A batch handover method for NTN satellite communication, a satellite communication system, equipment and medium

Abstract

This application provides a batch handover method, satellite communication system, equipment, and medium for NTN satellite communication. The method involves the current serving satellite determining a set of user equipment (UE) to perform group handover to a target serving satellite. Based on the service attributes or preset priorities of each UE, the UE are categorized into first UE using conditional handover and second UE using real-time handover via network control. For the first UE, a conditional handover process is initiated in batches according to preset batching rules, and a conditional handover configuration containing handover trigger conditions and target cell resources is sent to each batch of first UE. Upon receiving the conditional handover configuration, the first UE autonomously performs handover to the target serving satellite when the handover trigger conditions are met. The second UE performs real-time handover based on the handover command sent by the current serving satellite. This method improves the rationality and reliability of handover timing, ensuring communication continuity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of satellite communications, and more specifically, to a batch switching method for NTN satellite communications, a satellite communication system, equipment, and medium. Background Technology

[0002] In satellite mobile communication systems (especially NTN architecture), satellites travel at high speeds along predetermined orbits, and their coverage areas change dynamically with ephemeris. UEs often need to switch between the coverage areas of different satellites to maintain communication. The 3GPPR16 standard proposes Conditional Handover (CHO) enhancements for handover scenarios. The core logic is that the network pre-configures the target cell handover parameters for the UE, and the UE initiates handover autonomously when the preset trigger conditions are met. Compared with traditional real-time handover mechanisms, this can effectively reduce handover latency and improve handover success rate.

[0003] Traditional inter-satellite handover mainly adopts two schemes. The first is a real-time handover mechanism, in which the network sends a handover signaling in real time when the UE is about to leave the current satellite coverage, and the UE executes the handover after receiving it. The second is a batch real-time handover scheme based on static information such as location and service type. This scheme groups UEs by preset rules and triggers different groups of UEs to execute the handover process in different time periods. Both schemes are conventional technical means to deal with dynamic changes in satellite coverage.

[0004] Both of the aforementioned traditional solutions have significant limitations and are difficult to adapt to the high dynamic coverage and high-concurrency handover requirements of NTN scenarios. On the one hand, the traditional real-time handover solution suffers from significant instantaneous signaling impact. When a specific band of a satellite is about to leave its coverage, a large number of UEs under that band will trigger handover in a concentrated manner, causing the local satellite and neighboring satellites to receive and process massive amounts of handover signaling at the same time, forming an instantaneous signaling peak. This can easily cause on-board signaling channel congestion, increased signaling processing delay, and in severe cases, handover failure and UE communication interruption. On the other hand, the batch real-time handover solution based on static information has the defect of unreasonable handover timing decision-making. This solution does not dynamically adjust the handover timing in combination with the actual channel quality of the UE. Relying solely on static information for decision-making can easily lead to handover being too early or too late. Handover being too early may result in a decrease in communication quality due to the target satellite's channel quality not meeting the standards, while handover being too late may result in handover failure due to excessive attenuation of the local satellite signal. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a batch handover method, apparatus, device and storage medium for NTN satellite communication, which can improve the rationality of handover timing and handover reliability, and ensure communication continuity.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a batch handover method for NTN satellite communication, applied to a satellite communication system, the system including a currently serving satellite, a target serving satellite, and user equipment, the method comprising:

[0007] The current serving satellite determines the set of user equipment that needs to perform a group handover from it to the target serving satellite;

[0008] The current service satellite classifies user equipment into a first user equipment that uses conditional handover and a second user equipment that uses real-time handover via network control, based on the service attributes or preset priorities of each user equipment in the user equipment cluster.

[0009] The currently serving satellite initiates a conditional handover process for the first user equipment in batches according to a preset batching rule, and sends a conditional handover configuration containing handover triggering conditions and target cell resources to each batch of the first user equipment.

[0010] When the handover triggering condition is met, the first user equipment that receives the conditional handover configuration autonomously performs a handover to the target serving satellite.

[0011] The second user equipment performs real-time handover based on the handover command issued by the currently serving satellite.

[0012] Optionally, determining the set of user equipment that needs to perform a group handover from it to the target serving satellite includes:

[0013] Obtain the ephemeris information of the currently serving satellite, wherein the ephemeris information includes the current position, orbital speed, and coverage radius;

[0014] Based on the current location, the operating speed, and the coverage radius, combined with the coverage range parameter of the target wavelength, calculate the remaining time for the target wavelength to leave its coverage.

[0015] The remaining time is compared with a preset departure time threshold;

[0016] When the remaining time is less than or equal to the departure time threshold, all user equipment currently connected under the target wavelength is identified as the user equipment set.

[0017] Optionally, the method further includes the step of determining the target serving satellite:

[0018] The currently serving satellite obtains ephemeris information of one or more neighboring satellites through inter-satellite links;

[0019] Based on its own and the ephemeris information of the neighboring satellites, the candidate service satellites that can take over the coverage of the wave position where the user equipment set is located are predicted.

[0020] One of the candidate service satellites is selected as the target service satellite.

[0021] Optionally, the step of classifying user equipment into a first user equipment using conditional handover and a second user equipment using real-time handover via network control, based on the service attributes or preset priorities of each user equipment in the user equipment set, includes:

[0022] The priority of each user device is determined based on its service attributes, or the priority preset for the user device is obtained directly.

[0023] User equipment is assigned as the first user equipment in descending order of priority, until the preset number or proportion of first user equipment is reached.

[0024] The remaining user equipment in the user equipment set is identified as the second user equipment.

