Communication methods, devices, equipment, systems, chips, and storage media

Abstract

This disclosure proposes a communication method, apparatus, device, system, chip and storage medium, wherein, when a first terminal requests to make an IMS call with a second terminal, a first network element determines whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite equipped with a first UPF, and if it determines that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, sends an instruction message to the second network element indicating that the conditions for making an IMS call over the satellite are met. Instruction message This makes it easier to find out, and furthermore, the first and second terminals can make IMS calls directly via satellite, reducing transmission delay when the first and second terminals make IMS calls via the satellite communication network, and improving call efficiency between them.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of satellite communication technology, and more specifically, to communication methods, devices, equipment, systems, chips, and storage media.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, after the introduction of Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) calls into the satellite communication network, usually, when an IMS call is being made between a first terminal and a second terminal, the transmission path of the media plane data is: the first terminal → satellite → terrestrial User Plane Function (UPF) → originating side Session Border Controller (SBC) → called side SBC → terrestrial UPF → satellite → the second terminal. However, since the corresponding transmission path is long when an IMS call is being made between the first terminal and the second terminal, the call efficiency is low when the first terminal and the second terminal make an IMS call via the satellite communication network.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, device, equipment, system, chip, and storage medium to solve the technical problem that the call efficiency is low when a first terminal and a second terminal make an IMS call via a satellite communication network.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method applicable to a first network element, the communication method comprising: receiving a first session invitation request from the first terminal for requesting to make an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal; determining whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite having a first user plane function (UPF); and, if it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, sending an instruction message to the second network element indicating that the conditions for making an IMS call over the satellite are met.

[0005] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method applicable to a second network element, the communication method comprising: receiving an instruction message transmitted from a first network element indicating that the conditions for making an IMS call between a first terminal and a second terminal via a satellite having a first user plane function (UPF) are met; and transmitting the instruction message to a third network element. Furthermore, the instruction message is transmitted after the first network element has determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite. .

[0006] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method applicable to a third network element, the communication method comprising: receiving an instruction message transmitted from a second network element indicating that the conditions for a first terminal and a second terminal to make an IMS call over a satellite having a first user plane function (UPF) are met; and sending an instruction message to the first UPF to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal intend to make an IMS call using the first UPF.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method applicable to a first terminal, the communication method comprising: sending a first session invitation request to a first network element for requesting to make an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal; receiving a response message sent by the first network element in response to the first session invitation request, the response message carrying address information of a first user plane function (UPF) on a satellite, and the response message being sent after the first network element has determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite; and making an IMS call according to the address information of the first UPF.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method applicable to a second terminal, the communication method comprising: receiving a second session invitation request transmitted from a first network element, the second session invitation request being a request for the first terminal to make an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with the second terminal; transmitting a response message to the second session invitation request to the first network element; receiving a session update message transmitted from the first network element, which includes address information for a first user plane function (UPF) on a satellite to which both the first terminal and the second terminal are connected; and making an IMS call according to the address information for the first UPF.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication method applicable to a first user plane function (UPF) of a satellite, the communication method comprising: receiving a notification message transmitted from a third network element to notify the first UPF that a first terminal and a second terminal are planning to make an IMS call using the first UPF; and receiving media plane data for an IMS call of the first terminal and transferring the media plane data to the second terminal, or receiving media plane data for an IMS call of the second terminal and transferring the media plane data to the first terminal.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device applied to a first network element, the communication device including: a receiving module used to receive a first session invitation request from the first terminal for requesting to make an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with the second terminal; a determining module used to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite having a first user plane function (UPF); and, if it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, a transmitting module used to transmit an instruction message to the second network element indicating that the conditions for making an IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal via the satellite are met.

[0011] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device applied to a second network element, the communication device including a receiving module used to receive an instruction message transmitted from a first network element indicating that the conditions for making an IMS call between a first terminal and a second terminal via a satellite having a first user plane function (UPF) are met, and a transmitting module used to transmit the instruction message to a third network element.

[0012] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device applied to a third network element, the communication device receiving an instruction message transmitted from a second network element indicating that the conditions for a first terminal and a second terminal to make an IMS call via a satellite having a first user plane function (UPF) are met. Receiver module used in The first UPF is to send a notification message to the first UPF to inform it that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call using the first UPF. Transmitter module used This includes,

[0013] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device applied to a first terminal, the communication device including: a transmitting module used to transmit a first session invitation request to a first network element for requesting to make an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal; a receiving module used to receive a response message transmitted by the first network element to the first session invitation request, the response message carrying address information of a first user plane function (UPF) on a satellite, and the response message being transmitted after the first network element has determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite; and an IMS calling module used to make an IMS call according to the address information of the first UPF.

[0014] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device applied to a second terminal, the communication device including: a first receiving module used to receive a second session invitation request transmitted from a first network element, the second session invitation request being a request for the first terminal to make an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with the second terminal; a first transmitting module used to transmit a response message to the second session invitation request to the first network element; a second receiving module used to receive a session update message transmitted from the first network element, the session update message carrying address information of a first user plane function (UPF) on a satellite, and the session update message being transmitted after the first network element has determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite; and an IMS calling module used to make an IMS call according to the address information of the first UPF.

[0015] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device applied to a first user plane function (UPF) of a satellite, the communication device including: a first receiving module used to receive a notification message transmitted from a third network element to notify the first UPF that a first terminal and a second terminal are planning to make an IMS call using the first UPF; and a second receiving module used to receive media plane data for an IMS call of the first terminal and transfer the media plane data to the second terminal, or to receive media plane data for an IMS call of the second terminal and transfer the media plane data to the first terminal.

[0016] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device comprising memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory that is executable by the processor, wherein when the processor executes the computer program, the communication method described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is implemented.

[0017] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication system comprising a first terminal, a second terminal, a first user plane function (UPF) on a satellite, a first network element, a second network element, and a third network element, wherein the first network element is used to implement the method described in the first aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second network element is used to implement the method described in the second aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the third network element is used to implement the method described in the third aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first terminal is used to implement the method described in the fourth aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second terminal is used to implement the method described in the fifth aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and the first UPF is used to implement the method described in the sixth aspect of the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip comprising one or more interface circuits and one or more processors, the interface circuits being used to receive signals from the memory of a communication device and to transmit the received signals, including computer instructions stored in the memory, to the processors, the communication device implementing the communication method described in an embodiment of the present disclosure when the processors execute the computer instructions.

[0019] In a sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium in which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the communication method described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is implemented.

[0020] In a 17th aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer program product, and when instructions in the computer program product are executed by a processor, the communication method described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is implemented.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure has at least the following beneficial effects.

[0022] When the first terminal requests to make an IMS call with the second terminal, it determines whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite. If it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, an instruction message for instructing that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for making an IMS call via the satellite is sent to the second network element. As a result, the second network element can easily know that the first terminal and the second terminal meet the conditions for making an IMS call via the satellite. Instruction message As a result, the first terminal and the second terminal can directly make an IMS call via the satellite, the transmission delay when the first terminal and the second terminal make an IMS call via the satellite communication network is reduced, and the call efficiency between the two is improved.

[0023] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be given in part in the following description, will become apparent in part from the following description, or will be understood through the practice of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent and be readily understood from the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] It is a schematic architecture diagram of a satellite communication system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] It is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] It is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] It is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20]This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 21] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 22] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 23] This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided by the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 24] This is a schematic diagram 1 showing the flow of interaction between the first terminal, the second terminal, the P-CSCF (Proxy Call Session Control Function) network element, the PCF (Policy Control Function) network element, the SMF (Session Management Function) network element, and the first UPF on the satellite. [Figure 25] This is a schematic diagram 2 showing the flow of interaction between the first terminal, the second terminal, the P-CSCF network element, the PCF network element, the SMF network element, and the first UPF on the satellite. [Figure 26] This is a schematic diagram 3 showing the flow of interaction between the first terminal, the second terminal, the P-CSCF network element, the SMF network element, the PCF network element, and the first UPF on the satellite. [Figure 27] This is a schematic diagram 4 of the interaction flow between the first terminal, the second terminal, the P-CSCF network element, the SMF network element, the PCF network element, and the first UPF on the satellite. [Figure 28] This is a block diagram of communication equipment for implementing a communication method shown in one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 29] This is a schematic diagram of the chip structure as shown in one exemplary embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] The embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below, with examples of these embodiments shown in the drawings. The same or similar reference numerals in the drawings from beginning to end indicate the same or similar components, or components having the same or similar function. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are illustrative for illustrating this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0026] To better understand the communication methods described in the embodiments of this disclosure, we will first describe the satellite communication systems to which the embodiments of this disclosure apply.

[0027] Please refer to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a satellite communication system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The satellite communication system may include a satellite 101, a terminal 102, and a gateway 103.

[0028] In the embodiments of this disclosure, satellite 101 is an entity used for transmitting and receiving signals. The embodiments of this disclosure do not limit the form of specific technology and specific equipment used in the satellite.

[0029] In the embodiments of this disclosure, terminal 102 refers to a processing device for communicating with a satellite within the satellite's coverage beam range. For example, the terminal may be an automobile, smart car, mobile phone, wearable device, tablet computer (Pad), etc., that has satellite communication capabilities. The embodiments of this disclosure do not limit the specific technologies and specific forms of equipment used in the terminal.

[0030] In Figure 1, two terminal devices 102 are used as an example.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the gateway 103 in this example is connected to satellite 101.

[0032] In the embodiments of this disclosure, gateway 103 is a node used on the ground for transmitting and receiving data in a satellite communication system. The embodiments of this disclosure do not limit the specific technology and specific equipment used for the gateway.

[0033] The satellite communication systems described in the embodiments of this disclosure are intended to provide a clearer illustration of the technical solutions relating to the embodiments of this disclosure, and should be understood as not limiting the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure. As system architectures evolve and new business scenarios emerge, those skilled in the art will understand that the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0034] In the above satellite system, after Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) calling is introduced to the satellite communication network, when an IMS call is made between the two terminals shown in Figure 1, the media plane data transmission path is as follows: First terminal (one of the two terminals shown in Figure 1) → Satellite → Ground User Plane Function (UPF) → Calling Session Border Controller (SBC) → Called SBC → Ground UPF → Satellite → Second terminal (the other of the two terminals shown in Figure 1). However, because the transmission path corresponding to the two terminals making an IMS call is long, the call efficiency is low when the two terminals make an IMS call via the satellite communication network. Therefore, how to improve the low call efficiency when two terminals make an IMS call via the satellite communication network is an urgent problem that needs to be solved.

[0035] Embodiments of this disclosure provide communication methods, apparatus, devices, systems, chips, and storage media that enable two terminals to make IMS calls directly via satellite, reducing transmission delays and improving call efficiency between the two terminals when they make IMS calls via a satellite communication network.

[0036] Hereinafter, communication methods, apparatus, devices, systems, chips, and storage media relating to embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0037] Figure 2 is a flowchart of one communication method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method in this embodiment is performed by a communication device. The communication device is implemented in software and / or hardware. The communication device may be a first network element or located on a first network element.

[0038] In this example, the first network element may be a P-CSCF network element within a 5G core network or another network element to which the communication method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure can be applied.

[0039] In this embodiment, the case where the communication method is performed by the first network element will be explained as an example.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the communication method may include the following steps 201 to 203.

[0041] Step 201 receives a first session invitation request from the first terminal to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with the second terminal.

[0042] The first terminal refers to the terminal device that initiates the IMS call request.

[0043] In some examples, the first terminal is also called the calling terminal or Mobile Originating User Equipment (MOUE).

[0044] The second terminal is the terminal device that receives IMS call requests.

[0045] In some cases, the second terminal is also called the called terminal or Mobile Terminating User Equipment (MTUE).

[0046] The first session invitation request carries all or part of the information of the second terminal, such as the identifier information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, and the Session Description Protocol (SDP). In other words, the first session invitation request can include at least one or more of the information of the second terminal, such as the identifier information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, and the Session Description Protocol (SDP). That is, the first session invitation request can include at least one of the identifier information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, and the Session Description Protocol (SDP).

[0047] The SDP includes the media address of the first terminal and the media type and codec / decoding information supported by the first terminal.

[0048] SDP is primarily used for media negotiation before the session begins.

[0049] A media address is the address to which a media stream is sent and received.

[0050] For example, the first session invitation request may be a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) INVITE message.

[0051] Step 202 determines whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite that has the first user plane function (UPF).

[0052] Please understand that the implementation of the step to determine whether the first and second terminals are connected to the same satellite may differ depending on the application scenario. An example is provided below.

[0053] One possible implementation is to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the satellite identifier of the satellite to which the first terminal is connected and the satellite identifier of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected. If the satellite identifiers of the satellites to which the first terminal and the second terminal are connected are the same, it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0054] Another possible implementation is to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0055] The location information of the first terminal refers to the relevant data used to determine the geographical location of the first terminal at its current position.

[0056] In this example, the location information of the first terminal may include at least one of the cell identifier information of the cell where the first terminal is located, the base station identifier of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, and the access network type information corresponding to the first terminal.

[0057] In one embodiment, the base station to which the first terminal is connected may be located on a satellite.

[0058] The location information of the second terminal refers to relevant data used to determine the geographical location of the second terminal.

[0059] In this example, the location information of the second terminal may include at least one of the following: cell identifier information of the cell where the second terminal is located, base station identifier information of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, and access network type information corresponding to the second terminal.

[0060] In one embodiment, the base station to which the second terminal is connected may be located on a satellite.

[0061] For example, if the location information of the first terminal includes the cell identifier information of the cell where the first terminal is located, and the location information of the second terminal includes the cell identifier information of the cell where the second terminal is located, then it is possible to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on whether the two sets of cell identifier information match.

[0062] Specifically, if the two cell identifiers match, it is determined that the first and second terminals are connected to the same satellite. If the two cell identifiers do not match, it is determined that the first and second terminals are connected to different satellites.

[0063] As an alternative example, if the location information of the first terminal includes the base station identifier of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, and the location information of the second terminal includes the base station identifier of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, then whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite is determined based on whether the two base station identifiers match.

