A communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and related apparatus, in which a terminal device accesses a first communication apparatus of a ground network, or the terminal device accesses a first cell of the first communication apparatus. In the present application, in the case that the terminal device served by the first communication apparatus or the first cell can access a second communication apparatus of a non-ground network, the first communication apparatus deactivates the first communication apparatus or the first cell. Thus, the energy consumption of the ground network is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the evolution of wireless networks, the deployment density of terrestrial network (TN) base stations has increased exponentially. While dense networking increases network capacity, it also makes the energy consumption of base stations increasingly prominent, becoming a key bottleneck restricting the sustainable development of networks.

[0003] Therefore, how to save energy consumption of base stations is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and related apparatus for reducing the energy consumption of a TN (Total Transmission Unit).

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides a communication method applied to a first communication device of a TN network. For example, the first communication device may be a network device, or a component for a network device (such as a chip, chip system, or circuit), or a logic module or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions of a network device, etc. The following description uses a first communication device as an example.

[0006] The first communication device is deployed in the TN, the first cell is the serving cell of the first communication device, and the second communication device is deployed in the non-terrestrial network (NTN).

[0007] The terminal device is connected to the first communication device, or the terminal device is connected to the first cell of the first communication device. In other words, the first communication device or the first cell of the first communication device provides services to the terminal device. The number of terminal devices served by the first communication device or the first cell can be one or more, and is not limited here.

[0008] In this application, when a terminal device serving a first communication device or a first cell can access a second communication device of the NTN, the first communication device deactivates the first communication device or the first cell. This reduces the energy consumption of the TN. Furthermore, deactivating the first communication device or the first cell reduces the number of communication devices or serving cells in the TN, thereby lowering maintenance costs.

[0009] Optionally, the first communication device is a radio access network (RAN) node (e.g., a terrestrial base station) in the TN, and the second communication device is a RAN node (e.g., a satellite base station) in the NTN.

[0010] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, before the first communication device deactivates itself or the first cell, the first communication device first sends a first indication message, which instructs the terminal device to switch to the second communication device. Thus, the second communication device can continue to provide services to the terminal device, maintaining service continuity.

[0011] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the first indication information includes one or more of the following:

[0012] Identification of the first communication device;

[0013] The signage for the first residential area;

[0014] The first sub-information indicates the first handover type, which is a handover from TN to NTN, signifying that the terminal device is switching from accessing TN services to accessing NTN services. Optionally, this first handover type can be defined as a high-priority handover type through the protocol, allowing the network to prioritize executing this first handover type.

[0015] The second sub-information indicates the first handover reason, which may include TN power saving, TN communication device deactivation, TN cell deactivation, or TN radio resource deactivation. Optionally, this first handover reason can be defined as a high-priority handover reason through a protocol, allowing the network to prioritize handover operations triggered by the first handover reason.

[0016] The third sub-information is used to indicate the deactivation of a communication device or cell. Optionally, if the first indication information includes the third sub-information and the identifier of the first communication device, the third sub-information and the identifier of the first communication device may indicate a handover caused by the deactivation of the first communication device. Optionally, if the first indication information includes the third sub-information and the identifier of the first cell, the third sub-information and the identifier of the first cell may indicate a handover caused by the deactivation of the first cell.

[0017] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the first communication device determines whether the terminal device of the first communication device or the terminal device serving the first cell can access the second communication device.

[0018] Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation, the first communication device may first obtain NTN coverage information and / or terminal device capability information. The aforementioned NTN coverage information refers to the service information of the NTN to which the geographical coverage area of ​​the first communication device belongs, indicating the communication devices (e.g., a second communication device) within that NTN that can provide collaborative services to the first communication device. The terminal device capability information indicates whether the terminal device supports the NTN, or in other words, whether the terminal device can access the NTN.

[0019] Next, the first communication device can determine whether the terminal device can access the second communication device based on the NTN coverage information and / or the terminal device's capability information.

[0020] For example, the first communication device can determine whether a terminal device can access the second communication device based on NTN coverage information. If the NTN coverage information indicates that the second communication device of the NTN can provide services to the geographical coverage area of ​​the first communication device, then the first communication device determines that the terminal device can access the second communication device.

[0021] For example, the first communication device can determine whether a terminal device can access the second communication device based on the terminal device's capability information. If the terminal device's capability information indicates that the number of terminal devices supporting NTN is greater than or equal to a first threshold, it means that most of the terminal devices served by the first communication device or the first cell can support NTN, or in other words, most terminal devices can access NTN services. Therefore, the first communication device determines that the terminal device can access the second communication device.

[0022] For example, the first communication device can determine whether the terminal device can access the second communication device based on NTN coverage information and terminal device capability information. If the NTN coverage information indicates that the second communication device of the NTN can provide services to the geographical coverage area of ​​the first communication device, and the terminal device capability information indicates that the number of terminal devices supporting the NTN is greater than or equal to a first threshold, then the first communication device determines that the terminal device can access the second communication device.

[0023] Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation, the load of the first communication device or the first cell satisfies the first condition. In other words, when the loads of the first communication device and the first cell satisfy the first condition, the first communication device executes the communication method of this application. In this way, only communication devices or cells in the TN whose loads satisfy specific conditions can be deactivated, thereby reducing the number of deactivated communication devices or cells and reducing the impact on TN services.

[0024] For example, the first condition may be that the number of terminal devices served by the first communication device or the first cell is less than a second threshold; or, the first condition may be that the number of services performed by the first communication device or the first cell is less than a third threshold; or, the first condition may be that the power consumption of the first communication device or the first cell is less than a fourth threshold; or, the first condition may be that the resource consumption of the first communication device or the first cell is less than a fifth threshold. In other words, the first communication device or the first cell is a lightly loaded communication device or a lightly loaded cell. It should be understood that the above first condition is described exemplarily, and optionally, the first condition may also be implemented in other ways, which are not limited here.

[0025] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the third communication device sends second instruction information to the first communication device. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the second instruction information from the third communication device in the core network (CN). The second instruction information is used to instruct the deactivation of the first communication device or the first cell.

[0026] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the second indication information includes the identifier of the first communication device and / or the identifier of the first cell.

[0027] Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation, the first communication device sends a third instruction message to the fourth communication device (i.e., operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM)), the third instruction message indicating that the first communication device or the first cell has been deactivated.

[0028] Optionally, the fourth communication device (i.e., OAM) sends a third indication message to the second communication device. Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the third indication message from the OAM, which indicates that the first communication device or the first cell has been deactivated. Thus, the OAM and / or NTN can detect that the first communication device has been deactivated, facilitating subsequent reactivation of the first communication device or the first cell.

[0029] The second aspect of this application provides a communication method applied to a third communication device of a network. For example, the third communication device may be a network device, a component for a network device (such as a chip, chip system, or circuit), or a logic module or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions of a network device, etc. The following description uses a third communication device as an example.

[0030] The first communication device is deployed in the TN, the first cell is the serving cell of the first communication device, and the second communication device is deployed in the NTN.

[0031] The third communication device determines whether the terminal equipment serving the first communication device of the TN or the first cell of the first communication device can access the second communication device. If the terminal equipment can access the second communication device of the NTN, the third communication device determines to deactivate the first communication device or the first cell.

[0032] The third communication device sends a second instruction message to the first communication device, which instructs the first communication device or the first cell to be deactivated. This reduces the energy consumption of the TN. Furthermore, deactivating the first communication device or the first cell reduces the number of communication devices or serving cells in the TN, thereby lowering maintenance costs.

[0033] Optionally, the first communication device is a RAN node (e.g., a terrestrial base station) in the TN, and the second communication device is a RAN node (e.g., a satellite base station) in the NTN.

[0034] Based on the second aspect, in one optional implementation, the second indication information includes the identifier of the first communication device and / or the identifier of the first cell.

[0035] Based on the second aspect, in an optional implementation, the third communication device may first obtain NTN coverage information and / or terminal device capability information. The aforementioned NTN coverage information refers to the service information of the NTN to which the geographical coverage area of ​​the first communication device belongs, indicating the communication devices (e.g., the second communication device) within that NTN that can provide collaborative services to the first communication device. The terminal device capability information indicates whether the terminal device supports the NTN, or in other words, whether the terminal device can access the NTN.

[0036] Next, the third communication device can determine whether the terminal device can access the second communication device based on NTN coverage information and / or terminal device capability information. If the third communication device determines that the terminal device can access the second communication device, then the third communication device determines to deactivate the first communication device or the first cell. Therefore, it can also be understood that the third communication device can determine whether to deactivate the first communication device or the first cell based on NTN coverage information and / or terminal device capability information.

[0037] For example, the third communication device can determine whether the terminal device can access the second communication device based on NTN coverage information. If the NTN coverage information indicates that the second communication device of the NTN can provide services to the geographical coverage area of ​​the first communication device, then the third communication device determines that the terminal device can access the second communication device. Therefore, the third communication device determines to deactivate the first communication device or the first cell.

