Communication method and device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a communication method and equipment, and is applied to the technical field of communication. The method is applied to first satellite equipment, and comprises the following steps: sending a redirection request to second satellite equipment under the condition that the storage and forwarding capability of the first satellite equipment is limited; under the condition that the second satellite equipment can provide data transmission service for the terminal equipment, receiving a redirection response message sent by the second satellite equipment; under the condition that the second satellite equipment cannot provide the data transmission service for the terminal equipment, receiving a data transmission refusing redirection response message sent by the second satellite equipment; wherein the first satellite equipment comprises first core network equipment, and the second satellite equipment comprises second core network equipment. Based on the technical scheme, under the condition that the storage and forwarding capability of the first satellite equipment is limited, the first satellite equipment provides the second satellite equipment capable of providing service for the terminal equipment, and normal communication of the terminal equipment is not influenced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of communication, and in particular to a communication method and device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the store-and-forward mode, the terminal device first transmits uplink data to the satellite device, the satellite device stores the uplink data locally, and then transmits the uplink data to the ground device after the satellite device and the ground device are connected.

[0003] However, due to the physical limitations of the satellite on the on-board device, the storage capacity and the forwarding capacity of the on-board device are limited, and therefore when the store-and-forward capacity of the satellite device is insufficient, the terminal device cannot be served, affecting the normal communication of the terminal device. SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device, which, in the case that the store-and-forward capacity of a first satellite device is limited, determine a second satellite device that can serve a terminal device for the terminal device, without affecting the normal communication of the terminal device.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method applied to a first satellite device, which includes: in the case that the store-and-forward capacity of the first satellite device is limited, the first satellite device sends a redirection request to a second satellite device, the redirection request indicating that the second satellite device transmits service data of a terminal device. Then, in the case that the second satellite device can provide data transmission services for the terminal device, the first satellite device receives a redirection response message sent by the second satellite device, the redirection response message including an identifier pre-allocated to the terminal device. In the case that the second satellite device cannot provide data transmission services for the terminal device, the first satellite device receives a rejection data transmission redirection response message sent by the second satellite device. The first satellite device includes a first core network device, and the second satellite device includes a second core network device.

[0006] Based on the above technical solution, in the case that the store-and-forward capacity of the first satellite device is limited, the first satellite device determines a satellite device that can serve the terminal device again. The terminal device does not need to find a satellite device that can provide services, and the normal communication of the terminal device is not affected.

[0007] In a possible implementation, the above method further includes: receiving a first service request sent by the terminal device, the first service request including service data and first indication information, the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports the store-and-forward capacity and / or indicating a delay tolerance type of the service data.

[0008] In a possible implementation manner, the redirection response message further includes timing information, and the timing information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish communication with the second satellite device after waiting for a predetermined time period; and the store-and-forward capability of the second satellite device is not limited.

[0009] In the possible implementation manner, the terminal device can establish communication with the second satellite device at a suitable time and send a second service request to the second satellite device through the timing information, thereby improving the possibility of successfully establishing communication between the terminal device and the second satellite device and improving the realizability of the embodiments of the present application.

[0010] In a possible implementation manner, in a case where the second satellite device can provide data transmission services for the terminal device, after receiving the redirection response message sent by the second satellite device, the method further includes: sending a service request rejection message to the terminal device, the service request rejection message including an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second satellite device, an identifier of the second satellite device, and timing information.

[0011] In the possible implementation manner, the service request rejection message includes the identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second satellite device, so that the terminal device can quickly establish a connection with the second satellite device, thereby improving the efficiency of switching satellite devices by the terminal device.

[0012] In a possible implementation manner, the first core network device includes a first control plane network element and a corresponding first forwarding plane network element; and the second core network device includes a second control plane network element and a corresponding second forwarding plane network element.

[0013] The sending of the redirection request to the second satellite device includes: sending a redirection request to the second control plane network element, the redirection request instructing the second forwarding plane network element to transmit service data.

[0014] In a possible implementation manner, before sending the redirection request to the second satellite device, after receiving the first service request sent by the terminal device, the method further includes: determining the second satellite device from M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device according to store-and-forward capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices, the store-and-forward capability of the second satellite device being not limited, and M being a positive integer greater than 1.

[0015] In a possible implementation manner, the determining, according to the storage and forwarding capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device, the second satellite device from the M neighboring satellite devices includes: determining N target satellite devices from the M neighboring satellite devices according to the storage and forwarding capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device, the storage and forwarding capability of the N target satellite devices being not limited, M and N are positive integers greater than 1, and M is greater than N; in a case where the terminal device is located in a coverage range of the N target satellite devices, determining the second satellite device from the N target satellite devices, the second satellite device being a satellite device with the lightest load from the N target satellite devices; or, in a case where the terminal device is located in the coverage range of the N target satellite devices, determining the second satellite device from the N target satellite devices, the second satellite device being a satellite device closest to the terminal device from the N target satellite devices; or, in a case where the terminal device is located out of the coverage range of the N target satellite devices, determining the second satellite device from the N target satellite devices according to ephemeris information of the N target satellite devices, the second satellite device being a satellite device that covers the terminal device first from the N target satellite devices.

[0016] In this possible implementation manner, the method for the first satellite device to determine the second satellite device is specifically provided, so that a more suitable second satellite device is selected for the terminal device, and the realizability of the embodiments of the present application is improved.

[0017] In a possible implementation manner, before receiving the first service request sent by the terminal device, the method further includes: obtaining capability limitation information, the capability limitation information indicating that the storage and forwarding capability of the first forwarding plane network element is limited.

[0018] In a possible implementation manner, the capability limitation information includes a capability limitation type identifier and a capability limitation level identifier, the capability limitation type identifier indicating a type of limitation of the storage and forwarding capability of the first forwarding plane network element, and the type including insufficient storage capacity, insufficient forwarding bandwidth, and / or excessive load; and the capability limitation level identifier indicating a level of limitation of the storage and forwarding capability of the first forwarding plane network element.

[0019] In this possible implementation manner, the capability limitation information further includes a capability limitation type and a capability limitation level, and a more detailed description of the limitation of the forwarding plane network element is provided, which helps the control plane network element to perform more accurate response operations.

[0020] In a possible implementation manner, before receiving the first service request sent by the terminal device, the method further includes: obtaining storage and forwarding capability information of M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device, the storage and forwarding capability information including storage capacity, forwarding bandwidth, and load.

[0021] In a possible implementation manner, the obtaining of the storage and forwarding capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device comprises: receiving the storage and forwarding capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices sent by an operation management module of the satellite group network; or receiving the storage and forwarding capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices sent by the M neighboring satellite devices.

[0022] In this possible implementation manner, the first satellite device can obtain the storage and forwarding capability of the neighboring satellite constellation. The satellite devices can directly transmit through the inter-satellite link or obtain the storage and forwarding capability through the OM module, so as to obtain the storage and forwarding capability of the neighboring satellite devices, improve the information sharing between the satellite devices, and provide an information basis for determining the second satellite device for the first satellite device.

[0023] In a possible implementation manner, the redirection request further comprises security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, service data, and context information of communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device.

[0024] In this possible implementation manner, the redirection request further comprises the context information of communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device, so that the communication between the terminal device and the second satellite device can be continuous context rather than interrupted.

[0025] In a possible implementation manner, the redirection request is a Forward Relocation Request message, and the service request rejection message is a NAS message.

