Communication method and device, computer equipment, readable storage medium and program product

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication method and device, computer equipment, a readable storage medium and a program product. The method is applied to a terminal, and comprises the following steps: in an attachment program or a tracking area update TAU program, the terminal receives a first message which is sent by a first on-satellite mobility management unit MME and comprises waiting time, and then the terminal communicates based on the first message according to the terminal capability. By adopting the method, terminals with different terminal capabilities can access corresponding networks according to own terminal capabilities to perform a communication process of data transmission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mobile communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, computer equipment, readable storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] IoT-NTN (Internet of Things Non-Terrestrial Networking) is a mobile communication system that supports LTE (Long Term Evolution) network access via satellite, based on the NB-IoT (Narrow Band Internet of Things) technology standard. It can be widely used in vertical industries such as maritime transport, wilderness transportation, energy harvesting, agriculture, and environmental protection, and features wide coverage and low data rate.

[0003] Currently, for IoT-NTN technology in low-to-medium orbit, during the initial network deployment phase, due to the limited number of satellites and gateway stations, there are situations where the satellite service link and power supply link cannot be available simultaneously. This causes IoT-NTN to be unable to provide communication services to terminals within the satellite coverage area at certain times. In such cases, there are currently no corresponding communication procedures for different types of terminals. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a communication method, apparatus, computer equipment, readable storage medium, and program product to address the aforementioned technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method applied to a terminal, the method comprising:

[0006] During the attachment procedure or tracking area update TAU procedure, a first message is received from the first satellite mobility management unit (MME), the first message including a waiting time;

[0007] Based on the terminal's capabilities, communication processing is performed on the first message.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first message is a first rejection message, which is either an attach rejection message or a TAU rejection message. The first rejection message is sent by the MME on the first satellite after receiving the first request message from the terminal in store-and-forward mode. The first request message includes an attach request or a TAU request.

[0009] In one embodiment, communication processing is performed based on a first message, according to the terminal capabilities, including:

[0010] The terminal starts a timer based on the waiting time;

[0011] And / or the terminal enters the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state.

[0012] In one embodiment, if the terminal supports store-and-forward mode and normal mode, the terminal enters the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state, and the method further includes:

[0013] If the timer has not expired, the terminal listens for system messages sent by the on-board base station of the cell in normal mode.

[0014] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0015] If the terminal receives a system message sent by the on-board base station of the cell in normal mode, stop the timer;

[0016] The terminal establishes an RRC connection with the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located.

[0017] In one embodiment, after the terminal establishes an RRC connection with the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located, the method further includes:

[0018] The terminal sends a second request message to the on-board MME where the normal mode cell is located. The second request message includes an attach request or a TAU request.

[0019] In one embodiment, after the terminal sends the second request message to the on-board MME, the method further includes:

[0020] The terminal receives the first acceptance message returned by the MME of the satellite where the normal mode cell is located. The first acceptance message includes an attach acceptance message or a TAU acceptance message.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0022] If the timer expires, the terminal is in the RRC idle state and listens for the system message sent by the on-board base station that last established the RRC connection.

[0023] If the system message sent by the on-board base station that previously established the RRC connection is obtained, the terminal resends the third request message after establishing the RRC connection with the on-board base station that previously established the RRC connection. The third request message includes an attach request or a TAU request.

[0024] The terminal receives a second accept message returned by the on-board MME of the satellite to which the on-board base station that last established an RRC connection belongs. The second accept message includes an attach accept message or a TAU accept message.

[0025] In one embodiment, depending on the terminal's capabilities, if the terminal only supports store-and-forward mode, communication processing based on the first message includes:

[0026] The method for the terminal to enter the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state also includes:

[0027] If the timer has not expired, the terminal will not perform at least one of the following: listening to the paging channel, cell selection or reselection, idle state measurement, or obtaining system messages.

[0028] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0029] If the timer expires, the terminal will perform at least one of the following: listen to the paging channel, select or reselect the cell, perform idle state measurement, or obtain system messages.

[0030] If the system message of the on-board base station that previously established an RRC connection is obtained, the terminal sends a fourth request message after establishing an RRC connection with the on-board base station that previously established an RRC connection. The fourth request message includes an attach request or a TAU request.

[0031] The terminal receives the third accept message returned by the on-board MME of the satellite to which the on-board base station that last established the RRC connection belongs. The third accept message includes an attach accept message or a TAU accept message.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first message further includes a satellite identifier listening list, and the method further includes:

[0033] The terminal obtains auxiliary satellite information from the satellite identifier monitoring list through the system message block (SIB). The auxiliary satellite information is used to determine the cell information when cell selection or reselection occurs after the timer expires. The cell information includes frequency information or cell identifier information.

[0034] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0035] If the timer expires, the terminal is in the RRC idle state and listens for system messages sent by the on-board base station of the satellite in the satellite identification listening list according to the frequency information or the cell identification information.

