Satellite communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a satellite communication method and a communication device. When the buffer of a first non-ground network device is less than or equal to a first threshold value and / or the first non-ground network device is disconnected from a ground network device, the first non-ground network device sends first information to a terminal device, and the first information is used to indicate whether the terminal device is allowed to randomly access the first non-ground network device. Therefore, unnecessary random access processes caused by the fact that the terminal device still randomly accesses the first non-ground network device when the first non-ground network device does not support random access of the terminal device are avoided, and the overhead of signaling and power consumption can be saved, and the communication efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a satellite communication method and communication device. Background Technology

[0002] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) communication, characterized by large coverage areas and flexible networking, is an important communication technology in the field of communications. Satellite communication is a crucial component of NTN communication. In satellite communication, satellite stations can act as network-controlled repeaters (NCR) nodes, forwarding data from terminal devices to ground base stations. However, on the one hand, the connection between satellites and ground base stations is unstable; on the other hand, there may be situations where a real-time reachable link exists between satellites and ground base stations.

[0003] Currently, an Internet of Things (IoT) communication method based on a store-and-forward mechanism can alleviate the above problems. This method stores the communication data sent by the terminal locally at a satellite station. The satellite station only sends the stored communication data to the ground base station when a communication connection is established between the satellite station and the ground base station. However, due to the limited storage space of the satellite station, if the terminal device continues to randomly access the satellite station when the satellite station can no longer store the data sent by the terminal and / or when the connection between the satellite station and the ground base station is interrupted, it will not only cause significant signaling and power consumption overhead, but also reduce communication efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a satellite communication method and communication device that can prevent the terminal device from still initiating random access to the satellite station when the satellite can no longer store the data sent by the terminal and / or the connection between the satellite station and the ground base station is interrupted, thereby saving signaling and power consumption overhead and improving communication efficiency.

[0005] In the first aspect, a satellite communication method is provided, which can be executed by a terminal device or a component of the terminal device (e.g., a chip, a chip system, a circuit, or a communication module).

[0006] The method includes: receiving first information from a first non-terrestrial network device when a first condition is met, the first information indicating whether a terminal device is allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device; determining whether to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device based on the first information; wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following: the cache of the first non-terrestrial network device is less than or equal to a first threshold, or the connection between the first non-terrestrial network device and the terrestrial network device is disconnected.

[0007] Based on the above scheme, when the cache of the first non-terrestrial network device (such as the source satellite) is less than or equal to the first threshold and / or the connection between the first non-terrestrial network device and the terrestrial network device is disconnected, that is, when the cache of the first non-terrestrial network device is insufficient and cannot continue to store the data of the terminal device, and / or the first non-terrestrial network device is disconnected from the terrestrial network device and cannot forward data, the first non-terrestrial network device can send a first message to the terminal device to indicate whether the terminal device is allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device. The terminal device can determine whether to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device according to the indication of the first message. This avoids the unnecessary random access process caused by the terminal still randomly accessing the first non-terrestrial network device when the first non-terrestrial network device does not support random access of the terminal device, thereby saving signaling and power consumption overhead and improving communication efficiency.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the first information is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device, the first information includes a first control parameter, and based on the first control parameter, it is determined that the terminal device will not randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device.

[0009] Based on the above scheme, the first information includes a first control parameter. The terminal device can directly determine whether to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device based on the first control parameter, thereby avoiding unnecessary random access process, saving signaling and power consumption overhead, and improving communication efficiency.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first control parameter is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device before the first moment; determining not to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device according to the first control parameter includes: determining not to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device before the first moment according to the first control parameter.

[0011] Based on the above scheme, when the first non-terrestrial network device cannot support random access only before a certain time (such as the first time), the first control parameter can indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to initiate random access to the source satellite before the first time. The terminal device can determine not to randomly access the source satellite before the first time according to the first control parameter, thus avoiding unnecessary random access process, thereby saving signaling and power consumption overhead and improving communication efficiency.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the first information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device, the first information includes a second control parameter, which is used to indicate the maximum amount of data that the terminal device is allowed to send; determining whether to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device based on the first information includes: determining whether to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device based on the second control parameter and the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device.

[0013] The process of determining whether to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device based on the second control parameter and the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device includes: comparing the maximum data volume in the second control parameter with the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device to determine whether to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device; if the maximum data volume is greater than or equal to the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device, determining to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device; if the maximum data volume is less than the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device, determining not to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device.

[0014] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can determine whether to connect to the first non-terrestrial network device at any time based on the maximum data volume allowed to be sent by the second control parameter and its own data transmission volume, according to the maximum data volume and the data volume to be transmitted. It can be seen that the terminal device can actively and reasonably determine whether to connect to the device randomly, avoiding blindly connecting to the first non-terrestrial network device that cannot support the transmission of such a large amount of data when the data volume is too large, thereby reducing communication delay and resource waste and improving communication efficiency.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the first information is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device, the first information includes a third control parameter, the third control parameter being used to indicate at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device, the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device supporting the terminal device's random access; based on the third control parameter, it is determined that the terminal device will not randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device.

[0016] Based on the above scheme, if the first non-terrestrial network device cannot support random access by the terminal, the first non-terrestrial network device can indicate to the terminal device at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device that can support random access. This allows the terminal device to determine which candidate non-terrestrial network devices can support random access, giving the terminal device more options for random access. This enables subsequent terminal devices to access these candidate non-terrestrial network devices that support random access, thereby improving the success rate of random access for the terminal device.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, before receiving the first information from the first non-terrestrial network device, the method further includes: sending to the first non-terrestrial network device a data transmission amount to be transmitted by the terminal device, the data transmission amount being used to determine the first information.

[0018] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device reports the data transmission volume to the first non-terrestrial network device, so that the first non-terrestrial network device can determine first information based on the data transmission volume. For example, when the data transmission volume reported by the terminal is greater than the data transmission volume allowed by the first non-terrestrial network device, the determined first information is used to indicate that the terminal is allowed to access randomly; when the data volume reported by the terminal device is less than the data transmission volume allowed by the first non-terrestrial network device, the determined first information is used to indicate that the terminal is not allowed to access randomly. This avoids the access of terminals with excessive data transmission volume, reduces communication latency, and improves communication efficiency.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending a first request message to the first non-terrestrial network device, the first request message being used to request random access to the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device; receiving a paging message from the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device; and randomly accessing the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device according to the paging message.

[0020] Based on the above scheme, when the first non-terrestrial network device indicates at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device to the terminal device through the third control parameter, the terminal device sends a random access request to the first non-terrestrial network device and receives a paging message from at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device, and randomly accesses the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device, so that the terminal device can communicate with at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving time information from the first non-terrestrial network device, the time information being used to instruct the terminal device to listen for paging messages from the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device after the second time period ends.

[0022] Based on the above scheme, by receiving time information from the first non-terrestrial network device, it can be ensured that the terminal device starts listening to the paging messages of the candidate non-terrestrial network device at the appropriate time. This can help the terminal device avoid listening conflicts, improve the success rate of paging, and listen to paging only after the indicated time, thus avoiding unnecessary listening and resource waste.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving third information from the first non-terrestrial network device, the third information being used to configure at least one first resource, the at least one first resource being used for communication between the terminal device and the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device.

[0024] Based on the above scheme, the communication resources between the terminal device and at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device can be configured through the third information, ensuring that the terminal device and at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device can communicate on the configured resources.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the third information includes at least one of the following: synchronization signal configuration, correspondence between the at least one first resource and the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device, size of each of the at least one first resources, time-domain location of each of the at least one first resources, or frequency-domain location of each of the at least one first resources.

