Communication method and device and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device and a storage medium, which can effectively avoid the interference of a communication signal on a radio telescope, and can be applied to an NTN (Network Temporary Network), such as a satellite communication system. The method comprises: a non-ground network device determines a first geographic area, the first geographic area being a geographic area in which a terminal device is prohibited from accessing or residing in the non-ground network device, and a geographic area associated with a first receiving device being located in the first geographic area; and sending first information, wherein the first information is used for indicating the first geographic area. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information, and determines a first geographic area based on the first information.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A radio telescope is a device used in radio astronomy to receive radio waves from astronomical radio sources in the sky. From a communications perspective, a radio telescope is a ground-based receiver with extremely high sensitivity and adjustable receiving direction. Interference from other communication signals is undesirable in the direction and frequency of observation by a radio telescope.

[0003] Therefore, in scenarios where satellites and radio telescopes coexist, Satellite 1 does not transmit beams in the observation direction of the radio telescope to ensure that downlink signals do not interfere with the radio telescope. Satellite 2, which provides services to the area where the radio telescope is located, will configure different uplink power control parameters according to the coexistence requirements of the radio telescope to ensure that the uplink signals of terminal devices do not interfere with the radio telescope. However, for some terminal devices with strong communication capabilities, even if they are located in areas where Satellite 1 does not provide services, they may still receive downlink signals from Satellite 1 due to their strong receiving capabilities, thereby initiating access and causing interference to the radio telescope. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium to avoid interference of communication signals with radio telescopes.

[0005] Firstly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to the terminal side, such as a terminal device or a communication module within a terminal device, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core) responsible for communication functions within the terminal device. The method is described below using a terminal device as an example.

[0006] The method includes: receiving first information, the first information being used to indicate a first geographical region, the first geographical region being a geographical region where terminal devices are prohibited from accessing or residing in non-terrestrial network devices, and the geographical region associated with a first receiving device being located in the first geographical region; and determining the first geographical region based on the first information.

[0007] Based on this technical solution, the terminal device receives first information from a non-terrestrial network device, indicating that the terminal device is prohibited from accessing or residing in a first geographical area of ​​the non-terrestrial network device, and then determines the first geographical area based on the first information. This allows the terminal device to avoid accessing or residing in the first geographical area of ​​the non-terrestrial network device when it receives downlink signals from the non-terrestrial network. This "blacklist" of prohibited access or residence areas effectively reduces uplink signal interference to the first receiving device.

[0008] The geographical area associated with the aforementioned first receiving device refers to a geographical area (denoted as geographical area #1) where the first receiving device is installed. It can be understood that the first receiving device can be located at any location within geographical area #1.

[0009] The geographic area associated with the first receiving device is located within the first geographic area, including: geographic area #1 being entirely located within the first geographic area, or a portion of geographic area #1 being located within the first geographic area. It is understood that, for the latter case, the first receiving device may not be located within the first geographic area.

[0010] Optionally, the first information may be carried in a broadcast message or a radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or the first information may be a broadcast message or an RRC message.

[0011] Optionally, the first receiving device is a radio telescope.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first geographical region is the geographical region of the serving cell of the non-terrestrial network device; or, the first geographical region is the geographical region of the neighboring cell of the non-terrestrial network device.

[0013] Optionally, if the first geographical region is the geographical region of the serving cell of the non-terrestrial network device, the method further includes: if the geographical location associated with the terminal device is located in the first geographical region, the terminal device does not access or camp on the serving cell of the non-terrestrial network device.

[0014] In other words, if the geographical location associated with the terminal device is within the first geographical region, the terminal device will not initiate access even if it receives downlink signals from non-terrestrial network devices. This effectively reduces interference to the first receiving device.

[0015] The geographical area associated with the terminal device can be the geographical location of the terminal device, the center location of the geographical grid where the terminal device is located, or the reference location of the geographical grid where the terminal device is located.

[0016] Optionally, if the first geographic region is a geographic region of a neighboring cell of a non-terrestrial network device, the method further includes: if the geographic location associated with the terminal device is located in the first geographic region, the terminal device does not measure the neighboring cells of the non-terrestrial network device or does not use the neighboring cells of the non-terrestrial network device as candidate cells to be used.

[0017] In other words, when a terminal device needs to perform neighbor cell measurements, if it receives the first information, it can determine that there is a geographical area in the neighbor cell that prohibits the terminal from accessing or camping. At this time, the terminal device will not perform neighbor cell measurements on the neighbor cell containing the first geographical area, or will use the neighbor cell as a candidate camping cell. Therefore, the terminal device will not send uplink signals to non-terrestrial network devices in the neighbor cell, which can effectively reduce unnecessary measurement overhead and reduce interference to the first receiving device.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving second information, the second information being used to indicate a first time period corresponding to a first geographical region; determining the first geographical region based on the first information, including: determining that a first time is located within the first time period, the first time being the current time obtained by the terminal device; and determining the first geographical region based on the first information and the first time period.

[0019] The first time period refers to the effective time for the first geographical region. During this first time period, non-terrestrial network devices prohibit terminal devices from accessing or residing in the first geographical region. Conversely, outside of the first time period, non-terrestrial network devices allow terminal devices to access or reside in the first geographical region.

[0020] Optionally, the second information may be carried in a broadcast message or an RRC signaling message, or the second information may be a broadcast message or an RRC message. The first information and the second information may be sent simultaneously or separately.

[0021] Optionally, the second information can also be used for a second time period corresponding to the second geographic region, where the second time period is the effective time of the second geographic region. In other words, the second information can indicate at least one time period corresponding to at least one geographic region. Or, conversely, the second information can indicate the correspondence between at least one geographic region and at least one time period.

[0022] It is understandable that the second geographical area can be a geographical area where terminal devices are prohibited from accessing or residing on non-terrestrial network devices during the second time period.

[0023] This method of configuring different geographical regions for different time periods not only reduces interference to the primary receiving device, but also reduces the frequency of configuration updates.

[0024] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving third information, the third information being used to indicate the capability identifier of a terminal device corresponding to a first geographical region; and determining the first geographical region based on the first information, including: determining the first geographical region based on the first information and the capability identifier of the terminal device.

[0025] The capabilities of a terminal device can be, for example, its ability to transmit equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) or its transmission power, or its receiving sensitivity. Terminal devices with different capabilities can correspond to different capability labels.

[0026] This method of associating terminal devices with different geographical areas based on their capabilities allows for the association of geographical areas where terminal devices are prohibited from accessing or residing on non-terrestrial network devices, even with higher uplink transmission power.

[0027] Optionally, the third information may be carried in a broadcast message or an RRC signaling message, or the third information may be a broadcast message or an RRC message. It is understood that the third information and the first information may be sent simultaneously or separately. Alternatively, the third information and the first information may be sent simultaneously or separately.

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first geographic region includes a geographic region on the ground and / or a geographic region at a specific altitude.

[0029] The geographical region on the ground can be a geographical region with an altitude of 0km or within a range of 0km ± 2km, or a geographical region with a certain average altitude.