[0036] If a system message sent by the on-board base station of a satellite in the satellite identifier listening list is obtained, the terminal establishes an RRC connection with the on-board base station of the satellite in the satellite identifier listening list and then sends a fifth request message, which includes an attach request or a TAU request.

[0037] The terminal receives a third acceptance message returned by the onboard MME of a satellite in the satellite identification monitoring list. The third acceptance message includes an attach acceptance message or a TAU acceptance message.

[0038] In one embodiment, the terminal capability includes the terminal supporting store-forward mode and normal mode, or the terminal supporting only one of store-forward mode.

[0039] In store-and-forward mode, when the power supply link is unavailable but the service link is available, the terminal communicates with the MME of the non-terrestrial network. The communication process includes the attach procedure, the TAU procedure, or data transmission.

[0040] In normal mode, when both the power supply link and the service link are available, the terminal communicates with the MME of the non-terrestrial network. The communication process includes the attachment procedure, the TAU procedure, or data transmission.

[0041] Secondly, this application also provides a communication device for use in a terminal, the device comprising:

[0042] The first receiving module is used to receive a first message sent by the onboard mobility management unit (MME) during the attachment procedure or the tracking area update TAU procedure. The first message includes a waiting time.

[0043] The communication module is used to perform communication processing based on the first message, according to the terminal's capabilities.

[0044] Thirdly, this application also provides a computer device, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement any of the communication methods described in the first aspect above.

[0045] Fourthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements any of the communication methods described in the first aspect above.

[0046] Fifthly, this application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method described in any of the first aspects above.

[0047] The aforementioned communication method, apparatus, computer equipment, readable storage medium, and program product, when applied to a terminal, in the attach procedure or tracking area update (TAU) procedure, the terminal receives a first message including a waiting time sent by the Mobility Management Unit (MME) on the first satellite. Then, the terminal performs communication based on the first message according to its terminal capabilities. In this way, the terminal receives the first message from the MME on the first satellite in the attach procedure or TAU procedure, and can perform attach or TAU according to its own terminal capabilities and the waiting time in the first message, thereby enabling terminals with different capabilities to access the corresponding network and perform data transmission communication. Attached Figure Description

[0048] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the application environment of a communication method in one embodiment;

[0050] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method in one embodiment;

[0051] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method in another embodiment;

[0052] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method in another embodiment;

[0053] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method in another embodiment;

[0054] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method in another embodiment;

[0055] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method in another embodiment;

[0056] Figure 8 A flowchart of a communication method in another embodiment that supports store-and-forward mode and normal mode for the terminal;

[0057] Figure 9 A flowchart of a communication method in another embodiment where the terminal only supports store-and-forward mode;

[0058] Figure 10 This is a structural block diagram of a communication device in one embodiment;

[0059] Figure 11 This is an internal structural diagram of a computer device in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0060] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0061] IoT-NTN is an LTE network mobile communication system that supports satellite access based on the NB-IoT technology standard. The satellite access method can be either satellite transparent transmission mode or satellite regeneration mode.

[0062] The communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 The application environment shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, for the IoT-NTN in satellite regeneration mode, the entire system consists of a terminal 10, a satellite regeneration payload 20, a satellite gateway station 30, a core network 40, and a service server 50. The terminal 10 can be, but is not limited to, various personal computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, and portable wearable devices. IoT devices can include smart speakers, smart TVs, smart air conditioners, smart in-vehicle devices, and projection devices. Portable wearable devices can include smartwatches, smart bracelets, and head-mounted displays. Head-mounted displays can be virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, and smart glasses. Depending on the network configuration, the functions included in the satellite regeneration payload 20 may vary; it may have eNodeB (Evolved Node B) network element functions, or it may have both eNodeB and MME (Mobile Management Entity) network element functions.

[0063] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a communication method is provided, which is applied to Figure 1 Taking the terminal in the example, the explanation includes the following steps 201 to 202. Wherein:

[0064] Step 201: In the attachment procedure or tracking area update TAU procedure, receive the first message sent by the first satellite mobility management unit (MME).

[0065] The first message includes a waiting time. When a terminal first accesses the network, it needs to register with the network through an attach procedure. Successful registration allows normal access to network services. The TAU procedure manages the terminal's location information. It is triggered when the terminal detects entering a new tracking area or an area outside the tracking area list. In the attach procedure or TAU procedure, the terminal receives the first message sent by the MME on the first satellite. Optionally, the first message can be a response message returned after the terminal sends an attach request or TAU request to the MME on the first satellite in the attach procedure or TAU procedure.

[0066] Optionally, the first message can be an accept message. When both the service link and the power supply link are available, the MME on the first satellite returns an accept message after receiving the terminal's attach request or TAU request.

[0067] Optionally, the first message can be a rejection message. When the power supply circuit is unavailable, the MME on the first satellite returns a rejection message after receiving the terminal's attach request or TAU request, and the terminal cannot immediately complete the attach and TAU at this time.

