A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a communication method and device, the communication method comprises the following steps: a terminal device receives first information from a first network device, the first information comprises information of a mobile cell where the terminal device is located, the mobile cell is a cell covered in a mobile process of a second network device, and the second network device and the first network device use non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication; the terminal device judges whether to perform adjacent cell measurement according to the first information, the adjacent cell is a neighboring cell of the mobile cell. Therefore, for the terminal device in the mobile cell scenario, the information of the mobile cell where the terminal device is located is transmitted from the first network device, so that whether the terminal device needs to perform adjacent cell measurement and cell selection or reselection can be judged in time, the terminal device can obtain the paging of the wireless network in time and can initiate a call in time.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The original application has the application number 202210946157.8 and the original application date is August 8, 2022. The entire contents of the original application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent No. 202210915959.2, filed on August 1, 2022, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] Satellite networks are a hot research topic in the world today. Satellite communication technology has become increasingly mature. For example, non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) use radio frequency networks or network segments on satellites to achieve communication, which can provide a wider coverage area. However, as the satellite's orbit is higher and its coverage area is larger, the communication delay is also longer.

[0005] For non-geosynchronous orbit (NGSO) satellites, including those in low Earth orbit and medium Earth orbit, base stations can provide quasi-Earth-fixed cell (QEC) coverage or earth-moving cell (EMC) coverage. A QEC is the geographical area covered by a satellite-generated steerable beam, while an EMC is the geographical area covered by a satellite-generated fixed or non-steerable beam as the satellite moves.

[0006] In order to obtain continuous service from the wireless network, terminal devices need to perform cell reselection and handover between cells with different coverage areas. Typically, when the terminal device is in an idle or inactive state, it determines whether the signal quality of neighboring cells meets the cell reselection criteria based on the signal quality of the current cell and the system information of the network equipment, thereby determining whether to perform neighbor cell measurement and reselection.

[0007] Because the near-far efficiency of NTN cells is not obvious, that is, the signal difference between the cell center and the edge is relatively small, it is difficult to configure the threshold value for neighbor cell measurement. The terminal device has difficulty identifying the cell edge based on the cell signal strength and performing cell reselection when it reaches the cell edge. As a result, it cannot perform neighbor cell measurement in time, which may result in the terminal device not being stationed in any cell, missing paging, and the call initiated by the terminal device will also be delayed.

[0008] Therefore, for terminal devices in mobile cell scenarios, how to perform neighbor cell measurements in a timely manner is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This application provides a communication method that enables terminal devices in mobile cell scenarios to promptly determine whether neighbor cell measurement is needed by using information from a first network device, including the mobile cell where the terminal device is located, so that the terminal device can obtain continuous wireless network service.

[0010] Firstly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a terminal device, or by a component of the terminal device (such as a chip or circuit), without limitation. For ease of description, the following explanation will take execution by a terminal device as an example.

[0011] The method may include: a terminal device receiving first information from a first network device, the first information including information about the mobile cell in which the terminal device is located, the mobile cell being a cell covered by the second network device during its movement, and the second network device communicating with the first network device using a non-terrestrial network (NTN); the terminal device determining whether to perform neighbor cell measurement based on the first information, the neighbor cell being a cell adjacent to the mobile cell.

[0012] Based on the above scheme, for terminal devices in mobile cell scenarios, the information of the mobile cell where the terminal device is located can be sent from the first network device to determine in a timely manner whether neighbor cell measurement and cell selection or reselection are required, so that the terminal device can obtain the paging of the wireless network in a timely manner and can initiate a call in a timely manner.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information includes timestamp information and / or a first distance; wherein the timestamp information is used to indicate the time information of the reference point of the mobile cell, the reference point of the mobile cell is the location in the mobile cell, and the first distance is used to determine the relationship between the location of the terminal device and the coverage area of ​​the mobile cell.

[0014] Based on the above scheme, the first information sent by the first network device includes timestamp information for indicating the time information of the reference point of the mobile cell and a first distance for determining the relationship between the location of the terminal device and the coverage area of ​​the mobile cell, so that the terminal device can determine whether neighbor cell measurement is needed based on the above information.

[0015] Optionally, the timestamp information can also be used to indicate that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell, increasing the flexibility of the terminal device's method for determining whether it is in a mobile cell.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the timestamp information is used to indicate the start time of the reference point of the mobile cell, and the first information further includes at least one of the following: The first indication information, the reference point of the mobile cell, the validity period of the reference point of the mobile cell, and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device; wherein, the first indication information is used to indicate that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell, the validity period of the reference point of the mobile cell is used to indicate the time range during which the terminal device can use the reference point from the start time, and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device is used to determine the position of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0017] Based on the above scheme, the first information sent by the first network device also includes other information used by the terminal device to determine whether neighbor cell measurement is needed, which increases the flexibility and accuracy of the scheme for the terminal device to determine whether neighbor cell measurement is needed.

[0018] Optionally, the location relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device can also be used to indicate that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell, increasing the flexibility of the terminal device's method for determining whether it is in a mobile cell.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the timestamp information is any one of the following: the absolute time of the reference point of the mobile cell, the offset value of the start time of the ephemeris information of the second network device, and the start time of the downlink subframe corresponding to the system frame and subframe number in the first information; wherein, the ephemeris information of the second network device is used to indicate the location information of the second network device.

[0020] Based on the above scheme, the timestamp information can be the time information of various reference points used to indicate mobile cells, increasing the flexibility of the scheme.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the reference point of the mobile cell is the center position of the mobile cell at a certain moment.

[0022] Based on the above scheme, the reference point of the mobile cell can be the center position of the mobile cell at a certain moment, so that the terminal device can perform neighbor cell measurement more timely based on the center position of the mobile cell.

[0023] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device includes the distance relationship between the reference point of the mobile cell and the sub-satellite point of the second network device, as well as the angular relationship between the reference point of the mobile cell and the sub-satellite point of the second network device; or, the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device includes the angular relationship between the reference point of the mobile cell and the second network device, as well as the angular relationship between the origin of the coordinate system and the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0024] Based on the above scheme, the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device can be represented by various angular and distance relationships, increasing the flexibility of the positional relationship representation between the mobile cell and the second network device.

[0025] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the terminal device determines whether to perform neighbor cell measurement based on the first information, including: the terminal device determines that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell based on the first information; the terminal device determines a second distance; when the first information includes the first distance, the terminal device determines whether to perform neighbor cell measurement based on the first distance and the second distance; wherein, the second distance is the distance between the first location and the second location, the first location is the location of the terminal device at the first moment, and the second location is the location of the reference point of the mobile cell at the first moment.

[0026] Based on the above scheme, after the terminal device determines that the cell it is in is a mobile cell, it further determines whether to perform neighbor cell measurement based on the positional relationship between the location of the terminal device and the location of the reference point of the mobile cell, which increases the diversity of the scheme for determining whether to perform neighbor cell measurement.

[0027] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the terminal device determines the second distance by: the terminal device determining a first position; the terminal device determining a third position based on the ephemeris information of the second network device, wherein the third position is the position of the second network device at a first moment; the terminal device determining a second position based on the third position; and the terminal device determining a second distance based on the first position and the second position.

[0028] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the terminal device determines the second location based on the third location, including: when the first information includes the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device, the terminal device determines the second location based on the third location and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device; or, when the first information includes timestamp information but does not include the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device, the terminal device determines the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device based on the timestamp information, the location of the second network device at the current time, and the location of the reference point of the mobile cell; the terminal device determines the second location based on the third location and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device.

[0029] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the first information includes a first distance, the terminal device determines whether to perform neighbor cell measurement based on the first distance and the second distance, including: the terminal device determines the service termination time of the mobile cell based on the first distance and the second distance; the terminal device performs neighbor cell measurement before reaching the service termination time of the mobile cell.

[0030] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can determine the service termination time of the mobile cell according to the positional relationship between the terminal device's location and the location of the mobile cell's reference point, and the positional relationship between the terminal device's location and the first distance. Thus, it can determine when to perform neighbor cell measurement based on the service termination time of the mobile cell, increasing the diversity of schemes for determining whether to perform neighbor cell measurement.

[0031] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the terminal device determines the service termination time of the mobile cell based on a first distance and a second distance, including: when the second distance is greater than the first distance, the terminal device determines the first time as the service termination time of the mobile cell.

[0032] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the second distance is less than the first distance, the method further includes: the terminal device determining a third distance, the third distance being the distance between the fourth position and the fifth position, the fourth position being the position of the terminal device at the second time, the fifth position being the position of the reference point of the mobile cell at the second time, and the first time being before the second time; when the third distance is greater than the first distance, the terminal device determining the second time as the time when the mobile cell stops service.

[0033] Based on the above scheme, when the second distance between the location of the terminal device and the location of the reference point of the mobile cell at the first moment is less than the first distance, the terminal device further determines the third distance between the location of the terminal device and the location of the reference point of the mobile cell at the second moment, and determines the time when the mobile cell stops service based on the third distance and the second distance, which increases the flexibility of the scheme for determining the time when the mobile cell stops service.

