Communication Method, Device, Related Equipment, and Storage Medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a communication method, apparatus, satellite core network device, access network device, and storage medium. Among them, the method includes: a first satellite core network device receiving a first session establishment request transmitted from a first access network device, the first session establishment request being used to request to establish a session for a terminal and including at least an identifier of a first network slice; selecting a satellite serving the first network slice by using the location information and ephemeris information of the terminal; and establishing a session for the terminal by using the selected satellite.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202210502155.X, filed in China on May 9, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. The present disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular, to communication methods, apparatuses, related devices, and storage media.

Background Art

[0002] The satellite-ground integrated network has a new and complex application scenario and complex and diverse service characteristics. By implementing network slicing technology based on the integration of satellites and the ground, network resources can be efficiently organized as needed for various service characteristics, and differentiated services for different users and different service scenarios can be formed. Currently, research on this technology in the satellite-ground integrated network has just started.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In order to solve the problems in the related art, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, an apparatus, related devices, and a storage media.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure are realized as follows.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method applied to a first satellite core network device, the method comprising: receiving a first session establishment request sent from a first access network device, the first session establishment request being used to request to establish a session for a terminal and including at least an identifier of a first network slice; Selecting a satellite that serves the first network slice by using the location information and ephemeris information of the terminal; Establishing a session for the terminal by using the selected satellite.

[0006] In the above aspect, selecting a satellite that serves the first network slice by using the location information and ephemeris information of the terminal described above includes: Selecting a satellite that the terminal accesses within one time period according to the location information and ephemeris information of the terminal and that supports the first network slice.

[0007] In the above aspect, when the access time duration of the terminal exceeds the access time duration that can be provided by the selected satellite, reselecting a satellite that the terminal accesses within one time period according to the location information and ephemeris information of the terminal and that supports the first network slice.

[0008] In the above aspect, selecting a satellite that serves the first network slice described above includes: Determining a satellite user plane function (UPF) and / or a satellite service platform that serves the first network slice.

[0009] In the above aspect, between the network slice and the satellite, At least one of the following conditions is satisfied: one network slice is supported by a single bearer of one satellite; one network slice is supported by one satellite; one satellite supports one network slice; and a plurality of bearers of one satellite support a plurality of network slices. One network slice is supported by one satellite. One satellite supports one network slice. A plurality of bearers of one satellite support a plurality of network slices.

[0010] In the above aspect, the method includes Further comprising determining a satellite supported by the first network slice by using a first mapping relationship including a mapping relationship between a network slice and a satellite bearer, and / or a second mapping relationship including a mapping relationship between a network slice and a satellite.

[0011] In the above aspect, the method further comprises: Further synchronizing user information of the terminal with a terrestrial core network.

[0012] In the above aspect, the user information includes at least one of: location information of the terminal, subscribed network slice information, tracking area (TA) related information, related information of an access and mobility management function (AMF), and a network slice selection policy (NSSP).

[0013] In the above aspect, the method further comprises: receiving a first registration request sent from the first access network device, the first registration request being for requesting registration for the terminal; after the registration of the terminal is successful, returning registration related information including an identifier of the configured network slice and an identifier of a network slice available in the area where the terminal is located to the first access network device.

[0014] In the above aspect, the method further comprises: transmitting context information of the terminal to a second satellite core network device.

[0015] In the above aspect, transmitting the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device includes transmitting the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device via an interface with the second satellite core network device; transmitting the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device via the first access network device; and includes one of sequentially transmitting the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device via the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0016] Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication method applied to a first access network device. The method includes receiving a second session establishment request transmitted from a terminal, the second session establishment request being used to establish a session for the terminal and including at least an identifier of a first network slice; selecting a first satellite core network device at least according to the location information of the terminal and the identifier of the first network slice; and transmitting a first session establishment request to the first satellite core network device, the first session establishment request being used to request to establish a session for the terminal and including at least an identifier of the first network slice.

[0017] In the above aspect, the method includes receiving a second registration request transmitted from the terminal, the second registration request being used to request registration for the terminal; selecting the first satellite core network device for the terminal; and transmitting a first registration request to the first satellite core network device to request registration for the terminal. Receiving registration-related information returned from the first access network device, the registration-related information including an identifier of a configured network slice and an identifier of a network slice available in the area where the terminal is located; Further including selecting the first satellite core network device by using at least an identifier of a network slice available in the area where the terminal is located, location information of the terminal, and an identifier of the first network slice.

[0018] Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device provided in a first satellite core network device, the device including: A first receiving unit configured to receive a first session establishment request transmitted from a first access network device, the first session establishment request being used to request to establish a session for a terminal and including at least an identifier of a first network slice; A first processing unit configured to select a satellite serving the first network slice by using the location information and ephemeris information of the terminal, and to establish a session for the terminal by using the selected satellite.

[0019] Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device provided in a first access network device, the device including: A second receiving unit configured to receive a second session establishment request transmitted from a terminal, the second session establishment request being used to request to establish a session for the terminal and including at least an identifier of a first network slice; A second processing unit configured to select a first satellite core network device according to at least the location information of the terminal and the identifier of the first network slice, and to transmit a first session establishment request to the first satellite core network device, the first session establishment request being used to request to establish a session for the terminal and including at least an identifier of the first network slice.

[0020] Examples of the present disclosure are satellite core network devices, a first communication interface for receiving a first session establishment request transmitted from a first access network device, the first session establishment request being used to request to establish a session for a terminal and including at least an identifier of a first network slice, and further providing a satellite core network device including a first processor that selects a satellite serving the first network slice by using the position information and ephemeris information of the terminal, and establishes a session for the terminal by using the selected satellite.

[0021] Examples of the present disclosure are access network devices, a second communication interface for receiving a second session establishment request transmitted from a terminal, the second session establishment request being used to establish a session for the terminal and including at least an identifier of a first network slice, and transmitting a first session establishment request to a first satellite core network device, the first session establishment request being used to establish a session for the terminal and including at least an identifier of a first network slice, and further providing an access network device including a second processor that selects a first satellite core network device according to at least the position information of the terminal and the identifier of the first network slice.

