Communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and computer program product

Abstract

This disclosure provides a communication method, a first core network device, a terminal, a second core network device, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a computer program product. The communication method, executed by the first network device, includes: sending first information to at least one of the terminal and / or the second core network device; wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function of a first list; a first identifier; wherein the first list includes at least one second satellite identifier, the second satellite identifier indicating a satellite; the first identifier indicating a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), the PLMN being the PLM accessed by the terminal through the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list. This disclosure enables the communication mechanism to adapt to communication after the introduction of satellite access networks.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media and computer program products Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of communication technology, satellite communication has been introduced. However, the number of satellites deployed in satellite networks may be insufficient, which may lead to problems such as limited coverage and inability to provide continuous coverage services to terminals.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] With the introduction of satellite communication, the communication mechanism needs to be adjusted.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a first core network device, the method comprising:

[0006] Send the first information to at least one of the terminal and the second core network device;

[0007] Wherein, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function of the first list; the first identifier;

[0008] The first list contains at least one second identifier, which is used to indicate a satellite; the first identifier is used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), which is the PLMN that the terminal accesses through the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0010] Receive the first information sent by the first core network device;

[0011] Wherein, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function of the first list; the first identifier;

[0012] The first list contains at least one second identifier, which is used to indicate a satellite; the first identifier is used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), which is the PLMN that the terminal accesses through the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a second core network device, the method comprising:

[0014] Receive the first information sent by the first core network device;

[0015] Wherein, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function of the first list; the first identifier;

[0016] The first list contains at least one second identifier, which is used to indicate a satellite; the first identifier is used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), which is the PLMN that the terminal accesses through the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0018] The first core network device sends first information to at least one of the terminal and the second core network device;

[0019] Wherein, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function of the first list; the first identifier;

[0020] The first list contains at least one second identifier, which is used to indicate a satellite; the first identifier is used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), which is the PLMN that the terminal accesses through the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0021] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided for performing the communication methods of the first aspect, the second aspect, and / or the third aspect.

[0022] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first core network device, a terminal, and / or a second core network device; wherein the first core network device is configured to implement the communication method described in the first aspect, the terminal is configured to implement the communication method described in the second aspect, and the second core network device is configured to implement the communication method described in the third aspect.

[0023] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementations of the first, second, and / or third aspects.

[0024] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product including a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the methods described in the optional implementations of the first, second and / or third aspects.

[0025] The embodiments disclosed herein enable the communication mechanism to adapt to the communication mechanism after the introduction of satellite communication. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the structure of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a communication architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of a communication architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 1D is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4A is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 4B is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4C is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first core network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second core network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0041] This disclosure provides an information processing method, a first core network device, a terminal, a second core network device, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a computer program product.

[0042] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method performed by a first core network device, the method comprising: sending first information to at least one of a terminal and a second core network device; wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one of: the function of a first list; a first identifier; wherein the first list includes at least one second identifier, the second identifier being used to indicate a satellite; the first identifier being used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), the PLMN being the PLMN accessed by the terminal through a satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0043] In the above embodiments, since the first information is used to indicate the function and / or the first identifier of the first list, after receiving the first information sent by the first core network device, the terminal and / or the second core network device can perform operations associated with the function and / or the first identifier of the first list based on the first information. In this way, it can be adapted to the function and / or the first identifier of the first list, making the communication mechanism clearer and improving the reliability of communication.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the function of the first list, the function including at least one of the following: a first function, the first function being used to guide the terminal and / or the second core network device to initiate a non-access stratum NAS procedure; a second function, the second function being used to at least one of the following: guide at least one of the terminal and the second core network device to send data to a satellite; guide at least one of the terminal and the second core network device to acquire data from a satellite.

[0045] In the above embodiments, the first information may indicate the first function and / or the second function of the first list. Thus, after receiving the first information sent by the first device, the terminal and / or the second core network device may implement the corresponding function based on the first list.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the NAS process includes one of the following: a follow-up process to an interrupted NAS process; or a re-executed NAS process.

[0047] In the above embodiments, the NAS process may include subsequent processes of an interrupted NAS process and / or re-executed NAS processes, thus making the implementation more flexible.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the first list and the function corresponding to the first list.

[0049] In the above embodiments, the first information can simultaneously indicate the first list and the function corresponding to the first list, avoiding abnormal handling by the terminal when the function of the first list is not distinguished.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending fourth information to the terminal and / or the second core network device; wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the first list.

[0051] In the above embodiments, the first list can be instructed by sending a fourth message that is different from the first message, which makes the implementation more flexible.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the function corresponding to the first list indicated by the fourth information.

[0053] In the above embodiments, the first information can individually indicate the function corresponding to the first list indicated by the fourth information.

[0054] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving second information sent by an access network device; wherein the second information is used to indicate the first list.

[0055] In the above embodiments, the first core network device can obtain the first list from the access network device through the second information.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: determining the function corresponding to the first list.

[0057] In the above embodiments, the first core network device can autonomously determine the functions corresponding to the first list.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the PLMN is a first PLMN, and the method further includes:

[0059] Send third information to the terminal; wherein the third information is used to indicate one of the following: a second PLMN; a second PLMN and a second list;

[0060] Wherein, the third information is used to indicate the second PLMN, in which case the second PLMN is a PLMN that the terminal refuses to access if the first PLMN is different from the second PLMN; or, the third information is used to indicate the second PLMN and the second list, in which case the second PLMN is a PLMN that the terminal refuses to access if the first PLMN is different from the second PLMN and the first list is different from the second list; the second list contains at least one of the second identifiers.

[0061] In the above embodiments, if a second PLMN and / or a second list are received after the first PLMN has already been indicated, access to the second PLMN will be rejected based on the comparison results of the first PLMN and the second PLMN and / or the comparison results of the first list and the second list, making the implementation more flexible.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information and / or the fourth information are included in a NAS message, the NAS message being one of the following: an attach accept message; an attach reject message; a tracking area update (TAU) accept message; or a TAU reject message.

[0063] In the above embodiments, signaling overhead can be saved by reusing existing NAS messages to send the first and / or fourth information.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first core network device and the second core network device are devices that perform the same function.

