Communication network change method and device and computer storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication network change method and device and a computer storage medium, which can realize the change of a regenerative satellite. The method comprises the following steps: a terminal device obtains satellite change related information sent by an original satellite; according to the information related to the satellite change, the terminal equipment determines that the terminal equipment is switched to be connected with a target satellite from being connected with an original satellite in a mode of executing synchronization with the target satellite; and the terminal device synchronizes with the target satellite and accesses the target satellite.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly to a method, apparatus, and computer storage medium for changing a communication network. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of communication technology, the application of satellite communication technology has gradually become more widespread. When users are in areas with low coverage of mobile cellular communication networks, such as outdoors, oceans, and mountains, they can choose to use satellite communication technology to send and receive communication information. At the same time, with the development of satellite technology, base stations can be mounted on satellites to form a regenerative satellite network architecture.

[0003] In a regenerative satellite network architecture, the satellites connected to user equipment (UE) may change due to the relative motion between the satellites and the Earth. How to facilitate information exchange during satellite changes to smoothly adapt to the change in the satellites connected to the UE is a problem that needs to be addressed in a regenerative satellite network architecture. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method, apparatus, and computer storage medium for changing a communication network, enabling user equipment to switch from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for changing a communication network, comprising: receiving satellite change-related information sent by the original satellite; determining, based on the satellite change-related information, that a terminal device switches from being connected to the original satellite to being connected to the target satellite by performing synchronization with the target satellite; synchronizing with the target satellite; and accessing the target satellite.

[0006] In this embodiment, the satellite modification-related information includes information on candidate satellites that may serve the terminal device, in addition to the original satellite. Candidate satellites may include target satellites, which can refer to target satellites capable of replacing the functions of the original satellite and establishing network connections with the terminal device. Target satellites and the original satellite may have the same or similar structures; for example, both the target satellite and the original satellite may be regenerated satellites.

[0007] When the target satellite reaches the area where the terminal device is located, the original satellite may be about to leave the area where the terminal device is located, or the original satellite may leave the area where the terminal device is located after a certain period of time.

[0008] Using the above method, the terminal device and the target satellite can obtain the satellite change-related information required to establish a connection with each other, and the terminal device can synchronize with the target satellite, thereby enabling the terminal device to switch from connecting with the original satellite to connecting with the target satellite, that is, to realize the satellite change of the terminal device.

[0009] In one embodiment of this application, the satellite change-related information includes target satellite-related information; the target satellite-related information includes: the type of the target satellite, the identifier of the target satellite, a method that supports satellite changes through synchronization, an indication of whether the physical cell identifier has changed, and the time domain offset of the synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0010] Using the methods described above, the terminal device can obtain the information needed for satellite changes.

[0011] In one embodiment of this application, the satellite change-related information includes: information related to multiple candidate satellites; the multiple candidate satellites include the target satellite.

[0012] Using the above method, the terminal device can select a target satellite from multiple candidate satellites, so that the target satellite switched by the terminal device can meet the needs of the terminal device's network connection or service operation.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, the satellite change-related information includes: condition information that triggers the execution of satellite changes through synchronization.

[0014] The above method allows us to configure the conditions for triggering synchronization operations using conditional information.

[0015] In one embodiment of this application, the condition information for triggering the synchronous execution of satellite changes includes at least one of the following: triggering the synchronous execution of satellite changes when the original satellite leaves the current coverage area; triggering the synchronous execution of satellite changes when the target satellite arrives before the original satellite leaves the current coverage area; or triggering the synchronous execution of satellite changes when the target satellite arrives before a pre-configured time period before the original satellite leaves the current coverage area.

[0016] Using the methods described above, it is possible to configure condition information and trigger satellite changes in different scenarios.

[0017] In one embodiment, the method for changing the communication network further includes: if the condition information for triggering the execution of satellite change through synchronization is met, determining to switch from connecting with the original satellite to connecting with the target satellite through synchronization with the target satellite.

[0018] When a terminal device selects a candidate satellite as the target satellite, it can determine the timing for performing a satellite change based on the time or distance conditions included in the target satellite-related information or the satellite change-related information. In other words, the terminal device can identify a satellite entering the area where the UE is located as the target satellite, or, based on the location of the terminal and the target satellite's ground reference point, determine the candidate satellite with the shortest distance as the target satellite, provided that this satellite meets one or more conditions set in the satellite change-related information.

[0019] In one implementation, one or more conditions set in the satellite change-related information may be satellite type conditions, satellite distance conditions, satellite trajectory conditions, or time conditions, etc.

[0020] The original satellite can add information related to the target satellite to the information related to satellite changes and send it to the terminal device in advance. After receiving the information related to the target satellite, the terminal device will trigger the synchronization as set.

[0021] In one implementation, at a set time (time t) before the original satellite service link connection times out, the next satellite arrives. Simultaneously, the terminal device can determine the timing advance of the target satellite based on its GNSS positioning, the target satellite's ephemeris information, and common lead. The terminal device can report the target satellite's timing advance to the original satellite, which may include the target satellite's identification information. If the original satellite's timing advance (TA) times out, the terminal device also reports the original satellite's common lead and identification information.

[0022] In another implementation: the original satellite is configured to trigger synchronization at a time t before the end of the service link. Considering the long information exchange delay due to inter-satellite links (ISL) or feeder links, this implementation can use network (NW) control to interact with the terminal device. When time t before the end of the service link is reached, the terminal device acquires the timing advance of the target satellite and then reports the timing advance to the original satellite. Upon receiving the timing advance report information containing the target satellite's information, the original satellite performs inter-satellite information exchange. The original satellite transmits the following information to the target satellite: the timing advance value, and the terminal device's context, RRC configuration, and security-related configuration information. Then, either the target satellite or the original satellite instructs the terminal device to apply the target satellite's timing advance to complete synchronization. Alternatively, the terminal device can be notified of the completion of synchronization with the target satellite via broadcast.

[0023] In one embodiment of this application, the satellite change-related information is carried in system messages or radio resource control (RRC) proprietary signaling.

[0024] Using the above method, the original satellite can send information about the target satellite to the terminal device when the terminal device is idle or connected.

[0025] In one embodiment of this application, the step of determining that the terminal device switches from connecting with the original satellite to connecting with the target satellite by performing synchronization with the target satellite further includes: determining that the satellite change is completed by synchronization when the original satellite leaves the current coverage area, or before the original satellite leaves the current area and the target satellite arrives at the current area; determining the target satellite for the satellite change, wherein the target satellite for the satellite change represents the switch from connecting with the original satellite to connecting with the target satellite.

[0026] The current coverage area can be the coverage area corresponding to the location of the terminal device within a set time period.

[0027] By identifying the target satellite and performing synchronization, satellite changes can be completed. The terminal device can then initiate synchronization, thereby completing the satellite change through synchronization.

[0028] In one embodiment of this application, determining the target satellite for satellite change includes a terminal device selecting one candidate satellite from a plurality of candidate satellites as the target satellite; the plurality of candidate satellites includes the target satellite.

[0029] Using the above method, the terminal device can actively select the target satellite from multiple candidate satellites.

[0030] In one embodiment of this application, before determining the connection between the terminal device and the target satellite based on the satellite change-related information, the method further includes: receiving configuration information of the original satellite, wherein the configuration information of the original satellite includes satellite change indication information and pre-configured authorized resource information.

[0031] With pre-configured authorized resource information, the terminal device can achieve uplink data interaction or downlink data reception with the target satellite, thereby accessing the target satellite.

[0032] In one embodiment of this application, the satellite change instruction information includes: performing satellite change, performing synchronization with the target satellite, performing satellite change through synchronization; or the target satellite.

[0033] In this embodiment, the original satellite and the target satellite can exchange information in advance. The satellite change information includes a satellite change indication. After the original satellite sends the target satellite-related information to the terminal device, it can send the satellite change indication via separate signaling. When the original satellite stops serving the coverage area of ​​the terminal device, it sends the terminal device context (UE context), RRC configuration, and security-related configuration information to the target satellite.

[0034] Upon receiving confirmation from the target satellite, the terminal device is instructed to synchronize with the target satellite. The terminal device obtains the timing lead from the target satellite and reports the timing lead to the target satellite. After receiving confirmation, the target satellite begins dynamic scheduling of the terminal device or configures relevant resources. Upon receiving the timing lead report, the target satellite completes synchronization.

[0035] In one embodiment of this application, the synchronization with the target satellite includes: uplink synchronization and downlink synchronization with the target satellite.

[0036] Through uplink and downlink synchronization, terminal equipment can maintain consistency with the target satellite in both the time and frequency domains, thereby enabling satellite handover.

[0037] In one embodiment of this application, the uplink synchronization of the target satellite further includes: obtaining the timing advance of the target satellite; and sending the timing advance of the target satellite to the original satellite to determine that the terminal device switches from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite by performing synchronization with the target satellite.

[0038] In one embodiment of this application, the uplink synchronization with the target satellite further includes: obtaining a timing advance of the target satellite; sending the timing advance to the target satellite; the timing advance is used for uplink synchronization with the target satellite.

[0039] In one embodiment of this application, the pre-configured authorized resource information is used to send uplink signaling or uplink data to the target satellite.

[0040] By using authorized resource information to send uplink signaling or uplink data, terminal devices can access the target satellite.

[0041] In one embodiment of this application, when the pre-configured authorized resource information is used to send uplink signaling to the target satellite, the uplink signaling includes an RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0042] In one embodiment of this application, accessing the target satellite includes: receiving dynamic scheduling information sent by the target satellite; the dynamic scheduling information includes uplink scheduling information or downlink scheduling information; when uplink scheduling information is detected, using uplink scheduling resources to send uplink data or uplink signaling; when downlink scheduling information is detected, using downlink scheduling resources to receive downlink data or downlink signaling.

[0043] Secondly, an embodiment of this application provides a communication network modification method, comprising: receiving information about a terminal device accessing a target satellite; the information about accessing the target satellite being used to determine that the terminal device has established a connection with the target satellite; wherein the terminal device and the target satellite have completed synchronization.

[0044] In one implementation, a timing advance of a target satellite is sent by a receiving terminal device; the timing advance is used for uplink synchronization with the target satellite.

[0045] In one embodiment, the method for changing the communication network further includes: configuring authorized resources for a terminal device; and receiving uplink signaling or uplink data sent by the terminal device using the authorized resources.

[0046] In one implementation, when the receiving terminal device sends uplink signaling using the authorized resources, the uplink signaling includes an RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0047] In one embodiment, the method for changing the communication network further includes: sending dynamic scheduling information to the terminal device; the dynamic scheduling information includes uplink scheduling information or downlink scheduling information; receiving uplink data or uplink signaling sent by the terminal device using uplink scheduling resources when it detects uplink scheduling information, or receiving downlink data or downlink signaling by the terminal device using downlink scheduling resources when it detects downlink scheduling information.

[0048] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a method for changing a communication network, comprising: sending satellite change-related information to a terminal device; the satellite change-related information is used to determine that the terminal device switches from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite by performing synchronization with the target satellite.