[0034] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the first information includes a first distance, the terminal device determines whether to perform neighbor cell measurement based on the first distance and the second distance, including: the terminal device determines whether it is at the edge of a mobile cell based on the first distance and the second distance; when the terminal device is at the edge of a mobile cell, the terminal device performs neighbor cell measurement.

[0035] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device determines whether to perform neighbor cell measurement by judging whether it is at the edge of a mobile cell, thereby increasing the flexibility of the scheme for determining whether to perform neighbor cell measurement.

[0036] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the terminal device determines whether it is at the edge of the mobile cell based on a first distance and a second distance, including: when the second distance is greater than the first distance, the terminal device determines that it is at the edge of the mobile cell at a first moment.

[0037] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the terminal device determines whether it is at the edge of the mobile cell based on a first distance and a second distance, including: when the second distance is less than the first distance, the terminal device does not perform neighbor cell measurement at the first moment; the terminal device determines a third distance, which is the distance between a fourth position and a fifth position, where the fourth position is the location of the terminal device at the second moment, the fifth position is the location of the reference point of the mobile cell at the second moment, and the first moment is before the second moment; when the third distance is greater than the first distance, the terminal device determines that it is at the edge of the mobile cell at the second moment.

[0038] Based on the above scheme, when the terminal device is at the edge of the mobile cell at the first moment, the terminal device further determines whether it is at the edge of the mobile cell at the second moment, which increases the flexibility of the scheme for determining whether the terminal device is at the edge of the mobile cell.

[0039] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the terminal device determines the third distance by: the terminal device determining a fourth position; the terminal device determining a sixth position based on the ephemeris information of the second network device, the sixth position being the position of the second network device at a second time; the terminal device determining a fifth position based on the sixth position; and the terminal device determining the third distance based on the fourth and fifth positions.

[0040] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the terminal device determines the fifth position based on the sixth position, including: when the first information includes the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device, the terminal device determines the fifth position based on the sixth position and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device; or, when the first information includes timestamp information but does not include the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device, the terminal device determines the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device based on the position of the second network device at the current time, the timestamp information, and the position of the reference point of the mobile cell; the terminal device determines the fifth position based on the sixth position and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device.

[0041] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the terminal device determines that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell based on the first information, including: when the first information includes timestamp information, the terminal device determines that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell based on the timestamp information; or, when the first information includes first indication information, the terminal device determines that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell based on the first indication information; or, when the first information includes the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device, the terminal device determines that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell based on the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device.

[0042] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can determine that it is in a mobile cell based on multiple pieces of information in the first information, which increases the flexibility of the scheme for the terminal device to determine that it is in a mobile cell.

[0043] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the terminal device obtaining updated ephemeris information of the second network device before the ephemeris information of the second network device expires; and the terminal device re-determining the second distance.

[0044] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device needs to update the ephemeris information of the second network device in a timely manner to ensure that it can promptly determine whether to perform neighbor cell measurements.

[0045] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the terminal device determining the validity period of the reference point of the mobile cell; and the terminal device updating the reference point of the mobile cell before the validity period of the reference point of the mobile cell expires.

[0046] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device needs to update the reference point of the mobile cell in a timely manner to ensure that it can promptly determine whether to perform neighbor cell measurement.

[0047] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the terminal device determines the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell by: when the first information includes the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell, the terminal device determines the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell; or, when the first information does not include the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell, the terminal device determines the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell based on the validity time of the ephemeris information of the second network device; or, when the first information does not include the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell, the terminal device determines the time when the terminal device is within the mobile cell as the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0048] Based on the above scheme, the terminal device can determine the effective time of the reference point of the mobile cell according to multiple pieces of information in the first information, which increases the flexibility of the terminal device in determining the effective time of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0049] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first network device, or by a component of the first network device (such as a chip or circuit), without limitation. For ease of description, the following explanation will take execution by the first network device as an example.

[0050] The method may include: a first network device determining first information, the first information including information about the mobile cell where the terminal device is located, the mobile cell being a cell covered by the second network device during its movement, the second network device and the first network device communicating using a non-terrestrial network (NTN); and the first network device sending the first information to the terminal device.

[0051] Based on the above scheme, the first network device can send the information of the mobile cell where the terminal device is located to the terminal device in the mobile cell scenario, so that the terminal device can promptly determine whether it needs to perform neighbor cell measurement and cell selection or reselection, so as to obtain the paging of the wireless network in a timely manner and initiate a call in a timely manner.

[0052] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first information includes timestamp information and / or a first distance; wherein, the timestamp information is used to indicate the time information of the reference point of the mobile cell, the reference point of the mobile cell is the location in the mobile cell, and the first distance is used to determine the relationship between the location of the terminal device and the coverage area of ​​the mobile cell.

[0053] Based on the above scheme, the first information sent by the first network device includes timestamp information for indicating the time information of the reference point of the mobile cell and a first distance for determining the relationship between the location of the terminal device and the coverage area of ​​the mobile cell, so that the terminal device can determine whether neighbor cell measurement is needed based on the above information.

[0054] Optionally, the timestamp information can also be used to indicate that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell, increasing the flexibility of the terminal device's method for determining whether it is in a mobile cell.

[0055] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the timestamp information is used to indicate the start time of the reference point of the mobile cell, and the first information also includes at least one of the following: The first indication information, the reference point of the mobile cell, the validity period of the reference point of the mobile cell, and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device; wherein, the first indication information is used to indicate that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell, the validity period of the reference point of the mobile cell is used to indicate the time range during which the terminal device can use the reference point from the start time, and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device is used to determine the position of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0056] Based on the above scheme, the first information sent by the first network device also includes other information used by the terminal device to determine whether neighbor cell measurement is needed, which increases the flexibility and accuracy of the scheme for the terminal device to determine whether neighbor cell measurement is needed.

[0057] Optionally, the location relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device can also be used to indicate that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell, increasing the flexibility of the terminal device's method for determining whether it is in a mobile cell.

[0058] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the timestamp information is any one of the following: the absolute time of the reference point of the mobile cell, the offset value of the start time of the ephemeris information of the second network device, and the start time of the downlink subframe corresponding to the system frame and subframe number in the first information; wherein, the ephemeris information of the second network device is used to indicate the location information of the second network device.

[0059] Based on the above scheme, the timestamp information can be the time information of various reference points used to indicate mobile cells, increasing the flexibility of the scheme.

[0060] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the reference point of the mobile cell is the center position of the mobile cell at a certain moment.

[0061] Based on the above scheme, the reference point of the mobile cell can be the center position of the mobile cell at a certain moment, so that the terminal device can perform neighbor cell measurement more timely based on the center position of the mobile cell.

[0062] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device includes the distance relationship between the reference point of the mobile cell and the sub-satellite point of the second network device, as well as the angular relationship between the reference point of the mobile cell and the sub-satellite point of the second network device; or, the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device includes the angular relationship between the reference point of the mobile cell and the second network device, as well as the angular relationship between the origin of the coordinate system and the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0063] Based on the above scheme, the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device can be represented by various angular and distance relationships, increasing the flexibility of the positional relationship representation between the mobile cell and the second network device.

[0064] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, including a unit for performing the method described in the first aspect above. The communication device may be a terminal device, or it may be a chip or circuit disposed in a terminal device. This application does not limit the scope of the communication device.

[0065] The communication device includes: The transceiver unit is used to receive first information from the first network device, the first information including information about the mobile cell where the terminal device is located, the mobile cell being the cell covered by the second network device during its movement, and the second network device and the first network device communicating using a non-terrestrial network (NTN); the processing unit is used to determine whether to perform neighbor cell measurement based on the first information, the neighbor cell being the adjacent cell of the mobile cell.

[0066] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the first information includes timestamp information and / or a first distance; wherein, the timestamp information is used to indicate the time information of the reference point of the mobile cell, the reference point of the mobile cell is the location in the mobile cell, and the first distance is used to determine the relationship between the location of the terminal device and the coverage area of ​​the mobile cell.

[0067] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the timestamp information is used to indicate the start time of the reference point of the mobile cell, and the first information also includes at least one of the following: The first indication information, the reference point of the mobile cell, the validity period of the reference point of the mobile cell, and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device; wherein, the first indication information is used to indicate that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell, the validity period of the reference point of the mobile cell is used to indicate the time range during which the terminal device can use the reference point from the start time, and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device is used to determine the position of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0068] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the timestamp information is any one of the following: the absolute time of the reference point of the mobile cell, the offset value of the start time of the ephemeris information of the second network device, and the start time of the downlink subframe corresponding to the system frame and subframe number in the first information; wherein, the ephemeris information of the second network device is used to indicate the location information of the second network device.

[0069] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the reference point of the mobile cell is the center of the mobile cell.

