Network node and communication method

Abstract

In satellite-based communication systems, it is possible to achieve communication between satellites and ground equipment via an appropriate ground gateway. [Solution] The network node includes a receiving unit that receives a first packet from a first network node with a second network node set as the destination, a control unit that generates a second packet including the first packet with a third network node set as the destination, and a transmitting unit that transmits the second packet to a fourth network node located on the satellite.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a network node and a communication method in a communication system using satellites. [Background Art]

[0002] In 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) (registered trademark), technical specifications for the integration of a Terrestrial Network (TN) and a Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) in mobile communication technologies are under discussion. NTN is a communication network that does not rely on terrestrial base stations, and utilizes satellites (Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)) and High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS).

[0003] Here, satellites (e.g., LEO satellites) orbit the Earth, and the distance between the satellite and a terrestrial gateway (GW) and the communicable GW change every few minutes. In order to suppress communication disconnection or transmission / reception delay between the satellite and a terrestrial device, it is necessary to select an appropriate terrestrial GW that relays communication between the satellite and the terrestrial device. [Prior Art Documents] [Non-Patent Literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Literature 1] 3GPP TS 23.501 V19.2.1 (2025-01) [Non-Patent Literature 2] 3GPP TS 23.228 V19.2.0 (2024-12) [Non-Patent Literature 3] 3GPP TR23.700-29 V19.0.0 (2024-06) [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, in conventional satellite-based communication systems, it has been unclear how to determine the appropriate ground link gateway (GW) for relaying communication between the satellite and ground equipment. As a result, there is a risk of communication interruptions between the satellite and ground equipment, or increased delays in signaling and data transmitted and received between the satellite and ground equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The network node in this embodiment includes a receiving unit that receives a first packet from a first network node with a second network node set as the destination, a control unit that generates a second packet including the first packet with a third network node set as the destination, and a transmitting unit that transmits the second packet to a fourth network node located on the satellite. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this embodiment, in a communication system using satellites, communication between satellites and ground equipment via an appropriate ground gateway can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates an example of a communication system in a roaming environment. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates an example of an IMS data channel network. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing an example from NTN (1). [Figure 5] This figure shows an example (2) of NTN. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example (3) of NTN. [Figure 7A] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system in this embodiment. [Figure 7B] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system in this embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of a base station and network node in this embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the terminal in this embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the base station, terminal, and network node in this embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the vehicle configuration in this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are examples, and this embodiment is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0010] The communication system of this embodiment operates using existing technology. Existing technology is, for example, wireless communication technology based on communication standards such as the 3GPP standard. Existing technology is, for example, NR (New Radio), but is not limited to existing NR. As used herein, the term "NR" has a broad meaning that includes NR (5G) and later systems (e.g., 6G), unless otherwise specified.

[0011] In this embodiment, "configuring" wireless parameters means that predetermined values ​​are pre-configured, or that wireless parameters notified by the network node or terminal 20 are configured.

[0012] Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a communication system. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system is composed of a terminal 20 and a plurality of network nodes. The terminal 20 may also be referred to as UE (User Equipment). Hereinafter, it is assumed that one network node corresponds to each function, but one network node may implement a plurality of functions, or a plurality of network nodes may implement one function. In addition, the "connection" described below may be a logical connection or a physical connection.

[0013] RAN (Radio Access Network) is a network node having a radio access function, may include a base station 10, and is connected to UE, AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) and UPF (User plane function). AMF is a network node having functions such as termination of a RAN interface, termination of NAS (Non-Access Stratum), registration management, connection management, reachability management, and terminal mobility management. UPF is a network node having functions related to user plane data processing, such as a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session point for the outside interconnected with DN (Data Network), packet routing and forwarding, and user plane QoS (Quality of Service) handling. UPF and DN constitute a network slice. In the wireless communication network according to the present embodiment, a plurality of network slices are constructed.

[0014] AMF is connected to UE, RAN, SMF (Session Management function), NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function), NEF (Network Exposure Function), NRF (Network Repository Function), UDM (Unified Data Management), AUSF (Authentication Server Function), PCF (Policy Control Function), and AF (Application Function). AMF, SMF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, UDM, AUSF, PCF, and AF are network nodes that are interconnected via interfaces based on their respective services: Namf, Nsmf, Nnssf, Nnef, Nnrf, Nudm, Nausf, Npcf, and Naf.

[0015] The SMF is a network node having functions such as session management, IP (Internet Protocol) address allocation and management for UEs, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) functions, ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) proxy, and roaming functions. The NEF is a network node having a function of notifying capabilities and events to other NFs (Network Functions). The NSSF is a network node having functions such as selection of a network slice to which a UE connects, determination of allowed NSSAI (Network Slice Selection Assistance Information), determination of configured NSSAI, and determination of an AMF set to which a UE connects. The PCF is a network node having a function of performing network policy control. The AF is a network node having a function of controlling an application server. The NRF is a network node having a function of discovering NF instances that provide services. The UDM is a network node that manages subscriber data and authentication data. The UDM is connected to a UDR (User Data Repository) that stores the data. Further, the UDM may include an ARPF (Authentication Credential Repository and Processing Function) having a function of performing repository and processing for authentication credentials and a SIDF (Subscription Identifier De-concealing Function) having a function of de-concealing subscriber identifiers, or may be connectable to these functions.

[0016] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system in a roaming environment. As shown in Figure 2, the network consists of a UE (User Interface) which is terminal 20, and multiple network nodes. Hereafter, one network node will be assigned to each function, however, one network node may implement multiple functions, or multiple network nodes may implement one function. Also, the "connection" described below may be a logical connection or a physical connection.

[0017] The RAN is a network node with wireless access capabilities and is connected to the UE, AMF, and UPF. The AMF is a network node with functions such as RAN interface termination, NAS termination, registration management, connection management, reachability management, and mobility management. The UPF is a network node interconnected with the DN, acting as an external PDU session point, performing packet routing and forwarding, and handling QoS for the user plane. The UPF and DN constitute a network slice. In this embodiment of the wireless communication network, multiple network slices are constructed.