[0030] A specific geographical area at a certain altitude could be, for example, a geographical area within an altitude range of 10km or 10km ± 3km. Or it could be a geographical area with a poster height within other altitude ranges.

[0031] This geographical area at high altitude and / or at a specific height can be applied to terminal devices located on the ground or in non-terrestrial networks, thereby effectively avoiding interference from terminal devices located on the ground or at high altitude to the first receiving device.

[0032] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be applied to the network side, such as a non-terrestrial network device, a module (e.g., a circuit, chip, or chip system) within the non-terrestrial network device, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the non-terrestrial network device. The method is described below using a non-terrestrial network device as an example.

[0033] The method includes: determining a first geographical region, which is a geographical region where terminal devices are prohibited from accessing or residing in non-terrestrial network devices, and the geographical region associated with a first receiving device is located in the first geographical region; and sending first information, which is used to indicate the first geographical region.

[0034] Based on this technical solution, the non-terrestrial network device sends first information to the terminal device, instructing the terminal device to prohibit access to or residing in a first geographical area of ​​the non-terrestrial network device. This allows the terminal device, upon receiving the first information, to determine the first geographical area based on the instruction from the non-terrestrial network device. Consequently, when the terminal device receives downlink signals from the non-terrestrial network, it can avoid accessing or residing in the first geographical area of ​​the non-terrestrial network device. This "blacklist" of prohibited access or residing areas effectively reduces uplink signal interference to the first receiving device.

[0035] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first receiving device is a radio telescope.

[0036] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first geographical region is the geographical region of the serving cell of the non-terrestrial network device; or, the first geographical region is the geographical region of the neighboring cell of the non-terrestrial network device.

[0037] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending second information, the second information being used to indicate a first time period corresponding to the first geographic region, the first time period being the effective time of the first geographic region.

[0038] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending third information, which is used to indicate the capability identifier of the terminal device corresponding to the first geographical region.

[0039] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information is carried in a broadcast message or RRC signaling.

[0040] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first geographic region includes a geographic region on the ground and / or a geographic region at a specific altitude.

[0041] For a description of the methods and effects of the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof, please refer to the relevant description in the first aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0042] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device, comprising: a transceiver module for receiving first information, the first information indicating a first geographical region, the first geographical region being a geographical region where a terminal device is prohibited from accessing or residing in a non-terrestrial network device, and the geographical region associated with a first receiving device being located in the first geographical region; and a processing module for determining the first geographical region based on the first information.

[0043] Optionally, the first geographical region is the geographical region of the serving cell of the non-terrestrial network device; the processing module is further configured to: when the geographical location associated with the terminal device is located in the first geographical region, the terminal device does not access or camp on the serving cell of the non-terrestrial network device.

[0044] Optionally, the first geographical region is the geographical region of the neighboring cells of the non-terrestrial network device; the processing module is further configured to: when the geographical location associated with the terminal device is located in the first geographical region, the terminal device does not measure the neighboring cells of the non-terrestrial network device or does not use the neighboring cells of the non-terrestrial network device as candidate cells to be camped.

[0045] Optionally, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive second information, the second information being used to indicate a first time period corresponding to the first geographical region, the first time period being the effective time of the first geographical region; the processing module is further configured to: determine that the first time is located within the first time period, the first time being the current time obtained by the terminal device; and, based on the first information and the first time period, determine the first geographical region.

[0046] Optionally, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive third information, which is used to indicate the capability identifier of the terminal device corresponding to the first geographical region; the processing module is further configured to: determine the first geographical region based on the first information and the capability identifier of the terminal device.

[0047] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device, comprising: a processing module for determining a first geographical area, the first geographical area being a geographical area where terminal devices are prohibited from accessing or residing in non-terrestrial network devices, and a geographical area associated with a first receiving device being located in the first geographical area; and a transceiver module for sending first information, the first information being used to indicate the first geographical area.

[0048] Optionally, the transceiver module is further configured to: send second information, the second information being used to indicate a first time period corresponding to the first geographical region, the first time period being the effective time of the first geographical region.

[0049] Optionally, the transceiver module is further configured to: send third information, which is used to indicate the capability identifier of the terminal device corresponding to the first geographical region.

[0050] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device including a processor, the processor being configured to perform the methods described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0051] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a communication device including a processor, the processor being configured to perform the methods described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0052] In conjunction with aspects five and six, in one possible implementation, the communication device may further include a memory for storing instructions and data. The memory is coupled to the processor, which, when executing the instructions stored in the memory, can implement the methods described in the foregoing aspects.

[0053] In conjunction with the fifth and sixth aspects, in one possible implementation, the device may further include a communication interface for communicating with other devices. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface.

[0054] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting the implementation of the functions involved in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations of any of the above aspects, such as receiving or processing data and / or information involved in the above methods.

[0055] In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory for storing program instructions and data, which may be located within or outside the processor.

[0056] The chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete components.

[0057] Eighthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium including a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the methods in any of the foregoing aspects and any possible implementations of any of the foregoing aspects.

[0058] Ninthly, this application provides a computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run, causes a computer to perform the methods of any of the above aspects and any possible implementations of any of the above aspects.

[0059] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a communication system including the aforementioned terminal device and network device. The terminal device is used to execute the methods described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof, and the network device is used to instruct the methods described in the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0060] Optionally, the communication system includes the apparatus described in the third aspect and the apparatus described in the fourth aspect.

[0061] Optionally, the communication system includes the apparatus described in the fifth aspect and the apparatus described in the sixth aspect.

[0062] It should be understood that the third to tenth aspects of this application correspond to the technical solutions of the first or second aspects of this application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0063] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a transparent transmission architecture;

[0064] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a regenerative architecture;

[0065] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the converged network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 4 This is another schematic diagram of the converged network architecture provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0067] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario where a satellite and a radio telescope coexist, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0068] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0069] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the first geographical region and the geographical region associated with the first receiving device;

[0070] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of the device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0071] Figure 9 This is another schematic block diagram of the device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0072] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points are explained first:

[0074] First, in the embodiments of this application, the use of prefixes such as "first" and "second" is merely for the purpose of distinguishing and describing different things belonging to the same name category, and does not constrain the order, size, or quantity of things. For example, "first information" and "second information" are simply different pieces of information, and there is no temporal sequence, size, or priority relationship between them.

[0075] Second, in the embodiments of this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send first information to a terminal device" can be understood as the destination of the first information being the terminal device, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission via the air interface by other units or modules. "Receive first information from a non-terrestrial network device" can be understood as the source of the first information being a non-terrestrial network device, which may include direct reception from the non-terrestrial network device via the air interface or indirect reception from the non-terrestrial network device via the air interface by other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0076] In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between terminal devices and non-terrestrial network devices; or they can occur within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within a device via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0077] It is understandable that information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, before being sent from the source to the destination. Similarly, the destination, upon receiving information from the source, can also perform corresponding processing, such as decoding and demodulation, to interpret the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way and will not be elaborated further.