[0022] Examples of the present disclosure are satellite core network devices including a first processor and a first memory capable of storing a computer program operable on the processor, and further providing a satellite core network device that executes steps of any one of the methods on the satellite core network device side when the first processor is used to operate the computer program.

[0023] An embodiment of the present disclosure is an access network device including a second processor and a second memory capable of storing a computer program operable on the processor, further providing an access network device that, when the second processor is used to operate the computer program, executes steps of any one of the methods on the access network device side.

[0024] An embodiment of the present disclosure is a storage medium storing a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, steps of the method described in any one of the above items on the satellite core network device side are realized, or steps of any one of the methods on the access network device side are realized. The storage medium is further provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] According to the communication method, device, related equipment, and storage medium according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a first access network device receives a second session establishment request transmitted from a terminal, which is used to establish a session for the terminal and includes at least an identifier of a first network slice. According to at least the location information of the terminal and the identifier of the first network slice, a first satellite core network device is selected, and a first session establishment request is transmitted to the first satellite core network device, which is used to request to establish a session for the terminal and includes at least an identifier of the first network slice. The first satellite core network device selects a satellite serving the first network slice by using the location information of the terminal and ephemeris information, and uses the selected satellite to establish a session for the terminal. In an aspect according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the satellite core network can adjust in real time the policy of the satellite serving a certain network slice instance according to the ephemeris information and the location information of the terminal, so as to select an optimal network connection mode, and thus can meet the requirements of resource isolation, quality assurance, and service customization in different application scenarios.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in more detail in conjunction with the drawings and embodiments.

[0028] In related technologies, for satellite-terrestrial integrated networks, the mainly adopted methods mainly include the following Method 1 to Method 3. Method 1 is satellite transparent transmission, that is, the transparent transfer mode. The satellite only serves as a frequency converter and a radio frequency device. Method 2 is a distributed base station, that is, the base station adopts a centralized unit (CU)-distributed unit (DU) separation architecture, and only the DU is deployed on the satellite, which is one of the regeneration modes. Method 3 is that the entire base station is deployed on the satellite, which is one of the regeneration modes.

[0029] On the one hand, in related technologies, regarding the issue of mobility management, the base station adopts a scenario where it is deployed on a satellite (i.e., Mode 2, which may also be referred to as the relay mode). In this mode, the satellite (e.g., a Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) satellite) frequently changes the connected terrestrial station, and since it is necessary to notify the AMF of the change in the TA list it serves, a large amount of signaling occurs on the N2 interface. To reduce the signaling overhead of the N2 interface, as a solution to reduce the impact of the signaling on the N2 interface, the following two extended 5th-Generation (5G) network architectures have been proposed. Aspect 1 is to adopt a distributed AMF. Specifically, the distributed AMF is deployed near the terrestrial station. The local AMF processes the N2 signaling. In this aspect, the local AMF, which is the base station connected to it, needs to store the TA list served by the base station deployed on the satellite. Aspect 2 is to adopt an AMF agent. Specifically, the AMF agent is deployed near the terrestrial station. The AMF agent processes the N2 signaling and is used to transmit N2 messages between the base station (gNB) and the AMF, and the AMF does not need to be modified.

[0030] As can be seen from the above description, the above two aspects are either to modify the terrestrial AMF or to add a terrestrial AMF agent. The satellite actually only has access capabilities and cannot provide differentiated services for multiple application scenarios, and data services still need to be processed by returning to the terrestrial core network.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least some functions of the core network are deployed on satellites (hereinafter abbreviated as the satellite core network), and network isolation and service experience guarantee are provided by network slices (which may also be referred to as slices). The functions and advantages of the satellite core network are specifically manifested in the following aspects, that is, the embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to the following scenarios. 1. In areas or regions where it is difficult or costly to deploy a 5G core network (5G Core Network, 5GC), such as islands, the open ocean, mountainous areas, etc., the satellite core network can reduce communication latency and signaling overhead, increase the actual rate, and meet the needs centered around individuals. 2. The satellite core network can provide the capabilities of edge computing and data not going out of the domain in areas such as islands, the open ocean, mountainous areas, etc., and can meet the needs of the industrial Internet, vehicle networks, military facilities, etc. 3. Since the satellite core network can implement network slices based on satellites, it can strengthen the global resource scheduling and quality guarantee of the space-ground integrated network. 4. In disaster scenes and abnormal peak traffic scenes, the satellite core network can provide disaster recovery backup and load sharing for the ground core network. 5. For countries / regions with underdeveloped ground communication infrastructure and sparse population, when supported by local policies, the satellite core network can provide international roaming and overseas operation services.

[0032] Among them, when the core network is deployed on satellites, in order to realize network slice isolation and service guarantee while ensuring satellite access, the problem of terminal mobility management still needs to be considered, and this problem may also be referred to as the problem of mobility management in the area covered by mobile satellites.

[0033] Based on this, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the satellite core network adjusts, in real time, the policy of the satellite serving a certain network slice instance according to the ephemeris information (accurate position of the satellite, satellite trajectory, satellite connection ability, etc.) and the position of the terminal, so as to select the optimal network connection mode, and thus can meet the requirements of resource isolation, quality assurance and service customization for different application scenarios (for example, scenarios where network requirements such as latency, uplink and downlink bandwidth, deterministic transmission, and data not going out of the domain are required).

[0034] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method applied to a first satellite core network device. As shown in FIG. 1, the method includes: Step 101 of receiving a first session establishment request transmitted from a first access network device, which is used to request to establish a session for a terminal and includes at least an identifier of a first network slice; Step 102 of selecting a satellite serving the first network slice by using the position information and ephemeris information of the terminal; Step 103 of establishing a session for the terminal by using the selected satellite.

[0035] Among them, the satellite core network device refers to that the core network device is deployed on a satellite. For example, the AMF is deployed on a satellite, and the core network device may include the AMF. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, as long as its function is realized.

