VoWiFi communication method and device, electronic equipment and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in an embodiment of the present invention are a VoWiFi communication method and apparatus, an electronic device and a storage medium, relating to the technical field of communications, applied to a CPE, the method comprising: when a first terminal accesses a WiFi network generated by the CPE, sending authentication access information for the first terminal to an STWGF, the STWGF being located in a space node core network; under the condition that the uplink call data sent by the first terminal is received, forwarding the uplink call data to the STWGF; and under the condition that the downlink call data forwarded by the STWGF is received, forwarding the downlink call data to the first terminal. By applying the scheme provided by the embodiment of the invention, the terminal can carry out VoWiFi communication at a position which cannot be covered by the ground mobile communication base station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a VoWiFi communication method, apparatus, electronic device and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, VoWiFi (Voice over Wireless Fidelity) refers to using a terminal with VoWiFi capability to conduct voice and video calls in a WiFi environment based on IMS (Internet Protocol Address Multimedia Subsystem).

[0003] Due to the limited coverage of traditional terrestrial mobile communication base stations, in remote areas, overseas regions, and other places with poor signal coverage, or in industries with strict requirements for communication reliability such as aviation and shipping, traditional terrestrial mobile communication technology cannot meet people's needs for using terminals with VoWiFi capabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a VoWiFi communication method, apparatus, electronic device, and storage medium, enabling terminals to conduct VoWiFi communication in locations where terrestrial mobile communication base stations cannot provide coverage. The specific technical solution is as follows: In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a VoWiFi communication method applied to a CPE, the method comprising: When the first terminal accesses the WiFi network generated by the CPE, it sends authentication access information for the first terminal to the STWGF, which is located in the core network of the space node. Upon receiving uplink call data sent by the first terminal, the uplink call data is forwarded to the STWGF. Upon receiving the downlink call data forwarded by the STWGF, the downlink call data is forwarded to the first terminal.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the authentication access information for the terminal includes the device identifier of the CPE.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second terminal communicating with the first terminal is connected to a terrestrial network or a space node network.

[0007] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a VoWiFi communication method applied to STWGF in a space node core network, the method comprising: Upon receiving the authentication access information of the first terminal sent by the CPE, the first terminal is authenticated. Upon receiving uplink call data sent by the first terminal, the uplink call data is forwarded to the second terminal that is communicating with the first terminal. Upon receiving downlink call data for the aforementioned first terminal, the downlink call data is forwarded to the aforementioned first terminal.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, after the above-described authentication of the first terminal, the method further includes: Send the identity information of the first terminal to the UPF.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, before performing identity authentication on the first terminal as described above, the method further includes: Based on the device identifier of the CPE contained in the above authentication access information, determine whether the above CPE is a trusted CPE.

[0010] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide a VoWiFi communication device applied to a CPE, the device comprising: The first sending module is used to send authentication access information for the first terminal to the STWGF when the first terminal accesses the WiFi network generated by the CPE. The STWGF is located in the core network of the space node. The second sending module is used to forward the uplink call data to the STWGF upon receiving the uplink call data sent by the first terminal. The third sending module is used to forward the downlink call data to the first terminal upon receiving the downlink call data forwarded by the STWGF.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the authentication access information for the terminal includes the device identifier of the CPE.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second terminal communicating with the first terminal is connected to a terrestrial network or a space node network.

[0013] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a VoWiFi communication device applied to STWGF in a space node core network, the device comprising: The authentication module is used to authenticate the identity of the first terminal upon receiving the authentication access information of the first terminal sent by the CPE. The fourth sending module is used to forward the uplink call data to the second terminal that is communicating with the first terminal when it receives the uplink call data sent by the first terminal. The fifth sending module is used to forward the downlink call data to the first terminal when it receives downlink call data for the first terminal.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-described apparatus further includes: The sixth sending module is used to send the identity information of the first terminal to the UPF.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-described apparatus further includes: The judgment module is used to determine whether the CPE is a trusted CPE based on the device identifier of the CPE contained in the above authentication access information.

[0016] Fifthly, embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device, including a processor, a communication interface, a memory, and a communication bus, wherein the processor, the communication interface, and the memory communicate with each other through the communication bus; Memory, used to store computer programs; A processor, when executing a program stored in memory, implements the method steps of either the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0017] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method steps of either the first or second aspect.

[0018] Beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention: This invention provides a VoWiFi communication method applied to a CPE (Customer Premises Equipment). The method includes: when a first terminal accesses the WiFi network generated by the CPE, sending authentication access information for the first terminal to an STWGF (Satellite Trusted Wireless Fidelity Gateway Function), wherein the STWGF is located in the core network of a space node; upon receiving uplink call data sent by the first terminal, forwarding the uplink call data to the STWGF; and upon receiving downlink call data forwarded by the STWGF, forwarding the downlink call data to the first terminal.