[0064] Specifically, if the two base station identifiers match, it is determined that the first and second terminals are connected to the same satellite. If the two base station identifiers do not match, it is determined that the first and second terminals are connected to different satellites.

[0065] As an alternative example, if the location information of the first terminal includes access network type information corresponding to the first terminal, and the location information of the second terminal includes access network type information corresponding to the second terminal, then it is possible to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite depending on whether the two sets of access network type information match.

[0066] Specifically, if the two access network type information entries match, it is determined that the first and second terminals are connected to the same satellite. If the two access network type information entries do not match, it is determined that the first and second terminals are connected to different satellites.

[0067] In step 203, if it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, an instruction message is sent to the second network element indicating that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call over the satellite are met.

[0068] For example, the fact that the conditions for a first terminal and a second terminal to make an IMS call via satellite are met means that an IMS call can be made directly between the first terminal and the second terminal equipment via satellite. In other words, media plane data during the process of making an IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal can be transferred directly via satellite.

[0069] For example, the instruction message is intended to indicate that the conditions for making an IMS call between the first and second terminals using the first UPF on the satellite are met.

[0070] For example, media plane data during an IMS call between a first terminal and a second terminal can be transmitted using a first UPF on the satellite.

[0071] If it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to different satellites, please understand that media plane data cannot be transferred between the first terminal and the second terminal via satellite during the process of an IMS call.

[0072] In order to inform the second network element of the pairing relationship between the first terminal and the second terminal, and to facilitate subsequent processing based on the pairing information, in one embodiment, Instruction message This further includes identifier information for the first and second terminals.

[0073] Identifier information may also include other identifiable device information such as an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI).

[0074] As an example, the second network element in this example is: Instruction message To enable forwarding to a third network element, Instruction message If it includes identifier information for the first terminal and the second terminal, the third network element is: Instruction message Based on this, the identifier information of the first terminal and the second terminal can be known, and a notification message can be sent to the first UPF. The notification message is intended to inform the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call using the first UPF, and the notification message may carry the identifier information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0075] It should be understood that the first UPF, after obtaining the identifier information of the first and second terminals, can bind the identifier information of the first and second terminals to obtain a binding relationship between them, and then transfer the media plane data of the IMS call between the first and second terminals based on that binding relationship.

[0076] According to the communication method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, when a first terminal requests to make an IMS call with a second terminal, the first network element determines whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite equipped with a first UPF, and if it determines that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, it sends an instruction message to the second network element indicating that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call over the satellite are met. The second network element then indicates that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call over the satellite are met. Instruction message This makes it easier to find out, and furthermore, the first and second terminals can make IMS calls directly via satellite, reducing transmission delay when the first and second terminals make IMS calls via the satellite communication network, and improving call efficiency between them.

[0077] In addition, in the embodiments of this disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, and may also be arbitrarily combined with optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0078] In the embodiments of this disclosure, each step and its optional implementation may be carried out individually.

[0079] Figure 3 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0080] As shown in Figure 3, the communication method may include the following steps 301 to 305.

[0081] Step 301 receives a first session invitation request from the first terminal to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with the second terminal. First The session invitation request includes the location information of the first device.

[0082] The first session invitation request may include information such as the location information of the first terminal, the identifier information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, and the Session Description Protocol (SDP), in addition to the location information of the first terminal.

[0083] In this example, the location information of the first terminal may include at least one of the cell identifier information of the cell where the first terminal is located, the base station identifier of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, and the access network type information corresponding to the first terminal.

[0084] For example, if the first terminal detects that it is connected to a satellite, it can include its location information in the first session invitation request.

[0085] The satellite to which the first terminal is connected can be equipped with a base station.

[0086] For example, if the first terminal detects that it is connected to a base station on a satellite, it can include its location information in the first session invitation request.

[0087] In step 302, a second session invitation request is sent to the second terminal.

[0088] In this example, the first session invitation request and the second session invitation request may be the same or different.

[0089] For example, the second session invitation request may be a SIP INVITE message.

[0090] In step 303, the second terminal receives a response message that it returns to the second session invitation request, and the response message includes the location information of the second terminal.

[0091] In this example, the location information of the second terminal may include at least one of the following: cell identifier information of the cell where the second terminal is located, base station identifier information of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, and access network type information corresponding to the second terminal.

[0092] In step 304, it is determined whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0093] The specific implementation of the step of determining whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal, can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be described again here.

[0094] In step 305, if it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, an instruction message is sent to the second network element indicating that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call over the satellite are met.

[0095] The satellite will be equipped with the first UPF (Ultraviolet Filter).

[0096] The specific implementation of step 305 can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be explained again here.

[0097] According to the communication method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, if a first session invitation request in which a first terminal requests to make an IMS call with a second terminal includes the location information of the first terminal, and the response message returned by the second terminal to the second session invitation request also includes the location information of the second terminal, then if it is quickly determined whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal, it becomes easy to quickly perform subsequent processing based on the determination result.

[0098] Figure 4 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method according to this embodiment is executed by a first network element.

[0099] As shown in Figure 4, the communication method may include the following steps 401 to 405.

[0100] Step 401 receives a first session invitation request from the first terminal to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with the second terminal. do .

[0101] The specific implementation of step 401 can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be explained again here.

[0102] In step 402, if the first session invitation request includes the location information of the first terminal, a second session invitation request including a location information request message is sent to the second terminal, and the location information request message is intended to instruct the second terminal to provide its location information.

[0103] For example, the second session invitation request may be obtained by processing the first session invitation request.

[0104] For example, the second session invitation request may be obtained by adding a location information request message to the first session invitation request.

[0105] In this example, First It is possible to determine whether or not the session invitation request includes location information of the first terminal device. 1If it is determined that the session invitation request includes the location information of the first terminal, a second session invitation request is sent to the second terminal, which includes a location information request message instructing the second terminal to provide its location information.

[0106] In step 403, a response message containing the location information of the second terminal is received from the second terminal.

[0107] For example, if the second terminal detects that it is connected to a satellite, it can include its location information in the response message.

[0108] The satellite to which the second terminal is connected can be equipped with a base station.

[0109] For example, if a second terminal device detects that it is connected to a base station on a satellite, it can include its location information in the response message.

[0110] Relevant descriptions regarding the location information of the second terminal can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0111] In step 404, it is determined whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0112] The specific implementation of step 404 can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be explained again here.

[0113] In step 405, if it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, an instruction message is sent to the second network element indicating that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call over the satellite are met.

[0114] The specific implementation of step 405 can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be explained again here.

[0115] In this embodiment, the first terminal actively carries its location information in the first session invitation request, and the second terminal carries its location information in the response message it returns in accordance with the location information request message carried in the second session invitation request. As a result, the first network element can quickly determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first and second terminals.

[0116] Figure 5 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method according to this embodiment is executed by a first network element.

[0117] As shown in Figure 5, the communication method may include the following steps 501 to 506.

[0118] In step 501, the first terminal receives a first session invitation request from the first terminal to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with the second terminal.

[0119] In step 502, the second terminal receives the response message that it returns to the second session invitation request.

[0120] The specific implementations of steps 501 and 502 can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be explained again here.

[0121] In step 503, if the first session invitation request does not include the location information of the first terminal and / or the response message does not include the location information of the second terminal, a location query request is sent to the second network element to request a query for the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal.

[0122] In step 504, a location query response message is received from the second network element, which includes location information for the first terminal and / or the second terminal.

[0123] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the first session invitation request does not contain the location information of the first terminal, but the response message contains the location information of the second terminal, a first location query request is sent to the second network element to request a query for the location information of the first terminal, and a first location query response message containing the location information of the first terminal is received, which the second network element returns in response to the first location query request.

[0124] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, if the first session invitation request contains the location information of the first terminal, but the response message does not contain the location information of the second terminal, a second location query request is sent to the second network element to request a query for the location information of the second terminal, and a second location query response message containing the location information of the second terminal is received, which the second network element returns in response to the second location query request.

[0125] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, if the first session invitation request does not carry the location information of the first terminal and the response message does not carry the location information of the second terminal, a third location query request is sent to the second network element to request a query for the location information of the first and second terminals, and a third location query response message containing the location information of the first and second terminals is returned by the second network element in response to the third location query request.

[0126] Furthermore, the second network element can subscribe to location information of the first and second terminals from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element. The base station on the satellite can detect changes in the service messages of the corresponding first and / or second terminals and then send a location report to the AMF network element. In response, the AMF network element sends the location report to the second network element.

[0127] For example, the location report may include one or more pieces of information about the access network type of the first and / or second terminals: the cell identifier of the cell where the first and / or second terminals are located, the base station identifier of the base station to which the first and / or second terminals are connected, and the access network type of the first and / or second terminals.

[0128] In step 505, it is determined whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0129] In step 506, if it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, an instruction message is sent to the second network element indicating that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call over the satellite are met.

[0130] The specific implementations of steps 505 and 506 can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be explained again here.

[0131] In this embodiment, by obtaining location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal from the second network element, it becomes possible to quickly determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite according to the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal. This makes it easier to quickly perform subsequent processing based on the determination result, and subsequently improves the efficiency of the first terminal and the second terminal directly transferring media plane data in the IMS call process via satellite.

[0132] Figure 6 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method according to this embodiment is executed by a first network element.

[0133] As shown in Figure 6, the communication method may include the following steps 601 to 609.

[0134] In step 601, the first terminal receives a first session invitation request from the first terminal to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with the second terminal.

[0135] The specific implementation of step 601 can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be explained again here.

[0136] In step 602, a first location query request is sent to the second network element to request a location query for the first terminal.

[0137] In step 603, the second network element receives a first location query response message containing the location information of the first terminal, which the second network element returns in response to the first location query request.

[0138] In this embodiment, after receiving a first session invitation request from the first terminal, the location information of the first terminal can be obtained from the second network element, regardless of whether the first terminal's location information is actively carried in the first session invitation request.

[0139] Relevant descriptions regarding the location information of the first terminal can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0140] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first authentication authorization request includes a first location query request for requesting location information of a first terminal. Authorization By sending a Request (AAR) message to a second network element, the first network element receives a first Re-Authentication Request (RAR) message containing the location information of the first terminal, which the second network element returns in response to the first AAR message.

[0141] In step 604, a second session invitation request is sent to the second terminal.

[0142] The first session invitation request and the second session invitation request in this example may be the same or different, and this embodiment does not specifically limit them.

[0143] In step 605, the second terminal receives the response message that it returns to the second session invitation request.

[0144] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the response message may carry location information of a second terminal.

[0145] In step 606, a second location query request is sent to the second network element to request location information for the second terminal.

[0146] In step 607, the second network element receives a second location query response message containing the location information of the second terminal, which the second network element returns in response to the second location query request.

[0147] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to improve the accuracy of the location information of the second terminal obtained, after receiving the response message that the second terminal returns to the second session invitation request, the location information of the second terminal can be obtained from the second network element, regardless of whether the response message returned by the second terminal contains the location information of the second terminal.

[0148] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a second AAR message including a second location query request for requesting location information of a second terminal can be sent to a second network element, and a second RAR message including location information of the second terminal can be received, which the second network element returns in response to the second AAR message.

[0149] Regarding the location information of the second terminal, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, and we will not explain it again here.

[0150] In step 608, it is determined whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0151] In step 609, if it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, an instruction message is sent to the second network element indicating that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call over the satellite are met.

[0152] The specific implementations of steps 608 and 609 can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be explained again here.

[0153] As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, by communicating with the second network element, the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal can be quickly obtained, and based on the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal, it can be quickly determined whether or not the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, and it becomes easy to quickly perform subsequent processing based on the determination result.

[0154] Figure 7 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method according to this embodiment is executed by a first network element. This embodiment is intended to further illustrate one of the embodiments described above.

[0155] As shown in Figure 7, the communication method may include the following steps 701 to 707.

[0156] In step 701, the first terminal receives a first session invitation request from the first terminal to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with the second terminal.

[0157] Step 702 determines whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0158] The specific implementations of steps 701 and 702 can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be explained again here.

[0159] In step 703, if it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, a message is sent to the second network element that triggers the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS) Flow for the first terminal and / or a message that triggers the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS) Flow for the second terminal, including an instruction message indicating that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call over the satellite are met.

[0160] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a message including an instruction message can be sent to a second network element to trigger the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for a first terminal.

[0161] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a message including an instruction message can be sent to a second network element to trigger the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for a second terminal.

[0162] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a message triggering the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for a first terminal and a message triggering the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for a second terminal, including an instruction message, can be sent to a second network element.

[0163] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the message that triggers the establishment of a first terminal's quality of service flow (QoS Flow) may be an AAR message or another type of message that triggers the establishment of a first terminal's quality of service flow (QoS Flow), and the embodiment is not specifically limited thereto.

[0164] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the message that triggers the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for a second terminal may be an AAR message or another type of message that triggers the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for a second terminal, and the embodiment is not specifically limited thereto.

[0165] In step 704, the first QoS Flow establishment completion message is received from the second network element. This message indicates that the QoS Flow establishment is complete for the first terminal, and the first QoS Flow establishment completion message contains the address information of the first UPF.

[0166] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, after the second network element receives a message that triggers the establishment of a first terminal's quality of service (QoS Flow) and a message that triggers the establishment of a second terminal's quality of service (QoS Flow), the second network element may send a message requesting the establishment of a first terminal's quality of service (QoS Flow) and a message requesting the establishment of a second terminal's quality of service (QoS Flow) to the third network element, and accordingly, after the third network element receives the message requesting the establishment of a first terminal's quality of service (QoS Flow) and a message requesting the establishment of a second terminal's quality of service (QoS Flow), the third network element may create a first terminal's QoS Flow and a second terminal's QoS Flow based on the first terminal's QoS Flow and the second terminal's QoS Flow, respectively.

[0167] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the message that triggers the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for a first terminal and / or the message that triggers the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for a second terminal further includes a calling method for an IMS call, the calling method being either an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

[0168] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for a first terminal and / or a message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for a second terminal may carry an IMS call method, which is either an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

[0169] When the communication method is IMS voice call, the third network element can create a QoS Flow for the first terminal that can carry the voice data of the IMS voice call, based on a message requesting the establishment of a QoS Flow for the first terminal, and can also establish a QoS Flow for the second terminal. request Based on the message, a QoS Flow can be created for a second terminal that can carry the voice data of an IMS voice call.

