to a paging message; and sending the target information to the terminal device.

[0010] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, which is a terminal device or a module applied in the terminal device, including a communication unit and a processing unit; the communication unit is used to receive target information from a target satellite base station; the processing unit is used to determine the type of a first satellite base station to be accessed based on the target information and paging indication information, wherein the paging indication information is indication information for paging the terminal device carried in a paging message.

[0011] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, which is an AMF entity or a module applied in an AMF entity, including a communication unit and a processing unit; the processing unit is configured to determine a target satellite base station from the plurality of satellite base stations when there is an overlapping area in the coverage area of ​​the plurality of satellite base stations, based on at least one of the following: the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state, the number of satellite base stations paging the terminal device in the registration area of ​​the terminal device, and the type of satellite base station covering the overlapping area; wherein the plurality of satellite base stations jointly cover the registration area of ​​the terminal device, and the registration area includes the overlapping area; the communication unit is configured to send a paging message to the target satellite base station, the paging message being used to paging the terminal device.

[0012] Based on the above technical solution, when there is an overlapping area among satellite base stations sharing the registration area of ​​a terminal device, the AMF entity can determine the satellite base station to send the paging message to the terminal device based on at least one of the following: the type of satellite base station the terminal device accessed before entering the connection management-idle state, the number of satellite base stations paging the terminal device in the terminal device's registration area, and the type of satellite base stations covering the overlapping area. The determined satellite base station can then be used to paging the terminal device. This avoids sending paging messages to all satellite base stations, thus solving the problems of wasted air interface resources and increased power consumption of the terminal device caused by paging the terminal device through satellite base stations.

[0013] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device being a satellite base station or a module applied in a satellite base station, comprising a communication unit; the communication unit is configured to: receive target information from an AMF entity, the target information being used to indicate the type of satellite base station accessed by a terminal device when responding to a paging message; and send the target information to the terminal device.

[0014] In a seventh aspect, a terminal device is provided, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor; the memory is used to store a computer program; the transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and execute: receiving target information from a target satellite base station; determining the type of a first satellite base station to be accessed based on the target information and paging indication information, wherein the paging indication information is indication information for paging the terminal device carried in a paging message.

[0015] Eighthly, an AMF entity is provided, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor; the memory is used to store a computer program; the transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and execute: in the case where there is an overlapping area in the coverage area of ​​multiple satellite base stations, determining a target satellite base station from the multiple satellite base stations based on at least one of the types of satellite base stations accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state, the number of satellite base stations paging the terminal device in the registration area of ​​the terminal device, and the types of satellite base stations covering the overlapping area; wherein the multiple satellite base stations jointly cover the registration area of ​​the terminal device, and the registration area includes the overlapping area; and sending a paging message to the target satellite base station, the paging message being used to paging the terminal device.

[0016] A ninth aspect provides a satellite base station, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor; the memory is used to store a computer program; the transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; the processor is used to read the computer program in the memory and execute: receiving target information from an AMF entity, the target information indicating the type of satellite base station accessed by a terminal device when responding to a paging message; and sending the target information to the terminal device.

[0017] In a tenth aspect, a processor-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the processor-readable storage medium stores a program for causing the processor to perform the methods as described in any of the preceding aspects.

[0018] Eleventhly, a chip is provided, comprising a processor coupled to a memory for executing a computer program or instructions stored in the memory, wherein, when the processor executes the computer program or instructions, it performs the method as described in any of the designs of any of the preceding aspects.

[0019] The technical effects of the above aspects can be used for reference, and will not be elaborated further here. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 A paging scenario diagram provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system.

[0023] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a paging method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating yet another paging method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a paging process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 6 This application provides a schematic diagram of an RRC connection release process.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0029] In the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following associated objects have an "or" relationship.

[0030] In the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0031] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It is understood that the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. The specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining this application and are not intended to limit it. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] It should be noted that in this article, relational terms such as “first” and “second” are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations.

[0033] The methods and apparatus provided in this application are based on the same concept. Since the methods and apparatus solve problems in similar ways, the implementations of the apparatus and methods can refer to each other, and repeated parts will not be described again.

[0034] With the continuous evolution of communication technology, satellite communication networks have become a key feature of future communication technologies. Satellite communication networks are a type of non-terrestrial network (NTN). They support terminal devices accessing satellite base stations to provide various communication services.

[0035] Taking paging services as an example, core network equipment can page terminal devices through satellite base stations covering the registered area of ​​the terminal device. In some scenarios, the coverage areas of different satellite base stations may overlap, and this overlapping area may be within the registered area of ​​the terminal device. In this scenario, the core network equipment will send paging messages for the terminal device to all satellite base stations covering the overlapping area, and the terminal device will receive multiple paging messages.

[0036] For example, as shown in Figure 1, satellite base station 1 covers area 1, satellite base station 2 covers area 2, and the registration area of ​​the terminal device includes area 3. The coverage areas of satellite base station 1 and satellite base station 2 overlap, i.e., area 1, and area 1 is located within the registration area of ​​the terminal device (i.e., area 3). The core network device sends paging messages to both satellite base station 1 and satellite base station 2 to page the terminal device.