[0036] The access network device provides network access services to the terminal. Specifically, it may be a base station. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, as long as its function is realized.

[0037] Here, in actual applications, the first access network device may be deployed on land or on a satellite, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0038] The terminal may also be referred to as a user equipment (UE) or a user.

[0039] The identifier of the first network slice may include single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0040] In actual applications, when the first access network device selects a satellite core network device to access for the terminal, it is necessary to know the network slice constituted by the first satellite core network device and the network slices available in the area where the terminal is located.

[0041] Based on this, in one embodiment, before step 101, the method may further include: Receiving a first registration request sent from the first access network device, the first registration request being for requesting registration for the terminal; After the registration of the terminal is successful, returning registration-related information including the identifier of the configured network slice and the identifier of the network slices available in the area where the terminal is located to the first access network device.

[0042] Among them, if it is included in the contract information of the terminal that the terminal is a satellite user, it is determined that the registration of the terminal is successful.

[0043] The identifier of the network slice may include Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI), but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0044] In step 101, when the first access network receives the session establishment request sent from the terminal and determines to select the satellite core network, the first session establishment request is sent to the first satellite core network device. The first session establishment request may carry the first network slice, and may further carry the location information of the terminal.

[0045] In step 102, the first satellite core network device uses the location information and ephemeris information of the terminal to determine the satellite that serves the first network slice. Among them, in order to implement the aspect according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, in actual application, as shown in FIG. 2, each satellite may be equipped with the core network device function of at least executing steps 101 to 103, or each orbital plane satellite constellation (a constellation is formed by a plurality of satellites on the same orbital plane, and the plurality of satellites are connected via satellite links to be able to transmit the corresponding information) may be equipped with the core network device function of at least executing steps 101 to 103. The satellites are orbiting on the corresponding orbits, that is, the satellites are moving. Therefore, after the location of the terminal is determined, as shown in FIG. 3, the service time of the network slice provided to the terminal by each orbital plane is limited. Therefore, when selecting a satellite for a certain network slice for the terminal, this point needs to be considered.

[0046] Based on this, in one embodiment, as a specific implementation of step 102, According to the position information and ephemeris information of the terminal, selecting a satellite accessed by the terminal within one time period, where the satellite supports the first network slice may be included.

[0047] Among them, in actual application, the position information of the terminal may include longitude and / or latitude information of the position where the terminal is located, etc. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal supports fixed connection capability (i.e., the connection capability to a fixed network) and mobile connection capability (i.e., the connection capability to a mobile network). According to the position information of the terminal, information such as the fixed connection coverage status and mobile connection coverage status of the network at the position where the terminal is located can be known.

[0048] According to the ephemeris information, the accurate position of the satellite, satellite trajectory, satellite connection capability, etc. can be known. In actual application, when the satellite is registered and connected to the network, corresponding ephemeris information may be configured for the first satellite core network device so that the first satellite core network device can know the ephemeris information.

[0049] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal supports transmitting its own position information to the core network (including the core network deployed on land and the satellite core network) when powered on or registered, and also supports updating the position information to the core network in either the idle state or the connected state.

[0050] The time period can be understood as a timer (which may be expressed as "Timer" in English). The time period can be set as needed. Exemplarily, usually, the time length covered by one TA by one satellite is 10 - 15 minutes. Therefore, the time period may be set to 15 minutes, but the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0051] Here, in actual applications, the first satellite core network device may select a satellite for the terminal in combination with elements such as a network slice supported by a satellite, a TA list and / or a cell (Cell) served by the first access network device, and the time period, etc.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, between a network slice and a satellite, at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: one network slice is supported by a single bearer of one satellite, one network slice is supported by one satellite, one satellite supports one network slice, and multiple bearers of one satellite support multiple network slices.

[0053] Among them, in actual applications, from the perspective of network slices, terminals in the same area may access multiple network slices, and one network slice may be supported by a single bearer of one satellite or by one satellite. From the perspective of satellites, the same area may be covered by one or multiple satellites at the same time, and one satellite may support a single network slice, that is, one satellite may support one network slice or multiple network slices via multiple bearers.

[0054] In one embodiment, the first satellite core network device may utilize a first mapping relationship including a mapping relationship between a network slice and a satellite bearer and / or a second mapping relationship including a mapping relationship between a network slice and a satellite to determine the satellite supported by the first network slice. In this way, a satellite supported by the first network slice is selected for the terminal.

[0055] Here, when it is determined by the first satellite core network device that there are multiple candidate satellites, that is, when there are multiple satellites that can support the first network slice at the location where the terminal is located, the first satellite core network device may, if necessary, select one satellite from the multiple candidate satellites. For example, it is possible to preferentially select the satellite with the strongest signal strength, or select one satellite according to the load of the satellite, etc. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0056] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the orbital plane satellite (i.e., the selected satellite) moves away from the area where the terminal is located, that is, when the area where the terminal is located is no longer covered, the first network slice can be supported by the orbital plane satellites in other coverage areas. Therefore, when the access time length of the terminal exceeds the access time length that can be provided by the satellite (i.e., the selected satellite has moved away from the area where the terminal is located), satellite switching is required. That is, when the access time length of the terminal exceeds the access time length that can be provided by the selected satellite, according to the position information and ephemeris information of the terminal, the satellite accessed by the terminal within one time period and supported by the first network slice is reselected, so as to ensure the continuity of the service.

[0057] The ephemeris information represents the orbital parameters of the satellite. Using the ephemeris information, the position where the satellite is expected to be located can be known at regular intervals. The ephemeris information may be referred to as ephemeris data or ephemeris. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this, as long as its function is realized.

[0058] The selected satellite may deploy service processing functions for the terminal to provide service for the business service based on the first network slice, such as a Content Delivery Network (CDN), Cache, Mobile Edge Computing (MEC), etc. on the satellite.

[0059] Based on this, in one embodiment, selecting a satellite serving the above-mentioned first network slice may include determining a satellite UPF and / or a satellite service platform serving the first network slice.