[0026] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method applied to a terminal device, the method comprising: sending, by the terminal device, a first service request to a first satellite device, the first service request comprising service data to be transmitted by the terminal device and first indication information, the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports a storage and forwarding capability and / or indicating a delay tolerance type of the service data; receiving, by the terminal device, a service request rejection message from the first satellite device, the service request rejection message comprising an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device by a second satellite device, an identifier of the second satellite device, and timing information, the timing information being used to indicate that the terminal device establishes communication with the second satellite device after waiting for a predetermined time period; and sending, by the terminal device, a second service request to the second satellite device, the second service request comprising the identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second satellite device, the service data, and second indication information, the second indication information indicating that the terminal device supports the storage and forwarding capability and / or indicating the delay tolerance type of the service data; wherein the first satellite device comprises a first core network device, and the second satellite device comprises a second core network device.

[0027] Based on the above technical solution, in the case that the store-and-forward capability of the first satellite device is limited, the first satellite device determines a satellite device that provides services for the terminal device again. The terminal device does not need to find a satellite device that can provide services, and can directly request the second satellite device to transmit the service data, without affecting the normal communication of the terminal device.

[0028] In a possible implementation manner, after receiving the service request rejection message from the first satellite device, the method further includes: setting, by the terminal device, a local delay data sending timer according to the timing information.

[0029] In this possible implementation manner, the terminal device can establish communication with the second satellite device at a suitable time, and send a second service request to the second satellite device, thereby improving the possibility of successful communication between the terminal device and the second satellite device, and improving the realizability of the embodiments of the application.

[0030] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending the second service request to the second satellite device after a time period predetermined by the timing information.

[0031] In this possible implementation manner, the terminal device can establish communication with the second satellite device at a suitable time, and send a second service request to the second satellite device, thereby improving the possibility of successful communication between the terminal device and the second satellite device, and improving the realizability of the embodiments of the application.

[0032] In a possible implementation manner, the first core network device includes a first control plane network element and a corresponding first forwarding plane network element, and the second core network device includes a second control plane network element and a corresponding second forwarding plane network element; the sending of the first service request to the first satellite device includes sending the first service request to the first control plane network element; the receiving of the service request rejection message from the first satellite device includes receiving the service request rejection message from the first control plane network element; and the sending of the second service request to the second satellite device includes sending the second service request to the second control plane network element.

[0033] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving a service request response message sent by the second satellite device, the service request response message indicating that the second satellite device has responded to the second service request.

[0034] In a possible implementation manner, the redirection request is a Forward Relocation Request message, and the service request rejection message is a NAS message.

[0035] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a second satellite device. The method includes: receiving a redirection request sent by a first satellite device, the redirection request indicating that the second satellite device should transmit service data of a terminal device; determining whether data transmission service can be provided to the terminal device; if the second satellite device can provide data transmission service to the terminal device, sending a redirection response message to the first satellite device, the redirection response message including an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device; if the second satellite device cannot provide data transmission service to the terminal device, sending a data transmission rejection redirection response message to the first satellite device; wherein the first satellite device includes a first core network device, and the second satellite device includes a second core network device.

[0036] Based on the above technical solution, when the storage and forwarding capabilities of the first satellite device are limited, the first satellite device will determine a second satellite device to provide new services to the terminal device. The terminal device does not need to search for a satellite device that can provide services; it can directly transmit service data with the second satellite device without affecting the terminal device's normal communication.

[0037] In one possible implementation, after sending a redirection response message to the first satellite device, the method further includes: receiving a second service request sent by the terminal device, the second service request including an identifier, service data, and second indication information pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second satellite device, the second indication information indicating that the terminal device supports store-and-forward capability and / or indicating the latency tolerance type of the service data; and transmitting the service data of the terminal device in response to the second service request.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a service request response message to the terminal device, the service request response message indicating that the second satellite device has responded to the second service request.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the first core network device includes a first control plane network element and a corresponding first forwarding plane network element; the second core network device includes a second control plane network element and a corresponding second forwarding plane network element; receiving the redirection request sent by the first satellite device includes: accepting the redirection request sent by the first control plane network element.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the redirection request includes security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, service data, and context information of communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device. Determining whether data transmission service can be provided to the terminal device further includes: determining whether the second satellite device can provide data transmission service to the terminal device based on the security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, service data, context information of communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device, and the store-and-forward capability of the second satellite device.

[0041] In the possible implementation, the second satellite device can further receive the security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, the service data, and the context information of the communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device, so as to better determine whether the terminal device can be provided with the data transmission service.

[0042] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a first satellite device, including a processor and a memory. The processor is coupled with the memory. The memory is configured to store computer instructions, and the computer instructions are loaded and executed by the processor to enable the satellite device to implement any method provided in the first aspect.

[0043] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a terminal device, including a processor and a memory. The processor is coupled with the memory. The memory is configured to store computer instructions, and the computer instructions are loaded and executed by the processor to enable the terminal device to implement any method provided in the second aspect.

[0044] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a second satellite device, including a processor and a memory. The processor is coupled with the memory. The memory is configured to store computer instructions, and the computer instructions are loaded and executed by the processor to enable the second satellite device to implement any method provided in the third aspect.

[0045] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive code instructions and transmit the code instructions to the processor. The processor is configured to run the code instructions to execute any method provided in the first aspect.

[0046] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive code instructions and transmit the code instructions to the processor. The processor is configured to run the code instructions to execute any method provided in the second aspect.

[0047] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive code instructions and transmit the code instructions to the processor. The processor is configured to run the code instructions to execute any method provided in the third aspect.

[0048] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores at least one computer program instruction. The computer program instruction is loaded and executed by a processor to implement any method provided in the first aspect.

[0049] In a eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores at least one computer program instruction, and the computer program instruction is loaded and executed by a processor to implement any method provided in the second aspect.

[0050] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores at least one computer program instruction, and the computer program instruction is loaded and executed by a processor to implement any method provided in the third aspect.

[0051] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which includes computer execution instruction, and when the computer execution instruction runs on a computer, the computer execution instruction makes the computer execute any method provided in the first aspect.

[0052] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which includes computer execution instruction, and when the computer execution instruction runs on a computer, the computer execution instruction makes the computer execute any method provided in the second aspect.

[0053] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which includes computer execution instruction, and when the computer execution instruction runs on a computer, the computer execution instruction makes the computer execute any method provided in the third aspect.

[0054] In a sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a satellite communication system, and the satellite communication system includes a satellite base station network, a terminal device and a ground station, the satellite base station network includes a first satellite device and a second satellite device, the first satellite device is configured to execute any method provided in the first aspect, the terminal device is configured to execute any method provided in the second aspect, and the second satellite device is configured to execute any method provided in the third aspect.

[0055] The third aspect to the sixteenth aspect can have the similar implementation and effects as the first aspect, the possible design of the first aspect, the second aspect, the possible design of the second aspect, the third aspect, and the possible design of the third aspect. Details are not described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0056] Figure 1 A scene schematic diagram of a communication method;

[0057] Figure 2 A flowchart of a communication method;

[0058] Figure 3 A scene schematic diagram of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 4 Scenario schematic diagram of another communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 5 Scenario schematic diagram of another communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 6 Scenario schematic diagram of another communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 7 Flow schematic diagram of a communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 8 Flow schematic diagram of another communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 9 Flow schematic diagram of another communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 10 Flow schematic diagram of a communication method of a first control plane network element provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 11 Flow schematic diagram of a communication method of a first satellite device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 12 Flow schematic diagram of a communication method of a terminal device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 13 Flow schematic diagram of a communication method of a second satellite device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figure 14 Structure schematic diagram of a first satellite device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Figure 15 Structure schematic diagram of a terminal device provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0071] Figure 16 Structure schematic diagram of a second satellite device provided by the embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0073] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means that the objects before and after the correlation are in an "or" relationship, for example, A / B can represent A or B; "and / or" in the present application is only a description of the correlation of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural.