[0019] As can be seen from the above, in the solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention, after the first terminal accesses the WiFi network generated by the CPE, the STWGF located in the space node core network can process the authentication access information of the first terminal, authenticate the identity of the first terminal, and provide a communication connection for the first terminal. Afterwards, the CPE can forward the uplink and downlink call data corresponding to the first terminal, thereby enabling the first terminal to use the space node communication network to conduct VoWiFi communication in locations where terrestrial mobile communication base stations cannot cover. Therefore, by deploying CPE and STWGF in the space node core network, the embodiments of the present invention enable the first terminal to conduct VoWiFi communication based on the space node communication network; and the space node communication network, through global coverage and a terrestrial and space-integrated networking approach, can provide the first terminal with wide signal coverage, high bandwidth, and low latency communication services. By using VoWiFi technology based on the space node communication network, the first terminal can achieve global VoWiFi communication. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other embodiments can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating the first VoWiFi communication method provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the architecture for VoWiFi communication of a first terminal provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture for VoWiFi communication of a second type of terminal provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the architecture for VoWiFi communication of a third terminal provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the architecture for VoWiFi communication of the fourth type of terminal provided in the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the second VoWiFi communication method provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first VoWiFi communication device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second VoWiFi communication device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the present invention are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] The VoWiFi communication method in related technologies operates under the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) VoWiFi standard architecture. It utilizes core network elements such as EPC (Evolved Packet Core) / 5GC (5th Generation Core), ePDG (Evolved Packet Data Gateway), and 3GPP AAA (Authentication, Authorisation, Accounting), with IMS as the core control structure. This allows terminals to access the network via WiFi hotspots for VoWiFi communication. However, the geographical limitations of network element deployment restrict the use of VoWiFi-enabled terminals in these technologies.

[0024] To address the aforementioned issues, embodiments of the present invention provide a VoWiFi communication method, apparatus, electronic device, and storage medium, which will be described in detail below.

[0025] First, a VoWiFi communication method provided by an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0026] See Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the first VoWiFi communication method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The method is applied to a CPE and includes the following steps S101 to S103.

[0027] Step S101: When the first terminal accesses the WiFi network generated by the CPE, send authentication access information for the first terminal to STWGF.

[0028] The aforementioned STWGF is located within the core network of space nodes, which can be satellites, space shuttles, space stations, etc. Furthermore, the aforementioned STWGF can be located either in space nodes or on the ground.

[0029] In this embodiment of the invention, the CPE is communicatively connected to the space node and can convert the space node's communication network signal into a signal that can be used by the terminal; furthermore, the CPE has the function of providing a trusted WiFi hotspot.

[0030] Specifically, after the CPE generates a WiFi network, the first terminal detects the WiFi network and sends an access request to the CPE to connect to it. Upon receiving the access request from the first terminal, the CPE processes the request, enabling the first terminal to connect to the WiFi network.

[0031] After the first terminal connects to the aforementioned WiFi network, the CPE can obtain the device-related information of the first terminal. Based on the device-related information of the first terminal, the CPE sends authentication access information for the first terminal to the STWGF. In this embodiment of the invention, the STWGF can authenticate the device connecting to the aforementioned WiFi network and provide the device with a secure and reliable communication connection, protecting the device's communication data from unauthorized access and attacks. Upon receiving the authentication access information for the first terminal, the STWGF processes the authentication access information, authenticates the first terminal, and provides the first terminal with a communication connection to the space node core network after the authentication is successful.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second terminal communicating with the first terminal can access a terrestrial network or a space node network.

[0033] In the case of the second terminal accessing the space node network, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 The diagram shows the architecture of the first type of terminal performing VoWiFi communication. Figure 2 In this process, the first terminal accesses the WiFi network generated by its corresponding CPE. This CPE communicates with the space node, specifically with the space node gNB (the next generation Node B, a 5G base station). Thus, the first terminal accesses the space node's core network. Correspondingly, Figure 2 The second terminal connects to the WiFi network generated by its corresponding CPE. This CPE communicates with the space node, specifically with the space node's gNB. Thus, the second terminal accesses the space node's core network. For example,... Figure 2In one scenario, the core network of the space node accessed by the first terminal and the core network of the space node accessed by the second terminal are the same core network; in another scenario, the core network of the space node accessed by the first terminal and the core network of the space node accessed by the second terminal are different core networks. In this case, there is a communication connection between the core network of the space node accessed by the first terminal and the core network of the space node accessed by the second terminal, so that the first terminal and the second terminal can communicate with each other.

[0034] from Figure 2 It can also be seen that space node gNBs maintain communication connections through ISL (Inter-Satellite Link); the space node internet gateway is used for data forwarding between the space node gNB and the space node core network elements, and the space node internet gateway can be a gateway station. Specifically, the space node core network elements include: AUSF (Authentication Server Function), UDM (Unified Data Management), AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), SMF (Session Management Function), STWGF, and UPF (User Plane Function); there is a communication connection between the space node core network and the IMS core network.