[0026] Based on the above scheme, through the synchronization signal configuration in the third information, the terminal device can achieve time synchronization with the candidate non-terrestrial network device, thereby ensuring communication between the terminal device and the candidate non-terrestrial network device. In addition, the third information clarifies the correspondence between the first resource and the candidate non-terrestrial network device, which helps the terminal device to communicate with the candidate non-terrestrial network device on the first resource corresponding to the candidate non-terrestrial network device. Furthermore, the third information provides the size, time domain position, and frequency domain position of each first resource, which helps the terminal device to use the configured first resource to communicate with the candidate non-terrestrial network device during the communication process, avoiding resource conflicts and waste, and improving the reliability of communication.

[0027] Secondly, a satellite communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first non-terrestrial network device or a component of the first non-terrestrial network device (e.g., a chip, chip system, circuit, or communication module).

[0028] The method includes: determining whether a first condition is met; if the first condition is met, sending first information to a terminal device, the first information indicating whether the terminal device is allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device; wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following: the cache of the first non-terrestrial network device is less than or equal to a first threshold, or the connection between the first non-terrestrial network device and the terrestrial network device is disconnected.

[0029] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the first information is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device, the first information includes a first control parameter, which is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device.

[0030] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first control parameter is also used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device before the first moment.

[0031] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the first information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device, the first information includes a second control parameter, which is used to indicate the maximum amount of data that the terminal device is allowed to send to the first non-terrestrial network device.

[0032] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the first information is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device, the first information includes a third control parameter, which is used to indicate at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device that supports random access by the terminal device.

[0033] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, before sending the first information to the terminal device, the method further includes: receiving the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device; and determining the first information based on the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device.

[0034] The determination of the first information based on the data transmission volume to be transmitted by the terminal device includes: comparing the data transmission volume to be transmitted by the terminal device with the maximum data volume allowed to be transmitted by the first non-terrestrial network device, and determining the first information; when the data transmission volume to be transmitted by the terminal device is greater than the maximum data volume allowed to be transmitted by the first non-terrestrial network device, the determined first information is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device; when the data transmission volume to be transmitted by the terminal device is less than or equal to the maximum data volume allowed to be transmitted by the first non-terrestrial network device, the determined first information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device.

[0035] As an example, the maximum amount of data that the terminal device is allowed to send is less than or equal to the buffer of the first non-terrestrial network device.

[0036] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving first request information from the terminal device, the first request information being used to request random access to the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device; and sending second information to the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device according to the first request information, the second information including context information of the terminal device, the second information being used to instruct the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device to page the terminal device.

[0037] Based on the above scheme, when the first non-terrestrial network device indicates at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device to the terminal device through the third control parameter, the first non-terrestrial network device can send second information including the terminal device context to at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device that can support random access according to the first request information sent by the terminal device. The second information instructs the candidate non-terrestrial network device to page the terminal, reducing unnecessary paging attempts and resource waste. Furthermore, at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device with the terminal device context information can subsequently take over from the first non-terrestrial network device to provide services to the terminal device, reducing communication latency and improving the utilization rate and efficiency of communication resources.

[0038] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending time information to the terminal device, the time information being used to instruct the terminal device to listen for paging messages from the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device after the second time period ends.

[0039] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending third information to the terminal device, the third information being used to configure at least one first resource, the at least one first resource being used for communication between the terminal device and the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device.

[0040] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the third information includes at least one of the following: synchronization signal configuration, the correspondence between the at least one first resource and the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device, the size of each of the at least one first resources, the time-domain location of each of the at least one first resources, or the frequency-domain location of each of the at least one first resources.

[0041] The technical effects of the second aspect and any of its embodiments described above can be found in the first aspect and any of its embodiments.

[0042] Thirdly, a communication device is provided. This communication device has the functions described in the first aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules or units corresponding to the operations involved in the first aspect. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0043] In one possible design, the communication device includes a transceiver module / unit and a processing module / unit. Under a first condition, the transceiver module / unit receives first information from a first non-terrestrial network device. This first information indicates whether a terminal device is allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device. The first condition includes at least one of the following: the buffer of the first non-terrestrial network device is less than or equal to a first threshold, or the connection between the first non-terrestrial network device and a terrestrial network device is broken. The processing module / unit determines, based on the first information, whether to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device.

[0044] Fourthly, a communication device is provided. This communication device has the functions described in the second aspect above. For example, the communication device includes modules or units corresponding to the operations involved in the second aspect. These modules, units, or means can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0045] In one possible design, the communication device includes a transceiver module / unit and a processing module / unit, wherein, when a first condition is met, the transceiver module / unit is used to send first information to a terminal device, the first information being used to indicate whether the terminal device is allowed to randomly access a first non-terrestrial network device; the processing module / unit is used to determine whether the first condition is met, the first condition including at least one of the following: the buffer of the first non-terrestrial network device is less than or equal to a first threshold, or the connection between the first non-terrestrial network device and the terrestrial network device is disconnected.

[0046] Fifthly, a communication device is provided. The communication device is used to execute the first aspect described above and any of its embodiments. Specifically, the communication device includes a processor and a memory for storing a computer program; the processor is used to retrieve and run the computer program from the memory, causing the communication device to execute the first aspect described above and any of its embodiments.

[0047] In one implementation, the communication device is a terminal device. When the communication device is a terminal device, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0048] In another implementation, the communication device can be a chip, chip system, or circuit in a terminal device. In this case, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0049] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided. The communication device is used to execute the second aspect described above and any of its embodiments. Specifically, the communication device includes a processor and a memory for storing a computer program; the processor is used to retrieve and run the computer program from the memory, causing the communication device to execute the second aspect described above and any of its embodiments.

[0050] In one implementation, the communication device is a first non-terrestrial network device. When the communication device is a first non-terrestrial network device, the transceiver unit can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The processing unit can be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0051] In another implementation, the communication device can be a chip, chip system, or circuit in a first non-terrestrial network device. In this case, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit can be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0052] A seventh aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed, causes the methods of the first and second aspects and any implementation thereof described above to be performed.

[0053] Eighthly, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided. When the computer program product is run, the methods provided in the first and second aspects and any implementation thereof are executed.

[0054] Ninthly, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface, the processor reading instructions through the communication interface and executing the methods provided in the first and second aspects and any implementation thereof.

[0055] Optionally, as one implementation, the chip also includes a memory that stores computer programs or instructions. The processor is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the processor is used to perform the methods provided by the first and second aspects and any of their implementations.

[0056] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, including a communication device of the third aspect and a communication device of the fourth aspect.

[0057] Eleventhly, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run, it causes the methods provided in the first and second aspects and any implementation thereof to be executed. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a satellite communication system 100 applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0059] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a satellite communication system 200 applicable to embodiments of this application.

[0060] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a satellite communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0061] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a satellite communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0062] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a satellite communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0063] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of a satellite communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0064] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of the communication device 1000 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0065] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of the communication device 2000 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0066] Figure 9 This is a schematic block diagram of the chip system 3000 provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0067] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained first.

[0068] First, in this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing an indication message as indicating A, it can include whether the indication message directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, but does not necessarily mean that the indication message carries A.

[0069] The information indicated by the instruction is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. At the same time, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and indicated uniformly to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0070] Second, in this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more (including two). Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, "first," "second," and various numerical designations (e.g., "#1," "#2," etc.) are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The sequence numbers of the processes below do not imply an order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the objects described in this way can be interchanged where appropriate to describe solutions other than those in the embodiments of this application. Moreover, in the embodiments of this application, terms such as "S310" are merely identifiers for descriptive convenience and do not limit the order of execution steps.

[0071] Third, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that they are examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design options. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0072] Fourth, the term "storage" in the embodiments of this application can refer to storage in one or more memories. These memories can be separate installations or integrated into an encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories 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.

[0073] Fifth, in the implementation of this application, "protocol" may refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as the NR protocol and related protocols applied in future communication systems, and this application does not limit it.

[0074] Sixth, in the embodiments of this application, the terms "of", "corresponding (relevant)", "corresponding", and "associate" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when their differences are not emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent.