[0065] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising: receiving first information sent by a first core network device; wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function of a first list; a first identifier; wherein the first list includes at least one second identifier, the second identifier being used to indicate a satellite; the first identifier being used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), the PLMN being the PLMN accessed by the terminal through the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the function of the first list, the function including at least one of the following: a first function, the first function being used to guide the terminal and / or the second core network device to initiate a non-access stratum NAS process; a second function, the second function being used to at least one of the following: guide at least one of the terminal and the second core network device to send data to a satellite; guide at least one of the terminal and the second core network device to acquire data from a satellite.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the NAS process includes one of the following: a follow-up process to an interrupted NAS process; or a re-executed NAS process.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0069] Satellites are selected based on the second identifier contained in the first list, and communication operations are performed.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the operation of performing communication includes one of the following: initiating a non-access stratum (NAS) procedure, wherein the first list is used to implement the first function; sending data to the satellite, wherein the first list is used to implement the second function; and acquiring data from the satellite, wherein the first list is used to implement the second function.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the first list and the function corresponding to the first list.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving fourth information sent by a first core network device; wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the first list.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the function corresponding to the first list indicated by the fourth information.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the PLMN is a first PLMN, and the method further includes: accessing the first PLMN based on the first information and the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the PLMN is a first PLMN, and the method further includes: receiving third information sent by the first core network device; wherein the third information is used to indicate one of the following: a second PLMN; a second PLMN and a second list; wherein the second list contains at least one second identifier; if the first PLMN is different from the second PLMN, the terminal refuses to access the second PLMN, and the third information is used to indicate the PLMN; or, if the first PLMN is different from the second PLMN and the first list is different from the second list, the terminal refuses to access the second PLMN, and the third information is used to indicate the PLMN and the second list.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information and / or the fourth information are included in a NAS message, the NAS message being one of the following: an attach accept message; an attach reject message; a tracking area update (TAU) accept message; or a TAU reject message.

[0077] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method executed by a second core network device, the method comprising: receiving first information sent by a first core network device; wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function of a first list; a first identifier; wherein the first list includes at least one second identifier, the second identifier being used to indicate a satellite; the first identifier being used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), the PLMN being the PLMN accessed by the terminal through the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the function of the first list, the function including at least one of the following: a first function, the first function being used to guide the terminal and / or the second core network device to initiate a non-access stratum NAS process; a third function, the second function being used to at least one of the following: guide at least one of the terminal and the second core network device to send data to the satellite; guide at least one of the terminal and the second core network device to acquire stored data in the satellite.

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the NAS process includes one of the following: a follow-up process to an interrupted NAS process; or a re-executed NAS process.

[0080] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the first list and the function corresponding to the first list.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving fourth information sent by a first core network device; wherein the fourth information is used to indicate the first list.

[0082] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the function corresponding to the first list indicated by the fourth information.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0084] Satellites are selected based on the second identifier contained in the first list, and communication operations are performed.

[0085] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the operation of performing communication includes one of the following: initiating a non-access stratum NAS process based on the first list, wherein the first list is used to implement the first function; sending data to the satellite based on the first list, wherein the first list is used to implement the second function; and obtaining data from the satellite based on the first list, wherein the first list is used to implement the second function.

[0086] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first core network device and the second core network device are devices that perform the same function.

[0087] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising: a first core network device sending first information to at least one of a terminal and a second core network device; wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function of a first list; a first identifier; wherein the first list includes at least one second identifier, the second identifier being used to indicate a satellite; the first identifier being used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), the PLMN being the PLMN accessed by the terminal through a satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0088] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first core network device, comprising: a transceiver module configured to send first information to at least one of a terminal and a second core network device; wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one of: the function of a first list; a first identifier; wherein the first list includes at least one second identifier, the second identifier being used to indicate a satellite; the first identifier being used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), the PLMN being the PLMN accessed by the terminal through a satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0089] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, comprising: a transceiver module configured to receive first information sent by a first core network device; wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function of a first list; a first identifier; wherein the first list includes at least one second identifier, the second identifier being used to indicate a satellite; the first identifier being used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), the PLMN being the PLMN accessed by the terminal through the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0090] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a second core network device, comprising: a transceiver module configured to receive first information sent by a first core network device; wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function of a first list; a first identifier; wherein the first list includes at least one second identifier, the second identifier being used to indicate a satellite; the first identifier being used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), the PLMN being the PLMN accessed by the terminal through a satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0091] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including one or more processors; wherein the communication device is used to perform the methods described in the embodiments or optional implementations of the first, second, and / or third aspects.

[0092] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device for performing the methods described in optional implementations of the first, second, and / or third aspects.

[0093] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including: a first core network device, a second core network device, and a terminal; wherein the first core network device is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second core network device is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect, and the third core network device is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the third aspect.

[0094] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the optional implementations of the first, second, and / or third aspects.

[0095] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the methods described in the optional implementations of the first, second, and / or third aspects.

[0096] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in optional implementations of the first, second, and / or third aspects.

[0097] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system including processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described in the optional implementations of the first, second, and / or third aspects above.

[0098] It is understood that the aforementioned first core network equipment, terminal, second core network equipment, communication equipment, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system are all used to execute the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0099] This disclosure provides a communication method, a first core network device, a terminal, a second core network device, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method and information processing method may be used interchangeably.

[0100] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments. In all embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0101] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0102] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0103] In the embodiments of this disclosure, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0104] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0105] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0106] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0107] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0108] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0109] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0110] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0111] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than”, “greater than or equal to”, “not less than”, “more than”, “more than or equal to”, “not less than”, “higher than”, “higher than or equal to”, “not lower than”, and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than”, “less than or equal to”, “not greater than”, “less than”, “less than or equal to”, “not more than”, “lower than”, “lower than or equal to”, “not higher than”, and “below”.

[0112] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0113] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0114] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0115] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0116] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0117] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0118] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0119] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0120] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0121] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the structure of an information processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] As shown in Figure 1A, the information processing system 100 may include: terminal 101 and network device 102.

[0123] In some embodiments, network device 102 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0124] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, for example, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things (IoT) device or terminal, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0125] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), wireless backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system.

[0126] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0127] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0128] In some embodiments, the core network equipment may be a single device, a first network element, or a second network element, or multiple devices or a group of devices, respectively including all or part of the aforementioned first network element and / or second network element. Both the first network element and / or the second network element may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the following: Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), Next Generation Core (NGC), and 6G Core Network (6GCN).

[0129] In some embodiments, the first network element can be any function, network element, or entity in the core network that can be used for registration, connection, and / or mobility management. However, it is not limited to this.

[0130] In some embodiments, the name of the first network element is not limited, and it may be, for example, one of the access and mobility management function, session management function, and policy control function.

[0131] In some embodiments, the second network element may be any function, network element, or entity in the core network that can implement the control plane and / or user plane.

[0132] In some embodiments, the name of the second network element is not limited, and it may be, for example, one of the Packet Data Unit Session Connection Anchored User Plane Function and the Intermediate User Plane Function. However, it is not limited to this.

[0133] It is understood that the information processing system described in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0134] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the information processing system 100 shown in FIG1A, or some of its components, but are not limited thereto. The components shown in FIG1A are illustrative. The information processing system may include all or some of the components in FIG1A, or may include other components outside of FIG1A. The number and form of each component are arbitrary. The connection relationship between the components is illustrative. The components may be unconnected or connected. The connection can be in any way, either direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0135] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), 5G New Radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New Radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., LTE or LTE-A combined with 5G, 5G combined with 5G, 5G combined with 6G, etc.) for application.