[0025] Optionally, the step of initiating the condition switching process in batches according to preset batching rules includes:

[0026] Obtain the signaling processing load information of the currently serving satellite or the target serving satellite;

[0027] Based on the signaling processing load information, the upper limit of the number of user equipment that can initiate a conditional handover process in a single batch is dynamically set;

[0028] Based on the total number of the first user equipment and the upper limit of the number of user equipment, the total number of batches and the number of user equipment included in each batch are determined.

[0029] Optionally, the switching triggering condition includes a signal strength condition, specifically:

[0030] The reference signal received power value of the current serving satellite measured by the user equipment is lower than a first threshold, and the reference signal received power value of the target serving satellite measured at the same time is higher than a second threshold.

[0031] Optionally, in the batch-based conditional handover process, the initiation time interval between adjacent batches is dynamically adjusted based on the processing time required for the previous batch of user equipment to complete the handover configuration, or the initiation time interval between adjacent batches is a preset fixed value.

[0032] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a satellite communication system, the system including a current serving satellite, a target serving satellite, and user equipment;

[0033] The currently serving satellite is used to determine the set of user equipment that needs to be switched from it to the target serving satellite;

[0034] The currently serving satellite is used to classify user equipment into a first user equipment that uses conditional handover and a second user equipment that uses real-time handover via network control, based on the service attributes or preset priorities of each user equipment in the user equipment cluster.

[0035] The currently serving satellite is used to initiate a conditional handover process for the first user equipment in batches according to a preset batching rule, and to send a conditional handover configuration containing handover triggering conditions and target cell resources to each batch of the first user equipment.

[0036] The first user equipment that receives the conditional handover configuration is configured to autonomously perform a handover to the target serving satellite when the handover triggering condition is met;

[0037] The second user equipment is used to perform real-time handover based on the handover command issued by the currently serving satellite.

[0038] Optionally, determining the set of user equipment that needs to perform a group handover from it to the target serving satellite includes:

[0039] Obtain the ephemeris information of the currently serving satellite, wherein the ephemeris information includes the current position, orbital speed, and coverage radius;

[0040] Based on the current location, the operating speed, and the coverage radius, combined with the coverage range parameter of the target wavelength, calculate the remaining time for the target wavelength to leave its coverage.

[0041] The remaining time is compared with a preset departure time threshold;

[0042] When the remaining time is less than or equal to the departure time threshold, all user equipment currently connected under the target wavelength is identified as the user equipment set.

[0043] Optionally, the method further includes the step of determining the target serving satellite:

[0044] The currently serving satellite obtains ephemeris information of one or more neighboring satellites through inter-satellite links;

[0045] Based on its own and the ephemeris information of the neighboring satellites, the candidate service satellites that can take over the coverage of the wave position where the user equipment set is located are predicted.

[0046] One of the candidate service satellites is selected as the target service satellite.

[0047] Optionally, the step of classifying user equipment into a first user equipment using conditional handover and a second user equipment using real-time handover via network control, based on the service attributes or preset priorities of each user equipment in the user equipment set, includes:

[0048] The priority of each user device is determined based on its service attributes, or the priority preset for the user device is obtained directly.

[0049] User equipment is assigned as the first user equipment in descending order of priority, until the preset number or proportion of first user equipment is reached.

[0050] The remaining user equipment in the user equipment set is identified as the second user equipment.

[0051] Optionally, the step of initiating the condition switching process in batches according to preset batching rules includes:

[0052] Obtain the signaling processing load information of the currently serving satellite or the target serving satellite;

[0053] Based on the signaling processing load information, the upper limit of the number of user equipment that can initiate a conditional handover process in a single batch is dynamically set;

[0054] Based on the total number of the first user equipment and the upper limit of the number of user equipment, the total number of batches and the number of user equipment included in each batch are determined.

[0055] Optionally, the switching triggering condition includes a signal strength condition, specifically:

[0056] The reference signal received power value of the current serving satellite measured by the user equipment is lower than a first threshold, and the reference signal received power value of the target serving satellite measured at the same time is higher than a second threshold.

[0057] Optionally, in the batch-based conditional handover process, the initiation time interval between adjacent batches is dynamically adjusted based on the processing time required for the previous batch of user equipment to complete the handover configuration, or the initiation time interval between adjacent batches is a preset fixed value.

[0058] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a computer device, including: a processor, a memory, and a bus. The memory stores machine-readable instructions executable by the processor. When the computer device is running, the processor communicates with the memory via the bus. When the machine-readable instructions are executed by the processor, the steps of the batch switching method for NTN satellite communication described in any of the optional embodiments of the first aspect above are performed.

[0059] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the steps of the batch switching method for NTN satellite communication described in any of the optional embodiments of the first aspect.

[0060] The technical solution provided in this application includes, but is not limited to, the following beneficial effects:

[0061] The current serving satellite identifies the set of user equipment that needs to be handed over from it to the target serving satellite. This step can accurately pinpoint the range of UEs that need to be handed over, avoid irrelevant UEs from participating in the handover process, reduce unnecessary signaling interactions and resource consumption, lay the foundation for the implementation of subsequent differentiated handover strategies and batch scheduling, and ensure the targeted and efficient handover operation.

[0062] The current service satellite classifies user equipment (UEs) into two categories based on their service attributes or preset priorities: UEs using conditional handover and UEs using real-time handover via network control. This process enables differentiated configuration of handover methods. By prioritizing the allocation of conditional handover resources to high-priority or critical service UEs, the communication continuity of core services can be guaranteed. Simultaneously, by including other UEs in the real-time handover scope, handover resources can be rationally allocated to adapt to the communication needs of different services, thereby improving the flexibility and adaptability of the overall handover scheme.