[0038] For example, the first communication device can determine whether the terminal device can access the second communication device based on the terminal device's capability information. If the terminal device's capability information indicates that the number of terminal devices supporting NTN is greater than or equal to a first threshold, it means that most of the terminal devices served by the first communication device or the first cell can support NTN, and most terminal devices can access NTN services. Then, the third communication device determines that the terminal device can access the second communication device. Consequently, the third communication device determines to deactivate the first communication device or the first cell.

[0039] For example, the first communication device can determine whether the terminal device can access the second communication device based on NTN coverage information and terminal device capability information. If the NTN coverage information indicates that the second communication device of the NTN can provide services to the geographical coverage area of ​​the first communication device, and the terminal device capability information indicates that the number of terminal devices supporting the NTN is greater than or equal to a first threshold, then the first communication device determines that the terminal device can access the second communication device. If the third communication device determines that the terminal device can access the second communication device, then the third communication device determines to deactivate the first communication device or the first cell. For example, if the NTN coverage information indicates that the second communication device of the NTN can provide services to the geographical coverage area of ​​the first communication device, then the third communication device determines that the terminal device can access the second communication device. Therefore, the third communication device determines to deactivate the first communication device or the first cell.

[0040] Based on the second aspect, in an optional implementation, if the terminal device capability information indicates that the number of terminal devices supporting NTN is greater than or equal to a first threshold, it indicates that most of the terminal devices served by the first communication device or the first cell are capable of supporting NTN and can access NTN services. Therefore, the third communication device determines to deactivate the first communication device or the first cell.

[0041] A third aspect of this application provides a communication method applied to a second communication device of an NTN. For example, the second communication device may be a network device, or a component for a network device (such as a chip, chip system, or circuit), or a logic module or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions of a network device, etc. The following description uses a second communication device as an example.

[0042] The first communication device is deployed in the TN, the first cell is the serving cell of the first communication device, and the second communication device is deployed in the NTN.

[0043] The second communication device receives first instruction information, which instructs terminal devices accessing the first communication device or the first cell to switch to the second communication device. The first instruction information includes one or more of the following:

[0044] Identification of the first communication device;

[0045] The signage for the first residential area;

[0046] The first sub-information indicates the first handover type, which is a handover from TN to NTN, signifying that the terminal device is switching from accessing TN services to accessing NTN services. Optionally, this first handover type can be defined as a high-priority handover type through the protocol, allowing the network to prioritize executing this first handover type.

[0047] The second sub-information indicates the first handover reason, which may include TN power saving, TN communication device deactivation, TN cell deactivation, or TN radio resource deactivation. Optionally, this first handover reason can be defined as a high-priority handover reason through a protocol, allowing the network to prioritize handover operations triggered by the first handover reason.

[0048] The third sub-information is used to indicate the deactivation of a communication device or cell. Optionally, if the first indication information includes the third sub-information and the identifier of the first communication device, the third sub-information and the identifier of the first communication device may indicate a handover caused by the deactivation of the first communication device. Optionally, if the first indication information includes the third sub-information and the identifier of the first cell, the third sub-information and the identifier of the first cell may indicate a handover caused by the deactivation of the first cell.

[0049] The fourth aspect of this application provides a communication method applied to a fifth communication device of an NTN. For example, the fifth communication device may be a network device, or a component for a network device (such as a chip, chip system, or circuit), or a logic module or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions of a network device, etc. The following description uses a second communication device as an example.

[0050] The sixth communication device is deployed in the TN, the second cell is the serving cell of the sixth communication device, and the fifth communication device is deployed in the NTN.

[0051] The fifth communication device sends a fourth indication message to the terminal device, indicating that the TN communication device or TN cell within the first coverage area has been deactivated. The first coverage area is the geographical area covered by the signal and / or service of the fifth communication device.

[0052] Next, the fifth communication device receives a first access request from the terminal device, enabling the terminal device to access the fifth communication device. The fifth communication device then sends a fifth indication message based on the first access request. This fifth indication message is used to activate the sixth communication device or the second cell.

[0053] In this application, after the sixth communication device or the second cell is activated, it can provide services to the terminal device, thereby reducing the load on the NTN and reducing the resource consumption of the NTN.

[0054] Based on the fourth aspect, in an optional implementation, the fourth indication information includes the identifier of the sixth communication device and / or the identifier of the second cell, specifically used to indicate that the sixth communication device and / or the second cell has been deactivated. Thus, upon receiving the fourth indication information, the terminal device can determine that the sixth communication device and / or the second cell in the TN has been deactivated.

[0055] Based on the fourth aspect, in an optional implementation, the first access request is used to request services from the TN. Optionally, where the fourth indication information is specifically used to indicate that the sixth communication device and / or the second cell has been deactivated, the first access request may include the identifier of the sixth communication device and / or the identifier of the second cell, indicating that the first access request is used to request services from the sixth communication device and / or the second cell.

[0056] Based on the fourth aspect, in an optional implementation, the first access request includes the identifier of the sixth communication device and / or the identifier of the second cell.

[0057] The fifth aspect of this application provides a communication method. This method can be applied to a terminal device, or it can be a component applied to a terminal device (such as a chip or circuit, which may be a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core, etc.), or it may be a logic module or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions of the terminal device, etc. The following explanation uses a terminal device as an example.

[0058] The sixth communication device is deployed in the TN, the second cell is the serving cell of the sixth communication device, and the fifth communication device is deployed in the NTN.

[0059] The terminal device receives a fourth indication message from the NTN, which indicates that the TN communication device or TN cell in the first coverage area has been deactivated.

[0060] The terminal device sends a first access request to the TN according to the fourth instruction information. The first access request is used to request the activation of the TN's sixth communication device or the second cell of the sixth communication device.

[0061] In this application, after the sixth communication device or the second cell is activated, it can provide services to the terminal device, thereby reducing the load on the NTN and reducing the resource consumption of the NTN.

[0062] Based on the fifth aspect, in an optional implementation, the fourth indication information includes the identifier of the sixth communication device and / or the identifier of the second cell, specifically used to indicate that the sixth communication device and / or the second cell has been deactivated. Thus, upon receiving the fourth indication information, the terminal device can determine that the sixth communication device and / or the second cell in the TN has been deactivated.

[0063] Based on the fifth aspect, in an optional implementation, the first access request is specifically used to request the services of the TN. Optionally, if the fourth indication information is specifically used to indicate that the sixth communication device and / or the second cell has been deactivated, the first access request may include the identifier of the sixth communication device and / or the identifier of the second cell, indicating that the first access request is used to request the services of the sixth communication device and / or the second cell.

[0064] Based on the fifth aspect, in an optional implementation, the first access request includes the identifier of the sixth communication device and / or the identifier of the second cell.

[0065] The sixth aspect of this application provides a communication method applied to a fifth communication device of an NTN. For example, the fifth communication device may be a network device, or a component for a network device (such as a chip, chip system, or circuit), or a logic module or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions of a network device, etc. The following description uses a second communication device as an example.

[0066] The sixth communication device is deployed in the TN, the second cell is the serving cell of the sixth communication device, and the fifth communication device is deployed in the NTN.

[0067] If the load of the fifth communication device meets the second condition, the fifth communication device determines to activate the sixth communication device or the second cell.

[0068] In this application, after the sixth communication device or the second cell is activated, it can provide services to the terminal device, thereby reducing the load on the fifth communication device and reducing the resource consumption of the fifth communication device.

[0069] For example, the second condition could be that the number of terminal devices served by the fifth communication device is greater than the sixth threshold, or the second condition could be that the number of services executed by the fifth communication device is greater than the seventh threshold, or the second condition could be that the power consumption of the fifth communication device is higher than the eighth threshold, or the second condition could be that the resource consumption of the fifth communication device is higher than the ninth threshold. In other words, the fifth communication device is a high-load communication device. It should be understood that the above second condition is described exemplarily, and optionally, the second condition can also be implemented in other ways, which are not limited here.

[0070] Based on the sixth aspect, in an optional implementation, the fifth communication device sends a fifth instruction message to the sixth communication device of the TN or the seventh communication device of the CN, the fifth instruction message being used to activate the sixth communication device of the TN or the second cell of the sixth communication device.

[0071] Based on the sixth aspect, in an optional implementation, the fifth communication device sends a sixth indication message to the seventh communication device of the CN, the sixth indication message indicating that the load of the fifth communication device meets the second condition. Upon receiving the sixth indication message, the seventh communication device determines whether to activate the sixth communication device or the second cell.

[0072] A seventh aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one processor coupled to a memory; the memory is used to store a program or instructions; the at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to cause the device to implement the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first to sixth aspects. Optionally, the communication device may include the memory.