[0018] AMF is connected to UE, RAN, SMF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, UDM, AUSF, PCF, AF, and SEPP (Security Edge Protection Proxy). AMF, SMF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, UDM, AUSF, PCF, and AF are network nodes that are interconnected via interfaces based on their respective services: Namf, Nsmf, Nnssf, Nnef, Nnrf, Nudm, Nausf, Npcf, and Naf.

[0019] SMF is a network node with functions such as session management, UE IP address assignment and management, DHCP functionality, ARP proxy, and roaming functionality. NEF is a network node with the function of notifying other NFs of capabilities and events. NSSF is a network node with functions such as selecting the network slice to which the UE connects, determining the allowed NSSAI, determining the NSSAI to be configured, and determining the AMF set to which the UE connects. PCF is a network node with the function of controlling network policy. AF is a network node with the function of controlling application servers. NRF is a network node with the function of discovering NF instances that provide services. SEPP is an opaque proxy that filters control plane messages between PLMNs (Public Land Mobile Networks). vSEPP shown in Figure 2 is SEPP in the visited network, and hSEPP is SEPP in the home network.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the UE is in a roaming environment connected to the RAN and AMF in the VPLMN (Visited PLMN). The VPLMN and HPLMN (Home PLMN) are connected via vSEPP and hSEPP. The UE can communicate with the HPLMN's UDM, for example, via the VPLMN's AMF.

[0021] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an IMS data channel network. As shown in Figure 3, the IMS data channel network consists of a terminal 20 (UE) and multiple network nodes in both the originating network and the terminating network. Hereafter, one network node will be assigned to each function, however, one network node may implement multiple functions, or multiple network nodes may implement one function. Furthermore, the "connection" described below may be a logical connection or a physical connection. The network node has, for example, the following functions as described in Non-Patent Document 2.

[0022] IMS-AGW (Access Gateway) is a network node that functions as a gateway between the UE and the IMS network, and also has functions related to voice communication access processing.

[0023] P-CSCF (Proxy-Call Session Control Function) is a network node that provides proxy functionality between the UE and the IMS network, as well as access control functionality for voice communications.

[0024] S-CSCF (Serving-Call Session Control Function) is a network node that has functions related to session control for the UE (User Environment).

[0025] An I-CSCF (Interrogate-Call Session Control Function) is a connection point on the receiving side between networks in an IMS network (for example, between the originating network and the receiving network). It is a network node that has functions such as forwarding received SIP requests to its own network's S-CSCF.

[0026] The IMS AS (IP Multimedia Subsystem Application Server) is a network node in the IMS network that has functions such as communicating with the DCSF for event notification, receiving data channel control instructions from the DCSF, and communicating with the MF. The IMS AS also receives registration requests for communication termination points from the DCSF, converts the received registration requests into SIP Registers, and sends them to the S-CSCF (Serving-Call Session Control Function). Furthermore, the IMS AS converts data channel establishment requests received from the DCSF into SIP INVITEs and sends them to the S-CSCF.

[0027] DCSF (Data Channel Signaling Function) is a network node that receives event reports from IMS-AS and has functions such as deciding whether or not to allow the provision of data channel services, managing bootstrap data channels, and HTTP web server functionality.

[0028] A Media Function (MF) is a network node in an IMS network that performs functions such as media resource management and data channel media traffic forwarding. The MF processes media between the Data Channel Application Server (DCAS), which is the communication termination point, and the destination termination point, based on configuration information received from the Data Channel Application Server (DCSF). The MF may also be called a Data Channel Media Function (DCMF). Furthermore, the MF may also be called a Multimedia Resource Function (MRF).

[0029] DCAS (Data Channel Application Server) is a network node that has functions such as being a communication termination point for media and signaling within the IMS network.

[0030] Figure 4 shows an example configuration (1) of NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) in this embodiment. NTN is a communication network that uses non-terrestrial equipment such as satellites. NTN provides communication services in areas that cannot be covered by terrestrial networks (Terrestrial Network (TN)) (e.g., terrestrial 5G networks). For example, it can be applied to IoT (Internet of Things), ships, buses, trains, and critical communications. NTN has scalability through efficient multicast or broadcast.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, satellite 10A can retransmit signals from ground base station 10b to provide service to areas where ground base stations are not located, such as mountainous regions. In the example in Figure 4, base station 10b is located on the ground, but base station 10b may also be located on a satellite.

[0032] A terrestrial network may include one or more base stations 10 and terminals 20. A base station 10 is a communication device that provides one or more cells and communicates wirelessly with the terminals 20. The base station 10 may be located on the ground or on a satellite.

[0033] Terminal 20 is a communication device equipped with wireless communication capabilities, such as a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, wearable device, or M2M (Machine-to-Machine) communication module. Terminal 20 may also be referred to as UE (User Equipment). Terminal 20 receives control signals or data from base station 10 on the downlink and transmits control signals or data to base station 10 on the uplink.

[0034] Figure 5 shows an example configuration (2) of NTN in this embodiment. The area per cell or beam in NTN is very large compared to a terrestrial network. Satellite 10A and NTN GW 10b are connected via a feeder link. The feeder link is a communication link between the satellite and the ground GW. Satellite 10A and UE 20 are connected via a service link.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, the difference in delay between the near-side UE 20A and the far-side UE 20B is, for example, 10.3 ms for GEO (Geosynchronous orbit) and 3.2 ms for LEO (Low Earth orbit). The beam size in NTN is, for example, 3,500 km for GEO and 1,000 km for LEO.

[0036] Figure 6 shows an example configuration (3) of the NTN in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the NTN may be realized by a satellite in space or an aircraft in the air. For example, a GEO satellite is a satellite located at an altitude of 35,786 km and has a geostationary orbit. For example, an LEO satellite is a satellite located at an altitude of 500-2,000 km and orbits with a period of 88-127 minutes. For example, a HAPS (High Altitude Platform Station) is an aircraft located at an altitude of 8-50 km and performs circling flight.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6, the GEO satellites, LEO satellites, and HAPS aircraft may be connected to ground base stations (gNBs) via gateways (GWs). The service area may be configured to increase in the order of HAPS, LEO, and GEO.