[0074] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or the like means any combination of the items, including any combination of single item or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, or a-b-c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0075] In addition, in order to facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, "first", "second" and the like are used to distinguish the same items or similar items with basically the same function and role. Those skilled in the art can understand that "first", "second" and the like do not limit the quantity and execution order, and "first", "second" and the like do not necessarily mean different.

[0076] In the embodiments of the present application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design presented as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner, which facilitates understanding.

[0077] It can be understood that the "embodiments" mentioned throughout the specification mean that the specific features, structures or characteristics related to the embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the various embodiments throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It can be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence number of each process does not mean the execution order, and the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0078] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0079] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships. The following embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0080] like Figure 1 As shown, in store-and-forward mode, at time T1, the terminal device first transmits uplink data to the satellite device, which then stores the uplink data locally. Then, at time T2, after the satellite device moves to a location and establishes a connection with the ground device, it transmits the uplink data to the ground device.

[0081] However, due to the physical limitations of satellites on onboard equipment, the storage and forwarding capabilities of the onboard equipment are limited. Therefore, when the storage and forwarding capabilities of satellite equipment are insufficient, it cannot provide services to terminal equipment, affecting the normal communication of terminal equipment.

[0082] Specifically, for example Figure 2 As shown, after the store-and-forward capability of the first SGW of the first satellite equipment is limited, the first SGW will send a capability limitation information to the first MME, indicating that the store-and-forward capability of the first SGW is limited. Then, when the first MME receives a first service request from the terminal device requesting the forwarding of service data, after determining that the first SGW cannot forward the service data, the first MME will send a request rejection message to the terminal device. This request rejection message indicates that the first satellite equipment cannot forward the service data. The signaling interaction between the terminal device and the first MME is forwarded by the first satellite base station.

[0083] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a first satellite device. The method includes: when the store-and-forward capability of the first satellite device is limited, the first satellite device sends a redirection request to a second satellite device, the redirection request indicating that the second satellite device should transmit the service data of the terminal device. Then, if the second satellite device can provide data transmission services to the terminal device, the first satellite device receives a redirection response message sent by the second satellite device, the redirection response message including an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device. If the second satellite device cannot provide data transmission services to the terminal device, the first satellite device receives a data transmission rejection redirection response message sent by the second satellite device. The first satellite device includes a first core network device, and the second satellite device includes a second core network device.

[0084] Based on the above technical solution, when the storage and forwarding capacity of the first satellite device is limited, the first satellite device will determine a second satellite device to provide services to the terminal device. The terminal device does not need to search for a satellite device that can provide services, and its normal communication is not affected.

[0085] like Figure 3 As shown, the communication method in the embodiments of this application can be applied to Figure 3 The satellite communication system shown includes a satellite network and ground-based terminal equipment and ground station equipment. The satellite network includes at least one satellite device, comprising a first satellite device and a second satellite device. The first satellite device includes a first control plane network element and a corresponding first forwarding plane network element and a first satellite base station. The second satellite device includes a second control plane network element and a corresponding second forwarding plane network element and a second satellite base station. The terminal equipment establishes a store-and-forward communication connection with the first control plane network element.

[0086] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the information interaction between the terminal device and the control plane network element, and the information interaction between the control plane network element and another control plane network element, are all achieved through the forwarding of satellite base stations.

[0087] In this embodiment of the application, a satellite device may include at least one satellite base station, at least one forwarding plane network element and at least one control plane network element, and there is no specific limitation on the specifics.

[0088] In the embodiments of the present application, the satellite constellation refers to a group of artificial satellites as a whole system, which work together, also known as distributed-satellite system (DSS). Therefore, the satellite device including at least one satellite base station, at least one transponder network element and at least one control plane network element can be called a satellite constellation, and the specific embodiments are not limited here. Therefore, in the subsequent description, each satellite device can be understood as a satellite constellation.

[0089] As shown in Figure 4 , in the embodiments of the present application, each satellite device has its corresponding coverage range, and the terminal device within the coverage range of each satellite device can be connected with the satellite device, for example Figure 4 , the first satellite device can be connected with the terminal device 1 within its coverage range, and the second satellite device can be connected with the terminal device 2 within its coverage range.

[0090] For a terminal device, as shown in Figure 5 , the terminal device is only within the coverage range of the first satellite device, so the terminal device needs to wait for a period of time T, and then through the movement of the satellite device, the terminal device is within the coverage range of the second satellite device, and the second satellite device can provide services for the terminal device in the case that the first satellite device cannot provide storage and forwarding services for the terminal device.

[0091] In another possible implementation, as shown in Figure 6 , the terminal device can be within the coverage range of the first satellite device and the second satellite device at the same time, that is, the terminal device is at the overlap of the coverage range of the first satellite device and the coverage range of the second satellite device, so the terminal device does not need to wait and can immediately establish a communication connection with the second satellite device to provide services for the terminal device in the case that the first satellite device cannot provide storage and forwarding services for the terminal device.

[0092] In the embodiments of the present application, the control plane network element refers to a network element responsible for mobility management, session management, forwarding path management, or charging measurement management in a mobile network, such as a mobility management entity (MME), a gateway control plane entity (GWC), a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) network element, an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, or all or part of a mobile gateway controller formed by fusing the above network elements and an SDN controller, and the specific implementation is not limited herein.

[0093] In the embodiments of the present application, the forwarding plane network element refers to a network element performing a data forwarding action, which can be a packet data network gateway (PGW), a serving gateway (SGW), a forwarding plane of a PGW / SGW, a router, a switch, or a physical or virtual forwarding device such as an SDN switch in a mobile network.

[0094] In the embodiments of the present application, the ground station device is a ground-based communication device, which can be used to communicate with the satellite base station group network. The ground station device can be a base station, a server, or other network communication device having the ability to communicate with a satellite forwarding device. The ground station device in the embodiments of the present application can include various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, access points, and the like.

[0095] The terminal device in the embodiments of the present application can be used for communication with the satellite base station group network. The terminal device (user equipment, UE) in the embodiments of the present application can also be referred to as a terminal device, a terminal, a mobile station (mobile station, MS), a mobile terminal (mobile terminal, MT), etc. The terminal can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a palm computer, a mobile internet device (mobile internet device, MID), a wearable device, a virtual reality (virtual reality, VR) device, an augmented reality (augmented reality, AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, or a wireless terminal in smart home, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form of the terminal.

[0096] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: long term evolution (long term evolution, LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (frequency division duplex, FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (time division duplex, TDD), universal mobile communication system (universal mobile telecommunication system, UMTS), worldwide microwave access (worldwide interoperability for microwave access, WiMAX) communication system, 5th generation (5th generation, 5G) mobile communication system, new radio (new radio, NR), etc. The 5G mobile communication system in the embodiments of the present application includes a non-standalone (non-standalone, NSA) 5G mobile communication system or a standalone (standalone, SA) 5G mobile communication system.

[0097] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as the sixth generation mobile communication system, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0098] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the executing entity may perform some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also perform other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the various steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessarily necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0099] It should be noted that the message names between devices or the names of parameters in the messages in the embodiments of this application are just examples. In specific implementations, other names may also be used. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0100] The following is combined with Figure 7 The technical solutions of this application will be described in detail with specific method embodiments. The following specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments.