[0073] An eighth aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one logic circuit and an input / output interface; the logic circuit is configured to perform the method described in any of the possible implementations of the first to sixth aspects described above.

[0074] A ninth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, perform the method as described in any possible implementation of any of the first to sixth aspects described above.

[0075] The tenth aspect of this application provides a computer program product (or computer program) that, when executed by a processor, performs the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first to sixth aspects described above.

[0076] The eleventh aspect of this application provides a chip or chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the methods described in any possible implementation of any of the first to sixth aspects. For example, the chip may be a baseband chip, a modem chip, a SoC chip (such as an SoC chip containing a modem core), a SIP chip, or a communication module, etc.

[0077] In one possible design, the chip or chip system may further include a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. Optionally, the chip system may also include interface circuitry that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor.

[0078] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects seven through eleven can be found in the technical effects of the different design methods in aspects one through six above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0079] Figures 1a to 1d This is a schematic diagram of the satellite architecture;

[0080] Figure 2a and Figure 2b This is a schematic diagram of the terminal device switching process;

[0081] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a possible capability reporting process for terminal devices;

[0082] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of possible, non-limiting systems used in the communication methods and related devices described in this application;

[0083] Figures 6 to 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation of the communication method in this application;

[0084] Figure 10 and Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0085] The present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terminology used in the embodiments section is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, with technological advancements and the emergence of new scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0086] First, some of the nouns or terms used in this application will be explained, and these nouns or terms are also part of the content of the invention.

[0087] (1) The terms “system” and “network” in this application are used interchangeably. “Multiple” refers to two or more. “And / or” describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character “ / ” generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an “or” relationship. “At least one of the following” or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, “at least one of A, B and C” includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC. Unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” mentioned in this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority or importance of multiple objects. Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0088] (2) In this application, “sending information” can be understood as one device sending information to another device, or it can also be understood as one logical module within a device sending information to another logical module. For example, “terminal device sending information” can be understood as a terminal device sending information to another device (such as a network device), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the terminal device sending information to logical module 2 in the network device.

[0089] In this application, "receiving information" can be understood as one device receiving information from another device, or it can also be understood as a logical module within a device receiving information from another logical module. For example, "terminal device receiving information" can be understood as a terminal device receiving information from another device (such as a network device), or it can be understood as logical module 1 in the terminal device receiving information from logical module 2 in the network device.

[0090] In this application, "sending information to... (e.g., a network device)" or the relevant illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the destination of the information being a network device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to a network device. "Receiving information from... (e.g., a network device)" or "receiving information from... (e.g., a network device)" or "receiving information sent (e.g., by a network device)" or the relevant illustrations in the accompanying drawings can be understood as the source of the information being a network device. This can include receiving information directly or indirectly from a network device. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, encoding, modulation, etc., but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0091] (3) Configuration and Pre-configuration: Configuration and pre-configuration may be used in this application. Configuration refers to the network device or server sending configuration information or parameter values ​​to the terminal device via messages or signaling, so that the terminal device can determine communication parameters or resources for transmission based on these values ​​or information. Pre-configuration is similar to configuration; it can be parameter information or parameter values ​​pre-negotiated between the network device / server and the terminal device, parameter information or parameter values ​​specified by standard protocols for use by the base station / network device or terminal device, or parameter information or parameter values ​​pre-stored in the base station / server or terminal device. This application does not limit this.

[0092] It should be understood that these values ​​and parameters can change or be updated.

[0093] (4) In this application, “instruction” may include direct instruction and indirect instruction, and may also include explicit instruction and implicit instruction. When a certain instruction information is used to instruct A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly instructs A, or indirectly instructs A.

[0094] In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementations, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed; or it can indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon, for example, by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-predefined) arrangement of various information to indicate specific information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction. It is understood that for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to indicate the information to be instructed, and for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be instructed.

[0095] (5) Non-terrestrial network (NTN), also known as satellite network. Satellite networks have advantages such as wide coverage, long communication distance, high reliability, high flexibility, and high throughput. Satellite networks are less affected by geographical environment, climate conditions, and natural disasters, and have been widely used in aviation communications, maritime communications, military communications, and other fields. On the other hand, satellite networks can provide communication services to areas that are difficult for terrestrial networks to cover, such as oceans and forests, and can enhance communication reliability. For example, they can provide more stable and higher-quality communication services for trains, airplanes, and terminal equipment on these vehicles, and can also provide more data transmission resources and support a larger number of connections.

[0096] Generally speaking, the higher a satellite's orbit, the larger its coverage area, but the longer the communication latency. Satellite orbits can generally be categorized based on altitude as follows:

[0097] Satellites orbiting in low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), or geostationary orbit. LEO orbits typically have an altitude of 160–2000 km, MEO orbits have an altitude of 2000–35786 km, and geostationary orbits have an altitude of 35786 km. The relative position of a satellite in geostationary orbit to the Earth is not affected by the Earth's rotation.

[0098] The following section introduces the main radio access network (RAN) architectures based on NTN:

[0099] Architecture 1, Transparent Satellite Architecture: Please refer to Figure 1a , Figure 1aThis is a schematic diagram of a possible satellite architecture. Figure 1a In the illustrated scenario, the satellite's role is: wireless frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification. That is, the satellite primarily acts as an L1 relay, regenerating physical layer signals and does not involve any higher protocol layers. The satellite communicates wirelessly with the ground-based NTN gateway station. The gateway station is connected to the ground base station via a wired connection. In this architecture, the satellite can be understood as a remote radio unit (RF Unit) for the ground base station. The satellite simply provides basic physical signal coverage; however, this RF remote function requires the gateway station and the microwave link between the satellite and the gateway station to reach the satellite. During this process, no protocol layer processing or logical interfaces are established.

[0100] Architecture 2, a regenerable satellite with base station processing capabilities, but without inter-satellite links: see [link to architecture]. Figure 1b , Figure 1b This is a schematic diagram of another possible satellite architecture. Figure 1b In the illustrated scenario, the regenerating satellite acts as a base station, possessing all the protocol layer processing functions of a base station. The satellite base station transmits data back to the ground gateway station via microwave, and the gateway station connects to the core network via wired connection. The link between the satellite base station and the gateway station is called the satellite radio interface.

[0101] Architecture 3, a regenerating satellite with base station processing capabilities, and this regenerating satellite has inter-satellite links: see [link to architecture]. Figure 1c , Figure 1c This is a schematic diagram of another possible satellite architecture. Figure 1c In the illustrated scenario, the regenerated satellite also functions as a base station. The difference between architecture 3 and architecture 2 is that architecture 3 has an inter-satellite link (ISL), which allows the establishment of Xn interfaces between satellites. Furthermore, when the satellite is not visible to the ground gateway, it can transmit its data back to the ground via other satellites.

[0102] Architecture 4, regenerative satellite with distributed unit (DU) processing capabilities for base stations: Please refer to Figure 1d , Figure 1d This is a schematic diagram of another possible satellite architecture. Figure 1d In the illustrated scenario, the satellite acts as a gNB-DU, connected to the ground-based gNB-central unit (CU) via a ground gateway station.

[0103] Architecture 5, satellites with integrated access and backhaul (IAB) functionality: In Architecture 5, the satellite acts as an IAB node, similar to Architecture 4. However, the difference is that in addition to deploying a DU (Dedicated Unit), the satellites in Architecture 5 also deploy a mobile termination (MT) module. The MT uses the NR (Radio Interchange) air interface between the terrestrial base station and the satellite for backhaul, eliminating the need to establish a separate microwave backhaul link between the satellite and the gateway station.

[0104] (6) Handover of terminal equipment: Handover is a process in which a terminal equipment is in the RRC connected state (such as a mobile phone call state), which involves signaling interaction between the terminal equipment and the network side, including Xn handover and NG handover.

[0105] Xn handover: When a terminal device switches from one cell to another, if the target cell's gNB is cross-site, and the source serving base station gNB and the target gNB belong to the same access and mobility management function (AMF) region, and there is an Xn interface between the source serving base station gNB and the target gNB, then it is called Xn handover.

[0106] Please see Figure 2a , Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of a possible Xn handover process for a terminal device. For example... Figure 2a As shown, the Xn switching process includes steps 1 to 14.

[0107] Steps 1-4: The source gNB sends measurement control to the terminal device via an RRC Reconfiguration message. The RRC Reconfiguration message includes information such as the measurement object and measurement report configuration. The terminal device responds to the RRC Reconfiguration message and performs measurements according to the received measurement control message. After measuring and determining that the event conditions have been met, the terminal device reports a measurement report to the source base station (i.e., the source gNB). Upon receiving the measurement report, the source gNB determines the handover strategy and target cell based on the measurement results.

[0108] Step 5: The source gNB sends a handover request (i.e., HANDOVER REQUEST) to the target base station via the Xn link.

