Link switching method and device, platform, storage medium and entity

Abstract

The invention provides a link switching method and device, a platform, a storage medium and an entity, and the method comprises the steps: transmitting a first message to a first CU connected with a first gateway station through a DU on an air platform, indicating the first CU to suspend the communication with the DU through the first gateway station, and when the air platform moves to a service area of a second gateway station, transmitting a second message to the first CU through the second gateway station; the link between the DU and the second gateway station is established or activated, so that the DU can communicate with the second CU connected with the second gateway station through the link, the switching of the link between the DU and the gateway station is realized, and the problem of switching of the link between the DU and the ground caused by the mobility of an air platform is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a link switching method, apparatus, platform, storage medium and entity. Background Technology

[0002] The current 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) NTN (Non-terrestrial networks) defines a regenerative transmission (on-board access / processing) architecture, where satellites possess some or all of the base station functions. One feasible implementation method is to deploy the base station's Distributed Unit (DU) on the satellite and the Centralized Unit (CU) on the ground.

[0003] In this implementation, the DU on the satellite connects to a ground gateway station via a feed link, and then connects to the CU through the gateway station. However, as the satellite moves, the DU on the satellite may need to connect to different gateway stations, while the connection between the user equipment and the satellite may remain unchanged. In this situation, how to switch the link between the DU and the gateway station is a technical problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a link switching method, apparatus, platform, storage medium, and entity for switching the link between the DU (Dedicated Unit) and the gateway station carried on the airborne platform as the airborne platform, such as a satellite, moves.

[0005] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, or may be learned in part from practice of this disclosure.

[0006] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a link switching method is provided, the method being applied to a DU mounted on an airborne platform, the method comprising: sending a first message to a first centralized unit (CU) connected to a first gateway station, the first message indicating a suspension of communication with the DU through the first gateway station; and, in response to the airborne platform being located in the service area of ​​a second gateway station, establishing or activating a link between the DU and the second gateway station, the link being used for communication with a second CU connected to the second gateway station.

[0007] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, when the first CU and the second CU are the same CU, the method further includes: sending a second message to the first CU, the second message being used to instruct the first CU to communicate with the DU through the second gateway station.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, when the first CU and the second CU are different CUs, the method further includes: sending a cell handover notification to the second CU, wherein the cell handover notification includes configuration information of user equipment accessing the DU.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the method further includes: receiving a first request message sent by the second CU, the first request message being used to modify the context information of the user equipment.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, when the first CU and the second CU are different CUs, the method further includes: receiving a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message for the user equipment; and forwarding the RRC reconfiguration message to the user equipment.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, before sending the first message to the first centralized unit (CU) connected to the first gateway station, the method further includes: sending a first interface establishment request to the first CU, wherein the first interface establishment request includes information of a plurality of CUs that are connected to the DU, the plurality of CUs including the first CU and the second CU.

[0012] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a link switching method is provided, the method being applied to a second CU, the second CU being connected to a second gateway station, the method comprising: communicating with the DU via the second gateway station and the link when an airborne platform carrying a DU is located in the service area of ​​the second gateway station and communication between the DU and a first gateway station is suspended, and a link between the second gateway station and the DU is established or reactivated.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the second CU is also connected to the first gateway station; the method further includes: receiving a first message from the DU; and suspending communication between the second CU and the DU through the first gateway station based on the first message.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, communicating with the DU via the second gateway station and the link includes: receiving a second message from the DU; and enabling communication between the second gateway station and the DU based on the second message.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, communicating with the DU via the second gateway station and the link includes: receiving a cell handover notification sent by the DU, the cell handover notification including configuration information of the user equipment accessing the DU; generating a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message based on the configuration information; and sending the RRC reconfiguration message to the DU via the second gateway station, so that the DU forwards the RRC reconfiguration message to the user equipment.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, before the link between the second gateway station and the DU is established or reactivated, the DU communicates with the first CU through the first gateway station; after receiving the cell handover notification sent by the DU, the method further includes: obtaining first context information of the user equipment from the first CU; modifying the first context information to obtain second context information; and sending a first request message to the DU, the first request message being used to request that the context information of the user equipment be modified to the second context information.

[0017] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a link switching device is provided, which is applied to an airborne platform carrying a DU. In some embodiments, the link switching device may include: The sending module is used to send a first message to the first centralized unit (CU) connected to the first gateway station. The first message is used to indicate the suspension of communication with the DU through the first gateway station.

[0018] A switching module is used to establish or activate a link between the DU and the second gateway station in response to the air platform being located in the service area of ​​the second gateway station. The link is used for communication with the second CU connected to the second gateway station.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, when the first CU and the second CU are the same CU, the sending module is further configured to: send a second message to the first CU, the second message being used to instruct the first CU to communicate with the DU through the second gateway station.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, when the first CU and the second CU are different CUs, the sending module is further configured to: send a cell handover notification to the second CU, wherein the cell handover notification includes configuration information of the user equipment accessing the DU.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the link switching device may further include: a receiving module, configured to: receive a first request message sent by the second CU, the first request message being used to modify the context information of the user equipment.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, when the first CU and the second CU are different CUs, the receiving module is further configured to receive a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message for the user equipment; the sending module is further configured to forward the RRC reconfiguration message to the user equipment.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the sending module is further configured to send a first interface establishment request to the first CU, the first interface establishment request including information of a plurality of CUs that establish a connection with the DU, the plurality of CUs including the first CU and the second CU.