[0078] Third, in the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it does not exclude the possibility of indicating an "and" relationship. The specific meaning can be understood in conjunction with the context. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Here, a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0079] Fourth, in the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction and indirect instruction, as well as explicit instruction and implicit instruction. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (such as the first information below) is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly instructing the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly instruct the information to be instructed by instructing other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be instructed; or it can only instruct a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts of the information to be instructed are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol predefined) arrangement order of various pieces of information, thereby reducing the instruction overhead to a certain extent. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction.

[0080] It is understandable that, for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to indicate the information to be indicated, and for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be indicated.

[0081] Fifth, the tables in the embodiments of this application are merely examples. The values ​​of the information in each table are only examples and can be configured to other values; this application is not limited thereto. The tables do not limit the scope of protection of this application. For example, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the tables described above, such as splitting, merging, etc. Furthermore, the parameter names shown in the headings of each table can also use other names understandable to the communication device, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations understandable to the communication device. Moreover, in the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0082] Sixth, in the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the fact that the device (e.g., a non-terrestrial network device or a terminal device) will make corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require the device (e.g., a non-terrestrial network device or a terminal device) to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0083] Seventh, the predefined terms in this application can be understood as: definition, pre-defined, storage, pre-storage, pre-negotiation, pre-configuration, solidification, or pre-firing.

[0084] Eighth, the term "storage" in this application can refer to storage in one or more memory devices. These memory devices can be separate installations or integrated into an encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memory devices can be separately installed, while others can be integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0085] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems or new radio access technology (NR), satellite communication systems, or future communication networks. Among these, the satellite communication system can be a satellite communication system integrated with a 5G communication system or a future communication system, such as a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

[0086] In this application, "non-terrestrial network equipment" refers to network equipment located within an NTN. This non-terrestrial network equipment is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, providing wireless communication services and enabling terminal devices to access the non-terrestrial network. Non-terrestrial network equipment may include radio access network (RAN) equipment or core network equipment within the NTN. The RAN can be a node within the radio access network, abbreviated as RAN node. It is understood that unless otherwise specified, RAN equipment or RAN nodes mentioned below refer to RAN equipment or RAN nodes within the NTN.

[0087] In one possible scenario, RAN nodes can be deployed on high-altitude platforms or satellites, or RAN nodes can be satellites with base station functions, or high / low-altitude equipment with base station functions. In satellite communication scenarios, RAN nodes can be satellites, or equipment deployed on high-altitude platforms or within satellites that performs base station functions. RAN nodes can be macro base stations, micro base stations, relay nodes, or donor nodes, or radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios, or nodes in open radio access network (O-RAN or ORAN) scenarios.

[0088] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some functions of the non-terrestrial network equipment. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control planes (CPs), CU-user planes (UPs), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0089] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in the ORAN system, CU can also be called open CU (O-CU), DU can also be called open DU (O-DU), CU-CP can also be called open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called open RU (O-RU).

[0090] Any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU units can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. That is, the wireless access network device in this application can be a virtualized device, for example, implemented through general-purpose hardware and instantiated virtualization functions, or dedicated hardware and instantiated virtualization functions. The general-purpose hardware can be a server, such as a cloud server.

[0091] The terminal equipment in this application may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user apparatus. The terms terminal equipment and terminal may be used interchangeably in the following text.

[0092] Terminal devices can be devices that provide voice / data connectivity to users, such as handheld devices with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle devices, etc. Currently, examples of terminal devices include: mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities (such as laptops and PDAs), mobile internet devices (MIDs), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, drones, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, or future public land mobile communication networks. Terminal devices in a mobile network (PLMN), etc.

[0093] Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices; they achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly defined, wearable smart devices include those with comprehensive functions, large sizes, and the ability to perform complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses. They also include devices focused on a specific application function that require the use of other devices, such as smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0094] Furthermore, terminal devices can also be terminal devices within IoT systems. IoT is a crucial component of future information technology development, its main technological characteristic being the connection of objects to networks via communication technologies, thereby achieving intelligent networks that enable human-machine and machine-to-machine interconnection. IoT technology, for example, can achieve massive connectivity, deep coverage, and low power consumption at the terminal level through narrowband (NB) technology.

[0095] In addition, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in NTN.

[0096] The terminal device in this application can be a virtualized device, for example, implemented through general-purpose hardware and instantiated virtualization functions, or dedicated hardware and instantiated virtualization functions. The general-purpose hardware can be a server, such as a cloud server.

[0097] NTN communication involves networking using equipment such as drones, high-altitude platform stations, and satellites to provide data transmission and voice communication services to terminal devices. High-altitude platform stations (HAPS) typically operate at altitudes of 8–50 kilometers above the ground. Based on satellite orbital altitude, satellite communication systems can be categorized into three types: geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite communication systems (also known as synchronous orbit satellite systems); medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite communication systems; and low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication systems.

[0098] GEO satellites orbit at an altitude of 35,786 km. Their main advantages are that they remain relatively stationary relative to the ground and provide a large coverage area. However, GEO satellite communication has the following disadvantages: 1) The long distance between GEO satellites and Earth results in significant free-space propagation loss, leading to tight communication link budgets. To increase transmit / receive gain, larger aperture antennas are required for the satellites; 2) Communication transmission delays are large, reaching around 500 milliseconds (ms) round-trip time, which cannot meet the needs of real-time services; 3) GEO orbital resources are relatively scarce, launch costs are high, and coverage cannot be provided to the polar regions of Earth.

[0099] MEO satellites orbit at altitudes between 2000 and 35786 km, enabling global coverage with a relatively small number of satellites. However, their higher altitudes result in greater transmission latency compared to LEO satellites. MEO satellites are primarily used for positioning and navigation.

[0100] LEO satellites orbit at altitudes ranging from 300 to 2000 km. Compared to MEO and GEO satellites, LEO satellites have lower orbital altitudes and advantages such as lower data transmission delay, lower transmission loss, and relatively lower launch costs.

[0101] Depending on the payload type, NTN networks include two architectures: regenerative architecture and transparent architecture. The following section combines... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The regenerative architecture and the transparent architecture are introduced.

[0102] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a transparent transmission architecture. (Example) Figure 1 As shown, the terminal equipment communicates with the core network through the access network, and the core network communicates with the data network through the N6 interface. The access network includes satellites, NTN gateway stations (GWs), and base stations. The terminal equipment communicates with the base stations through remote radio units, which include satellites and NTN GWs. The base stations communicate with the core network through the NG interface, and the core network communicates with the data network through the N6 interface. Therefore, in the transparent transmission architecture, the base stations are located on the ground.

[0103] Understandably, in actual deployment, Figure 1 The satellites in the system can be replaced with other NTN devices such as HAPS.

[0104] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a regenerative architecture. (Example) Figure 2As shown, the terminal equipment communicates with the satellite base station via the NR Uu interface, the satellite base station communicates with the core network via the NG interface, and the core network communicates with the data network via the N6 interface. It is evident that in the regenerative architecture, the functions of the base station, or some of the functions of the base station, are deployed on the satellite.