[0109] Steps 6-12: After receiving the handover request, the target base station (i.e., the target gNB) performs admission control, grants admission, allocates relevant transmission resources to the terminal equipment, and replies with a handover request confirmation message to the source gNB, allowing the handover. Subsequently, in step 9, the source gNB sends the terminal equipment's Packet Data Convergence Protocol Sequence Number (PDCP SN) to the target gNB; in step 8, the source gNB sends an RRCReconfiguration message to the terminal equipment, instructing the terminal equipment to perform a handover to the target cell; in steps 10-12, the terminal equipment and the target base station perform access signaling interaction to complete the air interface handover.

[0110] Step 13: After the terminal device completes the air interface handover, the target gNB notifies the AMF about the change in the terminal device's serving cell. The message carries information such as the target cell's identifier. Upon receiving this information, the AMF updates the UE's data plane address to the target gNB.

[0111] Step 14: The target gNB sends a UE CONTEXT RELEASE message to the source gNB to indicate the release of the context of the switched UE.

[0112] NG handover: When a terminal device switches from one cell to another, if the gNB of the target cell is cross-site and the source gNB and the target gNB do not belong to the same AMF Region, or if the source serving base station gNB and the target gNB belong to the same AMF Region but there is no Xn interface between the source serving base station gNB and the target gNB, then it is called NG handover.

[0113] Please see Figure 2b , Figure 2b This is a schematic diagram of a possible NG handover process for a terminal device. For example... Figure 2b As shown, the NG switching process includes steps 1 to 18.

[0114] Steps 1-4: The source gNB sends measurement control to the UE via RRCReconfiguration, including information such as the measurement object and measurement report configuration. The terminal device responds and performs measurements according to the received measurement control message. After measuring and determining that the event conditions have been met, the terminal device reports a measurement report to the source gNB. Upon receiving the measurement report, the source gNB determines the handover strategy and target cell based on the measurement results.

[0115] Step 5: The source gNodeB sends a HANDOVER REQUIRED to the AMF via the NG link to initiate a handover request. This message contains information such as the target gNB ID.

[0116] Step 6: The AMF sends a HANDOVER REQUEST to the target gNB where the specified target cell is located, initiating a handover request.

[0117] Steps 7-18: After receiving the handover request message, the target gNB performs admission control, allowing admission and allocating transmission resources to the UE. The network performs necessary information exchanges during the handover process, including UE air interface handover, UE access notification (step 16), and UE context release. See details for further information. Figure 2a The description in the text.

[0118] (7) Terminal equipment capabilities: The capabilities of terminal equipment include two parts: air interface capabilities (wireless capabilities) and network capabilities. The wireless capability information of terminal equipment mainly includes RAN-related capabilities, such as the standards supported by the terminal equipment, the frequency bands supported, and features.

[0119] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a possible capability reporting process for terminal devices. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the gNB receives and transmits the terminal device's capability information in step 2, and reports it to the core network in step 3. The core network can store the terminal device's capability information in step 4 without parsing it. When the gNB does not have the terminal device's capability information, it can query the core network. If the core network does not contain the terminal device's capability information, the gNB will send a UECapabilityEnquiry message in step 1 to query the terminal device's capabilities. Specifically, in scenarios such as initial access or handover, if the core network does not carry the terminal device's capabilities, it will trigger a query for the terminal device's capability information. That is, the base station sends a UECapabilityEnquiry message to the terminal device, instructing the terminal device to report its capability information. The terminal device receives the message and, based on the instruction, sends a UECapabilityInformation message to report its capability information.

[0120] Next, we will introduce the possible, non-limiting scenarios involved in this application.

[0121] With the evolution of wireless networks, the deployment density of terrestrial network (TN) base stations has increased exponentially. While dense networking increases network capacity, it also makes the energy consumption of base stations increasingly prominent, becoming a key bottleneck restricting the sustainable development of networks.

[0122] Therefore, how to save energy consumption of base stations is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0123] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a communication method and related apparatus for reducing the energy consumption of TN (Transmission Network). The communication method and related apparatus provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5th generation (5G) mobile communication systems, new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, future communication systems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems, industrial internet communication systems, or satellite communication systems. The wireless communication systems involved in this application also include, but are not limited to, narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems.

[0124] For example, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of one possible, non-limiting system used in the communication method and related apparatus of this application. Figure 4 As shown, the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. Optionally, the communication system 10 may also include an Internet 300. The RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., Figure 4 110a and 110b (collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal device (such as Figure 4 RAN 100, denoted as RAN 120a-120j, is collectively referred to as RAN 120. RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment. Figure 4 (Not shown in the image). Terminal device 120 is connected to RAN node 110 wirelessly. RAN node 110 is connected to core network 200 wirelessly or via wired connection. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 can be different physical devices, or they can be the same physical device integrating core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions. Terminal devices and RAN nodes can be interconnected via wired or wireless connections.

[0125] RAN 100 can be a cellular system related to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as a fourth-generation (4G) mobile communication system, a fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication system, or a future communication system. RAN 100 can also be an open access network (openRAN, O-RAN, or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. RAN 100 can also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0126] RAN node 110, sometimes also referred to as network device, access network device, RAN equipment, RAN entity, or access node, constitutes part of the communication system and is used to help terminal devices achieve wireless access. Multiple RAN nodes 110 in the communication system 10 can be of the same type or different types. In some scenarios, the roles of RAN node 110 and terminal device 120 are relative, for example... Figure 4 Network element 120i can be a helicopter or a drone, and it can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal devices 120j that access RAN 100 through network element 120i, network element 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, network element 120i is a terminal device. RAN node 110 and terminal device 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 4 Network elements 110a and 110b can be understood as communication devices with base station functions (such as satellite base stations), while network elements 120a-120j can be understood as communication devices with terminal equipment functions.

[0127] In one possible scenario, RAN node 110 can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. Optionally, RAN node 110 can also be a macro base station (such as...). Figure 4 110a), micro base stations or indoor stations (such as Figure 4 The RAN node 110 can be a relay node or donor node, or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, the RAN node 110 can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network device in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node 110 in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The RAN node 110 can also be equipped with communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The RAN node 110 can also be configured with program instructions for performing corresponding communication functions and corresponding program instructions. The RAN node 110 in this application can also be a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the RAN node 110.

[0128] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), CU-control plane (CPs), CU-user plane (UPs), or radio units (RUs), etc. CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0129] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0130] Terminal equipment can be any device or module that connects to the communication system shown above and has corresponding communication functions. Terminal equipment can also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), fixed wireless access (FWA), or customer premises equipment (CPE), etc. Terminal equipment includes wireless communication functions (providing voice / data connectivity to users). Examples include handheld devices with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle devices, and machine-type communication (MTC) terminals. Currently, terminal devices can include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving (e.g., drones, vehicles), wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes. For example, wireless terminals in self-driving can be drones, helicopters, or airplanes. For example, wireless terminals in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) can be in-vehicle equipment, vehicle-mounted equipment, in-vehicle modules, vehicles, or ships. Wireless terminals in industrial control can be cameras, robots, or robotic arms. Wireless terminals in smart homes can be televisions, air conditioners, robot vacuums, speakers, or set-top boxes. Terminal devices typically contain communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions, and they also contain program instructions for performing those functions.

[0131] Optionally, the communication method and related apparatus of this application can also be applied to open access networks (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN). Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another possible, non-limiting system used in the communication method and related apparatus of this application. Figure 5As shown, the communication system includes a RAN intelligent controller (RIC). The RIC includes a near-real-time (near-RT) RIC and a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC. The near-real-time RIC is used for model training and inference. For example, it is used to train an AI model and then use that AI model for inference. The near-real-time RIC can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from RAN nodes (e.g., CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and / or RU) and / or terminals. This information can be used as training data or inference data. Optionally, the near-real-time RIC can deliver the inference results to the RAN nodes and / or terminals. Optionally, inference results can be exchanged between CU and DU, and / or between DU and RU. For example, the near-real-time RIC delivers the inference results to the DU, and the DU sends them to the RU. This enables near-real-time intelligent management of the RAN. Through data collection and related operations on the E2 interface, near-real-time control and optimization of O-RAN modules and resources are achieved.

[0132] The non-real-time RIC is used for model training and inference. For example, it is used to train an AI model and then use that model for inference. The non-real-time RIC can obtain network-side and / or terminal-side information from RAN nodes (e.g., CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and / or RU) and / or terminals. This information can be used as training data or inference data, and the inference results can be delivered to RAN nodes and / or terminals. Optionally, inference results can be exchanged between CU and DU, and / or between DU and RU; for example, the non-real-time RIC delivers the inference results to the DU, which then forwards them to the RU.

[0133] The near real-time RIC and non-real-time RIC can also be set up as separate network elements. Optionally, the near real-time RIC and non-real-time RIC can also be part of other devices. For example, the near real-time RIC can be set in the RAN node (e.g., in CU, DU), while the non-real-time RIC can be set in the OAM, cloud server, core network device, or other network device.