[0035] Specifically, with Figure 2 Taking the VoWiFi communication architecture diagram shown below as an example, the process of the first terminal accessing the core network of the space node can be described as follows: (1) The first terminal accesses the WiFi network generated by its corresponding CPE and obtains the Local IP (Local Internet Protocol Address) assigned by the WiFi network.

[0036] (2) The CPE corresponding to the first terminal sends the authentication access information for the first terminal to the STWGF.

[0037] Specifically, if the space node gNB directly connected to the space node internet gateway is called the target space node gNB, and the space node gNB that forwards data between the CPE and the target space node gNB is called the relay space node gNB, then the CPE corresponding to the first terminal first sends the authentication access information for the first terminal to the relay space node gNB via the service link, where the service link is used for data transmission between the CPE and the space node gNB; then, the relay space node gNB forwards the authentication access information for the first terminal to the target space node gNB via the ISL; the target space node gNB then sends the authentication access information for the first terminal to the space node internet gateway via the power supply link; the space node internet gateway then sends the authentication access information for the first terminal to the network elements in the space node core network, ultimately sending the authentication access information for the first terminal to the STWGF.

[0038] In another scenario, the CPE corresponding to the first terminal is directly connected to the target space node gNB. In this case, the CPE corresponding to the first terminal directly sends the authentication access information for the first terminal to the target space node gNB via the service link, which means that the authentication access information for the first terminal does not need to be forwarded by the intermediate space node gNB.

[0039] (3) STWGF performs identity authentication on the first terminal and provides the first terminal with a communication connection with the core network of the space node.

[0040] STWGF processes the authentication access information for the first terminal and establishes a communication tunnel between the first terminal's local IP and STWGF. To improve communication security, this communication tunnel can be a secure tunnel, such as one established using encryption algorithms. After STWGF completes the authentication of the first terminal, it sends the first terminal's identity information to UPF in the space node core network. UPF then assigns a unique remote IP address to the first terminal based on this identity information, ultimately completing the first terminal's registration in the space node core network, and the first terminal successfully accesses the space node core network.

[0041] exist Figure 2 In this process, the second terminal accesses the WiFi network generated by its corresponding CPE and ultimately accesses the core network of the space node. The process of the second terminal accessing the core network of the space node is similar to that of the first terminal accessing the core network of the space node, and will not be described again here.

[0042] In another possible scenario, the first terminal and the second terminal access different space node core networks, i.e., as shown below. Figure 3 The diagram shown illustrates the architecture of a second type of terminal for VoWiFi communication according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3As can be seen, the first terminal accesses the WiFi network generated by its corresponding CPE and ultimately accesses the space node core network 1; the second terminal accesses the WiFi network generated by its corresponding CPE and ultimately accesses the space node core network 2; the IMS core network directly connected to the space node core network 1 and the IMS core network directly connected to the space node core network 2 are connected through a gateway, thereby realizing the communication connection between the space node core network 1 and the space node core network 2, enabling the first terminal and the second terminal to communicate.

[0043] In another possible scenario, on the second terminal side, the second terminal is not connected to a WiFi network, and there are no other communication switching devices between the second terminal and the space node; instead, they communicate directly.

[0044] When the second terminal accesses the terrestrial network as described above, please refer to Figure 4 The diagram shows the architecture of the third type of terminal for VoWiFi communication. (Similar to the above...) Figure 2 The architecture of the first terminal accessing the core network of the space node is the same. Figure 4 In this process, the first terminal connects to the WiFi network generated by its corresponding CPE. This CPE communicates with the space node, specifically with the space node's gNB. Thus, the first terminal connects to the space node's core network; a communication connection exists between the space node's core network and the IMS core network. Specifically, in... Figure 4 Under the architecture shown, the process of the first terminal accessing the core network of the space node can be referred to the above. Figure 2 The process of the first terminal accessing the core network of the space node under the architecture shown.

[0045] from Figure 4 It can also be seen that the IMS core network, which communicates directly with the terrestrial network, connects to the IMS core network on the space node's core network side through a gateway, ensuring communication between the first and second terminals. Specifically, Figure 4 After the second terminal accesses the terrestrial network and completes registration, the IMS core network, which is directly connected to the terrestrial network, handles routing and session management, and establishes interactive communication with the first terminal. The IMS core network, which is directly connected to the terrestrial network, includes network elements such as I-CSCF (Interrogating-Call Session Control Function), S-CSCF (Service-Call Session Control Function), and P-CSCF (Proxy-Call Session Control Function).