[0024] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a link switching device is provided, applied to a CU, the CU being connected to a second gateway station, the link switching device comprising: A communication module is used to communicate with the DU via the second gateway station and the link when the airborne platform carrying the DU is located in the service area of ​​the second gateway station and the communication between the DU and the first gateway station is suspended, and the link between the second gateway station and the DU is established or reactivated.

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the second CU is also connected to the first gateway station; the link switching device may further include: The receiving module is used to receive the first message from the DU.

[0026] The communication module is also used to suspend communication between the first gateway station and the DU based on the first message.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, a communication module is configured to receive a second message from the DU; and based on the second message, enable the second gateway station and the link to communicate with the DU.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, a communication module is configured to receive a cell handover notification sent by the DU, the cell handover notification including configuration information of user equipment accessing the DU; generate a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message based on the configuration information; and send the RRC reconfiguration message to the DU through the second gateway station, so that the DU forwards the RRC reconfiguration message to the user equipment.

[0029] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, before the link between the second gateway station and the DU is established or reactivated, the DU communicates with the first CU through the first gateway station; the link switching device may further include: a context processing module, configured to obtain first context information of the user equipment from the first CU; modify the first context information to obtain second context information; and send a first request message to the DU, the first request message being used to request that the context information of the user equipment be modified to the second context information.

[0030] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a DU entity is provided, including a processor and a memory, the memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to perform the method of the first aspect described above by executing the executable instructions.

[0031] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, an airborne platform is provided, which includes the DU entity described in the fifth aspect.

[0032] According to a seventh aspect of this disclosure, a CU entity is provided, including a processor and a memory, the memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to perform the method of the second aspect described above by executing the executable instructions.

[0033] According to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method of the first or second aspect described above.

[0034] The link switching method, apparatus, platform, storage medium, and entity provided in this disclosure send a first message from a DU on an airborne platform to a first CU connected to a first gateway station, instructing the first CU to suspend communication with the DU through the first gateway station. When the airborne platform moves to the service area of ​​a second gateway station, a link is established or activated between the DU and the second gateway station, allowing the DU to communicate with the second CU connected to the second gateway station through this link. This achieves the switching of the link between the DU and the gateway station, which helps to solve the problem of link switching between the DU and the ground caused by the mobility of the airborne platform.

[0035] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0037] Figure 1 A flowchart of a link switching method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a signaling interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another signaling interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 4 A flowchart of another link switching method in an embodiment of this disclosure is shown; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided by an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 6 Based on Figure 5 Signaling interaction diagram of the scenario shown; Figure 7 A flowchart of yet another link switching method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another communication scenario provided by an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 9 Based on Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a signaling interaction method for the scenario shown; Figure 10 A flowchart of yet another link switching method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown; Figure 11 This diagram illustrates a link switching device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 12 This diagram illustrates another link switching device in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 13 A structural block diagram of a CU entity is shown in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be more comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0039] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of this disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. Some block diagrams shown in the drawings are functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically or logically independent entities. These functional entities may be implemented in software, in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different network and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0040] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, some terms involved in the embodiments of this disclosure are explained below.

[0041] The CU entity is used to implement the protocol functions of the base station's PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) layer, SDAP (Service Data Adaptation Protocol) layer, and RRC (Radio Resource Control) layer.

[0042] The DU entity is used to implement the physical layer, MAC (Media Access Control) layer, and RLC (Radio Link Control) layer functions of the base station, and also has some RLC layer encoding and decoding functions. According to the current protocol, the physical layer parameters of the base station are generated and configured by the DU and notified to the CU, while the configuration of higher-layer parameters and radio resource management parameters are generated by the CU.

[0043] TNLA (Transport Network Layer Association) is used to establish associations between data-related network elements. These associations can be used to establish and manage connections between CUs and DUs in the network.

[0044] The following examples illustrate the solutions provided in this disclosure.

[0045] Figure 1 A flowchart of a link switching method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the link switching method provided in this disclosure may include the following steps.

[0046] In step S101, the DU mounted on the air platform sends a first message to the first CU connected to the first gateway station. The first message is used to indicate the suspension of communication with the DU through the first gateway station.

[0047] In some embodiments, the aerial platform referred to in this disclosure can be understood as a device that flies in a non-vacuum space within the atmosphere, such as a drone or an airship, but is not limited to drones and airships.

[0048] In other embodiments, the aerial platform referred to in this disclosure can also be understood as a device that flies in a vacuum outside the atmosphere, such as a satellite or space shuttle, but is not limited to satellites and space shuttles.

[0049] In this embodiment of the disclosure, before the link switch is performed, the air platform is located within the service area of ​​the first gateway station and communicates with the first CU connected to the first gateway station through the first gateway station.