[0136] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1B and 1C, which are schematic diagrams of network deployment based on satellite-borne functions. Figure 1B shows the architecture in which some Mobility Management Entity (MME) functions are deployed on a satellite; Figure 1C shows the architecture in which the core network is deployed on a satellite.

[0137] In some embodiments, satellite networks may be unable to provide continuous coverage services due to insufficient satellite deployment and limited coverage. This discontinuous coverage includes interruptions in the connection between the satellite and the UE (service link) or the connection between the satellite and the ground receiving station (feeder link), meaning that the service link and the feeder link cannot exist simultaneously. In this case, to enable certain services (e.g., latency-tolerant services), the network functions on the satellite need to perform data and / or signaling storage and forwarding functions. For example, for Figure 1B, the onboard MME needs to perform data storage and forwarding functions, and for Figure 1C, the core network functions or servers deployed on the satellite need to perform data storage and forwarding functions.

[0138] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 1D, in the "Save and Forward (S&F) Satellite Operation" mode, the end-to-end exchange of signaling or data services is now divided into a combination of two steps processed at different times (steps A and B in Figure 1D). In step A, signaling / data exchange between the UE and the satellite is initiated, while the satellite is unable to connect to the terrestrial network at this time (i.e., the satellite can use the service link without a feeder link connection). In step B, a connection is established between the satellite and the terrestrial network, enabling communication between them, but the service link between the UE and the satellite is unavailable at this time. Therefore, the satellite needs to perform store and forward operations for data or signaling during the process of moving from connecting to the UE in step A to connecting to the terrestrial network in step B.

[0139] In some embodiments, satellite support for S&F operations is particularly well-suited for latency-tolerant or non-real-time IoT services provided by non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) satellite networks.

[0140] In some embodiments, for the MME-separated architecture depicted in Figure 1B, when a UE initiates an Attach or Tracking Area Update (TAU), the MME can provide the UE with a S&F wait timer and a list of satellite identifiers (IDs) when accepting or rejecting the attach or TAU procedure. The wait timer indicates to the UE the waiting time between using the current satellite when accessing the same Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and using the next satellite. The list of satellite IDs indicates the satellites the UE can retransmit the NAS procedure with after the wait timer expires.

[0141] In some embodiments, for a spaceborne architecture with all core network (CN) functions as depicted in Figure 1C, the MME can also provide the UE with a list of satellite IDs during the attach or TAU process. The UE uses the satellites in the list to exchange data / signaling with the CN. The list of satellite IDs helps the UE obtain data sent by the network.

[0142] In some embodiments, the satellite ID lists of the two reference architectures function differently. In the MME-separated architecture, the satellite ID list is used to guide the UE on which satellite it can access in the future and to perform access procedures or tracking area update procedures through the satellite. In the all-CN satellite architecture, the satellite ID list is used to assist the UE in obtaining data sent by the network side.

[0143] Since both reference architectures provide the same information to the UE, the UE cannot distinguish how to process the satellite ID list upon receipt.

[0144] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the present disclosure relates to an information processing method for an information processing system 100, the method including:

[0145] Step S2101: The access network device sends the second information to the first core network device.

[0146] In some embodiments, the first core network device receives second information sent by the access network device.

[0147] In some embodiments, the first core network device obtains the second information from the upper layer(s), in which case step S2101 can be omitted.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first core network device processes the information to obtain the second information, in which case step S2101 can be omitted. In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate the first list.

[0149] In some embodiments, the second information may be referred to as the first list information.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first list includes at least one second identifier used to indicate a satellite. For example, the second identifier is “X”, which indicates a first satellite.

[0151] In some embodiments, there may be multiple second identifiers in the first list, for example, N, where N may be an integer greater than 1.

[0152] For example:

[0153] Table 1 shows the correspondence between the second identifier in the first list and the satellite.

[0154] Step S2102: The first core network device determines the function corresponding to the first list.

[0155] In some embodiments, the functionality includes a first function and / or a second function.

[0156] In some embodiments, the first function is used to guide (or instruct, assist, etc.) the terminal and / or the second core network device to initiate a non-access stratum NAS process.

[0157] In some embodiments, the second function is used for at least one of the following:

[0158] Guide the terminal and / or the second core network equipment to send data to the satellite;

[0159] Guide the terminal and / or the second core network device to acquire data from the satellite (e.g., data stored in the satellite).

[0160] In some embodiments, the NAS process includes one of the following:

[0161] The follow-up process for an interrupted NAS process;

[0162] The NAS process is re-executed.

[0163] In step S2103, the first core network device sends the fourth information to the terminal and / or the second core network device.

[0164] In some embodiments, the terminal and / or the second core network device receive fourth information sent by the first core network device.

[0165] In some embodiments, the fourth information is used to indicate the first list.

[0166] In some embodiments, the first list indicated by the fourth information may be multiple. For example, the multiple first lists may include list A and list B. List A is used to implement the first function; list B is used to implement the second function.

[0167] In some embodiments, the fourth information may also be referred to as the first list indication information.

[0168] In some embodiments, the fourth information is included in the NAS message.

[0169] In some embodiments, the NAS message is one of the following: Attach Accept message; Attach Reject message; Tracking Area Update (TAU) Accept message; TAU Reject message.

[0170] In some embodiments, the fourth information may also be referred to as the first list information.

[0171] In some embodiments, the first core network device and the second core network device are devices that perform the same function. For example, both are MME devices, but are not limited thereto.

[0172] Step S2104: The first core network device sends first information to the terminal and / or the second core network.

[0173] In some embodiments, the terminal and / or the second core network device receives first information sent by the first core network device.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function of the first list; a first identifier.

[0175] For example:

[0176] Table 2, First List and Corresponding Functions

[0177] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the correspondence (or mapping) between the first list and the function.

[0178] In some embodiments, the first identifier is used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN).

[0179] In some embodiments, the PLMN is a PLMN accessed by the terminal via a satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0180] In some embodiments, the first identifier is used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) accessed by the terminal via a satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0181] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the function of the first list.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the first list and the function corresponding to the first list.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the function corresponding to the first list indicated by the fourth information.

[0184] In some embodiments, the first information is included in the NAS message.

[0185] In some embodiments, the NAS message is one of the following: Attach Accept message; Attach Reject message; Tracking Area Update (TAU) Accept message; TAU Reject message.

[0186] In some embodiments, the first information may also be referred to as the first list function information.

[0187] In step S2105, the first core network device sends third information to the terminal and / or the second core network device.

[0188] In some embodiments, the terminal receives third information sent by the first core network device.

[0189] In some embodiments, when the PLMN is a first PLMN, the first core network device sends third information to the terminal.