[0101] For example, Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 7 As shown, taking the control plane network element as MME and the forwarding plane network element as SGW as an example, the communication method can specifically include the following steps:

[0102] 701. The first MME obtains storage and forwarding capability information of adjacent satellite equipment.

[0103] like Figure 8 As shown and Figure 9 As shown, the first MME in the first satellite device obtains the store-and-forward capability information of the adjacent satellite devices of the first satellite device. The store-and-forward capability information may include information such as storage capacity, forwarding bandwidth and load.

[0104] In one possible implementation, the satellite network operations management (OM) module in this embodiment periodically acquires the store-and-forward capability information of each constellation, and then sends this information to a device when needed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first MME acquires the store-and-forward capability information of the neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device by receiving the store-and-forward capability information of M neighboring satellite devices sent by the satellite network operations management module.

[0105] In another possible implementation, the first MME can send a storage and forwarding capability acquisition request to the neighboring M satellite devices, and the request indicates that the neighboring M satellite devices send the storage and forwarding capability information to the first MME through an interior switching link (ISL). Then the neighboring M satellite devices send the storage and forwarding capability information to the first MME, and the first MME receives the storage and forwarding capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices sent by the M neighboring satellite devices.

[0106] In this possible implementation, the first MME can acquire the storage and forwarding capability of the neighboring satellite devices, which can be directly transmitted between the satellite devices through an ISL or acquired through an OM module, thereby obtaining the storage and forwarding capability of the neighboring satellite devices and improving the information sharing between the satellite devices, thereby providing an information basis for the first MME to determine the second MME for the terminal device.

[0107] In the embodiments of the present application, it can be understood that whether the storage and forwarding capability of a constellation (a satellite device) is limited actually mainly depends on whether the storage and forwarding capability of a forwarding plane network element of the constellation is limited (insufficient), and therefore the storage and forwarding capability of each constellation can be understood as the storage and forwarding capability of a forwarding plane network element corresponding to each constellation, and the storage and forwarding capability information of each constellation can be the storage and forwarding capability information of a forwarding plane network element corresponding to each constellation. Of course, it can be understood that in the case that the forwarding bandwidth of the satellite base station and the control plane network element is insufficient and / or the load is too heavy, the storage and forwarding capability of the constellation is also insufficient, which is not limited here.

[0108] 702. The first MME receives the capability limitation information from the first SGW.

[0109] After the storage and forwarding capability of the first SGW is limited, the first SGW sends the capability limitation information to the first MME, and the capability limitation information indicates that the storage and forwarding capability of the first SGW is limited, and the limited storage and forwarding capability can include insufficient storage capacity, insufficient forwarding bandwidth, and / or too heavy load of the first SGW.

[0110] Correspondingly, the first MME receives the capability limitation information from the first SGW.

[0111] In the embodiments of the present application, the capability limitation information of the first SGW can include a corresponding capability limitation type identifier, and the capability limitation type identifier can indicate different capability limitation types, for example, identifier 1 indicates insufficient storage capacity, identifier 2 indicates insufficient forwarding bandwidth, identifier 3 indicates too heavy load, and identifier 4 indicates insufficient storage capacity and insufficient forwarding bandwidth, which is not limited here.

[0112] In the embodiments of the present application, the capability limitation information can include a corresponding capability limitation level identifier, and different identifiers indicate different capability limitation levels. For example, identifier 5 can indicate that the storage capacity is insufficient by 1G, identifier 4 can indicate that the storage capacity is insufficient by 0.5G, and there can be other identifiers indicating capability limitation levels, which are not limited here.

[0113] In the possible implementation manner, the capability limitation information further includes a capability limitation type and a capability limitation level, which provides a more detailed description of the capability limitation of the forwarding plane network element, and helps the control plane network element to perform more accurate response operations.

[0114] 703. The first MME receives a first service request sent by the terminal device.

[0115] As shown in Figure 8 and Figure 10 , the first MME in the first satellite device receives a first service request sent by the terminal device, and the first service request includes service data and first indication information, and the first indication information indicates that the terminal device supports the store-and-forward capability and / or indicates the delay tolerance type of the service data.

[0116] In the embodiments of the present application, the first service request further includes mode support information and a delay tolerance type. The mode support information can indicate that the service data corresponding to the first service request can support a forwarding mode, for example, whether the store-and-forward mode is supported. The delay tolerance type can indicate whether the service corresponding to the first service request can tolerate delay.

[0117] In the embodiments of the present application, the first service request can be a tracking area update (TAU) message, and in addition, it can also be other messages such as a service request message, which is not limited here.

[0118] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the information interaction between the terminal device and the control plane network element, and the information interaction between the control plane network element and another control plane network element are realized through the forwarding of the satellite base station. For example, the first MME receives the first service request sent by the terminal device through the first satellite base station receiving the first service request sent by the terminal device, and then the first satellite base station forwards the first service request to the first MME, and the subsequent description is omitted.

[0119] 704. The first MME determines a second MME according to the first service request.

[0120] In the case that the first SGW has limited storage and forwarding capability, the first MME determines a second MME according to the first service request, the second MME corresponding to a second SGW having unlimited storage and forwarding capability.

[0121] Specifically, in the case that the first SGW has limited storage and forwarding capability and cannot complete the forwarding service data indicated by the first service request, the first MME has storage and forwarding capability information of M neighboring satellite devices, and then determines a second satellite device from the M neighboring satellite devices, the second satellite device corresponding to a second SGW having unlimited storage and forwarding capability and being able to forward the service data of the terminal device. Then the second MME corresponding to the second satellite device is determined.

[0122] In the embodiments of the present application, the first MME can determine N target satellite devices from the M neighboring satellite devices according to the first service request and the storage and forwarding capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device, the N target satellite devices corresponding to N forwarding plane network elements having unlimited storage and forwarding capability, M and N being positive integers greater than 1, and M being greater than N. Then the first MME selects the most suitable MME of the constellation from the N target satellite devices.

[0123] Specifically, the first MME can select the most suitable constellation from the N target satellite devices by the following methods:

[0124] In one possible implementation, in the case that the terminal device is located in the coverage of the N target satellite devices, the second satellite device is determined from the N target satellite devices, and the second satellite device is the satellite device corresponding to the forwarding plane network element having the lightest load among the N target satellite devices.

[0125] Or, in the case that the terminal device is located in the coverage of the N target satellite devices, the second satellite device is determined from the N target satellite devices, and the second satellite device is the satellite device closest to the terminal device among the N target satellite devices.

[0126] Or, in the case that the terminal device is located outside the coverage of the N target satellite devices, the second satellite device is determined from the N target satellite devices according to the ephemeris information of the N target satellite devices, and the second satellite device is the satellite device covering the terminal device first among the N target satellite devices. In addition, there can be other determination methods, which are not limited here.

[0127] In the embodiments of the present application, it can be understood that the determination of the first MME to the second MME is essentially to determine a more suitable forwarding device for the terminal device to implement the service request of the terminal device, and therefore the storage and forwarding capability of the SGW (or corresponding constellation) corresponding to the determined second MME needs to meet the service requirement of the terminal device and is not limited. Further, in the case where there are multiple optional MMEs that meet the service requirement of the terminal device, the first MME can select the optimal one for the terminal device. For example, in the case where the terminal device is located in the coverage range of the target N target satellite devices, the first MME selects one with the lightest forwarding plane network element load or the closest distance to the terminal device; in the case where the terminal device is located outside the coverage range of the N target satellite devices, the first MME selects one that covers the terminal device first to serve the terminal device.