[0050] In some implementations, the DU mounted on the air platform can send a first message to the first CU connected to the first gateway station when the air platform is about to leave the service area of ​​the first gateway station or has already left the service area of ​​the first gateway station, instructing the first CU to suspend communication with the DU through the first gateway station.

[0051] In other embodiments, the DU (Distribution Unit) mounted on the airborne platform may also send a first message to the first CU (Combined Unit) connected to the first gateway station due to unplanned reasons such as load or weather, to instruct the first CU to suspend communication with the DU through the first gateway station. For example, the DU may send a first message to the first CU connected to the first gateway station when the load of the first gateway station or the first CU exceeds a preset threshold. Alternatively, it may send a first message to the first CU connected to the first gateway station when the link quality between the DU and the first gateway station is severely degraded due to weather conditions.

[0052] In some implementations, the first message can reuse an existing message for transmission. For example, it can reuse an interface configuration update message for transmission. The interface configuration update message may include, for example, information such as message type, transaction ID, a list of served cells to add, and transmission control. The message type can consist of an integer number and a message type, such as an initiating message, a successful outcome, or an unsuccessful outcome. The transaction ID is used to uniquely identify the transmission process; the same transaction corresponds to the same transaction ID. Transmission control is used to indicate whether to pause or resume communication between the DU and CU (e.g., the first CU).

[0053] In other implementations, the first message may also be sent using a newly defined message. This newly defined message may include, for example, a message type and a transmission identifier. The message type may be, for example, pausing or resuming communication between the DU and CU (e.g., the first CU).

[0054] After receiving the first message from the DU, the first CU suspends communication with the DU and sends a response message to the DU through the first gateway station, such as whether the suspension was successful or failed.

[0055] In some examples, after receiving the first message, the response message sent by the first CU may include the message type (such as a success response or a failure response), transmission identifier, and diagnostic information (Criticism Diagnostics). The diagnostic information may be sent if parts of the first message are not understood or are missing, or if the first message contains logical errors.

[0056] In some examples, when the response message from the first CU is a failure response, the response message may also include reason information, which explains why the pause failed.

[0057] In some examples, the link between the first gateway station and the DU is broken after the first CU sends a pause success response message to the DU through the first gateway station.

[0058] In other examples, after the first CU sends a pause success response message to the DU via the first gateway station, the link between the first gateway station and the DU remains connected, but communication with the DU is not conducted through that link. In this case, when the airborne platform re-enters the service area of ​​the first gateway station, the link can be restored or activated to communicate with the first CU through that link.

[0059] In some examples, the request message for resuming or activating the link may include message type, transmission identifier, DU identifier, DU name, and a list of serving cells for the DU. Upon receiving the request message, the first CU can include information such as message type, transmission identifier, CU name, and a list of cells to be activated in its feedback message. If the first CU responds with a failure response, the failure response may also include the reason for the failure, the waiting time for re-attempting to activate or restore the link, and diagnostic information.

[0060] for example, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a signaling interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, when the DU mounted on the air platform first establishes a connection with the first CU, the DU communicates through the first gateway station ( Figure 2(Not shown in the image) sends a first interface establishment request to the first CU. The first interface establishment request may include information about multiple CUs (such as the first CU and the second CU) that are connected to the DU (such as the identifier of the CU, the identifier of the base station corresponding to the CU, etc.), message type, transmission identifier, DU identifier, DU name, DU serving cell list, etc.

[0061] After receiving the first interface establishment request, the first CU sends an interface establishment response to the DU through the first gateway station. Following this, the DU and the first CU establish a connection and begin communication through the first gateway station.

[0062] When the airborne platform is about to leave the service area of ​​the first gateway station or when the DU carried by the airborne platform is inactive, the DU multiplexing interface configuration update message sends a first message to the first CU. After receiving the interface configuration update message, the first CU sends a configuration update confirmation message back to the DU and stops communicating with the DU through the first gateway station.

[0063] When the airborne platform carrying the DU re-enters the service area of ​​the first gateway station, the DU can instruct the first CU to reactivate the first gateway station and communicate with the DU via an interface configuration update message. After receiving the interface configuration update message, the first CU sends a configuration update confirmation message to the DU, thus enabling the DU and the first CU to communicate through the first gateway station.

[0064] For example, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another signaling interaction method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 3 As shown, when the DU mounted on the air platform first establishes a connection with the first CU, the DU communicates through the first gateway station ( Figure 3 (Not shown) sends a first interface establishment request to the first CU. The first interface establishment request may include information about multiple CUs (such as the first CU and the second CU) that are connected to the DU.

[0065] After receiving the first interface establishment request, the first CU sends an interface establishment response to the DU through the first gateway station. Thereafter, the DU and the first CU communicate through the first gateway station.

[0066] When the airborne platform is about to leave the service area of ​​the first gateway station or when the DU (Distribution Unit) on board the airborne platform is inactive, the DU sends a first message to the first CU (Command Unit) through a newly defined message and procedure to instruct the first CU to suspend communication with the DU. After receiving the first message, the first CU sends a successful suspension response to the DU and stops communicating with the DU through the first gateway station.