[0049] In one implementation, the satellite change-related information includes target satellite-related information; the target satellite-related information includes: the type of the target satellite, the identifier of the target satellite, a method that supports satellite changes through synchronization, an indication of whether the physical cell identifier has changed, and the time domain offset of the synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0050] In one embodiment, the information related to the target satellite includes: information related to multiple candidate satellites; the multiple candidate satellites include the target satellite.

[0051] In one implementation, the satellite change-related information includes: condition information that triggers the execution of satellite changes through synchronization.

[0052] In one implementation, the condition information for triggering the synchronous execution of satellite changes includes at least one of the following: triggering the synchronous execution of satellite changes when the original satellite leaves the current coverage area; triggering the synchronous execution of satellite changes when the target satellite arrives before the original satellite leaves the current coverage area; or triggering the synchronous execution of satellite changes when the target satellite arrives before a pre-configured time period before the original satellite leaves the current coverage area.

[0053] In one implementation, the satellite change-related information is carried in a system message or RRC proprietary signaling.

[0054] In one embodiment, the method for changing the communication network further includes: sending the original satellite configuration information to the terminal device, wherein the original satellite configuration information includes satellite change indication information and pre-configured authorized resource information.

[0055] In one implementation, the satellite change instruction information includes: performing satellite change, performing synchronization with the target satellite, performing satellite change through synchronization; or the target satellite.

[0056] In one implementation, the synchronization with the target satellite includes uplink synchronization. The method further includes receiving a timing advance of the target satellite sent by the terminal device. The timing advance of the target satellite is used to determine whether the terminal device switches from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite by performing synchronization with the target satellite.

[0057] In one implementation, the pre-configured authorized resource information is used to send uplink signaling or uplink data to the target satellite.

[0058] In one implementation, when the pre-configured authorized resource information is used to send uplink signaling to the target satellite, the uplink signaling includes an RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0059] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a method for modifying a communication network, comprising: the original satellite sending satellite modification-related information to a terminal device; the terminal device determining, based on the satellite modification-related information, that it switches from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite by performing synchronization with the target satellite; the terminal device synchronizing with the target satellite; the target satellite sending dynamic scheduling information to the terminal device; and the terminal device sending uplink signaling or uplink data to the target satellite, or receiving downlink signaling or downlink data, to access the target satellite.

[0060] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that has the functions of implementing the first, second, third, or fourth aspects described above. For example, the communication device includes modules or units corresponding to the operations involved in the first, second, third, or fourth aspects described above. The modules or units can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0061] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, wherein the communication unit can be used to transmit and receive signals to enable communication between the communication device and other devices; the processing unit can be used to perform some internal operations of the communication device. The functions performed by the processing unit and the communication unit may correspond to the operations involved in the first, second, third, or fourth aspects described above. The processing unit may include a satellite communication processing unit.

[0062] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor, which may include a satellite communication processor, and the processor may be coupled to a memory. The memory may store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions described in the first, second, third, or fourth aspects above. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, and when the computer programs or instructions are executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects above.

[0063] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and a memory, the memory of which may store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions described in the first, second, third, or fourth aspects above. The processor may include a satellite communication processor, which is capable of executing the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, such that when the computer programs or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects above.

[0064] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the processor may include a satellite communication processor, the processor being configured to communicate with other devices via the interface circuit and to perform the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first, second, third, or fourth aspect described above.

[0065] Understandably, in the fifth aspect described above, the processor can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor may include a satellite communication processor, which can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc. When implemented in software, the processor may be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in memory. Furthermore, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories. The memory may be integrated with the processor or may be separate from the processor. In specific implementations, the memory may be integrated with the processor on the same chip or may be located on different chips. This application does not limit the type of memory or the arrangement of the memory and processor.

[0066] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a non-terrestrial network communication system, including a transmitting end device and a receiving end device. The transmitting end device is used to implement the method provided in any embodiment of this application for a source satellite or a target satellite, and the receiving end device is used to implement the method provided in any embodiment of this application for a user equipment.

[0067] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication device including a module for performing the methods provided in any embodiment of this application.

[0068] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, including one or more processors configured to perform the methods provided in any embodiment of this application.

[0069] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip system, including: a memory for storing computer programs; a processor, including a satellite communication processor; when the processor calls and runs the computer program from the memory, it causes a communication device equipped with the chip system to execute the method provided in any embodiment of this application.

[0070] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product, the computer program product including instructions that, when executed on a processor, cause the processor to perform the method provided in any embodiment of this application.

[0071] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a terminal device, including: a memory for storing computer programs; a processor, including a satellite communication processor; when the processor calls and runs the computer program from the memory, the terminal device executes the method provided in any embodiment of this application.

[0072] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method provided in any embodiment of this application.

[0073] The technical effects brought about by the second to twelfth aspects above can be found in the description of the beneficial effects of the corresponding solutions in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0074] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a satellite communication system used in the embodiments of this application;

[0075] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a non-terrestrial network communication architecture according to an embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another non-terrestrial network communication architecture according to an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another non-terrestrial network communication architecture according to an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another method for modifying a communication network according to an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a data structure for satellite change-related information according to an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the data structure for satellite change-related information in another embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figures 8A-8D This is a flowchart illustrating the method for changing the communication network in different examples of this application;

[0082] Figures 9A-9B This is a flowchart illustrating the method for changing the communication network in different examples of this application;

[0083] Figures 10A-10B This is a flowchart illustrating the method for changing the communication network in different examples of this application;

[0084] Figure 11This is a structural diagram of a mobile terminal that enables satellite communication.

[0085] Figure 12 A hardware structure diagram of a mobile terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 13 A diagram related to the software architecture of a mobile terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 14 This is one of the mobile phone interfaces provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0088] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This application will focus on various aspects, embodiments, or features of a system that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these solutions may also be used.

[0089] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "in one possible implementation," "exemplarily," "for example," "e.g.," "as," and "again" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an "example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of the term "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. In the embodiments of this application, "of," "corresponding (relevant)," and "corresponding" may sometimes be used interchangeably, and it should be noted that their intended meanings are consistent unless their distinction is emphasized.

[0090] The technical solutions in this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, 4th generation (4G) communication system, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, 5G communication system, such as New Radio (NR) system, and future evolution communication systems, such as 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system, etc.

[0091] In the embodiments of this application, "sending information to...(user equipment or module)" and "sending information to...(user equipment or module)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the user equipment (terminal) or module. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to the user equipment. "Receiving information from...(user equipment or module)" and "receiving information from...(user equipment or module)" can be understood as the source of the information being the user equipment, and can include receiving information directly or indirectly from the user equipment. 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 understood in a similar way, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0092] The application scenarios of the embodiments of this application will be described below first.

[0093] With the development of terrestrial communication, terrestrial communication systems have provided convenient data and voice services to users in urban areas, suburbs, and rural areas. However, some sparsely populated areas, areas with insufficient infrastructure, or areas without long-term human habitation lack terrestrial communication network coverage, making it impossible to provide voice and data services to users in these areas. In contrast, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) communication systems have the advantages of large coverage areas and flexible networking. NTN communication methods can include satellite communication, high-altitude platform communication, and air-to-ground (ATG) communication. If user equipment can make reasonable use of non-terrestrial networks, communication services can be obtained even in areas without terrestrial communication system coverage. The application scenarios of the communication method provided in this application include scenarios involving non-terrestrial network communication systems.

[0094] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication service according to an embodiment of this application.

[0095] See Figure 1 This illustrates a scenario where terminal device 101a communicates with terminal device 101b via satellite. In this embodiment, the terminal device can also be referred to as a UE. When terminal device 101a needs to call terminal device 101b or send a short message to terminal device 101b via satellite, terminal device 101a needs to establish a communication link with satellite 102, thereby using satellite 102 to send information (such as call messages or SMS messages) to terminal device 101b.

[0096] It should be understood that terminal device 101b may not support satellite communication, for example, terminal device 101b may not support satellite communication function, terminal device 101b may not have satellite communication function enabled, the current environment of terminal device 101b may be unfavorable for satellite communication, or terminal device 101b may not support communication with satellites at its current location, etc. This application does not impose any restrictions on these situations. In some embodiments, a relay device may be provided between satellite 102 and terminal device 101b to enable satellite 102 to communicate with terminal device 101b that does not support satellite communication.

[0097] Taking a satellite voice call scenario as an example. Specifically, when satellite 102 sends a call message from terminal device 101a to terminal device 101b, it can be relayed to ground gateway 103. Since the operator information, such as which terminal device 101b can receive the signal, is uncertain, ground gateway 103 can send the destination information for identification. Ground gateway 103 can obtain the cellular network 105 and cellular network 106 in the area where terminal device 101b is located based on its contact information (such as phone number). Cellular network 105 belongs to operator a, and cellular network 106 belongs to operator b. By identifying the contact information of terminal device 101b, ground gateway 103 can confirm whether terminal device 101b can access cellular network 105 or cellular network 106. Taking the converged communication ground gateway 103's identification that terminal device 101b can access cellular network 105 as an example, the ground gateway 103 can send information or make calls to terminal device 101b through the core network 105a and base station 105b of cellular network 105 (i.e., the sending destination) to achieve the purpose of establishing communication with terminal device 101b using satellite.

[0098] It should be understood that, in some embodiments of this application, the ground gateway 103 can also directly obtain the operator corresponding to the terminal device 101b through the contact information of the terminal device 101b, thereby determining the cellular network that the terminal device 101b can access.

[0099] In some embodiments of this application, the ground gateway 103 may also send information to the Internet server 107, thereby using the Internet server 107 to send messages to the preset Internet application in the terminal device 101b, so as to establish satellite communication using the Internet system.

[0100] During a call, terminal device 101a can transmit voice signals sequentially to terminal device 101b via the communication link established in the above process, through satellite 102, ground gateway 103, and cellular network 105 (or cellular network 106 or internet server 107). Similarly, voice signals generated by terminal device 101b can be transmitted sequentially to terminal device 101a via cellular network 105 (or cellular network 106 or internet server 107), ground gateway 103, and satellite 102.

[0101] If terminal device 101a wants to transmit data files such as text messages to terminal device 101b via satellite, it can send and receive text messages through a communication path that is the same as or similar to the process of the aforementioned voice call. This application will not elaborate on this.

[0102] The relevant technical concepts involved in the embodiments of this application will be explained 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 a limitation on the scope of protection claimed by this application.

[0103] ground station

[0104] A ground station, also known as an earth station, satellite communication earth station, or satellite ground station, is a device that can be set up on land, water, or in the air. Ground stations are microwave information transmitting and receiving stations, fixed relative to the Earth's surface, capable of transmitting information to satellites and transmitting information via communication satellites. Ground stations can also send signals to other ground stations and receive signals relayed from other ground stations via satellite. After receiving signals from the satellite, the ground station can amplify and process the signals before transmitting them to other ground stations or user equipment. Simultaneously, earth stations can also transmit and receive signals with user equipment.