[0070] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device includes the distance relationship between the reference point of the mobile cell and the sub-satellite point of the second network device, as well as the angular relationship between the reference point of the mobile cell and the sub-satellite point of the second network device; or, the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device includes the angular relationship between the reference point of the mobile cell and the second network device, as well as the angular relationship between the origin of the coordinate system and the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0071] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the processing unit is further configured to determine, based on the first information, that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell; the processing unit is further configured to determine the second distance; when the first information includes the first distance, the processing unit is further configured to determine, based on the first distance and the second distance, whether to perform neighbor cell measurement; wherein, the second distance is the distance between the first location and the second location, the first location is the location of the terminal device at the first moment, and the second location is the location of the reference point of the mobile cell at the first moment.

[0072] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the processing unit is further configured to determine a first position; the processing unit is further configured to determine a third position based on the ephemeris information of the second network device, the third position being the position of the second network device at a first moment; the terminal device determines a second position based on the third position; and the processing unit is further configured to determine a second distance based on the first position and the second position.

[0073] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, when the first information includes the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device, the processing unit is further configured to determine the second position based on the third position and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device; or, when the first information includes timestamp information but does not include the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device, the processing unit is further configured to determine the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device based on the timestamp information, the position of the second network device at the current time, and the position of the reference point of the mobile cell; the processing unit is further configured to determine the second position based on the third position and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device.

[0074] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the processing unit is further configured to determine the service termination time of the mobile cell based on the first distance and the second distance; the processing unit is further configured to perform neighbor cell measurements before the service termination time of the mobile cell is reached.

[0075] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, when the second distance is greater than the first distance, the processing unit is also used to determine the first moment as the service termination moment of the mobile cell.

[0076] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, when the second distance is less than the first distance, the processing unit is further configured to determine the third distance, which is the distance between the fourth position and the fifth position, where the fourth position is the location of the terminal device at the second time, the fifth position is the location of the reference point of the mobile cell at the second time, and the first time is before the second time; when the third distance is greater than the first distance, the processing unit is further configured to determine the second time as the time when the mobile cell stops service.

[0077] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, when the first information includes a first distance, the processing unit is further configured to determine whether the terminal device is at the edge of the mobile cell based on the first distance and the second distance; when the terminal device is at the edge of the mobile cell, the processing unit is further configured to perform neighbor cell measurement.

[0078] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, when the second distance is greater than the first distance, the processing unit is also used to determine that the terminal device is at the edge of the mobile cell at the first moment.

[0079] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, when the second distance is less than the first distance, the processing unit is further configured to not perform neighbor cell measurement at the first moment; the processing unit is further configured to determine the third distance, which is the distance between the fourth position and the fifth position, where the fourth position is the location of the terminal device at the second moment, the fifth position is the location of the reference point of the mobile cell at the second moment, and the first moment is before the second moment; when the third distance is greater than the first distance, the processing unit is further configured to determine that the terminal device is at the edge of the mobile cell at the second moment.

[0080] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the processing unit is further configured to determine a fourth position; the processing unit is further configured to determine a sixth position based on the ephemeris information of the second network device, the sixth position being the position of the second network device at a second time; the terminal device determines a fifth position based on the sixth position; and the processing unit is further configured to determine a third distance based on the fourth and fifth positions.

[0081] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, when the first information includes the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device, the processing unit is further configured to determine the fifth position based on the sixth position and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device; or, when the first information includes timestamp information but does not include the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device, the processing unit is further configured to determine the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device based on the position of the second network device at the current time, the timestamp information, and the position of the reference point of the mobile cell; the processing unit is further configured to determine the fifth position based on the sixth position and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device.

[0082] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, when the first information includes timestamp information, the processing unit is further configured to determine that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell based on the timestamp information; or, when the first information includes first indication information, the processing unit is further configured to determine that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell based on the first indication information; or, when the first information includes the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device, the processing unit is further configured to determine that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell based on the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device.

[0083] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the processing unit is further configured to obtain updated ephemeris information of the second network device before the ephemeris information of the second network device expires; the processing unit is further configured to redetermine the second distance.

[0084] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the processing unit is also used to determine the validity period of the reference point of the mobile cell; before the validity period of the reference point of the mobile cell expires, the processing unit is also used to update the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0085] In conjunction with the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, when the first information includes the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell, the processing unit is further configured to determine the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell; or, when the first information does not include the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell, the processing unit is further configured to determine the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell based on the validity time of the ephemeris information of the second network device; or, when the first information does not include the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell, the processing unit is further configured to determine the time when the terminal device is in the mobile cell as the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0086] The explanation and beneficial effects of the communication device provided in the third aspect can be found in the method described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0087] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, including a unit for performing the method described in the second aspect above. The communication device may be a first network device, or it may be a chip or circuit disposed in the first network device. This application does not limit the scope of the communication device.

[0088] The communication device includes: The processing unit is used to determine first information, which includes information about the mobile cell where the terminal device is located. The mobile cell is the cell covered by the second network device during its movement. The second network device and the first network device communicate using a non-terrestrial network (NTN). The transceiver unit is used to send the first information to the terminal device.

[0089] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information includes timestamp information and / or a first distance; wherein, the timestamp information is used to indicate the time information of the reference point of the mobile cell, the reference point of the mobile cell is the location in the mobile cell, and the first distance is used to determine the relationship between the location of the terminal device and the coverage area of ​​the mobile cell.

[0090] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the timestamp information is used to indicate the start time of the reference point of the mobile cell, and the first information also includes at least one of the following: The first indication information, the reference point of the mobile cell, the validity period of the reference point of the mobile cell, and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device; wherein, the first indication information is used to indicate that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell, the validity period of the reference point of the mobile cell is used to indicate the time range during which the terminal device can use the reference point from the start time, and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device is used to determine the position of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0091] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the timestamp information is any one of the following: the absolute time of the reference point of the mobile cell, the offset value of the start time of the ephemeris information of the second network device, and the start time of the downlink subframe corresponding to the system frame and subframe number in the first information; wherein, the ephemeris information of the second network device is used to indicate the location information of the second network device.

[0092] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the reference point of the mobile cell is the center of the mobile cell.

[0093] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device includes the distance relationship between the reference point of the mobile cell and the sub-satellite point of the second network device, as well as the angular relationship between the reference point of the mobile cell and the sub-satellite point of the second network device; or, the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device includes the angular relationship between the reference point of the mobile cell and the second network device, as well as the angular relationship between the origin of the coordinate system and the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0094] The explanation of the communication device provided in the fourth aspect and its beneficial effects can be found in the method described in the second aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0095] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a memory for storing a program; and at least one processor for executing the computer program or instructions stored in the memory to perform the methods described in the first or second aspects above.

[0096] In one implementation, the device is a terminal device.

[0097] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in a terminal device.

[0098] Sixthly, this application provides a processor for performing the methods provided in the above aspects.

[0099] Unless otherwise specified, or if it does not contradict its actual function or internal logic in the relevant description, the transmission and acquisition / reception operations involved in the processor can be understood as processor output and reception, input and other operations, or as transmission and reception operations performed by radio frequency circuits and antennas. This application does not limit them in this regard.

[0100] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores program code for execution by a device, the program code including methods for performing possible implementations of the first or second aspect described above.

[0101] Eighthly, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods of the first or second aspect described above.

[0102] Ninth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface, the processor reading instructions stored in a memory through the communication interface to execute the method of the possible implementation of the first or second aspect described above.

[0103] Optionally, as one implementation, the chip also includes a memory storing computer programs or instructions, and a processor for executing the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the processor is used to perform the methods of the possible implementations of the first or second aspect described above.

[0104] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising one or more of the terminal device and the first network device described above. Attached Figure Description

[0105] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0106] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0107] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a quasi-fixed cell is shown.

[0108] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a mobile cell is shown.

[0109] Figure 5 A schematic flowchart of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0110] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0111] Figure 7 This illustration shows another schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device in an embodiment of this application.

[0112] Figure 8 A schematic flowchart of a communication method 800 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0113] Figure 9 A schematic flowchart of a communication method 900 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0114] Figure 10 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0115] Figure 11 A schematic block diagram of another communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0116] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a chip system 1200 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0117] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0118] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, next-generation communication systems (e.g., fifth-generation (5G) communication systems), converged systems of multiple access systems, or evolved systems; the three major application scenarios of 5G mobile communication systems: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC); or new communication systems that will emerge in the future. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as sixth-generation mobile communication systems. This application does not limit these applications.

[0119] The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to machine-type communication (MTC), long-term evolution-machine (LTE-M) technology, device-to-device (D2D) networks, machine-to-machine (M2M) networks, Internet of Things (IoT) networks, or other networks. Among these, IoT networks may include, for example, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks. The communication methods in V2X systems are collectively referred to as vehicle-to-X (V2X), where X can represent anything. For example, V2X may include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, or vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, etc.

[0120] The network device in this application embodiment can also be called a radio access network (R)AN. The R)AN can manage radio resources, provide access services for user equipment, and complete the forwarding of user equipment data between the user equipment and the core network. The R)AN can also be understood as a base station in the network, which is a device deployed in the radio access network to provide wireless communication functions for mobile stations (MS).