[0038] In the example shown in Figure 6, the base station is located on the ground, but the base station may also be located on a satellite. In this case, the equipment including the base station located on the satellite (satellite equipment) may be connected to network nodes (e.g., AMF, SMF) (ground equipment) located on the ground via a GW (satellite link GW) within the same satellite and a ground GW (ground link GW).

[0039] For example, NTN may extend the coverage of the 5G network to areas that are not yet served or are already served. For example, using NTN can improve the continuity, availability, and reliability of services in ships, buses, trains, or other critical communications. A special parameter indicating that the network is NTN may be sent to terminal 20. Based on the special parameter received, terminal 20 may determine that the network used for communication is NTN.

[0040] Here, the satellite (for example, an LEO satellite) is moving in Earth's orbit, and the distance (relative position) between the satellite and the ground link GW (ground station) and the available ground link GWs change every few minutes. To suppress communication interruptions or transmission / reception delays between the satellite and ground equipment, it is necessary to select an appropriate ground link GW through which communication between the satellite and ground equipment takes place.

[0041] However, in conventional satellite-based communication systems, it has been unclear how to determine the appropriate ground link gateway (GW) through which communication between the satellite and ground equipment takes place. As a result, there is a risk of communication interruptions between the satellite and ground equipment, or increased delays in signaling and data transmitted and received between the satellite and ground equipment.

[0042] According to this embodiment, in a communication system using satellites, communication between a satellite and ground equipment via an appropriate ground link gateway (GW) can be achieved.

[0043] In this embodiment, the ground link GW is an example of one or more GW devices that have an interface connecting the satellite and the ground network (5GC) and relay communication between ground equipment and the satellite. The ground link GW may also be referred to as GW, NTN GW, feeder link GW, Earth Station, ground station, GW node, or network node. The ground link GW may be implemented by network nodes, and the network nodes may include UE functions.

[0044] In this embodiment, the satellite link GW is an example of one or more GW devices included in a satellite, having an interface for connecting to a ground link GW and an interface for connecting to satellite link GWs of other satellites. For example, the satellite link GW may have at least some of the functions of a gNB (base station) and communicate directly with the ground link GW. The satellite link GW may also be referred to as a GW, Satellite Payload, Satellite Regenerative Payload, or network node.

[0045] In this embodiment, the ground equipment is, for example, a network node in 5GC, and may be an AMF or an SMF.

[0046] The operational overview of this embodiment will now be described. The satellite-based communication system in this embodiment includes ground equipment (e.g., AMF, SMF), a ground link GW, and multiple satellites. One of the multiple satellites (the first satellite) has a feeder link with the ground link GW. Another of the multiple satellites (the second satellite) is a satellite connected by a terminal. Each satellite includes on-satellite equipment and a satellite link GW.

[0047] The ground link GW establishes a BH (Backhaul) PDU session with the satellite link GW on the satellite, which has a feeder link, via the feeder link.

[0048] A packet transmission and reception path (e.g., IP tunneling) is established between the respective satellite link gateways of multiple satellites.

[0049] The satellite link gateway of the second satellite, to which the terminal is connected, derives the IP address of the ground link gateway that the ground equipment should use, based on the IP address of the ground equipment. Messages transmitted by the satellite equipment on the second satellite are sent to the ground equipment via the satellite link gateway within the same second satellite, the satellite link gateway within the first satellite which has a feeder link with the destination ground link gateway, and the ground link gateway.

[0050] An example of the operation procedure of the satellite-based communication system in this embodiment will be explained using Figures 7A and 7B. Step S103 in Figure 7A is followed by step S104 in Figure 7B.

[0051] The communication system using satellite communication in this embodiment includes a ground device 30 (e.g., AMF), a ground link GW 20-1 (BH (Backhaul) UE), LEO satellite #1, LEO satellite #2, and terminal 20-2.

[0052] LEO satellite #1 is an LEO satellite that has a feeder link with a ground link GW at a predetermined time. LEO satellite #1 includes satellite link GW #1 and on-satellite equipment 10-3 (e.g., gNB).

[0053] Satellite link GW#1 includes BH gNB 10-1 and BH UPF 40-1. LEO satellite#1 may be, for example, a satellite located near (above) the ground link GW.

[0054] LEO satellite #2 is an LEO satellite connected by terminal 20-2 at a predetermined time. LEO satellite #2 includes satellite link GW #2 and on-satellite equipment 10-4 (e.g., gNB). Satellite link GW #2 includes BH gNB 10-2 and BH UPF 40-2.

[0055] The examples in Figures 7A and 7B illustrate the operation of the N2 interface between the gNB (satellite-mounted device 10-4) and the AMF (ground device 30) in this embodiment. However, this embodiment may also be applied to the N4 interface between the SMF (ground device 30) and the UPF in LEO satellite #2, and to the Iq interface between the P-CSCF (ground device 30) and the IMS AGW in LEO satellite #2. This embodiment may also be applied to user data using the N3 interface between the gNB (satellite-mounted device 10-4) and the UPF (ground device 30), and to user data using the N9 interface between the ULCL in LEO satellite #2 and the UPF (ground device 30).

[0056] As shown in Figure 7A, a BH PDU session is established at a predetermined time between the ground link GW and satellite link GW#1 (BH UPF 40-1) via the feeder link. Once the BH PDU session is established, data is transferred via the BH user plane. A fixed IP address (e.g., the IP address of the ground link GW) is used for the BH PDU session. Over time, the satellite link GW connected to the ground link GW may be switched.

[0057] The BH UPF 40-2 on the LEO satellite #2 has a time-dependent routing table generated based on the satellite's ephemeris. For example, the routing table includes either "time, IP address of the ground link gateway, and IP address of the destination satellite link gateway" or "time, IP address of the ground link gateway, and L2 address (or L2 link number) of the destination satellite link gateway." The routing table indicates that the destination satellite link gateway connected to the ground link gateway via a feeder link changes depending on the "time."