[0075] Seventh, in the embodiments of this application, "under the circumstances", "when", and "if" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction is not emphasized, their intended meanings are consistent.

[0076] Eighth, the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0077] Ninth, the terms "message" and "information" can be used interchangeably in this article. There are no restrictions on the names of messages or information, as long as they can achieve the corresponding functions.

[0078] In this application, "send" and "receive" refer to the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, and "send information" can include direct transmission or indirect transmission through other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, and "receive information" can include direct reception from YY or indirect reception from YY through other units or modules. Besides air interface transmission or reception signals implemented at the system level, such as network devices or terminal devices, "send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of a chip interface. For example, a modem or system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip transmits or receives signals. "Send" or "receive" can also be performed through device components, for example, by using buses, traces, or interfaces to transmit or receive signals through several parts, modules, or chips of a device.

[0079] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0080] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, next-generation communication systems (e.g., fifth-generation (5G) communication systems), converged or evolved systems of multiple access systems, or future communication systems, etc. This application does not limit these applications.

[0081] The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to machine-type communication (MTC), long-term evolution-machine (LTE-M) technology, device-to-device (D2D) networks, machine-to-machine (M2M) networks, Internet of Things (IoT) networks, or other networks. Among these, IoT networks may include, for example, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks. The communication methods in V2X systems are collectively referred to as vehicle-to-X (V2X), where X can represent anything. For example, V2X may include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, etc.

[0082] In a communication system, a device can send signals to or receive signals from another device. These signals can include information, signaling, or data. The term "device" can also be replaced by an entity, network entity, communication equipment, communication module, node, communication node, etc.; this application uses "device" as an example. For instance, a communication system can include at least one terminal device and at least one network device. The network device can send downlink signals to the terminal device, and / or the terminal device can send uplink signals to the network device.

[0083] The network device in this application embodiment can also be called a radio access network (R)AN device. The R)AN device can manage radio resources, provide access services for user equipment, and complete the forwarding of user equipment data between the terminal device and the core network. The R)AN device can also be understood as a base station in the network, which is a device deployed in the radio access network to provide wireless communication functions for mobile stations (MS).

[0084] For example, the network device in this application embodiment can be any communication device with wireless transceiver function for communicating with terminal devices. This network equipment includes, but is not limited to: Node B (NB), evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home evolved Node B (HeNB, or home Node B (HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP), wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP), or transmission and reception point (TRP) in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. It can also be the next-generation Node B (gNB) or transmission reception point (TRP) in a 5G system (such as a new radio (NR) system), or one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system, or network nodes constituting a gNB or transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (DMU). The network equipment (DU) can also be various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, access points, etc. It is understood that all or part of the functions of the network equipment in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0085] In some deployments, the network device in this application embodiment may include a centralized unit (CU) and a distribution unit (DU). The network device may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements some of the network device's functions, and the DU implements others. For example, the CU is responsible for handling non-real-time protocols and services, implementing the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layers. The DU is responsible for handling physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layers. The AAU implements some physical layer processing functions, radio frequency processing, and related functions of the active antenna. RRC layer information is generated by the CU and is ultimately encapsulated by the DU's PHY layer to become PHY layer information, or it may be derived from PHY layer information. Therefore, in this architecture, higher-layer signaling such as RRC layer signaling can also be considered as being sent by the DU, or by the DU+AAU. It is understood that network devices can be one or more of the following: CU nodes, DU nodes, and AAU nodes. Furthermore, a CU can be classified as an access network device in the RAN, or it can be classified as an access network device in the core network (CN); this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0086] It is understood that the embodiments of this application involve non-terrestrial network devices and terrestrial network devices. Non-terrestrial network devices refer to network devices that operate in the airspace above the Earth's surface and are used to build non-terrestrial communication networks, such as satellites. Terrestrial network devices refer to network devices that are deployed on the Earth's surface and are used to build terrestrial communication networks.

[0087] The terminal device in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal, access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The terminal in the embodiments of this application may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal, augmented reality (AR) terminal, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical care, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, cellular phone, smartphone, wireless data card, cordless phone, session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, or personal digital assistant. Terminal devices in this application can be fixed or mobile, including PDAs, tablets, laptops, MTC terminals, wireless modems, handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminals in 5G networks, or terminals in future evolved networks.

[0088] 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.

[0089] In this embodiment, the communication device used to implement the functions of a network device can be a network device, a device having some of the functions of a network device, or a device capable of supporting the network device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the network device. In this embodiment, the communication device used to implement the functions of a terminal device can be a terminal device, a device having some of the functions of a terminal device, or a device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal device.

[0090] With the development of information technology, there are more urgent requirements for the efficiency, mobility, and diversity of communications. A key development area in the field of communication systems is global mobile communication, and a crucial technology for mobile communication is NTN (Network Telecommunication). NTN communication features long communication distances, large coverage areas, and flexible networking. Satellite communication is a vital component of NTN communication. In important fields such as space communication, aviation communication, and maritime communication, satellite communication plays an irreplaceable role. Satellite communication can provide services to both fixed terminals and various mobile terminals. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards organization has released 5G technology standards and is researching space-ground integrated communication technologies, primarily integrating existing 5G standards and satellite communication technologies to achieve full global coverage. The following describes a satellite communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the satellite communication system described below is merely an example, and this application can also be applied to other satellite communication systems without limitation.

[0091] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a satellite communication system 100 applicable to embodiments of this application. The schematic diagram uses a 5G scenario as an example. Of course, the technical solutions proposed in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to future communication network scenarios. Figure 1 As shown, the ground terminal accesses the network through the 5G New Radio interface. The 5G access network equipment is deployed on satellites and connected to the ground core network via wireless links. Simultaneously, wireless links exist between satellites to facilitate signaling interaction and user data transmission between access network devices. Figure 1 The various network elements and the interfaces between them are described below:

[0092] Terminal devices: Mobile devices that support 5G New Radio, such as mobile phones and tablets. They can access satellite networks and initiate calls, internet access, and other services via the air interface. For details, please refer to the description of terminal devices above.

[0093] 5G access network equipment: mainly provides wireless access services, allocates wireless resources to access terminals, and provides reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols, etc.

[0094] 5G Core Network: This network provides services such as user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, and billing. It consists of multiple functional units, which can be divided into control plane and data plane functional entities. The Access and Mobility Management (AMF) network element is responsible for user access management and control, user security authentication, and mobility management. The User Plane Function (UPF) network element is responsible for managing user plane data transmission and traffic statistics. The Session Management (SMF) network element is primarily responsible for the control plane functions of terminal device session management.

[0095] Ground station: Responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between 5G access network equipment and 5G core network.

[0096] 5G New Radio: The wireless link between terminal equipment and 5G access network equipment.

[0097] Xn interface: The interface between 5G access network devices, mainly used for signaling interactions such as handover.

[0098] NG interface: The interface between 5G access network equipment and 5G core network equipment. It mainly interacts with the non-access stratum (NAS) signaling of the core network and user service data.

[0099] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a satellite communication system 200 applicable to embodiments of this application. Figure 2 As shown, the satellite communication system 200 may include at least one non-terrestrial network device, such as... Figure 2 The satellite equipment shown; the satellite communication system 200 may also include at least one terminal device, such as Figure 2 The terminal device shown. Non-terrestrial network devices and terminal devices can communicate via a wireless link.

[0100] In this embodiment, the terminal device or non-terrestrial network device includes a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on top of the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also called main memory). The operating system can be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as Linux, Unix, Android, iOS, or Windows. The application layer includes applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software. Furthermore, this embodiment does not specifically limit the specific structure of the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment, as long as it can communicate according to the method provided in this embodiment by running a program that records the code of the method provided in this embodiment. For example, the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment can be a terminal device or a non-terrestrial network device, or a functional module in the terminal device or non-terrestrial network device that can call and execute a program.