[0037] The above approach wastes air interface resources and increases the energy consumption of terminal devices. No solution has been proposed in the relevant technologies to address this technical problem.

[0038] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a paging method that can determine the base station for paging the terminal device based on at least one of the following: the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the idle state, the number of satellite base stations paging the terminal device in the registered area of ​​the terminal device, and the type of satellite base stations covering the overlapping area. Then, the terminal device is paging based on the determined base station, which can solve the problems of wasted air interface resources and increased energy consumption of the terminal device caused by paging the terminal device through the satellite base station.

[0039] The technical solution of this application can be applied to NTN systems such as satellite communication systems, high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication, and unmanned aerial vehicles, for example, integrated communication and navigation (ICAN) systems, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), and ultra-dense low-Earth orbit satellite communication systems.

[0040] The satellite communication system in this application embodiment may include a transparent satellite architecture and a non-transparent satellite architecture. Transparent transmission, also known as bend-tube relay transmission, means that the signal only undergoes frequency conversion and signal amplification on the satellite; the satellite is transparent to the signal, as if it does not exist. Non-transparent transmission can be called regenerative (on-board access / processing) transmission, meaning that the satellite has some or all of the base station functions.

[0041] Satellite communication systems can be integrated with traditional mobile communication systems. For example, these mobile communication systems can be Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) systems, 5G New Radio (NR) systems and their evolutionary communication systems, 6G (sixth generation mobile communication technology) systems, etc.

[0042] The communication systems described above that are applicable to this application are merely illustrative examples, and the communication systems applicable to this application are not limited to these. They will be uniformly described here and will not be repeated below.

[0043] For example, Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the communication system includes terminal equipment 201 and multiple satellite base stations (such as satellite base station 202, satellite base station 203, satellite base station 204, etc.). Figure 2 (Only three are shown in the image) and the core network. Communication is possible between terminal devices and satellite base stations, between different satellite base stations, and between satellite base stations and the core network.

[0044] The terminal device 201 involved in this application embodiment can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. The name of the terminal device 201 may differ in different systems; for example, in a 5G or 6G system, the terminal device 201 can be called User Equipment (UE). The terminal device can be a USB storage device, other personal computer memory devices, and a dongle. It can also communicate with one or more core networks (CNs) via a Radio Access Network (RAN). The terminal device 201 can be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) and a computer with a mobile terminal device. For example, it can be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile device that exchanges voice and / or data with the radio access network. Examples of such devices include Personal Communication Service (PCS) telephones, cordless phones, Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), personal computers, tablets, and Machine-type Communication (MTC) terminal devices. Terminal device 201 can also be referred to as a system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile terminal, remote station, access point, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, user device, and wireless access devices and routers / modems that meet the limitations of this definition, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0045] The satellite base station mentioned in this application embodiment may include a satellite with base station or partial base station functions, and may also include an orbital receiver or repeater for relaying information, or a network-side device mounted on the satellite. In some embodiments, according to the altitude of the satellite, i.e., the altitude of the satellite's deployment orbit, the satellite base station may include highly elliptical orbit (HEO) base stations, geostationary earth orbit (GEO) base stations, medium earth orbit (MEO) base stations, and low earth orbit (LEO) base stations, etc.

[0046] The core network mentioned in this application example may include at least one functional entity, such as, but not limited to, a core access and mobility management function (AMF) entity, a user plane function (UPF) entity, and a session management function (SMF) entity. The functions of these functional entities can be found in related technical documents. For example, a terminal device can communicate with the AMF entity through the N1 interface. A satellite base station can communicate with the AMF entity through the N2 interface. A satellite base station can communicate with the UPF entity through the N3 interface. An SMF entity can communicate with the UPF entity through the N4 interface. An AMF entity can communicate with the SMF entity through the N11 interface. Figure 2 Only a portion of the interfaces are shown in the image.

[0047] The paging method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below.

[0048] like Figure 3 The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating a paging method provided in an embodiment of this application. The executing entity of this method can be an AMF entity, or a module or chip applied within an AMF entity. Of course, with future structural evolution, this method can also be executed by other functional entities in the core network (such as an SMF entity or other functional entities). This embodiment uses an AMF entity as the executing entity for description. Figure 3 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0049] S301. When there is an overlapping area in the coverage area of ​​multiple satellite base stations, the AMF entity determines the target satellite base station from multiple satellite base stations based on at least one of the following: the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the Connection Management-Idle (CM-IDLE) state, the number of satellite base stations that paged the terminal device in the registered area of ​​the terminal device, and the type of satellite base station covering the overlapping area.

[0050] Multiple satellite base stations collectively cover the registration area of ​​the terminal device. Optionally, these multiple satellite base stations can be different types of satellite base stations, such as HEO base stations, GEO base stations, MEO base stations, and LEO base stations. Optionally, these multiple satellite base stations can be satellite base stations in the same satellite constellation or satellite base stations in different satellite constellations.

[0051] Optionally, one of these multiple satellite base stations can cover part or all of the registration area of ​​the terminal device. The registration area of ​​the terminal includes overlapping areas. In other words, the overlapping area can be located within the registration area of ​​the terminal device.

[0052] Optionally, the target satellite base station can be a portion of the satellite base stations covering the overlapping area.