[0128] In the possible implementation manner, a method for the first MME to determine the second MME is specifically provided, which provides a specific selection method for the first MME to select a more suitable second MME for the terminal device, and improves the realizability of the embodiments of the present application.

[0129] 705. The first MME sends a redirection request to the second MME.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 7, the first MME in the first satellite device can send a redirection request to the second MME in the second satellite device, and the redirection request includes the security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, the service data, and the context information of the communication between the terminal device and the first MME. The redirection request indicates that the service data of the terminal device is transmitted by the second SGW of the second satellite device. Figure 8 Figure 11 As shown in FIG. 7, the first MME in the first satellite device can send a redirection request to the second MME in the second satellite device, and the redirection request includes the security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, the service data, and the context information of the communication between the terminal device and the first MME. The redirection request indicates that the service data of the terminal device is transmitted by the second SGW of the second satellite device.

[0131] In the embodiments of the present application, the redirection request can be a Forward Relocation Request message. In addition, it can also be other messages that can realize the above functions, and the specific embodiments are not limited herein.

[0132] In the embodiments of the present application, the security authentication information can be a network attached storage (NAS) security parameter, and in addition, it can also be other information, and the specific embodiments are not limited herein.

[0133] Correspondingly, the second MME receives the redirection request from the first MME.

[0134] 706. The second MME judges whether the data transmission service can be provided for the terminal device.

[0135] ​The second MME, in response to the redirection request, determines whether the second SGW can provide data transmission service for the terminal device according to the store-and-forward capability of the second SGW after receiving the redirection request from the first MME.

[0136] Specifically, the redirection request further includes security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, service data, and context information of communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device, and the second MME can determine whether the second satellite device can provide data transmission service for the terminal device according to the security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, the service data, and the context information of communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device, and the store-and-forward capability of the second satellite device.

[0137] In a case where the second MME can provide data transmission service for the terminal device, the second MME can notify the second SGW to reserve store-and-forward resources for the terminal device, and activate the reserved store-and-forward network resources after the terminal device establishes communication with the second MME.

[0138] Specifically, the second MME sends a reserved resource message to the second SGW, and the reserved resource message instructs the second SGW to reserve sufficient store-and-forward network resources for forwarding service data of the terminal device. Correspondingly, the second SGW, after receiving the reserved resource message, reserves sufficient store-and-forward network resources for forwarding service data of the terminal device, and activates the reserved store-and-forward network resources for forwarding service data of the terminal device after the terminal device establishes communication with the second MME.

[0139] 707、The first MME receives a redirection response message or a data transmission redirection rejection message of the second MME.

[0140] The second MME, in response to the redirection request, determines a redirection response message or a data transmission redirection rejection message of the second MME and sends the message to the first MME after receiving the redirection request from the first MME.

[0141] As shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 Specifically, if the second MME determines that the store-and-forward capability of the second SGW is not limited and meets the requirement of forwarding service data, the second MME generates a redirection response message, and the redirection response message indicates that the second SGW can forward service data of the terminal device. The redirection response message can include an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device.

[0142] In a possible implementation, the redirection response message further includes timing information, and the timing information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish communication with the second satellite device after waiting for a predetermined time period.

[0143] Specifically, when the second MME can provide data transmission services to the terminal device, it can reserve store-and-forward resources for the terminal device, generate a local timer, and wait for the terminal device to communicate with the second MME at a specified time. Simultaneously, the redirection response message generated by the second MME will include corresponding timing information, instructing the terminal device to establish communication with the second satellite device after a predetermined time period. For example, a deferred timer can be carried in the NAS container to instruct the terminal device to establish a communication connection with the second MME after a specified time period.

[0144] In one possible implementation, if the second MME determines that the storage-forwarding capability of the second SGW is unrestricted and meets the requirements for forwarding service data, the second MME will also reserve storage-forwarding network resources for the terminal device, such as reserved storage space and forwarding bandwidth. After receiving the corresponding request from the terminal device, the reserved storage-forwarding network resources will be activated to ensure that the terminal device can realize the storage-forwarding of service data through the reserved network resources.

[0145] In one possible implementation, the redirection response message also includes an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second MME.

[0146] Accordingly, the first MME receives a redirection response message sent by the second MME, which indicates that the second SGW can forward service data.

[0147] In one possible implementation, the redirection response message indicates that the second satellite device cannot forward service data, and the first MME needs to re-determine the satellite device that can forward data to the terminal device. The first MME can repeat the selection until a satellite device that can forward data to the terminal device is re-determined. The specific details are not limited here.

[0148] like Figure 9 As shown, if the second MME determines that the storage and forwarding capability of the second SGW is limited and does not meet the requirements for forwarding service data, the second MME generates a data transmission rejection redirection response message, which indicates that the second MME refuses to transmit the service data of the terminal device.

[0149] Accordingly, the first MME receives a data transmission rejection redirection response message from the second MME, indicating that the second SGW cannot forward service data. The first MME also sends a service request rejection message to the terminal device, indicating that no satellite device could be found to provide data forwarding for the terminal device.

[0150] 708. The first MME sends a service request rejection message.

[0151] If the redirection response message indicates that the second satellite device can provide data transmission services to the terminal device and can forward service data, the first MME sends a service request rejection message to the terminal device. The service request rejection message indicates that the first MME refuses to forward the service data and that the second MME forwards the service data. The service request rejection message includes an identifier that the second MME has pre-assigned to the terminal device and an identifier of the second satellite device.

[0152] Accordingly, the terminal device receives a service request rejection message sent by the first MME.

[0153] In one possible implementation, the service request rejection message also includes timing information, which instructs the terminal device to establish communication with the second MME within a specified time period, or to instruct the terminal device to establish communication with the second satellite device after waiting for a predetermined time period.

[0154] In one possible implementation, the timing information is determined by the second MME in step 706 above, or it can be calculated by the first satellite device based on ephemeris information, as shown below:

[0155] For example, Figure 5 As shown, when the terminal device is only within the coverage area of ​​the first satellite device and not currently within the coverage area of ​​the second satellite device, the first MME can calculate the time t1 when the second satellite device begins to cover the terminal device based on ephemeris information. That is, it needs to wait for a period of time T, and only after the satellite device moves and the terminal device is within its coverage area, can the second satellite device provide service to the terminal device. Therefore, the first MME can set corresponding timing information based on this time t1, so that the terminal device, according to the time indicated by the timing information, begins to establish a communication connection with the second MME of the second satellite device after time t1.

[0156] Another possible implementation, such as Figure 6 As shown, the terminal device can be located within the coverage areas of both the first and second satellite devices simultaneously. That is, the terminal device lies at the overlap of the coverage areas of the first and second satellite devices. Therefore, if the first satellite device cannot provide store-and-forward services, the terminal device can immediately establish a communication connection with the second satellite device without waiting, and the second satellite device will then provide services to the terminal device. In this case, the waiting time T set in the timing information can be zero, meaning the terminal device can immediately establish a communication connection with the second satellite device without waiting.

[0157] It is understandable that the method by which the second MME determines timing information is the same as the method by which the first MME determines timing information, and the details will not be repeated here.

[0158] In a possible implementation, the service request rejection message further includes an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second MME.

[0159] In the embodiments of the present application, the service request rejection message can be a non-access stratum (NAS) message, or can be another message, which is not limited herein.