[0068] Optionally, the waiting time indicates whether the terminal can retry or continue the attach procedure or TAU procedure after the corresponding waiting time. Optionally, the waiting time can be calculated by the MME on the first satellite based on ephemeris information. Ephemeris information is a trajectory table of celestial bodies that changes over time and can reflect the changes in the satellite's position. The waiting time can be obtained based on the ephemeris information of the MME on the first satellite.

[0069] Step 202: Based on the terminal's capabilities, perform communication processing based on the first message.

[0070] Optionally, terminal capabilities characterize the operating modes supported by the terminal. The terminal communicates based on its own terminal capabilities and the first received message. Optionally, terminal capabilities include support for store-and-forward mode and normal mode, or the terminal may only support one of store-and-forward modes.

[0071] In the store-and-forward mode, when the power supply link is unavailable but the service link is available, the terminal communicates with the MME of the non-terrestrial network. The communication process includes the attach procedure, the TAU procedure, or data transmission. In the normal mode, when both the power supply link and the service link are available, the terminal communicates with the MME of the non-terrestrial network. The communication process includes the attach procedure, the TAU procedure, or data transmission.

[0072] In the non-terrestrial network, the feeder link is the link between the satellite and the gateway station, and the service link is the link between the satellite and the terminal. Due to the limited number of satellites and gateway stations, there may be situations where the service link and the feeder link cannot be available simultaneously. When the feeder link is unavailable but the service link is available, the terminal communicates with the MME of the non-terrestrial network in store-and-forward mode. When both the feeder link and the service link are available, the terminal communicates with the MME of the non-terrestrial network in normal mode.

[0073] In the above embodiments, during the attach procedure or the Tracking Area Update (TAU) procedure, the terminal receives a first message including a waiting time sent by the Mobility Management Unit (MME) on the first satellite. Then, the terminal communicates based on the first message according to its terminal capabilities. In this way, the terminal receives the first message from the MME on the first satellite during the attach procedure or TAU procedure, and can perform attach or TAU according to its own terminal capabilities and the waiting time in the first message, thereby enabling terminals with different capabilities to access the corresponding network and perform data transmission communication.

[0074] In the embodiments of this application, the first message is a first rejection message, which is either an attach rejection message or a TAU rejection message. The first rejection message is sent by the first satellite MME after receiving the terminal's first request message in store-and-forward mode. The first request message includes an attach request or a TAU request.

[0075] Optionally, when the network is in store-and-forward mode, after the MME on the first satellite receives the first request from the terminal, the MME on the first satellite sends a first rejection message because the power supply link is unavailable. The first rejection message may also include a rejection reason, which is used to indicate that the terminal cannot immediately complete the attach or TAU.

[0076] In one embodiment, step 202 above, the processing steps after the terminal receives the first message, includes:

[0077] The terminal starts a timer based on the waiting time, and / or the terminal enters the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state.

[0078] Optionally, when the terminal determines, based on the reason for rejection, that it cannot complete the attach or TAU due to network store-and-forward issues, the terminal starts a timer based on the waiting time. Simultaneously, the terminal transitions from the RRC (Radio Resource Control) connected state to the RRC idle state. The RRC idle state is the state in which the terminal has no data transmission activity.

[0079] Optionally, the terminal can actively trigger the RRC release process to enter the RRC idle state, or the network side can trigger the RRC release process through the satellite base station to make the terminal enter the RRC idle state.

[0080] In one embodiment, if the terminal supports store-and-forward mode and normal mode, after the terminal enters the RRC idle state, as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the method also includes:

[0081] Step 301: If the timer has not expired, the terminal listens for system messages sent by the on-board base station where the cell in normal mode is located.

[0082] The normal mode cell is a non-terrestrial network in normal mode. During the timer's interval, after the terminal enters the RRC idle state, because the terminal supports store-and-forward mode and normal mode, it can continue to listen to system messages sent by the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located. Optionally, system messages may include MIB messages (Master Information Block) and SIB messages (System Information Block).

[0083] Step 302: If the terminal receives a system message sent by the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located, stop the timer.

[0084] If the terminal receives a system message from a non-terrestrial network satellite base station in normal mode within the timer's timeout period, the timer is stopped, meaning the terminal can then attempt to access a normal mode cell for data communication.

[0085] Step 303: The terminal establishes an RRC connection with the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located.

[0086] The terminal establishes an RRC connection with the on-board base station where the ordinary mode cell is located and enters the RRC connection state. That is, the terminal has established a radio resource control connection with the on-board base station where the ordinary mode cell is located and can perform data transmission and signaling exchange with the ordinary mode cell.

[0087] After the aforementioned terminal establishes an RRC connection with the on-board base station of the normal mode cell, such as Figure 4 As shown, the method also includes:

[0088] Step 401: The terminal sends a second request message to the on-board MME where the normal mode cell is located.

[0089] The second request message includes either an attach request or a TAU request. After the terminal enters the RRC connected state, it sends a second request message to the on-board MME where the normal mode cell is located. The second request message is used for the terminal to attach to or TAU to the normal mode cell.

[0090] Step 402: The terminal receives the first accept message returned by the on-board MME of the cell in normal mode.