[0053] Optionally, the target satellite base station may be one of the following: LEO base station, MEO base station, or GEO base station.

[0054] Optionally, before determining the target satellite base station, the AMF entity can also first determine the overlapping areas in the registration area.

[0055] Optionally, the AMF entity can determine the satellite base stations within the registered area of ​​the terminal device. Then, it takes the intersection of the coverage areas of these satellite base stations. If the intersection is empty, it indicates that there is no overlapping area. Otherwise, it indicates that there is an overlapping area.

[0056] For example, in this embodiment of the application, the coverage area of ​​the satellite base station, and / or the coverage area of ​​the terminal device, and / or the overlapping area, can be identified using a tracking area (TA). Optionally, the coverage area of ​​a satellite base station may include at least one TA. The registration area of ​​the terminal device may also include at least one TA.

[0057] For example, assuming the registered area of ​​a terminal device includes TA1, TA2, TA3, TA4, and TA5, the coverage area of ​​satellite base station 1 includes TA1, TA2, and TA3, while the coverage area of ​​satellite base station 2 includes TA4 and TA5. Therefore, satellite base station 1 and satellite base station 2 jointly cover the registered area of ​​the terminal device. Furthermore, the coverage areas of satellite base station 1 and satellite base station 2 overlap, specifically in the area TA3. Additionally, the registered area of ​​the terminal device includes TA3.

[0058] Optionally, the number of target satellite base stations may include one or more.

[0059] Optionally, the previous state of the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state can be the connection management-connected state (CM-CONNECTED). Therefore, the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state can also be described as the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device when it is in the connection management-connected state.

[0060] S302, the AMF entity sends a paging message to the target satellite base station.

[0061] Among them, paging messages are used for paging terminal equipment.

[0062] In some embodiments, the target satellite base station can be determined based on the following methods 1 to 4.

[0063] Method 1: The target satellite base station can be determined based on the type of satellite base stations covering the overlapping area. Optionally, the satellite base stations covering the overlapping area can be some or all of multiple satellite base stations in the registration area that jointly covers the terminal equipment. If the types of satellite base stations covering the overlapping area include GEO base stations and non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) base stations, then the target satellite base station is a GEO base station. For example, if the satellite base stations covering the overlapping area include satellite base station 1 and satellite base station 2, where satellite base station 1 is a GEO base station and satellite base station 2 is an NGSO base station, then the target satellite base station is the aforementioned satellite base station 1. In this way, since GEO base stations have a large coverage area, when GEO and NGSO base stations are deployed simultaneously, there is a high probability that there will be overlapping areas, and these overlapping areas will fall within the coverage area of ​​GEO. Directly using GEO base stations to paging terminal equipment simplifies the implementation.

[0064] Method 2 can determine the target satellite base station based on the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state. Optionally, in this implementation, the type of the target satellite base station can be the same as the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state. For example, if the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state is an LEO base station, and the satellite base stations in the overlapping area include satellite base station 1 and satellite base station 2, where satellite base station 1 is a MEO base station and satellite base station 2 is an LEO base station, then the target satellite base station is satellite base station 2.

[0065] Method 3: The target satellite base station can be determined based on the number of satellite base stations paging the terminal device in the terminal device's registration area. Optionally, in this implementation, the target satellite base station is determined based on minimizing the number of satellite base stations paging the terminal device in the terminal device's registration area. In other words, the selection of the target satellite base station can minimize the number of satellite base stations paging the terminal device in the terminal device's paging area. Furthermore, the target satellite base station can be a satellite base station with a larger coverage area among the satellite base stations covering the overlapping area, but it does not have to be the satellite base station with the largest coverage area among the satellite base stations covering the overlapping area.

[0066] Optionally, the above three methods can be used individually or in combination if there is no conflict.

[0067] For example, consider the combination of Method 1 and Method 2. Method 1 can be used first to determine the type of satellite base station in the overlapping coverage area. If no GEO base station is found, Method 2 can then be used to determine the target satellite base station. For instance, the target satellite base station determined in this combination can be one or more of LEO, MEO, and HEO base stations. Similarly, Method 1 and Method 3 can also be used in a similar combination.

[0068] For example, taking a combination of methods 2 and 3, the target satellite base station can be determined based on both the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state and the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state. Optionally, in this combined method, the type of the target satellite base station is not only the same as the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state, but is also determined based on minimizing the number of satellite base stations paging the terminal device in the terminal device's registration area.

[0069] For example, methods 1, 2, and 3 can be used in combination. For instance, first use method 1 to determine the type of satellite base station in the overlapping coverage area. If no GEO base station exists, determine if there is a satellite base station of the same type as the one the terminal device accessed before entering connection management-idle state. If that also doesn't exist, then use method 3 to determine the target satellite base station. The order of methods 1 and 2 is not restricted.

[0070] Method 4: The AMF entity determines the target satellite base station based on the historical movement trajectory of the terminal device and satellite ephemeris information.

[0071] Specifically, the AMF entity can determine the probability that the terminal device is currently in an overlapping area based on the terminal device's historical movement trajectory and satellite ephemeris information, and then determine the target satellite base station based on the probability that the terminal device is currently in an overlapping area.