[0190] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate one of the following: a second PLMN; a second PLMN and a second list.

[0191] In some embodiments, the second list includes at least one of the second identifiers.

[0192] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate the second PLMN, where the second PLMN is a PLMN that the terminal refuses to access if the first PLMN is different from the second PLMN.

[0193] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate the second PLMN, where, if the first PLMN and the second PLMN are the same, the second PLMN is the PLMN that the terminal is to access.

[0194] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate the second PLMN and the second list, wherein if the first PLMN is different from the second PLMN and the first list is different from the second list, the second PLMN is the PLMN that the terminal refuses to access.

[0195] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate the second PLMN and the second list. If the first PLMN is the same as the second PLMN and the first list is the same as the second list, then the second PLMN is the PLMN that the terminal is to access.

[0196] Step S2106: The terminal and / or the second core network device perform communication operations.

[0197] In some embodiments, the terminal or the second core network device selects a satellite based on the second identifier contained in the first list and performs communication operations.

[0198] In some embodiments, the terminal or the second core network device selects a satellite based on the second identifier included in the first list and initiates a non-access stratum NAS process, wherein the first list is used to implement the first function.

[0199] In some embodiments, a terminal or a second core network device selects a satellite based on a second identifier contained in the first list and sends data to the satellite, wherein the first list is used to implement the second function.

[0200] In some embodiments, a terminal or a second core network device selects a satellite based on a second identifier contained in the first list and obtains data from the satellite, wherein the first list is used to implement the second function.

[0201] In some embodiments, when the first list is used to implement the first function, the terminal or the second core network device selects a satellite based on the second identifier included in the first list and initiates a non-access stratum NAS process.

[0202] In some embodiments, when the first list is used to implement the second function, the terminal or the second core network device selects a satellite based on the second identifier contained in the first list and sends data to the satellite.

[0203] In some embodiments, when the first list is used to implement the second function, the terminal or the second core network device selects a satellite based on the second identifier contained in the first list and obtains data from the satellite.

[0204] In some embodiments, the terminal accesses the first PLMN based on the first information and the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0205] In some embodiments, the PLMN is a first PLMN, and the terminal accesses the first PLMN based on the first information and the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0206] In some embodiments, if the first PLMN is different from the second PLMN, the terminal refuses to access the second PLMN, and the third information is used to indicate the PLMN.

[0207] In some embodiments, if the first PLMN is different from the second PLMN and the first list is different from the second list, the terminal refuses to access the second PLMN, and the third information is used to indicate the PLMN and the second list.

[0208] In some embodiments, if the first PLMN is the same as the second PLMN, the terminal can access the second PLMN, and the third information is used to indicate the PLMN.

[0209] In some embodiments, if the first PLMN is the same as the second PLMN and the first list is the same as the second list, the terminal can access the second PLMN, and the third information is used to indicate the PLMN and the second list.

[0210] In some embodiments, at time T1, the terminal accesses the first PLMN (e.g., M network) in area A via the first satellite indicated by the satellite identifier in the first list. Since the first satellite is in a moving state, at time T2, the first satellite moves away from area A to area B. At this time, the feeder link of the first satellite may be interrupted, and the terminal may receive second information sent by the second satellite that has moved to area A. The second information is used to indicate the second PLMN (e.g., N network). In this case, the terminal will determine whether the first PLMN and the second PLMN are the same. If the first PLMN and the second PLMN are different, the terminal will refuse to access the second PLMN.

[0211] In some embodiments, at time T1, the terminal accesses the first PLMN (e.g., M network) in area A via the first satellite indicated by the satellite identifier in the first list. Since the first satellite is in a moving state, at time T2, the first satellite moves away from area A to area B. At this time, the feeder link of the first satellite may be interrupted, and the terminal may receive second information sent by the second satellite that has moved to area A. The second information is used to indicate the second PLMN (e.g., N network) and the corresponding second list (the second satellite belongs to the satellite indicated by the satellite identifier in the second list). In this case, the terminal will determine whether the first PLMN and the second PLMN are the same and whether the first list and the second list are the same. If the first PLMN and the second PLMN are different and the first list and the second list are different, the terminal will refuse to access the second PLMN.

[0212] In some embodiments, at time T1, the terminal accesses the first PLMN (e.g., M network) in area A via the first satellite indicated by the satellite identifier in the first list. Since the first satellite is in a moving state, at time T2, the first satellite moves away from area A to area B. At this time, the feeder link of the first satellite may be interrupted, and the terminal may receive second information sent by the second satellite that has moved to area A. The second information is used to indicate the second PLMN (e.g., N network). In this case, the terminal will determine whether the second satellite is the satellite indicated by the satellite identifier in the first list. If it is, the terminal will refuse to access the second PLMN; if not, it can access the second PLMN.

[0213] In some embodiments, at time T1, the terminal accesses the first PLMN (e.g., M network) in area A via the first satellite indicated by the satellite identifier in the first list. Since the first satellite is in a moving state, at time T2, the first satellite moves away from area A to area B. At this time, the feeder link of the first satellite may be interrupted, and the terminal may receive second information sent by the second satellite that has moved to area A. The second information is used to indicate the second PLMN (e.g., N network) and the corresponding second list (the second satellite belongs to the satellite indicated by the satellite identifier in the second list). In this case, the terminal will determine whether the second satellite is the satellite indicated by the satellite identifier in the first list. If it is, the terminal will refuse to access the second PLMN; if not, it can access the second PLMN.

[0214] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0215] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0216] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0217] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "default", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A", "preset A", "default A", "set A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0218] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2106. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; and step S2106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, the combination of steps S2102, S2104, and S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2101, S2102, S2104, and S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2102 and S2103, S2104, and S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2102 and S2104, S2105, and S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2102, S2103, S2104, S2105, and S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2101, S2102, S2103, S2104, S2105, and S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0219] In some embodiments, step S2101 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0220] In some embodiments, step S2103 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0221] In some embodiments, step S2105 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0222] In some embodiments, steps S2101, S2103 and S2105 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0223] In some embodiments, steps S2103 and S2104 may be performed in a different order.

[0224] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their order.

[0225] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0226] Step S3101: The first core network device sends first information to at least one of the terminal and the second core network device.

[0227] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function of the first list; a first identifier;

[0228] In some embodiments, the first list includes at least one second identifier, the second identifier being used to indicate a satellite; the first identifier is used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), the PLMN being the PLMN accessed by the terminal via the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0229] The optional implementation of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0230] An information processing method according to an embodiment of this disclosure includes:

[0231] Step S3201: The first core network device sends first information to at least one of the terminal and / or the second core network device;

[0232] Wherein, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function of the first list; the first identifier;

[0233] The first list contains at least one second satellite identifier, which is used to indicate a satellite; the first identifier is used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), which is the PLMN that the terminal accesses via the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0234] The optional implementation of step S3201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0235] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the functionality of the first list, the functionality including at least one of the following:

[0236] The first function is used to guide the terminal and / or the second core network device to initiate a non-access stratum NAS process.