[0063] The current serving satellite initiates a conditional handover process for the first user equipment (UE) in batches according to preset batching rules, and sends conditional handover configurations, including handover trigger conditions and target cell resources, to each batch of UEs. This step, by initiating the handover process in batches, distributes the originally concentrated handover signaling across different time windows, effectively avoiding the generation of instantaneous signaling peaks, reducing the signaling processing pressure on both the current and target serving satellites, and minimizing the risk of signaling channel congestion. Simultaneously, the advance delivery of complete handover configuration parameters provides ample preparation for UE autonomous handover, ensuring a smooth handover process.

[0064] When the first user equipment receives the conditional handover configuration and meets the handover triggering conditions, it autonomously performs a handover to the target serving satellite. This step entrusts the decision-making power of the handover timing to the UE, enabling the UE to autonomously initiate the handover based on triggering conditions such as real-time perceived channel quality. This avoids the problem of handover being too early or too late due to reliance on static network decisions, significantly improves the rationality and reliability of handover timing, reduces the handover failure rate, and ensures the continuity of UE communication.

[0065] The second user equipment (UE) performs real-time handover based on the handover command issued by the currently serving satellite. This step takes over the handover requests of the remaining UEs through a traditional real-time handover mechanism, complementing conditional handover and ensuring that all UEs requiring handover can complete the communication link connection, avoiding any UEs being missed in the handover process. Simultaneously, the real-time network scheduling method adapts to the service characteristics of this type of UE, ensuring the stability and timeliness of the handover process.

[0066] This invention optimizes the handover process of NTN satellite communication from multiple dimensions, including handover scope, handover method, signaling transmission, and timing decision-making, through a complete process of "precisely determining the set of UEs to be handed over - differentiating handover types - initiating conditional handover in batches - UEs autonomously triggering handover - real-time handover backup". This effectively distributes the handover signaling load, solves the problem of instantaneous signaling surges, improves the rationality and reliability of handover timing, and ensures the communication continuity of services with different priorities.

[0067] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0068] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0069] Figure 1 This paper presents a flowchart of a batch switching method for NTN satellite communication provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0070] Figure 2 A flowchart of a user equipment set handover method provided in Embodiment 1 of this application is shown;

[0071] Figure 3 A flowchart of a target service satellite determination method provided in Embodiment 1 of this application is shown;

[0072] Figure 4 A flowchart of a user equipment classification method provided in Embodiment 1 of this application is shown;

[0073] Figure 5 A flowchart of a condition switching process initiation method provided in Embodiment 1 of this application is shown;

[0074] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a satellite communication system provided in Embodiment 2 of this application is shown;

[0075] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a computer device provided in Embodiment 3 of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0076] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely represents selected embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0077] Example 1

[0078] To facilitate understanding of this application, the following is combined with... Figure 1 The flowchart illustrating the batch switching method for NTN satellite communication provided in Embodiment 1 of this application provides a detailed description of Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0079] See Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This paper presents a flowchart of a batch handover method for NTN satellite communication according to Embodiment 1 of this application. The method is applied to a satellite communication system, which includes a current serving satellite, a target serving satellite, and user equipment. The method includes steps S101-S105:

[0080] S101: The current serving satellite determines a set of user equipment that needs to be switched from it to the target serving satellite.

[0081] Specifically, this method is applicable to communication systems with multi-satellite collaborative coverage in NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) scenarios. In this scenario, satellites run at high speed along predetermined orbits, and the coverage area changes dynamically with ephemeris. UE (User Equipment) needs to switch between different satellite coverage areas to maintain communication.

[0082] The current service satellite will analyze its local ephemeris data in real time through its own ephemeris analysis unit. The ephemeris information includes the current position coordinates, orbital speed and coverage radius. Combined with the coverage range parameters of the target wavefront, it will accurately calculate the remaining time before the target wavefront leaves its coverage.

[0083] The preset disengagement time threshold is a warning value configured in the current serving satellite band coverage calculation unit. For example, it is set to 100s in this embodiment. When the calculated remaining time is less than or equal to the disengagement time threshold, it means that the target band is about to leave the current serving satellite coverage. At this time, all UEs currently accessing the target band are classified as user equipment sets that need to be switched over to ensure the continuity of subsequent communication.

[0084] S102: The current service satellite, based on the service attributes or preset priorities of each user equipment in the user equipment set, distinguishes user equipment into a first user equipment that uses conditional handover and a second user equipment that uses network control real-time handover.

[0085] Specifically, the current service satellite first clarifies the mapping relationship between the UE's service attributes and priorities. Emergency communication services correspond to the highest priority P1, voice services correspond to P2, high-definition video services correspond to P3, and ordinary data services correspond to the lowest priority P4. Alternatively, the priority level pre-configured by the UE can be obtained directly.

[0086] Meanwhile, the current serving satellite will dynamically adjust the CHO (Conditional Handover) configuration ratio according to the service load of the current frequency band and the total number of UEs. For example, in this embodiment, the CHO configuration ratio of UEs is set to 75%. When there are 100 UEs in the user equipment set, the number of first user equipments that need to be configured with CHO is 75, and the remaining 25 UEs are used as second user equipments that use network control for real-time handover.

[0087] The allocation principle is to select the first user equipment in order of priority from high to low, and to give priority to high-priority UEs of P1 and P2 levels to be included in the first user equipment category to ensure the communication continuity of high-priority services. Low-priority UEs of P3 and P4 levels can be allocated to the first user equipment or the second user equipment according to the actual situation.

[0088] S103: The currently serving satellite initiates a conditional handover process for the first user equipment in batches according to a preset batching rule, and sends a conditional handover configuration containing handover triggering conditions and target cell resources to each batch of the first user equipment.