[0121] For example, the access network device in this application embodiment can be any communication device with wireless transceiver function for communicating with user equipment. The access network equipment includes, but is not limited to: evolved NodeB (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home evolved NodeB (HeNB, or home Node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP), wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP), or transmission and reception point (TRP) in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. It can also be a gNB in ​​a 5G system, or a transmission point (TRP or TP), one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (DU). It is understood that all or part of the functions of the access network device in this application can also be implemented through software functions running on hardware, or through virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform).

[0122] In another network architecture, access network equipment may include centralized unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, or RAN equipment comprising both CU and DU nodes. This RAN equipment, including CU and DU nodes, separates the protocol layers of the gNB in ​​the NR system. Some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining partial or complete protocol layer functions are distributed across the DUs, which are then centrally controlled by the CU. The centralized unit (CU) can also be divided into a control plane (CU-CP) and a user plane (CU-UP). The CU-CP handles control plane functions, primarily including the RRC and the corresponding PDCP (PDCP-C). PDCP-C is mainly responsible for control plane data encryption / decryption, integrity protection, and data transmission. The CU-UP handles user plane functions, primarily including SDAP and the corresponding PDCP (PDCP-U). SDAP is mainly responsible for processing core network data and mapping flows to bearers. PDCP-U is mainly responsible for data plane encryption / decryption, integrity protection, header compression, sequence number maintenance, and data transmission. The CU-CP and CU-UP are connected via an E1 interface. CU-CP represents the gNB connecting to the core network via the NG interface. It connects to the DU via the F1 interface control plane (F1-C). CU-UP connects to the DU via the F1 interface user plane (F1-U). Alternatively, PDCP-C may also be located within CU-UP. RAN equipment is responsible for air interface-side radio resource management, Quality of Service (QoS) management, data compression, and encryption. AN equipment provides access services to terminal devices, thereby forwarding control signals and user data between the terminal devices and the core network.

[0123] The terminal device in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The terminals in the embodiments of this application may be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminals, augmented reality (AR) terminals, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminals in 5G networks, or terminals in future evolved networks, etc.

[0124] Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices; they achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly defined, wearable smart devices include those with comprehensive functions, large sizes, and the ability to perform complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses. They also include devices focused on a specific application function that require the use of other devices, such as smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0125] In this embodiment of the application, the communication device used to implement the function of the network device can be a network device, a network device with base station functions, or a device that can support the network device to implement the function, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the network device.

[0126] In practical network deployments, terrestrial networks cannot cover all areas, especially sparsely populated regions such as deserts, oceans, and the Arctic and Antarctic. Non-terrestrial network (NTN) networks offer wide coverage and are more likely to provide coverage in sparsely populated areas, making them suitable for deployment in such locations. This application's embodiments apply to NTN network communication, where NTN networks refer to networks or network segments that utilize onboard radio frequencies (UAS platforms). The following section uses a satellite communication system as an example, combined with… Figure 1 The network architecture applicable to embodiments of this application is described in detail. In a satellite communication system, network devices may include satellites.

[0127] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the network architecture applicable to embodiments of this application. The terrestrial mobile terminal (UE) accesses the network via a 5G New Radio interface. The 5G access network equipment is deployed on satellites and connected to the terrestrial core network via wireless links. Simultaneously, wireless links exist between satellites to facilitate signaling interaction and user data transmission between access network equipment. Figure 2 The network elements and their interfaces are described below: Terminal devices: Mobile devices that support 5G New Radio, such as mobile phones and tablets. They can access satellite networks via the air interface and initiate services such as making calls and accessing the internet.

[0128] 5G access network equipment: mainly provides wireless access services, allocates wireless resources to access terminals, and provides reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols, such as base stations.

[0129] 5G Core Network: Handles user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, billing, and other services. It consists of multiple functional units, which can be divided into control plane and data plane functional entities. The Access and Mobility Management Unit (AMF) is responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management. The User Plane Unit (UPF) is responsible for managing user plane data transmission, traffic statistics, and other functions.

[0130] Ground station: Responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between satellite access network equipment and 5G core network.

[0131] 5G New Radio: The wireless link between a terminal and access network equipment.

[0132] Xn interface: The interface between 5G access network devices and other access network devices, mainly used for signaling interactions such as handover.

[0133] NG interface: The interface between 5G access network equipment and 5G core network, mainly used for exchanging signaling such as NAS of the core network and user service data.

[0134] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of an architecture for a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the communication system may include at least one network device, such as Figure 1 The satellite equipment shown; the communication system may also include at least one terminal device, such as Figure 1 The terminal device shown. Network devices and terminal devices can communicate via a wireless link.

[0135] It should be understood that the network equipment in this wireless communication system can be any device with wireless transceiver capabilities. Such equipment includes, but is not limited to: Base Station Controller (BSC), Base Transceiver Station (BTS), etc., and can also be one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system, or it can also be a satellite, etc.

[0136] This should be understood. Figure 2 The diagram shows only one network device and one terminal device. As an example, this communication system is not limited to including more terminal devices. For example, in a satellite communication network, a satellite can cover multiple terminal devices for communication. Each terminal device is also not limited to communicating with only one network device. For example, if a satellite moves, the terminal device may need to reselect a satellite for access communication.

[0137] Understandable. Figure 2 This is merely an example and does not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application. The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application may also involve... Figure 2 The network elements or devices not shown in the diagram may also include, of course, the communication method provided in this application embodiment. Figure 2 Some of the network elements are shown.

[0138] It should be understood that the network architecture shown above is merely an illustrative example, and the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of this application is not limited thereto. Any network architecture capable of realizing the functions of the above-described network elements is applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0139] It should also be understood that the aforementioned network elements or functions can be divided into one or more services, and furthermore, services that exist independently of network functions may also exist. In this application, instances of the aforementioned functions, instances of services included in the aforementioned functions, or instances of services that exist independently of network functions can all be referred to as service instances.

[0140] It should also be understood that the above naming is defined solely for the purpose of distinguishing different functions and should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of using other naming conventions in 6G networks and other future networks.

[0141] It should also be understood that Figure 1 and Figure 2 The interface names between the various network elements are merely examples; in actual implementations, the interface names may differ, and this application does not impose any specific limitations on them. Furthermore, the names of the messages (or signaling) transmitted between the aforementioned network elements are also merely examples and do not constitute any limitation on the function of the messages themselves.

[0142] The following explanations or introductions of some technical terms or concepts used in this application are provided for ease of reading.

[0143] 1. Non-terrestrial networks (NTN): NTN refers to a network or network segment that uses radio frequency on satellites (unmanned aircraft systems, UAS). Satellite communication has advantages such as wide coverage, long communication distance, high reliability, high flexibility, and high throughput. Introducing satellites into 5th-Generation (5G) mobile networks can provide communication services to areas that are difficult to cover by terrestrial networks, such as oceans and forests. It can enhance the reliability of 5G communication, such as providing more stable and higher-quality communication services for users on trains, airplanes, and other means of transportation. It can also provide more data transmission resources and support a larger number of connections.

[0144] 2. Quasi-Earth Fixed Cell: Quasi-fixed cell, also known simply as quasi-fixed cell, refers to a beam that covers one geographic area for a limited time and a different geographic area for another time (e.g., the situation where a non-geosynchronous orbit (NGSO) satellite generates a steerable beam). Specifically... Figure 3 As shown, the steerable beam generated by satellite 1 covers geographic region 1 at times t1, t2 and t3, which can be called quasi-fixed cell.

[0145] 3. Earth Moving Cell: A moving cell, also known simply as a mobile cell, is a cell whose beam coverage area shifts across the Earth's surface as the satellite moves (e.g., when an NGSO satellite generates a fixed or non-steerable beam). Specifically... Figure 4 As shown, the fixed or non-steerable beam generated by satellite 1 covers geographic regions 1, 2, and 3 at times t1, t2, and t3, respectively. That is, geographic regions 1, 2, and 3 can all be called mobile cells.

[0146] 4. NTN-based NG-RAN architectures.

[0147] RAN architectures based on NTN include transparent satellite architecture, regenerative satellite without ISL and gNB processed payload, regenerative satellite with ISL and gNB processed payload, regenerative satellite with a regenerative satellite based on gNB-DU and gNB processed payload, and base station with IAB functionality (gNB processed payload based on relay-like architectures).

[0148] It should be noted that the specific description of the above-mentioned NTN-based RAN architecture can be found in the description of the prior art. To avoid redundancy, this application will not elaborate further.

[0149] It should be noted that the above-mentioned NTN-based RAN architectures are merely examples, and NTN-based RAN architectures may include other architectures with the same or similar characteristics, which this application does not limit.

[0150] It should be noted that the terms or technologies mentioned above are all existing technologies and are not restricted.