[0091] The first acceptance message includes either an attach acceptance message or a TAU acceptance message. After receiving the second request message, if the on-board MME of the normal mode cell allows the terminal to attach or perform a TAU, it returns the first acceptance message. After receiving the first acceptance message, the terminal can attach or perform a TAU to the normal mode cell to achieve normal uplink and downlink data transmission with the normal mode cell.

[0092] In the above embodiments, if the terminal supports store-and-forward mode and normal mode, it can continue to listen to system messages sent by the on-board base station of other normal mode cells after entering the RRC idle state according to the terminal's capabilities, and can access normal mode cells, thereby achieving data transmission with shorter latency.

[0093] In the embodiments of this application, if the terminal does not receive the system message sent by the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located within the timer's timing period, such as Figure 5 As shown, the method also includes:

[0094] Step 501: If the timer expires and the terminal is in the RRC idle state, the terminal listens for the system message sent by the on-board base station that last established the RRC connection.

[0095] Optionally, if the terminal still has not received the system message sent by the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located when the timer expires, and the terminal is still in the RRC idle state, then the terminal listens for the system message sent by the on-board base station that last established the RRC connection and continues to try to attach or TAU to the satellite network to which the on-board base station that last established the RRC connection belongs.

[0096] Step 502: If the system message sent by the on-board base station that previously established the RRC connection is obtained, the terminal resends the third request message after establishing an RRC connection with the on-board base station that previously established the RRC connection.

[0097] The third request message includes an attach request or a TAU request. After the terminal obtains the system message sent by the on-board base station that previously established the RRC connection, it re-establishes the RRC connection with the on-board base station that previously established the RRC connection, enters the RRC connection state, and resends the third request message to the on-board MME of the satellite to which the on-board base station that previously established the RRC connection belongs, to perform an attach or TAU request.

[0098] Step 503: The terminal receives the second accept message returned by the on-board MME of the satellite to which the on-board base station that last established the RRC connection belongs.

[0099] The second accept message includes either an attach accept message or a TAU accept message. Optionally, after receiving the third request message, if the on-board MME of the satellite to which the on-board base station that last established an RRC connection belongs is not currently in store-and-forward mode, it returns the second accept message, and the receiving terminal performs attach and TAU. At this time, the terminal reattaches or TAUs to the last established RRC connection.

[0100] In the above embodiments, if the terminal does not obtain the system message sent by the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located when the timer expires, it continues to listen for the system message sent by the on-board base station that established the previous RRC connection and attempts to attach or TAU to the satellite network that established the previous RRC connection.

[0101] In embodiments of this application, if the terminal only supports store-and-forward mode, during communication processing based on the first message, the terminal enters the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state, and the method further includes:

[0102] If the timer has not expired, the terminal will not perform at least one of the following: listening to the paging channel, cell selection or reselection, idle state measurement, or obtaining system messages.

[0103] Optionally, if the terminal only supports store-and-forward mode, during the timer's timing period, the terminal enters the RRC idle state. The terminal does not listen to the paging channel, or does not perform idle state measurements, or does not perform cell selection or reselection, or does not acquire system messages. Listening to the paging channel, performing idle state measurements, performing cell selection or reselection, and acquiring system messages can be omitted, or all of them can be omitted.

[0104] Optionally, when the timer expires, the communication process of terminals that only support store-and-forward mode will continue as follows: Figure 6 As shown, it also includes:

[0105] Step 601: If the timer expires, the terminal will re-attempt at least one of the following: listening to the paging channel, cell selection or reselection, idle state measurement, or listening to system messages.

[0106] After the timer expires, the terminal can re-listen to one or more of the following: paging channel, cell selection or reselection, idle state measurement, or listening to system messages, and re-prepare for attach or TAU.

[0107] Step 602: If the system message of the satellite base station that previously established the RRC connection is obtained, the terminal sends the fourth request message after establishing the RRC connection with the satellite base station that previously established the RRC connection.

[0108] The fourth request message includes an attach request or a TAU request. After the timer expires, the terminal listens again for the system message of the on-board base station that previously established the RRC connection. If the terminal obtains the system message of the on-board base station that previously established the RRC connection, it re-establishes the RRC connection with the on-board base station and then sends the fourth request message to the on-board MME of the satellite to which the on-board base station that previously established the RRC connection belongs.

[0109] Step 603: The terminal receives the third receive message returned by the on-board MME of the satellite to which the on-board base station that last established the RRC connection belongs.

[0110] The third accept message includes either an attach accept message or a TAU accept message. Optionally, after receiving the fourth request message, if the on-board MME of the satellite to which the on-board base station that last established an RRC connection belongs is not currently in store-and-forward mode, it returns the third accept message, and the receiving terminal performs attach and TAU. At this time, the terminal reattaches or re-TAUs to the satellite network to which the last RRC connection was established.

[0111] In the above embodiments, if the terminal only supports store-and-forward mode, after entering the RRC idle state, the terminal stops listening to the paging channel, cell selection or reselection, idle state measurement or obtaining system messages until the timer expires and then resumes. This can reduce the terminal's power consumption during the process of accessing the store-and-forward mode network.