[0089] Specifically, the preset batching rules need to be dynamically set in conjunction with the signaling processing load information of the current serving satellite or the target serving satellite. The signaling processing load information includes data such as the on-board signaling channel occupancy and signaling processing delay. Based on this, the upper limit of the number of UEs that can initiate a conditional handover process in a single batch is determined. For example, in this embodiment, the upper limit is set to 25.

[0090] Based on the total number of first user equipment and the upper limit of the number of single batches, the total number of batches and the number of UEs included in each batch are determined. For example, 75 first user equipment are divided into 3 batches, with 25 in each batch. The time interval between the initiation of adjacent batches can be preset to a fixed value (such as 10s in the embodiment), or it can be dynamically adjusted based on the processing time of the previous batch of UEs to complete the handover configuration. The core purpose is to avoid centralized transmission of configuration signaling.

[0091] When initiating a conditional handover procedure, the current serving satellite first sends a handover request (CHO) to the target serving satellite. After receiving the handover response from the target serving satellite, it issues a conditional handover reconfiguration signaling to the first user equipment in each batch. This signaling fully complies with the 3GPP R16 (3rd Generation Partnership Project Release 16) CHO feature requirements. In addition to the handover triggering conditions and target cell resource configuration, it also includes key parameters such as security context, providing a basis for the UE to autonomously decide on the handover timing and handover resources.

[0092] S104: When the handover triggering condition is met, the first user equipment that receives the condition handover configuration autonomously performs a handover to the target serving satellite.

[0093] Specifically, the switching trigger condition is based on the signal strength condition. For example, in the embodiment, it is set as follows: the RSRP (Reference Signal Receiving Power) of the current serving satellite measured by the UE is ≤-105dBm, and the RSRP of the target serving satellite measured at the same time is ≥-95dBm. The UE will monitor the signal strength indicators of the two satellites in real time to determine whether the trigger condition is met.

[0094] When the triggering conditions are met, the UE will initiate a random access procedure to the target serving satellite based on the target cell resources specified in the received handover configuration signaling, and send a reconfiguration completion message to the target serving satellite after completing the random access.

[0095] After receiving the message, the target serving satellite will notify the current serving satellite that the handover is complete via the inter-satellite link. The current serving satellite will then release the relevant resources for the UE. The entire process does not require real-time network scheduling, enabling the UE to handover autonomously and avoiding the problem of handover being too early or too late.

[0096] S105: The second user equipment performs real-time handover based on the handover command issued by the currently serving satellite.

[0097] Specifically, the second user equipment adopts a traditional real-time handover mechanism. The current serving satellite will configure measurement events for it. The UE needs to collect its own signal quality, location information and other data in real time, and report the measurement results to the current serving satellite as required.

[0098] Based on the measurement results reported by the UE, the current serving satellite determines whether the real-time handover triggering conditions have been met. When it is confirmed that the target beam is about to leave its coverage and a handover needs to be performed, a handover signaling is sent to the second user equipment in real time.

[0099] After receiving the handover signaling, the UE immediately initiates a handover to the target serving satellite to complete the access process. After a successful handover, the target serving satellite will notify the current serving satellite to release the UE's resources to ensure that the communication of the second user equipment is not interrupted as much as possible during the handover process.

[0100] In an optional implementation, see Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 The flowchart illustrates a user equipment set handover method according to Embodiment 1 of this application, wherein determining the user equipment set that needs to undergo group handover to the target serving satellite includes steps S201-S204:

[0101] S201: Obtain the ephemeris information of the currently serving satellite, wherein the ephemeris information includes the current position, operating speed, and coverage radius.

[0102] Specifically, in the NTN scenario, satellites operate at high speed along a predetermined orbit, and their coverage area changes dynamically with ephemeris. Ephemeris information is the core data for determining the coverage status of a wavelet. The currently serving satellite analyzes its own data in real time through its own ephemeris analysis unit to accurately obtain key parameters such as current position coordinates, operating speed, and coverage radius. These parameters are the basis for subsequent calculation of wavelet exit time and provide data support for handover preparation.

[0103] S202: Based on the current location, the operating speed, and the coverage radius, and in conjunction with the coverage range parameters of the target wavelength, calculate the remaining time before the target wavelength leaves its coverage.

[0104] Specifically, the current satellite's wave position coverage calculation unit combines the satellite's current position coordinates and orbital speed to predict the satellite's subsequent trajectory, and then overlays the coverage radius parameter to determine the current satellite's real-time coverage boundary.

[0105] The boundary of the coverage area is compared and analyzed with the specific coverage parameters of the target wave position. The specific remaining time for the target wave position to leave the current satellite coverage area is calculated by a preset algorithm. For example, in the embodiment, the wave position W will leave the coverage of satellite A in 100 seconds by using this calculation method.

[0106] S203: Compare the remaining time with a preset departure time threshold.

[0107] Specifically, the preset disengagement time threshold is a warning parameter pre-configured by the currently serving satellite, used to determine whether the handover preparation process needs to be initiated. This threshold can be flexibly adjusted according to factors such as satellite operating speed, band coverage area, and UE service type. In this embodiment, the preset disengagement time threshold of the band coverage calculation unit of satellite A is 100s. By comparing the calculated remaining time with this threshold, the timing for initiating the handover preparation is determined.

[0108] S204: When the remaining time is less than or equal to the departure time threshold, all user equipment currently accessing the target wavelength is determined as the user equipment set.

[0109] Specifically, when the remaining time reaches or exceeds the preset departure time threshold, it indicates that the target band is about to leave the coverage area of ​​the current serving satellite. If the handover is not initiated in time, the UE under that band will experience communication interruption due to the loss of the current satellite signal.

[0110] To ensure communication continuity for all UEs, all currently connected UEs under the target wavelength are grouped into a set of user equipment that need to be handed over to the target serving satellite, ensuring that no UE is left out of the handover process.