[0067] If the first CU reports a pause failure response ( Figure 3(not shown in the image), then the DU will resend the first message after a preset time until the first CU responds with a successful pause or the link between the first gateway station and the DU is disconnected.

[0068] When the airborne platform carrying the DU re-enters the service area of ​​the first gateway station, if the link between the DU and the first gateway station still exists, the DU can instruct the first CU to reactivate the link between the first gateway station and the DU through a newly defined connection recovery message and procedure, and restore communication on that link. After receiving the connection recovery message, the first CU sends a recovery success response message to the DU, thereby enabling the DU and the first CU to communicate through the first gateway station.

[0069] If the first CU returns a recovery failure response message ( Figure 3 (not shown in the image), then after the timer expires, the DU sends an interface establishment request to the first CU to re-establish the connection with the first CU.

[0070] In step S103, in response to the air platform being located in the service area of ​​the second gateway station, the DU carried on the air platform establishes or activates a link with the second gateway station, which is used for communication between the second CU connected to the second gateway station.

[0071] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the second gateway station is connected to the second CU, wherein the second CU and the first CU can be the same CU or different CUs. The service area of ​​the second gateway station may partially overlap with the service area of ​​the first gateway station, or they may not overlap.

[0072] In some implementations, if the DU and the second gateway station do not have a link (e.g., a power supply link), the DU sends a second interface establishment request to the second gateway station. This second interface establishment request includes information about multiple CUs (including the first CU and the second CU) connected to the DU. Thus, a link with the second gateway station is established through the second interface establishment request.

[0073] If a link has been established between the DU and the second gateway station, and that link is disabled or inactive, a preset message will be sent to instruct the second gateway station or the second CU to activate the link and communicate through it.

[0074] according to Figures 1-3In this embodiment, the DU on the air platform sends a first message to the first CU connected to the first gateway station, instructing the first CU to suspend communication with the DU through the first gateway station. When the air platform moves to the service area of ​​the second gateway station, a link between the DU and the second gateway station is established or activated, allowing the DU to communicate with the second CU connected to the second gateway station through this link. This achieves the switching of the link between the DU and the gateway station, which helps to solve the problem of link switching between the DU and the ground caused by the mobility of the air platform.

[0075] Figure 4 A flowchart of another link switching method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. This method illustrates the case where the first CU and the second CU are the same CU, in which case the first CU is simultaneously connected to both the first gateway station and the second gateway station. Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the link switching method provided in this disclosure may include the following steps.

[0076] In step S401, the DU mounted on the air platform sends a first message to the first CU connected to the first gateway station. The first message is used to indicate the suspension of communication with the DU through the first gateway station.

[0077] In step S403, in response to the air platform being located in the service area of ​​the second gateway station, the DU carried on the air platform establishes or activates a link with the second gateway station, which is used to communicate with the first CU.

[0078] The execution methods of steps S401-S403 can be found in the execution methods of steps S101-S103 in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0079] In step S405, a second message is sent to the first CU, which instructs the first CU to communicate with the DU through the second gateway station.

[0080] Example, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5 In the scenario shown, the first CU 51 is simultaneously connected to the first gateway station 52 and the second gateway station 53. And at time T1, the DU ( ) mounted on the air platform 54... Figure 5 (Not shown) communicates with the first CU51 via the first gateway station 52. At time T2, the air platform 54 leaves the service area of ​​the first gateway station 52. The link between the first gateway station 52 and the DU is disconnected. At time T3, the air platform 54 is located in the service area of ​​the second gateway station 53, and the DU on the air platform 54 communicates with the first CU51 via the second gateway station 53. From time T1 to T3, the connection between the user equipment 55 and the DU on the air platform remains unchanged.

[0081] Figure 6 Based on Figure 5 The signaling interaction diagram for the scenario shown is as follows. Figure 6 As shown, when the airborne platform 54 carrying the DU first enters the service area of ​​the first gateway station 52 at time T1, the DU and the first gateway station ( Figure 6 (Not shown in the image) The first CU51 connected to 52 establishes a first TNLA and sends a first interface establishment request to the first CU51 based on the first TNLA. After receiving the first interface establishment request, the first CU51 sends an interface establishment response to the DU through the first gateway station 52. After this, the DU communicates with the first CU51 through the first gateway station 52. However, as the air platform 54 moves, at time T2, when the air platform 54 is about to leave or has already left the service area of ​​the first gateway station 52, the DU sends a first message to the first CU51 and receives a pause success response. At this time, the user equipment 55 can normally send messages and data to the DU on the air platform, and the DU buffers the messages and data sent by the user equipment 55. When the air platform 54 enters the service area of ​​the second gateway station 53 at time T3, the DU on the air platform 54 establishes a second TNLA with the first CU51. If no link is established between the DU and the second gateway station 53, a link is established between the DU and the second gateway station 53 based on the second TNLA, and the first CU51 is notified to communicate through the second gateway station 53 via a second message. After this, the DU sends the messages and data cached by the DU to the first CU 51 via the second gateway station 53. If a link already exists between the DU and the second gateway station 53 ( Figure 6 If the data is in a disabled or inactive state (not shown in the image), the link is activated by a preset message, and after the link is activated, the cached messages and data of the user equipment 55 are sent to the first CU51 through the link.