[0134] O-RAN Central Unit (O-CU): Used to implement the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, and other control functions in the 3GPP standard.

[0135] O-RAN Central Unit Control Plane (O-CU-CP): Similar to the CU-CP in the NR system, it is used to implement the functions of the RRC layer and the control plane functions of the PDCP layer. It is part of the O-CU.

[0136] O-RAN Central Unit User Plane (O-CU-UP): Similar to the CU-UP in the NR system, it is used to implement the functions of the SDAP layer and the user plane functions of the PDCP layer. It is part of the O-CU.

[0137] O-RAN Distributed Unit (O-DU): Based on low-layer function partitioning, it is used to implement the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Media Access Control (MAC) layer, and Higher Physical Layer (Higher PHY) layer in the 3GPP standard. The Higher Physical Layer functions include one or more of the following: Forward Error Correction (FEC) encoding / decoding, scrambling / descrambling, or modulation / demodulation.

[0138] The O-RAN Radio Unit (O-RU) is based on low-layer function partitioning and is used to implement the lower physical layer (Lower PHY) functions and radio frequency (RF) functions in the 3GPP standard. The lower physical layer functions include one or more of the following: Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) / Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (iFFT) transformation, digital beamforming, or extraction and filtering of the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH). It is similar to the Transmission Reception Point (TRP) or Remote Radio Head (RRH) in 3GPP, but includes lower physical layer functions such as FFT / iFFT or PRACH extraction.

[0139] The communication method and related apparatus of this application will be further described below.

[0140] It should be understood that this application uses a communication device (such as a first communication device, a second communication device, or a third communication device) as an example to illustrate the method in this interactive illustration, but this application does not limit the execution subject of this interactive illustration. For example, the method executed by the terminal device in this application can also be implemented by a chip, baseband chip, modem chip, system-on-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, system-in-package (SIP) chip, communication module, chip system, processor, logic module, or software in the terminal device. In this application, when referring to a terminal device, it can refer to the terminal device itself, or to the chip, communication module, integrated circuit, processor, logic module, or software in the terminal device used to implement the communication method provided in this application, and this application does not make any specific limitation; similarly, the method executed by the communication device in this application can also be implemented by a chip, baseband chip, modem chip, SoC chip containing a modem core, SIP chip, communication module, chip system, processor, logic module, or software in the communication device. In this application, the term "communication device" may refer to the communication device itself, or to the chip, communication module, integrated circuit, processor, logic module, or software in the communication device used to implement the communication method provided in this application. This application does not make any specific limitation.

[0141] This application provides both a communication method for deactivating a TN communication device or a TN cell and a communication method for activating a TN communication device or a TN cell. The communication method for deactivating a TN communication device or a TN cell will be described below.

[0142] In this application, the first communication device is deployed in a terrestrial network (TN), the first cell is the serving cell of the first communication device, and the second communication device is deployed in a non-terrestrial network (NTN). Optionally, the first communication device is a RAN node (e.g., a terrestrial base station) in the TN, and the second communication device is a RAN node (e.g., a satellite base station) in the NTN.

[0143] The terminal device is connected to the first communication device, or the terminal device is connected to the first cell of the first communication device. In other words, the first communication device or the first cell of the first communication device provides services to the terminal device. The number of terminal devices served by the first communication device or the first cell can be one or more, and is not limited here.

[0144] In this application, when a terminal device serving a first communication device or a first cell can access a second communication device of the NTN, the first communication device deactivates the first communication device or the first cell. This reduces the energy consumption of the TN. Furthermore, deactivating the first communication device or the first cell reduces the number of communication devices or serving cells in the TN, thereby lowering maintenance costs.

[0145] The phrase "deactivate the first communication device or the first cell" mentioned above can be understood as an operation to suspend the service of the first communication device or the first cell, such as performing a hardware power-off and / or resource release on the first communication device or the first cell. Optionally, "deactivate" can be replaced with other descriptions, such as "shut down," "disconnect," or "hibernate," etc.

[0146] In one possible implementation, before the first communication device deactivates itself or the first cell, the first communication device first sends a first instruction message instructing the terminal device to switch to the second communication device. Thus, the second communication device can continue to provide service to the terminal device, maintaining service continuity.

[0147] In one possible implementation, the first instruction information includes one or more of the following:

[0148] Identification of the first communication device;

[0149] The signage for the first residential area;

[0150] The first sub-information indicates the first handover type, which is a handover from TN to NTN, signifying that the terminal device is switching from accessing TN services to accessing NTN services. Optionally, this first handover type can be defined as a high-priority handover type through the protocol, allowing the network to prioritize handovers of this type.

[0151] The second sub-information indicates the first handover reason, which may include TN power saving, TN communication device deactivation, TN cell deactivation, or TN radio resource deactivation. Optionally, this first handover reason can be defined as a high-priority handover reason through a protocol, allowing the network to prioritize handover operations triggered by the first handover reason.

[0152] The third sub-information is used to indicate the deactivation of a communication device or cell. Optionally, if the first indication information includes the third sub-information and the identifier of the first communication device, the third sub-information and the identifier of the first communication device may indicate a handover caused by the deactivation of the first communication device. Optionally, if the first indication information includes the third sub-information and the identifier of the first cell, the third sub-information and the identifier of the first cell may indicate a handover caused by the deactivation of the first cell.

[0153] In one possible implementation, the load of the first communication device or the first cell satisfies a first condition. In other words, when the loads of the first communication device and the first cell satisfy the first condition, the first communication device executes the communication method of this application. In this way, only communication devices or cells in the TN whose loads satisfy specific conditions can be deactivated, thereby reducing the number of deactivated communication devices or cells and mitigating the impact on TN services.

[0154] For example, the first condition may be that the number of terminal devices served by the first communication device or the first cell is less than a second threshold; or, the first condition may be that the number of services performed by the first communication device or the first cell is less than a third threshold; or, the first condition may be that the power consumption of the first communication device or the first cell is less than a fourth threshold; or, the first condition may be that the resource consumption of the first communication device or the first cell is less than a fifth threshold. In other words, the first communication device or the first cell is a lightly loaded communication device or a lightly loaded cell. It should be understood that the above first condition is described exemplarily, and optionally, the first condition may also be implemented in other ways, which are not limited here.

[0155] In this application, it can be determined in various ways whether the aforementioned terminal device can access the NTN's second communication device, which will be described below.

[0156] Implementation Method 1: The first communication device determines whether the terminal equipment serving the first communication device or the first cell can access the second communication device. Next, combined with... Figure 6 The flow of the communication method of the first implementation method in this application will be introduced.

[0157] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a possible communication method in this application. Figure 6 As shown, the communication method of this application includes, but is not limited to, steps 401 to 406.

[0158] 401. The first communication device determines whether the terminal device can access the second communication device.

[0159] For example, the first communication device can first obtain NTN coverage information and / or terminal device capability information. Therefore, the first communication device can determine whether the terminal device can access the second communication device based on the NTN coverage information; or, the first communication device can determine whether the terminal device can access the second communication device based on the terminal device capability information; or, the first communication device can determine whether the terminal device can access the second communication device based on both the NTN coverage information and the terminal device capability information. Here, the aforementioned NTN coverage information refers to the service information of the NTN to which the geographical coverage area of ​​the first communication device belongs, indicating the communication devices (e.g., the second communication device) within that NTN that can provide collaborative services to the first communication device. The terminal device capability information indicates whether the terminal device supports the NTN, or in other words, whether the terminal device can access the NTN.

[0160] In one possible implementation, during the process of the first communication device acquiring NTN coverage information... Figure 6 The illustrated communication method further includes step 400a: the fourth communication device sends NTN coverage information to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the NTN coverage information from the fourth communication device. For example, the fourth communication device is an operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) device.

[0161] After obtaining the NTN coverage information, the first communication device can determine whether the terminal device can access the second communication device based on the NTN coverage information. Optionally, if the NTN coverage information indicates that the second communication device of the NTN can provide services to the geographical coverage area of ​​the first communication device, the first communication device determines that the terminal device can access the second communication device. Therefore, the first communication device executes step 402.

[0162] In one possible implementation, during the process of the first communication device acquiring the capability information of the terminal device... Figure 6 The illustrated communication method further includes step 400b: the terminal device sends its capability information to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the terminal device's capability information. The process of step 400a is the same as described above. Figure 3 The corresponding step 2 is similar, that is, the capability information of the terminal device can be... Figure 3 The illustrated UECapabilityInformation message, or rather, the enhanced UECapabilityInformation message in this application, can also be used to indicate whether the terminal device supports NTN. Optionally, the first communication device sends a UECapabilityEnquiry command to the terminal device. After receiving the UECapabilityEnquiry command, the terminal device sends a UECapabilityInformation message to the first communication device. For example, the terminal device can assign the value "supported" to the nonTerrestrialNetwork-r17 information element in the UECapabilityInformation message, thereby indicating that the terminal device supports NTN.