[0151] It is understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0152] The terminology used in this application has been briefly explained above, and will not be repeated in the following embodiments. The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments provided in this application can be applied to the above... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The network architecture shown is not limited.

[0153] Based on the above Figures 1 to 2In the architecture shown, when the terminal device is in a mobile cell scenario, it is difficult for the terminal device to identify the cell edge based on the cell signal strength and perform cell reselection when it reaches the cell edge, which results in the inability to perform neighbor cell measurement and reselection in a timely manner.

[0154] This application provides a communication method for terminal devices in mobile cell scenarios, which enables the terminal device to promptly determine whether neighbor cell measurement and cell selection or reselection are required, so that the terminal device can promptly obtain paging from the wireless network and initiate calls in a timely manner.

[0155] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. Method 500 may include the following steps.

[0156] S510, the first network device determines the first information.

[0157] The first piece of information includes information about the mobile cell where the terminal device is located.

[0158] Here, a mobile cell is a cell covered by the second network device during its movement. It should be understood that the geographical area covered by the fixed or non-steerable beam generated by the second network device is a mobile cell. For example, such as... Figure 4 As shown, satellite 1 is the second network device, and geographic area 1, geographic area 2 and geographic area 3 are the mobile cells covered by the second network device during its movement.

[0159] The second network device communicates with the first network device using NTN.

[0160] For example, the first network device may be a base station, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the methods that the first network device can implement, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the access network device functions, etc., which are not limited in this application.

[0161] For example, the second network device can be a satellite, drone, or high-altitude communication platform that communicates with the first network device using NTN; the second network device can also be the same as the first network device. For example, the second network device can also be a base station, or a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the access network device, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0162] For example, the first piece of information includes timestamp information and / or a first distance.

[0163] The timestamp information is used to indicate the time information of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0164] Optionally, the timestamp information can also be used to indicate that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell.

[0165] Optionally, the timestamp information can also be used to indicate the start time of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0166] The reference point of the mobile cell is its location within the mobile cell. For example, the reference point of the mobile cell can be the center of the mobile cell, and this application does not limit this.

[0167] Specifically, the timestamp information can be any of the following: The absolute time of the reference point of the mobile cell, the offset value of the start time of the ephemeris information of the second network device, and the start time of the downlink subframe corresponding to the system frame and subframe number in the first information.

[0168] The absolute time of the reference point of the mobile cell is the time when the reference point of the mobile cell is taken as the starting time of 00:00:00 on January 1, 1900.

[0169] The offset value of the start time of the ephemeris information of the second network device is used to indicate the time difference between the absolute time of the reference point of the mobile cell and the start time of the ephemeris information of the second network device.

[0170] It should be understood that this offset value can be zero, meaning that the start time of the ephemeris information of the second network device is the same as the start time of the ephemeris information of the second network device.

[0171] The ephemeris information of the second network device is used to indicate the location information of the second network device. For example, when the second network device is a satellite, the ephemeris information of the second network device is used to indicate the orbital position of the satellite, and this application does not limit this.

[0172] In the first information, the start time of the downlink subframe corresponding to the system frame and subframe number is used to indicate the time when the first information is sent.

[0173] Optionally, when the system frame and subframe number are defaulted, when the network device sends the first information via dedicated signaling, the start time of the downlink subframe corresponding to the system frame and subframe number of the first information is the time when the first information is sent.

[0174] Optionally, when the system frame and subframe number are defaulted, when the network device sends the first information via broadcast, the time corresponding to the system frame and subframe number of the first information is the time when the system message window for scheduling the first message ends.

[0175] The first distance is used to determine the relationship between the location of the terminal device and the coverage area of ​​the mobile cell.

[0176] Optionally, when the first distance is the radius of the mobile cell, the positional relationship between the terminal device and the mobile cell can be determined by the first distance and the location of the terminal device.

[0177] Optionally, when the first distance is a distance value smaller than the radius of the mobile cell, the positional relationship between the terminal device and the mobile cell can be determined by the first distance and the location of the terminal device.

[0178] Optionally, the first information may also include at least one of the following: The first instruction information, the reference point of the mobile cell, the validity period of the reference point of the mobile cell, the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device, and the system frame and subframe number.

[0179] The first indication information is used to indicate that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell.

[0180] The effective time of the reference point of the mobile cell is used to indicate the time range during which the terminal device can use the reference point, starting from the start time of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0181] For example, the starting time of the reference point of the mobile cell is 8:00 am, and the effective time of the reference point of the mobile cell is 10 minutes, that is, the effective time of the reference point of the mobile cell is 8:00 am to 8:10 am.

[0182] The location relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device is used to determine the location of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0183] Optionally, the timestamp information can also be used to indicate that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell.

[0184] In one possible implementation, the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device includes the distance relationship between the reference point of the mobile cell and the sub-satellite point of the second network device, as well as the angular relationship between the reference point of the mobile cell and the sub-satellite point of the second network device.

[0185] The nadir point of the second network device is the intersection of the line connecting the instantaneous position of the second network device and the center of the Earth with the Earth's surface. The nadir point of the second network device is expressed in geographical longitude and latitude. In other words, the ground point directly below the second network device is the nadir point.

[0186] For example, the locational relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device can be represented by (r, ) or (rsin rcos )express.

[0187] Where r represents the distance from the sub-satellite point of the second network device to the reference point of the mobile cell at a certain moment. This indicates the angular relationship between the sub-satellite point of the second network device and the reference point of the mobile cell at a certain moment, specifically as follows: Figure 6 As shown.

[0188] In one possible implementation, the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device includes the angular relationship between the reference point of the mobile cell and the second network device, as well as the angular relationship between the origin of the coordinate system and the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0189] For example, the locational relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device can be represented by (α, , )express.

[0190] Where α represents the angle information of the reference point of the second network device and the mobile cell at a certain moment. , This represents the angular relationship between the origin (geocenter) and the reference point of the mobile cell at a given moment. Specifically, as shown below... Figure 7 As shown.

[0191] It should be noted that the locational relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device described above is merely an example, and this application does not impose any limitations on it.

[0192] Wherein, the system frame and subframe number are the system frame and subframe number of the subframe corresponding to any given time, and this application does not impose any restrictions on them.

[0193] S520: The first network device sends the first information to the terminal device.

[0194] Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first information from the first network device.

[0195] In one possible implementation, the first network device sends the first information via a public message (e.g., a broadcast message).

[0196] In one possible implementation, the first network device sends the first information via a dedicated message (e.g., a paging message).

[0197] It should be noted that the method by which the first network device sends the first information to the terminal device is merely an example, and this application does not limit it.

[0198] S530: The terminal device determines whether to perform neighbor cell measurement based on the first information.

[0199] It should be understood that after receiving the first information from the first network device, the terminal device determines whether to perform neighbor cell measurement based on the first information.

[0200] Among them, the neighboring cell is the cell adjacent to the mobile cell.

[0201] Based on the above scheme, for terminal devices in mobile cell scenarios, the terminal device can promptly determine whether it needs to perform neighbor cell measurement and cell selection or reselection by using information from the first network device, including the mobile cell where the terminal device is located. This enables the terminal device to obtain paging from the wireless network in a timely manner and to initiate a call promptly.

[0202] Furthermore, the terminal device determines whether to perform neighbor cell measurement based on the first information, including S531-S534. S531-S534 will be described in detail below.

[0203] S531, the terminal device determines that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell based on the first information.

[0204] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes timestamp information, the terminal device determines the cell where the terminal device is located as a mobile cell based on the timestamp information.

[0205] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes first indication information, the terminal device determines that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell based on the first indication information.

[0206] In one possible implementation, the terminal device implicitly determines that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell based on other information in the first information (e.g., the location relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device).

[0207] It should be noted that the method by which the terminal device determines the cell where the terminal device is located as a mobile cell based on the first information is merely an example, and this application does not limit it.

[0208] S532, the terminal device determines the second distance.

[0209] It should be understood that after the terminal device determines that the current cell is a mobile cell, it further determines the distance between the terminal device and the reference point of the mobile cell in order to determine the positional relationship between the terminal device and the mobile cell.

[0210] Wherein, the second distance is the distance between the first position and the second position, the first position is the position of the terminal device at the first moment, and the second position is the position of the reference point of the mobile cell at the first moment.

[0211] The first moment can be any moment after the current moment, and this application does not limit this.

[0212] Specifically, the terminal device first determines the first position and the second position, and then determines the second distance based on the first position and the second position.

[0213] Optionally, in S533, the terminal device determines a second location.

[0214] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device, the terminal device determines the third position based on the ephemeris information of the second network device, and the terminal device determines the second position based on the third position and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device.

[0215] The third position is the position of the second network device at the first moment.

[0216] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes timestamp information but does not include the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device, the terminal device determines the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device based on the timestamp information, the position of the second network device at the current time, and the position of the reference point of the mobile cell, determines the third position based on the ephemeris information of the second network device, and further determines the second position based on the third position and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device.

