Communication method and device

Abstract

A communication method and device relate to the technical field of communication. In the method, a mobility management network element can determine an emergency number associated with a first area based on the first area where the terminal is located, and send the determined emergency number to the terminal, so that when a user enters a country or region unfamiliar with the emergency number, or the user cannot know the country or region where the user is currently located at all, the emergency number is sent to the terminal. Therefore, the corresponding emergency number can be dialed timely and accurately, so that the safety of the user is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in emergency situations, users can dial specific emergency numbers through their devices to obtain emergency assistance. Emergency numbers within a country or region are usually fixed, and they generally differ between countries or regions. Typically, users cannot memorize the emergency numbers for every country or region. When a user enters a country or region with unfamiliar emergency numbers, or when a user is completely unaware of their current country or region, they will be unable to dial the appropriate emergency number promptly and accurately in an emergency, thus endangering their safety. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that helps improve the timeliness and accuracy of dialing emergency numbers and ensures user safety.

[0004] The present application is described below from different aspects. It should be understood that the different implementation methods and beneficial effects described below can be referenced from each other.

[0005] Firstly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a communication device, which can be a mobility management network element (MMU) or a component within the MMU (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system). In other words, this method can be applied to the network side (e.g., the core network side). Taking the application of this method to a MMU as an example, the method includes: receiving a first message and first location information, wherein the first message is a terminal requesting service message, and the first location information is used to indicate a first area where the terminal is located. The MMU determines an emergency number associated with the first area based on the first area and sends a second message, the second message including the emergency number, which is a response message to the first message.

[0006] In this application, the mobility management network element can determine the emergency number associated with the first region based on the first region where the terminal is located, and send the determined emergency number to the terminal so that when the user enters a country or region where the emergency number is unfamiliar, or when the user has no way of knowing the country or region where he or she is currently located, the user can dial the corresponding emergency number in a timely and accurate manner, thus ensuring the user's safety.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the first area where the terminal is located is the operating area of ​​the public land mobile network (PLMN) selected by the terminal; determining the emergency number associated with the first area based on the first area includes:

[0008] If the PLMN selected by the terminal operates in an international region, the emergency number associated with the first region is determined based on the first region.

[0009] In this implementation, when the terminal moves to a rescue area that is not covered by a specific country (i.e., an international area), the mobility management network element needs to determine the emergency number based on the first area where the terminal is located and return it to the terminal. This can better support the terminal's emergency calls and help ensure user safety.

[0010] In one possible implementation, determining the emergency number associated with the first region based on the first region includes:

[0011] If the mobile country code (MCC) of the PLMN selected by the terminal is 901, the emergency number associated with the first region is determined based on the first region.

[0012] In this implementation, when a user accesses the satellite operator's network, if the MCC of the satellite operator's PLMN is 901, it means that the PLMN does not represent a specific country, but rather a PLMN that can provide cross-border or international services. Therefore, the mobility management network element can determine the emergency number based on the first region where the terminal is located and return it to the terminal. This can better support the terminal's emergency calls and help ensure user safety.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first region is associated with one or more emergency numbers, and there is a mapping relationship between the first region and the one or more emergency numbers.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first area is not the operating area of ​​the terminal's home public land mobile network (HPLMN), and the emergency number associated with the first area is the first emergency number associated with the terminal's HPLMN operating area within the first area.

[0015] In one possible implementation, receiving the first location information includes:

[0016] The system receives the first location information from the access network device, where the first location information is user location information (ULI).

[0017] In this implementation, mobility management network elements can determine the first area where the terminal is located based on ULI information, which is highly operable.

[0018] In one possible implementation, receiving the first location information includes:

[0019] Send the first positioning request to the positioning network element;

[0020] Receive a first positioning response from the positioning network element, wherein the first positioning response includes the first location information.

[0021] In this implementation, the mobility management network element can perform a positioning process based on the positioning network element and then report back the first area where the terminal is located, which is highly operable.

[0022] In one possible implementation, receiving the first location information includes:

[0023] Send a third message to the terminal, the third message being used to request the location information of the terminal;

[0024] Receive a fourth message from the terminal, the fourth message including the location information of the terminal, the fourth message being a response message to the third message;

[0025] According to the fourth message, a second positioning request is sent to the positioning network element, the second positioning request including the location information of the terminal;

[0026] Receive a second positioning response from the positioning network element, wherein the second positioning response includes the first location information.

[0027] In this implementation, the mobility management network element can request the location network element to provide feedback on the first area where the terminal is located based on the location information sent by the terminal, which is highly operable.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the first message includes an identifier of the terminal, which may include a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) or a subscription concealed identifier (SUCI).

[0029] In one possible implementation, the SUPI or the SUCI includes the HPLMN of the terminal.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the first message is a registration request message, a registration update request message, or a service request message.

[0031] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core) responsible for communication functions within the terminal. Taking the application of this method to a terminal as an example, in this method, the terminal sends a first message, which is a service request message from the terminal. Then, the terminal receives a second message, which includes an emergency number associated with a first region. The second message is a response message to the first message, where the first region is the region where the terminal is located.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the first region is associated with one or more emergency numbers, and there is a mapping relationship between the first region and the one or more emergency numbers.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the first region is not the operating region of the terminal's HPLMN, and the emergency number associated with the first region is the first emergency number associated with the operating region of the terminal's HPLMN within the first region.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0035] Receive a third message, the third message being used to request the location information of the terminal;

[0036] A fourth message is sent, which includes the location information of the terminal. The fourth message is a response message to the third message.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the first message includes an identifier of the terminal, which may include SUPI or SUCI.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the SUPI or the SUCI includes the HPLMN of the terminal.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the first message is a registration request message, a registration update request message, or a service request message.