[0046] The aforementioned terrestrial network can be a traditional terrestrial cellular network or other communication networks deployed on the ground. As an example, in... Figure 4 In this configuration, the terrestrial network is 5GC, or 5G core network. The second terminal connects to a terrestrial gNB, which is communicatively connected to the terrestrial 5G core network. This 5G core network is in turn connected to the IMS core network, which is directly connected to the terrestrial network. In other scenarios, the second terminal can also access the terrestrial communication network by connecting to the WiFi signal generated by the CPE in the terrestrial communication network.

[0047] Step S102: Upon receiving the uplink call data sent by the first terminal, forward the uplink call data to the STWGF.

[0048] After the first terminal connects to the space node network and the second terminal connects to the space node network, or after the first terminal connects to the space node network and the second terminal connects to the ground network, the first terminal can perform VoWiFi communication.

[0049] Specifically, if the first terminal accesses the space node network and the second terminal accesses the space node network, then... Figure 2 Taking the VoWiFi communication architecture diagram as an example, the first terminal initiates a VoWiFi paging request for the second terminal, establishing a communication connection between them. The first terminal sends uplink call data to its corresponding CPE. The CPE then sends the received uplink call data to the relay space node gNB via the service link. The relay space node gNB sends the received uplink call data to the target space node gNB via the ISL. The target space node gNB sends the received uplink call data to the space node internet gateway via the feeder link. The space node internet gateway then sends the uplink call data to the space node core network, transmitting the uplink call data to the STWGF and further to the UPF. Afterward, the uplink call data is forwarded to the IMS core network via the UPF, and then transmitted through the IMS core network, ultimately reaching the second terminal.

[0050] As described above, the uplink call data is transmitted to the IMS core network via the following node process: First terminal → CPE → relay space node gNB → target space node gNB → space node Internet gateway → space node core network (STWGF → UPF) → IMS core network.

[0051] The node process for transmitting the aforementioned uplink call data from the IMS core network to the second terminal is the reverse of the node process for transmitting uplink call data from the first terminal to the IMS core network. Specifically, the aforementioned uplink call data is transmitted from the IMS core network to the second terminal via the following node process: IMS core network → space node core network → space node Internet gateway → target space node gNB → relay space node gNB → CPE → second terminal.

[0052] In addition, if the CPE corresponding to the first terminal is directly connected to the target space node gNB, the uplink call data will not involve the relay space node gNB during the transmission from the first terminal to the IMS core network; if the CPE corresponding to the second terminal is directly connected to the target space node gNB, the uplink call data will not involve the relay space node gNB during the transmission from the IMS core network to the second terminal.

[0053] If the first terminal connects to the space node network and the second terminal connects to the terrestrial network, specifically, as follows: Figure 4 Taking the VoWiFi communication architecture diagram shown below as an example, after a communication connection is established between the first terminal and the second terminal, the process of uplink call data being transmitted from the first terminal to the IMS core network on the space node core network side is similar to the above. Figure 2 The process of uplink call data transmission from the first terminal to the IMS core network is the same as shown in the VoWiFi communication architecture diagram. Figure 4 In the process, after the uplink call data is transmitted to the IMS core network on the space node core network side, the IMS core network on the space node core network side sends the uplink call data to the IMS core network that is directly connected to the terrestrial network via the gateway. Then, the IMS core network that is directly connected to the terrestrial network sends the uplink call data to the 5G core network located on the ground, and finally, through the gNB located on the ground, the uplink call data is sent to the second terminal.

[0054] Alternatively, the aforementioned terrestrial network can also be other types of communication networks, such as 4G (4th Generation Mobile Communication Technology), 3G (3rd Generation Mobile Communication Technology), or 2G (2nd Generation Wireless Telephone Technology). In the case where the terrestrial network is another type of communication network, the terrestrial network simply transmits the received uplink call data to the second terminal according to the relevant technologies.

[0055] Step S103: Upon receiving the downlink call data forwarded by the STWGF, forward the downlink call data to the first terminal.

[0056] The transmission of downlink call data corresponding to the first terminal between the first terminal and the second terminal uses the same data transmission path as the transmission of uplink call data corresponding to the first terminal, only the direction of the data transmission path is reversed. After receiving the downlink call data forwarded by the STWGF, the CPE corresponding to the first terminal forwards the downlink call data to the first terminal.

[0057] Specifically, if the first terminal accesses the space node network and the second terminal accesses the space node network, then... Figure 2 Taking the VoWiFi communication architecture diagram as an example, the second terminal first sends the downlink call data to its corresponding CPE. The CPE then sends the received downlink call data to the relay space node gNB via the service link. The relay space node gNB then sends the received downlink call data to the target space node gNB via the ISL. The target space node gNB then sends the received downlink call data to the space node internet gateway via the feeder link. The space node internet gateway then sends the downlink call data to the space node core network, thus transmitting the downlink call data to the STWGF and further to the UPF. Afterward, the downlink call data is forwarded to the IMS core network via the UPF, and then transmitted via the IMS core network, ultimately reaching the first terminal.