[0058] A packet transmission and reception path (e.g., IP tunneling) is established between satellite link GW#1 (BH UPF 40-1) and satellite link GW#2 (BH UPF 40-2).

[0059] In step S101, the satellite-based equipment 10-4 of LEO satellite #2, which is connected by terminal 20-2, sends a packet (first packet) with the IP address of ground equipment 30 set as the destination to satellite link GW#2 (BH UPF 40-2). This packet is, for example, an Initial UE message sent by gNB (satellite-based equipment 10-4) with the IP address of AMF (ground equipment 30) attached.

[0060] Satellite link GW#2 (BH UPF 40-2) receives a packet (first packet) from satellite device 10-4 with the IP address of ground device 30 set as the destination. In step S102, satellite link GW#2 (BH UPF 40-2) derives the IP address of the ground link GW based on the IP address of ground device 30 (local configuration information), or, if the packet contains PLMN information selected by terminal 20-2, derives the IP address of ground link GW 20-1 used by the country corresponding to the country code contained in the PLMN information.

[0061] Thus, satellite link GW#2 may determine ground link GW 20-1 based on the country code contained in the PLMN information included in the packet from satellite device 10-4.

[0062] In step S103, satellite link GW#2 (BH UPF 40-2) identifies the IP address of destination satellite link GW#1 associated with the derived IP address of ground link GW 20-1, based on its routing table.

[0063] In step S104, satellite link GW#2 (BH UPF 40-2) encapsulates a packet (first packet) with the IP address of ground device 30 as the destination address within a packet (second packet) with the IP address of ground link GW 20-1 as the destination address. Satellite link GW#2 (BH UPF 40-2) then transmits this packet to satellite link GW#1 (BH UPF 40-1). Note that the packet (second packet) with the IP address of ground link GW 20-1 as the destination address may also be encapsulated within a packet with the IP address of satellite link GW#1 (BH UPF 40-1) as the destination address.

[0064] In step S105, satellite link GW#1 (BH UPF 40-1) removes its own IP address (the IP address of satellite link GW#1) from the destination of the received packet. In other words, satellite link GW#1 (BH UPF 40-1) performs decapsulation, which removes the header (its own IP address) from the received encapsulated packet.

[0065] In step S106, satellite link GW#1 (BH UPF 40-1) sends a packet with the IP address of the ground link GW set as the destination to the ground link GW (BH UE 20-1). The transmitted packet with the IP address of the ground link GW set as the destination includes a packet with the IP address of the ground device 30 set as the destination.

[0066] In step S107, the terrestrial link gateway (BH UE 20-1) removes its own IP address (the IP address of terrestrial link gateway 20-1) from the destination. In other words, the terrestrial link gateway (BH UE 20-1) performs decapsulation, removing the header (its own IP address) from the received encapsulated packet.

[0067] In step S108, the ground link GW (BH UE 20-1) sends a packet to the ground device 30 with the IP address of the ground device 30 set as the destination. This packet is, for example, an Initial UE message sent by the gNB (satellite-mounted device 10-4 on LEO satellite #2) with the IP address of the AMF (ground device 30) attached.

[0068] In step S109, the ground device 30 sends a packet to the ground link GW (BH UE 20-1) with the IP address of the satellite-mounted device 10-4 of LEO satellite #2 set as the destination. This packet is, for example, a Downlink NAS Transport sent by the AMF (ground device 30) and assigned the IP address of the gNB (satellite-mounted device 10-4 of LEO satellite #2).

[0069] In step S110, the ground link GW (BH UE 20-1) derives the IP address of satellite link GW#2 of LEO satellite #2, which includes satellite device 10-4, based on the IP address (local configuration information) of satellite device 10-4.

[0070] In step S111, the ground link GW (BH UE 20-1) encapsulates a packet with the IP address of satellite device 10-4 set as the destination in a packet with the IP address of satellite link GW#2 set as the destination. The ground link GW (BH UE 20-1) then sends the packet with the IP address of satellite link GW#2 set as the destination to satellite link GW#1 (BH UPF 40-1).

[0071] In step S112, satellite link GW#1 (BH UPF 40-1) forwards the received packet to satellite link GW#2 (BH UPF 40-2).

[0072] In step S113, satellite link GW#2 (BH UPF 40-2) removes its own IP address (the IP address of satellite link GW#2) from the destination of the received packet.

[0073] In step S114, satellite link GW#2 (BH UPF 40-2) sends a packet to satellite device 10-4 with the IP address of satellite device 10-4 set as the destination. This packet is, for example, a Downlink NAS Transport sent by AMF (ground device 30) with the IP address of gNB (satellite device 10-4) assigned to it.

[0074] According to the above-described embodiment, communication between a satellite and ground equipment via an appropriate ground gateway can be achieved in a communication system using a satellite.

[0075] According to the embodiment described above, by selecting an appropriate ground link gateway, interruptions and delays in communication between the satellite and ground equipment can be suppressed. The risk of connection interruption due to satellite orbital movement can be reduced, and the continuity of communication can be ensured. By dynamically selecting the optimal communication path to the ground equipment, network nodes can minimize delays by avoiding unnecessary paths. By selecting the ground link gateway based on PLMN information and time information, network load balancing can be achieved, suppressing variations in communication delay. Furthermore, to accommodate the high-speed movement of LEO satellites, routing that takes feeder link switching into consideration becomes possible, improving the stability of communication between the satellite and ground equipment.

[0076] As a variation of the above-described embodiment, each component (network node) may be replaced as follows: The ground link GW may receive a first packet from the AMF (ground equipment 30) with the destination set to the gNB (satellite equipment 10-4), and generate a second packet containing the first packet with the destination set to the satellite link GW#2.

[0077] (Device configuration) Next, we will describe an example of the functional configuration of the base station 10, network node, and terminal 20 that perform the processes and operations described above. The base station 10, network node, and terminal 20 include the functions to perform the embodiments described above. However, the base station 10, network node, and terminal 20 may each have only some of the functions in the embodiments.