[0105] about Figure 1 and Figure 2 For a more detailed description, please refer to the description in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) technical report (TR) 38.821, which will not be elaborated here.

[0106] It is understandable that when the NTN device operates in transparent transmission mode, it has relay forwarding functionality. The gateway station has base station functionality or some base station functionality; in this case, the gateway station can be considered as a base station. Alternatively, the base station and the gateway station can be deployed separately. When the gateway station and the base station are deployed separately, the feeder link latency includes the latency from the NTN device to the gateway station and the latency from the gateway station to the base station.

[0107] It is understandable that when an NTN device is operating in regeneration mode, it has data processing capabilities, base station functions, or some base station functions. In this case, the NTN device can be regarded as a base station.

[0108] With the development of wireless communication technology, scenarios where NTN and terrestrial networks (TN) coexist may exist in the future. Since NTN devices can operate in both transparent and regenerative modes, coexistence scenarios can include both regenerative architectures and terrestrial networks.

[0109] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the converged network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the geographical area covered by the GEO satellite is Region 1, the geographical areas covered by the three LEO satellites are Regions 2, 3, and 4, the geographical area covered by the UAV or high-altitude platform is Region 5, and the geographical area covered by the ground area is Region 6. Among them, Regions 2 to 6 are located within Region 1, and there are overlapping areas among Regions 2 to 6. Overlapping areas refer to areas covered by two or more devices.

[0110] like Figure 3 As shown, terminals located within the coverage area of ​​GEO satellites, LEO satellites, and drones or high-altitude platforms communicate with the core network through ground-based base station entities.

[0111] Figure 4This is another schematic diagram of the converged network architecture provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the geographical area covered by the GEO satellite is Region 1, the geographical areas covered by the three LEO satellites are Regions 2, 3, and 4, the geographical area covered by the UAV or high-altitude platform is Region 5, and the geographical area covered by the ground area is Region 6. Among them, Regions 2 to 6 are located within Region 1, and there are overlapping areas among Regions 2 to 6. Overlapping areas refer to areas covered by two or more devices.

[0112] like Figure 4 As shown, terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​GEO satellites communicate with the core network through base station entities deployed on GEO satellites; terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​LEO satellites communicate with the core network through base station entities deployed on LEO satellites; and terminal devices located within the coverage area of ​​UAVs or high-altitude platforms communicate with the core network through base station entities deployed on UAVs or high-altitude platforms.

[0113] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 NTN and terrestrial network base stations can be interconnected through a common core network, or through interfaces defined between base stations to achieve more timely assistance and interconnection. For example, in NR, the interface between base stations is the Xn interface, and the interface between the base station and the core network is the NG interface. In a converged network, NTN nodes and TN nodes can also communicate and coordinate through the Xn interface and the NG interface.

[0114] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, definitions of technical terms that may appear in the embodiments of this application are given below. The terminology used in the implementation section of this application is only used to explain specific embodiments of this application and is not intended to limit this application.

[0115] 1. Geographical region.

[0116] A geographical region is fixed relative to the Earth, or a region refers to a geographical area that is fixed relative to the Earth.

[0117] A geographic region can have at least one of the following attributes: shape, outline, size, radius, area, or geographic location. In addition, a geographic region can also have an altitude attribute; that is, a geographic region can be understood as a geographic area at a given altitude or within a given altitude range. Specifically, a geographic region can refer to a geographic area on the ground with an elevation of 0 km or within an altitude range of 0 km ± 2 km; or a geographic area with a certain average altitude; or a geographic area at a specific altitude, for example, a geographic area with an altitude of 10 km or within an altitude range of 10 km ± 3 km.

[0118] The shape of a geographical region can be regular, such as a regular hexagon, regular pentagon, rectangle, square, circle, or ellipse. Alternatively, the shape of a geographical region can also be irregular. This application does not limit the shape of the geographical region.

[0119] In one possible implementation, the Earth's surface can be divided into multiple regions, and these regions can be indexed (e.g., numbered). Terminal devices and (non-terrestrial) network devices can pre-agree on the numbering method for these regions (e.g., starting from 1 or 0) and the correspondence between regions and indexes. Alternatively, the numbering method for these regions and the correspondence between regions and indexes can be defined through a protocol. Thus, based on the region indexes, information such as the region's geographical location can be determined.

[0120] One possible way to divide the Earth's surface is to use a latitude and longitude grid with a specific granularity, such as a 1-degree granularity grid. If this discretization method is used alone, the globe can be divided into 360 × 360 = 129,600 regions. Terminal and network devices can define the indices of these 129,600 regions as 0, 1, ..., 129,599, or as 1, 2, ..., 129,600, or other numerical values.

[0121] Optionally, when the altitude attribute of a geographic region is introduced, multiple grids can be defined to divide the Earth's surface. For example, a grid at an altitude of 0 km or within a range of 0 km ± 2 km can be divided into 1-degree latitude and longitude grids, generating 129,600 regions. At an altitude of 10 km or within a range of 10 km ± 3 km, further division using 1-degree latitude and longitude grids generates another 129,600 regions. For example, when indexing these grids, the index range of a single-layer grid can be expanded, for example, the total index could be 0, 1, ..., 129,599, 129,600, 129,601, ..., 259,199, where the first 129,600 indices represent the grid index at an altitude of 0 km, and the last 129,600 indices represent the grid index at an altitude of 10 km; each layer of the grid can also be individually numbered.

[0122] The granularity of the latitude and longitude grid can be determined based on the type of (non-terrestrial) network equipment. For example, when the (non-terrestrial) network equipment is a LEO satellite, a relatively small granularity can be used for discretization; when the (non-terrestrial) network equipment is a GEO satellite, a relatively large granularity can be used for discretization.

[0123] 2. Radio telescope.

[0124] A radio telescope is a specialized antenna and radio receiver used in radio astronomy to receive radio waves from astronomical radio sources in the sky. The limiting resolution of a radio telescope depends on its aperture and the wavelength used for observation; the larger the aperture and the shorter the wavelength, the higher the resolution. Furthermore, radio telescopes vary greatly in shape; for example, there are single-aperture spherical radio telescopes fixed to the ground, radio telescopes that can rotate in all directions like satellite receiving antennas, radio telescope arrays, and radio telescopes made of metal rods.

[0125] Because radio telescopes observe very weak signals, their receiving antennas have extremely large apertures and very high gain. From a communication perspective, a radio telescope is a ground-based receiver with extremely high sensitivity and adjustable receiving direction. Therefore, it is undesirable for other communication signals to exist in the direction and frequency area observed by the radio telescope. This is because the energy of communication signals operating at the same frequency, the leakage energy of communication signals operating at adjacent frequencies, and the second harmonic energy of communication signals operating at half the frequency will all cause significant interference to radio telescope observations.

[0126] In scenarios where wireless communication systems (such as satellite communication systems) and radio telescopes coexist, if a signal emitted by the satellite system enters the radio telescope, it will cause strong interference to the radio telescope's receiving beam. Because radio telescopes have very high receiving sensitivity, even a small amount of energy from the satellite beam can interfere with the radio telescope's observations.