[0058] If the first terminal connects to the space node network and the second terminal connects to the terrestrial network, specifically, as follows: Figure 4 Taking the VoWiFi communication architecture diagram as an example, the second terminal sends the downlink call data to the ground gNB, which then sends the downlink call data to the 5G core network located on the ground. Subsequently, the 5G core network on the ground sends the downlink call data to the IMS core network, which is directly connected to the ground network. After receiving the downlink call data, the IMS core network, which is directly connected to the ground network, sends the downlink call data to the IMS core network on the space node core network side via a gateway. Then, the downlink call data is transmitted through the IMS core network on the space node core network side, ultimately reaching the first terminal.

[0059] The call data mentioned in the above description may include audio data and video data.

[0060] Furthermore, during communication using the space node core network, the space node core network acquires the terminal's location information to provide communication services. Therefore, if the terminal uses the space node core network for communication, effective network tracing of the terminal's location information is possible.

[0061] As can be seen from the above, in the solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention, after the first terminal accesses the WiFi network generated by the CPE, the STWGF located in the space node core network can process the authentication access information of the first terminal, authenticate the identity of the first terminal, and provide a communication connection for the first terminal. Afterwards, the CPE can forward the uplink and downlink call data corresponding to the first terminal, thereby enabling the first terminal to use the space node communication network to conduct VoWiFi communication in locations where terrestrial mobile communication base stations cannot cover. Therefore, by deploying CPE and STWGF in the space node core network, the embodiments of the present invention enable the first terminal to conduct VoWiFi communication based on the space node communication network; and the space node communication network, through global coverage and a terrestrial and space-integrated networking approach, can provide the first terminal with wide signal coverage, high bandwidth, and low latency communication services. By using VoWiFi technology based on the space node communication network, the first terminal can achieve global VoWiFi communication.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, the authentication access information for the terminal includes the device identifier of the CPE device. That is, for the first terminal, the authentication access information sent by its corresponding CPE to the STWGF includes the device identifier of that CPE. During the processing of the authentication access information for the first terminal, if the STWGF detects that the CPE device identifier contained in the authentication access information meets preset requirements, it considers the CPE corresponding to the first terminal to be a trusted CPE and determines that secure and reliable communication can be conducted through that CPE. Only after confirming that the CPE corresponding to the first terminal is a trusted CPE does the STWGF perform identity authentication for the first terminal. In one example, the device identifier of the aforementioned CPE device can be a number containing numbers, letters, or special characters. If the number is detected in the STWGF's preset list of secure CPE numbers, it indicates that the CPE device identifier contained in the authentication access information meets the preset requirements, and the CPE corresponding to the first terminal is considered a trusted CPE. In another example, the device identifier of the aforementioned CPE device can be an IP address. If the IP address is detected in the STWGF's preset network segment, it indicates that the CPE device identifier contained in the authentication access information meets the preset requirements, and the CPE corresponding to the first terminal is considered a trusted CPE.

[0063] Similarly, if the second terminal accesses the space node network through its corresponding CPE, the authentication access information sent by the CPE to the STWGF for the second terminal includes the device identifier of the CPE. The processing is the same as that for the device identifier of the CPE corresponding to the first terminal. After the STWGF detects that the device identifier of the CPE corresponding to the second terminal meets the preset requirements, it confirms that the CPE corresponding to the second terminal is a trusted CPE, and only then does the STWGF perform identity authentication for the second terminal.

[0064] As can be seen from the above, in the solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention, the authentication access information of the terminal includes the device identifier of the CPE device. After STWGF detects that the device identifier of the CPE corresponding to the terminal meets the preset requirements, it confirms that the CPE corresponding to the terminal is a trusted CPE. Only then does STWGF perform identity authentication on the terminal, which can ensure that the terminal can conduct secure and reliable communication through the trusted CPE.

[0065] As can be seen from the above description, in this embodiment of the invention, under the traditional 3GPP VoWiFi standard architecture, CPE, STWGF, and UPF are additionally deployed. The resulting VoWiFi communication architecture diagram is shown below. Figure 5 As shown. See also Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture for VoWiFi communication of the fourth type of terminal provided in this embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 The area within the dashed box represents the terminal accessing the space node communication network. The terminal accesses the WiFi network generated by the CPE through a trusted WiFi access point. The CPE communicates with the STWGF, which in turn communicates with the network elements AMF and UPF in the space node's core network. Figure 5 As can be seen, the network elements in the space node core network also include AUSF, UDM, SMF, and PCF (Policy Control Function), and there are communication connections between the various network elements in the space node core network. There are communication connections between the IMS core network on the space node core network side and the UPF and PCF in the space node core network.

[0066] exist Figure 5 In the diagram, the dashed line between the terminal and the terrestrial network access indicates that the terminal can also access the terrestrial network. Figure 5 The terrestrial network in this example uses the 5G core network. The IMS core network, which communicates directly with the terrestrial network, connects to the IMS core network on the space node's core network side via a gateway.