[0163] After obtaining the capability information of the terminal device, the first communication device can determine whether the terminal device can access the second communication device based on the capability information. Optionally, if the capability information of the terminal device indicates that the number of terminal devices supporting NTN is greater than or equal to a first threshold, it means that most of the terminal devices served by the first communication device or the first cell can support NTN, and most terminal devices can access NTN services. Therefore, the first communication device determines that the terminal device can access the second communication device. Thus, the first communication device executes step 402.

[0164] On the other hand, as can be seen from the above, if the number of terminal devices that support NTN as indicated by the capability information is greater than or equal to the first threshold, there may be some terminal devices that do not support NTN. These terminal devices can be randomly connected to other communication devices or cells after the first communication device or the first cell is deactivated, so as to continue to access TN services.

[0165] Optionally, during the process of the first communication device determining whether a terminal device can access the second communication device based on NTN coverage information and terminal device capability information, if the NTN coverage information indicates that the second communication device of NTN can provide services to the geographical coverage area of ​​the first communication device, and the terminal device capability information indicates that the number of terminal devices supporting NTN is greater than or equal to a first threshold, then the first communication device determines that the terminal device can access the second communication device.

[0166] It should be understood that in this application, "greater than" can specifically mean "higher than", and "less than" can specifically mean "lower than". Furthermore, "less than" in the examples can be replaced with "less than or equal to", and "greater than" can be replaced with "greater than or equal to", and this application does not impose any specific limitations.

[0167] In step 401, if the first communication device determines that the terminal device can access the second communication device, then steps 402 to 404 are executed to complete the deactivation of the first communication device or the first cell.

[0168] 402. The first communication device sends the first instruction information.

[0169] The first instruction information is used to instruct the terminal device to switch to the second communication device. Thus, the second communication device can continue to provide services to the terminal device, maintaining service continuity.

[0170] In one possible implementation, the first communication device sends a first indication message to the second communication device, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the first indication message from the first communication device, i.e., the first communication device performs the Xn handover mode. For example, the first indication message may be a handover request sent by the TN base station to the satellite base station. After receiving the first indication message, the second communication device performs the Xn handover. Furthermore, the second communication device may forward the information carried in the first indication message (e.g., the aforementioned first sub-information, second sub-information, third sub-information, the identifier of the first communication device, and / or the identifier of the first cell) to the third communication device of the CN. For example, the information carried in the first indication message may be carried in a path switch request message in the existing HANDOVER procedure.

[0171] In one possible implementation, the first communication device sends a first indication message to the third communication device of the CN. Correspondingly, the third communication device receives the first indication message from the first communication device, indicating that the first communication device performs an NG handover. For example, the first indication message may be a handover request sent by the TN base station to the core network. After receiving the first indication message, the third communication device of the core network forwards it to the second communication device, thereby performing an NG handover.

[0172] In one possible implementation, Figure 6 The communication method shown also includes step 403: the terminal device completes the handover from TN to NTN.

[0173] In one possible implementation, Figure 6 The communication method shown also includes step 404: the first communication device deactivates the first communication device or the first cell.

[0174] Optionally, the timing relationship between steps 403 and 404 is not limited in this application. For example, step 403 can be executed first, and then step 404 can be executed; or step 404 can be executed first, and then step 403 can be executed; or steps 403 and 404 can be executed simultaneously.

[0175] In one possible implementation, Figure 6 The communication method shown also includes steps 405 and / or 406.

[0176] Step 405: The first communication device sends a third indication message to the fourth communication device (i.e., OAM), indicating that the first communication device or the first cell has been deactivated. Optionally, the third indication message includes the identifier of the first communication device and / or the identifier of the first cell.

[0177] Step 406: The fourth communication device (i.e., OAM) sends a third indication message to the second communication device, indicating that the first communication device or the first cell has been deactivated. Thus, OAM and / or NTN can detect that the first communication device has been deactivated, facilitating subsequent reactivation of the first communication device or the first cell.

[0178] Implementation Method Two: The third communication device of the CN determines whether the first communication device or the terminal equipment serving the first cell can access the second communication device. Next, in conjunction with... Figure 7 The flow of the communication method of the second implementation method in this application will be introduced.

[0179] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a possible communication method in this application. Figure 7 As shown, the communication method of this application includes, but is not limited to, steps 501 to 507.

[0180] 501. The third communication device determines whether the terminal device can access the second communication device.

[0181] If the third communication device determines that the terminal device can access the second communication device, the third communication device determines to deactivate the first communication device or the first cell.

[0182] Optionally, the third communication device of the CN can first obtain NTN coverage information and / or terminal device capability information. Therefore, the third communication device can determine whether the terminal device can access the second communication device based on the NTN coverage information and / or terminal device capability information; or, the third communication device can determine whether the terminal device can access the second communication device based on the terminal device capability information; or, the third communication device can determine whether the terminal device can access the second communication device based on the NTN coverage information and terminal device capability information. For details regarding the aforementioned NTN coverage information and terminal device capability information, please refer to the description in step 401 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0183] If the third communication device determines that the terminal device can access the second communication device, then the third communication device determines to deactivate the first communication device or the first cell. Therefore, it can also be understood that the third communication device can determine whether to deactivate the first communication device or the first cell based on NTN coverage information and / or the terminal device's capability information.

[0184] Optionally, during the process of the third communication device determining whether the terminal device can access the second communication device based on the NTN coverage information, if the NTN coverage information indicates that the second communication device of the NTN can provide services to the geographical coverage area of ​​the first communication device, then the third communication device determines that the terminal device can access the second communication device. Therefore, the third communication device determines to deactivate the first communication device or the first cell.

[0185] In one possible implementation, through Figure 6 As shown in steps 500a and 500b, the third communication device can acquire capability information.

[0186] Step 500a: The terminal device sends its capability information to the first communication device, and the first communication device receives the capability information of the terminal device accordingly. The process of step 400a is the same as described above. Figure 3 The corresponding step 2 is similar, that is, the capability information of the terminal device can be carried in Figure 3The UECapabilityInformation message is shown. Optionally, the first communication device sends a UECapabilityEnquiry command to the terminal device. After receiving the UECapabilityEnquiry command, the terminal device sends a UECapabilityInformation message to the first communication device. For example, the terminal device can assign the value "supported" to the nonTerrestrialNetwork-r17 information cell in the UECapabilityInformation message, thereby indicating that the terminal device can support NTN.

[0187] Step 500b: The first communication device sends the capability information of the terminal device to the third communication device, and correspondingly, the third communication device receives the capability information of the terminal device from the first communication device.

[0188] After receiving the capability information of the terminal device, the third communication device determines whether to activate the first communication device or the first cell based on the capability information of the terminal device. Optionally, if the capability information of the terminal device indicates that the number of terminal devices supporting NTN is greater than or equal to a first threshold, it means that most of the terminal devices served by the first communication device or the first cell can support NTN and most of the terminal devices can access NTN services. Then the third communication device determines that the terminal device can access the second communication device. Therefore, the third communication device determines whether to activate the first communication device or the first cell.

[0189] On the other hand, as can be seen from the above, if the number of terminal devices that support NTN as indicated by the capability information is greater than or equal to the first threshold, there may be some terminal devices that do not support NTN. These terminal devices can be randomly connected to other communication devices or cells after the first communication device or the first cell is deactivated, so as to continue to access TN services.

[0190] Optionally, during the process of the third communication device determining whether a terminal device can access the second communication device based on NTN coverage information and terminal device capability information, if the NTN coverage information indicates that the second communication device can provide services to the geographical coverage area of ​​the first communication device, and the terminal device capability information indicates that the number of terminal devices supporting NTN is greater than or equal to a first threshold, then the third communication device determines that the terminal device can access the second communication device. Therefore, the third communication device determines to deactivate the first communication device or the first cell.

[0191] 502. The third communication device sends a second instruction message to the first communication device.

[0192] Accordingly, the first communication device receives second instruction information from the third communication device of the CN. The second instruction information is used to instruct the first communication device or the first cell to be deactivated.

[0193] In one possible implementation, the second indication information includes the identifier of the first communication device and / or the identifier of the first cell.

[0194] 503. The first communication device sends the first instruction information.

[0195] After receiving the second instruction information, the first communication device determines that it needs to deactivate either the first communication device or the first cell. Next, before deactivating either the first communication device or the first cell, the first communication device sends a first instruction information to instruct the terminal device to switch to the second communication device. Thus, the second communication device can continue to provide service to the terminal device, maintaining service continuity.

[0196] 504. The terminal equipment completes the handover from TN to NTN.

[0197] 505. The first communication device deactivates the first communication device or the first cell.