[0112] In embodiments of this application, the first message may further include a satellite identifier listening list, and the method further includes: the terminal obtains auxiliary satellite information in the satellite identifier listening list through the system message block SIB. The auxiliary satellite information is used to determine the cell information when cell selection or reselection occurs after the timer expires. The cell information includes frequency information or cell identifier information.

[0113] The first message may also include a satellite identifier listening list. When the first message includes a satellite identifier listening list, the waiting time may be different from the waiting time when it does not include a satellite identifier listening list.

[0114] Optional, such as Figure 7 As shown, after obtaining the auxiliary satellite information, the method also includes:

[0115] Step 701: If the timer expires and the terminal is in RRC idle state, it listens for system messages sent by the on-board base station of the satellite in the satellite identification listening list according to the frequency information or cell identification information.

[0116] Among them, frequency information or cell identification information can be determined based on auxiliary satellite information, and system messages of satellites in the satellite identification listening list can be quickly monitored during cell selection or cell reselection.

[0117] Step 702: If the system message sent by the on-board base station of the satellite in the satellite identifier listening list is obtained, the terminal establishes an RRC connection with the on-board base station of the satellite in the satellite identifier listening list and then sends the fifth request message.

[0118] The fifth request message includes either an attach request or a TAU request. If a system message sent by the on-board base station of a satellite in the satellite identifier listening list is obtained, the terminal establishes an RRC connection with the on-board base station of the satellite in the satellite identifier listening list, enters the RRC connection state, and then sends the fifth request message.

[0119] Step 703: The terminal receives the third receive message returned by the onboard MME of the satellite in the satellite identification listening list.

[0120] The third acceptance message includes either an attach acceptance message or a TAU acceptance message. After receiving the second request message, if the on-board MME of a satellite in the satellite identification listening list allows the terminal to attach or perform a TAU, it returns the third acceptance message. After receiving the third acceptance message, the terminal can attach or perform a TAU to the on-board MME of the satellite in the satellite identification listening list to perform normal uplink and downlink data transmission.

[0121] In the above embodiments, the first message may include a satellite identifier monitoring list, and the terminal can quickly obtain system messages sent by the on-board base stations of the satellites in the satellite identifier monitoring list to achieve normal uplink and downlink data transmission.

[0122] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 8 The flowchart illustrates a communication method for a terminal supporting normal mode and store-and-forward mode provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication method includes the following steps:

[0123] Step 801: The terminal receives an SIB broadcast message sent by the base station on the first satellite. The broadcast message includes store-and-forward working mode indication information.

[0124] Step 802: The terminal sends a first request message to the MME on the first satellite.

[0125] Step 803: The terminal receives the first rejection message returned by the MME on the first satellite. The rejection message may include the reason for rejection, the waiting time, and the satellite identifier listening list.

[0126] Step 804: The terminal starts a timer and enters the RRC idle state.

[0127] Step 805: The terminal timer has not expired, so it listens for system messages sent by the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located.

[0128] Step 806: If the above system message is obtained, establish an RRC connection with the second on-board base station. The second base station is the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located.

[0129] Step 807: The terminal sends a second request message to the MME on the second satellite, and then receives the first accept message returned by the MME on the second satellite.

[0130] Step 808: Stop the timer on the terminal.

[0131] Step 809: The terminal performs uplink and downlink data transmission with the MME on the second satellite. The MME on the second satellite is the MME on the satellite where the normal mode cell is located.

[0132] Step 810: When the timer expires, if the terminal does not receive a system message, it will listen for system messages sent by the on-board base station of the satellite in the satellite identification listening list.

[0133] Step 811: If the terminal obtains a system message, it establishes an RRC connection with the on-board base station of the satellite in the satellite identifier listening list.

[0134] Step 812: The terminal sends a fifth request message to the onboard MME of the satellite in the satellite identifier listening list, and then receives a third accept message returned by the onboard MME of the satellite in the satellite identifier listening list.

[0135] Step 813: The terminal performs uplink and downlink data transmission with the onboard MME of the satellite in the satellite identification listening list.

[0136] In the embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 9 The document illustrates a flowchart of a communication method for a terminal that only supports store-and-forward mode, as provided in an embodiment of this application. This communication method includes the following steps:

[0137] Step 901: The terminal receives an SIB broadcast message sent by the base station on the first satellite. The broadcast message includes store-and-forward working mode indication information.

[0138] Step 902: The terminal sends a first request message to the MME on the first satellite.

[0139] Step 903: The terminal receives the first rejection message returned by the MME on the first satellite. The rejection message may include the reason for rejection, the waiting time, and the satellite identifier listening list.

[0140] Step 904: The terminal starts a timer and enters the RRC idle state. The terminal does not perform at least one of the following: listening to the paging channel, cell selection or reselection, idle state measurement, or acquiring system messages.

[0141] Step 905, timer expired.