[0217] It should be noted that the above-mentioned terminal device determines the third position based on the ephemeris information of the second network device. The method of determining the second position based on the third position is only an example and is not limited in this application.

[0218] Furthermore, after the terminal device determines the second distance, the terminal device determines whether to perform neighbor cell measurement. The method 300 may further include: S534, when the first information includes the first distance, the terminal device determines whether to perform neighbor cell measurement based on the first distance and the second distance.

[0219] In one possible implementation, the terminal device determines the service termination time of the mobile cell based on a first distance and a second distance, and performs neighbor cell measurements before the service termination time of the mobile cell is reached.

[0220] It should be understood that when the distance between the location of the terminal device and the location of the reference point of the mobile cell is greater than the first distance at a certain moment, that moment is determined to be the time when the mobile cell stops providing service. Then, the terminal device performs neighbor cell measurement before the time when the mobile cell stops providing service.

[0221] It should be understood that the time when a mobile cell stops providing services can be interpreted as when the terminal device is located outside the mobile cell, in which case the terminal device cannot receive messages sent by the mobile cell or obtain the services provided by the mobile cell.

[0222] For example, when the second distance is greater than the first distance, the terminal device determines the first moment as the moment when the mobile cell stops providing services.

[0223] For example, when the second distance is less than the first distance, the terminal device determines a third distance, which is the distance between the fourth and fifth positions, where the fourth position is the location of the terminal device at the second time, the fifth position is the location of the reference point of the mobile cell at the second time, and the first time is before the second time. When the third distance is greater than the first distance, the terminal device determines the second time as the time when the mobile cell stops providing service.

[0224] The second moment can be any moment after the first moment, and this application does not limit this.

[0225] In one possible implementation, the terminal device determines whether it is at the edge of a mobile cell based on a first distance and a second distance. When the terminal device is at the edge of a mobile cell, it performs neighbor cell measurement.

[0226] It should be understood that when the distance between the location of the terminal device and the location of the reference point of the mobile cell at a certain moment is greater than the first distance, it is determined that the terminal device is at the edge of the mobile cell at that moment, and the terminal device performs neighbor cell measurement.

[0227] For example, when the second distance is greater than the first distance, the terminal device determines that the terminal device is at the edge of the mobile cell at the first moment, and the terminal device performs neighbor cell measurement.

[0228] For example, when the second distance is less than the first distance, the terminal device does not perform neighbor cell measurement at the first moment. Further, the terminal device determines a third distance, which is the distance between a fourth position and a fifth position, where the fourth position is the location of the terminal device at the second moment, and the fifth position is the location of the reference point of the mobile cell at the second moment, with the first moment preceding the second moment. When the third distance is greater than the first distance, the terminal device determines that it is at the edge of the mobile cell at the second moment, and the terminal device performs neighbor cell measurement.

[0229] Furthermore, when the terminal device receives updated ephemeris information from the second network device, the terminal device needs to re-determine whether to perform neighbor cell measurement. The method 300 may further include: Optionally, in S540, when the ephemeris information of the second network device is updated, the terminal device re-determines whether to perform neighbor cell measurement.

[0230] Specifically, before the ephemeris information of the second network device expires, the terminal device obtains the updated ephemeris information of the second network device, and the terminal device re-determines whether to perform neighbor cell measurement, that is, re-executes S531-S534.

[0231] It should be noted that if the terminal device obtains the updated ephemeris information of the second network device within the effective time of the reference point of the mobile cell, the terminal device does not need to re-determine whether to perform neighbor cell measurement.

[0232] Furthermore, when the terminal device needs to update the reference point of the mobile cell before the validity period of the reference point expires, the method 300 may further include: Optionally, S550 is the reference point for updating the mobile cell for the terminal device.

[0233] Specifically, the terminal device determines the validity period of the reference point of the mobile cell, and updates the reference point of the mobile cell before the validity period of the reference point expires.

[0234] It should be noted that after the terminal device updates the reference point of the mobile cell, the terminal device needs to re-determine whether to perform neighbor cell measurement, that is, to re-execute S531-S534.

[0235] Specifically, the effective time for the terminal device to determine the reference point of the mobile cell can be achieved through the following methods: In one possible implementation, when the first information includes the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell, the terminal device determines the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell in the first information as the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0236] In one possible implementation, when the first information does not include the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell, the terminal device determines the validity time of the ephemeris information of the second network device as the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0237] In one possible implementation, when the first information does not include the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell, the terminal device determines the time when the terminal device is in the mobile cell as the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0238] It should be noted that the time a terminal device is in a mobile cell can be understood as the time before the terminal device leaves the mobile cell. That is, before the terminal device leaves the mobile cell, the reference point of the mobile cell is within the valid time of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0239] It should be noted that the method by which the terminal device determines the effective time of the reference point of the mobile cell is merely an example, and this application does not limit it.

[0240] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method 800 provided in an embodiment of this application. Method 800 may include the following steps.

[0241] S801, the first network device determines the first information.

[0242] The first piece of information includes information about the mobile cell where the terminal device is located.

[0243] Among them, the mobile cell is the cell covered by the second network device during its movement.

[0244] It should be noted that the process of S801 is similar to that of S510. To avoid redundancy, its detailed description is omitted here.

[0245] S802, the first network device sends the first information to the terminal device.

[0246] Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first information from the network device.

[0247] In one possible implementation, the first network device sends the first information via a public message (e.g., a broadcast message).

[0248] In one possible implementation, the first network device sends the first information via a dedicated message (e.g., a paging message).

[0249] It should be noted that the method by which the first network device sends the first information to the terminal device is merely an example, and this application does not limit it.

[0250] S803, the terminal device determines that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell based on the first information.

[0251] It should be understood that after receiving the first information, the terminal device determines that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell based on the first information.

[0252] It should be noted that the process of S803 is similar to that of S531. To avoid redundancy, its detailed description is omitted here.

[0253] Furthermore, after the terminal device determines that the current cell is a mobile cell, the distance between the terminal device and the reference point of the mobile cell at the first moment is further determined to judge the positional relationship between the terminal device and the mobile cell. The method 800 may further include: S804, the terminal device determines the first position and the second position.

[0254] The first position is the location of the terminal device at the first moment, and the second position is the location of the reference point of the mobile cell at the first moment.

[0255] The first moment can be any moment after the current moment, and this application does not limit this.

[0256] Specifically, the terminal device determines the second location in the following ways: In one possible implementation, when the first information includes the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device, the terminal device determines the third position based on the ephemeris information of the second network device, and the terminal device determines the second position based on the third position and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device.

[0257] The third position is the position of the second network device at the first moment.

[0258] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes timestamp information but does not include the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device, the terminal device determines the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device based on the timestamp information, the position of the second network device at the current time, and the position of the reference point of the mobile cell, determines the third position based on the ephemeris information of the second network device, and further determines the second position based on the third position and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device.

[0259] It should be noted that the method by which the terminal device determines the second location is merely an example, and this application does not limit it.

[0260] S805, the terminal device determines the second distance.

[0261] Furthermore, the terminal device determines the second distance based on the first and second positions.

[0262] The second distance is the distance between the first position and the second position.

[0263] Furthermore, after the terminal device determines the second distance, the terminal device determines the service termination time of the mobile cell based on the second distance. The method 800 may further include: S806, the terminal device determines the time when the mobile cell stops service based on the first distance and the second distance.

[0264] Specifically, when the first information includes a first distance, the terminal device determines the time when the mobile cell stops service based on the first distance and the second distance.

[0265] It should be understood that when the distance between the location of the terminal device and the location of the reference point of the mobile cell at a certain moment, i.e., the second distance, is greater than the first distance, that moment is determined to be the time when the mobile cell stops providing service. Then, the terminal device performs neighbor cell measurement before the time when the mobile cell stops providing service.

[0266] In one possible implementation, when the second distance is greater than the first distance, the terminal device determines the first moment as the time when the mobile cell stops providing service.

[0267] Optionally, when the second distance is less than the first distance, the terminal device further determines a third distance at the second time, and determines the service termination time of the mobile cell based on the third distance and the first distance. The method 800 may further include S807-S809: S807, the terminal device determines the fourth and fifth positions.

[0268] The fourth position is the location of the terminal device at the second time, and the fifth position is the location of the reference point of the mobile cell at the second time.

[0269] The second moment can be any moment after the first moment, and this application does not limit this.

[0270] Specifically, the terminal device determines the fifth location in the following ways: In one possible implementation, when the first information includes the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device, the terminal device determines the sixth position based on the ephemeris information of the second network device, and the terminal device determines the fifth position based on the sixth position and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device.

[0271] The fifth position is the position of the second network device at the second moment.

[0272] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes timestamp information but does not include the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device, the terminal device determines the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device based on the timestamp information, the position of the second network device at the current time, and the position of the reference point of the mobile cell, determines the sixth position based on the ephemeris information of the second network device, and further determines the fifth position based on the sixth position and the positional relationship between the mobile cell and the second network device.