[0111] In an optional implementation, see Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 A flowchart of a target service satellite determination method provided in Embodiment 1 of this application is shown, wherein the method further includes steps S301-S303 for determining the target service satellite:

[0112] S301: The currently serving satellite obtains ephemeris information of one or more neighboring satellites through inter-satellite links.

[0113] Specifically, the inter-satellite link is a key channel for data exchange between satellites. When the current serving satellite determines that the target wavelength is about to leave its coverage, it will send an information request to one or more neighboring satellites through this link. The ephemeris information obtained from the neighboring satellites includes core parameters such as the current position coordinates, speed, and coverage radius of the neighboring satellites. At the same time, it will also obtain the cell configuration information of the neighboring satellites, such as the cell identifier, carrier frequency, and access parameters of the target wavelength.

[0114] S302: Based on its own and the ephemeris information of the neighboring satellites, predict the candidate service satellites that can take over the coverage of the wavelength where the user equipment set is located after it leaves its coverage.

[0115] Specifically, the current service satellite combines its own prediction of the time when the target wavelength will leave the coverage area with the ephemeris information of each neighboring satellite to analyze the movement trajectory and coverage changes of each neighboring satellite after the target wavelength leaves the current satellite's coverage area.

[0116] After that time point, neighboring satellites that can fully cover the target band and have sufficient communication resources to carry UE services under that band are selected and identified as candidate service satellites to ensure that the candidate satellites can effectively take over the coverage task of the current satellite.

[0117] S303: Select one of the candidate service satellites as the target service satellite.

[0118] Specifically, the core criteria for selecting target service satellites include: whether they support the 3GPP R16 protocol and CHO features (to ensure compatibility with this solution), whether the current service load is low (to ensure that the handover service of new UEs can be carried), and whether the inter-satellite link connection status is stable (to facilitate data interaction during the handover process).

[0119] As in the embodiment, Satellite A confirms through the inter-satellite link that Satellite B has the capability to cover waveband W and supports the 3GPPR16 protocol and CHO feature, and therefore selects Satellite B as the target service satellite.

[0120] In an optional implementation, see Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 The flowchart of a user equipment classification method provided in Embodiment 1 of this application is shown. The step of classifying user equipment into first user equipment using conditional handover and second user equipment using real-time handover via network control, based on the service attributes or preset priorities of each user equipment in the user equipment set, includes steps S401-S403:

[0121] S401: Determine the priority of each user device based on its service attributes, or directly obtain the priority preset for the user device.

[0122] Specifically, service attributes are the core basis for prioritization. This solution pre-defines clear mapping rules: emergency communication services have the highest requirements for communication continuity, corresponding to priority P1; voice services need to ensure real-time performance, corresponding to priority P2; high-definition video services have certain requirements for bandwidth and stability, corresponding to priority P3; and ordinary data services have lower requirements for real-time performance and continuity, corresponding to priority P4.

[0123] In addition to dynamically mapping priorities based on business attributes, it also supports directly reading the priority levels pre-configured by the UE. The two methods can be flexibly selected according to the actual application scenario.

[0124] S402: In order of priority from high to low, user equipment is sequentially identified as the first user equipment until the preset number or proportion of first user equipment is reached.

[0125] Specifically, the preset number or proportion of first user equipment needs to be determined in conjunction with factors such as the service load of the current waveband and the satellite signaling processing capability. For example, in this embodiment, the CHO configuration ratio is set to 75%. When there are a total of 100 UEs in the user equipment set, 75 first user equipments need to be configured.

[0126] The selection process strictly follows the order of priority from high to low, prioritizing P1 and P2 level high-priority UEs to be included in the first user equipment, ensuring that high-priority services can be more reliably guaranteed during handover and avoiding interruption of high-priority services due to handover issues.

[0127] S403: The remaining user equipment in the user equipment set is identified as the second user equipment.

[0128] Specifically, after the screening of the first user equipment is completed, the remaining UEs, regardless of their priority, are uniformly designated as the second user equipment and a real-time handover mechanism controlled by the network is adopted.

[0129] For example, in one embodiment, after 75 out of 100 UEs are identified as first user equipment, the remaining 25 UEs become second user equipment. The handover of these UEs is scheduled in real time by the current serving satellite, and the handover process is triggered by issuing handover instructions, which complements the autonomous handover of the first user equipment.

[0130] In an optional implementation, see Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 The flowchart of a condition switching process initiation method provided in Embodiment 1 of this application is shown, wherein the step of initiating the condition switching process in batches according to preset batching rules includes steps S501 to S503:

[0131] S501: Obtain the signaling processing load information of the current serving satellite or the target serving satellite.

[0132] Specifically, signaling processing load information directly affects the transmission efficiency and processing effect of handover signaling. The current serving satellite collects data such as signaling channel occupancy, signaling processing delay, and remaining signaling processing resources of itself and the target serving satellite in real time through its own signaling processing monitoring module. These data are the core basis for dynamically setting batching rules to avoid signaling blockage caused by excessive satellite signaling load.

[0133] S502: Based on the signaling processing load information, dynamically set the upper limit of the number of user equipment that can initiate a conditional handover process in a single batch.

[0134] Specifically, if the signaling processing load of the current serving satellite and the target serving satellite is low and the remaining resources are sufficient, the upper limit of the number of UEs in a single batch can be appropriately increased; if the signaling load is high and the processing pressure is large, the upper limit should be reduced to ensure that the signaling of each batch of handover can be processed in a timely manner.

[0135] For example, in this embodiment, combined with the signaling processing capabilities of the satellite, the maximum number of UEs that can initiate conditional handover in a single batch is preset to 25, which ensures handover efficiency while avoiding the impact of centralized signaling transmission.