[0040] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device that includes units or modules for performing the methods shown in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or includes units or modules for performing the methods shown in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0041] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device including at least one processor and a transceiver. The at least one processor and transceiver are configured to perform the method as shown in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to perform the method as shown in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0042] Optionally, the communication device further includes at least one memory storing a computer program; the at least one processor and transceiver are used to invoke the computer program in the memory, causing the communication device to perform the method as shown in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or to perform the method as shown in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0043] In one possible design, the communication device can be a chip that implements the above method or a device containing a chip.

[0044] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device including at least one processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. The processor is used to implement the method shown in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect through logic circuits or execution code instructions, or to implement the method shown in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0045] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the method as shown in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or implement the method as shown in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0046] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer program product that, when a computer reads and executes the computer program product, causes the computer to perform the method shown in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or to perform the method shown in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0047] Eighthly, this application provides a chip or chip system including at least one processor and an interface, the processor being configured to read and execute instructions stored in a memory, wherein when the instructions are executed, the chip performs a method as shown in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or performs a method as shown in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0048] Ninthly, this application provides a chip or chip system including at least one processor coupled to a memory, the processor being configured to read and execute instructions stored in the memory to implement the method as shown in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or to implement the method as shown in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0049] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a communication system that may include a mobility management network element and a terminal. The mobility management network element is used to perform the method shown in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, and the terminal is used to perform the method shown in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system used in the embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an NTN-based RAN architecture to which embodiments of this application apply;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the mapping relationship between the first area and emergency numbers provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the mapping relationship between the first area, the second area, and the emergency number provided in this application embodiment;

[0055] Figure 6 This is another schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figure 7 This is another schematic flowchart of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0057] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a possible communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0058] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a possible communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] In the description of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Additionally, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0061] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0062] In this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary," "for example," or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the words "exemplary," "for example," or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0063] It is understood that in this application, "when," "if," and "if" all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require the device to make a judgment when it is implemented, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0064] In this application, the use of singular designations for elements is intended to represent "one or more" rather than "one and only one," unless otherwise specified.

[0065] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, "B corresponding to A" means that there is a correspondence between A and B, and B can be determined based on A. Determining B based on A does not mean that B can be determined solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information.

[0066] To better understand the embodiments of this application, the system architecture involved in the embodiments of this application will be described first below:

[0067] The technical solution of this application can be applied to non-terrestrial networks (NTN), or scenarios where NTN and terrestrial networks (TN) are integrated. NTN systems can be, for example, satellite communication systems, high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication systems, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), etc. TN systems can be, for example, 4th generation (4G) communication systems (e.g., long term evolution (LTE) systems), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th generation (5G) communication systems (e.g., new radio (NR) systems), and future mobile communication systems, etc.

[0068] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system used in the embodiments of this application. It should be noted that... Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one possible, non-limiting system. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. Optionally, the communication system 10 may also include an Internet 300. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., Figure 1 110a and 110b, collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (such as Figure 1 RAN 100, denoted as RAN 120a-120j, is collectively referred to as RAN 120. RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 1(Not shown in the image). Terminal 120 is connected to RAN node 110 wirelessly. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 wirelessly or via wired connection. The core network elements (or core network devices) in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions, or they can be a single physical device integrating some core network element functions and some RAN node 110 functions. Terminals can be interconnected with each other, and RAN nodes 110 can be interconnected with each other via wired or wireless connection. Figure 1 This is just an illustration; the communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless repeaters and wireless backhaul devices. Figure 1 It is not shown in the middle.

[0069] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, or future-oriented evolution systems (such as Future Mobile Communications Systems). RAN 100 can also be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0070] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as radio access network equipment, access network device, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminals achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are relative, for example... Figure 1 Network element 120i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j that access RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal. RAN node 110 and terminal 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 1 Network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions, while network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0071] In one possible scenario, RAN node 110 can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a future mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system, etc. Figure 1 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 1 The RAN node 110 can be a relay node or donor node, or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node 110 can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the RAN node in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node 110 in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node 110 in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the RAN node 110.

[0072] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes 110 collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with each RAN node 110 implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, a RAN node 110 can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. CUs and DUs can be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0073] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0074] A terminal can also be referred to as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0075] For ease of description, the following description uses a base station as an example of RAN node 110. Base stations and terminals can be fixed or mobile. Base stations and terminals can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can be deployed on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminals.

[0076] The roles of base stations and terminals can be relative, for example, Figure 1The helicopter or drone 120i can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminals 120j accessing the wireless access network 100 via 120i, terminal 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol; in this case, 120i is also a base station relative to 110a. Therefore, both base stations and terminals can be collectively referred to as communication devices. Figure 1 The 110a and 110b in the text can be referred to as communication devices with base station functions. Figure 1 The 120a-120j in the text can be referred to as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0077] Communication between base stations and terminals, between base stations, and between terminals can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0078] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal, or by a device that includes terminal functions.