[0160] In a possible implementation, the first MME does not find a satellite device that can provide data forwarding for the terminal device, and the first MME can calculate corresponding timing information and transmit the timing information to the terminal device, so that the terminal device connects to the first MME again after a time period specified by the timing information.

[0161] 709、The terminal device sends a second service request to the second MME.

[0162] According to the service request rejection message, the terminal device no longer forwards service data through the first SGW, but forwards service data through the second SGW, and accordingly, the terminal device sends a second service request to the second MME, the second service request including an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second satellite device, service data, and second indication information indicating that the terminal device supports a store-and-forward capability and / or indicating a time delay tolerance type of the service data.

[0163] In a possible implementation, the second service request further includes an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second MME.

[0164] In a possible implementation, the service request rejection message further includes timing information, which indicates that the terminal device establishes communication with the second MME in a specified time period. For example, in a case where the terminal device is currently not within a coverage range of the second satellite device, the first MME can calculate a time t1 at which the second satellite device starts to cover the terminal device according to ephemeris information, and then set corresponding timing information according to the time, so that the terminal device starts to establish a communication connection with the second MME of the second satellite device after the time t1 according to the timing information. Correspondingly, the terminal device starts to send a second service request to the second MME after the time t1 after receiving the service request rejection message.

[0165] In this possible implementation, the terminal device can establish communication with the second MME at a suitable time and send a second service request to the second MME through the timing information, which improves the possibility of the terminal device successfully establishing communication with the second MME and improves the realizability of the embodiments of the present application.

[0166] Correspondingly, the second MME receives the second service request.

[0167] 710. The second MME sends a service request response message to the terminal device.

[0168] After the second MME determines to forward the service data, the second MME sends a service request response message to the terminal device. The service request response message indicates that the second satellite device has responded to the second service request and forwarded the service data.

[0169] Accordingly, the terminal device receives the service request response message sent by the second MME.

[0170] 711. Second SGW forwarding service data.

[0171] After receiving the second service request, the second MME, in response to the second service request, notifies the second SGW to transmit the service data, and the second SGW transmits the service data to the ground station equipment.

[0172] In one possible implementation, the second SGW will also reserve store-and-forward network resources for the terminal device, such as reserved storage space and forwarding bandwidth, to ensure that the terminal device can store and forward service data through the reserved network resources. After receiving the second service request, the second MME, in response to the second service request, can activate the reserved store-and-forward network resources and forward the service data through the reserved store-and-forward network resources.

[0173] In one possible implementation, the second service request may also include an identifier pre-assigned by the second MME to the terminal device.

[0174] In this possible implementation, the second MME can quickly identify the terminal device by pre-assigning an identifier to the terminal device, without having to reassign the identifier to the terminal device, thus reducing the access time of the terminal device and improving access efficiency.

[0175] like Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method for a first control plane network element provided in an embodiment of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 10 As shown, the communication method applied to the first control plane network element of the first satellite equipment may specifically include the following steps:

[0176] 1001. The first control plane network element obtains the storage and forwarding capability information of adjacent satellite equipment.

[0177] 1002. The first control plane network element receives the capability limitation information sent by the first forwarding plane network element, indicating that the store-and-forward capability of the first forwarding plane network element is limited.

[0178] 1003. The first control plane network element receives a first service request sent by the terminal device. The first service request includes service data and first indication information. The first indication information indicates that the terminal device supports store-and-forward capability and / or indicates the latency tolerance type of the service data.

[0179] 1004. The first control plane network element determines a second satellite device whose store-and-forward capability is not limited from multiple adjacent satellite devices.

[0180] 1005. The first control plane network element sends a redirection request to the second control plane network element, the redirection request indicating that the second satellite equipment shall transmit the service data of the terminal equipment.

[0181] 1006. The first control plane network element receives a redirection response message sent by the second control plane network element. The redirection response message includes an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device.

[0182] 1007. The first control plane network element sends a service request rejection message to the terminal device. The service request rejection message includes the identifier and timing information pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second satellite device.

[0183] In this implementation, the method executed by the first control plane network element is the same as described above. Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The method executed by the first control plane network element is the same as that in the method, and will not be elaborated here.

[0184] like Figure 11 As shown, Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method for a first satellite device provided in an embodiment of this application. (Refer to...) Figure 11 As shown, applied to the first satellite device, this communication method may specifically include the following steps:

[0185] 1101: The first satellite device receives a first service request sent by the terminal device. The first service request includes service data and first indication information. The first indication information indicates that the terminal device supports store-and-forward capability and / or indicates the latency tolerance type of the service data.

[0186] 1102: When the storage and forwarding capability of the first satellite device is limited, the first satellite device sends a redirection request to the second satellite device, the redirection request instructing the second satellite device to transmit the service data of the terminal device.

[0187] 1103: When the second satellite device can provide data transmission services to the terminal device, the first satellite device receives a redirection response message sent by the second satellite device. The redirection response message includes an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device. The first satellite device includes a first core network device, and the second satellite device includes a second core network device.

[0188] The redirection response message includes timing information, which is used to instruct the terminal device to establish communication with the second satellite device after waiting for a predetermined time period.

[0189] 1104: The first satellite device sends a service request rejection message to the terminal device, the service request rejection message including the identity pre-allocated to the terminal device by the second satellite device and the timing information.

[0190] In this embodiment, the method performed by the first satellite device is the same as the method performed by the first satellite device in the methods of Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 , and details are not repeated here.

[0191] As shown in Figure 12 , a flowchart of a communication method of a terminal device is provided in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 12 , the communication method on the terminal device side can specifically include the following steps: Figure 12

[0192] 1201: The terminal device sends a first service request to the first satellite device, the first service request including service data and first indication information, the first indication information indicating that the terminal device supports a store-and-forward capability and / or indicating a delay-tolerant type of the service data.

[0193] 1202: The terminal device receives a service request rejection message sent by the first satellite device, the service request rejection message including the identity pre-allocated to the terminal device by the second satellite device and timing information, the timing information being used to instruct the terminal device to establish communication with the second satellite device after waiting for a predetermined time period.

[0194] 1203: The terminal device sends a second service request to the second satellite device, the second service request including the identity pre-allocated to the terminal device by the second satellite device, the service data, and second indication information, the second indication information indicating that the terminal device supports a store-and-forward capability and / or indicating a delay-tolerant type of the service data.

[0195] 1204: The terminal device receives a service request response message sent by the second satellite device, the service request response message indicating that the second satellite device has responded to the second service request.

[0196] In this embodiment, the method performed by the terminal device is the same as the method performed by the terminal device in the methods of Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 , and details are not repeated here.

[0197] As shown in Figure 13 ​As shown in the figure, Figure 13 A flowchart of a communication method of a second satellite device is provided in the embodiments of the present application. Referring to Figure 13 As shown in the figure, on the side of the second satellite device, the communication method can specifically include the following steps:

[0198] 1301. The second satellite device receives a redirection request sent by the first satellite device, and the redirection request indicates that the second satellite device transmits service data of the terminal device.

[0199] 1302. The second satellite device judges whether it can provide data transmission service for the terminal device.

[0200] 1303. In the case where the second satellite device can provide data transmission service for the terminal device, the second satellite device sends a redirection response message to the first satellite device, and the redirection response message includes an identifier pre-allocated to the terminal device.

[0201] 1304. The second satellite device sends a service request response message to the terminal device, and the service request response message indicates that the second satellite device has responded to the second service request.

[0202] In the present embodiment, the method executed by the second satellite device is the same as the method executed by the second satellite device in the methods of Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 , and details are not described here.