[0170] The 5G Quality of Service identifier (5QI) for a Quality of Service Flow (QoS Flow) used to carry voice data is equal to 1. Therefore, to use a QoS Flow to carry voice data, a QoS Flow with 5QI=1 can be created.

[0171] If the communication method is an IMS video call, the third network element can create a QoS Flow for the first terminal that can carry the video data of the IMS video call, based on a message requesting the establishment of a QoS Flow for the first terminal, and can also establish a QoS Flow for the second terminal. request Based on the message, a QoS Flow can be created for a second terminal that can carry the video data of the IMS video call.

[0172] The 5G Quality of Service identifier (5QI) for a Quality of Service Flow (QoS Flow) used to carry video data is equal to 2. Therefore, to use a QoS Flow to carry video data, a QoS Flow with 5QI=2 can be created.

[0173] In step 705, the address information of the first UPF is sent to the first terminal.

[0174] To enable the first terminal to make an IMS call with the second terminal using the satellite's first UPF, the address information of the first UPF can be transmitted to the first terminal, so that the first terminal can make an IMS call with the second terminal based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0175] For example, the response message returned by the second terminal can be sent to the first terminal, and by ensuring that the response message includes the address information of the first UPF, the first terminal can route the media plane data of the IMS call to be sent to the second terminal to the first UPF on the satellite based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0176] In step 706, the second QoS Flow establishment completion message is received from the second network element, indicating that the establishment of the QoS Flow for the second terminal is complete, and the second QoS Flow establishment completion message carries the address information of the first UPF.

[0177] In step 707, the address information of the first UPF is sent to the second terminal.

[0178] To enable the second terminal to make an IMS call with the first terminal using the satellite's first UPF, the address information of the first UPF can be transmitted to the second terminal, allowing the second terminal to make an IMS call with the first terminal based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0179] As an example, a session update message containing the address information of the first user plane function (UPF) on the satellite is sent to the second terminal so that the second terminal can make an IMS call with the second terminal based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0180] For example, a session update message may be an updated session invitation request containing the address information of the first UPF, and the updated session invitation request is obtained by adding the address information of the first UPF to the first session invitation request.

[0181] For example, if the first session invitation request is a SIP INVITE message, the updated session invitation request may be an INVITE update message.

[0182] Figure 8 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method in this embodiment is performed by a communication device. The communication device in this embodiment may be implemented by software and / or hardware. The communication device may be a second network element, or located on a second network element. In this embodiment, the case where the communication method is performed by a second network element is described illustratively.

[0183] The second network element in this example may be a PCF network element within a 5G core network or another network element to which the communication method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure can be applied.

[0184] As shown in Figure 8, the communication method may include the following steps 801 to 802.

[0185] In step 801, the first network element receives an instruction message indicating that the conditions for making an IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal via a satellite equipped with the first user plane function (UPF) are met, and the instruction message is sent after the first network element has determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0186] In this example, the first and second terminals are connected to a satellite; that is, it should be understood that the first and second terminals are connected to the same satellite.

[0187] The satellite in this embodiment is equipped with a first UPF.

[0188] The instruction message was sent after the first network element determined that the first terminal and the second terminal were connected to the same satellite.

[0189] Regarding the first network element, the relevant description concerning the step of determining whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0190] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a message is received from a first network element, which includes an instruction message, that triggers the establishment of a quality of service flow (QoS flow) for a first terminal and / or a message that triggers the establishment of a quality of service flow (QoS flow) for a second terminal.

[0191] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the message that triggers the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the first terminal and / or the message that triggers the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the second terminal may further include a calling method for an IMS call, the calling method being either an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

[0192] In step 802, an instruction message is sent to the third network element.

[0193] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the instruction message in this embodiment may include identifier information of the first terminal and the second terminal so that a third network element can bind identifier information of the first terminal and the second terminal and manage the first terminal and the second terminal based on the binding relationship obtained by binding.

[0194] Identifier information may also include other identifiable device information such as an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI).

[0195] Furthermore, the relevant operations that the third network element performs after receiving the instruction message can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0196] As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, the second network element forwards the instruction message transmitted from the first network element to the third network element, so that the third network element can quickly know that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call over satellite are met, and it becomes easier to perform subsequent processing based on these conditions, and ultimately the first terminal and the second terminal can make an IMS call directly over satellite, reducing the transmission delay when the first terminal and the second terminal make an IMS call over the satellite communication network and improving the call efficiency between them.

[0197] According to the communication method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, the second network element receives an instruction message transmitted from the first network element, Instruction message By forwarding this to the third network element, the third network element confirms that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call via satellite are met. Instruction message This makes it easier to find out, and furthermore, the first and second terminals can make IMS calls directly via satellite, reducing transmission delay when the first and second terminals make IMS calls via the satellite communication network, and improving call efficiency between them.

[0198] Figure 9 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. In this embodiment, the communication method is performed by a second network element. This embodiment is provided to further explain the previously described embodiment.

[0199] As shown in Figure 9, the communication method may include the following steps 901 to 906.

[0200] In step 901, the first network element receives an instruction message indicating that the conditions for making an IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal via a satellite equipped with the first user plane function (UPF) are met, and the instruction message is sent after the first network element has determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0201] The specific implementation of step 901 can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0202] In step 902, a message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the first terminal and / or a message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the second terminal is sent to the third network element, carrying the instruction message.

[0203] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the instruction message in this embodiment can include identifier information of the first terminal and the second terminal so that a third network element can bind identifier information of the first terminal and the second terminal and manage the first terminal and the second terminal based on the binding relationship obtained by binding.

[0204] Identifier information may also include other identifiable device information such as an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI).

[0205] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the messages requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the first terminal and / or the second terminal to determine the method of IMS call further include the method of IMS call, which is either an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

[0206] In step 903, the system receives a first QoS Flow establishment completion message sent from the third network element, indicating that the establishment of the QoS Flow for the first terminal is complete.

[0207] In step 904, a message indicating the completion of the establishment of the first QoS Flow, which carries the address information of the first UPF, is sent to the first network element.

[0208] In step 905, the system receives a second QoS Flow establishment completion message sent from the third network element, indicating that the establishment of the QoS Flow for the second terminal is complete.

[0209] In step 906, a message indicating the completion of the establishment of the second QoS Flow, which carries the address information of the first UPF, is sent to the first network element.

[0210] In this embodiment, the second network element receives an instruction message transmitted from the first network element, Instruction message By forwarding this to the third network element, the third network element confirms that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call via satellite are met. Instruction message This makes it easier to find out, and furthermore, the first and second terminals can make IMS calls directly via satellite, reducing transmission delay when the first and second terminals make IMS calls via the satellite communication network, and improving call efficiency between them.

[0211] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order for a first network element to obtain location information of a first terminal and / or a second terminal from a second network element and to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal, the second network element in this embodiment is also capable of receiving a location query request transmitted from the first network element, which is used to query the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal, and transmitting a location query response message to the location query request, which includes the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal, to the first network element.

[0212] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second network element receives a first AAR message transmitted from the first network element, which includes a location query request used to query the location information of the first and / or second terminals. The second network element is, A first RAR message in response to a first AAR message may also be sent to the first network element, which may include a location query response message containing location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal. This allows the first network element to obtain location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal from the second network element.

[0213] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a second network element receives a first AAR message transmitted from a first network element, which includes a first location query request used to query the location information of a first terminal. The second network element is, Sending a first RAR message of a first AAR message, which may include a first location query response message containing location information of a first terminal, to a first network element. The second network element is, The 1 Receiving a second AAR message containing a second location query request used to query the location information of a second terminal, transmitted from the network element. The second network element is, A second RAR message of a second AAR message may include a second location query response message containing location information of a second terminal, 1 It can be sent to the network element.

[0214] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second network element receives a third AAR message transmitted from the first network element, which includes a location query request used to query the location information of the first and second terminals. The second network element is,It is also possible to send a third RAR message to the first network element in response to a third AAR message, which may include a location query response message containing the location information of the first and second terminals. This allows the first network element to obtain the location information of the first and second terminals from the second network element.

[0215] The circumstances under which the first network element sends a location query request can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be explained again here.

[0216] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal are used by the first network element to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0217] Figure 10 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method in this embodiment is performed by a communication device. The communication device in this embodiment may be implemented by software and / or hardware. The communication device may be a third network element, or located on a third network element. In this embodiment, the case where the communication method is performed by a third network element is described exemplarily.

[0218] The third network element in this example may be an SMF network element within a 5G core network or another network element to which the communication method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure can be applied.

[0219] As shown in Figure 10, the communication method may include steps 1001 to 1002.

[0220] In step 1001, an instruction message is received from the second network element indicating that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call via satellite are met.

[0221] Both the first and second terminals are connected to the satellite in question.

[0222] The satellite is equipped with a first UPF (Ultraviolet Filter).

[0223] Regarding the step in which the second network element acquires instruction messages, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, and we will not repeat them here.

[0224] In step 1002, a notification message is sent to the first UPF to inform it that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF.

[0225] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third network element is the Instruction message After receiving the message, the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call via satellite are met. Instruction message This can be known through, and at this time, the third network element is the IMS of the first terminal. PDU (Protocol Data Unit) UPF and IMS of the second terminal corresponding to the session PDU It is possible to determine whether the UPF corresponding to the session is the first UPF, and in accordance with this, the IMS of the first terminal PDU UPF and IMS of the second terminal corresponding to the session PDU If the UPF corresponding to the session is the first UPF, a notification message is sent to the first UPF.

[0226] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the IMS of the first terminal PDU UPF and IMS of the second terminal corresponding to the session PDUIf at least one of the UPFs corresponding to the session is not the first UPF, then the IMS is not the first UPF. PDU The session's UPF is changed to the first UPF, and a notification message is sent to the first UPF to inform it that the first terminal and the second terminal are scheduled to make an IMS call via the first UPF.

[0227] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a third network element knows the identifier information of the first terminal and the second terminal, and in order to facilitate subsequent management based on the identifier information of the first terminal and the second terminal, in this embodiment Instruction message This may further include identifier information for the first and second terminals.

[0228] Identifier information may also include other identifiable device information such as an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI).

[0229] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first UPF knows the identifier information of the first terminal and the second terminal, thereby facilitating the first UPF to bind the identifier information of the first terminal and the second terminal, obtain a binding relationship between them, and transfer media plane data in the process of the first terminal and the second terminal making an IMS call based on that binding relationship. In this embodiment, the notification message may further include the identifier information of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0230] Identifier information may also include other identifiable device information such as an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI).

[0231] According to the communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, the third network element receives an instruction message transmitted from the second network element and determines that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call via satellite are met. Instruction message Based on this, the IMS of the first terminal PDU UPF and IMS of the second terminal corresponding to the session PDU When the UPF corresponding to a session is the first UPF, a notification message is sent to the first UPF so that the first UPF knows through the notification message that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF. This allows media plane data during the process of making an IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal to be directly transmitted using the satellite's first UPF, reducing transmission delay when the first terminal and the second terminal make an IMS call over the satellite communication network, and improving call efficiency between them.

[0232] Figure 11 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method in this embodiment is performed by a communication device. The communication device in this embodiment may be implemented by software and / or hardware. The communication device may be a third network element, or it may be located on a third network element. In this embodiment, the case where the communication method is performed by a third network element is described as an example.

[0233] As shown in Figure 11, the communication method may include the following steps 1101 to 1103.

[0234] In step 1101, an instruction message is received from the second network element indicating that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call over satellite are met.

[0235] The specific implementation of Step 1101 can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be described again here.

[0236] Step 1102 involves the IMS of the first terminal. PDU UPF and IMS of the second terminal corresponding to the session PDU If at least one of the UPFs corresponding to the session is not the first UPF, then the IMS is not the first UPF. PDU Change the session's UPF to the first UPF.

[0237] In step 1103, a notification message is sent to the first UPF.

[0238] The notification message is intended to inform the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF.

[0239] In one example of this disclosure, the IMS of the first terminal PDU The UPF corresponding to the session is not the first UPF, but the IMS of the second terminal... PDU If the UPF corresponding to the session is determined to be the first UPF, then the IMS will not be the first UPF. PDU The session is on the first terminal's IMS PDU This is a session, and to correspond to this, the first terminal and the second terminal can make IMS calls by directly using the first UPF deployed on the satellite, the IMS of the first terminal PDU The UPF corresponding to the session can be changed to the first UPF.

[0240] For example, the IMS of the first terminal PDU By initiating the session change process, the IMS of the first terminal PDU It is possible to change the UPF corresponding to the session to the first UPF.

[0241] Note that the IMS of the first terminal PDUThe session establishment process can be found in the relevant technical documentation and will not be repeated here.

[0242] In other examples of this disclosure, the IMS of the first terminal PDU The UPF corresponding to the session is the first UPF, but the IMS of the second terminal... PDU If the UPF corresponding to the session is determined not to be the first UPF, the IMS will be determined to be the first UPF. PDU The session is on the second terminal's IMS PDU This is a session, and to correspond to this, the IMS of the second terminal is configured to allow the first and second terminals to make TIMS calls by directly utilizing the first UPF deployed on the satellite. PDU The UPF corresponding to the session can be changed to the first UPF.

[0243] Furthermore, the IMS of the second terminal PDU The session establishment process can be found in the relevant technical documentation and will not be repeated here.

[0244] For example, the IMS of the second terminal. PDU By initiating the session change process, the IMS of the second terminal... PDU It is possible to change the UPF corresponding to the session to the first UPF.

[0245] In other examples of this disclosure, the IMS of the first terminal PDU The UPF corresponding to the session is not the first UPF, and the IMS of the second terminal... PDU If it is determined that the UPF corresponding to the session is not the first UPF, the first terminal and the second terminal can make an IMS call by directly using the first UPF deployed on the satellite, in order to enable this, the IMS of the first terminal PDU Both the UPF corresponding to the session and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PDU session of the second terminal can be changed to the first UPF.

[0246] For example, the IMS of the second terminal. PDU By initiating the session change process, the IMS of the second terminal... PDU The UPF corresponding to the session is changed to the first UPF, and the IMS of the first terminal is also changed. PDU By initiating the session change process, the IMS of the first terminal PDU It is possible to change the UPF corresponding to the session to the first UPF.