[0079] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. To communicate with the base station, the terminal needs to establish a radio connection on a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal has established a radio connection is called the terminal's serving cell. When the terminal communicates with this serving cell, it is also susceptible to interference from signals from neighboring cells.

[0080] In this application, "sending information to...(terminal)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal. This can include sending information to the terminal directly or indirectly. "Receiving information from...(terminal)" or "receiving information from (terminal)..." can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal, and can include receiving information from the terminal directly or indirectly. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0081] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, some knowledge / terms used in the solutions of this application are introduced below. It should be noted that these explanations are for the purpose of making the embodiments of this application easier to understand, and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection claimed by this application.

[0082] 1. NTN

[0083] NTN, or non-terrestrial network, is a general term for networks involving flying objects, including satellite communication networks, high altitude platform stations (HAPS), and air-to-ground networks.

[0084] HAPS is carried by airborne platforms, primarily aircraft, balloons, and airships, using high-altitude platform stations as mobile communication base stations and providing mobile services using the same frequency bands as terrestrial mobile networks. In other words, by deploying base stations or parts of their functions on non-terrestrial network equipment (such as ships, high-altitude platforms, drones, or satellites), seamless communication coverage is provided to terminals, thereby improving the reliability of the communication system. It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, the following description uses satellites as an example of non-terrestrial network equipment in NTN, and should not be considered a specific limitation of this application.

[0085] Satellite communication networks rely on onboard platforms, mainly including low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary earthbiting (GEO) satellites. Based on the relationship between satellites and base stations, they can be categorized into the following architectures.

[0086] For example, please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an NTN-based RAN architecture to which embodiments of this application apply. Figure 2 As shown, the RAN architecture based on NTN can include terminals, RAN (or NG-RAN), core network equipment (or core network elements), and data network (or Internet).

[0087] in, Figure 2 Figure (a) illustrates a transparent satellite architecture. Also known as a transparent satellite architecture, the RAN (Radio Area Network) can include remote radio units (RRUs) and base stations. The RRU can include a satellite and an NTN gateway. Terminals communicate with base stations via a user-universal terrestrial radio access network (UU) interface. The satellite enables transparent payload transmission between users and base stations. The satellite and NTN gateway can be considered as remote radio units of the base station, achieving transparent signal forwarding. This means the satellite supports functions such as radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification, while maintaining the original signal waveform. Satellite forwarding is transparent to the terminal; the satellite primarily acts as a Layer 1 (L1) relay, regenerating physical layer signals (i.e., radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification), without involving other higher protocol layers. Among them, base stations and core network equipment can communicate through the next-generation (NG) interface, and exchange non-access stratum (NAS) signaling of the core network and service data of the terminal through the NG interface.

[0088] like Figure 2 (b) and Figure 2 In (c), all are regenerable star architectures. Figure 2 Figure (b) illustrates a regenerative satellite architecture without an inter-satellite link. The RAN includes satellites and NTN gateways. The satellites act as base stations, possessing base station processing functions. The satellites communicate with the NTN gateways via the satellite radio interface (SRI). Terminals communicate with base stations via the Uu interface. Base stations and core network equipment can communicate via the NG interface, exchanging core network NAS signaling and terminal service data.

[0089] Figure 2Figure (c) illustrates a regenerative satellite architecture with an inter-satellite link. The RAN includes satellites and NTN gateways. The satellites act as base stations, possessing the processing functions of base stations. Satellites communicate with the NTN gateways via SRI. Satellites can communicate with each other via the Xn interface on the inter-satellite link (ISL). Terminals communicate with base stations via the Uu interface, and base stations and core network equipment communicate via the NG interface. The NG interface facilitates the exchange of NAS signaling from the core network and service data from the terminals.

[0090] Figure 2 Figure (d) illustrates a regenerative satellite architecture with DU processing capabilities for base stations. The satellite acts as a DU, possessing DU processing functionality. The CU and DU can jointly perform the functions of a base station. The CU and DU communicate via the F1 interface, and the DU communicates with the NTN gateway via the F1 interface on the SRI. Terminals communicate with DUs via the Uu interface, and the CU and core network equipment communicate via the NG interface, exchanging NAS signaling from the core network and service data from the terminals.

[0091] For example, in another satellite architecture with integrated access and backhaul (IAB) functionality, the satellite acts as an IAB node. The IAB node provides wireless backhaul services to nodes (such as terminals) that wirelessly access the wireless backhaul node. Here, wireless backhaul service refers to data and / or signaling backhaul services provided via the wireless backhaul link.

[0092] The following text primarily uses the regenerating satellite architecture as an example, considering that base stations are deployed on satellites, and terminals can access the core network through onboard base stations. The core network can be, for example, a 4G core network, such as an evolved packet core (EPC), or a 5G core network (5GC). The core network can include mobility management network elements and location network elements, with mobility management network elements primarily used for mobility and access management, and location network elements used for terminal positioning. For example, in the EPC, the mobility management network element could be a mobility management entity (MME), and the location network element could be an evolved serving mobile location center (E-SMLC). Similarly, in the 5GC, the mobility management network element could be an access and mobility management function (AMF), and the location network element could be a location management function (LMF).