[0101] Furthermore, various aspects or features of this application can be implemented as methods, apparatus, or articles of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein encompasses a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or medium. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical discs (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMs), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). Additionally, the various storage media described herein may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable storage medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0102] It should be understood that Figure 2 This example illustrates a simple communication scenario in which this application can be applied, using communication between non-terrestrial network equipment and terminal equipment as an example. It does not limit the application to other scenarios. It should also be understood that... Figure 2This is a simplified diagram for ease of understanding only. The communication system may also include other non-terrestrial network devices, other terminal devices, or terrestrial network devices, etc. Figure 2 It was not drawn in the middle.

[0103] It should be understood that the non-terrestrial network equipment in the satellite communication system 200 can be any device with wireless transceiver capabilities. For details, please refer to the description of network equipment above, which will not be repeated here.

[0104] It should also be understood that Figure 2 The diagram shows only one non-terrestrial network device and one terminal device. As an example, the satellite communication system 200 is not limited to including more terminal devices. For example, in a satellite communication network, a satellite can cover multiple terminal devices for communication. Each terminal device is also not limited to communicating with only one non-terrestrial network device. For example, if the satellite moves, the terminal device may need to reselect a satellite for access communication.

[0105] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This application describes a satellite communication system to which the embodiments of this application are applicable. In this system, satellite stations can act as network-controlled repeaters (NCR) nodes, forwarding data from ground base stations to terminal devices. However, on the one hand, due to the rapid movement of low-Earth orbit satellites relative to the ground, the power supply circuits between the satellite station and the ground base station are constantly released and rebuilt, leading to unstable connections between the satellite and the ground base station. On the other hand, when relying on inter-satellite link relays to alleviate the instability of the power supply link, the long deployment time of large-scale constellations means that some inter-satellite links may become unavailable during deployment, potentially resulting in situations where there is no real-time reachable link between the satellite station and the ground base station.

[0106] Currently, a store-and-forward (SMT) Internet of Things (IoT) communication method can alleviate the above problems. This method stores the communication data sent by the terminal locally at a satellite station. The satellite station only sends the stored communication data to the ground base station when a communication connection is established. However, due to the limited storage space of the satellite station, when the connection between the satellite station and the ground base station is interrupted, the satellite station sends a waiting instruction to the terminal, instructing the terminal to wait for a paging instruction, reducing communication efficiency. If the terminal hears the paging message from the satellite, it will immediately initiate random access. If the satellite station can no longer store the data sent by the terminal, even if the subsequent random access is successful, the terminal cannot send data to the satellite station. Therefore, the terminal initiates an unnecessary random access process, which incurs signaling and power consumption overhead. In summary, when the satellite station can no longer store the data sent by the terminal and / or the connection between the satellite station and the ground base station is interrupted, if the terminal device still attempts random access with the satellite station, it will not only cause significant signaling and power consumption overhead but also reduce communication efficiency.

[0107] Based on the above-mentioned technological status, this application provides a satellite communication method and communication device, which can prevent the terminal device from still initiating random access to the satellite station when the satellite can no longer store the data sent by the terminal and / or the connection between the satellite station and the ground base station is interrupted, thereby saving signaling and power consumption overhead and improving communication efficiency.

[0108] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a satellite communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of this application. This embodiment uses a first non-terrestrial network device and a terminal device as examples to illustrate the method, but this application does not limit the execution subject of this interaction. For example, Figure 3 The first non-terrestrial network device can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the methods that the first non-terrestrial network device can implement, or it can be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the first non-terrestrial network device; the terminal device can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the methods that the terminal device can implement, or it can be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal device.

[0109] S310, the first non-terrestrial network device determines whether a first condition is met, the first condition including at least one of the following: the cache of the first non-terrestrial network device is less than or equal to a first threshold, or the connection between the first non-terrestrial network device and the terrestrial network device is disconnected.

[0110] In one approach, when the first non-terrestrial network device does not meet the first condition, the first non-terrestrial network device sends a paging message to the terminal device, and the terminal device randomly accesses the first non-terrestrial network device based on the paging message.

[0111] S320. If the first condition is met, the first non-terrestrial network device sends the first information to the terminal device. Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first information from the first non-terrestrial network device. The first information is used to indicate whether the terminal device is allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device.

[0112] The first scenario: When the first non-terrestrial network device does not allow the terminal device to access randomly, that is, when the first information is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to access the first non-terrestrial network device randomly, the first information includes a first control parameter, which is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to access the first non-terrestrial network device randomly, or it can be replaced by the first control parameter to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to initiate random access to the first non-terrestrial network device.

[0113] The first control parameter is also used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device before the first moment, or it can be replaced by the first control parameter being used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to initiate random access to the first non-terrestrial network device before the first moment.

[0114] The first information also includes a third control parameter, which indicates at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device that supports random access of the terminal device, or that at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device is able to provide services (such as data transmission services) to the terminal device.

[0115] In the second scenario, when the first non-terrestrial network device allows the terminal device to randomly access the network, that is, when the first information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device, the first information also includes a second control parameter. This second control parameter indicates the maximum amount of data that the terminal device is allowed to send. This maximum amount of data can be used by the terminal device to determine whether to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device, or in other words, this maximum amount of data can be used by the terminal device to determine whether to initiate random access to the first non-terrestrial network device.

[0116] In one approach, before the first non-terrestrial network device sends the first information to the terminal device, or in other words, before the terminal device receives the first information from the first non-terrestrial network device, the terminal device sends the amount of data to be transmitted to the first non-terrestrial network device, and the first non-terrestrial network device determines the first information based on the amount of data to be transmitted.

[0117] Specifically, the first non-terrestrial network device compares the data transmission volume with the maximum data volume that the terminal device allows the terminal device to send, and determines the first information. The maximum data volume that the first non-terrestrial network device allows the terminal device to send is less than or equal to the buffer of the first non-terrestrial network device.

[0118] For example, when the data transmission volume exceeds the maximum data volume, the first non-terrestrial network device does not allow the terminal device to access, and the first non-terrestrial network device determines the first information to indicate that random access by the terminal device is not allowed; when the data transmission volume is less than the maximum data volume, the first non-terrestrial network device allows the terminal device to access, and the first non-terrestrial network device determines the first information to indicate that random access by the terminal device is allowed; when the data transmission volume equals the maximum data volume, the first non-terrestrial network device allows / does not allow the terminal device to access, and the first non-terrestrial network device determines the first information to indicate that random access by the terminal device is allowed, or the first non-terrestrial network device determines the first information to indicate that random access by the terminal device is not allowed, without limitation.

[0119] In this method, when the first non-terrestrial network device determines, based on the data transmission volume and the maximum data volume, that the first information is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device, the first information may include the first control parameter and the third control parameter.

[0120] In this approach, when the first non-terrestrial network device determines, based on the data transmission volume and maximum data volume, that first information is used to instruct the terminal device to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device, this first information may or may not include the second control parameter, and is not limited thereto. The first information may also include a fourth control parameter, which instructs the terminal device to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device; or, in other words, the fourth control parameter instructs the terminal device to initiate random access to the first non-terrestrial network device. The fourth control parameter may also instruct the terminal device to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device after the first time period ends; or, in other words, the fourth control parameter may also instruct the terminal device to initiate random access to the first non-terrestrial network device after the first time period ends.

[0121] It should be noted that the above-mentioned times when random access by terminal devices is not allowed, such as before the first moment, or when access by terminal devices is allowed, such as after the first moment, are all illustrative examples. Those skilled in the art can set the times when terminal devices are allowed / not allowed to access according to the actual situation, and this application does not limit it.

[0122] As an example, this first information is paging information or downlink control information (DCI) for scheduling paging.