[0072] In some implementations, when the AMF entity estimates that the terminal device is currently in an overlapping area based on the probability that the terminal device is currently in an overlapping area, for example, if the probability that the terminal device is currently in an overlapping area is greater than or equal to a preset probability, it can use at least one of methods 1 to 3 to determine the target satellite base station and send a paging message to the terminal device based on the target satellite base station.

[0073] In other implementations, when the AMF entity estimates that the terminal device is not currently in an overlapping area based on the probability that the terminal device is currently in an overlapping area, for example, if the probability that the terminal device is currently in an overlapping area is less than a preset probability, then all satellite base stations that jointly cover the registered area of ​​the terminal device can be identified as target satellite base stations, and a paging message can be sent to the terminal device based on the target satellite base station.

[0074] Optionally, the AMF entity can determine the probability that the terminal device is currently in an overlapping area based on the terminal device's historical movement trajectory, satellite ephemeris information, etc., using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. Alternatively, the AMF entity can also receive the probability that the terminal device is currently in an overlapping area from other devices (such as Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) entities, network function (NF) entities, etc.). This application embodiment does not limit the method by which the AMF entity determines the probability that the terminal device is currently in an overlapping area.

[0075] Based on the above technical solution, when there is an overlapping area among satellite base stations sharing the registration area of ​​a terminal device, the AMF entity can determine the satellite base station to send the paging message to the terminal device based on at least one of the following: the type of satellite base station the terminal device accessed before entering the connection management-idle state, the number of satellite base stations paging the terminal device in the terminal device's registration area, and the type of satellite base stations covering the overlapping area. The determined satellite base station can then be used to paging the terminal device. This avoids sending paging messages to all satellite base stations, thus solving the problems of wasted air interface resources and increased power consumption of the terminal device caused by paging the terminal device through satellite base stations.

[0076] The above describes the process for identifying the target satellite base station. The following describes the process after the target satellite base station has been identified. For example, Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating another paging method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0077] S401, the AMF entity sends target information to the target satellite base station. Correspondingly, the target satellite base station receives the target information from the AMF entity.

[0078] In some implementations, the target information may indicate the type of satellite base station accessed when a terminal device responds to a paging message. Since a terminal device enters the connection management-connection state when responding to a paging message, in other words, the target information may indicate the type of satellite base station accessed when a terminal device enters the connection management-connection state.

[0079] In this implementation, as a possible design, the target information can positively indicate the type of satellite base station that the terminal device accesses when entering the connection management-connection state, such as the target information carrying the type of satellite base station that the terminal device is allowed to access.

[0080] As another possible design, the target information can indicate the type of satellite base station that the terminal device accesses when entering the connection management-connection state. For example, the target information can carry the type of satellite base station that the terminal device is not allowed to access.

[0081] Optionally, the type of satellite base station indicated by the target information can be determined based on the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state.

[0082] For example, if the target information indicates the type of satellite base station accessed when the terminal device enters the connection management-connection state, the type of satellite base station indicated by the target information can be the same as the type of satellite base station accessed before the terminal device enters the connection management-idle state.

[0083] For example, taking the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device when entering the connection management-connection state as an example, the type of satellite base station indicated by the target information may be different from the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state.

[0084] Alternatively, the type of satellite base station indicated by the target information is determined based on the coverage area of ​​at least one satellite base station, and the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​at least one satellite base station when it receives the paging message. For example, the type of satellite base station indicated by the target information can be the type of the satellite base station with the largest coverage area among the at least one satellite base station. Or, the type of satellite base station indicated by the target information can also be a satellite base station among the at least one satellite base station with a coverage area greater than or equal to a preset area.

[0085] In other implementations, the target information can also directly indicate the satellite base station that the terminal device accesses when responding to a paging message. For example, the target information may carry the identifier of the satellite base station.

[0086] S402. The target satellite base station sends target information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the target information from the target satellite base station.

[0087] Optionally, there can be multiple target satellite base stations, and the target satellite base station to which the terminal device receives the paging message can be any one of them.

[0088] S403. The terminal equipment determines the type of the first satellite base station to access based on the target information and paging instruction information.

[0089] Among them, paging indication information is indication information carried in the paging message for paging terminal devices. For example, paging indication information may include the identifier of the terminal device, message type, etc.

[0090] Optionally, the terminal device can be in a connection management-idle state before accessing the first satellite base station. Then, when accessing the first satellite base station, the terminal device will enter the connection management-connected state from the connection management-idle state. Therefore, the terminal device can determine the type of the first satellite base station it accesses when entering the connection management-connected state based on the target information and paging indication information.

[0091] Optionally, the process by which the terminal device determines the type of the first satellite base station to access based on the target information and paging indication information can also be described as: the terminal device accesses the first satellite base station belonging to the target type based on the target information and paging indication information.

[0092] In some implementations, taking the type of satellite base station accessed when the terminal device enters the connection management-connection state as an example, the type of the first satellite base station can be the same as the type of satellite base station indicated by the target information.

[0093] Optionally, in this implementation, there may be multiple satellite base stations of the same type as the satellite base station indicated by the target information, and the terminal device may choose to access any one of them.