[0142] Step 906: The terminal listens to system messages sent by the on-board base stations of the satellites in the satellite identifier listening list.

[0143] Step 907: If the terminal obtains a system message, it establishes an RRC connection with the on-board base station of the satellite in the satellite identifier listening list.

[0144] Step 908: The terminal sends a fifth request message to the onboard MME of the satellite in the satellite identifier listening list, and then receives a third accept message returned by the onboard MME of the satellite in the satellite identifier listening list.

[0145] Step 909: The terminal performs uplink and downlink data transmission with the onboard MME of the satellite in the satellite identification listening list.

[0146] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages of other steps.

[0147] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a communication device for implementing the communication method described above. The solution provided by this device is similar to the solution described in the above method; therefore, specific limitations in one or more communication device embodiments provided below can be found in the limitations of the communication method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0148] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, a communication device 1000 is provided for use in a terminal, including: a first receiving module 1001 and a communication module 1002, wherein:

[0149] The first receiving module 1001 is used to receive a first message sent by the onboard mobility management unit (MME) during the attachment procedure or the tracking area update TAU procedure. The first message includes a waiting time.

[0150] The communication module 1002 is used to perform communication processing based on the first message according to the terminal's capabilities.

[0151] In one embodiment, the first message is a first rejection message, which is either an attach rejection message or a TAU rejection message. The first rejection message is sent by the MME on the first satellite after receiving the first request message from the terminal in store-and-forward mode. The first request message includes an attach request or a TAU request.

[0152] In one embodiment, the communication module 1002 is specifically used for the terminal to start a timer based on the waiting time; and / or for the terminal to enter the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state.

[0153] In one embodiment, if the terminal supports store-and-forward mode and normal mode, the communication module 1002 is specifically used to listen to system messages sent by the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located if the timer has not expired.

[0154] In one embodiment, the device further includes a connection establishment module, used to stop the timer if the terminal obtains a system message sent by the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located; and to establish an RRC connection between the terminal and the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located.

[0155] In one embodiment, the device further includes a first sending module for the terminal to send a second request message to the on-board MME where the normal mode cell is located, the second request message including an attach request or a TAU request.

[0156] In one embodiment, the device further includes a second receiving module for receiving a first receiving message returned by the onboard MME of the normal mode cell, the first receiving message including an attach receiving message or a TAU receiving message.

[0157] In one embodiment, the device further includes a first listening module, configured to listen to the system message sent by the on-board base station that last established the RRC connection if the timer expires and the terminal is in the RRC idle state; if the system message sent by the on-board base station that last established the RRC connection is obtained, the terminal resends a third request message after establishing an RRC connection with the on-board base station that last established the RRC connection, the third request message including an attach request or a TAU request; the terminal receives a second accept message returned by the on-board MME of the satellite to which the on-board base station that last established the RRC connection belongs, the second accept message including an attach accept message or a TAU accept message.

[0158] In one embodiment, if the terminal only supports store-and-forward mode, the communication module is specifically used for the terminal to enter the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state. The method further includes: if the timer has not expired, the terminal does not perform at least one of listening to the paging channel, cell selection or reselection, idle state measurement, or obtaining system messages.

[0159] In one embodiment, the device further includes a second transmitting module, configured to, if the timer expires, re-monitor the paging channel, perform cell selection or reselection, idle state measurement, or monitor system messages; if the system message of the on-board base station that previously established an RRC connection is obtained, the terminal sends a fourth request message after establishing an RRC connection with the on-board base station that previously established an RRC connection, the fourth request message including an attach request or a TAU request; the terminal receives a third accept message returned by the on-board MME of the satellite to which the on-board base station that previously established an RRC connection belongs, the third accept message including an attach accept message or a TAU accept message.

[0160] In one embodiment, the first message further includes a satellite identifier listening list, and the device further includes an acquisition module for the terminal to acquire auxiliary satellite information in the satellite identifier listening list through a system message block (SIB). The auxiliary satellite information is used to determine the cell information when cell selection or reselection occurs after the timer expires. The cell information includes frequency information or cell identifier information.

[0161] In one embodiment, the device further includes a third transmitting module, configured to, if the timer expires and the terminal is in an RRC idle state, listen for system messages sent by on-board base stations of satellites in the satellite identifier listening list based on frequency information or cell identifier information; if the system messages sent by on-board base stations of satellites in the satellite identifier listening list are obtained, the terminal establishes an RRC connection with the on-board base stations of satellites in the satellite identifier listening list and sends a fifth request message, the fifth request message including an attach request or a TAU request; the terminal receives a third accept message returned by the on-board MME of satellites in the satellite identifier listening list, the third accept message including an attach accept message or a TAU accept message.

[0162] In one embodiment, the terminal capability includes the terminal supporting store-and-forward mode and normal mode, or the terminal supporting only one of store-and-forward mode; in store-and-forward mode, when the power supply link is unavailable but the service link is available, the terminal communicates with the MME of the non-terrestrial network, and the communication process includes an attach procedure, a TAU procedure, or data transmission; in normal mode, when both the power supply link and the service link are available, the terminal communicates with the MME of the non-terrestrial network, and the communication process includes an attach procedure, a TAU procedure, or data transmission.