[0123] The following describes the interaction process between the first non-terrestrial network device, the terminal device, and at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device when the first non-terrestrial network device does not allow random access by the terminal device and the first information sent to the terminal device includes a third control parameter, which is used to indicate at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device that supports random access.

[0124] In one approach, a first non-terrestrial network device sends a first request message to a terminal device, the first request message being used to request random access to at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device.

[0125] In this method, when the first request information is sent before the first non-terrestrial network device sends the first information to the terminal device, the first request information can also be used to request random access to the first non-terrestrial network device. The first request information includes the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device. The first non-terrestrial network device determines the first information based on the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device. The process by which the first non-terrestrial network device determines the first information based on the amount of data transmission is as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0126] In another approach, when the first request information is used solely to request access to at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device at any time, before the first non-terrestrial network device sends the first information to the terminal device, the terminal device also sends a second request information to the first non-terrestrial network device. This second request information is used to request random access to the first non-terrestrial network device, and includes the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device. The first non-terrestrial network device determines the first information based on the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device. The process by which the first non-terrestrial network device determines the first information based on the data transmission amount is as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0127] In one approach, a first non-terrestrial network device can determine the first information based on the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device, as included in the first request information and / or the second request information. When the first non-terrestrial network device determines that the first information does not allow the terminal device to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device, the first non-terrestrial network device suspends the random access to the first non-terrestrial network device requested by the first request information and / or the second request information, and sends suspension information to the terminal device. This suspension information is used to indicate that the requested random access to the first non-terrestrial network device is suspended. Suspending the requested random access to the first non-terrestrial network device means temporarily halting the process of requesting random access to the first non-terrestrial network device. For example, this suspension information is radio resource control (RRC) suspend information.

[0128] In one approach, a first non-terrestrial network device may send second information to at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device based on a first request information and / or a second request information. The second information is used to instruct at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device to page a terminal device. The second information includes the context information of the terminal device (or, the air interface context of the terminal device).

[0129] In one approach, before sending the second information, the first non-terrestrial network device generates context information for the terminal device.

[0130] In one approach, at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device sends a paging message to the terminal device based on second information.

[0131] In one approach, a first non-terrestrial network device sends time information to a terminal device, which instructs the terminal device to listen for paging messages from at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device after a second time period ends.

[0132] It should be noted that the first moment and the second moment can be the same or different, without any restrictions.

[0133] In one approach, this time information can be carried within the pending information.

[0134] In one embodiment, the first non-terrestrial network device further sends third information to the terminal device. This third information configures at least one first resource, which is used for communication between the terminal device and at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device. The third information includes at least one of the following: synchronization signal configuration, a correspondence between the at least one first resource and the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device, the size of each of the at least one first resources, the time-domain location of each of the at least one first resource, or the frequency-domain location of each of the at least one first resource.

[0135] The synchronization signal configuration is used by the terminal device to obtain uplink synchronization from at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device. For example, the synchronization signal configuration includes the configured uplink synchronization signal sent by the terminal device, such as the uplink synchronization signal transmission time, uplink synchronization signal transmission frequency, uplink synchronization signal format, etc. For example, the uplink synchronization signal is a preamble, etc.

[0136] It should be noted that, in one approach, the first information mentioned above can be suspension information, which implicitly indicates that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device. In another approach, the first information mentioned above may include suspension information, and the first information used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device is implicitly indicated by the suspension information. In yet another approach, the first information and the suspension information are two different pieces of information.

[0137] It should be noted that the control parameters involved in this application (such as the first control parameter, the second control parameter, the third control parameter, etc.) can be the same control parameter or different control parameters, without limitation.

[0138] S330: The terminal device determines whether to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device based on the first information.

[0139] In the first scenario, when the first information is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device, the first information includes a first control parameter. The first control parameter is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device. The terminal device determines not to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device based on the first control parameter.

[0140] The first control parameter is also used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device before the first moment. The terminal device determines, based on the first control parameter, not to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device before the first moment.

[0141] The first information also includes a third control parameter, which is used to indicate at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device that supports random access by the terminal device. The terminal device determines not to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device based on the third control parameter.

[0142] In the second scenario, when the first information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device, the first information also includes a second control parameter, which indicates the maximum amount of data that the terminal device is allowed to send. The terminal device determines whether to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device based on the maximum data amount and the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device.

[0143] Specifically, the terminal device compares the data transmission volume with the maximum data volume allowed to be sent by the first non-terrestrial network device to determine the first information. The maximum data volume allowed to be sent by the first non-terrestrial network device is less than or equal to the buffer of the first non-terrestrial network device.

[0144] For example, when the data transmission volume is greater than the maximum data volume, the terminal device determines not to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device; when the data transmission volume is less than the maximum data volume, the terminal device determines to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device; when the data transmission volume is equal to the maximum data volume, the terminal device determines whether to randomly or not randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device, without limitation.

[0145] In one approach, when the first information is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device, the terminal device caches the air interface context based on the first information.

[0146] In one approach, the terminal device receives suspension information from a first non-terrestrial network device and caches the terminal device's context information based on the suspension information.

[0147] In one approach, the terminal device receives a paging message from the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device and randomly accesses the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device based on the paging message.

[0148] Specifically, based on the paging message, the terminal device performs random access with at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device. During the random access process, it restores the radio resource control (RRC) connection with at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device and completes uplink synchronization with at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device.

[0149] Specifically, the terminal device can send an uplink synchronization signal to at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device based on the synchronization signal configuration in the third information, in order to complete uplink synchronization with at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device. The terminal device can predict the time to send the uplink synchronization signal based on parameters such as ephemeris.

[0150] In one approach, when a terminal device successfully connects to at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device, the terminal device can send data on a first resource corresponding to the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device based on third information.

[0151] Specifically, the terminal device determines the first resource corresponding to at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device based on at least one first resource configured in the third information, the correspondence between the at least one first resource and at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device included in the third information, and / or the size of each first resource in the at least one first resource and / or the time-domain position and / or the frequency-domain position of each first resource in the at least one first resource. The terminal device then transmits data on the determined first resource corresponding to the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device. At least one candidate non-terrestrial network device can activate the corresponding first resource to receive data transmitted from the terminal device on the activated first resource.

[0152] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a satellite communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0153] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A specific example is shown below. Figure 4 A satellite communication method 400 is provided, in which a first non-terrestrial network device is the source satellite and at least one candidate network device is at least one candidate target satellite. It is understood that the source satellite is the satellite originally serving the terminal device, and the target satellite is the satellite that can serve the terminal device at some future time. This service may include data transmission services provided to the terminal device, etc. The satellite communication method 400 may include the following steps:

[0154] S410, the source satellite sends paging information #1 to the terminal device. This paging information #1 includes control parameters #1, #2, and #3. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the paging information #1 from the source satellite. This paging information #1 is an example of a first type of information, control parameter #1 is an example of a first type of control parameter, control parameter #2 is an example of a second type of control parameter, and control parameter #3 is an example of a third type of control parameter.

[0155] In one approach, the source satellite determines whether a first condition is met, which includes at least one of the following: the source satellite's buffer is less than or equal to a first threshold, or the source satellite's connection to the ground network equipment is lost. When the source satellite determines that the first condition is met, it sends a paging message to the terminal equipment.

[0156] In one embodiment, the control parameter #1 is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the source satellite, or in other words, the control parameter #1 is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to initiate random access to the source satellite.

[0157] In another approach, the control parameter #1 is also used to instruct the terminal device not to randomly access the source satellite before T1, or in other words, the control parameter #1 is also used to instruct the terminal device not to initiate random access to the source satellite before T1, where T1 is an example of the first time point.

[0158] In one approach, the control parameter #2 is used to indicate the maximum amount of data that the terminal device is allowed to send.

[0159] Optionally, the maximum data size can be less than or equal to the source satellite's cache.

[0160] In one embodiment, the control parameter #3 is used to indicate at least one candidate target satellite that supports random access by the terminal device.