[0247] As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, the third network element receives an instruction message from the second network element and sends a notification message to the first UPF so that the first UPF knows through the notification message that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF. As a result, media plane data during the process of making an IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal can be transferred directly over the satellite, reducing the transmission delay when the first terminal and the second terminal make an IMS call over the satellite communication network, and improving the call efficiency between them.

[0248] Figure 12 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method in this embodiment is performed by a communication device. The communication device in this embodiment may be implemented by software and / or hardware. The communication device may be a third network element, or it may be located on a third network element. In this embodiment, the case where the communication method is performed by a third network element is described as an example.

[0249] As shown in Figure 12, the communication method may include the following steps 1201 to 1205.

[0250] In step 1201, receive a message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service Flow (QoS Flow) of the first terminal transmitted from a second network element carrying an instruction message and / or a message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service Flow (QoS Flow) of the second terminal.

[0251] The instruction message is for instructing that the first terminal and the second terminal satisfy the conditions for conducting an IMS call via a satellite.

[0252] Both the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the satellite.

[0253] The satellite is equipped with a first UPF.

[0254] In step 1202, based on the message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service Flow (QoS Flow) of the first terminal, establish a QoS Flow for carrying media plane data in the IMS call process for the first terminal, and based on the message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service Flow (QoS Flow) of the second terminal, establish a QoS Flow for carrying media plane data in the IMS call process for the second terminal.

[0255] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service Flow (QoS Flow) of the first terminal and / or the message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service Flow (QoS Flow) of the second terminal can further carry the call mode of the IMS call, and the call mode can be either an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

[0256] When the call mode is an IMS voice call, the third network element can create a QoS Flow capable of carrying voice data of the IMS voice call for the first terminal based on the message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service Flow (QoS Flow) of the first terminal, and at the same time, the establishment of the Quality of Service Flow (QoS Flow) of the second terminal request Based on the message, a QoS Flow can be created for a second terminal that can carry the voice data of an IMS voice call.

[0257] The 5G Quality of Service identifier (5QI) for a Quality of Service Flow (QoS Flow) used to carry voice data is equal to 1. Therefore, to use a QoS Flow to carry voice data, a QoS Flow with 5QI=1 can be created.

[0258] If the communication method is an IMS video call, the third network element can create a QoS Flow for the first terminal that can carry the video data of the IMS video call, based on a message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the first terminal, and at the same time establish a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the second terminal. request Based on the message, a QoS Flow can be created for a second terminal that can carry the video data of the IMS video call.

[0259] The 5G Quality of Service identifier (5QI) for a Quality of Service Flow (QoS Flow) used to carry video data is equal to 2. Therefore, to use a QoS Flow to carry video data, a QoS Flow with 5QI=2 can be created.

[0260] Step 1203 is the IMS of the first terminal. PDU UPF and IMS of the second terminal corresponding to the session PDU If both UPFs corresponding to the session are the first UPF, a notification message is sent to the first UPF to inform it that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF.

[0261] Step 1204 is the IMS of the first terminal. PDU UPF and IMS of the second terminal corresponding to the session PDU If at least one of the UPFs corresponding to the session is not the first UPF, then the IMS is not the first UPF. PDU Change the session's UPF to the first UPF and send the notification message to the first UPF.

[0262] In step 1205, a first QoS Flow establishment completion message indicating the completion of the establishment of the first terminal's QoS Flow and / or a second QoS Flow establishment completion message indicating the completion of the establishment of the second terminal's QoS Flow are sent to the second network element, and the first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or the second QoS Flow establishment completion message include the address information of the first UPF.

[0263] The message confirming the establishment of the first QoS Flow is a response to a message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the first terminal; in other words, the message confirming the establishment of the first QoS Flow is a response message to a message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the first terminal.

[0264] The processing operations performed by the second network element after receiving the message indicating the completion of the establishment of the first QoS Flow can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be described again here.

[0265] The message confirming the establishment of the second QoS Flow is a response to a message requesting the establishment of a second terminal's Quality of Service (QoS Flow). In other words, the message confirming the establishment of the second QoS Flow is a response message to a message requesting the establishment of a second terminal's Quality of Service (QoS Flow).

[0266] The processing operations performed by the second network element after receiving the message indicating the completion of the establishment of the second QoS Flow can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be described again here.

[0267] As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, the first and second terminals are able to make an IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF by sending a first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or a second QoS Flow establishment completion message, which carry the address information of the first UPF, to the second network element so that the second network element sends the address information of the first UPF to the first and second terminals.

[0268] Figure 13 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method in this embodiment is performed by a communication device. The communication device in this embodiment may be implemented by software and / or hardware. The communication device may be a first terminal or located at a first terminal. In this embodiment, the case where the communication method is performed by a first terminal is described exemplarily.

[0269] As shown in Figure 13, the communication method may include the following steps 1301 to 1303.

[0270] In step 1301, a first session invitation request is sent to the first network element to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with the second terminal.

[0271] In this embodiment, the first session invitation request can carry information such as the identifier information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, and the Session Description Protocol (SDP).

[0272] For example, the first session invitation request in this example may be a SIP INVITE message.

[0273] In step 1302, a response message carrying the address information of the first user plane function (UPF) on the satellite, which is sent by the first network element in response to the first session invitation request, is received, and both the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the satellite.

[0274] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to easily know the location information of the first terminal by the first network element and determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal, the first session invitation request can further carry the location information of the first terminal.

[0275] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to easily know the location information of the first terminal by the first network element and determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal, when the first terminal detects that it is connected to the satellite, the first terminal can further carry the location information of the first terminal in the first session invitation request.

[0276] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to easily know the location information of the first terminal by the first network element and determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite based on the location information of the first terminal and the second terminal, when the first terminal detects that it is connected to the base station on the satellite, the first terminal can further carry the location information of the first terminal in the first session invitation request.

[0277] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the location information of the first terminal can include at least one of the cell identifier information of the cell where the first terminal is located, the base station identifier of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, and the access network type information corresponding to the first terminal.

[0278] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the location information of the first terminal is used by the first network element to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0279] The processing steps that the first network element executes after receiving the first session invitation request can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be described again here.

[0280] In step 1303, an IMS call is made according to the address information of the first UPF.

[0281] In this embodiment, after the first terminal receives a response message, the first terminal can determine that the current media plane address information is the address information of the first UPF based on the address information of the first UPF carried in the response message, and accordingly, the first terminal can then make an IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF. Specifically, the first terminal can transmit media plane data in the IMS call process based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0282] As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, the first terminal can easily obtain the address information of the first UPF on the satellite from the response message returned by the first network element to the first session invitation request. As a result, the first terminal can make an IMS call based on this address information. Consequently, media plane data in the IMS call process can be directly transmitted via satellite, reducing the transmission path when the first and second terminals make an IMS call via the satellite network, decreasing the transmission delay when the first and second terminals make an IMS call via the satellite communication network, and improving the call efficiency between them.

[0283] Figure 14 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method in this embodiment is performed by a communication device. The communication device in this embodiment may be implemented by software and / or hardware. The communication device may be a second terminal or located at a second terminal. In this embodiment, the case where the communication method is performed by a second terminal is described exemplarily.

[0284] As shown in Figure 14, the communication method may include the following steps 1401 to 1404.

[0285] Step 1401 receives a second session invitation request sent from the first network element, which requests the first terminal to make an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with the second terminal.

[0286] For example, the second session invitation request may be sent after the first network element has received the first session invitation request sent from the first terminal.

[0287] In this example, the first session invitation request and the second session invitation request may be the same or different. For example, the second session invitation request may be obtained when the first network element processes the first session invitation request.

[0288] The processing steps that the first network element performs after receiving the first session invitation request can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0289] The information carried in the first session invitation request can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0290] In step 1402, a response message to the second session invitation request is sent to the first network element.

[0291] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the response message in this embodiment is configured to actively carry the location information of the second terminal so that the first network element can easily know the location information of the second terminal and determine, based on the location information of the second terminal, whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0292] For example, if the second terminal detects that it is connected to a satellite, it may include its location information in the response message.

[0293] For example, if the second terminal detects that it is connected to a base station on a satellite, it may include its location information in the response message.

[0294] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the location information of the second terminal is used by the first network element to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0295] In step 1403, a session update message is received from the first network element, which carries the address information of the first user plane function (UPF) on the satellite, and was sent after the first network element determined that the first terminal and the second terminal were connected to the same satellite.

[0296] Selectively, a session update message may also be an updated first session invitation request.

[0297] The updated first session invitation request includes the address information of the first UPF, and the updated first session invitation request is obtained by adding the address information of the first UPF to the first session invitation request.

[0298] The address information of the first UPF on the satellite is transmitted from the third network element to the first network element via the second network element.

[0299] The specific process by which the first network element obtains the address information of the first UPF on the satellite can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0300] In step 1404, an IMS call is made according to the address information of the first UPF.

[0301] In this embodiment, after the second terminal receives a session update message, the second terminal can determine that the current media plane address information is the address information of the first UPF based on the address information of the first UPF carried in the session update message, and accordingly, the second terminal can then make an IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF. Specifically, the second terminal can transmit media plane data during the IMS call process based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0302] As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, the second terminal can easily obtain the address information of the first UPF on the satellite from the session update message transmitted from the first network element. As a result, the second terminal can make an IMS call based on this address information. Consequently, media plane data in the IMS call process can be directly transferred via satellite. This reduces the transmission path when the first and second terminals make an IMS call via the satellite network, lowers the transmission delay when the first and second terminals make an IMS call via the satellite communication network, and improves the call efficiency between them.

[0303] Figure 15 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method in this embodiment is performed by a communication device. The communication device in this embodiment may be implemented by software and / or hardware. The communication device may be a second terminal or located at a second terminal. In this embodiment, the case where the communication method is performed by a second terminal is described exemplarily.

[0304] As shown in Figure 15, the communication method may include the following steps 1501 to 1504.

[0305] In step 1501, the first network element receives a second session invitation request, which requests the first terminal to make an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with the second terminal, and the second session invitation request includes a location request message, which instructs the second terminal to provide its location information.

[0306] In step 1502, a response message to the second session invitation request, which carries the location information of the second terminal, is sent to the first network element.

[0307] In step 1503, a session update message is received from the first network element, which carries the address information of the first user plane function (UPF) on the satellite, and the session update message was sent after the first network element determined that the first terminal and the second terminal were connected to the same satellite.

[0308] In step 1504, an IMS call is made according to the address information of the first UPF.

[0309] As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, the second terminal can easily obtain the address information of the first UPF on the satellite from the session update message transmitted from the first network element. As a result, the second terminal can make an IMS call based on this address information. Consequently, media plane data in the IMS call process can be directly transferred via satellite. This reduces the transmission path when the first and second terminals make an IMS call via the satellite network, lowers the transmission delay when the first and second terminals make an IMS call via the satellite communication network, and improves the call efficiency between them.

[0310] Figure 16 is a flowchart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication method in this embodiment is performed by a communication device. The communication device in this embodiment may be implemented by software and / or hardware. The communication device may be the first user plane function (UPF) of a satellite, or it may be located on the first user plane function (UPF) of a satellite. In this embodiment, the case in which the communication method is performed by the first user plane function (UPF) of a satellite will be explained as an example.

[0311] As shown in Figure 16, the communication method may include the following steps 1601 to 1602.

[0312] In step 1601, a notification message is received from the third network element informing the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF.

[0313] The processing steps that the third network element performs before sending the notification message can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be described again here.

[0314] In this example, the first and second terminals are connected to a satellite; that is, the first and second terminals are connected to the same satellite.

[0315] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the satellite further includes a base station. For example, a first terminal and a second terminal can connect to the base station on the satellite.

[0316] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the notification message in this embodiment may further include the identifier information of the first terminal and the second terminal so that the first UPF knows the identifier information of the first terminal and the second terminal, establishes a binding relationship between them based on the identifier information of the first terminal and the second terminal, and transfers media plane data based on the binding relationship during the process of the first terminal and the second terminal making an IMS call.

[0317] Identifier information may also include other identifiable device information such as an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI).

[0318] In step 1602, the media plane data for the IMS call from the first terminal is received and the media plane data is transferred to the second terminal.

[0319] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, step 1602 may be the step of receiving media plane data for an IMS call on a second terminal and transferring the media plane data to a first terminal.

[0320] In one example of this disclosure, the first UPF may include all or some of the functions of a session border controller (SBC), such as media resource management, QoS policy control, security functions, and data encryption.

[0321] As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, the first UPF learns through a notification message that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF, and transfers the media plane data for the IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal. As a result, the media plane data during the process of making an IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal can be transferred directly using the satellite's first UPF. This reduces the transmission path when the first terminal and the second terminal make an IMS call via the satellite network, decreases the transmission delay when the first terminal and the second terminal make an IMS call via the satellite communication network, and improves the call efficiency between them.

[0322] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device in this embodiment is applied to a first network element.

[0323] As shown in Figure 17, the communication device 1700 is A receiving module 1701 used to receive a first session invitation request from a first terminal to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal, A determination module 1702 is used to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite equipped with a first user plane function (UPF), The system may include a transmitting module 1703 used to send an instruction message to a second network element indicating that the conditions for making an IMS call via satellite have been met, once it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

[0324] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, The transmitting module 1703 specifically is, The system carries instruction messages and sends messages to the second network element that trigger the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS) flow at the first terminal and / or a Quality of Service (QoS) flow at the second terminal.

[0325] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the instruction message includes identifier information for a first terminal and a second terminal.

[0326] Identifier information may also include other identifiable device information such as an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI).

[0327] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the determination module 1702 specifically, This is used to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

[0328] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first session invitation request includes location information of a first terminal; a transmitting module 1703 is further used to transmit a second session invitation request to a second terminal; and a receiving module 1701 is further used to receive a response message, which includes location information of a second terminal, that the second terminal returns in response to the second session invitation request.

[0329] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the first session invitation request includes location information of the first terminal, the transmitting module 1703 is further used to transmit a second session invitation request to the second terminal, which includes a location information request message instructing the second terminal to provide location information of the second terminal. The receiving module 1701 is further used to receive a response message returned from the second terminal, which includes the location information of the second terminal.