[0127] To address these issues, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed the following methods to prevent interference from spaceborne or airborne systems to radio telescope systems: In scenarios where wireless communication systems and radio telescopes coexist, satellites cannot transmit signals on the same frequency as the radio telescope, nor can they transmit signals on adjacent frequencies. Furthermore, a radio protection zone (within a 10-mile radius) is established around the radio telescope, and uplink (UL) power control is implemented for terminal equipment within this protection zone to prevent uplink signal interference to the radio telescope. For example, uplink transmit power is typically limited to -3 to 12 dBm, and the limits vary for different frequencies. Table 1 below shows the uplink transmit power limits for different frequencies.

[0128] Table 1

[0129]

[0130] Specifically, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a scenario where a satellite and a radio telescope coexist, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5As shown, the system includes satellites 510 and 520, a radio telescope 530, and terminal equipment 540-570. In this coexistence scenario, to avoid interference from satellite 510 to radio telescope 530, satellite 510 does not transmit a beam in the observation direction of radio telescope 530. That is, satellite 510 does not transmit a beam towards areas 1 and 2 where radio telescope 530 is located, meaning satellite 510 cannot provide signal transmission to terminal equipment (such as...) in areas 1 and 2. Figure 5 The terminal device 540 provides services, thereby ensuring that the downlink (DL) signal of satellite 510 does not interfere with radio telescope 530.

[0131] Terminal devices located in Region 1 and Region 2 can be served by satellite 520, which has a different receiving direction from radio telescope 530. However, since the uplink signals of terminal devices in Region 1 and Region 2 may interfere with the radio telescope when communicating with satellite 520, satellite 520 will configure different UL power control parameters for terminal devices in Region 1 and Region 2 according to the coexistence requirements of the radio telescope, thereby ensuring that the UL signals of terminal devices in Region 1 and Region 2 do not interfere with radio telescope 520.

[0132] However, for some terminal devices with strong reception capabilities (e.g., very small aperture terminal (VSAT), vehicle-mounted equipment), even if located in... Figure 5 Area 1 or Area 2 (e.g., terminal 540) may still receive signals from satellite 510, thus initiating random access. Since satellite 510 does not have anti-interference design for the UL power control of terminal devices located in Area 1 and Area 2, the UL signals of these terminal devices may cause strong interference to the radio telescope. Area 1 and Area 2 can be referred to as geographical areas where satellite 510 does not expect communication or areas where terminal devices are prohibited from accessing or residing on satellite 510.

[0133] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium. In this method, a non-terrestrial network device instructs a terminal device to prohibit the terminal device from accessing or residing in a first geographical area of ​​the non-terrestrial network device. The terminal device can then, according to the instruction from the non-terrestrial network device, not access or reside in the first geographical area. This "blacklist" of prohibited access or residence areas can effectively reduce uplink signal interference to radio telescopes.

[0134] The methods and apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The methods provided in this application can be applied to... Figures 1 to 5 The communication system shown is not limited to this embodiment.

[0135] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of the communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 The flowchart shown illustrates the method from the perspective of interaction between terminal devices and non-terrestrial network devices, but this application does not limit the subject that performs the method. For example, Figure 6 The terminal device in the text can be replaced with a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the method on the terminal device. It can also be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. Figure 6 The non-terrestrial network device in the text can be replaced with a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the method on the non-terrestrial network device, or it can be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the non-terrestrial network device.

[0136] like Figure 6 As shown, method 600 may include steps S601 to S603. The steps in method 600 are described in detail below.

[0137] S601, the non-terrestrial network device determines a first geographical area, which is a geographical area where the terminal device is prohibited from accessing or residing in the non-terrestrial network device.

[0138] The geographical area associated with the first receiving device is located within the aforementioned first geographical area. This geographical area refers to a geographical area where the first receiving device is located (hereinafter referred to as geographical area #1 for ease of description). The first receiving device can be located anywhere within geographical area #1, for example, the first receiving device can be located at the center of geographical area #1.

[0139] It is understood that geographic region #1 may be entirely located within the first geographic region, or a portion of geographic region #1 may be located within the first geographic region. In the latter case, the first receiving device may not be located within the first geographic region.

[0140] Figure 7 The spatial relationship between the first geographic region and the geographic region associated with the first receiving device is shown. For example... Figure 7 As shown in (a), geographic region #1 is entirely located within the first geographic region, and the first receiving device is installed in the first geographic region. For example... Figure 7 As shown in (b), part of the geographic region #1 is located in the first geographic region. At this time, the first geographic region may or may not have a first receiving device.

[0141] It should be understood that Figure 7This is merely an illustrative diagram; the application does not limit the size of the first geographical region and geographical region #1. That is, the first geographical region and geographical region #1 can completely overlap (in which case, the geographical region associated with the first receiving device is the first geographical region), or the first geographical region can be larger than geographical region #1, or the first geographical region can be smaller than geographical region #1.

[0142] Optionally, the first receiving device in this application may be a radio telescope or other receiving device for receiving wireless signals.

[0143] S602, the non-terrestrial network device sends first information to the terminal device, the first information indicating a first geographical area. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information from the non-terrestrial network device.

[0144] Optionally, the first information may be carried in a broadcast message or an RRC signaling message, or the first information may be a broadcast message or an RRC message. A broadcast message may be, for example, a system information block (SIB) message or a master information block (MIB) message.

[0145] For example, the first information may include a first field for instructing the terminal device to prohibit access to or reside in the first geographical area, and a second field for indicating the first geographical area. The first field may be indicated by 1 bit, which may be 0 or 1.

[0146] S603, the terminal device determines a first geographical area based on the first information. That is, the terminal device determines the geographical area where access to or residence of non-terrestrial network devices is prohibited based on the first information.

[0147] In this embodiment, the non-terrestrial network device sends first information to the terminal device, instructing the terminal device to prohibit access to or residing in a first geographical area of ​​the non-terrestrial network device. This allows the terminal device, upon receiving the first information, to determine the first geographical area based on the instruction from the non-terrestrial network device. Consequently, when the terminal device receives downlink signals from the non-terrestrial network, it can avoid accessing or residing in the first geographical area of ​​the non-terrestrial network device. This "blacklist" of prohibited access or residing areas effectively reduces uplink signal interference to the first receiving device.

[0148] The description of the geographical region in Method 600 of this application can be found in the preceding terminology section. In conjunction with the preceding description, the first geographical region can consist of one or more regions. That is, the first geographical region can contain at least one region. Here, a region can refer to the smallest geographical region among multiple geographical regions obtained when the Earth's surface is divided using a latitude-longitude grid of a certain granularity. For example, if the Earth's surface is divided using a latitude-longitude grid with a granularity of 1 degree, then a geographical region is a section of the Earth's surface occupying 1 degree of longitude and 1 degree of latitude.

[0149] Optionally, each region within the first geographic region can correspond to a number, and the first information can indicate the first geographic region through the number corresponding to the first geographic region. This can effectively save signaling overhead.