[0105] Non-terrestrial networks

[0106] Non-terrestrial networks are networks deployed in a manner that does not rely on the ground. A common type of non-terrestrial network utilizes high-altitude or high-sky platforms for communication, such as satellite communication non-terrestrial networks. The main characteristic of non-terrestrial networks is that they do not depend on traditional terrestrial infrastructure to communicate with user devices. With the increasing global adoption of mobile communication technology, it has become increasingly important that anyone, anytime, and anywhere can use mobile communication networks. However, many areas in the world still lack terrestrial communication signal coverage. When users arrive in these areas for various reasons, it is difficult to meet their communication needs using terrestrial communication networks. Non-terrestrial networks, because they can achieve mobile communication through relatively mobile wireless network access points, can therefore provide wireless network access services to users in areas without terrestrial communication network coverage.

[0107] In non-terrestrial network systems, using satellites to achieve communication is an important method.

[0108] In addition to airplanes, hot air balloons, and drones, network equipment in non-terrestrial network communication systems can also be other types of high altitude platform stations (HAPS).

[0109] satellite

[0110] The satellite in this embodiment, also known as an artificial Earth satellite, may include a communication device with communication signal receiving and / or transmitting modules. The satellite revolves around a target celestial body, which may be Earth, in a set orbit, using either a staring or non-staring method. When revolving in a staring manner, the satellite's rotation around the target celestial body is synchronized with the target celestial body's rotation, and the satellite always points towards the same area of ​​the target celestial body. The satellite and ground-based user equipment or earth stations can mutually transmit and receive wireless signals.

[0111] Depending on the classification method, a satellite may include various structures. In one scenario of this application, a satellite includes a platform and a payload. The platform, also known as a common system, may include structural and mechanical systems, thermal control systems, power systems, attitude and orbit control systems, telemetry and control systems, and data management systems. These systems collectively support the basic operation and functions of the satellite. The payload, also known as a dedicated system, is the effective part of the satellite used to complete its mission; satellites with different purposes may have different payloads. In addition, a satellite may include other structures, which are not listed here.

[0112] In this embodiment, the satellite may carry a regenerative payload. The regenerative payload carried by the satellite can be used to implement the functions of a radio access network node. This radio access network node may be a base station, and may further include an evolved Node B (eNB) or a next-generation Node B (gNB), etc.

[0113] Satellite changes

[0114] In this embodiment, satellite change can also be called satellite handover. It refers to the situation where, as the satellite moves relative to the Earth, the distance between the original satellite connected to the UE and the UE gradually increases, and the signal coverage area of ​​the original satellite on the Earth's surface gradually moves away from the UE's location. At this time, a new satellite that was not previously connected to the UE may gradually approach the UE, and the signal coverage area of ​​the new satellite on the Earth's surface gradually covers the UE's location. This triggers a handover between the UE and the satellite. During the handover process, the UE disconnects from the original satellite and connects to the new satellite.

[0115] In this embodiment, satellite handover includes soft switching and hard switching. Soft switching occurs when the original satellite has not yet left the UE's area, but a new satellite has arrived at the UE's area. The UE triggers the satellite handover and completes the switch to the new satellite before the original satellite leaves its coverage area. Hard switching occurs when the original satellite begins to leave the UE's area, but a new satellite arrives at the UE's coverage area. The UE triggers the satellite handover and completes the switch to the new satellite at the moment the original satellite leaves its area.

[0116] Non-terrestrial network (NTN)

[0117] Non-terrestrial networks are networks deployed in a manner that does not rely on the ground. A common type of non-terrestrial network utilizes high-altitude or high-sky platforms for communication, such as satellite communication non-terrestrial networks. The main characteristic of non-terrestrial networks is that they do not depend on traditional terrestrial infrastructure to communicate with user terminals. With the increasing global adoption of mobile communication technology, it has become increasingly important that anyone, anytime, and anywhere can use mobile communication networks. However, many areas in the world still lack terrestrial communication signal coverage. When users arrive in these areas for various reasons, it is difficult to meet their communication needs using terrestrial communication networks. Non-terrestrial networks, because they can achieve mobile communication through relatively mobile wireless network access points, can therefore provide wireless network access services to users in areas without terrestrial communication network coverage.

[0118] Depending on the satellite architecture, NTN architecture can include transparent transmission NTN architecture (also known as pass-through architecture) and regenerative NTN architecture.

[0119] Figure 2 This demonstrates a transparent NTN architecture. Figure 2In this configuration, the link between satellite 201 and UE 204 is a service link, and the link between satellite 201 and ground base station 203 is a feeder link. Satellite 201 does not have a base station; instead, it transmits communication information with the 5G core network's access and mobility management function (AMF) 202 or user plane function (UPF) via ground base station 203, establishing a next-generation (NG) link with the 5G core network. The service link between satellite 201 and user equipment may include links established through the new radio user to network interface universal (NR Uu).

[0120] When satellite 201 communicates with UE204, both a service link and a feeder link are required; and both the service link and the feeder link must be active simultaneously. Figure 2 The NTN architecture shown does not involve the storage and forwarding of communication data. The transmission of communication data and the signaling process are consistent with the terrestrial network. That is, the satellite will directly transmit the received uplink and downlink signaling / data to the receiving end immediately.

[0121] In the transparent transmission architecture, the base station serving the UE remains unchanged before and after the satellite connected to the UE is switched. Furthermore, after the UE switches to a new satellite, for hard handover, the base station serving the UE still uses the same synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SS / PBCH block, SSB) as before the handover; for soft handover, it uses a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block with a time-domain offset relative to the previous SS / PBCH block (SSB). The coverage area of ​​the new satellite uses the same physical cell identity (PCI) as the coverage area of ​​the original satellite.

[0122] Figure 3 This demonstrates a regenerated NTN architecture, in Figure 3In the regenerated NTN network architecture, base stations are deployed on regenerated satellite 301, enabling the regenerated NTN network to support both normal communication modes and store-and-forward communication modes. In store-and-forward mode, assuming the serving link and the feeder link are not simultaneously active, the base station (e.g., gNB) on regenerated satellite 301 will first store uplink and / or downlink signaling or data. Once the other link between the serving link and the feeder link becomes active, the stored uplink and / or downlink signaling or data will be sent to the terminal or core network. Figure 3 The regenerable satellite 301 shown can function as a radio network access (RAN) node.

[0123] The method for modifying the communication network provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. In specific embodiments, the method provided in this application will be used to modify the communication network. Figure 1 The example shown is an optimization of a satellite communication system. In other possible implementations, the communication network modification method provided in this application embodiment can also be applied to other types of non-terrestrial network communication systems, such as those including satellites, UAV mobile base stations, and high-altitude platforms. Alternatively, it can be applied to subsystems of non-terrestrial network communication systems. Alternatively, it can be applied to networks composed of multiple different communication systems. Alternatively, in some cases, it can also be applied to terrestrial network communication systems.

[0124] For regenerative architectures where base stations are deployed on satellites, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the next satellite (i.e., the new satellite) 401 enters the coverage area of ​​the current satellite 402, the UE and the next satellite 401 perform a handover (HO) and complete synchronization (re-synchronizing, re-sync), and then the new satellite begins to provide service. During this process, the actions the UE needs to perform include performing uplink synchronization or downlink synchronization. Simultaneously, the UE also needs to calculate the time advance (TA) based on GNSS position, ephemeris, common TA, and other information.

[0125] Figures 1 to 4 This is a simplified diagram for ease of understanding only; other devices may also be included in this communication system. Figures 1 to 4 It is not shown in the middle.

[0126] In a regenerative network architecture, when a satellite connecting to a UE undergoes a handover, the base station serving the UE also changes. If the handover method under the transparent transmission architecture is still used in the regenerative architecture, the handover may not be able to be completed for the regenerative satellite. The target satellites also need to obtain other necessary information to achieve a simultaneous satellite handover and base station handover.

[0127] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a method for modifying a communication network. Figure 5 The flowchart of a method for modifying a communication network provided in this application embodiment includes the following steps.

[0128] Step S51: The terminal equipment receives the SIB information or RRC signaling from the original satellite.

[0129] Among them, SIB information or RRC signaling is used to carry information related to satellite changes.

[0130] In this embodiment, the terminal device can obtain information related to satellite changes from the network device. The network device may include the original satellite, the target satellite, other satellites besides the original satellite, or other network devices from non-terrestrial networks.

[0131] The target satellite can be a satellite that arrives at or stays in the area where the terminal equipment is located for a certain period of time after the original satellite leaves the area where the terminal equipment is located.

[0132] The target satellite remains in the area where the terminal equipment is located, including at least one of the following situations: The original satellite leaves the area where the terminal equipment is located, similar to the situation where the target satellite arrives at the area where the terminal equipment is located.

[0133] Scenario (1): The target satellite is about to arrive at the area where the terminal device is located within the set time.

[0134] In this embodiment of the application, the coverage area where the target satellite reaches the terminal device can mean that the signal coverage range of the target satellite and the signal reception range of the terminal device at least partially overlap.

[0135] Scenario (2): The target satellite has just arrived in the coverage area of ​​the terminal device.

[0136] In scenario (3), the signal range of the target satellite already covers at least part of the signal reception range of the terminal equipment.

[0137] The SIB information or RRC signaling in step S51 carries the content of satellite change-related information. This satellite change-related information is used by the terminal device to determine the switch from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite; that is, it enables the terminal device to determine whether to disconnect from the original satellite and establish a connection with the target satellite. Besides being sent by the original satellite, the terminal device can also obtain this satellite change-related information through other means. In some possible implementations, the source from which the terminal device obtains the satellite change-related information may include one of the following:

[0138] Source (1): The original satellite directly sends information related to satellite changes to the terminal equipment.

[0139] For example, when the original satellite is about to leave the area where the terminal device is located, information related to satellite changes can be sent to the terminal device. Alternatively, at a set time before the original satellite leaves the area where the terminal device is located, information related to satellite changes can be sent to the terminal device.

[0140] When the original satellite transmits satellite change-related information while the terminal equipment is idle, it can broadcast this information to the terminal equipment. When the original satellite broadcasts satellite change-related information, it can carry this information in either the master information block (MIB) or the system information block (SIB).

[0141] When the original satellite sends satellite change-related information to the terminal device through the SIB, the satellite change-related information can be added to the existing SIB type, or a special SIB type can be created and sent through the special SIB type.

[0142] When the terminal device is in a connected state, the original satellite can send satellite change-related information by sending any one of the following: RRC signaling, non-access stratum (NAS) signaling, media access control control element (MAC CE), NAS signaling, or DCI.

[0143] Source (II): The original satellite indirectly sends information related to satellite changes to the terminal equipment.

[0144] The original satellite may send information related to satellite changes through other devices in the NTN network, terrestrial network equipment, or inter-satellite links with other satellites.

[0145] The original satellite first sends satellite change-related information to other devices in the NTN network, terrestrial network devices, or other satellites. Then, other devices in the NTN network, terrestrial network devices, or other satellites send the satellite change-related information to the terminal device.

[0146] Source (iii): Other devices in the NTN network, terrestrial network devices, or other satellites send satellite change-related information to the terminal device.

[0147] In possible implementations, other devices in the NTN network may include ground stations, high-altitude platforms, aircraft, satellites other than the original satellite and the target satellite, or drones, etc.