[0330] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus further comprises a first processing module, the first processing module is If the first session invitation request does not include the location information of the first terminal and / or the response message does not include the location information of the second terminal, a location query request is sent to the second network element to request a query for the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal, and It is used to receive location query response messages, which include location information of the first and / or second terminals, returned from the second network element.

[0331] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus is Sending a first location query request to the second network element to request location information of the first terminal, The second network element receives a first location query response message containing the location information of the first terminal, which is returned in response to the first location query request. Sending a second location query request to the second network element to request location information of the second terminal, The system further includes a second processing module used to receive a second location query response message containing the location information of a second terminal, which is returned by a second network element in response to a second location query request.

[0332] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the location information of the first terminal includes cell identifier information of the cell to which the first terminal is located, base station identifier information of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, and access network type information corresponding to the first terminal. , and the satellite identifier of the satellite to which the first terminal is connected. It includes at least one of the following: The location information of the second terminal includes the cell identifier of the cell where the second terminal is located, the base station identifier of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, and the access network type information corresponding to the second terminal. , and the satellite identifier of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected. It includes at least one of the following.

[0333] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a message that triggers the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) at a first terminal and / or a message that triggers the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) at a second terminal carries an IMS call method, which is either an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

[0334] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiving module 1701 is further used to receive a first QoS Flow establishment completion message transmitted from a second network element, the first QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates the completion of QoS Flow establishment at a first terminal, and the first QoS Flow establishment completion message carries the address information of a first UPF. The transmitting module 1703 is further used to transmit the address information of the first UPF to the first terminal. The receiving module 1701 is further used to receive a second QoS Flow establishment completion message transmitted from the second network element, the second QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates the completion of QoS Flow establishment at the second terminal, and the second QoS Flow establishment completion message carries the address information of the first UPF. The transmitting module 1703 is further used to transmit the address information of the first UPF to a second terminal.

[0335] Furthermore, the interpretations and explanations described above regarding the embodiments of the communication method are also applicable to the communication device related to those embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0336] According to the communication device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, when the first terminal requests to make an IMS call with the second terminal, it determines whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite equipped with a first UPF, and if it determines that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, it sends an instruction message to the second network element indicating that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call over satellite are met. The second network element then indicates that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call over satellite are met. Instruction message This makes it easier to find out, and furthermore, the first and second terminals can make IMS calls directly via satellite, reducing transmission delay when the first and second terminals make IMS calls via the satellite communication network, and improving call efficiency between them.

[0337] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. In this embodiment, the communication device is applied to a second network element.

[0338] As shown in Figure 18, the communication device 1800 is A receiving module 1801 used to receive an instruction message transmitted from a first network element indicating that the conditions for making an IMS call between a first terminal and a second terminal via a satellite equipped with a first user plane function (UPF) are met, wherein the instruction message is transmitted after the first network element has determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, and the receiving module 1801 The system may include a transmission module 1802 used to send instruction messages to a third network element.

[0339] Both the first and second terminals are connected to the satellite.

[0340] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, Specifically, the aforementioned transmission module 1802 is: The system carries instruction messages and sends messages to the third network element requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS) flow for the first terminal and the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS) flow for the second terminal. Used for .

[0341] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for a first terminal and / or a message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for a second terminal further includes a calling method for an IMS call, the calling method being either an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

[0342] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the instruction message includes identifier information for a first terminal and a second terminal. The identifier information may be other identifiable terminal information such as an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI).

[0343] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiving module 1801 is further used to receive a location query request transmitted from a first network element, which is used to query the location information of a target terminal. The transmission module 1802 is further used to transmit a location query response message to a first network element in response to a location query request, the location query response message containing location information of a target terminal, the target terminal being the first terminal and / or the second terminal.

[0344] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiving module 1801 is further used to receive a first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or a second QoS Flow establishment completion message transmitted from a third network element, which indicates the completion of the establishment of a QoS Flow for a first terminal, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or the second QoS Flow establishment completion message include address information for a first UPF. The transmitting module 1802 is further used to transmit a message indicating the completion of the establishment of the first QoS Flow and / or the completion of the establishment of the second QoS Flow to the first network element.

[0345] Furthermore, the interpretations and explanations described above regarding the embodiments of the communication method are also applicable to the communication device related to those embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0346] According to the communication device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, an instruction message transmitted from a first network element is received, Instruction message By forwarding this to the third network element, the third network element confirms that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call via satellite are met. Instruction message This makes it easier to find out, and furthermore, the first and second terminals can make IMS calls directly via satellite, reducing transmission delay when the first and second terminals make IMS calls via the satellite communication network, and improving call efficiency between them.

[0347] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. In this embodiment, the communication device is applied to a third network element.

[0348] As shown in Figure 19, the communication device 1900 is A receiving module 1901 used to receive an instruction message transmitted from a second network element indicating that the conditions for making an IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal via a satellite equipped with a first user plane function (UPF) are met, The system may include a transmitting module 1902 used to send a notification message to the first UPF to inform the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF.

[0349] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the device is an IMS of a first terminal. PDU UPF and IMS of the second terminal corresponding to the session PDU If at least one of the UPFs corresponding to the session is not the first UPF, then the IMS is not the first UPF. PDU It may further include a modification module used to change the session's UPF to a first UPF.

[0350] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, The receiving module 1901 is, specifically, The second network element receives a message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the first terminal and / or a message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the second terminal, including an instruction message. Used for .

[0351] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for a first terminal and / or a message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for a second terminal further includes a calling method for an IMS call, the calling method being either an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

[0352] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, both the notification message and the instruction message include identifier information for a first terminal and a second terminal. The identifier information may be other identifiable terminal information such as an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI).

[0353] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the transmitting module 1902 is Further used to send a first QoS Flow establishment completion message to a second network element indicating the completion of the establishment of the QoS Flow of a first terminal, and / or a second QoS Flow establishment completion message indicating the completion of the establishment of the QoS Flow of a second terminal, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or the second QoS Flow establishment completion message include address information of the first UPF.

[0354] Furthermore, the interpretations and explanations described above regarding the embodiments of the communication method are also applicable to the communication device related to those embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0355] According to the communication device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, the device receives an instruction message transmitted from a second network element and determines that the conditions for a first terminal and a second terminal to make an IMS call via satellite are met. Instruction message Based on this, the IMS of the first terminal PDU UPF and IMS of the second terminal corresponding to the session PDUWhen the UPF corresponding to a session is the first UPF, a notification message is sent to the first UPF so that the first UPF knows that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF. This allows media plane data during the IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal to be directly transmitted using the satellite's first UPF, reducing transmission delay when the first terminal and the second terminal make an IMS call over the satellite communication network and improving call efficiency between them.

[0356] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device in this embodiment is applied to a first terminal.

[0357] As shown in Figure 20, the communication device 2000 is A first transmit module 2001 used to send a first session invitation request to a first network element to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal, A receiving module 2002 is used to receive a response message sent by a first network element to a first session invitation request, wherein the response message carries address information of a first user plane function (UPF) on the satellite, and both the first and second terminals are connected to the satellite. It may include an IMS calling module 2003 used to make IMS calls according to the address information of a first UPF.

[0358] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the first terminal detects that it is connected to a satellite, it carries the location information of the first terminal in the first session invitation request.

[0359] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the location information of the first terminal includes cell identifier information of the cell to which the first terminal is located, base station identifier information of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, and access network type information corresponding to the first terminal. , and the satellite identifier of the satellite to which the first terminal is connected. It includes at least one of the following.

[0360] Furthermore, the interpretations and explanations described above regarding the embodiments of the communication method are also applicable to the communication device related to those embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0361] According to the communication device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, the address information of the first UPF on the satellite can be easily obtained from the response message returned by the first network element to the first session invitation request, thereby enabling the first terminal to make an IMS call based on said address information. As a result, it is realized that media plane data in the IMS call process can be transferred using the first UPF on the satellite, reducing the transmission path when the first terminal and the second terminal make an IMS call over the satellite network, decreasing the transmission delay when the first terminal and the second terminal make an IMS call over the satellite communication network, and improving the call efficiency between them.

[0362] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device in this embodiment is applied to a second terminal.

[0363] As shown in Figure 21, the communication device 2100 is A first receiving module 2101 used to receive a second session invitation request transmitted from a first network element, wherein the second session invitation request is a request for the first terminal to make an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with the second terminal, and A first transmitting module 2102 is used to send a response message to a second session invitation request to a first network element, A second receiving module 2103 used to receive session update messages transmitted from a first network element, wherein the session update messages carry address information of a first user plane function (UPF) on the satellite, and the session update messages are transmitted after the first network element has determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, The system may include an IMS call module 2104 used to make IMS calls according to the address information of a first UPF.

[0364] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a second session invitation request includes a location request message to instruct the second terminal to provide the location information of the second terminal, and the response message carries the location information of the second terminal.

[0365] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the second terminal detects that it is connected to a satellite, it includes its location information in the response message.

[0366] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the location information of the second terminal includes the cell identifier information of the cell to which the second terminal is located, the base station identifier of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, and the access network type information corresponding to the second terminal. , and the satellite identifier of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected. It includes at least one of the following.

[0367] Furthermore, the interpretations and explanations described above regarding the embodiments of the communication method are also applicable to the communication device related to those embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0368] According to the communication device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, the address information of the first UPF on the satellite can be easily obtained from a session update message transmitted from the first network element, thereby enabling the second terminal to make an IMS call based on said address information. This realizes the transfer of media plane data in the IMS call process using the first UPF on the satellite, reduces the transmission path when the first terminal and the second terminal make an IMS call via the satellite network, lowers the transmission delay when the first terminal and the second terminal make an IMS call via the satellite communication network, and improves the call efficiency between the two.

[0369] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device in this embodiment is applied to the first user plane function (UPF) of a satellite.

[0370] As shown in Figure 22, the communication device 2200 is A first receiving module 2201 used to receive a notification message transmitted from a third network element to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF, The system may include a second receiving module 2202 used to receive media plane data of an IMS call from a first terminal and transfer the media plane data to a second terminal, or to receive media plane data of an IMS call from a second terminal and transfer the media plane data to the first terminal.

[0371] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the notification message contains identifier information for a first terminal and a second terminal.

[0372] Identifier information may also include other identifiable device information such as an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI).

[0373] Furthermore, the interpretations and explanations described above regarding the embodiments of the communication method are also applicable to the communication device related to those embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0374] According to the communication device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, the first terminal and the second terminal can learn through a notification message that they are planning to make an IMS call via a first UPF, and can transfer the media plane data for the IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal. As a result, the media plane data during the process of making an IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal can be transferred directly using the satellite's first UPF, reducing the transmission path when the first terminal and the second terminal make an IMS call via a satellite network, decreasing the transmission delay when the first terminal and the second terminal make an IMS call via a satellite communication network, and improving the call efficiency between them.

[0375] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0376] As shown in Figure 23, the communication system 2300 may include a first terminal 2301, a second terminal 2302, a first user plane function (UPF) 23031 on satellite 2303, a first network element 2304, a second network element 2305, and a third network element 2306. The first network element 2304 is used to implement the communication method described in the embodiment according to the first aspect of this disclosure. The second network element 2305 is used to implement the communication method described in the embodiment relating to the second aspect of this disclosure. The third network element 2306 is used to implement the communication method described in the embodiment relating to the third aspect of this disclosure. The first terminal 2301 is used to implement the communication method described in the embodiment relating to the fourth aspect of this disclosure. The second terminal 2302 is used to implement the communication method described in the embodiment relating to the fifth aspect of this disclosure. The first UPF23031 is used to implement the communication method described in the embodiment according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure.

[0377] Furthermore, the above-mentioned interpretation and explanation regarding the embodiment of the communication method refers to the communication related to the said embodiment. system This is also applicable to [another topic], and will not be explained again here.

[0378] According to the communication system provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, when a first terminal requests to make an IMS call with a second terminal, it determines via a first network element whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, and if it determines that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, it uses PCF Instruction message By transmitting this to the third network element, the third network element indicates that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call using the first UPF on the satellite are met. Instruction message Based on this, the IMS of the first terminal PDU UPF and IMS of the second terminal corresponding to the session PDU When the UPF corresponding to a session is the first UPF, a notification message is sent to the first UPF so that the first UPF knows through the notification message that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF. This allows media plane data during the process of making an IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal to be directly transmitted using the satellite's first UPF, reducing transmission delay when the first terminal and the second terminal make an IMS call over the satellite communication network and improving call efficiency between them.

[0379] To ensure a clear understanding of this disclosure, the interaction process between the first terminal, the second terminal, the first network element, the third network element, the second network element, and the first UPF on the satellite in the communication system will be described illustratively below, with reference to Figure 23. In this embodiment, the first network element is a Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) network element, the second network element is a Policy Control Function (PCF) network element, and the third network element is a Session Management Function (SMF) network element.

[0380] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow between the first terminal, the second terminal, the P-CSCF network element, the PCF network element, the SMF network element, and the first UPF on the satellite.

[0381] As shown in Figure 24, the method may include steps 2401 to 2418.

[0382] In step 2401, the first terminal sends a first session invitation request to the P-CSCF network element.

[0383] The first session invitation request carries all or part of the information of the second terminal, such as the identifier information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, the session description protocol (SDP), and the location information of the first terminal. In other words, the first session invitation request can include at least one or more pieces of information such as the identifier information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, and the session description protocol (SDP). That is, the first session invitation request can include at least one of the following pieces of information: the identifier information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, and the session description protocol (SDP).

[0384] The SDP contains the media address of the first terminal, as well as the media types and codec / decoding information supported by the first terminal.

[0385] The SDP (Session Description Protocol) is primarily used for media negotiation before a session begins. The media address is the address to which the media stream is sent and received.

[0386] Selectively, the location information of the first terminal includes the cell identifier information of the cell where the first terminal is located, the base station identifier of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, and the access network type information corresponding to the first terminal. , and the satellite identifier of the satellite to which the first terminal is connected. It can include at least one of the following.