[0161] Optionally, the at least one candidate target satellite can be recorded in the form of a list, for example, a first list records the at least one candidate target satellite, with each candidate target satellite corresponding to a number. The source satellite can configure the first list for the terminal device and use the control parameter #3 to indicate the number in the first list, and the terminal device can determine the corresponding candidate target satellite based on the number.

[0162] S420: Based on the paging information #1, the terminal device determines whether to randomly access the source satellite.

[0163] In one approach, when the control parameter #1 in the paging message #1 is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the source satellite, the terminal device determines not to randomly access the source satellite based on the control parameter #1.

[0164] In another approach, when control parameter #1 in paging message #1 is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the source satellite before time T1, the terminal device determines, based on control parameter #1, not to randomly access the source satellite before time T1. Time T1 is an example of the first time.

[0165] In another approach, when control parameter #2 in paging information #1 is used to indicate the maximum amount of data that the terminal device is allowed to send, the terminal device determines whether to randomly access the source satellite based on control parameter #2 and the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device.

[0166] For example, the terminal device compares the maximum data volume indicated by the control parameter #2 with the data volume to be transmitted by the terminal device. When the maximum data volume is greater than the data volume to be transmitted by the terminal device, the terminal device randomly accesses the source satellite and initiates random access to the source satellite. When the maximum data volume is less than the data volume to be transmitted by the terminal device, the terminal device determines not to randomly access the source satellite and does not initiate random access to the source satellite. When the maximum data volume is equal to the data volume to be transmitted by the terminal device, the terminal device may determine to randomly access or determine not to randomly access the source satellite, without limitation.

[0167] In another approach, when the source satellite does not allow the terminal device to access randomly, the control parameter #3 in the paging information #1 is used to indicate at least one candidate target satellite that allows the terminal device to access randomly. When the at least one candidate target satellite allows the terminal device to access randomly, the terminal device determines not to access the source satellite according to the control parameter #3, and the terminal device can determine at least one candidate target satellite that is allowed to access according to the control parameter #3.

[0168] Based on the above scheme, by carrying control parameters #1, #2, and #3 in the paging information, when the terminal device receives the paging information, it can determine whether to randomly access the source satellite. If it determines that random access to the source satellite is not possible, it will initiate random access; if it determines that random access to the source satellite is not possible, it will not initiate random access. This controls the random access process of the terminal device, avoiding the signaling and power consumption overhead caused by the terminal device still initiating random access to the source satellite when the source satellite can no longer store the data sent by the terminal device and / or the connection between the source satellite and the ground network equipment is broken. Furthermore, it can avoid initiating random access with source satellites that cannot perform random access, improving the success rate of random access for the terminal device, thereby improving the success rate of subsequent data transmission and improving communication efficiency.

[0169] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a satellite communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0170] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A specific example is shown below. Figure 5 A satellite communication method 500 is provided, in which a first non-terrestrial network device is a source satellite and at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device is at least one candidate target satellite. It can be understood that the source satellite is a satellite that originally serves the terminal device, and the target satellite is a satellite that can serve the terminal device at some future time. The service may include data transmission services provided to the terminal device. Figure 5 This applies to scenarios where the source satellite does not allow random access by the terminal device, and the source satellite indicates to the terminal device at least one candidate target satellite that supports random access.

[0171] Satellite communication method 500 may include the following steps:

[0172] S510, the terminal device sends a random access request message to the source satellite, and correspondingly, the source satellite receives the random access request message from the terminal device. This random access request message is an example of either a first request message or a second request message.

[0173] The random access request information is transmitted in a random access channel (RACH) with uplink data indication.

[0174] In one approach, the random access request information includes the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device.

[0175] S520, the context information of the source satellite generating terminal equipment, or in other words, the air interface context of the source satellite generating terminal equipment.

[0176] S530: The source satellite sends a suspension message to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the suspension message from the source satellite accordingly.

[0177] Specifically, the source satellite determines the suspension information based on the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device included in the random access request information and the maximum amount of data that the source satellite allows the terminal device to send. This maximum amount of data is less than or equal to the source satellite's buffer.

[0178] Specifically, the source satellite compares the maximum data volume with the data transmission volume. When the maximum data volume is less than the data transmission volume to be transmitted by the terminal device, the source satellite suspends the random access request from the terminal device and sends a suspension message to the terminal device. The suspension message indicates that the requested random access request from the source satellite has been suspended. Suspending the requested random access request from the source satellite means that the process of requesting random access is temporarily halted.

[0179] In one embodiment, the suspension information includes time information that instructs the terminal device to listen for paging messages from at least one candidate target satellite after time T1, wherein the candidate target satellite supports random access by the terminal device, or in other words, the candidate target satellite is capable of providing services to the terminal device. Time T1 is an example of a second time period.

[0180] S540, the terminal device caches the context based on the suspend information.

[0181] Specifically, based on the suspension information, if the terminal device determines that the process requesting random access to the source satellite has been suspended by the source satellite, then the terminal device caches its context. The terminal device enters a waiting-to-be-wake-up state. Furthermore, based on the time information in the suspension information, the terminal device determines that it will listen for paging messages from at least one candidate target satellite after time T1.

[0182] S550, the source satellite sends context information of the terminal device to at least one candidate target satellite, and correspondingly, at least one candidate target satellite receives context information of the terminal device from the source satellite.

[0183] The context information of the terminal device includes the air interface context of the terminal device. The air interface context of the terminal device refers to various parameters, states and information related to the air interface transmission of the terminal device, such as wireless bearer service information, physical layer parameters, security context, etc.

[0184] S560. At least one candidate target satellite sends a paging message to the terminal device based on the context information of the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the paging message from at least one candidate target satellite.

[0185] S570: The terminal equipment restores the RRC connection with at least one candidate target satellite.

[0186] Specifically, the terminal device performs random access with at least one candidate target satellite based on the paging message of at least one candidate target satellite. During the random access process, the terminal device restores the RRC connection with at least one candidate target satellite.

[0187] S580, the terminal equipment sends uplink data to at least one candidate target satellite.

[0188] When a terminal device successfully connects to at least one candidate target satellite in S560, that is, when the RRC connection between at least one candidate target satellite and the terminal device is successfully restored, the terminal device can send uplink data to at least one candidate target satellite.

[0189] Based on the above scheme, the source satellite can compare the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device in the random access request with the maximum amount of data it allows the terminal device to send. When the amount of data to be transmitted exceeds the maximum amount of data, the source satellite can determine that random access by the terminal device is not allowed. The source satellite can then suspend the request and notify the terminal device of the suspension information, allowing the terminal device to cache the air interface context based on the suspension information. Furthermore, the source satellite can also send the context information of the terminal device to at least one candidate target satellite that supports the terminal device's random access. This allows the candidate target satellite to subsequently take over from the source satellite to provide data transmission and other services to the terminal device, reducing communication latency and improving the utilization rate of communication resources.

[0190] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of a satellite communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0191] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A specific example is shown below. Figure 6 A satellite communication method 600 is provided, in which a first non-terrestrial network device is a source satellite and at least one candidate network device is at least one candidate target satellite. It can be understood that the source satellite is a satellite that originally serves the terminal device, and the target satellite is a satellite that can serve the terminal device at some future time. The service may include data transmission services provided to the terminal device. Figure 6This applies to scenarios where the source satellite does not allow random access by the terminal device, and the source satellite indicates to the terminal device at least one candidate target satellite that supports random access.

[0192] Satellite communication method 600 may include the following steps:

[0193] S610, The terminal device sends a random access request to the source satellite, and the source satellite receives the random access request from the terminal device accordingly.

[0194] The random access request information can be an RRC setup request message.

[0195] In one approach, the random access request includes the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device.

[0196] The source satellite can perform actions such as based on a random access request. Figure 5 The steps shown will not be repeated. The following steps illustrate how the source satellite configures the transmission resources for communication between the terminal device and at least one candidate target satellite.