[0148] In possible implementations, the terrestrial network equipment may also include other terrestrial network terminal equipment besides the terminal equipment, such as core network equipment. Alternatively, the terrestrial network equipment may also include other terminal equipment associated with the current terminal equipment. For example, terminal equipment 1 is a mobile phone, and terminal equipment 2 is a tablet computer associated with the mobile phone. Terminal equipment 1 can obtain satellite change-related information from terminal equipment 2 through wireless network connection, near-field communication, Bluetooth communication, or wired communication transmission.

[0149] Source (iv): Relevant information about the target satellite can be configured and stored in the terminal device. For example, the ephemeris information and common lead of the target satellite can be pre-configured in the terminal device. When the original satellite leaves or is about to leave the area where the terminal device is located, the terminal device automatically obtains the pre-configured and stored relevant information about the target satellite.

[0150] Source (5): The target satellite sends satellite change-related information to the terminal equipment via broadcast.

[0151] Similarly, if other candidate satellites exist, they can broadcast their respective candidate satellite information to the target device.

[0152] When the original satellite leaves or is about to leave the area where the terminal device is located, the original satellite can send a notification to the terminal device, so that the terminal device is aware that the original satellite has left or is about to leave. Alternatively, the terminal device can also determine whether the original satellite has left or is about to leave the area where the terminal device is located based on data such as the original satellite's ephemeris information or signal reception quality parameters.

[0153] After receiving the SIB information or RRC signaling sent by the original satellite, the terminal device determines, based on the satellite change-related information carried in the SIB information or RRC signaling, that the terminal device will switch from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite by performing synchronization.

[0154] Based on information related to satellite changes, the terminal device determines whether to switch from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite, which may include at least one of three scenarios.

[0155] In scenario (1), where satellite change-related information includes satellite change instructions, used to instruct the terminal device to switch from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite, the terminal device directly determines, based on the instructions related to the target satellite, that it will switch from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite by performing synchronization.

[0156] In scenario (ii), where information related to satellite changes and information related to other candidate satellites are simultaneously sent to the terminal device, the terminal device, based on information related to all candidate satellites, determines to switch its connection from the original satellite to the target satellite by performing synchronization. Here, all candidate satellites include the target satellite.

[0157] In scenario (iii), if no information related to satellite changes is simultaneously sent to the terminal device along with information related to any other candidate satellites, the terminal device directly executes and determines that it switches from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite through synchronization.

[0158] In this embodiment of the application, when the terminal device determines that it is switching from a state connected to the original satellite to a state connected to the target satellite, it can change the state of the terminal device and send uplink information to the original satellite and the target satellite according to the state of the terminal device.

[0159] In another optional embodiment of this application, when obtaining information related to the target satellite, the terminal device may also obtain information related to candidate satellites; the candidate satellites may include multiple satellites, and the candidate satellites may include the target satellite. The source of the candidate satellite-related information may be similar to the source of the target satellite-related information.

[0160] When a terminal device obtains information about multiple candidate satellites, it can use the same or different methods to obtain this information for different candidate satellites. For example, candidate satellite A broadcasts information about itself to the terminal device. The original satellite sends information about candidate satellite B to the terminal device. The terminal device then obtains information about candidate satellite C from its pre-configured and stored data.

[0161] In scenario (iv), if the terminal device receives a signal from the target satellite according to its original signal reception configuration, it receives information related to satellite changes and determines that the terminal device switches from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite by performing synchronization.

[0162] In one implementation, switching the connection of the regenerated satellite to the terminal device is equivalent to performing a base station handover. If the terminal device can receive the target satellite's signal in its original signal reception configuration (e.g., frequency), it indicates that the terminal device consumes fewer hardware and software resources during the handover. Therefore, from a resource optimization perspective, the terminal device can choose to connect to the target satellite.

[0163] When the terminal determines to switch from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite, the terminal device can perform preparatory operations for accessing the target satellite, such as obtaining the timing lead of the target satellite.

[0164] Step S52: The terminal equipment synchronizes with the target satellite.

[0165] Prior to step S52, the target satellite also obtains the information required for satellite modification. This information may include: information about the connection between the terminal device and the original satellite, and information about the connection between the original satellite's base station and the terminal device.

[0166] After the target satellite obtains the information required for satellite changes, the terminal device synchronizes with the target satellite to ensure that the terminal device and the target satellite have the same starting position in the time domain and frequency domain.

[0167] Step S53: When the target satellite has completed synchronization with the terminal device, the terminal device receives the dynamic scheduling information of the target satellite.

[0168] Dynamic scheduling information can include uplink scheduling information or downlink scheduling information.

[0169] Step S54: The terminal device sends uplink signaling and uplink data to the target satellite based on the dynamic scheduling information.

[0170] Alternatively, in step S54, the terminal device receives downlink signaling or downlink data based on dynamic scheduling information.

[0171] When a terminal device detects uplink scheduling information, it uses uplink scheduling resources to send uplink data or uplink signaling; or when a terminal device detects downlink scheduling information, it uses downlink scheduling resources to receive downlink data or downlink signaling.

[0172] The terminal device switches from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite by sending uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling to the target satellite.

[0173] In this embodiment of the application, when the terminal device switches from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite, the terminal device can disconnect from the original satellite to realize satellite change.

[0174] In one implementation, the terminal device disconnects from the original satellite before, during, or after accessing the target satellite. Alternatively, the terminal device does not actively disconnect from the original satellite; instead, it waits until the coverage area of ​​the original satellite leaves the terminal device's signal receiving area before automatically disconnecting the communication connection between the terminal device and the original satellite.

[0175] In this embodiment, in addition to sending RRC signaling, the terminal device can also switch from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite by sending other information for accessing the target satellite. In possible implementations, steps S53 and S54 correspond to the process of the terminal device accessing the target satellite. The process of the terminal device accessing the target satellite may include at least one of the following two situations.

[0176] In scenario (1), the terminal device receives dynamic scheduling information sent by the target satellite; the scheduling information includes uplink scheduling or downlink scheduling; the dynamic scheduling information is used to instruct the target satellite to complete the synchronization.

[0177] During uplink or downlink scheduling, the base station of the target satellite can dynamically select the terminal equipment to be scheduled and allocate a certain amount of transmission resources to the terminal equipment to be scheduled based on various information it has.

[0178] During uplink scheduling, the base station of the target satellite can dynamically allocate uplink radio resources to the terminal equipment based on the terminal equipment's request and channel conditions, so that the user equipment can send uplink data to the base station of the target satellite.

[0179] During downlink scheduling, the target satellite's base station allocates downlink radio resources to the terminal equipment so that the target satellite's base station can send downlink data to the user equipment.

[0180] In scenario (ii), the terminal device receives the proprietary signaling configured for the target satellite; obtains the authorized resources configured for the proprietary signaling; the authorized resources are used by the terminal device to send data or signaling feedback on the dynamic scheduling information of the target satellite.

[0181] In this embodiment of the application, the authorized resources may include wireless resources such as time, frequency, and power, as well as possible network resources and services.

[0182] In one implementation, before step S53, the target satellite needs to synchronize with the terminal device to obtain the information required for satellite changes. This information can be sent from the original satellite to the target satellite. The information includes: information about the connection between the terminal device and the original satellite, and information about the connection between the original satellite's base station and the terminal device.

[0183] Furthermore, the information regarding the connection between the terminal device and the original satellite includes the terminal device context. The terminal device context may include a set of connection and configuration information established by the terminal device on the original satellite side.

[0184] Furthermore, the terminal device context may include at least one of the following: user identity information, security context, network access information, session management information, mobility management information, and service context information.

[0185] Furthermore, the information regarding the connection between the original satellite's base station and the terminal device may include: base station context. The base station context may include: a set of connection and configuration information established by the terminal device at the original satellite's base station.

[0186] Furthermore, the base station context may include at least one of the following: user identity information, security context, radio resource allocation information, mobility management information, session management information, and service context information.

[0187] Meanwhile, the information regarding the connection between the terminal device and the original satellite, or the information regarding the connection between the original satellite's base station and the terminal device, also includes RRC configuration. In mobile communication networks, the RRC layer controls and manages the UE's radio resources through a series of signaling messages. These signaling messages include RRC connection establishment, RRC connection reconfiguration, RRC redirection, and RRC connection release. RRC configuration parameters define the specific behaviors and attributes of these signaling messages.

[0188] exist Figure 5 Based on this, in another possible embodiment, before step S53, the terminal device may further include a timing advance calculation step. The timing advance calculation step includes: determining the timing advance of the target satellite based on the original satellite configuration and information related to the satellite change; the timing advance of the target satellite is used for time-domain synchronization between the terminal device and the target satellite.

[0189] The terminal device generates at least one timing advance report (TA) based on a common timing lead (also known as common lead), its own Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) position data, and the target satellite's ephemeris data. Multiple TA reports are linked to multiple uplink measurement points. The terminal device can send multiple TA reports to the target satellite at multiple time points. The timing lead reports can be referenced... Figure 6 or Figure 7 As shown.

[0190] In another embodiment of this application, in Figure 5Based on the method shown, prior to step S53, the communication network switching method may further include a step of terminal device instructing synchronization. This step further includes: the terminal device sending a first synchronization instruction to the original satellite, so that the original satellite, according to the first synchronization instruction, synchronizes information regarding the connection between the terminal device and the original satellite, and information regarding the connection between the original satellite's base station and the terminal device, to the target satellite. The first synchronization instruction is used to instruct synchronization with the target satellite.

[0191] In one implementation, the first synchronization indication can be the timing lead of the target satellite.

[0192] In another embodiment of this application, in Figure 5 Based on the method shown, before step S53, the communication network switching method may further include a step of network device instructing synchronization. The step of network device instructing synchronization further includes: the original satellite sending a second synchronization instruction to the terminal device, so that after sending the second synchronization instruction, the original satellite sends information about the connection between the terminal device and the original satellite, and information about the connection between the original satellite's base station and the terminal device, to the target satellite, wherein the second synchronization instruction is used to instruct synchronization with the target satellite.

[0193] In another embodiment of this application, in Figure 5 Based on the communication network modification method shown, before step S53, the method may simultaneously include: a timing advance calculation step and a terminal device indication synchronization step. The timing advance calculation step and the terminal device indication synchronization step can be executed in any order, or simultaneously.

[0194] In another embodiment of this application, in Figure 5 Based on the communication network modification method shown, before step S53, the method may simultaneously include: a timing advance calculation step and a network device indication synchronization step. The timing advance calculation step and the network device indication synchronization step can be executed in any order, or simultaneously.

[0195] In one embodiment of this application, the satellite change-related information may include target satellite-related information, candidate satellite-related information, and satellite change instruction information. The satellite change-related information may also include conditional information. The conditional information is used to trigger the execution of satellite changes through synchronization. The satellite change instruction information is used to instruct the terminal device to execute satellite changes for the target satellite synchronously. The candidate satellite-related information may include target satellite-related information. Before leaving the coverage area corresponding to the terminal device, the original satellite may send candidate satellite-related information to the terminal device. The terminal device determines the target satellite from the candidate satellite-related information and determines to execute satellite changes for the target satellite synchronously. Then, the terminal device may trigger the execution of satellite changes through synchronization when the conditional information is met.