[0203] The communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application is described above in combination with Figures 7 to 13 , and the first satellite device, the terminal device and the second satellite device provided in the embodiments of the present application for executing the above communication method are described below.

[0204] Figure 14 A structural diagram of a first satellite device is provided in the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 14 shown in the figure, the first satellite device 1400 includes one or more than two (including two) processors 1401, a communication line 1402 and a communication interface 1403. Optionally, the first satellite device 1400 further includes a memory 1404.

[0205] In some embodiments, the memory 1404 stores the following elements: executable modules or data structures, or a subset thereof, or an extended set thereof.

[0206] The method described in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the processor 1401 or implemented by the processor 1401. The processor 1401 can be an integrated circuit chip having a signal processing capability. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit or an instruction in the form of software in the processor 1401. The processor 1401 described above can be a general processor (for example, a microprocessor or a conventional processor), a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices or discrete hardware components, and the processor 1401 can implement or execute the methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application.

[0207] The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as a hardware coding processor to perform, or a combination of hardware and software modules in the coding processor to perform. Among them, the software modules can be located in the storage medium of the mature storage medium in the art such as random access memory, read only memory, programmable read only memory or electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM). The storage medium is located in the storage 1404, and the processor 1401 reads the information in the storage 1404, and combines the hardware to complete the steps of the above method.

[0208] The processor 1401, the storage 1404 and the communication interface 1403 can communicate through the communication line 1402.

[0209] In the above embodiments, the instructions stored in the storage for the processor to execute can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. Among them, the computer program product can be written in the storage in advance, or downloaded and installed in the storage in the form of software.

[0210] Figure 15 A structure schematic diagram of a terminal device provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown in the figure. As shown in the figure, the terminal device 1500 includes one or more than two (including two) processors 1501, a communication line 1502 and a communication interface 1503, and optionally, the terminal device 1500 further includes a storage 1504. Figure 15

[0211] In some embodiments, the storage 1504 stores the following elements: executable modules or data structures, or their subsets, or their expanded sets. ​

[0212] The method described in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the processor 1501 or implemented by the processor 1501. The processor 1501 can be an integrated circuit chip having a signal processing capability. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit or an instruction in the form of software in the processor 1501. The processor 1501 described above can be a general processor (for example, a microprocessor or a conventional processor), a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices or discrete hardware components, and the processor 1501 can implement or execute the disclosed methods, steps and logic block diagrams in the embodiments of the present application.

[0213] The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as a hardware decoding processor for execution, or a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor for execution. Among them, the software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the art such as random access memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The storage medium is located in the storage 1504, and the processor 1501 reads the information in the storage 1504 and completes the steps of the above method in combination with the hardware.

[0214] The processor 1501, the storage 1504 and the communication interface 1503 can communicate through the communication line 1502.

[0215] In the above embodiments, the instructions stored in the storage for the processor to execute can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. Among them, the computer program product can be written in the storage in advance, or downloaded and installed in the storage in the form of software.

[0216] Figure 16 A structure schematic diagram of a second satellite device provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown in FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 16, the second satellite device 1600 includes one or more than two (including two) processors 1601, a communication line 1602 and a communication interface 1603, and optionally, the second satellite device 1600 further includes a storage 1604. Figure 16

[0217] ​In some embodiments, the memory 1604 stores instructions, such as a program of instructions, or data structures, or a subset thereof, or a superset thereof.

[0218] The method described in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the processor 1601 or implemented by the processor 1601. The processor 1601 can be an integrated circuit chip having a signal processing capability. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuits or the instructions in the software form of the processor 1601. The processor 1601 described above can be a general processor (for example, a microprocessor or a conventional processor), a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The processor 1601 can implement or execute the methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application.

[0219] The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as a hardware code process executed by a code processor, or a combination of hardware and software modules in the code processor. Among them, the software module can be located in a random access memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in the memory 1604, and the processor 1601 reads the information in the memory 1604 and combines the hardware to complete the steps of the above method.

[0220] The processor 1601, the memory 1604 and the communication interface 1603 can communicate through the communication line 1602.

[0221] In the above embodiments, the instructions stored in the memory for the processor to execute can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. Among them, the computer program product can be written in the memory in advance, or downloaded and installed in the memory in the form of software.

[0222] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product comprising one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions performed by the first control plane network element, the terminal device or the second control plane network element according to the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer readable storage medium or transferred from one computer readable storage medium to another, for example, the computer instructions can be transferred from one website satellite constellation, computer, server or data center to another website device, computer, server or data center through wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) mode. The computer readable storage medium can be any available medium that the computer can store or the data storage device such as server, data center, etc. integrated with one or more available media sets. For example, the available media can include magnetic media (such as floppy disk, hard disk or magnetic tape), optical media (such as digital versatile disc (DVD)), or semiconductor media (such as solid state disk (SSD)) and the like.

[0223] The embodiments of the present application provide a first satellite device, which comprises a processor and a memory, the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to execute the computer program to perform the communication method described above.

[0224] The embodiments of the present application provide a terminal device, which comprises a processor and a memory, the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to execute the computer program to perform the communication method described above.

[0225] The embodiments of the present application provide a second satellite device, which comprises a processor and a memory, the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to execute the computer program to perform the communication method described above.

[0226] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium stores computer programs or instructions. The computer programs or instructions are executed by a processor to implement the method performed by the first control plane network element, the terminal device or the second control plane network element. The method described in the above embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof, in whole or in part. If implemented by software, the functions can be stored in or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium can include computer storage medium and communication medium, and can also include any medium that can transfer computer programs from one place to another. The storage medium can be any target medium accessible by a computer.

[0227] As a possible design, the computer readable medium can include a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), RAM, ROM, EEPROM or other optical disk storage; the computer readable medium can include a magnetic disk storage or other magnetic disk storage device. Moreover, any connection line can also be appropriately referred to as a computer readable medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server or other remote source using a coaxial cable, optical fiber cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technology (such as infrared, radio and microwave), the coaxial cable, optical fiber cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technology such as infrared, radio and microwave is included in the definition of the medium. As used herein, the disk and the optical disk include compact discs (CD), laser discs, optical discs, DVDs, floppy disks and Blu-ray discs, in which the disk usually reproduces data in a magnetic manner, and the optical disk reproduces data optically with a laser. The above combinations should also be included in the scope of the computer readable medium.

[0228] Those skilled in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be realized by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are realized in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0229] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the above-described system, device and unit can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be described here.

[0230] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be implemented in other manners. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and there can be another division manner for the actual implementation, for example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections between different units, or the among different units, can be indirect couplings or communication connections through some interfaces, devices or units, and can be in electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0231] The units described as separated components can or can not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units can or can not be physical units, i.e., can be located in one place, or can be distributed on a plurality of network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purposes of the embodiments of the present application.

[0232] In addition, each functional unit in the embodiments of the present application can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically as a separate unit, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit.

[0233] If the functions are implemented in the form of software function units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on such understanding, the technical solutions of the present application can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods in the embodiments of the present application. The foregoing storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk or optical disk, and various program codes that can be stored in the medium.