[0067] Specifically, Figure 5 In this context, Nwt, Yt, Ta, Tn, and N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, N7, N8, N10, N11, N12, and N13 all represent network interfaces.

[0068] Corresponding to the aforementioned VoWiFi communication method applied to CPE, this embodiment of the invention also provides a VoWiFi communication method for STWGF applied to the core network of a space node.

[0069] See Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the second VoWiFi communication method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The method is applied to STWGF in the core network of a space node and includes the following steps S601 to S603.

[0070] Step S601: Upon receiving the authentication access information of the first terminal sent by the CPE, perform identity authentication on the first terminal.

[0071] Step S602: Upon receiving the uplink call data sent by the first terminal, forward the uplink call data to the second terminal that is in a call with the first terminal.

[0072] Step S603: Upon receiving downlink call data for the first terminal, forward the downlink call data to the first terminal.

[0073] Specifically, for Figure 6 The description of the illustrated embodiment can be found in the following references. Figure 1 The embodiments shown will not be described in detail here.

[0074] As can be seen from the above, in the solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention, after the first terminal accesses the WiFi network generated by the CPE, the STWGF located in the space node core network can process the authentication access information of the first terminal, authenticate the identity of the first terminal, and provide a communication connection for the first terminal. Afterwards, the CPE can forward the uplink and downlink call data corresponding to the first terminal, thereby enabling the first terminal to use the space node communication network to conduct VoWiFi communication in locations where terrestrial mobile communication base stations cannot cover. Therefore, by deploying CPE and STWGF in the space node core network, the embodiments of the present invention enable the first terminal to conduct VoWiFi communication based on the space node communication network; and the space node communication network, through global coverage and a terrestrial and space-integrated networking approach, can provide the first terminal with wide signal coverage, high bandwidth, and low latency communication services. By using VoWiFi technology based on the space node communication network, the first terminal can achieve global VoWiFi communication.

[0075] In one embodiment of the present invention, after authenticating the first terminal, the method further includes step A.

[0076] Step A: Send the identity information of the first terminal mentioned above to the UPF.

[0077] Specifically, after STWGF completes the identity authentication of the first terminal, STWGF sends the identity information of the first terminal to UPF in the space node core network. UPF will assign a unique remote IP address to the first terminal based on the identity information, and finally complete the registration of the first terminal in the space node core network. The first terminal successfully accesses the space node core network.

[0078] In another embodiment of the present invention, after authenticating the first terminal, the following step B is further included.

[0079] Step B: Determine whether the CPE is a trusted CPE based on the device identifier of the CPE contained in the above authentication access information.

[0080] Specifically, for the content in step B, please refer to the previous description of the VoWiFi communication method for CPE, which will not be repeated here.

[0081] As can be seen from the above, in the solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention, the authentication access information of the terminal includes the device identifier of the CPE device. After STWGF detects that the device identifier of the CPE corresponding to the terminal meets the preset requirements, it confirms that the CPE corresponding to the terminal is a trusted CPE. Only then does STWGF perform identity authentication on the terminal, which can ensure that the terminal can conduct secure and reliable communication through the trusted CPE.

[0082] Corresponding to the aforementioned VoWiFi communication method applied to CPE, this embodiment of the invention also provides a VoWiFi communication device applied to CPE.

[0083] See Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first VoWiFi communication device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The device is applied to a CPE and includes: The first sending module 701 is used to send authentication access information for the first terminal to the STWGF when the first terminal accesses the WiFi network generated by the CPE. The STWGF is located in the core network of the space node.

[0084] The second sending module 702 is used to forward the uplink call data to the STWGF when it receives the uplink call data sent by the first terminal.

[0085] The third sending module 703 is used to forward the downlink call data to the first terminal when it receives the downlink call data forwarded by the STWGF.

[0086] As can be seen from the above, in the solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention, after the first terminal accesses the WiFi network generated by the CPE, the STWGF located in the space node core network can process the authentication access information of the first terminal, authenticate the identity of the first terminal, and provide a communication connection for the first terminal. Afterwards, the CPE can forward the uplink and downlink call data corresponding to the first terminal, thereby enabling the first terminal to use the space node communication network to conduct VoWiFi communication in locations where terrestrial mobile communication base stations cannot cover. Therefore, by deploying CPE and STWGF in the space node core network, the embodiments of the present invention enable the first terminal to conduct VoWiFi communication based on the space node communication network; and the space node communication network, through global coverage and a terrestrial and space-integrated networking approach, can provide the first terminal with wide signal coverage, high bandwidth, and low latency communication services. By using VoWiFi technology based on the space node communication network, the first terminal can achieve global VoWiFi communication.