[0094] In some other implementations, taking the type of satellite base station accessed when the terminal device enters the connection management-connection state as an example, the type of the first satellite base station may be different from the type of satellite base station indicated by the target information.

[0095] Similarly, in this implementation, there can be multiple satellite base stations of different types than the satellite base station indicated by the target information, and the terminal device can choose to access any one of them.

[0096] Optionally, the first satellite base station and the target satellite base station can be the same satellite base station or different satellite base stations.

[0097] In some embodiments, the target information in step S401 can be directly carried in the paging message for the terminal device sent by the AMF entity to the target satellite base station (i.e., the paging message in step S302). That is, the target information can be directly carried in the paging message sent by the target satellite base station to the terminal device. Figure 4 The steps S401 and S402 shown are as follows: Figure 3 Step S302 shown can be implemented as a single step. In this embodiment, Figure 5 A schematic flowchart illustrating a paging process provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 5 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0098] Step 1: The UPF entity detects downlink data.

[0099] Step 2a: The UPF entity sends a data notification to the SMF entity.

[0100] Step 2b: The SMF entity sends a Data Notification Ack to the UPF entity.

[0101] Step 2c: The UPF entity sends downlink data to the SMF entity.

[0102] Step 3a: The SMF entity triggers message forwarding (Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer) on the N1 / N2 interface to the AMF entity.

[0103] Step 3b: The AMF entity responds to the SMF entity with a message forwarding response for the N1 / N2 interface (Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer Response).

[0104] Step 3c: The SMF entity sends a failure indication to the UPF entity.

[0105] Step 4a, User face reactivation (optional step).

[0106] Step 4b: The AMF entity sends a paging message to the target satellite base station.

[0107] The paging message contains target information.

[0108] Step 4c: The target satellite base station sends a paging message to the terminal device.

[0109] The paging message also carries target information.

[0110] Step 4d: The AMF entity sends a non-access stratum (NAS) notification to the terminal device.

[0111] Step 5: The AMF entity sends a message forwarding failure notification (Namf_Communication_N1N2TransferFailureNotification) to the SMF entity for the N1 / N2 interface.

[0112] Step 6: Service Request Procedure.

[0113] Step 6a: The AMF entity sends a message forwarding failure notification (Namf_Communication_N1N2TransferFailureNotification) to the SMF entity for the N1 / N2 interface.

[0114] Step 7, UE Configuration Update Procedure (optional).

[0115] Step 8: The UPF entity sends downlink data to the terminal device.

[0116] Specifically, when the satellite base station accessed by the terminal device in response to the paging message is the target satellite base station, the UPF entity can send downlink data to the terminal device through the target satellite base station. When the satellite base station accessed by the terminal device in response to the paging message is not the target satellite base station, the UPF entity can send downlink data to the terminal device through the target satellite base station that the terminal device actually accesses.

[0117] about Figure 5 For a description of the steps shown, please refer to the relevant technical documentation.

[0118] In other embodiments, the target information may also be carried in the UE context release command message for the N2 interface sent by the AMF entity to the satellite base station 1. That is, the target information may be carried in the (radiosource control, RRC) connection release message sent by the satellite base station 1 to the terminal device.

[0119] In this embodiment, before executing step S305, the terminal device may also receive a paging message from satellite base station 2. In this embodiment, satellite base station 2 can be the target satellite base station determined by the aforementioned AMF entity.

[0120] For example, in this embodiment, Figure 6 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of an RRC connection release process provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0121] Step 1a, (R)AN Connection Release.

[0122] (R)AN connection refers to the connection between the terminal equipment and satellite base station 1.

[0123] Step 1b: Satellite base station 1 sends a UE context release request (N2UE ContextRelease Request) for the N2 interface to the AMF entity.

[0124] Optionally, satellite base station 1 may perform step 1b due to reasons such as (R)AN link failure, terminal equipment inactivity, or operation, administration and maintenance (OAM) intervention.

[0125] Step 2: The AMF entity sends the N2 interface UE context release command (N2 UE ContextReleaseCommand) to satellite base station 1.

[0126] The UE context release command for the N2 interface carries target information.

[0127] Step 3: Satellite base station 1 sends an RRC connection release message (RRCRelease) to the terminal device.

[0128] The RRC connection release message contains target information.

[0129] Step 4: Satellite base station 1 notifies the AMF entity that the UE context release of the N2 interface is complete (N2UE ContextReleaseComplete).

[0130] Step 5: The AMF entity sends an update request (Nsmf_PDU Session_updateSM ContextRequest) to the SMF entity for the session management context of the service-based interface (Nsmf) (protocol data unit, PDU) session.

[0131] Step 6a: The SMF entity sends an N4 SessionModification Request to the UPF entity.

[0132] Step 6b: The UPF entity sends a session modification response (N4 SessionModificationResponse) to the SMF entity via the N4 interface.

[0133] Step 7: The SMF entity sends an update response (Nsmf_PDU Session_updateSM Context Response) to the AMF entity for the session management context of the PDU session of Nsmf.

[0134] about Figure 6 For a description of each step shown, please refer to the relevant technical documentation.

[0135] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments of this application are not limited to the described order of actions, because according to the embodiments of this application, some steps can be performed in other orders or simultaneously. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described in the specification are all optional embodiments.