[0078] In this embodiment, the ground equipment 30, ground link GW (BH UE 20-1), satellite link GW#1 (BH gNB 10-1 and BH UPF 40-1), satellite equipment 10-3, satellite link GW#2 (BH gNB 10-2 and BH UPF 40-2), and satellite equipment 10-4 are all examples of network nodes.

[0079] <Base stations and network nodes> Figure 8 shows an example of the functional configuration of a base station 10 and a network node. As shown in Figure 8, the base station 10 has a transmitting unit 110, a receiving unit 120, a setting unit 130, and a control unit 140. The functional configuration shown in Figure 8 is merely an example. The functional classifications and names of the functional units can be anything as long as they can perform the operation according to this embodiment. Note that the network node may have the same functional configuration as the base station 10. Furthermore, a network node having multiple different functions in the system architecture may be composed of multiple network nodes separated by function.

[0080] The transmitting unit 110 includes the function of generating a signal to be transmitted to the terminal 20 or other network node and transmitting the signal by wire or wireless. The receiving unit 120 includes the function of receiving various signals transmitted from the terminal 20 or other network node and obtaining information from the received signal, for example, higher layer information. A communication unit including the transmitting unit 110 and the receiving unit 120 may be configured.

[0081] The setting unit 130 stores pre-configured setting information and various setting information to be transmitted to the terminal 20 in a storage device, and reads it from the storage device as needed.

[0082] The control unit 140 performs the processes described in the embodiment. The control unit 140 also performs processing related to communication with the terminal 20. The signal transmission function of the control unit 140 may be included in the transmission unit 110, and the signal reception function of the control unit 140 may be included in the reception unit 120.

[0083] <Terminal 20> Figure 9 shows an example of the functional configuration of terminal 20. As shown in Figure 9, terminal 20 has a transmitting unit 210, a receiving unit 220, a setting unit 230, and a control unit 240. The functional configuration shown in Figure 9 is merely an example. The functional classifications and names of the functional units can be anything as long as they can perform the operation according to this embodiment. In addition, the communication device that becomes the resource holder 20 may have a functional configuration similar to that of terminal 20.

[0084] The transmitting unit 210 creates a transmission signal from the transmission data and transmits the transmission signal wirelessly. The receiving unit 220 wirelessly receives various signals and obtains signals from higher layers from the received physical layer signals. The receiving unit 220 also has the function of receiving control signals or reference signals transmitted from network nodes. A communication unit including the transmitting unit 210 and the receiving unit 220 may be configured.

[0085] The configuration unit 230 stores various configuration information received from network nodes by the receiving unit 220 in its storage device and reads it from the storage device as needed. The configuration unit 230 also stores pre-configured configuration information.

[0086] The control unit 240 performs the processing described in the embodiment. The signal transmission function in the control unit 240 may be included in the transmission unit 210, and the signal reception function in the control unit 240 may be included in the reception unit 220.

[0087] (Hardware configuration) The block diagrams (Figures 8 and 9) used in the description of the above embodiments show functional units. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method of realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using one device that is physically or logically coupled, or it may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (for example, using wired or wireless connections). A functional block may be realized by combining the above one device or the above multiple devices with software.

[0088] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, decision, judgment, calculation, calculation, processing, derivation, investigation, exploration, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, selection, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, assumption, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating (mapping), and assigning. For example, a functional block (configuration part) that enables transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. As mentioned above, the method of implementation is not particularly limited.

[0089] For example, the base station 10, network node, terminal 20, etc. in one embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that processes the wireless communication method of the present disclosure. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the base station 10 and terminal 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The network node may have a hardware configuration similar to that of the base station 10. The base station 10 and terminal 20 described above may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a storage device 1002, an auxiliary storage device 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, etc.

[0090] In the following explanation, the term "device" can be replaced with "circuit," "device," "unit," etc. The hardware configuration of the base station 10 and terminal 20 may include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or it may be configured without some of the devices.

[0091] Each function in the base station 10 and terminal 20 is realized by loading predetermined software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and storage device 1002, which allows the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication by the communication device 1004, and control at least one of the reading and writing of data in the storage device 1002 and auxiliary storage device 1003.

[0092] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer, for example, by running an operating system. The processor 1001 may consist of a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, control devices, arithmetic units, registers, etc. For example, the control unit 140, control unit 240, etc., described above may be implemented by the processor 1001.

[0093] Furthermore, the processor 1001 reads programs (program code), software modules, or data from at least one of the auxiliary storage device 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the storage device 1002, and executes various processes accordingly. The program used is one that causes a computer to execute at least a part of the operations described in the above embodiment. For example, the control unit 140 of the base station 10 shown in Figure 8 may be implemented by a control program stored in the storage device 1002 and operated by the processor 1001. Also, for example, the control unit 240 of the terminal 20 shown in Figure 9 may be implemented by a control program stored in the storage device 1002 and operated by the processor 1001. Although the above-described processes have been explained as being executed by one processor 1001, they may be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The program may be transmitted from the network via a telecommunications line.

[0094] The storage device 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may consist of at least one of the following: ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage device 1002 may also be called a register, cache, main memory, etc. The storage device 1002 can store executable programs (program code), software modules, etc., for implementing a communication method according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0095] The auxiliary storage device 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium and may consist of at least one of the following: an optical disc such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disc, a digital multipurpose disc, a Blu-ray® disc), a smart card, flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy® disk, a magnetic strip, etc. The above-mentioned storage medium may also be a database, server, or other suitable medium that includes at least one of the storage device 1002 and the auxiliary storage device 1003.

[0096] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transceiver / receiver device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as a network device, network controller, network card, communication module, etc. The communication device 1004 may include high-frequency switches, duplexers, filters, frequency synthesizers, etc., to implement at least one of frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD). For example, the transmit / receive antenna, amplifier section, transmit / receive section, transmission path interface, etc., may be implemented by the communication device 1004. The transmit / receive section may be implemented with physically or logically separated transmitting and receiving sections.