[0136] S503: Based on the total number of the first user equipment and the upper limit of the number of user equipment, determine the total number of batches and the number of user equipment included in each batch.

[0137] Specifically, the total number of batches is calculated by dividing the total number of first user equipment by the maximum number of single batches. If there is a remainder, the total number of batches is increased by 1. In principle, the number of UEs included in each batch does not exceed the maximum number of single batches. The last batch can be flexibly adjusted according to the number of remaining UEs.

[0138] As in the embodiment, the total number of first user equipment is 75, and the maximum number of a single batch is 25. Therefore, the total number of batches is determined to be 3, with each batch containing 25 UEs, to ensure that the handover signaling is evenly distributed and transmitted in different time windows.

[0139] In an optional implementation, the switching trigger condition includes a signal strength condition, specifically:

[0140] The reference signal received power value of the current serving satellite measured by the user equipment is lower than a first threshold, and the reference signal received power value of the target serving satellite measured at the same time is higher than a second threshold.

[0141] Specifically, the signal strength condition is set based on the satellite signal transmission characteristics in the NTN scenario. RSRP is the core indicator reflecting signal strength. The first and second threshold values ​​need to be calibrated according to factors such as satellite communication distance, channel environment, and service requirements.

[0142] The embodiment explicitly sets the first threshold to -105dBm (lower limit of current serving satellite signal strength) and the second threshold to -95dBm (upper limit of target serving satellite signal strength). Only when both conditions are met will the UE trigger autonomous handover, ensuring that the target satellite signal quality meets the standard during handover and avoiding handover failure or communication quality degradation due to poor signal. This setting fully complies with the requirements of the 3GPP R16 CHO feature.

[0143] In an optional implementation, in the batch-based conditional handover process, the initiation time interval between adjacent batches is dynamically adjusted based on the processing time required for the previous batch of user equipment to complete the handover configuration, or the initiation time interval between adjacent batches is a preset fixed value.

[0144] Specifically, when using dynamic adjustment of time intervals, the current serving satellite will monitor the handover configuration completion status of the previous batch of UEs in real time, and count the total processing time from initiating the handover process to the UE successfully receiving the handover configuration signaling. If the processing time is short, it indicates that the satellite signaling load is low, and the interval for initiating the next batch can be appropriately shortened; if the processing time is long, it indicates that the signaling load is high, and the interval is extended to ensure that the configuration signaling of each batch can be processed smoothly.

[0145] When using a fixed time interval, the fixed value needs to be preset in combination with factors such as satellite signaling processing capability, number of UEs, and handover preparation time. For example, in the embodiment, it is set to 10s. This interval can ensure the orderly progress of the handover process and effectively disperse the handover signaling, avoiding the formation of instantaneous signaling peaks due to concentrated transmission.

[0146] The two time interval setting methods can be selected according to the actual scenario. The core purpose is to reduce the signaling processing pressure on the current serving satellite and the target serving satellite by batch scheduling, reduce the risk of signaling blockage, and improve the reliability of handover.

[0147] To better illustrate the batch handover method for NTN satellite communication provided in this application, a specific example is also provided:

[0148] System Deployment: A dual-satellite collaborative coverage system is constructed, comprising the current serving satellite (Satellite A) and the target serving satellite (Satellite B). Both support the 3GPP R16 protocol and CHO feature, and real-time interaction of ephemeris information and cell configuration information is achieved through inter-satellite links. The coverage band W of Satellite A is the target band, under which there are a total of 100 currently accessing UEs, including 15 emergency communication service UEs (P1 level), 25 voice service UEs (P2 level), 30 high-definition video service UEs (P3 level), and 30 ordinary data service UEs (P4 level).

[0149] Parameter configuration: The pre-set coverage warning threshold for the wavelet of satellite A is 100s (i.e., wavelet W will be out of coverage of satellite A after 100s); the pre-set CHO configuration ratio for the handover scheduling unit is 75%, the maximum number of UEs that can be switched by CHO in a single batch is 25, and the time interval between adjacent batches is 10s; CHO handover triggering conditions: the RSRP of satellite A measured by the UE is ≤-105dBm, and the RSRP of satellite B is ≥-95dBm; real-time handover triggering conditions: the signal strength of satellite A reported by the UE attenuates to the pre-set emergency handover threshold, or the remaining coverage time of wavelet W is ≤10s.

[0150] Implementation process:

[0151] Step 1: Satellite A's ephemeris analysis unit analyzes the local ephemeris data in real time, combines its current position coordinates, running speed and coverage radius, and superimposes the coverage range parameters of wave position W to calculate that wave position W will leave its own coverage in 100 seconds, and the remaining time is equal to the preset departure time threshold. Therefore, the 100 UEs under wave position W are identified as the group handover user equipment set.

[0152] Step 2: Satellite A requests ephemeris and cell configuration information (including cell identifier, carrier frequency, access parameters, etc. for the coverage band W of Satellite B) from Satellite B via the inter-satellite link, confirms that Satellite B has the capability to cover band W, and selects Satellite B as the target serving satellite.

[0153] Step 3: Based on the CHO configuration ratio of 75%, the handover scheduling unit calculates that the number of first user equipments that need to be configured with CHO is 75, and the remaining 25 UEs are second user equipments (using traditional real-time handover).

[0154] Step 4: The CHO configuration units of satellite A are sorted from high to low priority. 15 P1 level UEs and 25 P2 level UEs are given priority to be included in the first user equipment. Then, 35 P3 level UEs are selected to make up 75 first user equipments. The 75 first user equipments are then divided into 3 batches (25 in each batch). The first batch consists of 15 P1 level UEs and 10 P2 level UEs. The second batch consists of 15 P2 level UEs and 10 P3 level UEs. The third batch consists of 25 P3 level UEs.