[0082] according to Figures 4-6 In an embodiment, when the first CU is simultaneously connected to both the first and second gateway stations, and the air platform switches from the service area of ​​the first gateway station to the service area of ​​the second gateway station, sending a first message to the first gateway station can cause the first CU to suspend communication with the DU through the first gateway station. When the air platform is located at the second gateway station, by establishing or activating the link between the DU and the second gateway station, the DU can communicate with the first CU through the second gateway station, thereby solving the mobility problem of the air platform and realizing the switching of the link between the DU and the ground.

[0083] Figure 7 A flowchart of yet another link switching method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. This method illustrates a case where the first CU and the second CU are different CUs; ​​in this case, the first CU is connected to the first gateway station, and the second CU is connected to the second gateway station. Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the link switching method provided in this disclosure may include the following steps.

[0084] In step S701, the DU mounted on the air platform sends a first message to the first CU connected to the first gateway station. The first message is used to indicate the suspension of communication with the DU through the first gateway station.

[0085] In step S703, in response to the air platform being located in the service area of ​​the second gateway station, the DU carried on the air platform establishes or activates a link with the second gateway station, which is used to communicate with the second CU.

[0086] The execution methods of steps S701-S703 can be found in the execution methods of steps S101-S103 in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0087] In step S705, a cell handover notification is sent to the second CU to enable the second CU to perform cell handover. The cell handover notification includes the configuration information of the user equipment accessing the DU.

[0088] The configuration information of the user equipment may include the identifier of the user equipment, the identifier of the first CU, and the configuration information generated by the first CU for the user equipment.

[0089] The cell handover notification may include the notification type, the identifier of the indirect access point between the DU and the user equipment, the identifier of the source CU (which can be understood as the first CU), the identifier of the target CU (which can be understood as the second CU), the location of the user equipment, and the information of the user equipment (such as TA (timing advance), cell group configuration, measurement gap configuration, etc.).

[0090] In some implementations, the cell handover operation performed by the second CU based on the cell handover notification may include at least one of the following: 1. Obtain the identifier and address of the first CU from the interface establishment request sent by the DU, the ephemeris of the air platform, or the cell handover notification, and obtain the first context information of the user equipment from the first CU. The first context information may include the message type, the identifier of the indirect access point between the DU and the user equipment, the identifier of the user equipment, the control plane user equipment associated signaling reference, the signaling transport network layer associated address, the user equipment capabilities, security information (such as security keys and algorithms related to the user equipment), the maximum bit rate of the user equipment carrier aggregation, the PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session resource list, etc.

[0091] Second, modify the first context information to obtain the second context information.

[0092] Third, send a first request message to the DU. The first request message requests modification of the context information of the user equipment, such as modifying the context information of the user equipment to the second context information.

[0093] 4. Send an RRC (Radio Resource Control) reconfiguration message to the DU so that the DU will forward the RRC reconfiguration message to the user equipment.

[0094] For example, Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another communication scenario provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 8 As shown in Figure (a), before the link switch, the DU (Device Duty Free) carried on the air platform 81 Figure 8 (Not shown in the image) Connected to the first CU83 via the first gateway station 82, and the user equipment 84 connected to the DU via a link. For example... Figure 8 As shown in Figure (b), during link switching, the link between User Equipment 84 and DU remains unchanged. After DU sends a first message to First CU83 indicating a pause in communication, and before receiving a successful pause response from First CU83, uplink messages and data sent by User Equipment 84 are still sent to First CU83 for processing via First Gateway Station 82. Simultaneously, DU establishes or activates a link with Second Gateway Station 85. During link switching, if a successful pause response is received from First CU83, the link between User Equipment 84 and DU remains unchanged. Uplink messages and data sent by User Equipment 84 are buffered in DU and then sent to Second CU86 for processing via that link after the link between DU and Second Gateway Station 85 is established or activated. Figure 8 As shown in Figure (c), after the link switch is completed, the connection between DU and the first gateway station 82 / first CU83 is disconnected, and user equipment 84 communicates with the second CU86 through DU and the second gateway station 85.

[0095] Example, Figure 9 Based on Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a signaling interaction method for the scenario shown. Figure 9 As shown, in Figure 8 The link switching scenario shown may include the following switching process.

[0096] In step S901, the DU on the air platform determines that a link switch is about to occur based on the air platform's ephemeris. The DU sends a first message to the first CU to instruct the first CU to suspend communication with the DU and to suspend sending uplink messages and data of the user equipment to the first CU. At the same time, the uplink messages and data sent by the user equipment are cached.

[0097] In step S903, the first CU replies to the DU with a pause success response and stops transmitting downlink data to the user equipment.

[0098] It should be noted that step S903 can be performed at any time before the link switch is completed, and is not limited to being performed before the link with the second gateway station is established or activated.