[0097] The input device 1005 is an input device that accepts input from an external source (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, etc.). The output device 1006 is an output device that outputs to an external source (e.g., a display, speaker, LED lamp, etc.). The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be configured as an integrated unit (e.g., a touch panel).

[0098] The processor 1001 and the storage device 1002, among other devices, are connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or different buses may be configured for each device.

[0099] The base station 10 and terminal 20 may be configured with hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and some or all of each functional block may be realized by such hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these hardware components.

[0100] Figure 11 shows an example of the configuration of vehicle 2001. As shown in Figure 11, vehicle 2001 comprises a drive unit 2002, a steering unit 2003, an accelerator pedal 2004, a brake pedal 2005, a shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, an axle 2009, an electronic control unit 2010, various sensors 2021-2029, an information service unit 2012, and a communication module 2013. Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be applied to a communication device mounted on vehicle 2001, for example, to the communication module 2013.

[0101] The drive unit 2002 consists of, for example, an engine, a motor, or a hybrid of an engine and a motor. The steering unit 2003 includes at least a steering wheel (also called a handle) and is configured to steer at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels based on the operation of the steering wheel, which is operated by the user.

[0102] The electronic control unit 2010 consists of a microprocessor 2031, memory (ROM, RAM) 2032, and communication ports (IO ports) 2033. Signals from various sensors 2021 to 2029 installed in the vehicle 2001 are input to the electronic control unit 2010. The electronic control unit 2010 may also be called an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0103] Signals from various sensors 2021-2029 include current signals from current sensor 2021 which senses motor current, front and rear wheel rotation speed signals obtained by rotation speed sensor 2022, front and rear wheel air pressure signals obtained by air pressure sensor 2023, vehicle speed signals obtained by vehicle speed sensor 2024, acceleration signals obtained by acceleration sensor 2025, accelerator pedal depression signals obtained by accelerator pedal sensor 2029, brake pedal depression signals obtained by brake pedal sensor 2026, shift lever operation signals obtained by shift lever sensor 2027, and detection signals obtained by object detection sensor 2028 for detecting obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, etc.

[0104] The Information Services Unit 2012 consists of various devices for providing (outputting) various types of information such as driving information, traffic information, and entertainment information, including a car navigation system, audio system, speakers, television, and radio, and one or more ECUs that control these devices. The Information Services Unit 2012 uses information acquired from external devices via a communication module 2013, etc., to provide various multimedia information and multimedia services to the occupants of the vehicle 2001. The Information Services Unit 2012 may include input devices that accept input from the outside (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, touch panel, etc.) and output devices that perform output to the outside (e.g., display, speaker, LED lamp, touch panel, etc.).

[0105] The driver assistance system unit 2030 consists of various devices that provide functions to prevent accidents or reduce the driver's workload, such as millimeter-wave radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), cameras, positioning locators (e.g., GNSS), map information (e.g., high-definition (HD) maps, autonomous vehicle (AV) maps, etc.), gyro systems (e.g., IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), INS (Inertial Navigation System), etc.), AI (Artificial Intelligence) chips, and AI processors, as well as one or more ECUs that control these devices. The driver assistance system unit 2030 also sends and receives various information via the communication module 2013 to realize driver assistance functions or autonomous driving functions.

[0106] The communication module 2013 can communicate with the microprocessor 2031 and components of the vehicle 2001 via its communication port. For example, the communication module 2013 sends and receives data via its communication port 2033 to the drive unit 2002, steering unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, axle 2009, the microprocessor 2031 and memory (ROM, RAM) 2032 in the electronic control unit 2010, and sensors 2021-29 provided in the vehicle 2001.

[0107] The communication module 2013 is a communication device that can be controlled by the microprocessor 2031 of the electronic control unit 2010 and can communicate with external devices. For example, it can send and receive various types of information to and from external devices via wireless communication. The communication module 2013 may be located either inside or outside the electronic control unit 2010. The external device may be, for example, a base station or a mobile station.

[0108] The communication module 2013 may transmit at least one of the following to an external device via wireless communication: signals from the various sensors 2021-2028 input to the electronic control unit 2010, information obtained based on said signals, and information based on input from an external source (user) obtained via the information service unit 2012. The electronic control unit 2010, the various sensors 2021-2028, the information service unit 2012, etc., may also be called input units that accept input. For example, the PUSCH transmitted by the communication module 2013 may include information based on the above input.

[0109] The communication module 2013 receives various information (traffic information, signal information, inter-vehicle information, etc.) transmitted from an external device and displays it on the information service unit 2012 provided in the vehicle 2001. The information service unit 2012 may also be called an output unit, which outputs information (for example, outputs information to devices such as displays and speakers based on the PDSCH (or data / information decoded from the PDSCH) received by the communication module 2013). The communication module 2013 also stores the various information received from the external device in memory 2032, which is available to the microprocessor 2031. Based on the information stored in memory 2032, the microprocessor 2031 may control the drive unit 2002, steering unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, axles 2009, sensors 2021-2029, etc., provided in the vehicle 2001.

[0110] <Note> (Additional note 1) A network node (for example, satellite link GW#2 or ground link GW), A receiving unit that receives a first packet from a first network node (e.g., gNB (satellite-based device 10-4) or AMF (ground device 30)) with a second network node (e.g., AMF (ground device 30) or gNB (satellite-based device 10-4)) set as the destination, A control unit that generates a second packet, including the first packet, with a third network node (e.g., a ground link GW or satellite link GW#2) set as the destination, A network node comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits the second packet to a fourth network node (e.g., satellite link GW#1) located on the satellite.

[0111] (Additional note 2) The third network node (for example, a ground link GW) is located on the ground. The control unit determines the third network node based on information that packets transmitted to the second network node (e.g., AMF (ground equipment 30)) pass through a feeder link between the third network node and the fourth network node, as described in Appendix 1.

[0112] (Additional note 3) The first packet includes PLMN information selected by the terminal, The control unit determines the third network node based on the country code included in the PLMN information, as described in Appendix 1.