[0150] Table 1 shows the correspondence between at least one region and at least one number that comprise the first geographic region. For example, the first geographic region consists of regions numbered 1, 2, and 3.

[0151] Table 1

[0152]

[0153] As shown in Table 1, (lat11-lat12, long11-long12), (lat21-lat22, long21-long22), and (lat31-lat23, long31-long32) each represent a geographical region. Specifically, lat11-lat12 and long11-long12 are numbered 1, lat21-lat22 and long21-long22 are numbered 2, and lat31-lat32 and long31-long32 are numbered 3. It can be understood that Table 1 can also include more geographical regions that do not require communication, and their corresponding numbers.

[0154] Optionally, the first geographic region includes geographic regions on the ground and / or geographic regions at a specific altitude.

[0155] The geographical region on the ground can be a geographical region with an altitude of 0km or within a range of 0km ± 2km, or a geographical region with a certain average altitude.

[0156] A specific geographical area at a certain altitude could be, for example, a geographical area within an altitude range of 10km or 10km ± 3km. Or it could be a geographical area with a poster height within other altitude ranges.

[0157] Combining the description of geographic regions in the preceding terminology, and the numbering method after introducing the height attribute of geographic regions, we can conclude that: after introducing the height attribute into the first geographic region, the number corresponding to the first geographic region can include the region number belonging to the first geographic region in each layer of the network.

[0158] Optionally, the first geographical area indicated by the aforementioned non-terrestrial network device is the geographical area within the non-terrestrial network device's local cell (or serving cell). It is understood that the geographical areas where terminal devices are prohibited from accessing or residing may be the same or different in different cells of the non-terrestrial network device.

[0159] Table 2 shows the geographical areas where access or camping is prohibited in different cells. The geographical areas where access or camping is prohibited in each cell shown in Table 2 are represented by a set of areas, and each set of areas may include at least one area. That is, the first geographical area described above can be one or more sets of areas. In other words, each set of prohibited access areas shown in Table 2 may include one or more areas as shown in Table 1.

[0160] Table 2

[0161]

[0162] As shown in Table 2, PCI#1, PCI#2, and PCI#3 each identify a cell, where PCI#1 corresponds to area set #1, PCI#2 corresponds to area set #2, and PCI#3 corresponds to area set #3. Each set #1, #2, and #3 includes at least one area. Any two sets #1, #2, and #3 may contain different areas, or two sets #1, #2, and #3 may contain the same area. It should be understood that Table 2 may also include more cell identifiers and the corresponding sets of geographical areas where access or camping is prohibited.

[0163] The first possible implementation: If the terminal device receiving the first information is located in the serving cell, then for the terminal device, the first geographical area is the geographical area of ​​the serving cell of the non-terrestrial network device.

[0164] A second possible implementation: If the terminal device receiving the first information is not located in the serving cell, or if the terminal device receiving the first information is located in a neighboring cell of the serving cell, then for the terminal device, the first geographical area is the geographical area of ​​the neighboring cell of the non-terrestrial network device.

[0165] The following section details the steps performed by the terminal device after obtaining the first information, based on the two possible implementations described above.

[0166] For the first possible implementation, after S602, the method 600 further includes: when the geographical location associated with the terminal device is located in a first geographical region, the terminal device does not access or camp on the serving cell of the non-terrestrial network device.

[0167] In other words, if the geographical location associated with the terminal device is in the first geographical region, the terminal device will not initiate access even if it receives downlink signals from non-terrestrial network devices.

[0168] In combination with the above Figure 5 The scene shown, Figure 5 Region 1 and Region 2 in this application can be understood as the first geographical region in this application, and the terminal equipment in China in this application can be understood as... Figure 5 Terminal 540 in the application. Using the method provided in this embodiment, when terminal 540 receives a downlink signal from satellite 510, it will no longer initiate random access. That is, it will not send uplink signals to satellite 510, thus avoiding interference with the radio telescope 530.

[0169] The geographical area associated with the terminal device can be the geographical location of the terminal device, the center location of the geographical grid where the terminal device is located, or the reference location of the geographical grid where the terminal device is located.

[0170] For the second possible implementation, after S602, the method 600 further includes: the terminal device does not measure the neighboring cells of the non-terrestrial network device or does not consider the neighboring cells of the non-terrestrial network device as candidate cells to be camped.

[0171] In other words, when a terminal device needs to perform neighbor cell measurements, if it receives the first information, it can determine that there is a geographical area in the neighbor cell that prohibits the terminal from accessing or camping. At this time, the terminal device will not perform neighbor cell measurements on the neighbor cell containing the first geographical area, or will use the neighbor cell as a candidate camping cell. Therefore, the terminal device will not send uplink signals to non-terrestrial network devices in the neighbor cell, which can effectively reduce unnecessary measurement overhead and reduce interference to the first receiving device.

[0172] One possible implementation is that the terminal device determines a first geographical region based on the first information, including: the terminal device determining that the first time is within a first time period; and determining the first geographical region based on the first information and the first time period.

[0173] The first time refers to the current time obtained by the terminal device, such as the current time that the terminal device can obtain from a non-terrestrial network device.

[0174] The first time period can be the effective time of the first geographical region. That is, during the first time period, non-terrestrial network devices prohibit terminal devices from accessing or staying in the first geographical region. In other words, during other time periods, non-terrestrial network devices allow terminal devices to access or stay in the first geographical region. Therefore, it can be considered that there is a correspondence between the first geographical region and the first time period.

[0175] It is understandable that if the terminal device does not obtain the correspondence between the first geographical region and the first time period, the first geographical region can be considered to be permanently effective. That is, after receiving the first information, the terminal device is prohibited from accessing or residing in the first geographical region of the non-terrestrial network device at any time.

[0176] Alternatively, if the terminal device obtains the correspondence between the first geographical region and the first time period, then the first geographical region can be considered to be effective during the first time period. That is, after receiving the first information, the terminal device is prohibited from accessing or residing in the first geographical region of the non-terrestrial network device during the first time period, but can access or residing in the first geographical region of the non-terrestrial network device during other time periods.

[0177] Optionally, the correspondence between the first geographic region and the first time period can be predefined or indicated by non-terrestrial network devices. It should be understood that the predefined correspondence may also include time periods corresponding to other geographic regions.

[0178] When the aforementioned correspondence is indicated by a network device, the method 600 further includes: the non-terrestrial network device sending second information to the terminal device, the second information indicating a first time period corresponding to the first geographical region, the first time period being the effective time of the first geographical region. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives third information from the non-terrestrial network; and determines that the first time is within the first time period.

[0179] The second and first information in this application can be sent simultaneously or separately. For example, both the first and second information can be carried in the same broadcast message (e.g., SIB1). It is understood that if the first and second information are sent separately, the second information can be sent before the first information.

[0180] Optionally, the second information can also be used for a second time period corresponding to the second geographic region, where the second time period is the effective time of the second geographic region. That is, the second information can indicate at least one time period corresponding to at least one geographic region; in other words, the second information can indicate the correspondence between at least one geographic region and at least one time period.