[0237] A second function, wherein the second function is used for at least one of the following:

[0238] Instruct at least one of the terminal and the second core network device to send data to the satellite;

[0239] Guide at least one of the terminal and the second core network device to acquire data from the satellite.

[0240] In some embodiments, the NAS process includes one of the following:

[0241] The follow-up process for an interrupted NAS process;

[0242] The NAS process is re-executed.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the first list and the function corresponding to the first list.

[0244] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0245] Send fourth information to the terminal and / or the second core network device;

[0246] The fourth piece of information is used to indicate the first list.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the function corresponding to the first list indicated by the fourth information.

[0248] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0249] Receive the second information sent by the access network device;

[0250] The second information is used to indicate the first list.

[0251] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0252] Determine the function corresponding to the first list.

[0253] In some embodiments, the PLMN is a first PLMN, and the method further includes:

[0254] Send third information to the terminal; wherein the third information is used to indicate one of the following: a second PLMN; a second PLMN and a second list;

[0255] Wherein, the third information is used to indicate the second PLMN, in which case the second PLMN is a PLMN that the terminal refuses to access if the first PLMN is different from the second PLMN; or, the third information is used to indicate the second PLMN and the second list, in which case the second PLMN is a PLMN that the terminal refuses to access if the first PLMN is different from the second PLMN and the first list is different from the second list; the second list contains at least one of the second identifiers.

[0256] In some embodiments, the first information and / or the fourth information are included in a NAS message, which is one of the following: an attach accept message; an attach reject message; a tracking area update (TAU) accept message; or a TAU reject message.

[0257] In some embodiments, the first core network device and the second core network device are devices that perform the same function.

[0258] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0259] An information processing method according to an embodiment of this disclosure includes:

[0260] Step S3301: Receive the first information sent by the first core network device;

[0261] Wherein, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function of the first list; the first identifier;

[0262] The first list contains at least one second identifier, which is used to indicate a satellite; the first identifier is used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), which is the PLMN that the terminal accesses through the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0263] The optional implementation of step S3301 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0264] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the functionality of the first list, the functionality including at least one of the following:

[0265] The first function is used to guide the terminal and / or the second core network device to initiate a non-access stratum NAS process.

[0266] A second function, wherein the second function is used for at least one of the following:

[0267] Instruct at least one of the terminal and the second core network device to send data to the satellite;

[0268] Guide at least one of the terminal and the second core network device to acquire data from the satellite.

[0269] In some embodiments, the NAS process includes one of the following:

[0270] The follow-up process for an interrupted NAS process;

[0271] The NAS process is re-executed.

[0272] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0273] Satellites are selected based on the second identifier contained in the first list, and communication operations are performed.

[0274] In some embodiments, the operation of performing communication includes one of the following:

[0275] Initiate a non-access stratum NAS process, wherein the first list is used to implement the first function;

[0276] Send data to the satellite, wherein the first list is used to implement the second function;

[0277] Data from the satellite is acquired, wherein the first list is used to implement the second function.

[0278] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the first list and the function corresponding to the first list.

[0279] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0280] Receive the fourth message sent by the first core network device;

[0281] The fourth piece of information is used to indicate the first list.

[0282] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the function corresponding to the first list indicated by the fourth information.

[0283] In some embodiments, the PLMN is a first PLMN, and the method further includes:

[0284] Based on the first information and the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list, access the first PLMN.

[0285] In some embodiments, the PLMN is a first PLMN, and the method further includes:

[0286] The system receives third information sent by the first core network device; wherein the third information is used to indicate one of the following: a second PLMN; a second PLMN and a second list; wherein the second list contains at least one of the second identifiers;

[0287] If the first PLMN is different from the second PLMN, the terminal refuses to access the second PLMN, and the third information is used to indicate the PLMN; or, if the first PLMN is different from the second PLMN and the first list is different from the second list, the terminal refuses to access the second PLMN, and the third information is used to indicate the PLMN and the second list.

[0288] In some embodiments,

[0289] The first and / or fourth information is contained in a NAS message, which is one of the following: Attach Accept Message; Attach Reject Message; Tracking Area Update (TAU) Accept Message; TAU Reject Message.

[0290] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0291] An information processing method according to an embodiment of this disclosure includes:

[0292] Step S3401: Receive the first information sent by the first core network device;

[0293] Wherein, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function of the first list; the first identifier;

[0294] The first list contains at least one second identifier, which is used to indicate a satellite; the first identifier is used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), which is the PLMN that the terminal accesses through the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

[0295] The optional implementation of step S3401 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0296] The first information is used to indicate the function of the first list, the function including at least one of the following:

[0297] The first function is used to guide the terminal and / or the second core network device to initiate a non-access stratum NAS process.

[0298] A second function, wherein the second function is used for at least one of the following:

[0299] Instruct at least one of the terminal and the second core network device to send data to the satellite;

[0300] Guide at least one of the terminal and the second core network device to acquire stored data from the satellite.

[0301] In some embodiments, the NAS process includes one of the following:

[0302] The follow-up process for an interrupted NAS process;

[0303] The NAS process is re-executed.

[0304] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the first list and the function corresponding to the first list.

[0305] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0306] Receive the fourth message sent by the first core network device;

[0307] The fourth piece of information is used to indicate the first list.

[0308] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the function corresponding to the first list indicated by the fourth information.

[0309] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0310] Satellites are selected based on the second identifier contained in the first list, and communication operations are performed.

[0311] In some embodiments, the operation of performing communication includes one of the following:

[0312] Initiate a non-access stratum NAS process, wherein the first list is used to implement the first function;

[0313] Send data to the satellite, wherein the first list is used to implement the second function;

[0314] Data from the satellite is acquired, wherein the first list is used to implement the second function.

[0315] In some embodiments, the first core network device and the second core network device are devices that perform the same function.

[0316] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0317] This disclosure relates to a communication method, which may include:

[0318] In some embodiments, the MME (corresponding to the first core network device) sends first information and a satellite identifier list to the UE and / or a second device (corresponding to the second core network device), wherein the first information is used to indicate the function of the satellite identifier list, and the second device is located in the terrestrial network.

[0319] In some embodiments, the satellite identifier list functions to: guide the UE and / or the second device to initiate a NAS process, guide the UE and / or the second device to send data to the satellite and / or retrieve stored data from the satellite.

[0320] In some embodiments, the first information is indicative information used in conjunction with the satellite identifier list to indicate the function of the satellite identifier list.