[0196] Alternatively, the original satellite can send information about the target satellite to the terminal device in advance, and also send a separate signaling message to the terminal device. The separately sent signaling message carries the instruction information for satellite changes, triggering the terminal device to execute the satellite change synchronously.

[0197] In one embodiment of this application, the terminal device can send the timing lead report of the target satellite to the original satellite, informing it to perform satellite changes with the target satellite through synchronization. The timing lead report information of the target satellite can be carried in a MAC CE and may include the target satellite identifier (satellite ID) and the target satellite's timing lead report (TA report), such as... Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 In this context, 'R' indicates that the target satellite is reserved. In another embodiment, information related to the target satellite can be sent to the terminal device simultaneously with information related to other candidate satellites, such as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0198] In a specific example of this application, the method for changing the communication network may involve the following processes: Figure 8A As shown, it includes the following steps S81 to S86.

[0199] Step S81: The original satellite sends SIB or RRC signaling to the UE.

[0200] SIB or RRC signaling is used to carry information related to satellite changes, as well as configuration information used to trigger the UE to perform satellite changes.

[0201] Accordingly, the UE receives satellite change-related information sent by the original satellite and triggers the execution of the satellite change.

[0202] The satellite change-related information may include information about the target satellite, which may be sent to the UE along with information about other candidate satellites.

[0203] In step S81, the original satellite's base station or the original satellite can send satellite change-related information to the UE via broadcast or dedicated signaling.

[0204] In this embodiment of the application, the original satellite's base station can be an eNB or a gNB.

[0205] In step S81, when the original satellite transmits target satellite-related information to the UE, it can be transmitted by other payloads besides the base station. These other payloads besides the base station can include devices such as antennas and communication transponders.

[0206] Information related to satellite changes may include: the identifier of the satellite whose satellite change can be completed synchronously and / or the identifier of the target satellite whose satellite change can be completed synchronously, an indication of whether the PCI changes during the change, an indication of the satellite type, and the ephemeris information of the regenerated satellite, and the SSB time domain offset.

[0207] The identifiers of satellites that can undergo synchronous satellite changes may include one or more satellite identifiers. The identifier of the target satellite that can undergo synchronous satellite changes may include one satellite identifier. The satellite type indicator may be a regenerating satellite.

[0208] Optionally, if the above information is sent via proprietary signaling, the information content may also include the configured authorized resources.

[0209] Step S82: The UE determines the target satellite to be synchronized from multiple candidate satellites based on the information related to the target satellite; or the UE determines the change of the target satellite to be synchronized or the target satellite to be synchronized based on the pre-configured settings.

[0210] The UE can also determine whether to perform satellite changes or synchronization with the target satellite based on the signaling sent by the original satellite.

[0211] Target satellite synchronization is used to complete the target satellite for satellite changes.

[0212] Based on information related to the target satellite, the UE determines the target satellite to be synchronized from multiple candidate satellites: in the first layer, the UE determines the target satellite; in the second layer, the UE determines the target satellite to be synchronized.

[0213] Regarding the second meaning, before or when the original satellite ends its coverage of the current coverage area, the UE determines to perform synchronization with the target satellite, or the UE determines to perform synchronization with the target satellite specified by the original satellite.

[0214] The UE can determine the synchronization of the target satellite simultaneously when determining the target satellite, or determine the synchronization of the target satellite after determining the target satellite.

[0215] Regarding the first meaning: The UE determines the target satellite at a pre-configured synchronization trigger time. The synchronization trigger time can be configured by the original satellite to the UE. The synchronization trigger time can be configured to the UE via broadcast or dedicated signaling. The synchronization trigger time can be time t before the original satellite ends its coverage of the current coverage area. It also includes determining the target satellite before or when the original satellite ends its coverage of the current coverage area.

[0216] The target satellite determined by the UE can be one of the following: (1) the target satellite determined by the UE from multiple candidate satellites based on the information related to the target satellite; (2) the target satellite specified by the original satellite.

[0217] In step S82, the UE determines to perform synchronization with the target satellite after or at the time of determining the target satellite.

[0218] Step S83: The UE performs synchronization with the target satellite.

[0219] The UE performs synchronization with the target satellite, including time-domain synchronization and frequency-domain synchronization.

[0220] Step S84: The UE sends a timing advance to the original satellite, or the UE instructs the original satellite to complete the synchronization with the target satellite.

[0221] Correspondingly, the original satellite receives a timing lead. The timing lead is used to synchronize the target satellite.

[0222] The UE can determine the timing advance of the terminal based on GNSS positioning, ephemeris information of the target satellite, and common timing advance of the target satellite.

[0223] The UE can send timing advance to the satellite in the following ways.

[0224] The UE can send the acquired timing advance of the target satellite to the original satellite. The UE can send the timing advance via the MAC CE. The MAC CE can contain the identifier of the original satellite and the timing advance value.

[0225] Step S85: The original satellite sends the information required for satellite modification to the target satellite.

[0226] Correspondingly, the target satellite receives the information required for satellite modification.

[0227] The information that needs to be synchronized includes: UE context information, original satellite base station context information, UE RRC configuration information, and security-related information.

[0228] Step S86: Dynamically schedule the UE for the target satellite.

[0229] When the target satellite receives at least one of the information that needs to be synchronized, it begins to dynamically schedule the UE. The target satellite's scheduling of the UE can include uplink scheduling or downlink scheduling.

[0230] Step S87: The UE sends uplink data / uplink signaling (such as an RRC reconfiguration completion message) according to the uplink scheduling resources of the target satellite to complete access to the target satellite.

[0231] If configuration authorization resources are configured, the UE will use these resources to send uplink data or report the amount of advance advance or uplink signaling obtained above to complete the satellite modification. The uplink signaling may include an RRC reconfiguration completion message.

[0232] Otherwise, if no authorized resources are configured, the UE will listen to the PDCCH to obtain dynamically scheduled resources.

[0233] If the target satellite performs uplink scheduling for the UE, after the UE completes synchronization with the target satellite, the UE detects this uplink scheduling and can send uplink data to the target satellite or report the amount of advance advance or uplink signaling obtained above to complete the satellite change. The uplink signaling may include: an RRC reconfiguration completion message.

[0234] If the target satellite performs downlink scheduling and sends downlink signaling (indicating completion of satellite change) or downlink data, the UE detects the downlink scheduling after UE completes synchronization with the target satellite, and then the UE completes the reception of downlink signaling or downlink data; thus, the UE completes the change from accessing the original satellite to accessing the target satellite.

[0235] In another embodiment of this application, in Figure 8A Based on this, the communication network modification method can eliminate the need for the UE to send synchronization information when transmitting synchronization information between the original satellite and the target satellite. Therefore, the communication network modification method can sequentially execute steps S81-S83 and S85-S87. Correspondingly, the communication network modification method can include... Figure 8B Steps S811 to S861 are shown.

[0236] In another embodiment of this application, in Figure 8A Based on this, methods for modifying communication networks may include, for example... Figure 8C The steps are shown.

[0237] Step S812: The original satellite sends satellite change-related information and authorized resource configuration information to the UE.

[0238] Reference Figure 8C As shown, after step S812, steps S822, S832, S842, and S852 are executed, and the implementation of step S822 is the same as... Figure 8A The implementation method of step S832 is the same as that of step S82. Figure 8A The implementation method of step S842 is the same as that of step S83. Figure 8A The implementation of step S84 is the same as that of step S852. Figure 8A The steps are the same as in step S85.

[0239] Still refer to Figure 8C Based on steps S812 to S852, step S862 is executed: the UE sends uplink data / uplink signaling (such as RRC reconfiguration completion message) according to the configured authorized resources to complete access to the target satellite.

[0240] In another embodiment of this application, in Figure 8C Based on this, step S842 can be omitted. For example... Figure 8D As shown.

[0241] In another embodiment of this application, the method for changing the communication network includes Figure 9A Steps S91-S96 are shown.

[0242] The implementation of step S91 is similar to that of step S81. Steps S92-S96 can be... Figure 8A Another implementation of steps S82-S86 shown.

[0243] Step S92: The original satellite is determined to undergo satellite modification.

[0244] The original satellite can determine the target satellite for the terminal to synchronously complete the satellite change before the original satellite ends its coverage of the current coverage area (including any previous specific satellite implementation time, or a determined previous time T) or when the original satellite ends its coverage of the current coverage area.

[0245] Step S93: The original satellite sends the information required for satellite modification to the target satellite.

[0246] The information that needs to be synchronized may include: the UE's context information, the original satellite's base station context information, the UE's RRC configuration information, and security-related information sent to the target satellite.

[0247] Step S94: The original satellite instructs the UE to perform synchronization with the target satellite, or the original satellite instructs the UE to change the satellite.

[0248] Alternatively, based on pre-configuration, the UE can synchronize with the target satellite before or when the original satellite ends its coverage of the current area, or at time t of the pre-configured value.

[0249] Step S95: The UE performs synchronization with the target satellite.

[0250] Step S96: Dynamically schedule the UE using the target satellite. The information required for satellite changes includes relevant information from the original base station.

[0251] After the target satellite obtains terminal-related information, including information about the original base station, from the original satellite, it begins scheduling the UE. The target satellite's scheduling of the UE can include uplink scheduling or downlink scheduling.

[0252] If the target satellite performs uplink scheduling for the UE, after the UE completes synchronization with the target satellite, the UE detects the uplink scheduling and can send uplink data, report the amount of advance advance obtained above, or uplink signaling to the target satellite. The UE then completes the change from accessing the original satellite to accessing the target satellite. The uplink signaling may include messages such as RRC reconfiguration completion messages.

[0253] If the target satellite performs downlink scheduling and sends downlink signaling (indicating completion of satellite change) or downlink data, after the UE completes synchronization with the target satellite, the UE detects the downlink scheduling and completes the reception of downlink signaling or downlink data; the UE completes the change from accessing the original satellite to accessing the target satellite.

[0254] Step S97: The UE sends uplink data / uplink signaling (such as an RRC reconfiguration completion message) according to the uplink scheduling resources of the target satellite to complete access to the target satellite. Alternatively, the UE receives downlink data / downlink signaling according to the downlink scheduling resources of the target satellite to complete access to the target satellite.

[0255] If configuration authorization resources are configured, the UE will use these resources to send uplink data or report the amount of advance advance or uplink signaling obtained above to complete the satellite modification. The uplink signaling may include an RRC reconfiguration completion message.

[0256] Otherwise, if no authorized resources are configured, the UE will listen to the PDCCH to obtain dynamically scheduled resources.

[0257] In another embodiment of this application, the communication network modification method includes, as follows: Figure 9B The steps are shown.

[0258] Step S911: The original satellite sends information related to the target satellite and the configured authorized resource information to the UE.

[0259] The implementation methods of steps S921-951 are respectively as follows: Figure 9A The steps S92-S95 shown are the same.

[0260] Step S961: The UE sends uplink data / uplink signaling (such as an RRC reconfiguration completion message) according to the configured authorized resources to complete access to the target satellite.