[0273] It should be noted that the method by which the terminal device determines the fifth position is merely an example, and this application does not limit it.

[0274] It should be noted that the method by which the terminal device determines the fifth position can refer to the method by which the terminal device determines the second position in the aforementioned S804, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0275] S808, the terminal device determines the third distance.

[0276] Furthermore, the terminal device determines the third distance based on the fourth and fifth positions.

[0277] The third distance is the distance between the fourth and fifth positions.

[0278] S809, the terminal device determines the time when the mobile cell stops service based on the third distance and the first distance.

[0279] Specifically, when the third distance is greater than the first distance, the terminal device determines the second moment as the time when the mobile cell stops providing services.

[0280] S810, the effective time for the terminal device to determine the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0281] In one possible implementation, when the first information includes the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell, the terminal device determines the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell in the first information as the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0282] In one possible implementation, when the first information does not include the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell, the terminal device determines the validity time of the ephemeris information of the second network device as the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0283] In one possible implementation, when the first information does not include the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell, the terminal device determines the time when the terminal device is in the mobile cell as the validity time of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0284] It should be noted that the time a terminal device is in a mobile cell can be understood as the time before the terminal device leaves the mobile cell. That is, before the terminal device leaves the mobile cell, the reference point of the mobile cell is within the valid time of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0285] It should be noted that the method by which the terminal device determines the effective time of the reference point of the mobile cell is merely an example, and this application does not limit it.

[0286] Optionally, in step S811, the terminal device updates the reference point of the mobile cell before the expiration of the validity period of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0287] After the terminal device updates the reference point of the mobile cell, it re-determines the time when the mobile cell stops service, that is, it re-executes S804-S809.

[0288] Optionally, in step S812, when the ephemeris information of the second network device is updated, the terminal device re-determines the service termination time of the mobile cell.

[0289] Specifically, when the ephemeris information of the second network device is updated, the first network device sends the updated ephemeris information of the second network device to the terminal device through broadcast or other means. After receiving the updated ephemeris information of the second network device, the terminal device re-determines the service stop time of the mobile cell, that is, re-executes S804-S809.

[0290] It should be noted that if the terminal device obtains the updated ephemeris information of the second network device within the effective time of the mobile cell's reference point, the terminal device does not need to re-determine the mobile cell's service termination time.

[0291] S813, the terminal device performs neighbor cell measurement before the service stop time of the mobile cell.

[0292] Among them, the neighboring cell is the cell adjacent to the mobile cell.

[0293] Specifically, after the terminal device determines the service termination time of the mobile cell, it performs neighbor cell measurements before the service termination time of the mobile cell arrives.

[0294] It should be understood that the terminal device can perform neighbor cell measurements at any time before the mobile cell's service termination time.

[0295] It should be noted that the method for the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurement can refer to the existing technology, and its detailed description is omitted in this application.

[0296] Based on the above scheme, for terminal devices in mobile cell scenarios, the terminal device determines the service termination time of the mobile cell by using information from the first network device, including the mobile cell where the terminal device is located. Thus, before the service termination time of the mobile cell, the terminal device can perform neighbor cell measurement and cell selection or reselection in a timely manner, enabling the terminal device to obtain paging from the wireless network in a timely manner and to initiate a call in a timely manner.

[0297] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a communication method 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. Method 900 may include the following steps.

[0298] S901, the first network device determines the first information.

[0299] The first piece of information includes information about the mobile cell where the terminal device is located.

[0300] Among them, the mobile cell is the cell covered by the second network device during its movement.

[0301] It should be noted that the process of S901 is similar to that of S510. To avoid redundancy, its detailed description is omitted here.

[0302] S902, the first network device sends the first information to the terminal device.

[0303] Accordingly, the terminal device receives the first information from the network device.

[0304] In one possible implementation, the first network device sends the first information via a public message (e.g., a broadcast message).

[0305] In one possible implementation, the first network device sends the first information via a dedicated message (e.g., a paging message).

[0306] It should be noted that the method by which the first network device sends the first information to the terminal device is merely an example, and this application does not limit it.

[0307] S903, the terminal device determines that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell based on the first information.

[0308] It should be understood that after receiving the first information, the terminal device determines that the cell where the terminal device is located is a mobile cell based on the first information.

[0309] It should be noted that the process of S903 is similar to that of S531. To avoid redundancy, its detailed description is omitted here.

[0310] Furthermore, after the terminal device determines that the current cell is a mobile cell, the distance between the terminal device and the reference point of the mobile cell at the first moment is further determined to judge the positional relationship between the terminal device and the mobile cell. The method 900 may further include: S904, the terminal device determines the first position and the second position.

[0311] The first position is the location of the terminal device at the first moment, and the second position is the location of the reference point of the mobile cell at the first moment.

[0312] It should be noted that the process of S904 is similar to that of S804. To avoid redundancy, its detailed description is omitted here.

[0313] S905, the terminal device determines the second distance.

[0314] Furthermore, the terminal device determines the second distance based on the first and second positions.

[0315] The second distance is the distance between the first position and the second position.

[0316] Furthermore, after the terminal device determines the second distance, the terminal device determines the service termination time of the mobile cell based on the second distance. The method 900 may further include: S906, the terminal device determines whether it is at the edge of the mobile cell based on the first distance and the second distance.

[0317] Specifically, when the first information includes a first distance, the terminal device determines whether it is at the edge of the mobile cell based on the first distance and the second distance.

[0318] It should be understood that when the distance between the location of the terminal device and the location of the reference point of the mobile cell at a certain moment, i.e., the second distance, is greater than the first distance, the terminal device is determined to be at the edge of the mobile cell at that moment.

[0319] In one possible implementation, when the second distance is greater than the first distance, the terminal device determines that it is at the edge of the mobile cell at the first moment.

[0320] Optionally, when the second distance is less than the first distance, the terminal device further determines a third distance at a second time, and determines whether the terminal device is at the edge of the mobile cell based on the third distance and the first distance. This method 900 may further include S907-S909: S907, the terminal device determines the fourth and fifth positions.

[0321] The fourth position is the location of the terminal device at the second time, the fifth position is the location of the reference point of the mobile cell at the second time, and the first time is before the second time.

[0322] It should be noted that the process of S907 is similar to that of S808. To avoid redundancy, its detailed description is omitted here.

[0323] S908, the terminal device determines the third distance.

[0324] Furthermore, the terminal device determines the third distance based on the fourth and fifth positions.

[0325] The third distance is the distance between the fourth and fifth positions.

[0326] S909: The terminal device determines whether it is at the edge of the mobile cell based on the third distance and the first distance.

[0327] Specifically, when the third distance is greater than the first distance, the terminal device determines that it is at the edge of the mobile cell at the second moment.

[0328] S910, the effective time for the terminal device to determine the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0329] It should be noted that the process of S910 is similar to that of S810. To avoid redundancy, its detailed description is omitted here.

[0330] Optionally, in S911, the terminal device updates the reference point of the mobile cell before the expiration of the validity period of the reference point of the mobile cell.

[0331] After the terminal device updates the reference point of the mobile cell, it re-determines whether the terminal device is at the edge of the mobile cell, that is, it re-executes S904-S909.

[0332] Optionally, in S912, when the ephemeris information of the second network device is updated, the terminal device re-determines whether the terminal device is at the edge of the mobile cell.

[0333] Specifically, when the ephemeris information of the second network device is updated, the first network device sends the updated ephemeris information of the second network device to the terminal device through broadcast or other means. After receiving the updated ephemeris information of the second network device, the terminal device re-determines whether the terminal device is at the edge of the mobile cell, that is, it re-executes S904-S909.

[0334] It should be noted that if the terminal device obtains the updated ephemeris information of the second network device within the effective time of the reference point of the mobile cell, the terminal device does not need to re-determine whether the terminal device is at the edge of the mobile cell.

[0335] Optionally, in S913, the terminal device periodically determines whether it is at the edge of a mobile cell.

[0336] The periodic parameter information can be sent from the network device to the terminal device, and this application does not restrict this.

[0337] Specifically, after receiving periodic parameter information, the terminal device periodically determines whether it is at the edge of a mobile cell based on the periodic parameter information.

[0338] S914, when the terminal device is at the edge of a mobile cell, the terminal device performs neighbor cell measurement.

[0339] Among them, the neighboring cell is the cell adjacent to the mobile cell.

[0340] Specifically, after the terminal device determines that it is currently at the edge of a mobile cell, the terminal device performs neighbor cell measurements.

[0341] It should be noted that the method for the terminal device to perform neighbor cell measurement can refer to the existing technology, and its detailed description is omitted in this application.

[0342] Based on the above scheme, for terminal devices in mobile cell scenarios, the terminal device determines whether it is at the edge of the mobile cell by using information from the first network device, including the mobile cell where the terminal device is located. When it is at the edge of the mobile cell, the terminal device can perform neighbor cell measurement and cell selection or reselection in a timely manner, so as to obtain paging from the wireless network in a timely manner and initiate a call in a timely manner, avoiding paging failure.