[0113] (Additional note 4) The control unit determines the fourth network node based on whether the fourth network node has established a feeder link with the third network node at a predetermined time, as described in Appendix 1.

[0114] (Additional note 5) The third network node is located on the ground and has the functionality of a terminal (e.g., BH UE 20-1), The fourth network node has a base station (e.g., BH gNB 10-1) and user plane functions (e.g., BH UPF 40-1), The network node described in Appendix 1, wherein a user plane path based on a PDU session is established between the third network node and the fourth network node.

[0115] (Additional note 6) A communication method performed by network nodes included in a satellite-based communication system, The first network node receives a first packet from the first network node, which is set as the destination to the second network node. The steps include generating a second packet, which includes the first packet, and which is set as the destination of a third network node, A communication method comprising the step of transmitting the second packet to a fourth network node located on a satellite.

[0116] Any of the provisions of Appendix 1 to Appendix 6 can enable communication between a satellite and ground equipment via an appropriate ground gateway in a satellite-based communication system.

[0117] (Supplement to the embodiment) Although this embodiment has been described above, the disclosed invention is not limited to such embodiments, and those skilled in the art will understand various modifications, alterations, alternatives, substitutions, etc. While specific numerical examples have been used to facilitate understanding of the invention, unless otherwise specified, these numerical values ​​are merely examples, and any appropriate values ​​may be used. The division of items in the above description is not essential to the present invention; matters described in two or more items may be combined as needed, and matters described in one item may be applied to matters described in another item (as long as they do not contradict each other). The boundaries of functional units or processing units in the functional block diagram do not necessarily correspond to the boundaries of physical parts. The operation of multiple functional units may be physically performed by one part, or the operation of one functional unit may be physically performed by multiple parts. Regarding the processing procedures described in the embodiments, the order of processing may be changed as long as it does not contradict each other. For the convenience of explaining the processing, the base station 10 and terminal 20 have been described using functional block diagrams, but such devices may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The software operated by the processor of the base station 10 according to this embodiment and the software operated by the processor of the terminal 20 according to this embodiment may be stored in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), EPROM, EEPROM, registers, hard disk (HDD), removable disk, CD-ROM, database, server, or any other suitable storage medium.

[0118] Furthermore, the notification of information is not limited to the embodiments / models described herein and may be carried out by other methods. For example, the notification of information may be carried out by physical layer signaling (e.g., DCI (Downlink Control Information), UCI (Uplink Control Information)), upper layer signaling (e.g., RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling, MAC (Medium Access Control) signaling), broadcast information (MIB (Master Information Block), SIB (System Information Block)), other signals, or combinations thereof. Also, RRC signaling may be called RRC messages, and may be, for example, RRC Connection Setup messages, RRC Connection Reconfiguration messages, etc.

[0119] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure includes LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), xth generation mobile communication system (xG) (xG (where x is, for example, an integer or decimal)), FRA (Future Radio Access), NR (new Radio), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), and IEEE This may apply to at least one system utilizing 802.20, UWB (Ultra-WideBand), Bluetooth®, or other appropriate systems, and to next-generation systems extended, modified, created, or defined based thereon. It may also apply to a combination of multiple systems (for example, a combination of at least one of LTE and LTE-A with 5G).

[0120] The processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc., of each aspect / embodiment described herein may be reordered, provided they are consistent with each other. For example, the methods described herein present various step elements in an exemplary order and are not limited to that specific order.

[0121] In this specification, specific operations performed by the base station 10 may, in some cases, be performed by its upper node. In a network consisting of one or more network nodes having a base station 10, it is clear that various operations performed for communication with the terminal 20 can be performed by the base station 10 and at least one of the other network nodes (for example, an MME or S-GW, but not limited to these). Although the above example illustrates the case where there is one other network node besides the base station 10, the other network node may be a combination of multiple other network nodes (for example, an MME and an S-GW).

[0122] The information or signals described in this disclosure may be output from a higher layer (or lower layer) to a lower layer (or higher layer). They may also be input and output via multiple network nodes.

[0123] Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or appended to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be transmitted to other devices.

[0124] The determination in this disclosure may be made by a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), by a boolean value (true or false), or by a numerical comparison (for example, a comparison with a predetermined value).

[0125] Software should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, and so on, whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or by any other name.

[0126] Furthermore, software, instructions, information, etc., may be transmitted and received via a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using at least one of wired technology (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) and wireless technology (such as infrared or microwave), then at least one of these wired and wireless technologies is included in the definition of a transmission medium.

[0127] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of the various different techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0128] In addition, terms used in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings. For example, at least one of the channel and symbol may be a signal (signaling). Also, a signal may be a message. Furthermore, a component carrier (CC) may be called a carrier frequency, cell, frequency carrier, etc.

[0129] The terms “system” and “network” as used in this disclosure are interchangeable.

[0130] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc., described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a given value, or other corresponding information. For example, wireless resources may be indicated by an index.

[0131] The names used for the parameters described above are not restrictive in any way. Furthermore, the formulas and other expressions using these parameters may differ from those expressly disclosed in this disclosure. Various channels (e.g., PUCCH, PDCCH, etc.) and information elements can be identified by any suitable name, and therefore, the various names assigned to these various channels and information elements are not restrictive in any way.

[0132] In this disclosure, terms such as "base station (BS)", "wireless base station", "base station equipment", "fixed station", "NodeB", "eNodeB (eNB)", "gNodeB (gNB)", "access point", "transmission point", "reception point", "transmission / reception point", "cell", "sector", "cell group", "carrier", and "component carrier" may be used interchangeably. Base stations may also be referred to by terms such as macrocell, small cell, femtocell, and picocell.

[0133] A base station can house one or more (e.g., three) cells. If a base station houses multiple cells, the entire coverage area of ​​the base station can be divided into several smaller areas, each of which may also be provided with communication services by a base station subsystem (e.g., a Remote Radio Head (RRH)). The terms “cell” or “sector” refer to part or all of the coverage area of ​​at least one of the base station and / or base station subsystems that provide communication services in that coverage.