[0093] 2. NR Access Technology

[0094] NR access technology is one of the key technologies in 5G communication systems, providing higher data transmission rates and lower latency. NR-NTN, on the other hand, is the application of 5G NR technology in non-terrestrial network fields, allowing for wide-area coverage and extending the transmission range of mobile signals through non-terrestrial networks such as satellites.

[0095] IoT-NTN focuses on supporting satellite IoT services for low-complexity enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC) terminals or narrowband Internet of Things (NB IoT) terminals.

[0096] 3. eMTC access technology

[0097] eMTC is an Internet of Things (IoT) technology based on the evolution of LTE networks.

[0098] 4. NB-IoT access technology

[0099] NB-IoT is a low-power wide-area network communication technology designed specifically for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. It features wide coverage, high connectivity, low data rate, low cost, and low power consumption.

[0100] 5. PLMN

[0101] In current mobile communication networks, the mobile network of a mobile operator is called a PLMN, and its unique identifier PLMNID consists of MCC and mobile network code (MNC). The MCC generally contains three numbers to uniquely identify the country code where the terminal is located, for example, 460 is used to identify China; the MNC generally uses two or three numbers to identify the mobile network used by the terminal, and different mobile operators use different MNCs.

[0102] 6. SUPI and SUCI

[0103] Both SUPI and SUCI are terminal identifiers. SUPI is a plaintext identifier, while SUCI is an anonymous identifier. Simply put, SUCI can be understood as a safe that protects the SUPI. SUCI consists of the SUPI Type, Home Network Identifier, Routing Indicator, Protection Scheme Identifier, Home Network Public Key Identifier, and Scheme Output. The Home Network Identifier identifies the terminal's HPLMN.

[0104] 7. International Region

[0105] An international region can refer to a region that spans multiple countries and includes network infrastructure and services. For example, the regions where some satellite communication network services are provided can be collectively referred to as international regions.

[0106] When distinguishing between a specific country or a specific administrative region within a country, an international region can also refer to airspace or sea area that is not subject to the sovereignty of a single country. For example, international regions include the high seas and international airspace.

[0107] 8. Emergency call

[0108] An emergency call is a request for help initiated by a user through a terminal when encountering danger. Specifically, a user can dial a specific emergency number through their terminal to make an emergency call. Every country or region has emergency numbers for people to contact relevant departments for assistance in the event of an emergency. Common emergency numbers include police emergency numbers, fire emergency numbers, emergency medical services numbers, and traffic accident emergency numbers.

[0109] Emergency numbers generally differ between countries and regions. Typically, users cannot memorize the emergency numbers for every country or region. When a user enters a country or region with an unfamiliar emergency number, or when a user is unaware of their current country or region, they will be unable to dial the appropriate emergency number promptly and accurately in an emergency, thus endangering their safety. Alternatively, emergency numbers may also be called rescue numbers, alarm numbers, etc.

[0110] Based on this, this application provides a communication method and apparatus that can improve the timeliness and accuracy of dialing emergency numbers and ensure user safety.

[0111] It should be noted that, as an example, the base station involved in this application can be understood as a satellite-based base station, meaning that the terminal accesses the network of a satellite operator. As an example, the mobility management network element involved in this application can be an AMF or MME, and the positioning network element can be an LMF or E-SMLC.

[0112] The communication method and communication device provided in this application are described in detail below:

[0113] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 The method shown can be implemented by a mobility management network element and a terminal, or by a chip in a mobility management network element and a chip in a terminal. For ease of description, this application mainly focuses on the mobility management network element and the terminal as the implementing entities. Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method of this application, showing the detailed communication steps or operations of the method. However, these steps or operations are merely examples, and other operations may be performed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 Variations of various operations within it. Furthermore, Figure 3 Each step in the process can be followed separately according to... Figure 3 The different orders presented may be executed, and it is possible that they are not intended to be executed. Figure 3 All operations within. Among them:

[0114] S301, The terminal sends a first message to the mobility management network element, and correspondingly, the mobility management network element receives the first message from the terminal.

[0115] The first message is a service request message from the terminal. For example, it could be a registration request, a registration update request, a tracking area update (TAU) request, or a service request. As an example, the terminal can send the first message to the mobility management network element via a base station. This first message may include the terminal's identifier, such as SUPI or SUCI. Understandably, the SUPI or SUCI includes the terminal's HPLMN.

[0116] S302. The mobility management network element obtains first location information, which is used to indicate the first area where the terminal is located.

[0117] In one design (i), a base station can send first location information to a mobility management network element (MLE). Correspondingly, the MLE receives the first location information from the base station, which may specifically be ULI information. The ULI information includes a tracking area identifier (TAI) and / or a cell identifier (Cell ID), etc. As an example, the base station can send the first location information to the MLE simultaneously while forwarding the first message. Optionally, the TAI and / or Cell ID can correspond to ground areas, or there may be a mapping relationship between the TAI and / or Cell ID and ground areas; for example, one TAI and / or one Cell ID can correspond to one or more ground areas.