[0234] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be covered in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first satellite device, the method includes: When the store-and-forward capability of the first satellite device is limited, a redirection request is sent to the second satellite device, the redirection request indicating that the second satellite device shall transmit the service data of the terminal device. When the second satellite device can provide data transmission services to the terminal device, the terminal device receives a redirection response message sent by the second satellite device, the redirection response message including an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device; If the second satellite device is unable to provide data transmission service to the terminal device, the device receives a data transmission rejection redirection response message sent by the second satellite device. The first satellite equipment includes a first core network equipment, and the second satellite equipment includes a second core network equipment.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before sending the redirection request to the second satellite device, the method further includes: The terminal device receives a first service request, which includes service data and first indication information. The first indication information indicates that the terminal device supports store-and-forward capability and / or indicates the latency tolerance type of the service data.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The redirection response message also includes timing information, which instructs the terminal device to establish communication with the second satellite device after waiting for a predetermined period of time. The storage and forwarding capabilities of the second satellite device are not limited.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, If the second satellite device can provide data transmission services to the terminal device, after receiving the redirection response message sent by the second satellite device, the method further includes: A service request rejection message is sent to the terminal device. The service request rejection message includes an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second satellite device and the timing information.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first core network device includes a first control plane network element and a corresponding first forwarding plane network element; the second core network device includes a second control plane network element and a corresponding second forwarding plane network element. Sending the redirection request to the second satellite device includes: A redirection request is sent to the second control plane network element, the redirection request instructing the second forwarding plane network element to transmit the service data.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Before sending the redirection request to the second satellite device, and after receiving the first service request sent by the terminal device, the method further includes: Based on the store-and-forward capability information of M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device, a second satellite device is determined from the M neighboring satellite devices. The store-and-forward capability of the second satellite device is not limited, and M is a positive integer greater than 1.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The step of determining the second satellite device from the M neighboring satellite devices based on the store-and-forward capability information of the first satellite device includes: Based on the store-and-forward capability information of M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device, N target satellite devices are determined from the M neighboring satellite devices. The store-and-forward capability of the N target satellite devices is not limited. M and N are both positive integers greater than 1, and M is greater than N. When the terminal device is located within the coverage area of ​​the N target satellite devices, the second satellite device is determined among the N target satellite devices, and the second satellite device is the satellite device with the lightest load among the N target satellite devices; Alternatively, if the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the N target satellite devices, the second satellite device is determined from the N target satellite devices, and the second satellite device is the satellite device that is closest to the terminal device among the N target satellite devices; Alternatively, if the terminal device is located outside the coverage area of ​​the N target satellite devices, the second satellite device is determined from among the N target satellite devices based on the ephemeris information of the N target satellite devices, and the second satellite device is the satellite device that first covers the terminal device among the N target satellite devices.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Before the first service request sent by the receiving terminal device, the method further includes: Obtain capability limitation information, which indicates that the store-and-forward capability of the first forwarding plane network element is limited.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The capability limitation information includes a capability limitation type identifier and a capability limitation level identifier. The capability limitation type identifier indicates the type of limitation of the storage and forwarding capability of the first forwarding plane network element, including insufficient storage capacity, insufficient forwarding bandwidth, and / or excessive load. The capability limitation level identifier indicates the level of limitation of the storage and forwarding capability of the first forwarding plane network element.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Before the first service request sent by the receiving terminal device, the method further includes: Obtain the storage-forwarding capability information of M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device, wherein the storage-forwarding capability information includes storage capacity, forwarding bandwidth and load.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the store-and-forward capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices of the first satellite device includes: Receive the store-and-forward capability information of the M adjacent satellite devices sent by the operation and management module of the satellite network; Alternatively, receive the store-and-forward capability information of the M neighboring satellite devices sent by the M neighboring satellite devices.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The redirection request also includes the security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, the service data, and the context information of the communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The redirection request is a Forward Relocation Request message, and the service request rejection message is a NAS message.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal device, the method includes: Send a first service request to a first satellite device. The first service request includes service data and first indication information. The first indication information indicates that the terminal device supports store-and-forward capability and / or indicates the latency tolerance type of the service data. The terminal receives a service request rejection message from the first satellite device. The service request rejection message includes an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second satellite device and timing information. The timing information is used to instruct the terminal device to establish communication with the second satellite device after waiting for a predetermined period of time. Send a second service request to the second satellite device. The second service request includes an identifier, service data, and second indication information pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second satellite device. The second indication information indicates that the terminal device supports store-and-forward capability and / or indicates the latency tolerance type of the service data. The first satellite equipment includes a first core network equipment, and the second satellite equipment includes a second core network equipment.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, After receiving a service request rejection message from the first satellite device, the method further includes: Set a local timer to start sending delayed data based on the timing information.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The method of sending a second service request to the second satellite device further includes: After the time period predetermined by the timing information, a second service request is sent to the second satellite device.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first core network device includes a first control plane network element and a corresponding first forwarding plane network element; the second core network device includes a second control plane network element and a corresponding second forwarding plane network element. Sending the first service request to the first satellite device includes: Send the first service request to the first control plane network element; The receipt of the service request rejection message from the first satellite device includes: Receive a service request rejection message from the first control plane network element; Sending the second service request to the second satellite device includes: Send the second service request to the second control plane network element.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives a service request response message sent by the second satellite device, the service request response message indicating that the second satellite device has responded to the second service request.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14-18, characterized in that, The redirection request is a Forward Relocation Request message, and the service request rejection message is a NAS message.

20. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second satellite device, the method includes: Receive a redirection request sent by a first satellite device, the redirection request indicating that the service data of the terminal device be transmitted by the second satellite device; Determine whether data transmission services can be provided to the terminal device; If the second satellite device can provide data transmission services to the terminal device, a redirection response message is sent to the first satellite device, the redirection response message including an identifier pre-assigned to the terminal device; If the second satellite device is unable to provide data transmission service to the terminal device, a data transmission rejection redirection response message is sent to the first satellite device; The first satellite equipment includes a first core network equipment, and the second satellite equipment includes a second core network equipment.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, After sending the redirection response message to the first satellite device, the method further includes: The terminal device receives a second service request, which includes an identifier, service data, and second indication information pre-assigned to the terminal device by the second satellite device. The second indication information indicates that the terminal device supports store-and-forward capability and / or indicates the latency tolerance type of the service data. In response to the second service request, the service data of the terminal device is transmitted.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: A service request response message is sent to the terminal device, the service request response message indicating that the second satellite device has responded to the second service request.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The first core network device includes a first control plane network element and a corresponding first forwarding plane network element; the second core network device includes a second control plane network element and a corresponding second forwarding plane network element. The receiving of the redirection request sent by the first satellite device includes: Accept the redirection request sent by the first control plane network element.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The redirection request includes the security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, the service data, and the context information of the communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device. The determination of whether data transmission services can be provided to the terminal device further includes: Based on the security authentication information corresponding to the terminal device, the service data, the context information of the communication between the terminal device and the first satellite device, and the store-and-forward capability of the second satellite device, it is determined whether the second satellite device can provide data transmission services to the terminal device.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor, a communication interface, and a memory coupled to the processor and the communication interface; The memory stores instructions, and when the processor executes the instructions, it causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 14 to 19, or causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 20 to 24.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed, implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or the communication method as described in any one of claims 14 to 19, or the communication method as described in any one of claims 20 to 24.

27. A satellite communication system, characterized in that, The satellite communication system includes a satellite network and terminal equipment. The satellite network includes at least one satellite device, a first satellite device, and a second satellite device. The first satellite device includes a first control plane network element and a corresponding first forwarding plane network element. The second satellite device includes a second control plane network element and a corresponding second forwarding plane network element. The terminal device establishes a store-and-forward communication connection with the first control plane network element. The first satellite device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The terminal device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 14 to 19. The second satellite device is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 20 to 24.

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