[0060] Among them, the satellite UPF refers to the UPF being deployed on the satellite. Correspondingly, the satellite service platform refers to the service platform being deployed on the satellite.

[0061] In actual applications, the first satellite core network device may, as needed, determine a satellite UPF and / or a satellite service platform serving the first network slice. For example, according to the QoS requirements of the first network slice, it may determine a satellite UPF and / or a satellite service platform serving the first network slice. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the specific processing process of how to determine a satellite UPF and / or a satellite service platform serving the first network slice.

[0062] In actual applications, in order to ensure the continuity of the terminal's services after the terminal moves, the first satellite core network device needs to synchronize the user information of the terminal with the terrestrial core network. In this way, after the terminal moves and a terrestrial core network providing slice services is selected, the terrestrial core network can provide slice services in a timely manner.

[0063] Based on this, in one embodiment, the method may further include synchronizing the user information of the terminal with the terrestrial core network.

[0064] Among them, in one embodiment, the user information may include the location information of the terminal, subscribed network slice information, TA-related information, for example, related information of AMF such as AMF identifier (for example, ID) and / or AMF list, and at least one of NSSP may be included.

[0065] Here, in actual application, the first satellite core network device may further synchronize other information with the terrestrial core network, for example, a timer for different satellites to cover the same TA, that is, the duration of covering the same TA, etc., but the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0066] In actual application, the N14 interface may be extended, and the first satellite core network device may synchronize the corresponding information with the terrestrial core network through the N14 interface.

[0067] After the terminal moves, if the first satellite core network device can no longer provide services to the terminal, in order to ensure the continuity of services, it is necessary to switch the satellite core network device.

[0068] Based on this, in one embodiment, the method may further include transmitting the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device.

[0069] Here, in actual applications, the first satellite core network device may directly transmit the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device via the interface between the first satellite core network device and the second satellite core network device, that is, the first satellite core network device may transmit the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device via the interface between the first satellite core network device and the second satellite core network device. For example, by expanding the N14 interface, the first satellite core network device transmits the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device via the N14 interface.

[0070] In addition, the first satellite core network device may transmit the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device via the first access network device.

[0071] Furthermore, the first satellite core network device may transmit the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device via the first access network device and the second access network device in sequence.

[0072] Among them, the second access network device may be deployed on a satellite or on land, but the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0073] In actual applications, it is possible to select any of the above transmission methods to transmit the context information of the terminal as needed.

[0074] Accordingly, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication method applied to the first access network device. As shown in FIG. 4, the method includes: Step 401 of receiving a second session establishment request transmitted from a terminal, the second session establishment request being used to establish a session for the terminal and including at least an identifier of a first network slice. Step 402 of selecting a first satellite core network device according to at least the location information of the terminal and the identifier of the first network slice; Step 403 of sending a first session establishment request to the first satellite core network device, which is used to request to establish a session for the terminal and includes at least the identifier of the first network slice.

[0075] Among them, in one embodiment, before executing step 401, the method includes: Receiving a second registration request sent from the terminal, which is used to request to register for the terminal; Selecting the first satellite core network device for the terminal; Sending a first registration request for requesting to register for the terminal to the first satellite core network device; Further including receiving registration-related information returned from the first access network device, which includes the identifier of the configured network slice and the identifier of the network slice available in the area where the terminal is located.

[0076] Accordingly, in step 402, the first access network device selects the first satellite core network device by using at least the identifier of the network slice available in the area where the terminal is located, the location information of the terminal, and the identifier of the first network slice.

[0077] Among them, the second registration request carries at least the identifier of the requested network slice (the identifier of the network slice supported by the terminal).

[0078] The first access network device may determine whether to select a satellite core network as needed. If it is determined that a satellite core network needs to be selected, for example, if the satellite core network supports the first network slice of the terminal, its serving capacity is equivalent to that of the terrestrial network, and the terrestrial network is congested, it is determined to select the satellite core network. Further, for example, if the terminal is located on a fishing boat, it is determined to select the satellite core network. Next, as needed, a satellite core network device for serving the terminal is selected for the terminal.

[0079] According to the communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first access network device receives a second session establishment request transmitted from a terminal, which is used to establish a session for the terminal and includes at least an identifier of a first network slice. The first access network device selects a first satellite core network device at least according to the position information of the terminal and the identifier of the first network slice, and transmits a first session establishment request to the first satellite core network device, which is used to request to establish a session for the terminal and includes at least an identifier of the first network slice. The first satellite core network device selects a satellite serving the first network slice by using the position information of the terminal and ephemeris information, and uses the selected satellite to establish a session for the terminal. In an aspect according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the satellite core network can adjust in real time a policy of a satellite serving a certain network slice instance according to ephemeris information and the position information of the terminal, so as to select an optimal network connection mode, and thus can meet the requirements of resource isolation, quality assurance, and service customization for different application scenarios.

[0080] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in more detail in combination with application examples.

[0081] In this application embodiment, the AMF is deployed on a satellite and is referred to as a satellite AMF (also referred to as an on-satellite AMF) in the following description. The integrated data management (UDM) deployed on land is referred to as a terrestrial UDM. The AMF deployed on land is referred to as a terrestrial AMF. The network slice selection function (NSSF) deployed on land is referred to as a terrestrial NSSF. The session management function (SMF) deployed on a satellite is referred to as a satellite SMF. The radio access network (RAN) deployed on a satellite is referred to as a satellite RAN.

[0082] In this application embodiment, through the technology of the satellite core network dynamically switching network slices, single or multiple bearers for a multi-network slice policy are realized.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 5, the processing flow of the data service of the network slice according to this application embodiment includes the following steps 500 to 509.

[0084] Step 500: It is a pre-configuration procedure. The NSSAI is pre-configured on the UE or the NSSAI is configured on the network side (the configured NSSAI may also be expressed as Configured NSSAI in English), and then step 501 is executed. Here, the pre-configuration of the NSSAI may include configuration by over-the-air technology (OTA) and / or manual configuration. That is, the method of allocating network slices is consistent with the procedure of allocating network slice identifiers according to the network management contract in the related art.