[0198] In one possible implementation, Figure 7 The communication method shown also includes steps 506 and / or 507.

[0199] Step 506: The first communication device sends a third indication message to the fourth communication device (i.e., OAM), the third indication message indicating that the first communication device or the first cell has been deactivated.

[0200] Step 507: The fourth communication device (i.e., OAM) sends a third indication message to the second communication device, indicating that the first communication device or the first cell has been deactivated. Thus, OAM and / or NTN can detect that the first communication device has been deactivated, facilitating subsequent reactivation of the first communication device or the first cell.

[0201] Regarding the process of steps 503 to 507, it is the same as described above. Figure 6 Steps 402 to 406 are similar to those shown. Please refer to the description of steps 402 to 406 above for details. They will not be repeated here.

[0202] The following section describes the communication method for activating a TN communication device or a TN cell. In this application, the TN communication device or TN cell can be activated through various implementation methods, which will be described separately below.

[0203] Implementation method A: Please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of a possible communication method in this application. Figure 8 As shown, the communication method of this application includes, but is not limited to, steps 601 to 603.

[0204] 601. The fifth communication device sends the fourth instruction information to the terminal device.

[0205] In this application, the sixth communication device is deployed in the TN, the second cell is the serving cell of the sixth communication device, and the fifth communication device is deployed in the NTN, wherein the sixth communication device or the second cell is in a deactivated state. Optionally, the sixth communication device is a RAN node (e.g., a terrestrial base station) in the TN, and the fifth communication device is a RAN node (e.g., a satellite base station) in the NTN.

[0206] The fifth communication device sends a fourth indication message to the terminal device, indicating that the TN communication device or TN cell within the first coverage area has been deactivated. The first coverage area is the geographical area covered by the signal and / or service of the fifth communication device. Optionally, the terminal device is in an RRC idle state.

[0207] In one possible implementation, the fourth indication information includes the identifier of the sixth communication device and / or the identifier of the second cell, specifically indicating that the sixth communication device and / or the second cell has been deactivated. Thus, upon receiving the fourth indication information, the terminal device can determine that the sixth communication device and / or the second cell in the TN has been deactivated.

[0208] Optionally, the fourth indication information is carried in the broadcast message of the fifth communication device. For example, the fifth communication device carries the fourth indication information in the coverageAreInfoList cell of system information block (SIB) 25.

[0209] Optionally, the broadcast message also carries TN coverage information within the first coverage area. This TN coverage information is service information for TN communication devices or TN cells included in the geographical coverage area of ​​the fifth communication device. This service information indicates the communication devices (e.g., the sixth communication device) within the first coverage area that can provide services to the terminal device. Therefore, based on its own location information and the aforementioned TN coverage information, the terminal device determines whether it has entered the TN coverage area within the first coverage area. If so, the terminal device executes step 602.

[0210] The phrase "TN communication devices or TN cells within the first coverage area have been deactivated" can be understood as "some TN communication devices or some TN cells within the first coverage area have been deactivated," or it can be understood as "all TN communication devices or all TN cells within the first coverage area have been deactivated."

[0211] Optionally, before step 601, the sixth communication device... Figure 6 or Figure 7 The corresponding implementation deactivates the sixth communication device and... Figure 6 or Figure 7 In the corresponding embodiments, the first communication device is the same communication device; or, the second cell communicates via... Figure 6 or Figure 7 The corresponding implementation deactivates the sixth communication device and... Figure 6 or Figure 7 In the corresponding embodiments, the first communication device is the same communication device. Alternatively, the sixth communication device is the same as... Figure 6 or Figure 7 The first communication device in the corresponding embodiment can also be a different communication device.

[0212] On the other hand, the fifth communication device and Figure 6 or Figure 7 The second communication device in the corresponding embodiment may be the same communication device, or it may not be the same communication device.

[0213] 602. The terminal device sends a first access request to the fifth communication device.

[0214] After receiving the fourth indication information, the terminal device determines that a deactivated TN communication device or TN cell exists within the first coverage area. Next, the terminal device sends a first access request to the fifth communication device, which in turn receives the first access request from the terminal device, allowing the terminal device to access the fifth communication device. Optionally, this first access request is used to request TN services. For example, when the terminal device needs to access low-latency, high-speed, low-power, and / or low-cost services, TN can better meet the terminal device's needs; therefore, the terminal device can send a first access request to the fifth communication device to request TN services.

[0215] Optionally, if the fourth indication information is specifically used to indicate that the sixth communication device and / or the second cell has been deactivated, the first access request may include the identifier of the sixth communication device and / or the identifier of the second cell, indicating that the first access request is used to request the services of the sixth communication device and / or the second cell.

[0216] Optionally, the first access request can be an RRCSetupRequest message.

[0217] 603. The fifth communication device sends a fifth instruction message according to the first access request.

[0218] The fifth instruction information is used to activate the sixth communication device or the second cell. In this application, after the sixth communication device or the second cell is activated, it can provide services to the terminal equipment, thereby reducing the load on the NTN and reducing the resource consumption of the NTN.

[0219] Optionally, if the first access request is for requesting TN services, the fifth communication device sends a fifth indication message; if the first access request does not request TN services, the fifth communication device does not send a fifth indication message. Optionally, the fifth indication message includes the identifier of the sixth communication device and / or the identifier of the second cell.

[0220] In one possible implementation, the fifth communication device sends a fifth instruction message to the seventh communication device of the CN. Then, the seventh communication device of the CN sends an activation request to the sixth communication device, which is used to activate the sixth communication device or the second cell. Upon receiving the activation request, the sixth communication device or the second cell is activated.

[0221] In one possible implementation, the fifth communication device sends a fifth instruction message to the sixth communication device. Upon receiving the fifth instruction message, the sixth communication device activates either the sixth communication device or the second cell.

[0222] Understandably, in Figure 8 In this example, the fourth instruction information may not carry any identifiers of communication devices within the TN and / or cell identifiers. After the terminal device requests access to a communication device within the TN through step 602, the fifth communication device can determine which communication device / cell within the TN to activate. The communication device / cell within the TN to be activated may be the communication device / cell activated through the aforementioned embodiments, or it may be other communication devices / cells.

[0223] Implementation method B: Please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a possible communication method in this application. Figure 9 As shown, the communication method of this application includes, but is not limited to, steps 701 to 703.

[0224] 701. If the load of the fifth communication device meets the second condition, the fifth communication device determines to activate the sixth communication device or the second cell.

[0225] In this application, after the sixth communication device or the second cell is activated, it can provide services to the terminal device, thereby reducing the load on the fifth communication device and reducing the resource consumption of the fifth communication device.

[0226] For example, the second condition could be that the number of terminal devices served by the fifth communication device is greater than the sixth threshold, or the second condition could be that the number of services executed by the fifth communication device is greater than the seventh threshold, or the second condition could be that the power consumption of the fifth communication device is higher than the eighth threshold, or the second condition could be that the resource consumption of the fifth communication device is higher than the ninth threshold. In other words, the fifth communication device is a high-load communication device. It should be understood that the above second condition is described exemplarily, and optionally, the second condition can also be implemented in other ways, which are not limited here.

[0227] Optional, Figure 9 In a corresponding embodiment, after step 701, step 702 or step 703 can be executed.

[0228] 702. The fifth communication device sends a fifth instruction message to the sixth communication device of the TN or the seventh communication device of the CN, the fifth instruction message being used to activate the sixth communication device of the TN or the second cell of the sixth communication device.

[0229] Regarding the process of step 702, as described above... Figure 8 The steps shown in step 602 are similar; please refer to the description of step 602 above for details, which will not be repeated here.

[0230] 703. The fifth communication device sends a sixth indication message to the seventh communication device of the CN, indicating that the load of the fifth communication device meets the second condition. After receiving the sixth indication message, the seventh communication device determines whether to activate the sixth communication device or the second cell.

[0231] In one possible implementation, the seventh communication device of the CN can also periodically monitor the load of the fifth communication device. When the seventh communication device detects that the load of the fifth communication device has reached its limit, it can send an activation command to the deactivated sixth communication device or the second cell.

[0232] Similarly, the communication device / cell within the TN to be activated as determined by the fifth communication device may be a communication device / cell to be activated through the aforementioned embodiments, or it may be other communication devices / cells.

[0233] Please see Figure 10 This application provides a communication device 800, which can realize the functions of the first communication device, third communication device, fifth communication device, or terminal device in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. Figure 10 As shown, the communication device 800 includes a processing unit 801 and a transceiver unit 802.

[0234] It should be noted that the transceiver unit 802 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, which are used to perform transmitting and receiving respectively.

[0235] In one possible implementation, when the device 800 is used to execute the method performed by the first communication device in the aforementioned embodiments, the processing unit 801 is used to activate the first communication device or the first cell if the terminal device serving the first communication device or the first cell of the first communication device can access the second communication device of the NTN. Optionally, the transceiver unit 802 is used to send first indication information, which is used to indicate switching the terminal device to the second communication device.