[0087] In one embodiment of the present invention, the authentication access information of the terminal includes the device identifier of the CPE. After detecting that the device identifier of the CPE corresponding to the terminal meets the preset requirements, the STWGF confirms that the CPE corresponding to the terminal is a trusted CPE before performing identity authentication on the terminal, which can ensure that the terminal can conduct secure and reliable communication through the trusted CPE.

[0088] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second terminal communicating with the first terminal is connected to a terrestrial network or a space node network.

[0089] Corresponding to the aforementioned VoWiFi communication method for STWGF applied in the core network of space nodes, this embodiment of the invention also provides a VoWiFi communication device for STWGF applied in the core network of space nodes.

[0090] See Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second VoWiFi communication device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. This device is applied to STWGF in the core network of a space node. The device includes: The authentication module 801 is used to authenticate the first terminal upon receiving authentication access information from the first terminal sent by the CPE.

[0091] The fourth sending module 802 is used to forward the uplink call data to the second terminal that is communicating with the first terminal when it receives the uplink call data sent by the first terminal.

[0092] The fifth sending module 803 is used to forward the downlink call data to the first terminal when it receives downlink call data for the first terminal.

[0093] As can be seen from the above, in the solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention, after the first terminal accesses the WiFi network generated by the CPE, the STWGF located in the space node core network can process the authentication access information of the first terminal, authenticate the identity of the first terminal, and provide a communication connection for the first terminal. Afterwards, the CPE can forward the uplink and downlink call data corresponding to the first terminal, thereby enabling the first terminal to use the space node communication network to conduct VoWiFi communication in locations where terrestrial mobile communication base stations cannot cover. Therefore, by deploying CPE and STWGF in the space node core network, the embodiments of the present invention enable the first terminal to conduct VoWiFi communication based on the space node communication network; and the space node communication network, through global coverage and a terrestrial and space-integrated networking approach, can provide the first terminal with wide signal coverage, high bandwidth, and low latency communication services. By using VoWiFi technology based on the space node communication network, the first terminal can achieve global VoWiFi communication.

[0094] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-described apparatus further includes: The sixth sending module 704 is used to send the identity information of the first terminal to the UPF.

[0095] Specifically, after STWGF completes the identity authentication of the first terminal, STWGF sends the identity information of the first terminal to UPF in the space node core network. UPF will assign a unique remote IP address to the first terminal based on the identity information, and finally complete the registration of the first terminal in the space node core network. The first terminal successfully accesses the space node core network.

[0096] In one embodiment of the present invention, the above-described apparatus further includes: The judgment module 705 is used to determine whether the CPE is a trusted CPE based on the device identifier of the CPE contained in the above authentication access information.

[0097] As can be seen from the above, in the solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention, the authentication access information of the terminal includes the device identifier of the CPE device. After STWGF detects that the device identifier of the CPE corresponding to the terminal meets the preset requirements, it confirms that the CPE corresponding to the terminal is a trusted CPE. Only then does STWGF perform identity authentication on the terminal, which can ensure that the terminal can conduct secure and reliable communication through the trusted CPE.

[0098] See Figure 9 The above is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device includes: a processor 901, a communication interface 902, a memory 903 and a communication bus 904, wherein the processor 901, the communication interface 902 and the memory 903 communicate with each other through the communication bus 904.

[0099] Memory 903 is used to store computer programs.

[0100] When the processor 901 executes the program stored in the memory 903, it implements the steps of any of the aforementioned VoWiFi communication methods applied to CPE or STWGF.

[0101] As can be seen from the above, in the solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention, after the first terminal accesses the WiFi network generated by the CPE, the STWGF located in the space node core network can process the authentication access information of the first terminal, authenticate the identity of the first terminal, and provide a communication connection for the first terminal. Afterwards, the CPE can forward the uplink and downlink call data corresponding to the first terminal, thereby enabling the first terminal to use the space node communication network to conduct VoWiFi communication in locations where terrestrial mobile communication base stations cannot cover. Therefore, by deploying CPE and STWGF in the space node core network, the embodiments of the present invention enable the first terminal to conduct VoWiFi communication based on the space node communication network; and the space node communication network, through global coverage and a terrestrial and space-integrated networking approach, can provide the first terminal with wide signal coverage, high bandwidth, and low latency communication services. By using VoWiFi technology based on the space node communication network, the first terminal can achieve global VoWiFi communication.

[0102] The communication bus mentioned in the above electronic devices can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. This communication bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used to represent it in the diagram, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0103] The communication interface is used for communication between the aforementioned electronic devices and other devices.

[0104] The memory may include random access memory (RAM) or non-volatile memory (NVM), such as at least one disk storage device. Optionally, the memory may also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor.

[0105] The processors mentioned above can be general-purpose processors, including central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), etc.; they can also be digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), FPGAs, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components.

[0106] In another embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, which stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of any of the VoWiFi communication methods applied to CPE or STWGF described above.