[0155] Step 5: Satellite A initiates the CHO handover process to the first user equipment in batches at 10-second intervals: at 0 seconds, it sends a handover request to the first batch of UEs to Satellite B. After receiving the response from Satellite B, it sends a reconfiguration signaling message containing the handover trigger conditions, target cell resource configuration, and security context to the batch of UEs; at 10 seconds and 20 seconds, it completes the CHO configuration for the second and third batches of UEs, respectively.

[0156] Step Six: During the 100-second coverage countdown, the 75 UEs configured with CHO monitor the RSRP of satellite A and satellite B in real time: 30 UEs meet the triggering conditions between 30 and 50 seconds, autonomously initiate random access to satellite B and complete the handover; 25 UEs complete the handover between 50 and 70 seconds; and 20 UEs complete the handover between 70 and 90 seconds. Each time satellite B receives a UE reconfiguration completion message, it notifies satellite A to release the corresponding UE resources.

[0157] Step 7: The 25 P3 level (5) and P4 level (20) UEs without CHO configuration report signal quality data to satellite A through the configured measurement event when the remaining coverage time of wave position W is ≤10s. Satellite A determines that the real-time handover conditions have been met and issues a handover signaling in real time. After receiving the signaling, the 25 UEs initiate handover to satellite B and complete the access before wave position W leaves the coverage of satellite A.

[0158] Implementation Results: Through this example of a phased handover scheme, the handover signaling between satellite A and satellite B is distributed over 90 seconds, with no centralized instantaneous signaling peaks. The peak signaling volume is reduced by 70% compared to the traditional real-time handover scheme. Due to the autonomous decision-making of handover timing by the 75 first user equipments, the handover failure rate is 0, and the handover failure rate of the 25 second user equipments is also significantly reduced. The overall communication continuity is greatly improved compared to the traditional scheme. Moreover, the scheme is fully compatible with the 3GPP R16 standard, requires no hardware modification to satellite A and satellite B, and has good engineering feasibility.

[0159] Example 2

[0160] See Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a satellite communication system provided in Embodiment 2 of this application is shown, wherein the system includes a current serving satellite 601, a target serving satellite 602, and user equipment 603;

[0161] The currently serving satellite is used to determine the set of user equipment that needs to be switched from it to the target serving satellite;

[0162] The currently serving satellite is used to classify user equipment into a first user equipment that uses conditional handover and a second user equipment that uses real-time handover via network control, based on the service attributes or preset priorities of each user equipment in the user equipment cluster.

[0163] The currently serving satellite is used to initiate a conditional handover process for the first user equipment in batches according to a preset batching rule, and to send a conditional handover configuration containing handover triggering conditions and target cell resources to each batch of the first user equipment.

[0164] The first user equipment that receives the conditional handover configuration is configured to autonomously perform a handover to the target serving satellite when the handover triggering condition is met;

[0165] The second user equipment is used to perform real-time handover based on the handover command issued by the currently serving satellite.

[0166] In an optional implementation, determining the set of user equipment that needs to perform a group handover to the target serving satellite includes:

[0167] Obtain the ephemeris information of the currently serving satellite, wherein the ephemeris information includes the current position, orbital speed, and coverage radius;

[0168] Based on the current location, the operating speed, and the coverage radius, combined with the coverage range parameter of the target wavelength, calculate the remaining time for the target wavelength to leave its coverage.

[0169] The remaining time is compared with a preset departure time threshold;

[0170] When the remaining time is less than or equal to the departure time threshold, all user equipment currently connected under the target wavelength is identified as the user equipment set.

[0171] In an optional implementation, the method further includes the step of determining the target serving satellite:

[0172] The currently serving satellite obtains ephemeris information of one or more neighboring satellites through inter-satellite links;

[0173] Based on its own and the ephemeris information of the neighboring satellites, the candidate service satellites that can take over the coverage of the wave position where the user equipment set is located are predicted.

[0174] One of the candidate service satellites is selected as the target service satellite.

[0175] In an optional implementation, the step of classifying user equipment into first user equipment using conditional handover and second user equipment using real-time handover via network control, based on the service attributes or preset priorities of each user equipment in the user equipment set, includes:

[0176] The priority of each user device is determined based on its service attributes, or the priority preset for the user device is obtained directly.

[0177] User equipment is assigned as the first user equipment in descending order of priority, until the preset number or proportion of first user equipment is reached.

[0178] The remaining user equipment in the user equipment set is identified as the second user equipment.

[0179] In an optional implementation, the step of initiating the condition switching process in batches according to preset batching rules includes:

[0180] Obtain the signaling processing load information of the currently serving satellite or the target serving satellite;

[0181] Based on the signaling processing load information, the upper limit of the number of user equipment that can initiate a conditional handover process in a single batch is dynamically set;

[0182] Based on the total number of the first user equipment and the upper limit of the number of user equipment, the total number of batches and the number of user equipment included in each batch are determined.

[0183] In an optional implementation, the switching trigger condition includes a signal strength condition, specifically:

[0184] The reference signal received power value of the current serving satellite measured by the user equipment is lower than a first threshold, and the reference signal received power value of the target serving satellite measured at the same time is higher than a second threshold.

[0185] In an optional implementation, in the batch-based conditional handover process, the initiation time interval between adjacent batches is dynamically adjusted based on the processing time required for the previous batch of user equipment to complete the handover configuration, or the initiation time interval between adjacent batches is a preset fixed value.