[0136] This application also provides a communication device. (See attached document.) Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7As shown, the communication device 700 includes a communication unit 701. Optionally, it may also include a processing unit 702.

[0137] In one possible example, the communication device 700 can be a terminal device or a module applied to a terminal device.

[0138] In this example, communication unit 701 is used to receive target information from the target satellite base station.

[0139] The processing unit 702 is used to determine the type of the first satellite base station to be accessed based on the target information and the paging indication information, wherein the paging indication information is the indication information for paging terminal equipment carried in the paging message.

[0140] In another possible example, the communication device 700 can be a satellite base station or a module used in a satellite base station.

[0141] In this example, communication unit 701 is used to receive target information from the AMF entity, the target information being used to indicate the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device when responding to a paging message; and to send the target information to the terminal device.

[0142] In yet another possible example, the communication device 700 may be an AMF entity or a module applied to an AMF entity.

[0143] In this example, processing unit 702 is configured to determine a target satellite base station from multiple satellite base stations when there is an overlapping area in the coverage area of ​​multiple satellite base stations, based on at least one of the following: the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state, the number of satellite base stations paging the terminal device in the registered area of ​​the terminal device, and the type of satellite base station covering the overlapping area; wherein, multiple satellite base stations jointly cover the registered area of ​​the terminal device, and the registered area includes the overlapping area;

[0144] The communication unit 701 is used to send paging messages to the target satellite base station, and the paging messages are used to paging terminal equipment.

[0145] Optionally, the communication unit 701 can also be used to support the communication device 700 in performing its functions. Figures 1 to 6 The communication function involved in any of the above. And / or, the processing unit 702 can also be used to support the communication device 700 in performing the following functions. Figure 1 As for Figure 6 The processing functions involved in any one of them.

[0146] It is understood that the division of units in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] This application also provides another communication device. See [link / reference] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device 800 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 800 includes a memory 801, a transceiver 802, and a processor 803.

[0149] In one possible example, the communication device 800 can be a terminal device.

[0150] In this example, memory 801 is used to store computer programs; transceiver 802 is used to send and receive data under the control of processor 803; processor 803 is used to read the computer program in memory 801 and execute it.

[0151] Receive target information from the target satellite base station;

[0152] The type of the first satellite base station to be accessed is determined based on the target information and the paging indication information, which is the indication information carried in the paging message for paging terminal equipment.

[0153] In one possible design, the target information is carried in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection release message; the processor 803 is also used to receive paging messages from the second satellite base station.

[0154] In one possible design, the processor 803 is also used to receive paging messages from the target satellite base station, the paging messages carrying target information.

[0155] In one possible design, the target information indicates the type of satellite base station that a terminal device accesses when it enters the connection management-connection state.

[0156] In one possible design, the type of the first satellite base station is the same as the type of satellite base station indicated by the target information.

[0157] In one possible design, the target satellite base station is:

[0158] The same type of satellite base station as the satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state; or,

[0159] For geostationary orbit satellite (GEO) base stations; or,

[0160] The satellite base station determined based on the minimum number of satellite base stations paging the terminal device in the terminal device's registration area; and / or,

[0161] Satellite base stations are determined based on the historical movement trajectory of terminal devices and satellite ephemeris information.

[0162] In one possible design, the registration areas of the terminal devices overlap, and these overlapping areas are simultaneously covered by different satellite base stations.

[0163] In one possible design, the type of satellite base station indicated by the target information is determined based on the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state;

[0164] or,

[0165] The type of satellite base station indicated by the target information is determined based on the coverage area of ​​at least one satellite base station, and the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​at least one satellite base station when it receives the paging message.

[0166] In another possible example, the communication device 800 can be an AMF entity.

[0167] In this example, memory 801 is used to store computer programs; transceiver 802 is used to send and receive data under the control of processor 803; processor 803 is used to read the computer program in memory 801 and execute it.

[0168] In cases where the coverage areas of multiple satellite base stations overlap, the target satellite base station is determined from multiple satellite base stations based on at least one of the following: the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state, the number of satellite base stations paging the terminal device in the terminal device's registration area, and the type of satellite base station covering the overlapping area; wherein, multiple satellite base stations jointly cover the registration area of ​​the terminal device, and the registration area includes the overlapping area;

[0169] A paging message is sent to the target satellite base station. The paging message is used to paging terminal equipment.

[0170] In one possible design, the processor 803 is also used to determine overlapping regions in the registration area of ​​the terminal device.

[0171] In one possible design, the target satellite base station type includes one of the following: a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite base station, a medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite base station, or a GEO base station.

[0172] In one possible design, the types of satellite base stations covering the overlapping area include GEO base stations and non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) base stations, with the target satellite base station being a GEO base station.

[0173] In one possible design, the type of the target satellite base station is the same as the type of satellite base station that the terminal device accesses before entering the connection management-idle state.

[0174] In one possible design, the target satellite base station is determined based on the minimum number of satellite base stations paging the terminal device in the terminal device's registration area.

[0175] In one possible design, the processor 803 is also used to send target information to the terminal device, the target information being used to indicate the type of satellite base station accessed when the terminal device enters the connection management-connection state.