[0134] In this disclosure, the transmission of information by a base station to a terminal may be interpreted as the base station instructing the terminal to perform information-based control or operation.

[0135] In this disclosure, terms such as "Mobile Station (MS)," "user terminal," "User Equipment (UE)," and "terminal" may be used interchangeably.

[0136] A mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or several other appropriate terms.

[0137] At least one of the base station and the mobile station may be called a transmitting device, a receiving device, a communication device, etc. At least one of the base station and the mobile station may also be a device mounted on a mobile body, the mobile body itself, etc. The mobile body refers to a movable object, and its speed of movement is arbitrary. This also includes the case when the mobile body is stationary. The mobile body includes, but is not limited to, vehicles, transport vehicles, automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, connected cars, excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, dump trucks, forklifts, trains, buses, handcarts, rickshaws, ships and other watercraft, airplanes, rockets, satellites, drones (registered trademarks), multicopters, quadcopters, balloons, and items mounted on them. The mobile body may also be a mobile body that moves autonomously based on operation commands. It may be a vehicle (e.g., a car, an airplane, etc.), an unmanned mobile body (e.g., a drone, an autonomous vehicle, etc.), or a robot (manned or unmanned). Furthermore, at least one of the base station and the mobile station may include devices that do not necessarily move during communication operations. For example, at least one of the base station and the mobile station may be an IoT (Internet of Things) device such as a sensor.

[0138] Furthermore, the term "base station" in this disclosure may be interpreted as "user terminal." For example, the various aspects / embodiments of this disclosure may be applied to a configuration in which communication between a base station and a user terminal is replaced with communication between multiple terminals 20 (which may be called, for example, D2D (Device-to-Device), V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything), etc.). In this case, the terminals 20 may have the functions that the base station 10 has. Also, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" may be interpreted as terms corresponding to terminal-to-terminal communication (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., may be interpreted as side channel.

[0139] Similarly, the term "user terminal" in this disclosure may be replaced with "base station." In this case, the base station may be configured to have the same functions as the user terminal described above.

[0140] As used in this disclosure, the terms “determining” and “determining” may encompass a wide variety of actions. “Determining” may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiry (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), and ascertaining. “Determining” may also include, for example, receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, and accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory). Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having been "judged" or "decided" after resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having been "judged" or "decided" after some action. Also, "judgment (decision)" can be reinterpreted as "assuming," "expecting," or "considering."

[0141] The terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variation thereof, mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are “connected” or “coupled” with each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, “connection” may be reinterpreted as “access.” As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be “connected” or “coupled” with each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, and, in some non-limiting and non-exclusive examples, electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency domain, microwave domain, and optical (both visible and invisible) domain.

[0142] The reference signal can also be abbreviated as RS (Reference Signal), and may be called a pilot depending on the applicable standard.

[0143] In this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based solely on" unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based solely on" and "based at least on."

[0144] Any reference to elements using the designations “first,” “second,” etc., as used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Accordingly, references to the first and second elements do not imply that only two elements may be employed, or that the first element must precede the second element in any way.

[0145] In the configuration of each of the above devices, "means" may be replaced with "part," "circuit," "device," etc.

[0146] Where the terms “include,” “including,” and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, as is the term “comprising.” Furthermore, the term “or” as used in this disclosure is not intended to mean exclusive OR.

[0147] In this disclosure, if articles are added through translation, such as a, an, and the in English, this disclosure may include the fact that the noun following these articles is plural.

[0148] In this disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combine" may be interpreted similarly to "different."

[0149] Each aspect / embodiment described herein may be used individually, in combination, or switched between as needed during implementation. Furthermore, notification of specific information (e.g., notification that "X is") is not limited to explicit notification, but may also be implicit (e.g., by not providing such notification).

[0150] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the intent and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the descriptions in the present disclosure are illustrative and not intended to be restrictive in any way. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0151] 10 base station 110 Transmitter 120 Receiver 130 Setting section 140 Control Unit 20 devices 210 Transmitter 220 Receiver 230 Setting section 240 Control Unit 30 network nodes 1001 Processor 1002 Storage device 1003 Auxiliary storage device 1004 Communication device 1005 Input device 1006 Output device 2001 Vehicle 2002 Drive Unit 2003 Steering Department 2004 Accelerator pedal 2005 Brake pedal 2006 Shift Lever 2007 Front Wheel 2008 Rear wheel 2009 Axle 2010 Electronic Control Unit 2012 Information Services Department 2013 Communication Module 2021 Current Sensor 2022 Rotation speed sensor 2023 Pneumatic Sensor 2024 Vehicle Speed ​​Sensor 2025 Accelerometer 2026 Brake Pedal Sensor 2027 Shift lever sensor 2028 Object Detection Sensor 2029 Accelerator pedal sensor 2030 Driver Support Systems Department 2031 Microprocessor 2032 memory (ROM, RAM) 2033 Communication port (I / O port)

Claims

1. A receiving unit that receives a first packet from a first network node, with the second network node set as the destination, A control unit that generates a second packet, which includes the first packet, and which is set as the destination to a third network node, A network node comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits the second packet to a fourth network node located on a satellite.

2. The third network node described above is located on the ground, The network node according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the third network node based on information that packets transmitted to the second network node pass through a feeder link between the third network node and the fourth network node.

3. The first packet includes PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) information selected by the terminal, The network node according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the third network node based on the country code included in the PLMN information.

4. The network node according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the fourth network node based on whether the fourth network node has established a feeder link with the third network node at a predetermined time.

5. The third network node is located on the ground and has terminal functionality. The fourth network node has base station and user plane functions, The network node according to claim 1, wherein a user plane path based on a PDU (Packet Data Unit) session is established between the third network node and the fourth network node.

6. A communication method performed by network nodes included in a satellite-based communication system, The first network node receives a first packet from the first network node, which is set as the destination to the second network node. The steps include generating a second packet, which includes the first packet, and which is set as the destination of a third network node, A communication method comprising the step of transmitting the second packet to a fourth network node located on a satellite.

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