[0085] Among them, when the user subscribes to the slice service, the S-NSSAI is stored or updated, and the network allocates the subscribed NSSAI (which may also be expressed as "subscribed NSSAI" in English) and sends it to the terrestrial AMF through the terrestrial integrated data management (UDM). The terrestrial NSSF stores slice instance information (including network slice instance (NSI), NSSAI, TA list, AMF List, etc.), and the slice instance information is used at least for the reselection of the AMF. The terrestrial AMF performs real-time information update with the satellite AMF via the extended N14 interface, and the messages transmitted mainly include user information (including UE location information, subscribed NSSAI, TA list, AMF List, NSSP of the UE, etc.). Also, when the user subscribes, the user may be a satellite user.

[0086] Step 501: The UE initiates a registration request. Here, the registration request carries the requested NSSAI.

[0087] Step 502: After receiving the registration request, the radio access network (RAN) (i.e., the above-mentioned first access network device) selects an appropriate satellite AMF currently located in the coverage area of the UE according to the requested NSSAI. Among them, in the Transmission Network (TN), it is necessary to map the NSSAI to the corresponding Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) identifier (ID) to find an appropriate bearer network channel for message transmission.

[0088] Step 503: Since the user of the UE is a satellite user, if the user information of the UE is provided to the satellite AMF, it means that the registration of the UE is successful, and then Step 504 is executed.

[0089] Step 504: The satellite AMF returns to the UE the configured NSSAI of the satellite AMF (i.e., all supported NSSAI) and the allowed NSSAI (expressed in English as "allowed NSSAI") (i.e., the NSSAI available in the current area and access situation, that is, the NSSAI available in the area where the UE is located), and then executes Step 505. Among them, when the RAN is a terrestrial RAN, the satellite AMF returns the configured NSSAI and the allowed NSSAI to the UE sequentially via the TN and the RAN. On the other hand, when the RAN is a satellite RAN, the satellite AMF returns the configured NSSAI and the allowed NSSAI to the UE via the RAN.

[0090] Step 505: After receiving the NSSAI returned from the satellite AMF, the terminal starts a session establishment request and requests the establishment of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. Here, the session establishment request carries the S-NSSAI of slice 1 corresponding to the application, which is a subset of the Allowed NSSAI.

[0091] Step 506: After receiving the session establishment request, the RAN selects an appropriate path according to the S-NSSAI of slice 1. Here, the RAN selects whether to serve with the satellite AMF or with the terrestrial AMF (in this step, the AMF redirection technology of the RAN is supported). If it is selected to serve with the satellite AMF, execute Step 507.

[0092] Step 507: After receiving the session establishment request, the satellite AMF selects the slice satellite that the current UE accesses within one time period (T1) according to the location information and ephemeris information of the UE, and then executes Step 508. Specifically, the satellite AMF may select the satellite to which the UE is currently accessing according to relevant information (such as NSI, NSSAI (i.e., slice 1), TA list, AMF List, timer for different satellites to cover the same TA, etc.). Among them, if the access time of the UE exceeds the access time available by the satellite, switch to the next satellite. Here, when covered by multiple satellites overlappingly, at the same time, users in the same area will preferentially access the satellite with stronger signal strength. If the communication of the UE continues, the connection with the satellite will be maintained until the satellite exits the covered area.

[0093] Step 508: The satellite AMF determines whether it can support the identifier of the network slice according to the identifier of the network slice carried by the user (i.e., slice 1), so as to determine whether to process the service by the satellite CDN / Cache / MEC, or return it to the terrestrial AMF via the extended N14 interface or RAN to process the session corresponding to slice 1. Here, if the satellite AMF supports the identifier of the network slice and determines to process the service by the satellite CDN / Cache / MEC, it activates the corresponding QoS according to the identifier of the currently accessed network slice. Next, the satellite SMF completes the identification of the corresponding satellite UPF and transmits it to the satellite CDN / Cache / MEC (i.e., the above-mentioned satellite service platform) to perform service processing, and then executes step 509. On the contrary, if the satellite AMF does not support the identifier of the network slice and determines to process it by the terrestrial AMF, the satellite AMF transparently transfers it to the terrestrial AMF via the N14 interface or RAN to perform service processing.

[0094] Step 509: The satellite CDN / Cache / MEC returns a service processing response.

[0095] Among them, in the above process, the data synchronization performed between the satellite AMF and the terrestrial AMF via the N14 interface may be understood as an update, and the data to be updated includes user information and timers such as those in which different satellites cover the same TA.

[0096] In the above process, when it is necessary to switch the satellite AMF, the UE's context information can be directly exchanged using the N14 interface between satellite AMFs, or an extended N2 interface can be established by the satellite RAN and the next satellite AMF to transmit the UE's context information, or the context information can be transmitted via the Xn interface through the link between RANs.

[0097] As can be seen from the above description, this application embodiment provides a manner to achieve network slice isolation and service guarantee under satellite access. Through the technology of the satellite core network dynamically switching network slices, parallel bearers for multi-slice policies are realized, that is, according to the ephemeris information and the UE's location, the policy of one satellite in one orbital plane serving a certain network slice instance is adjusted in real time. By adopting the embodiment mode of the present disclosure, the resource isolation, quality guarantee, and service customization requirements of different elements and different application scenarios can be met.

[0098] To implement the method of the first satellite core network device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device provided in the first satellite core network device. As shown in FIG. 6, the device includes a first receiving unit 601 for receiving a first session establishment request transmitted from a first access network device, which is used to request to establish a session for a terminal and includes at least an identifier of a first network slice. A first processing unit 602 is included, which selects a satellite serving the first network slice by using the location information and ephemeris information of the terminal, and establishes a session for the terminal by using the selected satellite.

[0099] Among them, in one embodiment, the first processing unit 602 is used to select a satellite that the terminal accesses within one time period according to the location information and ephemeris information of the terminal, and that supports the first network slice.