[0261] In another embodiment of this application, the method for changing the communication network is as follows: Figure 10A As shown, it includes the following steps S1001-S1006.

[0262] The implementation methods of steps S1001-S1003 are the same as those of steps S91-S93, respectively.

[0263] The implementation methods of steps S1004-S1006 can be the same as those of steps S95-S97, respectively.

[0264] In another embodiment of this application, the method for changing the communication network is as follows: Figure 10B As shown, it includes the following steps S1011-S1081.

[0265] The implementation methods of steps S1011-S1041 are the same as those of steps S91-S94, respectively.

[0266] Step S1051: The UE sends a timing advance to the original satellite, or the UE instructs the original satellite to complete the synchronization with the target satellite.

[0267] Correspondingly, the original satellite receives a timing lead. The timing lead is used to synchronize the target satellite.

[0268] The implementation methods of steps S1061-S1081 can be the same as those of steps S95-S97, respectively.

[0269] exist Figures 8A to 10B In the illustrated embodiment, synchronization between the UE and the target satellite may fail for various reasons. Accordingly, in another embodiment of this application, if synchronization between the UE and the target satellite fails, at least one of the following methods can be performed.

[0270] Method a: The original satellite indicates to the UE that the satellite change synchronization failed. After receiving the indication from the original satellite, the UE will perform a satellite handover or perform an RRC re-establishment with the target satellite.

[0271] The original satellite can indicate to the UE that the satellite change synchronization has failed through one of the following methods: Method 1: The original satellite sends an indication message to the UE, indicating that the satellite change synchronization has failed. Method 2: The original satellite sends a handover command to the UE. Method 3: If the UE does not receive an indication from the original satellite that the satellite change synchronization was successful, it will receive a failure indication by default, indicating that the satellite change synchronization has failed.

[0272] Method b: The network is configured to receive a timer from the original base station to synchronize the satellite change. If the UE does not confirm that it has completed the synchronization of the satellite change within the timer's duration, a satellite handover will be performed, or an RRC re-establishment with the target satellite will be performed.

[0273] After the UE completes synchronization with the target satellite, it starts the timer. If it does not receive signaling from the target satellite (e.g., an instruction to complete synchronization and realize satellite change) before the timer expires, or does not receive uplink and downlink scheduling from the target satellite, or does not receive confirmation feedback for uplink signaling or data sent to the terminal, it considers the synchronization and realization of satellite change to have failed.

[0274] Option c: The UE does not receive uplink / downlink scheduling or uplink / downlink data from the target satellite. The UE will then perform a satellite handover or an RRC re-establishment with the target satellite.

[0275] If, after completing synchronization with the target satellite, the terminal does not detect uplink or downlink scheduling of the target satellite, or does not receive confirmation feedback for sending uplink signaling or data to the terminal, or does not receive downlink signaling (e.g., an instruction to complete synchronization and realize satellite change), it considers the synchronization and realization of satellite change to have failed.

[0276] For example, the terminal device can be a mobile terminal. A mobile terminal can support both cellular and satellite communication. It can be combined with... Figures 11-13 The software and hardware architecture of a mobile terminal that supports both cellular and satellite communications can be understood through the descriptions corresponding to each diagram. The descriptions of each diagram can be used for cross-referencing.

[0277] See Figure 11 In this example, the mobile terminal includes a system-on-chip (SoC), a user identification card 1, an RF component 1, a satellite communication chip (a chip with satellite communication capabilities, or a satellite communication processor; this chip may also have other communication functions, such as cellular communication capabilities), and an RF component 2. The mobile terminal also includes a modem (baseband processor, also known as a modem processor), which can be configured as follows: Figure 11The diagram shows that it can be integrated into the SoC, or it can exist as a standalone chip outside the SoC. The modem includes a protocol stack for cellular communication (such as...). Figure 11 The cellular protocol stack shown), and the physical layer for cellular communication (such as...) Figure 11 The mobile terminal implements cellular communication through the application processor (AP) and modem in the SoC, as well as the subscriber identification card 1 and radio frequency (RF) component 1. Figure 11 The user identification card 1) and RF component 2 shown enable satellite communication. Figure 11 In the implementation shown, the satellite protocol stack and the AP can communicate via an attention-based command (AT) interface to implement satellite communication-related display functions, such as displaying satellite network signal strength and on / off status. It should be understood that the SoC and the satellite communication chip typically connect via a serial port. Therefore, in some examples, the AT interface needs to communicate with the AP via a serial port to achieve communication between the satellite protocol stack in the satellite communication chip and the AP in the SoC. When establishing an RRC connection, an RRC connection request is generated and sent from the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) layer of the satellite protocol stack to the RRC layer.

[0278] Satellite communication chips typically include a physical layer module (hereinafter referred to as the satellite physical layer) for implementing satellite communication and a protocol stack module (hereinafter referred to as the satellite protocol stack) for implementing satellite communication.

[0279] In some implementations of the embodiments of this application, part or all of the satellite protocol stack can be integrated into the AP or the Modem, and thus the satellite communication chip may or may not include the satellite protocol stack.

[0280] Furthermore, in some other implementations of the embodiments of this application, the satellite physical layer can be integrated into the modem, so that the mobile terminal does not need a separate satellite communication chip, but can realize cellular communication and satellite communication through a modem or SoC (SoC includes AP and modem) that integrates cellular communication function and satellite communication function.

[0281] It should be noted that the satellite protocol stack, satellite physical layer, cellular protocol stack, and cellular physical layer mentioned above can be pure software modules or modules combining software and hardware. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit them in this regard.

[0282] Based on the different communication methods, RF components can be divided into RF components used for cellular communication (such as...). Figure 11 RF component 1) and RF components for satellite communication (such as Figure 11 (RF component 2 in the example). In other implementations, RF component 1 and RF component 2 can be the same RF component. That is, instead of setting up a separate dedicated RF component for satellite communication, the RF component used for cellular communication can be reused, so that a set of RF components can be used for both cellular and satellite communication. Similarly, the antenna used for satellite communication can be independent of the antenna used for cellular communication, or it can be a reused antenna used for cellular communication.

[0283] RF components may include radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) and radio frequency front-ends (RFFEs).

[0284] The RFIC receives digital signals from the baseband (such as a cellular physical layer or a satellite physical layer) and performs digital-to-analog conversion, transmitting the converted radio electromagnetic wave signal (analog signal) to the RFFE for processing. For example, the RFIC can receive digital signals from the baseband via a Radio Frequency Interface Unit (RFIU) and perform digital-to-analog conversion using a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) to obtain the radio electromagnetic wave signal. Furthermore, the RFIC performs analog-to-digital conversion on the radio electromagnetic wave signal obtained from the RFFE and sends the converted digital signal to the baseband. For example, the RFIC can use an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) to perform analog-to-digital conversion and send the converted digital signal to the baseband.

[0285] It should be noted that the main difference between RF component 1 and RF component 2 is the electromagnetic frequency that the RFIC can receive. Cellular communication uses electromagnetic frequencies ranging from 700MHz to 3.5GHz; therefore, the RFIC in RF component 1 must also be able to receive electromagnetic frequencies from 700MHz to 3.5GHz. Furthermore, satellite communication uses C-band electromagnetic frequencies around 2GHz; therefore, if C-band is used, the RFIC in RF component 2 must be able to receive electromagnetic frequencies around 2GHz.

[0286] An RFFE (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​is used to transmit and receive radio electromagnetic wave signals. An RFFE mainly consists of a power amplifier (PA) and a low-noise amplifier (LNA). The PA amplifies the radio electromagnetic wave signal obtained from digital-to-analog conversion to obtain a high-frequency radio electromagnetic wave signal, which is then radiated through the antenna. The LNA is a low-noise amplifier used to amplify small signals in the radio electromagnetic wave signal received by the antenna. An RFFE may also include filters, switches, duplexers, etc.

[0287] In various embodiments of this application, the user identification card can refer to a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), User Identity Module (UIM), Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), or Embedded SIM (eSIM), etc., which are card modules that can be used for identification during communication. The user identification card used for cellular communication and the user identification card used for satellite communication can be the same user identification card or different user identification cards. Figure 11 The diagram shows a case where the user identification card used for cellular communication and the user identification card used for satellite communication are the same user identification card.

[0288] See Figure 12 This is a hardware structure diagram of a terminal provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 As shown, taking a smartphone as an example, the terminal may include: a processor 210, a satellite communication processor 211 (a processor with satellite communication function, or a satellite communication chip, which may also have other communication functions, such as cellular communication function), an internal memory 221, a charging management module 230, a power management module 231, a battery 232, antenna 1, antenna 2, antenna 3, and a mobile communication module 251 (such as...). Figure 6 RF component 1 shown, satellite communication module 252 (as shown) Figure 6 The components shown include RF component 2), wireless communication module 253, audio module 270, speaker 270A, receiver 270B, microphone 270C, headphone jack 270D, sensor module 280, display screen 294, and user identification card (such as SIM card) interface 295, etc.

[0289] It is understood that the structure illustrated in this embodiment does not constitute a specific limitation on the smartphone. In other embodiments, the smartphone may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine some components, or split some components, or reuse some components. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, or software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0290] Processor 210 may include one or more processing units, such as: an application processor (AP, which may include a satellite protocol stack), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a controller, memory, a video codec, a digital signal processor (DSP), a modem (also known as a baseband processor, which may include a cellular protocol stack and a cellular physical layer), and / or a neural network processing unit (NPU). These different processing units may be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors. Processor 210 may be a System-on-a-Chip (SoC).

[0291] In some embodiments, the processor 210 may include one or more interfaces. Interfaces may include an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface, an inter-integrated circuit sound (I2S) interface, a pulse code modulation (PCM) interface, a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) interface, a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI), a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) interface, a subscriber identification card (e.g., a SIM card) interface, and / or a universal serial bus (USB) interface, etc.

[0292] Satellite communication processor 211 is communicatively connected to the AP in processor 210. When part or all of the satellite protocol stack is integrated into the AP, communication can occur between the satellite protocol stack in the AP and the satellite physical layer in satellite communication processor 211 via this connection.

[0293] The wireless communication function of a smartphone can be implemented through antenna 1, antenna 2, antenna 3, mobile communication module 251, satellite communication module 252, wireless communication module 253, AP, modem, and satellite communication chip. Antenna 1, antenna 2, and antenna 3 are used to transmit and receive electromagnetic wave signals.

[0294] The mobile communication module 251 (as described above as RF component 1) can provide a solution for cellular communication (such as 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G) applications in smartphones. The mobile communication module 251 may include at least one filter, switch, power amplifier, low noise amplifier (LNA), etc. The mobile communication module 251 can receive electromagnetic waves via antenna 1, and perform filtering, amplification, and other processing on the received electromagnetic waves before transmitting them to the modem for demodulation. The mobile communication module 251 can also amplify the signal modulated by the modem and convert it into electromagnetic waves for radiation via antenna 1.