[0118] In one design (ii), the mobility management network element (MMI) can first send a first location request to the positioning network element. Correspondingly, the positioning network element receives the first location request from the MMI. After receiving the first location request, the positioning network element can determine the first area where the terminal is located based on location service (LCS) technology, and after determining the first area, send a first location response carrying first location information to the MMI. Correspondingly, the MMI receives the first location response from the positioning network element, which includes the first location information indicating the first area where the terminal is located. For details on LCS technology, please refer to 3GPP protocol TS23.273, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0119] In one design (iii), the mobility management network element (MMI) can first send a third message to the terminal, which requests the terminal's location information. This requested location information can be coarse-grained, such as GNSS information. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the third message from the MMI and then sends a fourth message carrying GNSS information back to the MMI. That is, the fourth message is a response to the third message and includes GNSS information. Further, the MMI can send a second positioning request to the positioning network element based on the fourth message, where the second positioning request includes GNSS information. After receiving the second positioning request from the MMI, the positioning network element can determine the first area where the terminal is located based on the GNSS information carried in the second positioning request and send a second response carrying the first location information to the MMI. Correspondingly, the MMI receives the second positioning response from the positioning network element and can then determine the first area where the terminal is located based on the first location information carried in the second positioning response. As an example, a mobility management element can send a third message to a terminal through a base station, and similarly, a terminal can send a fourth message back to a mobility management element through a base station.

[0120] Optionally, the above-described designs (I) and (II) can be applied to terminals that access satellites using NR or eMTC access technologies, and the above-described designs (I), (II), and (III) can be applied to terminals that access satellites using NB IoT access technologies.

[0121] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the first region where the terminal is located can be understood as the country or region where the terminal is located. Optionally, the first region where the terminal is located can also be the operating area / service area of ​​the PLMN selected by the terminal.

[0122] S303, the mobility management network element determines the emergency number associated with the first area based on the first area.

[0123] In one example, the mobility management network element can determine the emergency number associated with the first region based on the first region if the PLMN's operating area selected by the terminal is an international region. Alternatively, the mobility management network element can determine the emergency number associated with the first region based on the first region if the PLMN's MCC is 901. It should be noted that in current regulations, MCC 901 indicates an international region, but this application does not limit the possibility of other codes being used to represent international regions. The emergency number associated with the first region can also be referred to as the emergency number corresponding to the first region.

[0124] It should be understood that the emergency number corresponding to the first region can be one or more, and there is a mapping relationship between the first region and one or more emergency numbers. For example, the multiple emergency numbers associated with the first region may include the police emergency number, fire emergency number, emergency medical center emergency number, traffic accident emergency number, etc. As another example, if the first region is not the operating area / service area of ​​the terminal's HPLMN (or the first region where the terminal is located is different from the operating area of ​​the terminal's HPLMN), the multiple emergency numbers associated with the first region may include (one or more) emergency numbers corresponding to the first region, and (one or more) emergency numbers of the terminal's HPLMN operating area within the first region (i.e., the first emergency number associated with the terminal's HPLMN operating area within the first region). It should be noted that, in this embodiment, an emergency number in one region within another region can be understood as an emergency number set by one region in another region.

[0125] As an example, there can be a relationship between the first zone and the emergency number such as Figure 4 The mapping relationships shown are as follows: when the first region is country A, the emergency numbers corresponding to country A can be the police alarm number a1 and the fire alarm number a2; when the first region is country B, the emergency numbers corresponding to country B can be the police alarm number b1; when the first region is region C, the emergency numbers corresponding to region C can be the police alarm number c1, the fire alarm number c2, and the emergency medical services alarm number c3.

[0126] As another example, in the case where the first region is not the operating area of ​​the terminal's HPLMN (for simplicity, the operating area of ​​the terminal's HPLMN will be referred to as the second region below), there can be a relationship between the first region, the second region, and the emergency number as follows: Figure 5 The mapping relationships shown are as follows: when the first region is country A and the second region is country B, the emergency number for country B within country A is the anti-crime alarm number b2; when the first region is country A and the second region is region C, the emergency number for region C within country A is the anti-crime alarm number c4; when the first region is country B and the second region is country A, the emergency number for country A within country B is the anti-crime alarm number a3; when the first region is country B and the second region is region C, the emergency number for region C within country B is the anti-crime alarm number c5; when the first region is region C and the second region is country A, the emergency number for country A within region C is the anti-crime alarm number a4; and when the first region is region C and the second region is country B, the emergency number for country B within region C is the anti-crime alarm number b3.

[0127] To illustrate with a specific example, assuming the terminal is located in the high seas, the emergency numbers associated with that region could include Inmarsat's emergency number 1 and / or the emergency number 2 for the terminal's HPLMN operating area (e.g., country A) within the high seas. As another specific example, assuming the terminal is located in country B, the emergency numbers associated with that region could include emergency number 1 for country B (e.g., anti-terrorism alarm number b1) and / or the emergency number 2 for the terminal's HPLMN operating area (e.g., country A) within country B (e.g., anti-terrorism alarm number a3).

[0128] S304. The mobility management network element sends a second message to the terminal, and the terminal receives the second message from the mobility management network element accordingly.

[0129] The second message includes the emergency number and is a response to the first message. For example, the second message could be a register accept message, a register update response message, a TAU accept message, a service response message, etc.

[0130] In this embodiment of the application, the mobility management network element can determine the emergency number associated with the first area based on the first area where the terminal is located, and send the determined emergency number to the terminal so that when the user enters a country or region where the emergency number is unfamiliar, or when the user cannot know the country or region where he or she is currently located, the user can dial the corresponding emergency number in a timely and accurate manner, thus ensuring the user's safety.