[0100] Here, in one embodiment, when the access time length of the terminal exceeds the access time length that can be provided by the selected satellite, the first processing unit 602 reselects a satellite that the terminal accesses within one time period according to the location information and ephemeris information of the terminal, and that supports the first network slice.

[0101] In one embodiment, when the first processing unit 602 determines a satellite serving the first network slice, it is used to determine a satellite UPF and / or a satellite service platform serving the first network slice.

[0102] In one embodiment, between the network slice and the satellite, at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: one network slice is supported by a single bearer of one satellite; one network slice is supported by one satellite; one satellite supports one network slice; a plurality of bearers of one satellite support a plurality of network slices.

[0103] Among them, in one embodiment, the first processing unit 602 The first mapping relationship including the mapping relationship between the network slice and the satellite bearer, and / or the second mapping relationship including the mapping relationship between the network slice and the satellite is further used to determine the satellite supported by the first network slice.

[0104] In one embodiment, the first processing unit 602 is further used to synchronize the user information of the terminal with the terrestrial core network.

[0105] In one embodiment, the first receiving unit 601 is further used to receive a first registration request transmitted from the first access network device and requesting to register for the terminal. After the registration of the terminal is successful, the first processing unit 602 is further used to return registration-related information including the identifier of the configured network slice and the identifier of the network slice available in the area where the terminal is located to the first access network device.

[0106] In one embodiment, the first processing unit 602 is further used to transmit the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device.

[0107] In one embodiment, the first processing unit 602 transmits the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device through an interface with the second satellite core network device, transmits the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device through the first access network device, and is used to transmit the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device in one of the following ways: sequentially transmitting the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device through the first access network device and the second access network device.

[0108] In actual application, the first receiving unit 601 may be implemented by a communication interface in a communication device, and the first processing unit 602 may be implemented by a combination of a processor and a communication interface in a measurement device.

[0109] To implement the method on the side of the first access network device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication device provided in the first access network device. As shown in FIG. 7, the device includes a second receiving unit 701 for receiving a second session establishment request transmitted from a terminal, which is used to establish a session for the terminal and includes at least an identifier of a first network slice, a second processing unit 702 for selecting a first satellite core network device at least according to the position information of the terminal and the identifier of the first network slice, and transmitting a first session establishment request to the first satellite core network device, which is used to request to establish a session for the terminal and includes at least an identifier of the first network slice.

[0110] Among them, in one embodiment, the second receiving unit 701 is further used to receive a second registration request transmitted from the terminal, which is used to request to register for the terminal, and receive registration-related information returned from the first access network device, which includes an identifier of a configured network slice and an identifier of a network slice available in the area where the terminal is located. The second processing unit 702 is further used to select the first satellite core network device for the terminal and transmit a first registration request for requesting to register for the terminal to the first satellite core network device. Among them, The second processing unit 702 selects the first satellite core network device by using at least the identifier of the network slice available in the area where the terminal is located, the location information of the terminal, and the identifier of the first network slice.

[0111] In actual application, the second receiving unit 701 may be implemented by a communication interface in the communication device, and the second processing unit 702 may be implemented by a combination of a processor and a communication interface in the measuring device.

[0112] It should be noted that when the communication device according to the above embodiment performs communication, the division of the above program modules is described as an example. However, in actual application, if necessary, the above processing may be allocated to be performed by different program modules, that is, the internal structure of the device may be divided into different program modules to perform all or part of the processing described above. In addition, the communication device according to the above embodiment belongs to the same concept as the embodiment of the communication method. For the details of its specific implementation process, reference may be made to the method embodiment, and it will not be repeated here.

[0113] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program module and to implement the method on the side of the first satellite core network device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a satellite core network device. As shown in FIG. 8, the satellite core network device 800 includes a first communication interface 801 capable of exchanging information with the first access network device, a first processor connected to the first communication interface 801 so as to realize the exchange of information with the first access network device. When the computer program operates, the first processor 802 for executing the method according to one or more technical aspects on the side of the first satellite core network device, and a first memory 803 in which the computer program is stored.

[0114] Specifically, the first communication interface 801 is used to receive a first session establishment request transmitted from a first access network device and used to request to establish a session for a terminal, and the first session establishment request includes at least an identifier of a first network slice. The first processor 802 is used to select a satellite serving the first network slice by using the location information and ephemeris information of the terminal, and to establish a session for the terminal by using the selected satellite.

[0115] Among them, in one embodiment, the first processor 802 is used to select a satellite that the terminal accesses within one time period and that supports the first network slice according to the location information and ephemeris information of the terminal.

[0116] Here, in one embodiment, when the access time length of the terminal exceeds the access time length that can be provided by the selected satellite, the first processor 802 reselects a satellite that the terminal accesses within one time period and that supports the first network slice according to the location information and ephemeris information of the terminal.

[0117] In one embodiment, when the first processor 802 determines a satellite serving the first network slice, it is used to determine a satellite UPF and / or a satellite service platform serving the first network slice.

[0118] In one embodiment, between a network slice and a satellite, one network slice is supported by a single bearer of one satellite, one network slice is supported by one satellite, one satellite supports one network slice, At least one condition is satisfied among the plurality of bearers of one satellite supporting a plurality of network slices.

[0119] Among them, in one embodiment, the first processor 802 is further used to determine the satellite supported by the first network slice by using a first mapping relationship including a mapping relationship between a network slice and a satellite bearer, and / or a second mapping relationship including a mapping relationship between a network slice and a satellite.

[0120] In one embodiment, the first processor 802 is further used to synchronize the user information of the terminal with the terrestrial core network via the first communication interface 801.

[0121] In one embodiment, the first communication interface 801 is further used to receive a first registration request transmitted from the first access network device and requesting to register for the terminal, and after the registration of the terminal is successful, the first processor 802 is further used to return registration-related information including an identifier of a network slice configured via the first communication interface 801 and an identifier of a network slice available in the area where the terminal is located to the first access network device.