[0107] When using the computer program stored in the computer-readable storage medium provided in this embodiment of the invention for VoWiFi communication, after the first terminal accesses the WiFi network generated by the CPE, the STWGF located in the space node core network can process the authentication access information of the first terminal, authenticate the identity of the first terminal, and provide a communication connection for the first terminal. Then, the CPE can forward the uplink and downlink call data corresponding to the first terminal, enabling the first terminal to use the space node communication network to conduct VoWiFi communication in locations where terrestrial mobile communication base stations cannot cover. Therefore, by deploying CPE and STWGF in the space node core network, this embodiment of the invention enables the first terminal to conduct VoWiFi communication based on the space node communication network; and the space node communication network, through global coverage and a terrestrial and space-integrated networking approach, can provide the first terminal with wide signal coverage, high bandwidth, and low latency communication services. By using VoWiFi technology based on the space node communication network, the first terminal can achieve global VoWiFi communication.

[0108] In another embodiment of the present invention, a computer program product containing instructions is also provided, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute any of the VoWiFi communication methods applied to CPE or STWGF in the above embodiments.

[0109] When using the computer program product provided in this embodiment of the invention for VoWiFi communication, after the first terminal accesses the WiFi network generated by the CPE, the STWGF located in the space node core network can process the authentication access information of the first terminal, authenticate the identity of the first terminal, and provide a communication connection for the first terminal. Then, the CPE can forward the uplink and downlink call data corresponding to the first terminal, enabling the first terminal to use the space node communication network to conduct VoWiFi communication in locations where terrestrial mobile communication base stations cannot cover. Therefore, by deploying CPE and STWGF in the space node core network, this embodiment of the invention enables the first terminal to conduct VoWiFi communication based on the space node communication network; and the space node communication network, through global coverage and a terrestrial and space-integrated networking approach, can provide the first terminal with wide signal coverage, high bandwidth, and low latency communication services. By using VoWiFi technology based on the space node communication network, the first terminal can achieve global VoWiFi communication.

[0110] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present invention are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0111] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0112] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a related manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the embodiments of apparatus, electronic devices, computer-readable storage media, and computer program products are basically similar to the method embodiments, and therefore the descriptions are relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0113] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A VoWiFi communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a client device CPE, the method includes: When the first terminal accesses the Wi-Fi network generated by the CPE, authentication access information for the first terminal is sent to the Satellite Trusted Wi-Fi Gateway (STWGF) functional network element, wherein the STWGF is located in the space node core network. Upon receiving uplink call data sent by the first terminal, the uplink call data is forwarded to the STWGF; Upon receiving downlink call data forwarded by the STWGF, the downlink call data is forwarded to the first terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The authentication access information for the terminal includes the device identifier of the CPE.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second terminal that communicates with the first terminal accesses a terrestrial network or a space node network.

4. A VoWiFi communication method, characterized in that, The method for applying the Satellite Trusted Wireless Fidelity Gateway (STWGF) functional network element in the core network of a space node includes: Upon receiving the authentication access information of the first terminal sent by the client device CPE, the first terminal is authenticated. Upon receiving uplink call data sent by the first terminal, the uplink call data is forwarded to the second terminal that is communicating with the first terminal; Upon receiving downlink call data for the first terminal, the downlink call data is forwarded to the first terminal.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, After authenticating the first terminal, the method further includes: The identity information of the first terminal is sent to the User Plane Functional Element (UPF).

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, Before authenticating the first terminal, the method further includes: Based on the device identifier of the CPE contained in the authentication access information, it is determined whether the CPE is a trusted CPE.

7. A VoWiFi communication device, characterized in that, The device, applied to a client-side pre-installed equipment (CPE), includes: The first transmitting module is used to send authentication access information for the first terminal to the Satellite Trusted Wireless Fidelity Gateway (STWGF) functional network element when the first terminal accesses the wireless fidelity WiFi network generated by the CPE. The STWGF is located in the space node core network. The second sending module is used to forward the uplink call data to the STWGF upon receiving uplink call data sent by the first terminal. The third sending module is used to forward the downlink call data to the first terminal upon receiving the downlink call data forwarded by the STWGF.

8. A VoWiFi communication device, characterized in that, A satellite trusted wireless fidelity gateway (STWGF) functional network element applied in the core network of a space node, the device comprising: The authentication module is used to authenticate the identity of the first terminal when it receives the authentication access information of the first terminal sent by the client device CPE; The fourth sending module is used to forward the uplink call data to the second terminal that is communicating with the first terminal when it receives the uplink call data sent by the first terminal. The fifth sending module is used to forward the downlink call data to the first terminal when it receives downlink call data for the first terminal.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a processor, a communication interface, a memory, and a communication bus, wherein the processor, the communication interface, and the memory communicate with each other through the communication bus; Memory, used to store computer programs; A processor, when executing a program stored in memory, implements the method steps of any one of claims 1-3 or 4-6.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method steps of any one of claims 1-3 or 4-6.

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