[0321] In some embodiments, the first information is satellite identifier list information, including a first satellite identifier list (corresponding to list A) and a second satellite identifier list (corresponding to list B), wherein the first satellite identifier list is used to guide the UE and / or the second device to initiate a NAS procedure, and the second satellite identifier list is used to guide the UE and / or the second device to send data to the satellite and / or obtain stored data in the satellite.

[0322] In some embodiments, the MME obtains the list of satellite identifiers from the access network device.

[0323] In some embodiments, the MME determines the satellite identifier list function and determines the corresponding first information.

[0324] In some embodiments, the UE and / or the second device store the first information and the satellite identifier list.

[0325] In some embodiments, based on the first information and the satellite identifier list, the UE and / or the second device perform operations, including:

[0326] Select a satellite from the satellite identifier list and execute a NAS procedure, which may include continuing a previously interrupted NAS procedure or executing a new NAS procedure; or select a satellite from the satellite identifier list and send data to the satellite and / or retrieve stored data from the satellite.

[0327] In some embodiments, the MME may be the same as or different from the second device.

[0328] In some embodiments, when the first information is used to indicate a PLMN identifier, the PLMN identifier is the PLMN accessed by the UE.

[0329] In some embodiments, the UE stores the first information and the satellite identifier list.

[0330] In some embodiments, satellites in the satellite identifier list are accessed under the PLMN indicated by the first information, based on the first information and the satellite identifier list.

[0331] For example: the first information and satellite identifier list is as follows:

[0332] PLMN-1 and <->satellite list-1 (list 1);

[0333] PLMN-2 and <->satellite list-2 (list 2).

[0334] In some embodiments, the UE receives second information (corresponding to third information) and a second satellite identifier list. If the second information is different from the first information, the UE refuses to access the PLMN indicated by the second information.

[0335] For example: the first information and satellite identifier list is as follows:

[0336] PLMN-1 and <->satellite list-1;

[0337] The second information and satellite identifier list are as follows:

[0338] PLMN-2 and <->satellite list-2.

[0339] In some embodiments, the MME sends the first information and the satellite identifier list to the UE via a NAS message. The NAS message includes one of the following: attach accept message, attach reject message, tracking area update accept message, and tracking area update reject message.

[0340] Example 1:

[0341] As shown in Figure 4A, in this scenario, the MME is divided into two parts: onboard MME functionality and ground-based MME functionality. Multiple onboard MMEs located on different satellites and ground-based MMEs together constitute a complete MME function. The onboard MME and eNB are deployed on the same satellite.

[0342] Please refer again to Figure 4A, which provides a communication method including the following steps:

[0343] Step S4101: Send an attach request message.

[0344] In some embodiments, at time T0, the eNB-1 on the satellite provides coverage to the UE, the UE sends an attach request (i.e., an attach request message) to the eNB-1, and further sends an attach request to the onboard MME-1.

[0345] In some embodiments, if eNB-1 receives a request message, it sends the request message along with the list of satellite IDs broadcast by eNB-1 to the onboard MME-1.

[0346] Step S4102: Send an attach rejection message.

[0347] In some embodiments, when an attach request is received, MME-1 detects that the feeder link of the ground MME is unavailable, and the ground MME stores the attach request and related information as a UE context.

[0348] The onboard MME sends an attach rejection message to the UE, indicating that the attach failed due to S&F satellite operation. The MME also provides a list of satellite IDs, which indicate the satellites that the UE can access in the future to retry the attach process.

[0349] To differentiate the use of the satellite ID list in a fully CN-based environment, a flag (corresponding to the first piece of information) can be included in the satellite ID list.

[0350] For example, if the flag is set to "0", it means that the satellite ID list is used by the UE to initiate the NAS procedure by guiding the UE through the list. Otherwise, if the flag is set to "1", it means that the satellite ID list is used to guide the UE to send or retrieve data from the satellite.

[0351] Optionally, the indication is applied in conjunction with a list of satellite IDs. This list can be used by the UE based on the indication. For example, the indication is used to indicate that the list is applied to guide NAS procedural interactions or guide MO / MT (Terminal Initiated / Network Initiated) data exchanges.

[0352] Another proposed approach is to use different information to differentiate the satellite ID lists. For example, a NAS control satellite ID list could be used to indicate its use in guiding NAS process interactions, while a data exchange satellite ID list could be used to indicate its use in guiding MO or MT data exchanges between the UE and the network.

[0353] Step S4103: The UE stores a list of satellite IDs.

[0354] Step S4104: Terminal context synchronization.

[0355] In some embodiments, when the onboard MME-1 detects that the feeder link has become available, UE context synchronization is performed between the onboard MME-1 and the ground MME. Additionally, a list of satellite IDs as described in step S4102 is also provided to the ground MME.

[0356] Step S4105: The ground MME stores the UE context and satellite ID list.

[0357] Step S4106: Terminal context synchronization.

[0358] In some embodiments, the ground MME detects the next available satellite (a satellite with MME-2) based on a list of satellite IDs. The ground MME then synchronizes the UE context to the onboard MME-2.

[0359] Step S4107: Send an attach request.

[0360] In some embodiments, based on the satellite ID list, the UE knows that the list is used to guide NAS interactions, and that the satellite with the onboard eNB-2 is the next satellite that the UE can access.

[0361] In some embodiments, at time T1, the UE retransmits the attach request (i.e., the attach request message) to the MME-2 satellite via the eNB-2 satellite.

[0362] Step S4108: Send an attach accept message.

[0363] In some embodiments, the MME-2 accepts the attach request based on the UE context received in step S4106. The onboard MME-2 sends an attach accept (i.e., attach accept message) to the UE. The onboard MME-2 may send an updated list of satellite IDs to the UE.

[0364] In step S4109, upon receiving an attach acceptance, the UE updates the stored list of satellite IDs.

[0365] Example 2:

[0366] In this scenario, the entire core network function (CN) is deployed on a satellite. The eNB and CN are both deployed on the same satellite.

[0367] As shown in Figure 4B, a communication method is provided, including the following steps:

[0368] Step S4201: Send an attach request message.

[0369] In some embodiments, at time T0, the eNB-1 carrying the satellite provides coverage to the UE, the UE sends an attach request to the eNB-1, and further sends an attach request to the MME carrying the satellite.

[0370] Optionally, if eNB-1 receives a request message, it sends the request message along with the list of satellite IDs broadcast by eNB-1 to the onboard MME-1.

[0371] Step S4202: Send an attach accept message.

[0372] In some embodiments, the MME-1 processes attach requests together with the onboard Home Subscriber Server (HSS) and sends an attach accept message to the UE.

[0373] In some embodiments, the MME also provides a list of satellite IDs, which indicates the satellites that the UE may access in the future to retry the attach process.

[0374] In some embodiments, flags may be included in the satellite ID list to distinguish the use of the satellite ID list in a fully CN-based context.