[0387] Selectively, the identifier information may be in the form of a Session Initiation Protocol Uniform Resource Identifier (sip-uri) or a Telephone Uniform Resource Identifier (tel-uri).

[0388] Selectively, the SDP further includes the necessary bandwidth information, and after the network receives this bandwidth information, it determines the required Quality of Service (Qos) bandwidth for the dedicated bearer according to that bandwidth information.

[0389] In step 2402, the P-CSCF network element sends a second session invitation request to the second terminal.

[0390] In this example, the first session invitation request and the second session invitation request are either the same or different.

[0391] For example, 2 The session invitation request may be obtained by processing the first session invitation request.

[0392] In this example, the second session invitation request carries not only the media plane address and port information of the called session border controller (SBC) corresponding to the second terminal, but also SDP information.

[0393] In this disclosure, the Session Border Controller (SBC) is also referred to as the Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem Access Gateway (IMS Access Gateway, IMS AGW).

[0394] In step 2403, the P-CSCF network element receives a 183 message that the second terminal returns in response to the second session invitation request.

[0395] In this example, message 183 is the response message to the second session invitation request.

[0396] The 183 message may include an SDP response message and location information of the second terminal.

[0397] The SDP response message includes media type and coder / decoder information supported by the called UE.

[0398] In this example, the location information of the second terminal may include at least one of the following: the cell identifier information of the cell where the second terminal is located, the base station identifier of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, and the access network type information corresponding to the second terminal.

[0399] In step 2404, the P-CSCF network element checks whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, according to the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal. If the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, steps 2405 and 2408 are performed.

[0400] In this example, the satellite has the first user plane function (UPF) deployed.

[0401] In step 2405, the P-CSCF network element transmits a first AAR message to the PCF network element, which is intended to trigger the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS) Flow for the first terminal to carry voice data in the IMS voice call process, and the first AAR message includes an instruction message indicating that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call over satellite are met.

[0402] The instruction message includes identifier information for the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0403] Identifier information may also include other identifiable device information such as an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI).

[0404] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first AAR message further includes a calling method by which a first terminal and a second terminal make an IMS call, the calling method being either an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

[0405] In step 2406, the PCF network element sends a first request message to the SMF network element, the first request message being used to establish a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the first terminal to carry voice data in the IMS voice call process, and the first request message includes an instruction message indicating that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call over satellite are met.

[0406] The instruction message includes identifier information for the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0407] Identifier information may also include other identifiable device information such as an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI).

[0408] The 5G Quality of Service identifier (5QI) for a Quality of Service Flow (QoS Flow) used to carry voice data is equal to 1. Therefore, to use a QoS Flow to carry voice data, a QoS Flow with 5QI=1 can be created.

[0409] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first request message further includes a calling method by which a first terminal and a second terminal conduct an IMS call, the calling method being either an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

[0410] In step 2407, the SMF network element initiates the establishment of a QoS Flow for the first terminal based on the first request message, which is carried in the first request message Instruction message Accordingly, after knowing that the conditions for making an IMS call via satellite are met, the IMS of the first terminal... PDU Check whether the UPF corresponding to the session is the first UPF.

[0411] The process for establishing the QoS Flow of the first terminal can be found in the relevant technical documentation and will not be repeated here.

[0412] In step 2408, the P-CSCF network element sends a second AAR message to the PCF network element, which is intended to trigger the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the second terminal to carry voice data in the IMS voice call process, and the second AAR message includes an instruction message indicating that the conditions for the first and second terminals to make an IMS call over satellite are met.

[0413] The instruction message includes: First terminal This includes identifier information for the second terminal.

[0414] Identifier information may also include other identifiable device information such as an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI).

[0415] In step 2409, the PCF network element sends a second request message to the SMF network element, the second request message being used to establish a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the second terminal to carry voice data in the IMS voice call process, and the second request message is, First terminal This includes an instruction message to indicate that the second terminal meets the conditions for making an IMS call via satellite.

[0416] In step 2410, the SMF network element initiates the establishment of a QoS flow for the second terminal based on the second request message, which is carried in the second request message Instruction message According to, First terminal After learning that the second terminal met the conditions for making an IMS call via satellite, the second terminal's IMS PDU Check whether the UPF corresponding to the session is the first UPF.

[0417] In step 2411, the SMF network element connects to the IMS of the first terminal. PDU UPF and IMS of the second terminal corresponding to the session PDU If it is determined that the UPF corresponding to the session is the first UPF, a notification message is sent to the first UPF to inform it that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF.

[0418] The notification message includes identifier information for the first and second devices.

[0419] Identifier information may also include other identifiable device information such as an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI).

[0420] In step 2412, the SMF network element connects to the IMS of the first terminal. PDU UPF and IMS of the second terminal corresponding to the session PDU If it is determined that at least one of the UPFs corresponding to the session is not the first UPF, then the IMS is not the first UPF. PDU The session's UPF is changed to the first UPF, and a notification message is sent to the first UPF to inform it that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF.

[0421] The notification message includes identifier information for the first and second devices.

[0422] Identifier information may also include other identifiable device information such as an IP address, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), and / or a Subscription Permanent Identity (SUPI).

[0423] The specific implementation of step 2410 can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be explained again here.

[0424] In step 2413, the SMF network element sends a QoS Flow establishment completion message for the first terminal carrying the address information of the first UPF to the P-CSCF network element via the PCF network element.

[0425] In step 2414, the SMF network element sends a message to the P-CSCF network element via the PCF network element indicating that the QoS Flow establishment is complete for the second terminal carrying the address information of the first UPF.

[0426] In step 2415, the P-CSCF network element sends a 183 message to the first terminal that carries the address information of the first UPF.

[0427] In this embodiment, after the first terminal receives a 183 message, the first terminal can determine that the current media plane address information is the address information of the first UPF based on the address information of the first UPF carried in the 183 message, and accordingly, the first terminal can then make an IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF. Specifically, the first terminal can transmit media plane data in the IMS call process based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0428] In step 2416, the P-CSCF network element sends a session update message to the second terminal containing the address information of the first UPF.

[0429] Selectively, the session update message may be an updated first session invitation request containing the address information of the first UPF. The updated first session invitation request is obtained by adding the address information of the first UPF to the first session invitation request.

[0430] In this example, the first UPF enables some or all of the SBC's functions, including media resource management, QoS policy control, security features, and data encryption.

[0431] In this embodiment, after the second terminal receives a session update message, the second terminal can determine that the current media plane address information is the address information of the first UPF based on the address information of the first UPF carried in the session update message. Correspondingly, the second terminal can then perform an IMS call based on the address information of the first UPF. Specifically, the second terminal can transmit media plane data during the IMS call process based on the address information of the first UPF.

[0432] In step 2417, the session establishment between the first terminal and the second terminal is completed.

[0433] In this example, the exemplary process for establishing a session between the first and second terminals is as follows: After receiving a 183 message, the first terminal replies with a Provisional Response Acknowledgement (PRACK) message. The first terminal then sends a PRACK to acknowledge the 183 message and checks whether an audio-dedicated QoS stream has been established (the corresponding NAS messages are PDU Session Modification Command and PDU Session Modification Complete). If established, it indicates that the calling party's resource reservation is complete and the preconditions have been met, and the first terminal needs to send an UPDATE request to change the resource state in the SDP. After the second terminal detects that an audio-related dedicated bearer has been established, the second terminal returns a 200 signaling for the UPDATE. The first terminal's receipt of the 180 Ringing provisional response indicates that it has notified the receiving party of its voice call establishment request, and the second terminal, where the call is taking place, begins to ring. When the called user goes off-hook, the second terminal returns a 200 acknowledgment to the session invitation request as the final response to the session invitation request, and the first terminal must send an ACK for acknowledgment, at which point the session establishment is complete.

[0434] In step 2418, after the session is established, the first terminal and the second terminal can use the first UPF on the satellite to transfer media plane data in the IMS call process.

[0435] In other words, the media plane data of the first terminal and the second terminal are transmitted directly by the first UPF on the satellite.

[0436] As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are under the coverage of the same satellite, the IMS of the first terminal and the second terminal PDUBy changing the UPF corresponding to the session to the first UPF on the satellite, the first and second terminals can use the first UPF on the satellite to transfer IMS media plane data during the IMS call process, ensuring that media plane data is not lost, reducing transmission delays in the transmission of IMS media plane data during the IMS call process, and improving call efficiency when IMS calls are made between the two parties.

[0437] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow between the first terminal, the second terminal, the P-CSCF network element, the PCF network element, the SMF network element, and the first UPF on the satellite.

[0438] In step 2501, the first terminal sends a first session invitation request to the P-CSCF network element.

[0439] The first session invitation request carries at least one piece of information, such as the identifier information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, the session description protocol SDP, and the location information of the first terminal.

[0440] Optionally, the first terminal can check whether it is connected to a satellite, and if it is checked that it is connected to a satellite, the first terminal can carry its location information in a first session invitation request that is sent to a P-CSCF network element.

[0441] The SDP includes the media address of the first terminal and the media type and codec / decoding information supported by the first terminal.

[0442] The Session Description Protocol (SDP) is primarily used for media negotiation before a session begins. The media address is the address to which the media stream is sent and received.

[0443] Optionally, the location information of the first terminal may include at least one of the following: cell identifier information of the cell where the first terminal is located, base station identifier of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, and access network type information corresponding to the first terminal.

[0444] Selectively, the identifier information may be in the form of a Session Initiation Protocol Uniform Resource Identifier (sip-uri) or a Telephone Uniform Resource Identifier (tel-uri).

[0445] Selectively, the SDP may further include the necessary bandwidth information, and after receiving this bandwidth information, the network can determine the required QoS bandwidth for the dedicated bearer according to that information.

[0446] In step 2502, First If the session invitation request includes the location information of the first terminal, the P-CSCF network element sends a second session invitation request to the second terminal, which includes a location information request message instructing the second terminal to provide its location information.

[0447] Specifically, the P-CSCF network element detects whether the first session invitation request includes the location information of the first terminal. If it is detected that the first session invitation request includes the location information of the first terminal, the P-CSCF network element adds a location information request message to the first session invitation request and sends the second session invitation request to the second terminal so that a second session invitation request can be obtained.

[0448] The second session invitation request also carries SDP information in addition to the media plane address and port information of the called session border controller (SBC) corresponding to the second terminal.

[0449] In step 2503, the P-CSCF network element receives a 183 message containing the location information of the second terminal, which the second terminal returns in response to the second session invitation request.

[0450] Selectively, after receiving the second session invitation request, the second terminal can detect whether it is connected to the satellite, and if it detects that it is connected to the satellite, it sends a 183 message containing the second terminal's location information to the P-CSCF network element.

[0451] In this example, message 183 is a response message to the second session invitation request.

[0452] The 183 message may include an SDP response message and location information of the second terminal.

[0453] The SDP response message includes media type and coder / decoder information supported by the called UE.

[0454] In this example, the location information of the second terminal may include at least one of the following: the cell identifier information of the cell where the second terminal is located, the base station identifier of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, and the access network type information corresponding to the second terminal.

[0455] In step 2504, the P-CSCF network element checks whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite according to the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal. If it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite and the communication method for the IMS call is an IMS voice call, then steps 2505 and 2508 are executed.

[0456] In this example, the satellite has the first user plane function (UPF) deployed.

[0457] In step 2505, the P-CSCF network element sends a first AAR message to the PCF network element, which is intended to trigger the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS) Flow for the first terminal to carry voice data in the IMS voice call process, and the first AAR message includes an instruction message indicating that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call over satellite are met.

[0458] In step 2506, the PCF network element sends a first request message to the SMF network element, which is a message used to establish a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the first terminal to carry voice data in the IMS voice call process, and which includes an instruction message indicating that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call over satellite are met.

[0459] In step 2507, the SMF network element initiates the establishment of a QoS Flow for the first terminal based on the first request message, which is carried in the first request message Instruction message Accordingly, after knowing that the conditions for making an IMS call via satellite are met, the IMS of the first terminal... PDUCheck whether the UPF corresponding to the session is the first UPF.

[0460] In step 2508, the P-CSCF network element sends a second AAR message to the PCF network element, which triggers the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the second terminal to carry voice data in the IMS voice call process, and the second AAR message is, First terminal This includes an instruction message to indicate that the second terminal meets the conditions for making an IMS call via satellite.

[0461] In step 2509, the PCF network element sends a second request message to the SMF network element, the second request message being used to establish a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the second terminal to carry voice data in the IMS voice call process, and the second request message is, First terminal This includes an instruction message to indicate that the second terminal meets the conditions for making an IMS call via satellite.

[0462] In step 2510, the SMF network element initiates the establishment of a QoS Flow for the second terminal based on the second request message, which is carried in the second request message Instruction message According to, First terminal After learning that the second terminal met the conditions for making an IMS call via satellite, the second terminal's IMS PDU Check whether the UPF corresponding to the session is the first UPF.

[0463] In step 2511, the SMF network element connects to the IMS of the first terminal. PDU UPF and IMS of the second terminal corresponding to the session PDUIf it is determined that the UPF corresponding to the session is the first UPF, a notification message is sent to the first UPF to inform it that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF.

[0464] In step 2512, the SMF network element connects to the IMS of the first terminal. PDU UPF and IMS of the second terminal corresponding to the session PDU If it is determined that at least one of the UPFs corresponding to the session is not the first UPF, then the IMS is not the first UPF. PDU The session's UPF is changed to the first UPF, and a notification message is sent to the first UPF to inform it that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF.

[0465] In step 2513, the SMF network element sends a message to the P-CSCF network element via the PCF network element indicating that the QoS Flow establishment is complete for the first terminal carrying the address information of the first UPF.

[0466] In step 2514, the SMF network element sends a message to the P-CSCF network element via the PCF network element indicating that the QoS Flow establishment is complete for the second terminal carrying the address information of the first UPF.

[0467] In step 2515, the P-CSCF network element sends a 183 message to the first terminal that carries the address information of the first UPF.

[0468] In step 2516, the P-CSCF network element sends a session update message to the second terminal, which includes the address information of the first UPF.

[0469] Step 2517 completes the establishment of a session between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0470] In step 2518, after the session is established, the first terminal and the second terminal can transfer media plane data in the IMS call process using the first UPF on the satellite.