[0122] In one embodiment, the first processor 802 is further used to transmit the context information of the terminal to a second satellite core network device via the first communication interface 801.

[0123] In one embodiment, the first processor 802 transmits the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device via an interface with the second satellite core network device, Transmitting the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device via the first access network device Among transmitting the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device via the first access network device and then sequentially via the first access network device and the second access network device, one of the methods is used to transmit the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device.

[0124] It should be noted that for the specific processing procedures of the first processor 802 and the first communication interface 801, it is possible to understand by referring to the above method.

[0125] Of course, in actual applications, each component in the satellite core network device 800 is coupled via a bus system 804. Understandably, the bus system 804 is configured to realize connection communication between these components. The bus system 804 includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus in addition to a data bus. However, for the sake of clarity in the description, in FIG. 8, all various buses are shown as the bus system 804.

[0126] The first memory 803 in the embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of the satellite core network device 800. Examples of these data include any computer program for operating on the satellite core network device 800.

[0127] The method disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied within or implemented by the first processor 802. The first processor 802 may be an integrated circuit chip having signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits that are hardware within the first processor 802 or commands in the form of software. The first processor 802 described above may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The first processor 802 can implement or execute each method, step, and logic block diagram disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The combination with the steps in the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be completed directly as an implementation by execution by a hardware decoder processor, or may also be completed by execution by a combination of hardware and software modules within the decoder processor. The software module may be located in a storage medium, and the storage medium is located within the first memory 803. The first processor 802 reads the information in the first memory 803 and, in combination with its hardware, completes the steps in the foregoing method.

[0128] In an exemplary embodiment, the satellite core network device 800 may be implemented by one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), DSPs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontroller units (MCUs), microprocessors, or other electronic components, and may be configured to execute the methods described above.

[0129] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program module and to implement the method on the first access network device side according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an access network device. As shown in FIG. 9, the access network device 900 includes a second communication interface 901 capable of exchanging information with the first satellite core network device, a second processor connected to the second communication interface 901 so as to realize information exchange with the first satellite core network device. When the computer program operates, the second processor 902 is for executing the method according to one or more technical aspects on the first access network device side, and a second memory 903 in which the computer program is stored.

[0130] Specifically, the second communication interface 901 receives a second session establishment request transmitted from a terminal, which is used to establish a session for the terminal and includes at least an identifier of a first network slice, and is also used to transmit a first session establishment request to a first satellite core network device, which is used to establish a session for the terminal and includes at least an identifier of the first network slice. The second processor 902 is used to select a first satellite core network device at least according to the location information of the terminal and the identifier of the first network slice.

[0131] Among them, in one embodiment, the second communication interface 901 receives a second registration request transmitted from the terminal, which is used to request registration for the terminal, and is further used to receive registration-related information returned from the first access network device, which includes an identifier of a configured network slice and an identifier of a network slice available in the area where the terminal is located. The second processor 902 is further used to select the first satellite core network device for the terminal and transmit a first registration request for requesting registration for the terminal to the first satellite core network device through the second communication interface 901. Among them, The second processor 902 selects the first satellite core network device by using at least an identifier of a network slice available in the area where the terminal is located, the location information of the terminal, and the identifier of the first network slice.

[0132] It should be noted that for the specific processing procedures of the second communication interface 901 and the second processor 902, it is possible to understand by referring to the above method.

[0133] Of course, in actual applications, each component within the access network device 900 is coupled via a bus system 904. Understandably, the bus system 904 is configured to realize connection communication between these components. The bus system 904 includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus in addition to a data bus. However, for clarity of explanation, in FIG. 9, all various buses are shown as the bus system 904.

[0134] The second memory 903 in the embodiments of the present disclosure is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of the access network device 900. Examples of these data include any computer programs for operating on the access network device 900.

[0135] The method disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied within the second processor 902 or implemented by the second processor 902. The second processor 902 may be an integrated circuit chip having signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits that are hardware within the second processor 902 or by commands in software form. The above-mentioned second processor 902 may be a general-purpose processor, DSP, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, etc. The second processor 902 can implement or execute each method, step, and logic block diagram disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any common processor, etc. The combination with the steps in the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be completed as a direct implementation by execution by a hardware decoder processor, or may be completed by execution by a combination of hardware and software modules within the decoder processor. The software module may be located in a storage medium, and the storage medium is located in the second memory 903. The second processor 902 reads the information in the second memory 903 and combines it with its hardware to complete the steps in the foregoing method.

[0136] In an exemplary embodiment, the access network device 900 may be implemented by one or more ASICs, DSPs, PLDs, CPLDs, FPGAs, general-purpose processors, controllers, MCUs, microprocessors, or other electronic components and configured to execute the foregoing method.

[0137] It should be understood that the memories (the first memory 803 and the second memory 903) in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be volatile memories or non-volatile memories, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a ferromagnetic random access memory (FRAM (registered trademark)), a flash memory, a magnetic surface memory, an optical disc, or a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). The magnetic surface memory may be a magnetic disk memory or a magnetic tape memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM) and is used as an external high-speed cache.Illustratively, for example, various types of RAM such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Synchronous Static Random Access Memory (SSRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDRSDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (ESDRAM), SyncLink Dynamic Random Access Memory (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus Random Access Memory (DRRAM) are available, but not limited thereto. The memory described in the embodiments of the present disclosure includes these and any other suitable types of memory, but is not limited thereto.

[0138] To implement the method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a communication system. As shown in FIG. 10, the system includes a first satellite core network device 1001 and a first access network device 1002.

[0139] Here, it should be noted that the specific processing procedures of the first satellite core network device 1001 and the first access network device 1002 have been described in detail above, so they will not be repeated here.

[0140] In an exemplary embodiment, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a storage medium, that is, a computer storage medium. Specifically, it is a computer-readable storage medium. For example, it includes a first memory 803 storing a computer program, and the computer program can be executed by a first processor 802 of the satellite core network device 800 so that the steps described in the method on the first satellite core network device side are completed. Further, for example, it includes a second memory 903 storing a computer program, and the computer program can be executed by a second processor 902 of the access network device 900 so that the steps described in the method on the first access network device side are completed. The computer-readable storage medium may be a memory such as FRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash Memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disk, or CD-ROM.