[0343] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application... Figures 5 to 9 The examples provided are merely to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application by those skilled in the art, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the specific scenarios illustrated. Figures 5 to 9 The examples are obviously subject to various equivalent modifications or changes, and such modifications or changes also fall within the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0344] It is also understood that some optional features in the various embodiments of this application may not depend on other features in some scenarios, or may be combined with other features in some scenarios, without limitation.

[0345] It is also understood that the solutions in the various embodiments of this application can be used in reasonable combinations, and the explanations or descriptions of the various terms appearing in the embodiments can be referenced or explained to each other in the various embodiments, without limitation.

[0346] It should also be understood that the various numerical sequences in the embodiments of this application do not imply the order of execution, but are merely a distinction for the convenience of description, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0347] It is also understood that some message names, such as first information, are involved in the various embodiments of this application. It should be understood that their naming does not limit the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0348] It is also understood that, in the above method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by the terminal device can also be implemented by components of the terminal device (e.g., chips or circuits); furthermore, the methods and operations implemented by the first network device can also be implemented by components of the first network device (e.g., chips or circuits), without limitation. Corresponding to the methods given in the above method embodiments, this application also provides corresponding apparatuses, which include modules for executing the corresponding methods in the above method embodiments. These modules can be software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. It is understood that the technical features described in the above method embodiments are also applicable to the following apparatus embodiments.

[0349] It should be understood that the first network device and the terminal device can perform some or all of the steps in the above embodiments. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application can also perform other operations or variations of various operations. Furthermore, the steps can be performed in different orders as presented in the above embodiments, and it is not necessary to perform all the operations in the above embodiments.

[0350] The above combination Figures 5 to 9 The communication method provided in the embodiments of this application is described in detail below. Figures 10-12 This application provides a detailed description of the communication device provided in its embodiments. It should be understood that the descriptions of the device embodiments correspond to the descriptions of the method embodiments; therefore, any content not described in detail can be found in the above method embodiments. For brevity, some content is omitted hereafter.

[0351] Figure 10 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The device 1000 includes a transceiver unit 1010, which can be used to implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 1010 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0352] Optionally, the device 1000 may further include a processing unit 1020, which can be used for data processing.

[0353] Optionally, the device 1000 further includes a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 1020 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the device can perform the actions of different terminal devices in the foregoing method embodiments, such as the actions of a first network device or a terminal device.

[0354] The device 1000 can be used to perform the actions performed by the first network device or terminal device in the above method embodiments. In this case, the device 1000 can be the first network device or terminal device, or a component of the first network device or terminal device. The transceiver unit 1010 is used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the first network device or terminal device in the above method embodiments, and the processing unit 1020 is used to perform the processing-related operations of the first network device or terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0355] It should also be understood that the device 1000 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here can refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry, a processor (e.g., a shared processor, a proprietary processor, or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 1000 may specifically be the first network device or terminal device in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the first network device or terminal device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, these will not be described again here.

[0356] The apparatus 1000 of each of the above-described solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the first network device or terminal device in the above-described method; or, the apparatus 1000 of each of the above-described solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the first network device or terminal device in the above-described method. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-described functions; for example, the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transceiver (e.g., the sending unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as processing units, can be replaced by processors, respectively executing the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0357] In addition, the transceiver unit 1010 may also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit may be a processing circuit.

[0358] It should be pointed out that, Figure 10 The device mentioned can be the network element or equipment in the foregoing embodiments, or it can be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on a chip (SoC). The transceiver unit can be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processing unit is a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. No limitations are imposed here.

[0359] like Figure 11 As shown, this application embodiment provides another communication device 1100. The device 1100 includes a processor 1110, which is coupled to a memory 1120. The memory 1120 is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The processor 1110 is used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 1120, or to read the data stored in the memory 1120, in order to execute the methods in the above method embodiments.

[0360] Optionally, there may be one or more processors 1110.

[0361] Optionally, the memory 1120 may be one or more.

[0362] Alternatively, the memory 1120 can be integrated with the processor 1110, or it can be set separately.

[0363] Optionally, such as Figure 11 As shown, the device 1100 also includes a transceiver 1130, which is used for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, the processor 1110 is used to control the transceiver 1130 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0364] As one option, the device 1100 is used to implement the operations performed by the first network device or terminal device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0365] For example, processor 1110 is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in memory 1120 to implement the relevant operations of the first network device in the various method embodiments described above. For example, Figures 5 to 9 The first network device in any of the illustrated embodiments, or Figures 5 to 9 The method of the first network device in any of the illustrated embodiments.

[0366] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0367] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0368] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0369] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0370] like Figure 12 This application provides a chip system 1200. The chip system 1200 (or processing system) includes logic circuitry 1210 and an input / output interface 1220.

[0371] The logic circuit 1210 can be a processing circuit in the chip system 1200. The logic circuit 1210 can be coupled to a memory unit, calling instructions from the memory unit, enabling the chip system 1200 to implement the methods and functions of the embodiments of this application. The input / output interface 1220 can be an input / output circuit in the chip system 1200, outputting processed information from the chip system 1200, or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 1200 for processing.

[0372] As one option, the chip system 1200 is used to implement the operations performed by the first network device or terminal device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0373] For example, logic circuit 1210 is used to implement operations related to processing by the first network device in the above method embodiment, such as... Figures 5 to 9 The processing-related operations of the first network device in any of the illustrated embodiments; the input / output interface 1220 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations of the first network device in the above method embodiments, such as... Figures 5 to 9 The sending and / or receiving related operations performed by the first network device in any of the illustrated embodiments.

[0374] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by a first network device or a terminal device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0375] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, it enables the computer to implement the methods executed by the first network device or terminal device in the various embodiments of the above methods.

[0376] This application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by the first network device or terminal device in the above-described method embodiments.

[0377] The explanations and beneficial effects of the relevant contents in any of the devices provided above can be found in the corresponding method embodiments provided above, and will not be repeated here.

[0378] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus 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 mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of apparatus or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0379] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. Computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs). For example, the aforementioned available media include, but are not limited to, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks, and other media capable of storing program code.

[0380] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method applied to a terminal device or a component thereof, the terminal device being located in a first cell, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive first information from a first network device, the first information indicating a first moment, a first reference position and a first distance, the first reference position being the reference position of the first cell at the first moment; Based on the first information, the first cell is determined to be a first mobile earth cell, which is the cell covered by the second network device during its movement. Whether to perform neighbor cell measurement is determined based on the first distance and the second distance, wherein the neighbor cell is the adjacent cell of the first Earth moving cell; Wherein, the second distance is the distance between the first location and the second location, the first location is the location of the terminal device at the second moment, the second location is the reference location of the first Earth mobile cell at the second moment, and the second network device communicates with the first network device through a non-terrestrial network NTN.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining whether to perform neighbor cell measurement based on the first distance and the second distance includes: If the second distance is greater than the first distance, then neighbor cell measurement is performed.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Determining whether to perform neighbor cell measurement based on the first distance and the second distance includes: If the second distance is less than the first distance, no neighboring cell measurement is performed.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second distance is determined through the following steps: Determine the first position; A third location is determined based on the ephemeris information of the second network device, wherein the third location is the location of the second network device at the second time. The second position is determined based on the third position; The second distance is determined based on the first position and the second position.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Before the ephemeris information of the second network device expires, obtain the updated ephemeris information of the second network device; Redetermine the second distance.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determine the effective time; Before the expiration of the effective time, the second position is updated as the second moment changes.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-2 and 5-6, characterized in that, The first network device is a base station, and the second network device is a satellite.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The satellite in question is a non-geosynchronous orbit (NGSO) satellite.

9. A communication method applied to a first network device or a component of the first network device, characterized in that, The method includes: First information is determined, which indicates a first moment, a first reference position, and a first distance, wherein the first reference position is the reference position of the first cell at the first moment; Send the first information to the terminal device in the first cell; Wherein, the first information is used to indicate that the first cell is a first Earth mobile cell, the first Earth mobile cell is a cell covered by the second network device during its movement, the first distance is used by the terminal device to determine whether to perform neighbor cell measurement at a second time, the neighbor cell is a cell adjacent to the first Earth mobile cell, and the second network device communicates with the first network device through a non-terrestrial network NTN.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first network device is a base station, and the second network device is a satellite.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The satellite in question is a non-geosynchronous orbit (NGSO) satellite.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a module for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1-10, or a module for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 9-11.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, include: processor; A memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing computer instructions; When the computer instructions are executed by the processor, the method described in any one of claims 1-8 is executed or implemented, or the method described in any one of claims 9-11 is executed or implemented.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when the computer instructions are executed, enable or implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-8, or enable or implement the method as described in any one of claims 9-11.

15. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising computer instructions, characterized in that, When the computer instructions are executed, the method described in any one of claims 1-8 is performed or implemented, or the method described in any one of claims 9-11 is performed or implemented.

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