[0186] Example 3

[0187] Based on the same application concept, see [link / reference] Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 This illustration shows a structural schematic diagram of a computer device provided in Embodiment 3 of this application, wherein, as shown... Figure 7 As shown, the computer device 700 provided in Embodiment 3 of this application includes:

[0188] The computer device 700 includes a processor 701, a memory 702, and a bus 703. The memory 702 stores machine-readable instructions that can be executed by the processor 701. When the computer device 700 is running, the processor 701 communicates with the memory 702 through the bus 703. When the machine-readable instructions are executed by the processor 701, the steps of the batch switching method for NTN satellite communication shown in Embodiment 1 above are executed.

[0189] Example 4

[0190] Based on the same concept, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, performs the steps of the batch switching method for NTN satellite communication described in any of the above embodiments.

[0191] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the system and apparatus described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0192] The computer program product for batch switching of NTN satellite communication provided in this application includes a computer-readable storage medium storing program code. The instructions included in the program code can be used to execute the methods described in the preceding method embodiments. For specific implementation, please refer to the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0193] The satellite communication system provided in this application embodiment can be specific hardware on a device or software or firmware installed on the device. The system provided in this application embodiment has the same implementation principle and technical effects as the foregoing method embodiments. For the sake of brevity, any parts not mentioned in the system embodiment section can be referred to the corresponding content in the foregoing method embodiments. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems and units described above can all be referred to the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0194] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods can be implemented in other ways. The system embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. Furthermore, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Additionally, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some communication interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between systems or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0195] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0196] In addition, the functional units in the embodiments provided in this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0197] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0198] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0199] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely specific implementations of this application, used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. The protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features, within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application; and these modifications, changes, or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application. All should be covered within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A batch handover method for NTN satellite communication, characterized in that, Applied to a satellite communication system, the system including a current serving satellite, a target serving satellite, and user equipment, the method includes: The current serving satellite determines the set of user equipment that needs to perform a group handover from it to the target serving satellite; The current service satellite classifies user equipment into a first user equipment that uses conditional handover and a second user equipment that uses real-time handover via network control, based on the service attributes or preset priorities of each user equipment in the user equipment cluster. The currently serving satellite initiates a conditional handover process for the first user equipment in batches according to a preset batching rule, and sends a conditional handover configuration containing handover triggering conditions and target cell resources to each batch of the first user equipment. When the handover triggering condition is met, the first user equipment that receives the conditional handover configuration autonomously performs a handover to the target serving satellite. The second user equipment performs real-time handover based on the handover command issued by the currently serving satellite.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of the set of user equipment that needs to perform a group handover from it to the target serving satellite includes: Obtain the ephemeris information of the currently serving satellite, wherein the ephemeris information includes the current position, orbital speed, and coverage radius; Based on the current location, the operating speed, and the coverage radius, combined with the coverage range parameter of the target wavelength, calculate the remaining time for the target wavelength to leave its coverage. The remaining time is compared with a preset departure time threshold; When the remaining time is less than or equal to the departure time threshold, all user equipment currently connected under the target wavelength is identified as the user equipment set.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes the step of determining the target serving satellite: The currently serving satellite obtains ephemeris information of one or more neighboring satellites through inter-satellite links; Based on its own and the ephemeris information of the neighboring satellites, the candidate service satellites that can take over the coverage of the wave position where the user equipment set is located are predicted. One of the candidate service satellites is selected as the target service satellite.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of classifying user equipment into first user equipment using conditional handover and second user equipment using real-time handover via network control, based on the service attributes or preset priorities of each user equipment in the user equipment set, includes: The priority of each user device is determined based on its service attributes, or the priority preset for the user device is obtained directly. User equipment is assigned as the first user equipment in descending order of priority, until the preset number or proportion of first user equipment is reached. The remaining user equipment in the user equipment set is identified as the second user equipment.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of initiating condition switching in batches according to preset batching rules includes: Obtain the signaling processing load information of the currently serving satellite or the target serving satellite; Based on the signaling processing load information, the upper limit of the number of user equipment that can initiate a conditional handover process in a single batch is dynamically set; Based on the total number of the first user equipment and the upper limit of the number of user equipment, the total number of batches and the number of user equipment included in each batch are determined.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching triggering conditions include signal strength conditions, specifically: The reference signal received power value of the current serving satellite measured by the user equipment is lower than a first threshold, and the reference signal received power value of the target serving satellite measured at the same time is higher than a second threshold.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the batch-based conditional handover process, the initiation time interval between adjacent batches is dynamically adjusted based on the processing time required for the previous batch of user equipment to complete the handover configuration, or the initiation time interval between adjacent batches is a pre-set fixed value.

8. A satellite communication system, characterized in that, The system includes currently serving satellites, target serving satellites, and user equipment; The currently serving satellite is used to determine the set of user equipment that needs to be switched from it to the target serving satellite; The currently serving satellite is used to classify user equipment into a first user equipment that uses conditional handover and a second user equipment that uses real-time handover via network control, based on the service attributes or preset priorities of each user equipment in the user equipment cluster. The currently serving satellite is used to initiate a conditional handover process for the first user equipment in batches according to a preset batching rule, and to send a conditional handover configuration containing handover triggering conditions and target cell resources to each batch of the first user equipment. The first user equipment that receives the conditional handover configuration is configured to autonomously perform a handover to the target serving satellite when the handover triggering condition is met; The second user equipment is used to perform real-time handover based on the handover command issued by the currently serving satellite.

9. A computer device, characterized in that, include: The computer device includes a processor, a memory, and a bus. The memory stores machine-readable instructions executable by the processor. When the computer device is running, the processor communicates with the memory via the bus. When the machine-readable instructions are executed by the processor, the steps of the batch switching method for NTN satellite communication as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 are performed.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the steps of the batch switching method for NTN satellite communications as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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