[0163] Each module in the aforementioned communication device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in a computer device, or stored in the memory of a computer device as software, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to each module.

[0164] In one exemplary embodiment, a computer device is provided, which may be a terminal, and its internal structure diagram may be as follows: Figure 11 As shown, the computer device includes a processor, memory, input / output interfaces, a communication interface, a display unit, and an input device. The processor, memory, and input / output interfaces are connected via a system bus, and the communication interface, display unit, and input device are also connected to the system bus via the input / output interfaces. The processor provides computing and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system and computer programs. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage media. The input / output interfaces are used for exchanging information between the processor and external devices. The communication interface is used for wired or wireless communication with external terminals; wireless communication can be achieved through Wi-Fi, mobile cellular networks, Near Field Communication (NFC), or other technologies. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements a communication method. The display unit is used to form a visually visible image and can be a display screen, a projection device, or a virtual reality imaging device. The display screen can be an LCD screen or an e-ink screen. The input device of the computer device can be a touch layer covering the display screen, or buttons, trackballs, or touchpads set on the casing of the computer device, or external keyboards, touchpads, or mice, etc.

[0165] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 11 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the present application is applied. Specific computer devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0166] In one exemplary embodiment, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to perform the following steps: in an attachment procedure or a tracking area update (TAU) procedure, receiving a first message sent by a first on-board mobility management unit (MME), the first message including a waiting time; and performing communication processing based on the first message according to terminal capabilities.

[0167] In one embodiment, the first message is a first rejection message, which is either an attach rejection message or a TAU rejection message. The first rejection message is sent by the MME on the first satellite after receiving the first request message from the terminal in store-and-forward mode. The first request message includes an attach request or a TAU request.

[0168] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, it also performs the following steps: the terminal starts a timer based on the waiting time; and / or the terminal enters the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state.

[0169] In one embodiment, if the terminal supports store-and-forward mode and normal mode, when the terminal enters the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state, the processor executes the computer program and also performs the following steps: if the timer has not expired, the terminal listens for system messages sent by the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located.

[0170] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, it also performs the following steps: if the terminal obtains a system message sent by the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located, it stops the timer; the terminal establishes an RRC connection with the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located.

[0171] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, it further implements the following steps: the terminal sends a second request message to the on-board MME where the normal mode cell is located, the second request message including an attach request or a TAU request.

[0172] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, it further implements the following steps: the terminal receives a first acceptance message returned by the on-board MME of the normal mode cell, the first acceptance message including an attach acceptance message or a TAU acceptance message.

[0173] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, it further implements the following steps: if the timer expires and the terminal is in an RRC idle state, the terminal listens for the system message sent by the on-board base station that last established the RRC connection; if the system message sent by the on-board base station that last established the RRC connection is obtained, the terminal resends the third request message after establishing an RRC connection with the on-board base station that last established the RRC connection, the third request message including an attach request or a TAU request; the terminal receives the second accept message returned by the on-board MME of the satellite to which the on-board base station that last established the RRC connection belongs, the second accept message including an attach accept message or a TAU accept message.

[0174] In one embodiment, if the terminal only supports store-and-forward mode, the processor, when executing the computer program, also performs the following steps: if the timer has not expired, the terminal does not perform at least one of listening to the paging channel, cell selection or reselection, idle state measurement, or obtaining system messages.

[0175] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, it further performs the following steps: if the timer expires, the terminal re-listens to at least one of the following: listening to the paging channel, cell selection or reselection, idle state measurement, or listening to system messages; if the system message of the on-board base station that previously established an RRC connection is obtained, the terminal establishes an RRC connection with the on-board base station that previously established an RRC connection and sends a fourth request message, the fourth request message including an attach request or a TAU request; the terminal receives a third accept message returned by the on-board MME of the satellite to which the on-board base station that previously established an RRC connection belongs, the third accept message including an attach accept message or a TAU accept message.

[0176] In one embodiment, the first message further includes a satellite identifier listening list, and when the processor executes the computer program, it also implements the following steps: the terminal obtains auxiliary satellite information from the satellite identifier listening list through the system message block SIB. The auxiliary satellite information is used to determine the cell information when cell selection or reselection occurs after the timer expires. The cell information includes frequency information or cell identifier information.

[0177] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, it further implements the following steps: if the timer expires and the terminal is in an RRC idle state, it listens for system messages sent by the on-board base stations of satellites in the satellite identifier listening list according to frequency information or cell identifier information; if the terminal obtains system messages sent by the on-board base stations of satellites in the satellite identifier listening list, it establishes an RRC connection with the on-board base stations of satellites in the satellite identifier listening list and sends a fifth request message, which includes an attach request or a TAU request; the terminal receives a third accept message returned by the on-board MME of satellites in the satellite identifier listening list, which includes an attach accept message or a TAU accept message.