[0471] For detailed explanations of steps 2505 to 2518, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, and we will not repeat them here.

[0472] Figure 26 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow between the first terminal, the second terminal, the P-CSCF network element, the SMF network element, the PCF network element, and the first UPF on the satellite.

[0473] As shown in Figure 26, the method may include steps 2601 to 2620.

[0474] In step 2601, the first terminal sends a first session invitation request to the P-CSCF network element.

[0475] The first session invitation request carries at least one piece of information, such as the identifier information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, and the session description protocol SDP.

[0476] The SDP includes the media address of the first terminal and the media type and codec / decoding information supported by the first terminal.

[0477] The Session Description Protocol (SDP) is primarily used for media negotiation before a session begins. The media address is the address to which the media stream is sent and received.

[0478] Selectively, the identifier information may be in the form of a Session Initiation Protocol Uniform Resource Identifier (sip-uri) or a Telephone Uniform Resource Identifier (tel-uri).

[0479] Selectively, the SDP further includes the necessary bandwidth information, and after the network receives this bandwidth information, it determines the QoS bandwidth required for the dedicated bearer according to that information.

[0480] In step 2602, the P-CSCF network element sends a second session invitation request to the second terminal.

[0481] The specific implementation of the step in which the P-CSCF network element sends a second session invitation request to a second terminal can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0482] In step 2603, the P-CSCF network element receives a 183 message that the second terminal returns in response to the second session invitation request.

[0483] In this example, message 183 is a response message to the second session invitation request.

[0484] A 183 message can include an SDP response message.

[0485] The SDP response message includes media type and coder / decoder information supported by the called UE.

[0486] In step 2604, if the first session invitation request does not include the location information of the first terminal and / or the response message does not include the location information of the second terminal, the P-CSCF network element sends a location query request to the PCF network element, which is used to query the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal.

[0487] In step 2605, the P-CSCF network element receives a location query response message containing the location information of the first and / or second terminals, which the PCF network element returns in response to the location query request.

[0488] In step 2606, The P-CSCF network element is Based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal, check whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, and then perform steps 2607 and 2610.

[0489] In step 2607, the P-CSCF network element sends a first AAR message to the PCF network element, which is intended to trigger the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS) Flow for the first terminal to carry voice data in the IMS voice call process, and the first AAR message includes an instruction message indicating that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call over satellite are met.

[0490] In step 2608, the PCF network element sends a first request message to the SMF network element, which is a message used to establish a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the first terminal to carry voice data in the IMS voice call process, and which includes an instruction message indicating that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call over satellite are met.

[0491] In step 2609, the SMF network element initiates the establishment of a QoS Flow for the first terminal based on the first request message, which is carried in the first request message Instruction message Accordingly, after knowing that the conditions for making an IMS call via satellite are met, the IMS of the first terminal... PDU Check whether the UPF corresponding to the session is the first UPF.

[0492] In step 2610, the P-CSCF network element sends a second AAR message to the PCF network element, which is intended to trigger the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS) Flow for the second terminal to carry voice data in the IMS voice call process, and the second AAR message includes an instruction message indicating that the conditions for the first and second terminals to make an IMS call over satellite are met.

[0493] In step 2611, the PCF network element sends a second request message to the SMF network element, the second request message is used to establish a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the second terminal to carry voice data in the IMS voice call process, and the second request message is, First terminal This includes an instruction message to indicate that the second terminal meets the conditions for making an IMS call via satellite.

[0494] In step 2612, the SMF network element initiates the establishment of a QoS Flow for the second terminal based on the second request message, which is carried in the second request message. Instruction message According to, First terminal After learning that the second terminal met the conditions for making an IMS call via satellite, the second terminal's IMS PDU Check whether the UPF corresponding to the session is the first UPF.

[0495] In step 2613, the SMF network element connects to the IMS of the first terminal. PDU UPF and IMS of the second terminal corresponding to the session PDU If it is determined that the UPF corresponding to the session is the first UPF, a notification message is sent to the first UPF to inform it that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF.

[0496] In step 2614, the SMF network element connects to the IMS of the first terminal. PDU UPF and IMS of the second terminal corresponding to the session PDU If it is determined that at least one of the UPFs corresponding to the session is not the first UPF, then the IMS is not the first UPF. PDU The session's UPF is changed to the first UPF, and a notification message is sent to the first UPF to inform it that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF.

[0497] In step 2615, the SMF network element sends a QoS Flow establishment completion message for the first terminal carrying the address information of the first UPF to the P-CSCF network element via the PCF network element.

[0498] In step 2616, the SMF network element sends a QoS Flow establishment completion message for the second terminal carrying the address information of the first UPF to the P-CSCF network element via the PCF network element.

[0499] In step 2617, the P-CSCF network element sends a 183 message to the first terminal that carries the address information of the first UPF.

[0500] In step 2618, the P-CSCF network element sends a session update message to the second terminal, which includes the address information of the first UPF.

[0501] In step 2619, the session establishment between the first terminal and the second terminal is completed.

[0502] In step 2620, after the session is established, the first and second terminals transfer media plane data in the IMS call process using the first UPF on the satellite.

[0503] For detailed explanations of steps 2607 to 2620, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, and they will not be repeated here.

[0504] Figure 27 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow between the first terminal, the second terminal, the P-CSCF network element, the SMF network element, the PCF network element, and the first UPF on the satellite.

[0505] As shown in Figure 27, the method may include steps 2701 to 2722.

[0506] In step 2701, the first terminal sends a first session invitation request to the P-CSCF network element.

[0507] In one example, the first session invitation request carries the identifier information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, and the session description protocol SDP.

[0508] In other examples, the first session invitation request carries the identifier information of the second terminal, the IP address of the first terminal, the port number of the first terminal, the session description protocol SDP, and the location information of the first terminal.

[0509] Optionally, the first terminal can check whether it is connected to a satellite, and if it has checked that it is connected to a satellite, the first terminal can carry its location information in a first session invitation request that transmits it to a P-CSCF network element.

[0510] The SDP includes the media address of the first terminal and the media type and codec / decoding information supported by the first terminal.

[0511] The Session Description Protocol (SDP) is primarily used for media negotiation before a session begins. The media address is the address to which the media stream is sent and received.

[0512] In this example, the location information of the first terminal may include at least one of the following: cell identifier information of the cell where the first terminal is located, base station identifier of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the first terminal, and satellite identifier of the satellite to which the first terminal is connected.

[0513] Selectively, the identifier information may be in the form of a Session Initiation Protocol Uniform Resource Identifier (sip-uri) or a Telephone Uniform Resource Identifier (tel-uri).

[0514] Selectively, the SDP further includes the necessary bandwidth information, and after the network receives this bandwidth information, it determines the QoS bandwidth required for the dedicated bearer according to that information.

[0515] In step 2702, The P-CSCF network element isA first authentication authorization request AAR message, including a first location query request to request location information for the first terminal, is sent to the PCF network element.

[0516] In this embodiment, after a first session invitation request is received from the first terminal, a first Authentication Authorization Request (AAR) message can be sent to the PCF network element, regardless of whether the first terminal actively carries location information with the first session invitation request.

[0517] In step 2703, The P-CSCF network element is The PCF network element receives a first Re-Authentication Request (RAR) message containing the location information of the first terminal, which it returns in response to the first AAR message.

[0518] In step 2704, the P-CSCF network element sends a second session invitation request to the second terminal.

[0519] The specific implementation of the step in which the P-CSCF network element sends a second session invitation request to a second terminal can be found in the relevant descriptions in other embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0520] In step 2705, the P-CSCF network element receives a 183 message that the second terminal returns in response to the second session invitation request.

[0521] For example, a second terminal can proactively include its location information in a 183 message.

[0522] In another example, the second session invitation request includes a location request message instructing the second terminal to provide its location information.2 The terminal carries the location information of the second terminal in the 183 message in accordance with the location information request message.

[0523] In this example, message 183 is a response message to the second session invitation request.

[0524] The 183 message may further contain an SDP response message.

[0525] The SDP response message includes media type and coder / decoder information supported by the called UE.

[0526] In this example, the location information of the second terminal may include at least one of the following: cell identifier information of the cell where the second terminal is located, base station identifier of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the second terminal, and satellite identifier of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected.

[0527] In step 2706, The P-CSCF network element is A second AAR message containing a second location query request to request location information for the second terminal is sent to the PCF network element.

[0528] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a second terminal can receive a response message that it returns to a second session invitation request, and regardless of whether the response message returned from the second terminal contains the location information of the second terminal, a second AAR message can be sent to the PCF network element.

[0529] In step 2707, The P-CSCF network element is The PCF network element receives a second RAR message containing the location information of the second terminal, which it returns in response to the second AAR message.

[0530] The location information of the second terminal in this example may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: cell identifier information of the cell to which the second terminal is located, base station identifier of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the second terminal, and satellite identifier of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected.

[0531] In step 2708, the P-CSCF network element checks whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite according to the first terminal location information and the second terminal location information, and then performs steps 2709 and 2712.

[0532] In this example, the satellite has the first user plane function (UPF) deployed.

[0533] In step 2709, the P-CSCF network element sends a third AAR message to the PCF network element, which is intended to trigger the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS) Flow for the first terminal to carry voice data in the IMS voice call process, and the third AAR message includes an instruction message indicating that the conditions for the first and second terminals to make an IMS call over satellite are met.

[0534] In step 2710, the PCF network element sends a first request message to the SMF network element, which is used to establish a Quality of Service (QoS) flow for the first terminal to carry voice data in the IMS voice call process, and which includes an instruction message indicating that the conditions for the first terminal and the second terminal to make an IMS call over satellite are met.

[0535] In step 2711, the SMF network element initiates the establishment of a QoS Flow for the first terminal based on the first request message, which is carried in the first request message Instruction message Accordingly, after knowing that the conditions for making an IMS call via satellite are met, the IMS of the first terminal... PDU Check whether the UPF corresponding to the session is the first UPF.

[0536] In step 2712, the P-CSCF network element sends a fourth AAR message to the PCF network element, which triggers the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the second terminal to carry voice data in the IMS voice call process, and the fourth AAR message is, First terminal This includes an instruction message to indicate that the second terminal meets the conditions for making an IMS call via satellite.

[0537] In step 2713, the PCF network element sends a second request message to the SMF network element, the second request message being used to establish a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the second terminal to carry voice data in the IMS voice call process, and the second request message is, First terminal This includes an instruction message to indicate that the second terminal meets the conditions for making an IMS call via satellite.

[0538] In step 2714, the SMF network element initiates the establishment of a QoS flow for the second terminal based on the second request message, which is carried in the second request message. Instruction message According to, First terminal After learning that the second terminal met the conditions for making an IMS call via satellite, the second terminal's IMS PDU Check whether the UPF corresponding to the session is the first UPF.

[0539] In step 2715, the SMF network element connects to the IMS of the first terminal. PDU UPF and IMS of the second terminal corresponding to the session PDU If it is determined that the UPF corresponding to the session is the first UPF, a notification message is sent to the first UPF to inform it that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF.

[0540] In step 2716, the SMF network element connects to the IMS of the first terminal. PDU UPF and IMS of the second terminal corresponding to the session PDU If it is determined that at least one of the UPFs corresponding to the session is not the first UPF, then the IMS is not the first UPF. PDU The session's UPF is changed to the first UPF, and a notification message is sent to the first UPF to inform it that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF.

[0541] In step 2717, the SMF network element sends a QoS Flow establishment completion message for the first terminal carrying the address information of the first UPF to the P-CSCF network element via the PCF network element.

[0542] In step 2718, the SMF network element sends a QoS Flow establishment completion message for the second terminal carrying the address information of the first UPF to the P-CSCF network element via the PCF network element.

[0543] In step 2719, the P-CSCF network element sends a 183 message to the first terminal that carries the address information of the first UPF.

[0544] In step 2720, the P-CSCF network element sends a session update message to the second terminal containing the address information of the first UPF.

[0545] In step 2721, the session establishment between the first terminal and the second terminal is completed.

[0546] In step 2722, after the session is established, the first terminal and the second terminal can transfer media plane data in the IMS call process using the first UPF on the satellite.

[0547] For detailed explanations of steps 2709 to 2722, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments, and we will not repeat them here.

[0548] To implement the above embodiment, this disclosure further proposes communication equipment.

[0549] Figure 28 is a block diagram of communication equipment for implementing a communication method shown in one exemplary embodiment. The communication equipment 2800 in this embodiment can be used to implement the method described in the embodiment of the above method, and specifically, refer to the description in the embodiment of the above method.

[0550] As shown in Figure 28, the communication device 2800 comprises one or more processors 2801.

[0551] The processor 2801 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, and may be, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. A baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and a central processing unit can be used to control communication equipment (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminals, terminal chips, distributed units (DUs) or central units (CUs)), execute programs, and process program data. The processor 2801 is used to call instructions so that the communication equipment 2800 performs any of the above methods.

[0552] In some embodiments, the communication device 2800 further comprises one or more memories 2802 for storing instructions. In some embodiments, all or part of the memories 2802 may be located outside the communication device 2800.

[0553] In some embodiments, the communication device 2800 further comprises one or more transceivers 2803. When the communication device 2800 comprises one or more transceivers 2803, the communication steps such as sending and receiving in the above method are performed by the transceivers 2803, and the other steps are performed by the processor 2801.

[0554] In some embodiments, the transceiver 2803 may include a receiver and a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. In some embodiments, terms such as transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver equipment, and transceiver circuit are interchangeable, as are terms such as transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitting equipment, and transmitting circuit, and terms such as receiver, receiving unit, receiving equipment, and receiving circuit.

[0555] In some embodiments, the communication device 2800 further comprises one or more interface circuits 2804 connected to the memory 2802, which can be used to receive signals from the memory 2802 or other devices, or to transmit signals to the memory 2802 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 2804 can read instructions stored in the memory 2802 and transmit those instructions to the processor 2801.