[0176] In one possible design, the target information is carried in the paging message;

[0177] or,

[0178] The target information is carried in the user equipment (UE) context release command message of the N2 interface. The processor 803 is also used to send the user equipment (UE) context release command message of the N2 interface to the first satellite base station.

[0179] In one possible design, the processor 803 is also used for:

[0180] The type of satellite base station indicated by the target information is determined based on the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state;

[0181] or,

[0182] The type of satellite base station indicated by the target information is determined based on the coverage area of ​​at least one satellite base station, and the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​at least one satellite base station when it receives the paging message.

[0183] In yet another possible example, the communication device 800 could be a satellite base station.

[0184] In this example, memory 801 is used to store computer programs; transceiver 802 is used to send and receive data under the control of processor 803; processor 803 is used to read the computer program in memory 801 and execute it.

[0185] Receive target information from the AMF entity. The target information is used to indicate the type of satellite base station that the terminal device accesses when responding to a paging message.

[0186] Send target information to the terminal device.

[0187] In one possible design, the target information is carried in the RRC connection release message.

[0188] In one possible design, the processor 803 is specifically used to send a paging message to the terminal device, the paging message carrying target information.

[0189] In the above embodiments, the transceiver is used to receive and transmit data under the control of the processor. The bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits of one or more processors (represented by the processor) and memories (represented by the memory). 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 can be multiple components, including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical fibers, and other transmission media.

[0190] The processor manages the bus architecture and general processing, while the memory stores the data used by the processor during operation. The processor 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). Processors can also employ a multi-core architecture.

[0191] It should be noted that the communication device provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiment 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.

[0192] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a processor-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a processor to perform the steps involved in the above-described method embodiments. The processor-readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device accessible to a processor, including but not limited to RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical storage (e.g., CD, DVD, BD, HVD, etc.), disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, magneto-optical disk (MO), or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code having an instruction or data structure form and accessible by a computer.

[0193] Based on the same concept, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0194] Based on the same concept, this application also provides a chip including a processor coupled to a memory for executing a computer program or instructions stored in the memory. When the processor executes the computer program or instructions, the method provided in the above embodiments is implemented.

[0195] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes various forms such as: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0196] This application also provides a chip system. The chip system (or processing system) includes logic circuits and an input / output interface. The logic circuits can be processing circuits within the chip system. The logic circuits can be coupled to memory units, calling instructions stored in the memory units, enabling the chip system to implement the methods and functions of the various embodiments of this application. The input / output interface can be input / output circuits within the chip system, outputting processed information or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system for processing.

[0197] As one approach, this chip system is used to implement the operations described in the various method embodiments above. For example, logic circuits are used to implement the relevant operations in the method embodiments above; input / output interfaces are used to implement the sending and / or receiving related operations in the method embodiments above.

[0198] 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.

[0199] 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, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0200] These processor-executable instructions may also be stored in a processor-readable memory that can direct 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, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0201] 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 paging method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal device, the method includes: Receive target information from the target satellite base station; The type of the first satellite base station to be accessed is determined based on the target information and the paging indication information, wherein the paging indication information is the indication information carried in the paging message for paging the terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target information is carried in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection release message; Before determining the type of the first satellite base station to be accessed based on the target information and paging indication information, the method further includes: Receive the paging message from the second satellite base station.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving of target information from the target satellite base station includes: The paging message is received from the target satellite base station, and the paging message carries the target information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The target information indicates the type of satellite base station accessed when the terminal device enters the connection management-connection state.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The type of the first satellite base station is the same as the type of satellite base station indicated by the target information.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The target satellite base station is: The satellite base station of the same type as the satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state; or, For geostationary orbit satellite (GEO) base stations; or, The satellite base station determined based on the minimum number of satellite base stations that page the terminal device in the registration area of ​​the terminal device; And / or, The satellite base station is determined based on the historical movement trajectory of the terminal device and satellite ephemeris information.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The registration areas of the terminal devices overlap, and these overlapping areas are simultaneously covered by different satellite base stations.

8. The method according to any one of claims 4-7, characterized in that, The type of satellite base station indicated by the target information is determined based on the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state; or, The type of satellite base station indicated by the target information is determined based on the coverage area of ​​at least one satellite base station, and the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the at least one satellite base station when it receives the paging message.

9. A paging method, characterized in that, Applied to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity, the method includes: In cases where the coverage areas of multiple satellite base stations overlap, the target satellite base station is determined from the multiple satellite base stations based on at least one of the following: the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state, the number of satellite base stations that paged the terminal device in the registered area of ​​the terminal device, and the type of satellite base station covering the overlapping area; wherein the multiple satellite base stations jointly cover the registered area of ​​the terminal device, and the registered area includes the overlapping area; A paging message is sent to the target satellite base station, the paging message being used to page the terminal device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Before determining the target satellite base station, the method further includes: Determine the overlapping region in the registration area of ​​the terminal device.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The target satellite base station type includes one of the following: low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite base station, medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite base station, and GEO base station.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The types of satellite base stations covering the overlapping area include GEO base stations and non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) base stations, and the type of the target satellite base station is the GEO base station.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The type of the target satellite base station is the same as the type of satellite base station that the terminal device accessed before entering the connection management-idle state.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The target satellite base station is determined based on the minimum number of satellite base stations that page the terminal device in the registration area of ​​the terminal device.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9-14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send target information to the terminal device, the target information being used to indicate the type of satellite base station the terminal device accesses when entering the connection management-connection state.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The target information is carried in the paging message; or, The target information is carried in the User Equipment (UE) context release command message of the N2 interface. Before determining the target satellite base station, the method further includes: Send a UE context release command message for the N2 interface to the first satellite base station.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, Before sending the target information to the terminal device, the method further includes: The type of satellite base station indicated by the target information is determined based on the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state; or, The type of satellite base station indicated by the target information is determined based on the coverage area of ​​at least one satellite base station, and the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the at least one satellite base station when it receives the paging message.