[0141] It should be noted that "first", "second", etc. are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0142] In addition, the technical aspects described in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be arbitrarily combined as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0143] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method applied to a first satellite core network device, the method comprising: Receiving a first session establishment request transmitted from a first access network device, the first session establishment request being used to request the establishment of a session for a terminal and including at least an identifier of a first network slice; Selecting a satellite that serves the first network slice by using the location information and ephemeris information of the terminal; Establishing a session for the terminal by using the selected satellite.

2. The selecting a satellite that serves the first network slice by using the location information and ephemeris information of the terminal as described above comprises: Selecting, according to the location information and ephemeris information of the terminal, a satellite that the terminal accesses within one time period and that supports the first network slice, the method according to claim 1.

3. If the access time duration of the terminal exceeds the access time duration that can be provided by the selected satellite, reselecting, according to the location information and ephemeris information of the terminal, a satellite that the terminal accesses within one time period and that supports the first network slice, the method according to claim 2.

4. The selecting a satellite that serves the first network slice as described above comprises: Determining a satellite user plane function (UPF) and / or a satellite service platform that serves the first network slice, the method according to claim 1.

5. Between the network slice and the satellite: At least one of the following conditions is satisfied: one network slice is supported by a single bearer of one satellite; one network slice is supported by one satellite; one satellite supports one network slice; and a plurality of bearers of one satellite support a plurality of network slices, the method according to claim 1.

6. The method further comprises: ​ ​ ​ The method according to claim 5, further comprising determining a satellite supported by the first network slice by using a first mapping relationship including a mapping relationship between a network slice and a satellite bearer, and / or a second mapping relationship including a mapping relationship between a network slice and a satellite.

7. The method further comprises the method according to claim 1, further comprising synchronizing user information of the terminal with a terrestrial core network.

8. The user information includes position information of the terminal, subscribed network slice information, tracking area related information, related information of an access and mobility management function (AMF), and at least one of a network slice selection policy (NSSP), according to the method of claim 7.

9. The method further comprises receiving a first registration request transmitted from the first access network device and requesting registration for the terminal, and after successful registration of the terminal, returning registration related information including an identifier of the configured network slice and an identifier of the network slice available in the area where the terminal is located to the first access network device, according to the method of claim 1.

10. The method further comprises transmitting context information of the terminal to a second satellite core network device, according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Transmitting the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device as described above includes transmitting the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device via an interface between the second satellite core network device and the first access network device, transmitting the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device via the first access network device, and transmitting the context information of the terminal to the second satellite core network device via the first access network device and the second access network device in sequence, and including one of them, according to the method of claim 10.

12. A communication method applied to a first access network device, the method comprising Receiving a second session establishment request transmitted from a terminal, the second session establishment request being used to establish a session for the terminal and including at least an identifier of a first network slice. Selecting a first satellite core network device at least according to the location information of the terminal and the identifier of the first network slice. A communication method, including: transmitting a first session establishment request to the first satellite core network device, the first session establishment request being used to request to establish a session for the terminal and including at least an identifier of the first network slice.

13. The method includes: Receiving a second registration request transmitted from the terminal, the second registration request being used to request registration for the terminal. Selecting the first satellite core network device for the terminal. Transmitting a first registration request to the first satellite core network device to request registration for the terminal. Receiving registration-related information returned from the first access network device, the registration-related information including an identifier of a configured network slice and an identifier of a network slice available in the area where the terminal is located. The method according to claim 12, further including: selecting the first satellite core network device at least using the identifier of the network slice available in the area where the terminal is located, the location information of the terminal, and the identifier of the first network slice.

14. A communication device provided in a first satellite core network device, the device including: A first receiving unit for receiving a first session establishment request transmitted from a first access network device, the first session establishment request being used to request to establish a session for the terminal and including at least an identifier of a first network slice. A communication device including: a first processing unit for selecting a satellite serving the first network slice using the location information of the terminal and ephemeris information, and establishing a session for the terminal using the selected satellite.

15. A communication device provided in a first access network device, the device including: A second receiving unit for receiving a second session establishment request transmitted from a terminal, the second session establishment request being used to establish a session for the terminal and including at least an identifier of a first network slice. A communication apparatus including: a second processing unit that selects a first satellite core network device at least according to the location information of the terminal and the identifier of the first network slice, and transmits a first session establishment request to the first satellite core network device, the first session establishment request being used to request to establish a session for the terminal and including at least an identifier of the first network slice. **Claim 16** A satellite core network device, A first communication interface for receiving a first session establishment request transmitted from a first access network device, the first session establishment request being used to request to establish a session for the terminal and including at least an identifier of a first network slice. A satellite core network device including: a first processor that selects a satellite serving the first network slice by using the location information of the terminal and ephemeris information, and uses the selected satellite to establish a session for the terminal. **Claim 17** An access network device, A second communication interface that receives a second session establishment request transmitted from a terminal, the second session establishment request being used to establish a session for the terminal and including at least an identifier of a first network slice, and transmits a first session establishment request to a first satellite core network device, the first session establishment request being used to request to establish a session for the terminal and including at least an identifier of the first network slice. An access network device including: a second processor that selects a first satellite core network device at least according to the location information of the terminal and the identifier of the first network slice. **Claim 18** A satellite core network device including a first processor and a first memory capable of storing a computer program operable on the processor. A satellite core network device that, when the first processor is used to operate the computer program, executes the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

19. An access network device including a second processor and a second memory capable of storing a computer program operable on the processor, wherein, when the second processor is used to operate the computer program, the steps of the method according to claim 12 or 13 are executed.

20. A storage medium storing a computer program, wherein when the computer program is to be executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 are realized, or the steps of the method according to claim 12 or 13 are realized.

Images