[0197] S620: The source satellite sends third information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the third information from the source satellite accordingly.

[0198] The third information is used to configure at least one transmission resource for the terminal device, which is used for communication between at least one candidate target satellite and the terminal device. This at least one transmission resource may be discontinuous and may be provided by at least one candidate target satellite. This at least one transmission resource is an example of at least one first resource.

[0199] The third information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the configuration of the synchronization signal, the correspondence between at least one transmission resource and at least one candidate target satellite, the size of each transmission resource in at least one transmission resource, the time domain position of each transmission resource in at least one transmission resource, or the frequency domain position of each transmission resource in at least one transmission resource.

[0200] The synchronization signal configuration is used by the terminal device to obtain uplink synchronization from at least one candidate target satellite. For example, the synchronization signal configuration includes the configured uplink synchronization signal sent by the terminal device, such as the uplink synchronization signal transmission time, uplink synchronization signal transmission frequency, uplink synchronization signal format, etc. For example, the uplink synchronization signal is a preamble, etc.

[0201] In one approach, when there is only one candidate target satellite, the candidate target satellite provides the source satellite with at least one transmission resource corresponding to the candidate target satellite, and the at least one transmission resource corresponds to the candidate target satellite. The source satellite can create a transmission resource set for the at least one transmission resource and configure the transmission resource set to the terminal device.

[0202] In this method, the correspondence between at least one transmission resource indicated by the third information and at least one candidate target satellite is that at least one transmission resource corresponds to the candidate target satellite.

[0203] In another approach, when there are multiple candidate target satellites, the multiple candidate target satellites provide the source satellite with at least one transmission resource corresponding to one of the candidate target satellites. The source satellite can create a transmission resource set for the at least one transmission resource provided by the multiple candidate target satellites and configure the transmission resource set to the terminal device.

[0204] Specifically, when each candidate target satellite provides one corresponding transmission resource to the source satellite, and multiple candidate target satellites provide multiple transmission resources to the source satellite, with each transmission resource corresponding to each candidate target satellite, then the correspondence between the at least one transmission resource indicated by the third information and the at least one candidate target satellite is a one-to-one correspondence between each candidate target satellite and each transmission resource. When each candidate target satellite provides multiple corresponding transmission resources to the source satellite, and each candidate target satellite corresponds to multiple transmission resources, then the correspondence between the at least one transmission resource indicated by the third information and the at least one candidate target satellite is a correspondence between each candidate target satellite and multiple transmission resources.

[0205] S630: The terminal equipment can be configured according to the synchronization signal in the third information to complete uplink synchronization with at least one candidate target satellite.

[0206] Specifically, the terminal device can send uplink synchronization signals to at least one candidate target satellite based on the synchronization signal configuration in the third information, thereby completing uplink synchronization with at least one candidate target satellite. The terminal device can predict the time to send the uplink synchronization signal based on parameters such as ephemeris.

[0207] In one approach, the terminal device transmits data to at least one candidate target satellite on transmission resources corresponding to at least one candidate target satellite. The at least one candidate target satellite activates its corresponding transmission resource and receives data transmitted from the terminal device on the activated transmission resource.

[0208] In one approach, the terminal device determines the transmission resources corresponding to at least one candidate target satellite based on at least one transmission resource configured with third information, the correspondence between the at least one transmission resource and at least one candidate target satellite included in the third information, and / or the size of each transmission resource in the at least one transmission resource and / or the time-domain position and / or the frequency-domain position of each transmission resource in the at least one transmission resource. The terminal device then transmits data on the first resource corresponding to the determined at least one candidate target satellite. The at least one candidate target satellite can activate the corresponding first resource to receive data transmitted from the terminal device on the first resource corresponding to the at least one candidate target satellite.

[0209] Based on the above scheme, when the source satellite does not allow random access by the terminal device, the source satellite can configure transmission resources for the terminal device to communicate with at least one candidate target satellite. This allows the terminal device to send data on the transmission resources corresponding to the configured candidate target satellite when it receives a paging message from at least one candidate target satellite and successfully connects to it. This eliminates the need for resource allocation and access procedures, reducing communication latency and improving communication efficiency.

[0210] The above, combined with Figure 3 The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is described in detail. The above-described communication method is mainly introduced from the perspective of the interaction between a first non-terrestrial network device, a terminal device, and at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the first non-terrestrial network device, the terminal device, and at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function.

[0211] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or by computer software driving hardware 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.

[0212] The following, combined with Figures 7 to 9 This application provides a detailed description of the communication device provided in the embodiments. The descriptions of the device embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments; therefore, for content not described in detail, please refer to the above method embodiments. For the sake of brevity, some content will not be repeated.

[0213] In order to realize the functions of the communication devices (such as terminal devices, first non-terrestrial network devices, each candidate non-terrestrial network device, etc.) in the embodiments of this application, each device can realize the corresponding functions through hardware structure, software module, or hardware structure plus software module.

[0214] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of the communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 As shown, the communication device 1000 may include a transceiver unit 1010 and a processing unit 1020. The transceiver unit 1010 can communicate with the outside world, and the processing unit 1020 is used for data processing. The transceiver unit 1010 may also be referred to as a communication interface or transceiver unit. The processing unit 1020 can be used for processing.

[0215] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 1020 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit to enable the device to implement the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0216] For example, the communication device 1000 is a first non-terrestrial network device. It can be a first non-terrestrial network device, or a device applied to or used in conjunction with the first non-terrestrial network device and capable of implementing the method executed by the first non-terrestrial network device, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit. See [link to relevant documentation] for details. Figure 9 The chip system shown is described in detail.

[0217] For example, the communication device 1000 is a terminal device, which can be a terminal device or a device applied to or used in conjunction with a terminal device to implement a method executed by the terminal device, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit. See details below. Figure 9 The chip system shown is described in detail.

[0218] For example, the communication device 1000 is for each candidate non-terrestrial network device. It can be each candidate non-terrestrial network device itself, or it can be a device applied to or used in conjunction with each candidate non-terrestrial network device and capable of implementing a method executed by each candidate non-terrestrial network device, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit. See details below. Figure 9 The chip system shown is described in detail.

[0219] In one possible design, the communication device 1000 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the first non-terrestrial network device in the above method embodiments, wherein the processing unit 1020 is used to perform processing-related operations of the first non-terrestrial network device in the above method embodiments, and the transceiver unit 1010 is used to perform transceiver-related operations of the first non-terrestrial network device in the above method embodiments.

[0220] For example, when the first condition is met, the transceiver unit 1010 is used to send first information to the terminal device, the first information being used to indicate whether the terminal device is allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device; the processing unit 1020 is used to determine whether the first condition is met, the first condition including at least one of the following: the cache of the first non-terrestrial network device is less than or equal to a first threshold, or the connection between the first non-terrestrial network device and the terrestrial network device is disconnected.

[0221] In another possible design, the communication device 1000 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments, wherein the transceiver unit 1010 is used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 1020 is used to perform the processing-related operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0222] For example, when the first condition is met, the transceiver unit 1010 is used to receive first information from the first non-terrestrial network device, the first information being used to indicate whether the terminal device is allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device; the processing unit 1020 is used to determine whether to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device based on the first information.

[0223] In another possible design, the communication device 1000 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to each non-terrestrial network device in the above method embodiments, wherein the transceiver unit 1010 is used to perform the transceiver-related operations of each non-terrestrial network device in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 1020 is used to perform the processing-related operations of each non-terrestrial network device in the above method embodiments.

[0224] For example, the transceiver unit 1010 is configured to receive second information sent from the first non-terrestrial network device, the second information being used to instruct the paging terminal device, the second information including the context information of the terminal device; the transceiver unit 1010 is also configured to send a paging message to the terminal device.