[0295] Satellite communication module 252 (as described above in RF component 2) can provide a satellite communication solution for smartphone applications. Satellite communication module 252 may include at least one filter, switch, power amplifier, low-noise amplifier, etc. Satellite communication module 252 can receive electromagnetic waves via antenna 2, and perform filtering, amplification, and other processing on the received electromagnetic waves before transmitting them to the satellite communication chip (i.e., satellite communication processor 211) and AP for processing. Satellite communication module 252 can also amplify the signal processed by the AP and satellite communication chip, and then convert it into electromagnetic waves for radiation via antenna 2.

[0296] The satellite communication module 252 can be independent of the satellite communication processor 211. Alternatively, the satellite communication module 252 can be partially encapsulated within the satellite communication processor 211. For example, the RFIC in the satellite communication module 252 can be encapsulated within the satellite communication processor 211.

[0297] The wireless communication module 253 can provide solutions for wireless communication applications in smartphones, including wireless local area networks (WLAN) (such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks), Bluetooth (BT), global navigation satellite system (GNSS), frequency modulation (FM), near field communication (NFC), and infrared (IR) technologies. The wireless communication module 253 can be one or more devices integrating at least one communication processing module. The wireless communication module 253 receives electromagnetic waves via antenna 3, performs frequency modulation and filtering of the electromagnetic wave signals, and sends the processed signal to processor 210. The wireless communication module 253 can also receive signals to be transmitted from processor 210, perform frequency modulation and amplification, and convert them into electromagnetic waves for radiation via antenna 3.

[0298] In some embodiments, antenna 1 of the terminal device is coupled to mobile communication module 251, and antenna 3 is coupled to wireless communication module 253, enabling the terminal device to communicate with networks and other devices via wireless communication technology. Wireless communication technologies may include Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Time-Division Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), BitTorrent, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), WLAN, NFC, FM, and / or IR technologies, etc. GNSS can include the Global Positioning System (GPS), the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), and / or satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS).

[0299] Internal memory 221 can be used to store computer executable program code, which includes instructions. Processor 210 executes various functional applications and data processing of the smartphone by running the instructions stored in internal memory 221. Internal memory 221 may include a program storage area and a data storage area.

[0300] The software system of the AP in the aforementioned terminal can adopt a layered architecture, event-driven architecture, microkernel architecture, microservice architecture, or cloud architecture. This application embodiment uses an Android system with an AP as the layered architecture. TM Taking the system as an example, the software structure of the terminal is illustrated.

[0301] like Figure 13As shown, a layered architecture divides the AP's software into several layers, each with a clear role and function. Layers communicate with each other through software interfaces. In some embodiments, Android... TM The system is divided into four layers, from top to bottom: Application layer, Application framework layer, Hardware abstraction layer (HAL), and Kernel layer.

[0302] It should be understood that Figure 13 The layering of the AP shown is merely exemplary; in actual implementation, the AP's software may include more or fewer layers. For example, a system library may be included between the application framework layer and the hardware abstraction layer.

[0303] The application layer can include a series of application packages, such as call, text message, browser, chat application, video player and other applications that require network support (including cellular network, satellite network and so on).

[0304] It should be noted that applications such as calls and text messages can provide communication services (i.e., making calls and sending text messages) with the support of cellular networks or satellite networks. In other words, calls can be divided into satellite calls and cellular calls, and text messages can be divided into satellite text messages and cellular text messages. Therefore, in a specific implementation, the terminal can further include two calling applications (satellite calling and cellular calling) and two text messaging applications (satellite text messaging and cellular text messaging). This makes it easier to distinguish the network type to be used from the foreground application. For example, if the foreground application is satellite text messaging, then in response to the user's confirmation of sending a text message, the terminal can determine to use the satellite network to send the message.

[0305] Of course, in practice, this implementation method is not the only option. In another specific implementation, calls and SMS can be separated into their own applications, without further subdivision. In this approach, the terminal can determine the network type to use based on the currently enabled network or the network set by the user for the application. For example, in response to the user's confirmation to send an SMS, the terminal can use the currently enabled cellular network. Alternatively, in the SMS settings, the network used for sending SMS can be set to satellite; in this case, in response to the user's confirmation, the terminal can determine to use the satellite network. Yet another example is that within the SMS application, a separate satellite SMS module can be integrated into the existing cellular SMS functionality. Users can access the SMS application first and then use the satellite SMS module provided within the application to access satellite SMS functionality.

[0306] In some embodiments, the application layer also includes satellite applications and cellular applications.

[0307] Cellular applications can be used to provide display information related to cellular networks.

[0308] For example, a cellular app can provide information about the cellular network signal strength in the status bar. For instance, a cellular app can provide... Figure 14 The interface 901 shows the signal strength indicated by 9011.

[0309] As another example, a cellular application can provide information on whether the cellular network is on or off. For instance, in response to a user's action from... Figure 14 The swipe-down gesture from the top of the screen (901) shown in the image allows the phone to display... Figure 14 The interface 902 is shown. Interface 902 includes a cellular network switch 9021. The cellular application can provide the on / off status information corresponding to switch 9021. Specifically, if the cellular application provides an on status, switch 9021 can display that cellular network is on; if the cellular application provides a off status, switch 9021 can display that cellular network is off.

[0310] As another example, a cellular app can provide information related to cellular network settings in the settings app. For example, in response to a user's... Figure 14 In the interface shown in 901, clicking the application icon 9013 of the settings application will allow the phone to display... Figure 14 The interface 903 shown includes cellular network settings 9031. The cellular application can provide various information displayed after accessing settings 9031.

[0311] Satellite applications can be used to provide display information related to satellite networks.

[0312] For example, satellite applications can provide information about the signal strength of satellite networks.

[0313] As another example, satellite applications can provide information on whether the satellite network is on or off. For instance, in response to a user's... Figure 14 The swipe-down gesture from the top of the screen (901) shown in the image allows the phone to display... Figure 14 The interface 902 is shown. Interface 902 includes a satellite network switch 9022. The satellite application can provide the on / off status information corresponding to switch 9022. Specifically, if the satellite application provides an on status, switch 9022 can display that the satellite network is on; if the satellite application provides a off status, switch 9022 can display that the satellite network is off.

[0314] As another example, a satellite application can provide information related to satellite network settings within the application. For instance, in response to a user's... Figure 14 In the interface shown in 901, clicking the application icon 9013 of the settings application will allow the phone to display... Figure 14 The interface 903 shown includes satellite network settings 9032. Satellite applications can provide various information displayed after accessing settings 9032.

[0315] Furthermore, cellular applications can also receive user actions to turn cellular networks on and off, such as receiving user clicks on a cellular switch (e.g., cellular switch 9021 in interface 902). In response to these actions, the cellular application can request the underlying system to enable cellular network access. Satellite applications can also receive user actions to turn satellite networks on or off, such as receiving user clicks on a cellular switch (e.g., cellular switch 9022 in interface 902). In response to these actions, the cellular application can request the underlying system to enable satellite network access.

[0316] The application framework layer provides application programming interfaces (APIs) and a programming framework for applications in the application layer. The application framework layer includes some predefined functions.

[0317] The application framework layer may include a notification manager, window manager, resource manager, content provider, and view system.

[0318] In some embodiments, the application framework layer may further include a cellular framework and a satellite framework. The satellite framework is used during satellite communication to perform some processing that does not require awareness from upper-layer applications, as well as handling the interface conversion between upper-layer applications (such as satellite applications, SMS, or calls) and the satellite protocol stack. The satellite framework may include a satellite service management module, and the cellular framework may include a telephony manager. The satellite service management module can be used to manage satellite communication-related services (such as satellite SMS and satellite calls). The telephony manager can be used to provide functions such as answering cellular calls, sending and receiving cellular SMS, and network event monitoring using terrestrial networks (such as cellular networks).

[0319] For example, the satellite frame can calculate the angle between the satellite beam and the terminal antenna beam (such as antenna 1 mentioned above) based on Global Positioning System (GPS) signals and signals collected by related sensors, and determine the satellite alignment strategy based on the calculated angle, such as the direction and angle of rotation. Finally, the satellite frame feeds back the satellite alignment strategy to the satellite application, which can then prompt the user to rotate the terminal. In this example, the satellite application does not need to be aware of the process of calculating and determining the satellite alignment strategy; this process can be entirely handled by the satellite frame.

[0320] The Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) provides a unified interface for upper-layer applications to make calls, shielding them from the specific implementation details of hardware drivers in the kernel layer. Upper-layer applications can implement corresponding functions by calling the interfaces provided by the HAL without needing to know the specific implementation of the kernel layer hardware drivers.

[0321] The Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) includes the Cellular HAL and the Satellite HAL. The Cellular HAL is used for inter-core communication between the cellular protocol stacks in the Access Point (AP) and Modem to enable information communication during cellular communication. Figure 13 In the implementation shown, the satellite HAL is used for inter-core communication between the AP and the satellite protocol stack in the satellite communication processor to achieve information communication during satellite communication. In some implementations, where part or all of the satellite protocol stack is integrated into the modem, the satellite HAL is used for inter-core communication between the AP and the satellite protocol stack in the modem to achieve information communication during satellite communication.

[0322] The kernel layer is the layer between hardware and software. It can include display drivers, camera drivers, audio drivers, etc. It should be noted that in satellite and cellular communications, the kernel layer is primarily used for data transmission, similar to a data pass-through function. Therefore, in this application, there is no need to modify the software structure of the kernel layer.

[0323] A modem typically includes a cellular protocol stack and a cellular physical layer.

[0324] See Figure 13 The terminal's software architecture also includes the software components of a satellite communication processor, which may include a satellite protocol stack and a satellite physical layer.

[0325] This application also provides a communication network switching device, which can be applied to a terminal device, including a transceiver module and a processing module. The processing module is used to determine, based on the satellite change-related information, that the terminal device switches from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite by synchronizing with the target satellite. The transceiver module is used to: receive satellite change-related information sent by the original satellite, synchronize with the target satellite, and access the target satellite.

[0326] The processing module is also used to: when the conditions for triggering the execution of satellite changes through synchronization are met, determine to switch from connecting with the original satellite to connecting with the target satellite through synchronization with the target satellite.

[0327] In one implementation, the transceiver module is also used to receive configuration information, which includes satellite change indication information and pre-configured authorized resource information.

[0328] In one embodiment of this application, the transceiver module is further configured to: perform uplink synchronization and downlink synchronization with the target satellite.

[0329] In one embodiment of this application, the transceiver module is further configured to: obtain the timing advance of the target satellite; send the timing advance of the target satellite to the original satellite, so as to determine that the terminal device switches from connecting with the original satellite to connecting with the target satellite by performing synchronization with the target satellite.

[0330] In one embodiment of this application, the transceiver module is further configured to: obtain the timing advance of the target satellite; send the timing advance to the target satellite; the timing advance is used for uplink synchronization with the target satellite.

[0331] In one embodiment of this application, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive dynamic scheduling information sent by the target satellite; the dynamic scheduling information includes uplink scheduling information or downlink scheduling information; when uplink scheduling information is detected, use uplink scheduling resources to send uplink data or uplink signaling; when downlink scheduling information is detected, use downlink scheduling resources to receive downlink data or downlink signaling.