[0099] In step S905, the DU initiates an establishment or activation request to the second CU through existing messages or newly defined messages to establish or activate a link with the second CU, which includes the link between the DU and the second gateway station.

[0100] In step S907, the second CU receives a response message indicating that the link has been established or activated.

[0101] In step S909, the DU initiates a handover preparation process for the user equipment connected to the DU.

[0102] In step S911, the DU sends a cell handover notification to the second CU, which includes the configuration information of the user equipment.

[0103] In step S913, the second CU obtains the context information of the user equipment from the first CU.

[0104] The identifier and address of the first CU can be obtained from the ephemeris of the airborne platform, the interface establishment request sent by the DU, or the cell handover notification.

[0105] In steps S915a-S915b, the second CU sends a first request message to the DU to request modification of the user equipment context information and receives an acknowledgment response from the DU.

[0106] In step S917, the second CU sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the user equipment via the DU.

[0107] In step S919, the user equipment applies the updated configuration information and replies with an RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0108] In step S921, the second CU sends a path handover message to the core network to notify the core network user equipment that a cell handover has occurred.

[0109] In step S923, the second CU sends a cell handover success message to the first CU.

[0110] Thus, through Figure 9 The method described in the embodiment can switch the user equipment from the first CU to the second CU.

[0111] In step S707, after the cell handover is successful, communication is established with the second CU via the second gateway station.

[0112] according to Figure 7 The beneficial effects of the embodiments and Figure 1 and Figure 4 The implementation examples are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0113] Figure 10 A flowchart of yet another link switching method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. This method can be applied to the second CU in the above embodiments, and the second CU is connected to a second gateway station. Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the link switching method provided by this disclosure may include the following steps.

[0114] In step S1001, the second CU communicates with the DU through the second gateway station and the link when the air platform carrying the DU is located in the service area of ​​the second gateway station, and the communication between the DU and the first gateway station is suspended, and the link between the second gateway station and the DU is established or reactivated.

[0115] In some implementations, the second CU is also connected to the first gateway station; before the link between the second gateway station and the DU is established or reactivated, the second CU is also used to: receive a first message from the DU; and based on the first message, suspend communication between the second CU and the DU through the first gateway station.

[0116] In some implementations, communicating with the DU via the second gateway station and the link includes: receiving a second message from the DU; and, based on the second message, enabling communication between the second gateway station and the DU via the link.

[0117] In some implementations, communicating with the DU via a second gateway station and the link includes: receiving a cell handover notification sent by the DU, the cell handover notification including configuration information of the user equipment receiving the DU; generating an RRC reconfiguration message based on the configuration information of the user equipment; and sending the RRC reconfiguration message to the DU via the second gateway station, so that the DU forwards the RRC reconfiguration message to the user equipment.

[0118] In some implementations, before the link between the second gateway station and the DU is established or reactivated, the DU communicates with the first CU through the first gateway station; after receiving the cell handover notification sent by the DU, the second CU is further configured to: obtain the first context information of the user equipment from the first CU; modify the first context information to obtain the second context information; and send a first request message to the DU, the first request message being used to request that the context information of the user equipment be modified to the second context information.

[0119] Figure 10The implementation method and beneficial effects of the embodiments can be found in [reference]. Figures 1-9 Examples will not be repeated here.

[0120] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a link switching device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. This link switching device is applied to an over-the-air platform equipped with a DU. Figure 11 As shown, in some embodiments, the link switching device 1100 may include: The sending module 1101 is used to send a first message to the first centralized unit CU connected to the first gateway station. The first message is used to indicate the suspension of communication with the DU through the first gateway station.

[0121] The switching module 1002 is used to establish or activate a link between the DU and the second gateway station in response to the air platform being located in the service area of ​​the second gateway station. The link is used for communication with the second CU connected to the second gateway station.

[0122] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, when the first CU and the second CU are the same CU, the sending module 1101 is further configured to: send a second message to the first CU, the second message being used to instruct the first CU to communicate with the DU through the second gateway station.

[0123] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, when the first CU and the second CU are different CUs, the sending module 1101 is further configured to: send a cell handover notification to the second CU, wherein the cell handover notification includes configuration information of the user equipment accessing the DU.

[0124] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the link switching device 1100 may further include: a receiving module, configured to: receive a first request message sent by the second CU, the first request message being used to modify the context information of the user equipment.

[0125] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, when the first CU and the second CU are different CUs, the receiving module is further configured to receive a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message for the user equipment; the sending module 1101 is further configured to forward the RRC reconfiguration message to the user equipment.

[0126] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the sending module 1101 is further configured to send a first interface establishment request to the first CU, the first interface establishment request including information of a plurality of CUs that establish a connection with the DU, the plurality of CUs including the first CU and the second CU.

[0127] Figure 11 The execution method and beneficial effects of the link switching device in the embodiment can be found in [reference needed]. Figures 1-9 Any of the embodiments described herein will not be repeated here.