[0131] The above Figure 3 The illustrated embodiments provide an overview of the solutions proposed in this application. The solutions applicable to terminals accessing satellites using NR or eMTC access technologies, and solutions applicable to terminals accessing satellites using NB IoT access technologies, will be described below.

[0132] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is another flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 6 This solution is primarily for terminals that use NR or eMTC access technologies to access satellites. Figure 6The method described can be implemented by a base station (e.g., a satellite-based base station), a positioning network element, a mobility management network element, and a terminal; or by a chip in the base station, a chip in the positioning network element, a chip in the mobility management network element, and a chip in the terminal. For ease of description, this application mainly uses a base station, an LMF / E-SMLC positioning network element, an AMF / MME mobility management network element, and a terminal as the implementing entities. Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method of this application, showing the detailed communication steps or operations of the method. However, these steps or operations are merely examples, and other operations may be performed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 6 Variations of various operations within it. Furthermore, Figure 6 Each step in the process can be followed separately according to... Figure 6 The different orders presented may be executed, and it is possible that they are not intended to be executed. Figure 6 All operations within. Among them:

[0133] S601, the terminal sends the first message to the base station, and the base station sends the first message and ULI information to the AMF / MME.

[0134] In some feasible implementations, the terminal can send a first message (e.g., a registration request message / registration update request message / service request message) to the AMF / MME via the base station. This first message carries the terminal's identifier, which can be SUPI or SUCI. Simultaneously, the base station can also send ULI information to the AMF / MME. Correspondingly, the AMF / MME receives the ULI information from the base station, which includes information such as TAI and / or Cell ID. Optionally, the TAI and / or Cell ID can correspond to a ground area, or there can be a mapping relationship between the TAI and / or Cell ID and ground areas; for example, one TAI and / or one Cell ID can correspond to one or more ground areas. Optionally, the base station can also send radio access type information to the AMF / MME to indicate the access technology used by the terminal. In this embodiment, the terminal access technology indicated by the radio access type information is NR or eMTC.

[0135] S602, AMF / MME determine the first region where the terminal is located.

[0136] The AMF / MME can determine the first region where the terminal is located through the following two methods.

[0137] Solution A includes: S602a, where the AMF / MME determines the first region where the terminal is located based on ULI information. Generally, when the ULI information indicates the first region where the terminal is located, the AMF / MME can directly determine the information of the first region based on the ULI information. For example, the information of the first region can be the name of the first region, or the country code, etc.

[0138] Scheme B includes: S602b-1, AMF / MME sends a first location request to LMF / E-SMLC. S602b-2, LMF / E-SMLC determines the first area where the terminal is located based on LCS technology. S602b-3, LMF / E-SMLC returns a first location response to AMF / MME, which includes information about the first area where the terminal is located. This first area information can be the name of the first area, or a country code, etc.

[0139] Optionally, in some possible implementations, when the AMF / MME cannot accurately determine the first region where the terminal is located based on the ULI information (i.e., Scheme A) (e.g., the first region where the terminal is located is determined to be multiple regions based on the ULI information), the AMF / MME can initiate a location procedure (i.e., Scheme B) to determine the first region where the terminal is located. Alternatively, when the MCC of the PLMN served by the AMF / MME is 901, and the first region where the terminal is located cannot be accurately determined based on the ULI information (e.g., the first region where the terminal is located is determined to be multiple regions based on the ULI information), the AMF / MME can use Scheme B to determine the first region where the terminal is located.

[0140] S603, AMF / MME determines the emergency number associated with the first region based on the first region.

[0141] S604, AMF / MME sends a second message to the terminal, and the terminal receives the second message from AMF / MME, which includes the emergency number.

[0142] For an understanding of steps S603 and S604, please refer to the above. Figure 3 The descriptions of steps S303 and S304 in the embodiments are not repeated here.

[0143] In this embodiment, for terminals that access satellites using NR or eMTC access technologies, the mobility management network element can determine the emergency number associated with the first area based on the first area where the terminal is located, and send the determined emergency number to the terminal. This allows the user to dial the corresponding emergency number promptly and accurately when entering a country or region where the emergency number is unfamiliar, or when the user is completely unaware of their current country or region, thus ensuring user safety.

[0144] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is another flowchart illustrating the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 7 This solution is primarily for terminals that use NB-IoT access technology to access satellites. Figure 7 The method described can be implemented by a base station (e.g., a satellite-based base station), a positioning network element, a mobility management network element, and a terminal; or by a chip in the base station, a chip in the positioning network element, a chip in the mobility management network element, and a chip in the terminal. For ease of description, this application mainly uses a base station, an LMF / E-SMLC positioning network element, an AMF / MME mobility management network element, and a terminal as the implementing entities. Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method of this application, showing the detailed communication steps or operations of the method. However, these steps or operations are merely examples, and other operations may be performed in the embodiments of this application. Figure 7 Variations of various operations within it. Furthermore, Figure 7 Each step in the process can be followed separately according to... Figure 7 The different orders presented may be executed, and it is possible that they are not intended to be executed. Figure 7 All operations within. Among them:

[0145] S701, the terminal sends the first message to the base station, and the base station sends the first message and ULI information to the AMF / MME.

[0146] For an understanding of step S701, please refer to the above. Figure 6 The description of step S601 will not be repeated here. The difference is that, in this embodiment, the terminal access technology indicated by the wireless access type information is NB-IoT.