[0225] It should be understood that the communication device 1000 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a proprietary processor, or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, combined logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that the communication device 1000 may specifically be the transmitting end in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the transmitting end in the above method embodiments; or, the communication device 1000 may specifically be the receiving end in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the receiving end in the above method embodiments. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0226] The communication device 1000 of each of the above-described schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the transmitting end in the above-described method, or the communication device 1000 of each of the above-described schemes has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the receiving end in the above-described method. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions; for example, the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transceiver (e.g., the transmitting unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as processing units, can be replaced by processors, respectively executing the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0227] Furthermore, the aforementioned transceiver unit can also be a transceiver circuit (e.g., it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit can be a processing circuit. In embodiments of this application, the aforementioned communication device can be the receiving end or transmitting end in the foregoing embodiments, or it can be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on a chip (SoC). The transceiver unit can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processing unit is a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. No limitations are imposed here.

[0228] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of the communication device 2000 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 As shown, the communication device 2000 includes a processor 2010 and a transceiver 2020. The processor 2010 and the transceiver 2020 communicate with each other through an internal connection path. The processor 2010 is used to execute instructions to control the transceiver 2020 to send and / or receive signals.

[0229] Optionally, the communication device 2000 may further include a memory 2030, which communicates with the processor 2010 and the transceiver 2020 via an internal connection path. The memory 2030 is used to store instructions, and the processor 2010 can execute the instructions stored in the memory 2030.

[0230] In one possible implementation, the communication device 2000 is used to implement the various processes and steps corresponding to the first non-terrestrial network device in the above method embodiments.

[0231] In another possible implementation, the communication device 2000 is used to implement the various processes and steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0232] In another possible implementation, the communication device 2000 is used to implement the various processes and steps corresponding to each non-terrestrial network device in the above method embodiments.

[0233] Optionally, the memory 2030 may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store device type information. The processor 2010 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor 2010 executes instructions stored in the memory, the processor 2010 is used to perform the various steps and / or processes of the method embodiments corresponding to the sending end or receiving end described above.

[0234] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. 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. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0235] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software form. The processor can be a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, or, as mentioned above, a CPU, other general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other codeable logic device, or a portion of the circuitry in another chip used for processing functions. The processor in the embodiments of this application can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied 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 be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0236] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may 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 (DDR SDRAM), 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.

[0237] In the embodiments of this application, the method described above can be executed by each of the first non-terrestrial network device, the terminal device, and at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device, or by a chip, chip system, or circuit in the first non-terrestrial network device, the terminal device, and each candidate non-terrestrial network device, wherein the chip, chip system, or circuit can be installed in the first non-terrestrial network device, the terminal device, and each candidate non-terrestrial network device. The following, in conjunction with... Figure 9 The chip systems of the first non-terrestrial network device, the terminal device, and each candidate non-terrestrial network device are described.

[0238] Figure 9 This is a schematic block diagram of the chip system 3000 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 As shown, the chip system 3000 (or processing system) includes logic circuitry 3010 and input / output interface 3020.

[0239] The logic circuit 3010 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 3000. The logic circuit 3010 can be coupled to a memory unit, calling instructions from the memory unit, enabling the chip system 3000 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 3020 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 3000, outputting processed information from the chip system 3000, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 3000 for processing.

[0240] As one approach, the chip system 3000 is used to implement the operations performed by the first non-terrestrial network device, the terminal device, and the second non-terrestrial network device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0241] For example, logic circuit 3010 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by the first non-terrestrial network device in the above method embodiments, such as the processing-related operations performed by the first non-terrestrial network device in the above embodiments; input / output interface 3020 is used to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the first non-terrestrial network device in the above method embodiments, such as the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the first non-terrestrial network device in the above embodiments.

[0242] For example, logic circuit 3010 is used to implement processing-related operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments, such as the processing-related operations performed by the terminal device in the above embodiments; input / output interface 3020 is used to implement sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments, such as the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the terminal device in the above embodiments.

[0243] For example, logic circuit 3010 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by each candidate non-terrestrial network device in the above method embodiments, such as the processing-related operations performed by each candidate non-terrestrial network device in the above embodiments; input / output interface 3020 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by each candidate non-terrestrial network device in the above method embodiments, such as the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by each candidate non-terrestrial network device in the above embodiments.

[0244] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the first non-terrestrial network device or terminal device or each candidate non-terrestrial network device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0245] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by the first non-terrestrial network device or terminal device or each candidate non-terrestrial network device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0246] This application also provides a communication system, which includes a first non-terrestrial network device and / or a terminal device and / or each candidate non-terrestrial network device in the above embodiments.

[0247] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0248] In this application, examples may reference each other without logical contradiction. For example, methods and / or terms between method embodiments may reference each other, functions and / or terms between device embodiments may reference each other, and functions and / or terms between device examples and method examples may reference each other.

[0249] In the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0250] 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.

[0251] 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.

[0252] 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.

[0253] 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.

[0254] 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.

[0255] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0256] 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 satellite communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: (The method is applied to a terminal device or a chip in a terminal device.) If the first condition is met, first information is received from the first non-terrestrial network device, the first information being used to indicate whether the terminal device is allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device; Based on the first information, determine whether to randomly connect to the first non-terrestrial network device; The first condition includes at least one of the following: the cache of the first non-terrestrial network device is less than or equal to a first threshold, or the connection between the first non-terrestrial network device and the terrestrial network device is broken.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first information is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device, the first information includes a first control parameter. Based on the first control parameter, it is determined that the first non-terrestrial network device will not be randomly connected.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first control parameter is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device before the first moment. Determining not to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device based on the first control parameter includes: Based on the first control parameter, it is determined that the first non-terrestrial network device will not be randomly accessed before the first moment.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, When the first information is used to indicate that the terminal device is allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device, the first information includes a second control parameter, which is used to indicate the maximum amount of data that the terminal device is allowed to send. Based on the first information, determining whether to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device includes: Based on the second control parameters and the amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device, it is determined whether to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, When the first information is used to indicate that the terminal device is not allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device, the first information includes a third control parameter, the third control parameter is used to indicate at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device, the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device supports the terminal device's random access. Based on the third control parameter, it is determined that the first non-terrestrial network device will not be randomly connected.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Before receiving the first information from the first non-terrestrial network device, the method further includes: The amount of data to be transmitted by the terminal device is sent to the first non-terrestrial network device, and the amount of data transmitted is used to determine the first information.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first request message to the first non-terrestrial network device, the first request message being used to request random access to the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device; Receive paging messages from the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device; Based on the paging message, randomly access the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device receives time information from the first non-terrestrial network device, the time information being used to instruct the terminal device to listen for paging messages from the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device after the second time period ends.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5-8, characterized in that, The method further includes: The terminal device receives third information from the first non-terrestrial network device, the third information being used to configure at least one first resource, the at least one first resource being used for communication between the terminal device and the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The third information includes at least one of the following: Synchronization signal configuration, the correspondence between the at least one first resource and the at least one candidate non-terrestrial network device, the size of each first resource in the at least one first resource, the time domain position of each first resource in the at least one first resource, or the frequency domain position of each first resource in the at least one first resource.

11. A satellite communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: (1) A chip applied to a first non-terrestrial network device or a chip in a first non-terrestrial network device; Determine whether the first condition is met; If the first condition is met, first information is sent to the terminal device, the first information being used to indicate whether the terminal device is allowed to randomly access the first non-terrestrial network device; The first condition includes at least one of the following: the cache of the first non-terrestrial network device is less than or equal to a first threshold, or the connection between the first non-terrestrial network device and the terrestrial network device is broken.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a unit or module for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 10, or a unit or module for performing the method of claim 11.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11 to be performed.

14. A chip, characterized in that, include: At least one processor is configured to retrieve and execute a computer program or instructions from memory such that the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11 is performed.

15. A computer program product, characterized in that, When the computer program product is run on a computer, the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11 is performed.

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