[0128] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of another link switching device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. It is applied to a CU, which is connected to a second gateway station. For example... Figure 12 As shown, in some embodiments, the link switching device 1200 may include: The communication module 1201 is used to communicate with the DU through the second gateway station and the link when the air platform carrying the DU is located in the service area of ​​the second gateway station and the communication between the DU and the first gateway station is suspended, and the link between the second gateway station and the DU is established or reactivated.

[0129] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the second CU is also connected to the first gateway station; the link switching device may further include: The receiving module is used to receive the first message from the DU.

[0130] The communication module 1201 is also used to suspend communication between the first gateway station and the DU based on the first message.

[0131] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the communication module 1201 is configured to receive a second message from the DU; and based on the second message, enable the second gateway station and the link to communicate with the DU.

[0132] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the communication module 1201 is configured to receive a cell handover notification sent by the DU, the cell handover notification including configuration information of user equipment accessing the DU; generate a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message based on the configuration information; and send the RRC reconfiguration message to the DU through the second gateway station, so that the DU forwards the RRC reconfiguration message to the user equipment.

[0133] In some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, before the link between the second gateway station and the DU is established or reactivated, the DU communicates with the first CU through the first gateway station; the link switching device 1200 may further include: a context processing module, configured to obtain first context information of the user equipment from the first CU; modify the first context information to obtain second context information; and send a first request message to the DU, the first request message being used to request that the context information of the user equipment be modified to the second context information.

[0134] Figure 12 The link switching device provided in the embodiment, its execution method and beneficial effects can be found in the foregoing. Figure 10 Examples will not be repeated here.

[0135] In some embodiments, this disclosure also provides a DU entity, including a processor and a memory, the memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to perform the above-mentioned tasks by executing the executable instructions. Figures 1-9 The method in any of the embodiments.

[0136] In some embodiments, this disclosure also provides an air platform that may include the DU / DU entity referred to in any of the above embodiments.

[0137] In some embodiments, this disclosure also provides a DU entity, including a processor and a memory, the memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to perform the above-mentioned tasks by executing the executable instructions. Figures 1-9 The method in any of the embodiments.

[0138] In some embodiments, this disclosure also provides a CU entity, including a processor and a memory, the memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to perform the above-mentioned tasks by executing the executable instructions. Figure 10 The method of the embodiment.

[0139] Figure 13 A structural block diagram of a CU entity according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Referring below... Figure 13 To describe the CU entity 1300 according to this embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 The CU entity 1300 shown is merely an example and should not impose any limitations on the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0140] like Figure 13 As shown, the CU entity 1300 is represented in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of the CU entity 1300 may include, but are not limited to: at least one processing unit 1310 (included in one or more processors), at least one storage unit 1320 (included in one or more memories), and a bus 1330 connecting different system components (including storage unit 1320 and processing unit 1310).

[0141] The storage unit stores program code that can be executed by the processing unit 1310, causing the processing unit 1310 to perform the steps described in the "Exemplary Methods" section of this specification according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0142] Storage unit 1320 may include readable media in the form of volatile storage units, such as random access memory (RAM) 1321 and / or cache memory 1322, and may further include read-only memory (ROM) 1323.

[0143] Storage unit 1320 may also include a program / utility 1324 having a set (at least one) program module 1325, such program module 1325 including but not limited to: operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules and program data, each or some combination of these examples may include an implementation of a network environment.

[0144] Bus 1330 can represent one or more of several types of bus structures, including a memory cell bus or memory cell controller, a peripheral bus, a graphics acceleration port, a processing unit, or a local bus using any of the various bus structures.

[0145] The CU entity 1300 can also communicate with one or more external devices 1340 (e.g., keyboard, pointing device, Bluetooth device, etc.), one or more devices that enable users to interact with the CU entity 1300, and / or any device that enables the CU entity 1300 to communicate with one or more other computing devices (e.g., router, modem, etc.). This communication can be performed via input / output (I / O) interface 1350. Furthermore, the CU entity 1300 can also communicate with one or more networks (e.g., local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and / or public networks, such as the Internet) via network adapter 1360. As shown, network adapter 1360 communicates with other modules of the CU entity 1300 via bus 1330. It should be understood that, although not shown in the figures, other hardware and / or software modules can be used in conjunction with the CU entity 1300, including but not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data backup storage systems.

[0146] From the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the exemplary embodiments described herein can be implemented by software or by combining software with necessary hardware. Therefore, the technical solutions according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be embodied in the form of a software product, which can be stored in a non-volatile storage medium (such as a CD-ROM, USB flash drive, external hard drive, etc.) or on a network, including several instructions to cause a computing device (such as a personal computer, server, terminal device, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods according to the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0147] In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, on which a program product capable of implementing the methods described above is stored. In some possible embodiments, various aspects of the invention may also be implemented as a program product comprising program code that, when the program product is run on a terminal device, causes the terminal device to perform the steps of the various exemplary embodiments of the invention described in the "Exemplary Methods" section of this specification.