[0147] S702 and AMF / MME determine the first region where the terminal is located.

[0148] The AMF / MME can determine the first area where the terminal is located through the following three schemes. Schemes A and B can be referred to as Schemes A and B described in S602 above. Scheme C includes: S702c-1, the AMF / MME sends a third message to the terminal. For example, this third message can be a Nonaccess stratum security mode command (NAS SMC) message. S702c-2, the terminal sends a fourth message to the AMF / MME, which carries coarse-grained UE location information, such as GNSS information. For example, the fourth message can be a NAS SMC Complete message. S702c-3, the AMF / MME sends a second positioning request carrying GNSS information to the LMF / E-SMLC. Accordingly, after the LMF / E-SMLC receives the second positioning request, it can determine the first area where the terminal is located based on the GNSS information. S702c-4, LMF / E-SMLC sends a second positioning response to AMF / MME, which includes information about the first area where the terminal is located.

[0149] Optionally, the AMF / MME can determine the first region where the terminal is located based on Scheme A if the information obtained based on Scheme C is inaccurate (e.g., the first region where the terminal is located is multiple regions carried in the second location response). Optionally, the AMF / MME can also determine the first region where the terminal is located through Scheme B if neither Scheme A nor Scheme C can accurately determine the first region where the terminal is located. Alternatively, when the MCC of the PLMN served by the AMF / MME is 901, and the AMF / MME cannot accurately determine the first region where the terminal is located based on neither Scheme A nor Scheme C, it can determine the first region where the terminal is located through Scheme B.

[0150] S703 and AMF / MME determine the emergency number associated with the first region based on the first region.

[0151] S704, AMF / MME sends a second message to the terminal, and the terminal receives the second message from AMF / MME, which includes the emergency number.

[0152] For an understanding of steps S703 and S704, please refer to the above. Figure 3 The descriptions of steps S303 and S304 in the embodiments are not repeated here.

[0153] In this embodiment, for terminals that access satellites using NB IoT access technology, the mobility management network element can determine the emergency number associated with the first region based on the first region where the terminal is located, and send the determined emergency number to the terminal. This allows the user to dial the corresponding emergency number promptly and accurately when entering a country or region where the emergency number is unfamiliar, or when the user is completely unaware of their current country or region, thus ensuring user safety.

[0154] The following will combine Figures 8-9 The communication device provided in this application will be described in detail.

[0155] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0156] Figure 8 and Figure 9 The diagram illustrates the possible structures of communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of mobility management network elements (e.g., AMF or MME) or terminals in the above-described method embodiments, thus achieving the beneficial effects of the above-described method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be as follows: Figure 1 The core network 200 shown is a mobility management network element. Optionally, it can also be a module (such as a chip) applied to the mobility management network element. The communication device is also as shown... Figure 1 The terminal 120 shown. Optionally, it can also be a module (such as a chip) applied to the terminal.

[0157] like Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 800 includes a processing unit 810 and a transceiver unit 820. The communication device 800 is used to implement the above-mentioned... Figures 3-7 The method embodiment shown illustrates the function of the mobility management network element.

[0158] In one implementation, when the communication device 800 is used to implement... Figures 3-7 In the method embodiment shown, the function of the mobility management network element is as follows:

[0159] The transceiver unit 820 is configured to receive a first message and first location information, wherein the first message is a terminal request for service and the first location information is used to indicate the first area where the terminal is located; the processing unit 810 is configured to determine the emergency number associated with the first area based on the first area; the transceiver unit 820 is configured to send a second message, wherein the second message includes the emergency number and the second message is a response message to the first message.

[0160] In one possible implementation, the first region where the terminal is located is the operating region of the PLMN selected by the terminal; when determining the emergency number associated with the first region based on the first region, the processing unit 810 is configured to: determine the emergency number associated with the first region based on the first region if the operating region of the PLMN selected by the terminal is an international region.

[0161] In one possible implementation, when determining the emergency number associated with the first region based on the first region, the processing unit 810 is configured to: determine the emergency number associated with the first region based on the first region when the MCC of the PLMN selected by the terminal is 901.

[0162] In one possible implementation, the first region is associated with one or more emergency numbers, and there is a mapping relationship between the first region and the one or more emergency numbers.

[0163] In one possible implementation, the first region is not the operating region of the terminal's HPLMN, and the emergency number associated with the first region is the first emergency number associated with the operating region of the terminal's HPLMN within the first region.

[0164] In one possible implementation, when receiving the first location information, the transceiver unit 820 is configured to: receive the first location information from the access network device, wherein the first location information is ULI information.

[0165] In one possible implementation, when receiving the first location information, the transceiver unit 820 is configured to: send a first location request to the location network element; and receive a first location response from the location network element, wherein the first location response includes the first location information.

[0166] In one possible implementation, when receiving the first location information, the transceiver unit 820 is configured to: send a third message to the terminal, the third message being used to request the location information of the terminal; receive a fourth message from the terminal, the fourth message including the location information of the terminal, the fourth message being a response message to the third message; send a second positioning request to the positioning network element according to the fourth message, the second positioning request including the location information of the terminal; and receive a second positioning response from the positioning network element, the second positioning response including the first location information.

[0167] In one possible implementation, the first message includes an identifier of the terminal, which may include SUPI or SUCI.