18. A paging method, characterized in that, Applied to satellite base stations, the method includes: Receive target information from the AMF entity, the target information being used to indicate the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device when responding to a paging message; The target information is sent to the terminal device.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The target information is carried in the RRC connection release message.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, Sending the target information to the terminal device includes: The paging message is sent to the terminal device, and the paging message carries the target information.

21. A communication device, wherein the communication device is a terminal device or a module applied in the terminal device, characterized in that, Includes a communication unit and a processing unit; The communication unit is used to receive target information from the target satellite base station; The processing unit is used to determine the type of the first satellite base station to be accessed based on the target information and the paging indication information, wherein the paging indication information is the indication information for paging the terminal device carried in the paging message.

22. A communication device, said communication device being an AMF entity or a module applied in an AMF entity, characterized in that, Includes a communication unit and a processing unit; The processing unit is configured to determine a target satellite base station from the plurality of satellite base stations when there is an overlapping area in the coverage areas of the plurality of satellite base stations, based on at least one of the following: the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state, the number of satellite base stations paging the terminal device in the registration area of ​​the terminal device, and the type of satellite base station covering the overlapping area; wherein the plurality of satellite base stations jointly cover the registration area of ​​the terminal device, and the registration area includes the overlapping area; The communication unit is used to send a paging message to the target satellite base station, and the paging message is used to page the terminal device.

23. A terminal device, characterized in that, Includes memory, transceiver, and processor; The memory is used to store computer programs; the transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; the processor is used to read the computer programs in the memory and execute them. Receive target information from the target satellite base station; The type of the first satellite base station to be accessed is determined based on the target information and the paging indication information, wherein the paging indication information is the indication information carried in the paging message for paging the terminal device.

24. The terminal device according to claim 23, characterized in that, The target information is carried in the RRC connection release message; The processor is also used for: Receive the paging message from the second satellite base station.

25. The terminal device according to claim 23, characterized in that, The processor is specifically used for: The paging message is received from the target satellite base station, and the paging message carries the target information.

26. An AMF entity, characterized in that, Includes memory, transceiver, and processor; The memory is used to store computer programs; the transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; the processor is used to read the computer programs in the memory and execute them. In cases where the coverage areas of multiple satellite base stations overlap, the target satellite base station is determined from the multiple satellite base stations based on at least one of the following: the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device before entering the connection management-idle state, the number of satellite base stations that paged the terminal device in the registered area of ​​the terminal device, and the type of satellite base station covering the overlapping area; wherein the multiple satellite base stations jointly cover the registered area of ​​the terminal device, and the registered area includes the overlapping area; A paging message is sent to the target satellite base station, the paging message being used to page the terminal device.

27. The AMF entity according to claim 26, characterized in that, The processor is also used for: Determine the overlapping region in the registration area of ​​the terminal device.

28. The AMF entity according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that, The target satellite base station type includes one of the following: low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite base station, medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite base station, and GEO base station.

29. The AMF entity according to any one of claims 26-28, characterized in that, The types of satellite base stations covering the overlapping area include GEO base stations and NGSO base stations, and the type of the target satellite base station is the GEO base station.

30. The AMF entity according to any one of claims 26-28, characterized in that, The type of the target satellite base station is the same as the type of satellite base station that the terminal device accessed before entering the connection management-idle state.

31. The AMF entity according to any one of claims 26-28, characterized in that, The target satellite base station is determined based on the minimum number of satellite base stations that page the terminal device in the registration area of ​​the terminal device.

32. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is a satellite base station or a module applied in a satellite base station, characterized in that it includes a communication unit; The communication unit is used for: Receive target information from the AMF entity, the target information being used to indicate the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device when responding to a paging message; The target information is sent to the terminal device.

33. A satellite base station, characterized in that, Includes memory, transceiver, and processor; The memory is used to store computer programs; the transceiver is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor; the processor is used to read the computer programs in the memory and execute them. Receive target information from the AMF entity, the target information being used to indicate the type of satellite base station accessed by the terminal device when responding to a paging message; The target information is sent to the terminal device.

34. The satellite base station according to claim 33, characterized in that, The target information is carried in the connection release message.

35. The satellite base station according to claim 33, characterized in that, The processor is also used for: The paging message is sent to the terminal device, and the paging message carries the target information.

36. A processor-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The processor-readable storage medium stores a program for causing the processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 20.

Images