[0181] This includes at least one geographic region encompassing a first geographic region, and at least one time period encompassing a first time period. In the case of multiple time periods, no two time periods overlap, or in other words, there are two overlapping time periods. Two overlapping time periods refer to situations where the start and / or end times of one time period fall within the time of another.

[0182] For a description of each geographic region within at least one geographic region, please refer to the description of the first geographic region above, which will not be repeated here. That is, each geographic region may include at least one area.

[0183] Table 3 shows the correspondence between multiple geographical regions and multiple time periods.

[0184] Table 3

[0185] Geographic areas where access or residence is prohibited Time period First Geographical Region t11-t12 Second geographical region t21–t22 Third Geographic Region t31–t32 … …

[0186] As shown in Table 3, each geographic region corresponds to a time period. The time period t11-t12 is the effective time period for the first geographic region, t21-t22 is the effective time period for the second geographic region, and t31-t32 is the effective time period for the third geographic region. It can be understood that any two of the time periods t11-t12, t21-t22, and t31-t32 overlap, or that at least two of these time periods overlap. It should be understood that Table 3 may also include more time periods and the geographic regions corresponding to these additional time periods.

[0187] Each geographic region shown in Table 3 includes at least one region that corresponds to at least one number. The correspondence between the at least one region and the numbers of each geographic region can be found in Table 1, and will not be shown here individually.

[0188] In another possible implementation, method 600 further includes: the non-terrestrial network device sending third information to the terminal device, the third information indicating a first capability identifier corresponding to a first geographical area. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the third information from the non-terrestrial network device.

[0189] The first capability identifier corresponding to the first geographical region is the capability identifier of the terminal device. It can be understood that different terminal devices can possess different capabilities, and these different capabilities can be distinguished by different capability identifiers. That is, different terminal devices can correspond to different capability identifiers, and the capability identifier corresponding to the same terminal device generally does not change.

[0190] The capabilities of the terminal device in this application can be, for example, the ability of the terminal device to transmit equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) or transmit power, or the receiving sensitivity of the terminal device.

[0191] Optionally, the terminal device determines the first geographical region based on the first information, including: the terminal device determines the first geographical region based on the first information and the terminal device's capability identifier.

[0192] The third and first information in this application can be sent simultaneously or separately. For example, both the third and second information can be carried in the same broadcast message (e.g., SIB1). It is understood that if the first and second information are sent separately, the third information can be sent before the first information.

[0193] Optionally, the third information can also be used to indicate a second capability identifier corresponding to a second geographic region. That is, the third information can indicate at least one capability identifier corresponding to at least one geographic region; in other words, the third information can indicate the correspondence between at least one geographic region and at least one capability identifier.

[0194] The at least one geographical region includes a first geographical region, and the at least one capability identifier includes the capability identifier of the terminal device. It is understood that one geographical region may correspond to one or more capability identifiers, or multiple geographical regions may correspond to one capability identifier. The description of each geographical region within the at least one geographical region can be referred to the description of the first geographical region above, and will not be repeated here. That is, each geographical region may include at least one region.

[0195] Table 4 shows the correspondence between multiple capability identifiers and multiple geographic regions.

[0196] Table 4

[0197] Capability Identifier Geographic areas where access or residence is prohibited Level 3 Fourth geographical region class 5 Fifth geographical region … …

[0198] As shown in Table 4, different capability identifiers are used to represent different capabilities of terminal devices. The fourth geographical region prohibits access or camping of terminal devices with a class 3 capability identifier, and the fifth geographical region prohibits access or camping of terminal devices with a class 4 capability identifier. It should be understood that Table 4 may also include more capability identifiers and the corresponding geographical regions where communication is not desired.

[0199] Optionally, the third information and the second information mentioned above can be the same information. That is, the second information can also indicate the first capability identifier corresponding to the first geographic region, or the third information can also indicate the first time period corresponding to the first geographic region. In other words, the first geographic region corresponds to the first time period and the first capability identifier.

[0200] For example, when the second information also indicates a first capability identifier corresponding to the first geographic region, the terminal device determines the first geographic region based on the first information, including: the terminal device determining that the first time is within a first time period; and determining the first geographic region based on the first information, the first time period, and the capability identifier of the terminal device.

[0201] Optionally, the aforementioned first geographical region can be pre-defined in the communication device using methods such as embedding the user identity module (SIM) or embedding it in the UE. In this case, S601 and S602 can be omitted.

[0202] Optionally, the geographical area where terminal devices are prohibited from accessing or residing in this application may be a geographical area where non-terrestrial network devices do not transmit downlink signals, or a geographical area where the downlink signal beam does not cover.

[0203] Figure 8 and Figure 9 The diagram illustrates possible apparatuses provided for embodiments of this application. These apparatuses can be used to implement the functions of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0204] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of the apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 8 As shown, the device 800 includes a transceiver module 810 and a processing module 820.

[0205] One possible design is that device 800 is used to achieve the above. Figure 6 The method embodiment shown illustrates the functionality of the terminal device.

[0206] For example, the transceiver module 810 is configured to: receive first information, which indicates a first geographical region, the first geographical region being a geographical region where the terminal device is prohibited from accessing or residing in a non-terrestrial network device, and the geographical region associated with the first receiving device is located in the first geographical region; the processing module 820 is configured to: determine the first geographical region based on the first information.

[0207] Optionally, the processing module 820 is further configured to: when the geographical location associated with the terminal device is located in the first geographical region, the terminal device does not access or camp on the serving cell of the non-terrestrial network device.

[0208] Optionally, the processing module 820 is also configured to: prevent the terminal device from measuring the neighboring cells of the non-terrestrial network device or from using the neighboring cells of the non-terrestrial network device as candidate cells to be hosted.

[0209] Optionally, the transceiver module 810 is further configured to: receive second information, which is used to indicate a first time period corresponding to the first geographical region, the first time period being the effective time of the first geographical region; the processing module 820 is specifically configured to: determine that the first time is located in the first time period, the first time being the current time obtained by the terminal device; and determine the first geographical region based on the first information and the first time period.

[0210] Optionally, the transceiver module 810 is configured to: receive third information, which is used to indicate the capability identifier of the terminal device corresponding to the first geographical region; the processing module 820 is specifically configured to: determine the first geographical region based on the first information and the capability identifier of the terminal device.

[0211] For a more detailed description of the transceiver module 810 and the processing module 820 mentioned above, please refer to the following: Figure 6 The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments are directly obtained and will not be repeated here.

[0212] Another possible design is that device 800 is used to achieve the above. Figure 6 The method embodiments shown illustrate the functionality of non-terrestrial network devices.

[0213] For example, the processing module 820 is configured to: determine a first geographical area, which is a geographical area where the terminal device is prohibited from accessing or residing in a non-terrestrial network device, and the geographical area associated with the first receiving device is located in the first geographical area; the transceiver module 810 is configured to: send first information, which is used to indicate the first geographical area.

[0214] Optionally, the transceiver module 810 is further configured to: send second information, the second information being used to indicate a first time period corresponding to the first geographical region, the first time period being the effective time of the first geographical region.