[0375] For example, if the flag is set to "0", it means that the satellite ID list is used by the UE to initiate the NAS procedure by guiding the UE through the list. Otherwise, if the flag is set to "1", it means that the satellite ID list is used to guide the UE to send / retrieve data to the satellite.

[0376] For example, the indication is applied in conjunction with a list of satellite IDs. This list can be used by the UE based on the indication. For instance, the indication is used to indicate that the list is applied to guide NAS process interactions or guide MO / MT data exchange.

[0377] In some embodiments, another proposed approach is to use different information to differentiate the satellite ID lists. For example, a NAS control satellite ID list is used to indicate its use in guiding NAS process interactions, while a data exchange satellite ID list is used to indicate its use in guiding MO / MT data exchange between the UE and the network.

[0378] Step S4203: The UE stores the list of satellite IDs. It also detects that eNB-1 cannot access the network.

[0379] Step S4204: Send MO data.

[0380] In some embodiments, based on a stored list of satellite IDs, the UE knows that a flag is used to guide MO / MT data exchange.

[0381] In some embodiments, at time T1, the satellite of the onboard eNB-2 can provide coverage to the UE, the UE initiates MO data exchange, and sends MO data to the satellite.

[0382] In step S4205, if the feeder link is unavailable, the agent on the satellite can store MO data.

[0383] Step S4206: Send MO data.

[0384] In some embodiments, MO data is sent by the agent to a server on the ground after the feeder link becomes available. A list of satellite IDs, as described in step S4202, may also be sent to the server.

[0385] Step S4207: Send MT data.

[0386] In some embodiments, based on a list of satellite IDs, the server knows the next satellite it can connect to and transmit MT data from. The server then sends the MT data to an agent on the satellite.

[0387] Step S4208: The agent stores MT data and subscribes to whether the UE is reachable.

[0388] Step S4209: Send a paging message.

[0389] In some embodiments, if the UE is unreachable, the CN may send a paging message to the UE. Upon receiving the paging message, the UE sends a service request to the CN to establish a user plane connection. The CN then notifies the agent of the UE's reachability.

[0390] In step S4210, the agent sends the stored MT data to the UE.

[0391] Example 3:

[0392] In this case, eNB1 and MME-1 belong to PLMN-1, while eNB2 and MME belong to PLMN-2.

[0393] As shown in Figure 4C, a communication method is provided, including the following steps:

[0394] Step S4301: Send an attach request message.

[0395] In some embodiments, at time T0, the eNB-1 carrying the satellite provides coverage to the UE, the UE sends an attach request to the eNB-1, and further sends an attach request to the MME-1 carrying the satellite.

[0396] Optionally, if eNB-1 receives a request message, it sends the request message along with the list of satellite IDs broadcast by eNB-1 to the onboard MME-1.

[0397] Step S4302: Send an attach rejection message.

[0398] In some embodiments, when an attach request is received, the MME-1 detects that the feeder link to the MME on the ground is unavailable, and the onboard MME-1 stores the attach request and related information as a UE context.

[0399] In some embodiments, the onboard MME-1 sends an attach rejection message to the UE, indicating that the attach was unsuccessful due to S&F satellite operation. The MME also provides a list of satellite IDs-1 for the PLMN-1, which indicates the satellites that the UE can access in the future to retry the attach process to the PLMN-1.

[0400] In some embodiments, the PLMN-1 ID may also be provided to the UE by the MME along with the satellite ID list-1.

[0401] Alternatively, provide the UE with only a list of satellite IDs -1.

[0402] Step S4303: After receiving the rejection message, the UE stores <Satellite ID list-1, PLMN-1 ID>.

[0403] In some embodiments, if no PLMN-1 ID is received, the UE can know that satellite list-1 corresponds to the currently accessing PLMN-1 ID based on the PLMN selection and access information.

[0404] Step S4304: The terminal performs context synchronization.

[0405] In some embodiments, UE context synchronization is performed between the onboard MME-1 and the ground MME-1 when the onboard detection feeder link of the MME-1 becomes available. Additionally, the satellite ID list as described in step S4302 is also provided to the ground MME-1.

[0406] Step S4305: Send an attach request message.

[0407] In some embodiments, at time T1, after the UE loses coverage from eNB1, eNB2 belonging to PLMN-2 can provide coverage to the UE, the UE sends an attach request to eNB-2, and further sends an attach request to the onboard MME-2.

[0408] Step S4306: Send an attach rejection message.

[0409] In some embodiments, upon receiving an attach request, the onboard MME-2 detects that the feeder link to the ground MME-2 is unavailable, and the onboard MME-2 stores the attach request and related information as a UE context.

[0410] In some embodiments, the onboard MME-2 sends an attach rejection message to the UE, indicating that the attach was unsuccessful due to S&F satellite operation. The MME-2 also provides a list of satellite IDs for the PLMN-2, which indicates the satellites that the UE can access in the future to retry the attach process to the PLMN-2.

[0411] Step S4307: Terminal performs context synchronization.

[0412] In some embodiments, when the onboard MME-2 detects that the feeder link becomes available, UE context synchronization is performed between the onboard MME-2 and the MME-2 ground. Additionally, the satellite ID list as described in step S4306 is also provided to the MME-2 on the ground.

[0413] Step S4308a, UE stores <Satellite ID list-2, PLMN-2 ID>.

[0414] Option 1

[0415] 8a.UE stores <Satellite ID list-2, PLMN-2 ID>.

[0416] The UE retryes the NAS procedure or initiates a subsequent NAS procedure to the corresponding PLMN based on the <Satellite ID list, PLMN ID> information. For example, if the next satellite access based on the <Satellite ID list, PLMN ID> belongs to PLMN-1, the UE will resend the attach request to PLMN-1.

[0417] Step S4308b: Access to PLMN-2 denied.

[0418] Option 2

[0419] 8b. When the UE receives <Satellite ID List-2, PLMN-2 ID> from the onboard MME-2, since other <Satellite ID List, PLMN ID> information already exists in the UE, the UE refuses to store <Satellite ID List-2, PLMN-2 ID> and will use <Satellite ID List-1 PLMN-1 ID> to access PLMN-1 in the future.

[0420] Step S4309: Initiate the list-based NAS process.

[0421] In this embodiment of the disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations can be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0422] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed, which includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Another apparatus is also proposed, including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods. Here, the core network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: a first network element and a second network element, etc.

[0423] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and the functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0424] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be hardware circuits designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as ASICs, such as Neural Network Processing Units (NPUs), Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), and Deep Learning Processing Units (DPUs).

[0425] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first core network device 5100 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5A, the first core network device 5100 includes a first transceiver module 5101. In some embodiments, the first transceiver module 5101 is used to send first information and / or send second information, etc. Optionally, the first transceiver module 5101 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps performed by the first core network device 5100 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. In some embodiments, the first core network device 5100 may include a first processing module.