[0148] A program product for implementing the above-described method according to embodiments of the present invention is described. This product may employ a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) and include program code, and may run on a terminal device, such as a personal computer. However, the program product of the present invention is not limited thereto. In this document, the readable storage medium may be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that may be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0149] The program product may employ any combination of one or more readable media. A readable medium may be a readable signal medium or a readable storage medium. A readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0150] Computer-readable signal media may include data signals propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying readable program code. Such propagated data signals may take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. A readable signal medium may also be any readable medium other than a readable storage medium, capable of sending, propagating, or transmitting programs for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0151] The program code contained on the readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, optical fiber, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0152] Program code for performing the operations of this invention can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java and C++, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as C or similar languages. The program code can execute entirely on the user's computing device, partially on the user's device, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computing device and partially on a remote computing device, or entirely on a remote computing device or server. In cases involving remote computing devices, the remote computing device can be connected to the user's computing device via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or it can be connected to an external computing device (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0153] It should be noted that although several modules or units for the device used to perform actions have been mentioned in the detailed description above, this division is not mandatory. In fact, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the features and functions of two or more modules or units described above can be embodied in one module or unit. Conversely, the features and functions of one module or unit described above can be further divided and embodied by multiple modules or units.

[0154] Furthermore, although the steps of the method in this disclosure are described in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, this does not require or imply that the steps must be performed in that specific order, or that all the steps shown must be performed to achieve the desired result. Additional or alternative steps may be omitted, multiple steps may be combined into one step, and / or a step may be broken down into multiple steps.

[0155] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A link switching method, characterized in that, The method, applied to a distributed unit (DU) mounted on an airborne platform, includes: Send a first message to the first centralized unit (CU) connected to the first gateway station. The first message is used to indicate the suspension of communication with the DU through the first gateway station. In response to the air platform being located in the service area of ​​the second gateway station, a link is established or activated between the DU and the second gateway station, the link being used for communication with the second CU connected to the second gateway station.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first CU and the second CU are the same CU, the method further includes: A second message is sent to the first CU, the second message being used to instruct the first CU to communicate with the DU through the second gateway station.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first CU and the second CU are different CUs, the method further includes: A cell handover notification is sent to the second CU, the cell handover notification including configuration information of user equipment accessing the DU.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives a first request message sent by the second CU, the first request message being used to modify the context information of the user equipment.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message for the user equipment; The RRC reconfiguration message is forwarded to the user equipment.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Before sending the first message to the first centralized unit (CU) connected to the first gateway station, the method further includes: A first interface establishment request is sent to the first CU. The first interface establishment request includes information about multiple CUs that establish a connection with the DU. The multiple CUs include the first CU and the second CU.

7. A link switching method, characterized in that, Applied to a second CU, which is connected to a second gateway station, the method includes: When the airborne platform carrying the DU is located in the service area of ​​the second gateway station, and communication between the DU and the first gateway station is suspended, and the link between the second gateway station and the DU is established or reactivated, communication with the DU is conducted through the second gateway station and the link.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second CU is also connected to the first gateway station; The method further includes: Receive the first message from the DU; Based on the first message, communication between the first gateway station and the DU is suspended.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The communication with the DU via the second gateway station and the link includes: Receive the second message from the DU; Based on the second message, the second gateway station and the link are enabled to communicate with the DU.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The communication with the DU via the second gateway station and the link includes: Receive the cell handover notification sent by the DU, wherein the cell handover notification includes configuration information of the user equipment accessing the DU; Based on the configuration information, a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message is generated; The RRC reconfiguration message is sent to the DU via the second gateway station, so that the DU forwards the RRC reconfiguration message to the user equipment.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Before the link between the second gateway station and the DU is established or reactivated, the DU communicates with the first CU through the first gateway station; After receiving the cell handover notification sent by the DU, the method further includes: Obtain the first context information of the user equipment from the first CU; Modify the first context information to obtain the second context information; A first request message is sent to the DU, the first request message being used to request that the context information of the user equipment be modified to the second context information.

12. A link switching device, characterized in that, Applied to an airborne platform, the airborne platform is equipped with a distributed unit (DU), and the link switching device includes: The sending module is used to send a first message to the first centralized unit (CU) connected to the first gateway station. The first message is used to indicate the suspension of communication with the DU through the first gateway station. A switching module is used to establish or activate a link between the DU and the second gateway station in response to the air platform being located in the service area of ​​the second gateway station. The link is used for communication with the second CU connected to the second gateway station.

13. A link switching device, characterized in that, The link switching device, applied to a CU (Command Unit) connected to a second gateway station, includes: A communication module is used to communicate with the DU via the second gateway station and the link when the airborne platform carrying the DU is located in the service area of ​​the second gateway station and the communication between the DU and the first gateway station is suspended, and the link between the second gateway station and the DU is established or reactivated.

14. A DU entity, characterized in that, include: processor; as well as Memory for storing the executable instructions of the processor; The processor is configured to execute the method of any one of claims 1 to 6 by executing the executable instructions.

15. An aerial platform, characterized in that, Includes the DU entity as described in claim 14.

16. A CU entity, characterized in that, include: processor; as well as Memory for storing the executable instructions of the processor; The processor is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 7-11 by executing the executable instructions.

17. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the method described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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