[0236] In one possible implementation, when the device 800 is used to execute the method performed by the third communication device in the aforementioned embodiments, the processing unit 801 is used to determine to deactivate the first communication device or the first cell when the first communication device of the TN or the terminal device serving the first cell of the first communication device can access the second communication device of the NTN; the transceiver unit 802 is used to send second indication information to the first communication device, the second indication information being used to indicate deactivation of the first communication device or the first cell.

[0237] In one possible implementation, when the device 800 is used to execute the method performed by the fifth communication device in the aforementioned embodiments, the transceiver unit 802 is used to send a fourth indication information to the terminal device, the fourth indication information indicating that the TN communication device or TN cell in the first coverage area has been deactivated; the transceiver unit 802 is also used to receive a first access request from the terminal device; the transceiver unit 802 is also used to send a fifth indication information according to the first access request, the fifth indication information being used to activate the sixth communication device of the TN or the second cell of the sixth communication device.

[0238] In one possible implementation, when the device 800 is used to execute the method performed by the terminal device in the foregoing embodiments, the transceiver unit 802 is used to receive fourth indication information from the NTN, the fourth indication information indicating that the TN communication device or TN cell in the first coverage area has been deactivated; the transceiver unit 802 is also used to send a first access request to the TN according to the fourth indication information, the first access request being used to activate the sixth communication device of the TN or the second cell of the sixth communication device.

[0239] It should be noted that the information execution process of the unit of the above-mentioned communication device 800 can be specifically described in the method embodiment shown above in this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0240] Please see Figure 11The above-described embodiment of the communication device is shown as a schematic diagram of the structure of the device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0241] It is understood that the communication device 900 includes, for example, modules, units, elements, circuits, or interfaces, which are appropriately configured together to execute the technical solutions provided in this application. The communication device 900 may be the terminal device described above, or a component (e.g., a chip) within these devices, used to implement the methods described in the following method embodiments. The communication device 900 includes one or more processors 901. The processor 901 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (e.g., a RAN node, terminal, or chip), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0242] Optionally, in one design, processor 901 may include program 903 (sometimes also referred to as code or instructions), which can be executed on processor 901 to cause communication device 900 to perform the methods described in the embodiments below. In yet another possible design, communication device 900 includes circuitry (…). Figure 11 (Not shown).

[0243] Optionally, the communication device 900 may include one or more memories 902 storing a program 904 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on the processor 901 to cause the communication device 900 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0244] Optionally, the processor 901 and / or memory 902 may include AI modules 907 and 908, which are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a radio intelligence control (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module may be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0245] Optionally, the processor 901 and / or memory 902 may also store data. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0246] Optionally, the communication device 900 may further include a transceiver 905 and / or an antenna 906. The processor 901, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device (e.g., a RAN node or terminal). The transceiver 905, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to implement the transmission and reception functions of the communication device via the antenna 906.

[0247] in, Figure 10 The processing unit 801 shown may be a processor 901. Figure 10 The transceiver unit 802 shown can be a communication interface, which can be... Figure 11 The transceiver 905 in the diagram may include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the transceiver 905 may also be a transceiver circuit, which may include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0248] This application also provides a chip device, including a processor, configured to call computer programs or computer instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the above-described... Figures 6 to 9 The method provided by any of the embodiments shown in the figures.

[0249] In one possible implementation, the input of the chip device corresponds to the above. Figures 6 to 9 The receiving operation in any of the embodiments shown in the figure corresponds to the above-described chip device output. Figures 6 to 9 The sending operation in any one of the embodiments shown in the example.

[0250] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0251] Optionally, the chip device may also include a memory that stores computer programs or computer instructions.

[0252] The processor mentioned above can be a general-purpose central processing unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more devices used to control the above. Figures 6 to 9 An integrated circuit that executes a program of the method provided in any of the embodiments shown in any of the preceding examples. The memory mentioned above may be read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, such as random access memory (RAM).

[0253] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0254] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to this application. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0255] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0256] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0257] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0258] It should be understood that the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings of the device embodiments provided in this application, the connection relationships between modules indicate that they have communication connections, which can be specifically implemented as one or more communication buses or signal lines.

[0259] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0260] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to it, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0261] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0262] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first communication device of a terrestrial network (TN), and the method includes: If the terminal device serving the first communication device or the first cell of the first communication device can access the second communication device of the non-terrestrial network NTN, the first communication device deactivates the first communication device or the first cell.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first communication device sends a first instruction message, which is used to instruct the terminal device to switch to the second communication device.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first indication information includes one or more of the following: The identifier of the first communication device; The signage for the first residential area; The first sub-information is used to indicate the first handover type, which is a handover type from TN to NTN; The second sub-information is used to indicate the first handover reason, which includes TN power saving, TN communication device deactivation, TN cell deactivation, or TN radio resource deactivation. The third sub-information is used to indicate the deactivation of a communication device or cell.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first communication device determines that the first communication device or the terminal device serving the first cell can access the second communication device.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first communication device determines that the first communication device or the terminal device serving the first cell can access the second communication device, including: The first communication device determines, based on NTN coverage information, that the first communication device or the terminal device serving the first cell can access the second communication device.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The first communication device determines that the first communication device or the terminal device serving the first cell can access the second communication device, including: The first communication device determines, based on the capability information of the terminal device, that the first communication device or the terminal device serving the first cell can access the second communication device, wherein the capability information indicates whether the terminal device supports NTN.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The load of the first communication device or the first cell satisfies the first condition.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first communication device receives a second indication information from the core network CN, the second indication information being used to instruct the first communication device or the first cell to be deactivated.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second indication information includes the identifier of the first communication device and / or the identifier of the first cell.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first communication device sends a third indication message to the fourth communication device, the third indication message indicating that the first communication device or the first cell has been deactivated.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to the core network (CN), and the method includes: If a terminal device serving a first communication device of a terrestrial network TN or a first cell of the first communication device is able to access a second communication device of a non-terrestrial network NTN, it is determined to deactivate the first communication device or the first cell. Send a second instruction message to the first communication device, the second instruction message being used to instruct the first communication device or the first cell to be deactivated.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: It is determined that the first communication device or the terminal device serving the first cell can access the second communication device.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, Determining to deactivate the first communication device or the first cell includes: The third communication device determines whether to activate the first communication device or the first cell based on the capability information of the terminal device, wherein the capability information indicates whether the terminal device supports NTN.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Determining to deactivate the first communication device or the first cell includes: If the capability information indicates that the number of terminal devices supporting NTN is greater than or equal to a first threshold, then the third communication device determines to deactivate the first communication device or the first cell.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that, The second indication information includes the identifier of the first communication device and / or the identifier of the first cell.

16. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), and the method includes: Send a fourth indication message to the terminal device, the fourth indication message indicating that the terrestrial network TN communication device or TN cell in the first coverage area has been deactivated; Receive a first access request from the terminal device; A fifth indication message is sent according to the first access request, the fifth indication message being used to activate the sixth communication device of the TN or the second cell of the sixth communication device.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The fourth indication information includes the identifier of the sixth communication device and / or the identifier of the second cell, and the fourth indication information is specifically used to indicate that the sixth communication device and / or the second cell has been deactivated.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The first access request is used to request the services of the TN.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that, The first access request includes the identifier of the sixth communication device and / or the identifier of the second cell.

20. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The terminal device receives a fourth indication message from a non-terrestrial network (NTN), which indicates that a terrestrial network (TN) communication device or TN cell within the first coverage area has been deactivated. The terminal device sends a first access request to the TN according to the fourth indication information. The first access request is used to request the activation of the sixth communication device of the TN or the second cell of the sixth communication device.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The fourth indication information includes the identifier of the sixth communication device and / or the identifier of the second cell, and the fourth indication information is specifically used to indicate that the sixth communication device and / or the second cell has been deactivated.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The first access request is specifically used to request the services of the TN.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that, The first access request includes the identifier of the sixth communication device and / or the identifier of the second cell.

24. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a fifth communication device in a non-terrestrial network (NTN), and the method includes: If the load of the fifth communication device meets the second condition, the fifth communication device determines to activate the sixth communication device of the terrestrial network TN or the second cell of the sixth communication device.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The method further includes: The fifth communication device sends a fifth instruction message, which is used to activate the sixth communication device or the second cell.

26. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The method further includes: The fifth communication device sends a sixth indication message to the seventh communication device of the core network CN. The sixth indication message indicates that the load of the fifth communication device meets the second condition. The sixth indication message is used by the seventh communication device to activate the sixth communication device or the second cell.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 26.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor, said at least one processor being used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 26.

29. The communication device according to claim 28, characterized in that, The communication device is a chip or chip system.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 26.

31. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a computer, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 26.

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