[0168] In one possible implementation, the SUPI or the SUCI includes the HPLMN of the terminal.

[0169] In one possible implementation, the first message is a registration request message, a registration update request message, or a service request message.

[0170] In another implementation, when the communication device 800 is used to implement... Figures 3-7 In the method embodiment shown, the terminal functions as follows: a transceiver unit 820 is used to send a first message, which is a message requesting service from the terminal; the transceiver unit 820 is used to receive a second message, which includes an emergency number associated with a first region, and the second message is a response message to the first message, where the first region is the region where the terminal is located.

[0171] In one possible implementation, the first region is associated with one or more emergency numbers, and there is a mapping relationship between the first region and the one or more emergency numbers.

[0172] In one possible implementation, the first region is not the operating region of the terminal's HPLMN, and the emergency number associated with the first region is the first emergency number associated with the operating region of the terminal's HPLMN within the first region.

[0173] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 820 is further configured to: receive a third message, the third message being used to request the location information of the terminal; and send a fourth message, the fourth message including the location information of the terminal, the fourth message being a response message to the third message.

[0174] In one possible implementation, the first message includes an identifier of the terminal, which may include SUPI or SUCI.

[0175] In one possible implementation, the SUPI or the SUCI includes the HPLMN of the terminal.

[0176] In one possible implementation, the first message is a registration request message, a registration update request message, or a service request message.

[0177] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 810 and the transceiver unit 820, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 3-7 The relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown.

[0178] like Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 900 includes a processor 910 and an interface circuit 920. The processor 910 and the interface circuit 920 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 920 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 900 may also include a memory 930 for storing instructions executed by the processor 910, or storing input data required by the processor 910 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 910 executes instructions.

[0179] When the communication device 900 is used to implement Figures 3-7 In the method shown, the processor 910 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 810, and the interface circuit 920 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 820.

[0180] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0181] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a network device. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the network device.

[0182] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed entirely or partially. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0183] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0184] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive a first message and first location information, wherein the first message is a terminal requesting service message, and the first location information is used to indicate the first area where the terminal is located; Based on the first region, determine the emergency number associated with the first region; Send a second message, which includes the emergency number, and the second message is a response message to the first message.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first area where the terminal is located is the operating area of ​​the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selected by the terminal; determining the emergency number associated with the first area based on the first area includes: If the PLMN selected by the terminal operates in an international region, the emergency number associated with the first region is determined based on the first region.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The step of determining the emergency number associated with the first region based on the first region includes: When the mobile country code (MCC) of the PLMN selected by the terminal is 901, the emergency number associated with the first region is determined based on the first region.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first region is associated with one or more emergency numbers, and there is a mapping relationship between the first region and the one or more emergency numbers.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The first area is not the operating area of ​​the terminal's home public land mobile network (HPLMN), and the emergency number associated with the first area is the first emergency number associated with the terminal's HPLMN operating area within the first area.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The receiving of the first location information includes: The system receives the first location information from the access network device, where the first location information is user location information (ULI).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The receiving of the first location information includes: Send the first positioning request to the positioning network element; Receive a first positioning response from the positioning network element, wherein the first positioning response includes the first location information.

8. The method according to claims 1-5, characterized in that, The receiving of the first location information includes: Send a third message to the terminal, the third message being used to request the location information of the terminal; Receive a fourth message from the terminal, the fourth message including the location information of the terminal, the fourth message being a response message to the third message; According to the fourth message, a second positioning request is sent to the positioning network element, the second positioning request including the location information of the terminal; Receive a second positioning response from the positioning network element, wherein the second positioning response includes the first location information.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first message includes the identifier of the terminal, which includes a permanent user identifier (SUPI) or a hidden user identifier (SUCI).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The SUPI or SUCI includes the HPLMN of the terminal.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The first message is a registration request message, a registration update request message, or a service request message.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Send a first message, which is a message from the terminal requesting a service. Receive a second message, which includes an emergency number associated with the first region. The second message is a response to the first message, and the first region is the region where the terminal is located.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first region is associated with one or more emergency numbers, and there is a mapping relationship between the first region and the one or more emergency numbers.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The first area is not the operating area of ​​the terminal's home public land mobile network (HPLMN), and the emergency number associated with the first area is the first emergency number associated with the terminal's HPLMN operating area within the first area.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a third message, the third message being used to request the location information of the terminal; A fourth message is sent, which includes the location information of the terminal. The fourth message is a response message to the third message.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12-15, characterized in that, The first message includes the identifier of the terminal, which includes a permanent user identifier (SUPI) or a hidden user identifier (SUCI).

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The SUPI or SUCI includes the HPLMN of the terminal.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12-17, characterized in that, The first message is a registration request message, a registration update request message, or a service request message.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, Used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, or used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 12-18.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is configured to receive signals from other communication devices besides the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the at least one processor to other communication devices besides the communication device. The processor is configured to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, or to implement the method as described in any one of claims 12-18, through logic circuits or execution code instructions.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-11, or the method as described in any one of claims 12-18.

22. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes computer program code, which, when run on a computer, implements the method of any one of claims 1-11, or implements the method of any one of claims 12-18.

23. A chip or chip system comprising at least one processor coupled to a memory, the processor being configured to read and execute instructions stored in the memory to implement the method of any one of claims 1-11, or to implement the method of any one of claims 12-18.

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