[0215] Optionally, the transceiver module 810 is further configured to: send third information, the third information being used to indicate the capability identifier of the terminal device corresponding to the first geographical region.

[0216] For a more detailed description of the transceiver module 810 and the processing module 820 mentioned above, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 The relevant descriptions in the illustrated embodiments are directly obtained and will not be repeated here.

[0217] It should be noted that device 800 may include a transmitting module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, device 800 may include a receiving module but not a transmitting module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above-described scheme executed by device 800 includes both transmitting and receiving actions. It is understood that because device 800 has communication capabilities, it can also be called a communication device.

[0218] Figure 9 This is another schematic block diagram of the device provided in the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the device 900 includes one or more processors 910. The processor 910 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the device (e.g., terminal equipment, non-terrestrial network equipment, or chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0219] Alternatively, in one design, the processor 910 may include a program (also referred to as code or instructions) that can be executed on the processor 910, causing the device 900 to perform the methods performed by the terminal device or non-terrestrial network device in the above method embodiments. In yet another possible design, the device 900 includes circuitry (…). Figure 9 (Not shown), the circuit is used to implement the functions of the terminal device or non-terrestrial network device in the above method embodiments.

[0220] For example, processor 910 can be used to execute computer programs or instructions in memory to achieve Figure 6 The steps performed by the terminal device or non-terrestrial network device in any of the embodiments shown.

[0221] Optionally, the device 900 may include one or more memories 920 storing programs (sometimes referred to as code or instructions) that can be run on the processor 910, causing the device 900 to perform the methods performed by the terminal device or non-terrestrial network device in the above embodiments.

[0222] Optionally, the processor 910 and / or memory 920 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0223] Optionally, the device 900 may further include a communication interface 930. The processor 910, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the device (e.g., a terminal device or a non-terrestrial network device). The communication interface 930, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to implement the device's transceiver functions.

[0224] Optionally, the device 900 also includes a communication interface 930. The processor 910 and the communication interface 930 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the communication interface 930 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0225] It is understandable that since device 900 has communication capabilities, it can also be called a communication device.

[0226] When device 900 is used to achieve Figure 6 In this method, the processor 910 performs the functions of the aforementioned processing unit, and the communication interface 930 performs the functions of the aforementioned transceiver module. Whether the communication interface 930 is used for sending or receiving depends on whether the device 900 is used to perform a sending or receiving action in the execution scheme.

[0227] When the aforementioned device 900 is a chip applied to a terminal device, the chip implements the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The chip of the terminal device receives signals from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal device, and these signals may be sent to the terminal device by non-terrestrial network devices; or, the chip of the terminal device sends signals to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in non-terrestrial network devices, and these signals may be sent to the non-terrestrial network devices by the terminal device.

[0228] When the aforementioned device 900 is a chip applied to a non-terrestrial network device, the chip implements the functions of the non-terrestrial network device in the above method embodiments. The chip of the network device receives signals from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the non-terrestrial network device, and these signals may be sent from the terminal device to the non-terrestrial network device; or, the chip of the non-terrestrial network device sends signals to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the non-terrestrial network device, and these signals may be sent from the non-terrestrial network device to the terminal device.

[0229] It is understood that when the device 900 is a terminal device or a non-terrestrial network device, the communication interface 930 can be a transceiver, specifically including a transmitter and a receiver, with the transmitter used to send signals and the receiver used to receive signals. When the device 900 is a chip applied to a terminal device or a non-terrestrial network device, the communication interface 930 can be an input / output circuit, wherein the input circuit can be used for receiving and the output interface can be used for sending.

[0230] It should be noted that the above method embodiments can be applied to a processor, or implemented by a processor. A processor may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by software instructions.

[0231] The aforementioned processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0232] The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can reside in mature storage media in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, or registers. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0233] The memory in this application embodiment can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or it can include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0234] The methods provided in the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, they can be implemented, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product may include 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 this application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions may 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 may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic disk), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0235] This application also provides a computer program product that, when run on a processor, can implement the methods shown in the above method embodiments.

[0236] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium containing computer instructions that, when executed on a processor, can implement the methods shown in the above-described method embodiments.

[0237] This application also provides a chip, including a processor, for reading instructions stored in a memory. When the processor executes the stored instructions, the chip can implement the method shown in the above method embodiments.

[0238] This application also provides a communication system, including the aforementioned terminal equipment and non-terrestrial network equipment.

[0239] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0240] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0241] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0242] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0243] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0244] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0245] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: (The method is applied to a terminal device or a chip in a terminal device.) Receive first information, the first information being used to indicate a first geographical region, the first geographical region being a geographical region where the terminal device is prohibited from accessing or residing in non-terrestrial network devices, and the geographical region associated with the first receiving device being located in the first geographical region. Based on the first information, the first geographical region is determined.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first receiving device is a radio telescope.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first geographical region is the geographical region of the serving cell of the non-terrestrial network device; The method further includes: If the geographical location associated with the terminal device is located in the first geographical region, the terminal device will not access or camp on the service cell of the non-terrestrial network device.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first geographical region is the geographical region of the neighboring area of ​​the non-terrestrial network device; The method further includes: The terminal device does not measure the neighboring cells of the non-terrestrial network device or does not consider the neighboring cells of the non-terrestrial network device as candidate cells to be hosted.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information, the second information being used to indicate a first time period corresponding to the first geographical region, the first time period being the effective time of the first geographical region; Based on the first information, the first geographical region is determined, including: The first time is determined to be within the first time period, where the first time is the current time obtained by the terminal device; Based on the first information and the first time period, the first geographical region is determined.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information, the third information being used to indicate the capability identifier of the terminal device corresponding to the first geographical region; Based on the first information, the first geographical region is determined, including: Based on the first information and the capability identifier of the terminal device, the first geographical region is determined.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first information is carried in a broadcast message or a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling message.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first geographic region includes geographic regions on the ground and / or geographic regions at a specific altitude.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, A chip applied to or in a non-terrestrial network device, the method comprising: A first geographical region is determined, which is a geographical region where terminal devices are prohibited from accessing or residing in non-terrestrial network devices, and the geographical region associated with the first receiving device is located in the first geographical region. Send a first message, which is used to indicate the first geographical area.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first receiving device is a radio telescope.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The first geographical region is the geographical region of the serving cell of the non-terrestrial network device; or, the first geographical region is the geographical region of the neighboring cell of the non-terrestrial network device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, which indicates a first time period corresponding to the first geographical region, and the first time period is the effective time of the first geographical region.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message, which is used to indicate the capability identifier of the terminal device corresponding to the first geographical region.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that, The first information is carried in a broadcast message or a Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling message.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that, The first geographic region includes geographic regions on the ground and / or geographic regions at a specific altitude.

16. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8; or, it includes modules for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 15.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor for causing the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or to cause the communication device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 15, by executing a computer program and / or by logic circuitry.

18. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method of any one of claims 1 to 8 is executed, or the method of any one of claims 9 to 15 is executed.

19. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes a computer program, which, when run, executes the method of any one of claims 1 to 8, or executes the method of any one of claims 9 to 15.

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