[0332] Meanwhile, the communication device provided in this application embodiment is also used to implement Figures 5 to 10BThe methods and their corresponding implementations are described in the text.

[0333] In another embodiment, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a communication system including a satellite and a terminal. The communication method may include, for example: Figures 5 to 10B The embodiments and corresponding examples are shown.

[0334] It is understood that, in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the base station and user equipment include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to perform 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 in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0335] The communication device provided in this application can be used to implement the functions of the satellite or terminal equipment in the methods provided in the above-described embodiments of this application, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above-described method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be the final terminal device.

[0336] In one implementation, when the communication device is used to achieve Figure 2 In the relevant embodiments of the method shown, the user equipment functions as follows: After successfully registering with the satellite based on the first system message and the second system message pre-stored by the terminal device, the transceiver unit enters an idle state and receives the second system message sent by the satellite at the first frequency point; if the received second system message sent by the satellite at the second frequency point is different from the second system message pre-stored by the terminal, the transceiver unit initiates the registration process with the satellite again based on the first system message and the second system message sent by the satellite at the first frequency point.

[0337] The transceiver unit is also configured to: receive a second system message sent by the satellite at a first frequency point when or after initiating a registration process with the satellite; and, after failing to register with the satellite based on the first system message and the second system message pre-stored by the terminal device, re-initiate a registration process with the satellite based on the first system message and the second system message sent by the satellite at the first frequency point.

[0338] The failure to register with the satellite based on the first system message and the second system message pre-stored by the terminal device includes: failure to randomly access the satellite based on the first system message and the second system message pre-stored by the terminal device.

[0339] The first system message includes a version number of the second system message; the first case further includes: the version number of the second system message included in the first system message is consistent with the version number of the second system message pre-stored by the terminal device.

[0340] In one embodiment, the transceiver unit is further configured to: in a second case, receive a second system message transmitted by the satellite at the first frequency, and initiate a registration process with the satellite based on the first system message and the second system message transmitted by the satellite at the first frequency; the second case includes: the version number of the second system message included in the first system message is inconsistent with the version number of the second system message pre-stored by the terminal device.

[0341] In one embodiment, the first system message includes system message 1 and system message 2; wherein, system message 1 includes synchronization information, random access channel control parameters, and information for access controller verification; and system message 2 includes synchronization information.

[0342] In one embodiment, the second system message includes system message 3 and system message 4; wherein, system message 3 includes beam center position and satellite position; and system message 4 includes broadcast channel configuration.

[0343] In one implementation, the first frequency point is a historical frequency point at which the user equipment connected to the satellite within a set number of times.

[0344] In one embodiment, the transceiver module is further configured to: scan the historical frequency points. The processing module is further configured to: if the signal strength of the historical frequency point is greater than a preset threshold, use the historical frequency point as the first frequency point.

[0345] In one embodiment, the transceiver module is further configured to: scan multiple signal frequency points. The processing module is further configured to: select the signal frequency point with the highest signal strength among the multiple signal frequency points as the first frequency point.

[0346] For a more detailed description of the aforementioned processing unit and transceiver unit, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 5 to 10B The method embodiments shown and other related embodiments are described.

[0347] In one embodiment, the communication device includes a processor and interface circuitry. The processor and interface circuitry are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuitry can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory for storing instructions executed by the processor, or storing input data required for the processor to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor executes instructions.

[0348] When the communication device is used to achieve Figures 5 to 10B In the method shown, the processor is used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned processing unit, and the interface circuit is used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned transceiver unit.

[0349] 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.

[0350] 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 base station or user equipment. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in the base station or user equipment.

[0351] 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.

[0352] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0353] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes 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, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0354] 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 method for modifying a communication network, characterized in that, include: Receive information related to satellite changes sent by the original satellite; Based on the satellite change-related information, it is determined that the terminal device switches from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite by performing synchronization with the target satellite. Synchronize with the target satellite; Access the target satellite.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The satellite change-related information includes target satellite-related information, which includes: the type of target satellite, the identifier of the target satellite, a method that supports satellite changes through synchronization, an indication that the physical cell identifier remains unchanged, an indication that the physical cell identifier changes, and the synchronization signal block (SSB) time domain offset.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The information related to the target satellite includes: Information related to multiple candidate satellites; the multiple candidate satellites include the target satellite.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The information related to satellite changes includes: the conditions that trigger the execution of satellite changes through synchronization.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The conditions for triggering satellite changes through synchronous execution include at least one of the following: If the original satellite leaves the current coverage area, the satellite change will be triggered synchronously. Before the original satellite leaves its current coverage area, and before the target satellite arrives, the satellite change is triggered synchronously. Before the original satellite leaves the current coverage area and before the target satellite arrives, the satellite change is triggered synchronously.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the conditions for triggering the execution of satellite changes through synchronization are met, it is determined that the connection with the original satellite will be switched to the connection with the target satellite through synchronization with the target satellite.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The information related to satellite changes is carried in system messages or Radio Resource Control (RRC) proprietary signaling.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining that the terminal device switches from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite by performing synchronization with the target satellite further includes: If the original satellite leaves the current coverage area, or if the target satellite arrives at the current area before the original satellite leaves the current area, the satellite change will be completed synchronously. The target satellite for satellite change is determined, where the target satellite for satellite change refers to the switch from connecting with the original satellite to connecting with the target satellite.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, The determination of the target satellite for satellite change includes the terminal device selecting one candidate satellite from multiple candidate satellites as the target satellite; the multiple candidate satellites include the target satellite.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The satellite change-related information includes target satellite-related information, and the target satellite meets one or more conditions set in the target satellite-related information.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information related to the satellite changes also includes: The configuration information received includes satellite change indication information and pre-configured authorized resource information.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The satellite change indication information includes at least one of the following: Perform satellite changes, perform synchronization with the target satellite, perform satellite changes through synchronization, and identify the target satellite.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The synchronization with the target satellite includes: Perform uplink and downlink synchronization with the target satellite.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The uplink synchronization of the target satellite also includes: Obtain the timing lead of the target satellite; The timing advance of the target satellite is sent to the original satellite to determine whether the terminal device switches from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite by synchronizing with the target satellite.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The uplink synchronization with the target satellite also includes: Obtain the timing lead of the target satellite; The timing advance is sent to the target satellite; the timing advance is used for uplink synchronization with the target satellite.

16. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The pre-configured authorized resource information is used to send uplink signaling or uplink data to the target satellite.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, When the pre-configured authorized resource information is used to send uplink signaling to the target satellite, the uplink signaling includes an RRC reconfiguration completion message.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1-17, characterized in that, The access to the target satellite includes: Receive dynamic scheduling information sent by the target satellite; the dynamic scheduling information includes uplink scheduling information or downlink scheduling information; Upon detecting uplink scheduling information, uplink scheduling resources are used to send uplink data or uplink signaling; Upon detecting downlink scheduling information, the application uses downlink scheduling resources to receive downlink data or downlink signaling.

19. A method for modifying a communication network, characterized in that, include: Receive information from the terminal device accessing the target satellite; The information about the target satellite is used to determine that the terminal device establishes a connection with the target satellite by performing synchronization, thereby switching the connection of the terminal device from the original satellite to the target satellite.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The receiving terminal device sends a timing advance of the target satellite; the timing advance is used for uplink synchronization with the target satellite.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Configure authorized resources for the terminal device; Receive uplink signaling or uplink data sent by the terminal device using the authorized resources.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, When the receiving terminal device sends uplink signaling using the authorized resources, the uplink signaling includes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration complete message.

23. The method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send dynamic scheduling information to the terminal device; the dynamic scheduling information includes uplink scheduling information or downlink scheduling information; The terminal device may receive uplink data or uplink signaling sent by applying uplink scheduling resources when it detects uplink scheduling information, or it may receive downlink data or downlink signaling by applying downlink scheduling resources when it detects downlink scheduling information.

24. A method for modifying a communication network, characterized in that, include: Send satellite change-related information to the terminal device; The satellite change-related information is used to determine whether the terminal device switches from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite by performing synchronization with the target satellite.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The satellite change-related information includes information related to the target satellite; The target satellite-related information includes: the type of the target satellite, the identifier of the target satellite, the method that supports satellite changes through synchronization, an indication of whether the physical cell identifier has changed, and the time domain offset of the synchronization signal block (SSB).

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The information related to the target satellite includes: Information related to multiple candidate satellites; the multiple candidate satellites include the target satellite.

27. The method according to any one of claims 24-26, characterized in that, The satellite change-related information includes: the conditions that trigger the execution of satellite changes through synchronization.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The conditions for triggering satellite changes through synchronous execution include at least one of the following: If the original satellite leaves the current coverage area, the satellite change will be triggered synchronously. Before the original satellite leaves its current coverage area, and before the target satellite arrives, the satellite change is triggered synchronously. Before the original satellite leaves the current coverage area and before the target satellite arrives, the satellite change is triggered synchronously.

29. The method according to any one of claims 24-28, characterized in that, The information related to satellite changes is carried in system messages or RRC proprietary signaling.

30. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device is sent configuration information, which includes satellite change indication information and pre-configured authorized resource information.

31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that, The satellite change indication information includes at least one of the following: Perform satellite changes, perform synchronization with the target satellite, perform satellite changes through synchronization, and target satellite identification information.

32. The method according to any one of claim 30 or 31, characterized in that, The synchronization with the target satellite includes uplink synchronization, and the method further includes: The receiving terminal device sends a timing advance of the target satellite, which is used to determine whether the terminal device switches from connecting with the original satellite to connecting with the target satellite by performing synchronization with the target satellite.

33. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that, The pre-configured authorized resource information is used to send uplink signaling or uplink data to the target satellite.

34. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that, When the pre-configured authorized resource information is used to send uplink signaling to the target satellite, the uplink signaling includes an RRC reconfiguration completion message.

35. A method for modifying a communication network, characterized in that, include: The original satellite sends information about the target satellite to the terminal device; Based on information related to the target satellite, the terminal device determines that it will switch from connecting to the original satellite to connecting to the target satellite by synchronizing with the target satellite. The terminal device is synchronized with the target satellite; The target satellite sends dynamic scheduling information to the terminal device; The terminal device sends uplink signaling or uplink data to the target satellite, or receives downlink signaling or downlink data, in order to access the target satellite.

36. A chip system, comprising: Memory, used to store computer programs; and at least one processor; When the at least one processor calls and runs a computer program from memory, it causes the communication device with the chip system installed to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 18; or causes the communication device with the chip system installed to perform the method of any one of claims 19 to 23; or causes the communication device with the chip system installed to perform the method of any one of claims 24 to 34; or causes the communication device with the chip system installed to perform the method of claim 35.

37. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Memory, used to store computer programs; and at least one processor; when the at least one processor calls and runs a computer program from memory, the processor is caused to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 18; or, the processor is caused to perform the method of any one of claims 19 to 23; or, the processor is caused to perform the method of any one of claims 24 to 34; or, the processor is caused to perform the method of claim 35.

38. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 18; or, implement the method as described in any one of claims 19 to 23; or, implement the method as described in any one of claims 24 to 34; or, implement the method as described in claim 35.

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