[0426] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal 5200 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5B, the terminal 5200 includes a second transceiver module 5201. Optionally, the second transceiver module 5201 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps performed by the terminal 5200 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the terminal 5200 may include a second processing module.

[0427] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second core network device 5300 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5C, the second core network device 5300 includes a third transceiver module 5301. In some embodiments, the third transceiver module 5301 is used to receive first information and / or receive second information, etc. Optionally, the third transceiver module 5301 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps performed by the second core network device 5300 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. In some embodiments, the second core network device 5300 may include a third processing module.

[0428] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver. For example, the first transceiver module described above includes a first transmitting module and / or a first receiving module. For example, the second transceiver module described above includes a second transmitting module and / or a second receiving module.

[0429] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0430] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 6100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 6100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0431] As shown in Figure 6A, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 6100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0432] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceivers 6102 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101 and / or steps S2102 and / or steps S2103 and / or steps S2105, etc., but not limited thereto), and the processor 6101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2104 and / or steps S2106, etc., but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0433] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6103 may be located outside the communication device 6100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuits 6104 are connected to the memories 6103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 6103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 6103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 6104 can read data stored in the memories 6103 and send that data to the processor 6101.

[0434] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0435] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 6200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 6200 shown in Figure 6B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0436] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0437] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside chip 6200. Optionally, interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive data from memory 6203 or other devices, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to send data to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 6202 can read data stored in memory 6203 and send the data to processor 6201.

[0438] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S2101 and / or S2102 and / or S2103 and / or S2105, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 6202 performing data interaction between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2104 and / or S2106, but not limited thereto).

[0439] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0440] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 6100, cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0441] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0442] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a first core network device, and the method includes: Send the first information to at least one of the terminal and the second core network device; Wherein, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function of the first list; the first identifier; The first list contains at least one second identifier, which is used to indicate a satellite; the first identifier is used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), which is the PLMN that the terminal accesses through the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate the function of the first list, the function including at least one of the following: The first function is used to guide the terminal and / or the second core network device to initiate a non-access stratum NAS process. A second function, wherein the second function is used for at least one of the following: Instruct at least one of the terminal and the second core network device to send data to the satellite; Guide at least one of the terminal and the second core network device to acquire data from the satellite.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The NAS process includes one of the following: The follow-up process for an interrupted NAS process; The NAS process is re-executed.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate the first list and the function corresponding to the first list.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the second information sent by the access network device; The second information is used to indicate the first list.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The PLMN is a first PLMN, and the method further includes: Send third information to the terminal; wherein the third information is used to indicate one of the following: a second PLMN; a second PLMN and a second list; Wherein, the third information is used to indicate the second PLMN, in which case the second PLMN is a PLMN that the terminal refuses to access if the first PLMN is different from the second PLMN; or, the third information is used to indicate the second PLMN and the second list, in which case the second PLMN is a PLMN that the terminal refuses to access if the first PLMN is different from the second PLMN and the first list is different from the second list; the second list contains at least one of the second identifiers.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first information is contained in a NAS message, which is one of the following: Attach Accept Message; Attach Reject Message; Tracking Area Update (TAU) Accept Message; TAU Reject Message.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first core network device and the second core network device are devices that perform the same function.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a terminal, and the method includes: Receive the first information sent by the first core network device; Wherein, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function of the first list; the first identifier; The first list contains at least one second identifier, which is used to indicate a satellite; the first identifier is used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), which is the PLMN that the terminal accesses through the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate the function of the first list, the function including at least one of the following: The first function is used to guide the terminal and / or the second core network device to initiate a non-access stratum NAS process. A second function, wherein the second function is used for at least one of the following: Instruct at least one of the terminal and the second core network device to send data to the satellite; Guide at least one of the terminal and the second core network device to acquire data from the satellite.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The NAS process includes one of the following: The follow-up process for an interrupted NAS process; The NAS process is re-executed.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Satellites are selected based on the second identifier contained in the first list, and communication operations are performed.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The operation of performing communication includes one of the following: Initiate a non-access stratum NAS process, wherein the first list is used to implement the first function; Send data to the satellite, wherein the first list is used to implement the second function; Data from the satellite is acquired, wherein the first list is used to implement the second function.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate the first list and the function corresponding to the first list.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that, The PLMN is a first PLMN, and the method further includes: Based on the first information and the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list, access the first PLMN.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that, The PLMN is a first PLMN, and the method further includes: The system receives third information sent by the first core network device; wherein the third information is used to indicate one of the following: a second PLMN; a second PLMN and a second list; wherein the second list contains at least one of the second identifiers; If the first PLMN is different from the second PLMN, the terminal refuses to access the second PLMN, and the third information is used to indicate the PLMN; or, if the first PLMN is different from the second PLMN and the first list is different from the second list, the terminal refuses to access the second PLMN, and the third information is used to indicate the PLMN and the second list.

17. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that, The first information is contained in a NAS message, which is one of the following: Attach Accept Message; Attach Reject Message; Tracking Area Update (TAU) Accept Message; TAU Reject Message.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a second core network device, and the method includes: Receive the first information sent by the first core network device; Wherein, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function of the first list; the first identifier; The first list contains at least one second identifier, which is used to indicate a satellite; the first identifier is used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), which is the PLMN that the terminal accesses through the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate the function of the first list, the function including at least one of the following: The first function is used to guide the terminal and / or the second core network device to initiate a non-access stratum NAS process. A second function, wherein the second function is used for at least one of the following: Instruct at least one of the terminal and the second core network device to send data to the satellite; Guide at least one of the terminal and the second core network device to acquire stored data from the satellite.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The NAS process includes one of the following: The follow-up process for an interrupted NAS process; The NAS process is re-executed.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate the first list and the function corresponding to the first list.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Satellites are selected based on the second identifier contained in the first list, and communication operations are performed.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The operation of performing communication includes one of the following: Initiate a non-access stratum NAS process, wherein the first list is used to implement the first function; Send data to the satellite, wherein the first list is used to implement the second function; Data from the satellite is acquired, wherein the first list is used to implement the second function.

24. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 23, characterized in that, The first core network device and the second core network device are devices that perform the same function.

25. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first core network device sends first information to at least one of the terminal and the second core network device; Wherein, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the function of the first list; the first identifier; The first list contains at least one second identifier, which is used to indicate a satellite; the first identifier is used to indicate a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), which is the PLMN that the terminal accesses through the satellite indicated by the second identifier in the first list.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 9 to 17, or 18 to 24.

27. A communication system, characterized in that, include: A first core network device, a terminal, and / or a second core network device; wherein the first core network device is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 8, the terminal is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 9 to 17, and the second core network device is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 18 to 24.

28. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, 9 to 17, or 18 to 24.

29. A computer program product, said computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, 9 to 17, and / or 18 to 24.

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