[0178] In one embodiment, the terminal capability includes the terminal supporting store-and-forward mode and normal mode, or the terminal supporting only one of store-and-forward mode; in store-and-forward mode, when the power supply link is unavailable but the service link is available, the terminal communicates with the MME of the non-terrestrial network, and the communication process includes an attach procedure, a TAU procedure, or data transmission; in normal mode, when both the power supply link and the service link are available, the terminal communicates with the MME of the non-terrestrial network, and the communication process includes an attach procedure, a TAU procedure, or data transmission.

[0179] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements any of the communication methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0180] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements any of the communication methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0181] It should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use and processing of the relevant data must comply with relevant regulations.

[0182] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile memory and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, artificial intelligence (AI) processors, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0183] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this application.

[0184] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal, the method includes: During the attachment procedure or tracking area update TAU procedure, a first message is received from the first satellite mobility management unit (MME), the first message including a waiting time; Based on the terminal's capabilities, communication processing is performed on the first message.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first message is a first rejection message, which is either an attach rejection message or a TAU rejection message. The first rejection message is sent by the first satellite MME after receiving the first request message from the terminal in store-and-forward mode. The first request message includes an attach request or a TAU request.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of performing communication processing based on the first message according to the terminal capabilities includes: The terminal starts a timer according to the waiting time; And / or the terminal enters the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, If the terminal supports store-and-forward mode and normal mode, and the terminal enters the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state, the method further includes: If the timer has not expired, the terminal listens for system messages sent by the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the terminal receives a system message sent by the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located, the timer is stopped; The terminal establishes an RRC connection with the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, After the terminal establishes an RRC connection with the on-board base station where the normal mode cell is located, the method further includes: The terminal sends a second request message to the on-board MME where the normal mode cell is located. The second request message includes an attach request or a TAU request.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, After the terminal sends the second request message to the on-board MME where the normal mode cell is located, the method further includes: The terminal receives a first acceptance message returned by the on-board MME of the normal mode cell, the first acceptance message including an attach acceptance message or a TAU acceptance message.

8. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the timer expires, the terminal is in the RRC idle state and listens for the system message sent by the on-board base station that last established the RRC connection. If the system message sent by the on-board base station that previously established the RRC connection is obtained, the terminal resends the third request message after establishing the RRC connection with the on-board base station that previously established the RRC connection. The third request message includes an attach request or a TAU request. The terminal receives a second acceptance message returned by the on-board MME of the satellite to which the on-board base station that last established an RRC connection belongs. The second acceptance message includes an attach acceptance message or a TAU acceptance message.

9. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, If the terminal only supports store-and-forward mode, the step of performing communication processing based on the first message according to the terminal's capabilities includes: The terminal enters the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state, and the method further includes: If the timer has not expired, the terminal will not perform at least one of the following: listening to the paging channel, cell selection or reselection, idle state measurement, or obtaining system messages.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the timer expires, the terminal will resume listening to at least one of the following: paging channel, cell selection or reselection, idle state measurement, or listening to system messages. If the system message of the on-board base station that previously established an RRC connection is obtained, the terminal sends a fourth request message after establishing an RRC connection with the on-board base station that previously established an RRC connection. The fourth request message includes an attach request or a TAU request. The terminal receives a third acceptance message returned by the on-board MME of the satellite to which the on-board base station that last established an RRC connection belongs. The third acceptance message includes an attach acceptance message or a TAU acceptance message.

11. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first message also includes a satellite identifier listening list, and the method further includes: The terminal obtains auxiliary satellite information from the satellite identifier monitoring list through the system message block (SIB). The auxiliary satellite information is used to determine the cell information when cell selection or reselection occurs after the timer expires. The cell information includes frequency information or cell identifier information.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the timer expires, the terminal is in the RRC idle state and listens for system messages sent by the on-board base station of the satellite in the satellite identification listening list according to the frequency information or the cell identification information. If a system message sent by the on-board base station of a satellite in the satellite identifier listening list is obtained, the terminal establishes an RRC connection with the on-board base station of the satellite in the satellite identifier listening list and then sends a fifth request message, which includes an attach request or a TAU request. The terminal receives a third acceptance message returned by the onboard MME of a satellite in the satellite identification monitoring list. The third acceptance message includes an attach acceptance message or a TAU acceptance message.

13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal capabilities include the terminal supporting store-and-forward mode and normal mode, or the terminal supporting only one of store-and-forward modes. The store-and-forward mode is that when the power supply link is unavailable but the service link is available, the terminal communicates with the MME of the non-terrestrial network. The communication process includes an attachment procedure, a TAU procedure, or data transmission. The normal mode is when both the power supply link and the service link are available, the terminal communicates with the MME of the non-terrestrial network, and the communication process includes attachment procedures, TAU procedures, or data transmission.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal, the device includes: The first receiving module is used to receive a first message sent by the onboard mobility management unit (MME) during the attachment procedure or the tracking area update TAU procedure. The first message includes a waiting time. The communication module is used to perform communication processing based on the first message according to the terminal's capabilities.

15. A computer device comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

17. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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