[0556] The communication device 2800 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a spatial terminal, but the scope of the communication device 2800 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 2800 is not limited by Figure 28. The communication device may be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be (1) a standalone integrated circuit (IC), or chip, or chip system, or subsystem; (2) a set comprising one or more ICs, and in some embodiments, the set of ICs, a storage component for storing data and programs; or (3) an ASIC. (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) (4) modules embedded in other devices, (5) receivers, terminals, smart devices, cellular phones, wireless devices, handheld devices, mobile units, in-vehicle devices, network devices, cloud devices, artificial intelligence devices, etc., and (6) other devices may also be included.

[0557] The implementation process and technical principles of the communication equipment according to this embodiment can be found in the previously described explanation of the communication method according to the embodiment of this disclosure, and will not be described again here.

[0558] The embodiments of this disclosure further propose chips.

[0559] Figure 29 is a schematic diagram of the chip structure as shown in one exemplary embodiment.

[0560] As shown in Figure 29, the chip 2900 comprises a processor 2901 and an interface circuit 2902. The number of processors 2901 may be one or more, and the number of interface circuits 2902 may be one or more.

[0561] Selectively, the chip includes a memory 2903 for storing necessary computer programs and data, and an interface circuit 2902 is used to receive signals from the memory 2903 and transmit signals containing computer instructions stored in the memory 2903 to a processor 2901, and when the processor 2901 executes the computer instructions, the communication device performs the communication method described in the above embodiments of this disclosure.

[0562] To realize the above embodiment, this disclosure further proposes a computer-readable storage medium in which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the communication method according to the above embodiment is implemented.

[0563] To realize the above embodiment, this disclosure further provides a computer program product in which, when instructions in the computer program product are executed by a processor, the communication method according to the above embodiment is implemented.

[0564] In this disclosure, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used solely for explanatory purposes and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in this disclosure, "plural" means two or more unless otherwise specified.

[0565] Any description of a process or method, whether depicted in a flowchart or otherwise described herein, may be understood to represent a module, fragment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a particular logical function or step of a process, and the scope of the aforementioned embodiments of this disclosure includes additional implementations that may be implemented in an order other than that shown or considered, including performing functions substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the function in question, as will be understood by those skilled in the art who are familiar with the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0566] It should be understood that each part of this disclosure may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the embodiments described above, several steps or methods may be implemented in software or firmware that is stored in memory and executed by an appropriate instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware, it may be implemented in any or a combination thereof of technologies known in the art, such as discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logic functions in data signals, application-specific integrated circuits having appropriate combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc., as in other embodiments.

[0567] Those skilled in the art will understand that performing all or part of the steps carried out in the above embodiment can be completed by a program that instructs the relevant hardware, and that such program, when executed, may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium containing one or a combination of the steps of the embodiment of the method.

[0568] Furthermore, the various functional units in the various embodiments of this disclosure may be integrated into a processing module, the individual units may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single module. The integrated module may be implemented in hardware form or in the form of a software functional module. When the integrated module is implemented in the form of a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium.

[0569] The storage medium described above may be read-only memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0570] In this specification, any reference to the terms “one embodiment,” “several embodiments,” “example,” “specific example,” or “several examples” means that the specific features, structures, materials, or properties described in relation to that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this specification, the exemplary expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or properties described may be combined in appropriate forms in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0571] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, these embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that they can modify, alter, substitute, and transform these embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0572] This disclosure claims priority to a Chinese patent application filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on March 22, 2024, with application number 202410341259.6, and the title of the invention being "Communication Method, Apparatus, Device, System, Chip and Storage Medium," the entirety of which is incorporated by reference into this disclosure.

Claims

1. A communication method applied to a first network element, The steps include receiving a first session invitation request from a first terminal to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal, The steps include determining whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite equipped with a first user plane function (UPF), A communication method characterized by comprising the step of determining that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, and then transmitting an instruction message to a second network element indicating that the conditions for making an IMS call via the satellite are met.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a message triggering the establishment of a quality of service flow (QoS Flow) for a first terminal, including the instruction message, and / or a message triggering the establishment of a quality of service flow (QoS Flow) for a second terminal are transmitted to a second network element.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the instruction message includes identifier information for the first terminal and identifier information for the second terminal.

4. The step of determining whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite is: The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of determining whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, based on the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

5. The first session invitation request includes location information of the first terminal, and the method is: The steps include sending a second session invitation request to the second terminal, The method according to 4, further comprising the step of receiving a response message from the second terminal that includes location information of the second terminal.

6. If the first session invitation request includes location information of the first terminal, the method shall The steps include sending a second session invitation request to the second terminal, which includes a location information request message instructing the second terminal to provide location information of the second terminal, The method according to 4, further comprising the step of receiving a response message returned from the second terminal, which includes location information of the second terminal.

7. The aforementioned method, If the first session invitation request does not include the location information of the first terminal and / or the response message does not include the location information of the second terminal, the step of sending a location query request to the second network element to request an inquiry for the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal; The method according to 5 or 6, further comprising the step of receiving a location query response message from the second network element, which includes location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal.

8. The aforementioned method, The steps include sending a first location query request to a second network element to request location information of the first terminal, The steps include receiving a first location query response message, which includes location information of the first terminal, returned from the second network element, The steps include sending a second location query request to the second network element to request location information of the second terminal, The method according to 4, comprising the step of receiving a second location query response message, which includes location information of the second terminal, returned from the second network element.

9. The location information of the first terminal includes at least one of the following: cell identifier information of the cell where the first terminal is located, base station identifier of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the first terminal, and satellite identifier of the satellite to which the first terminal is connected. The method according to 4 or 8, characterized in that the location information of the second terminal includes at least one of the following: cell identifier information of the cell to which the second terminal is located, base station identifier of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the second terminal, and satellite identifier of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected.

10. The method according to 2, characterized in that the message that triggers the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the first terminal and / or the message that triggers the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the second terminal further includes a calling method for the IMS call, wherein the calling method is either an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

11. The aforementioned method, Steps include receiving a first QoS Flow establishment completion message transmitted from the second network element, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates the completion of the establishment of the QoS Flow of the first terminal, and the first QoS Flow establishment completion message includes address information of the first UPF, The steps include transmitting the address information of the first UPF to the first terminal, Steps include receiving a second QoS Flow establishment completion message transmitted from the second network element, wherein the second QoS Flow establishment completion message indicates the completion of QoS Flow establishment for the second terminal, and the second QoS Flow establishment completion message includes address information for the first UPF, The method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of transmitting the address information of the first UPF to the second terminal.

12. A communication method applied to a second network element, Steps include receiving an instruction message transmitted from a first network element indicating that the conditions for making an IMS call between a first terminal and a second terminal via a satellite having a first user plane function (UPF) are met, wherein the instruction message is transmitted after the first network element has determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite; A communication method characterized by comprising the step of transmitting the instruction message to a third network element.

13. The method according to 12, characterized in that a message requesting the establishment of a quality of service flow (QoS Flow) for the first terminal and / or a message requesting the establishment of a quality of service flow (QoS Flow) for the second terminal, including the instruction message, is transmitted to the third network element.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein a message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the first terminal and / or a message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the second terminal further includes a calling method for the IMS call, the calling method being either an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the instruction message includes identifier information for the first terminal and identifier information for the second terminal.

16. The aforementioned method, The steps include receiving a location query request transmitted from the first network element, which is used to query the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal, The steps further include transmitting a location query response message, which includes location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal, to the first network element, The location information of the first terminal includes at least one of the following: cell identifier information of the cell where the first terminal is located, base station identifier of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the first terminal, and satellite identifier of the satellite to which the first terminal is connected. The method according to 15, characterized in that the location information of the second terminal includes at least one of the following: cell identifier information of the cell to which the second terminal is located, base station identifier of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the second terminal, and satellite identifier of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected.

17. The aforementioned method, Steps of receiving a first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or a second QoS Flow establishment completion message transmitted from the third network element, indicating the completion of establishment of the QoS Flow of the first terminal, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or the second QoS Flow establishment completion message include address information of the first UPF, The method according to 13, further comprising the step of transmitting a message indicating the establishment of the first QoS Flow and / or the establishment of the second QoS Flow to the first network element.

18. The method according to 16, characterized in that the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal are used by the first network element to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

19. A communication method applicable to a third network element, The steps include receiving an instruction message transmitted from a second network element indicating that the conditions for making an IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal via a satellite equipped with a first user plane function (UPF) are met, A communication method characterized by including the step of sending a notification message to the first UPF to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF.

20. The aforementioned method, The method according to 19, further comprising the step of changing the UPF of an IMS PUD session that is not the first UPF to the first UPF if at least one of the UPFs corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal is not the first UPF.

21. The method according to 19 or 20, characterized in that it receives a message requesting the establishment of a quality of service flow (QoS Flow) for the first terminal transmitted from a second network element, including the instruction message, and / or a message requesting the establishment of a quality of service flow (QoS Flow) for the second terminal.

22. The method according to 19 or 20, characterized in that both the notification message and the instruction message include identifier information for the first terminal and identifier information for the second terminal.

23. The aforementioned method, The method according to 21, further comprising the step of transmitting a first QoS Flow establishment completion message indicating the completion of establishment of the QoS Flow of the first terminal, and / or a second QoS Flow establishment completion message indicating the completion of establishment of the QoS Flow of the second terminal, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or the second QoS Flow establishment completion message include address information of the first UPF.

24. A communication method applicable to the first terminal, The steps include sending a first session invitation request to a first network element to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal, A step of receiving a response message transmitted by a first network element in response to a first session invitation request, wherein the response message carries address information of a first user plane function (UPF) on the satellite, and the response message is transmitted after the first network element has determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite. A communication method characterized by comprising the step of making an IMS call according to the address information of the first UPF.

25. The method according to 24, characterized in that the first session invitation request carries the location information of the first terminal.

26. The method according to 24, characterized in that, when the first terminal detects that it is connected to the satellite, it includes the location information of the first terminal in the first session invitation request.

27. The method according to 25 or 26, characterized in that the location information of the first terminal includes at least one of the following: cell identifier information of the cell to which the first terminal is located, base station identifier of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the first terminal, and satellite identifier of the satellite to which the first terminal is connected.

28. The method according to 25 or 26, characterized in that the location information of the first terminal is used by the first network element to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

29. A communication method applicable to a second terminal, The steps include receiving a second session invitation request transmitted from a first network element, wherein the second session invitation request is a request for the first terminal to make an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with the second terminal, The steps include sending a response message to the second session invitation request to the first network element, The steps include receiving a session update message transmitted from the first network element, wherein the session update message includes address information of a first user plane function (UPF) on the satellite, and the session update message is transmitted after the first network element has determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite; A communication method characterized by comprising the step of making an IMS call according to the address information of the first UPF.

30. The method according to 29, wherein the second session invitation request includes a location information request message, the location information request message is for instructing the second terminal to provide location information of the second terminal, and the response message includes location information of the second terminal.

31. The method according to 29, characterized in that the location information of the second terminal is carried in the response message.

32. The method according to 29, characterized in that, when the second terminal detects that it is connected to the satellite, it includes the location information of the second terminal in the response message.

33. The method according to 31 or 32, characterized in that the location information of the second terminal includes at least one of the following: cell identifier information of the cell to which the second terminal is located, base station identifier of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the second terminal, and satellite identifier of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected.

34. The method according to 31 or 32, characterized in that the location information of the second terminal is used by the first network element to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

35. A communication method applicable to the first user plane function (UPF) of a satellite, The steps include receiving a notification message transmitted from a third network element to inform the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF, A communication method characterized by including either the step of receiving media plane data for an IMS call from a first terminal and transferring the media plane data to a second terminal, or the step of receiving media plane data for an IMS call from a second terminal and transferring the media plane data to the first terminal.

36. The method according to 35, characterized in that the notification message includes identifier information for the first terminal and identifier information for the second terminal.

37. The method according to 35, characterized in that the first UPF includes all or part of the functions of a session border controller (SBC).

38. A communication device applied to a first network element, A receiving module used to receive a first session invitation request from a first terminal for requesting to make an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal, A determination module used to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite equipped with a first user plane function (UPF), A communication device comprising: a transmitting module used to transmit an instruction message to a second network element indicating that the conditions for making an IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal via the satellite are met, when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

39. The aforementioned transmission module is, specifically, The apparatus according to claim 38, characterized in that it is used to transmit to a second network element a message that triggers the establishment of a quality of service flow (QoS Flow) of a first terminal and / or a message that triggers the establishment of a quality of service flow (QoS Flow) of a second terminal, including the instruction message.

40. The apparatus according to claim 38, characterized in that the instruction message includes identifier information for the first terminal and identifier information for the second terminal.

41. The aforementioned determination module specifically includes, The apparatus according to claim 38, characterized in that it is used to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite, according to the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal.

42. The first session invitation request includes location information of the first terminal, and the transmission module is further used to transmit a second session invitation request to the second terminal. The apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the receiving module is further used to receive a response message, which includes location information of the second terminal, returned from the second terminal.

43. If the first session invitation request includes location information of the first terminal, the transmitting module is further used to transmit a second session invitation request to the second terminal, which includes a location information request message instructing the second terminal to provide location information of the second terminal. The apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the receiving module is further used to receive a response message, which includes location information of the second terminal, returned from the second terminal.

44. The aforementioned device is If the first session invitation request does not include the location information of the first terminal and / or the response message does not include the location information of the second terminal, a location query request is sent to the second network element to request an inquiry for the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal. The apparatus according to claim 42 or 43, further comprising a first processing module used for receiving a location query response message, which includes location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal, returned from the second network element.

45. The aforementioned device is Sending a first location query request to the second network element to request location information of the first terminal, Receiving a first location query response message, which includes the location information of the first terminal, returned from the second network element, Sending a second location query request to the second network element to request location information of the second terminal, The apparatus according to claim 41, further comprising a second processing module used for receiving a second location query response message, which includes location information of the second terminal, returned from the second network element.

46. The location information of the first terminal includes at least one of the following: cell identifier information of the cell where the first terminal is located, base station identifier of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the first terminal, and satellite identifier of the satellite to which the first terminal is connected. The apparatus according to claim 41 or 45, characterized in that the location information of the second terminal includes at least one of the following: cell identifier information of the cell to which the second terminal is located, base station identifier of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the second terminal, and satellite identifier of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected.

47. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the message that triggers the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the first terminal and / or the message that triggers the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the second terminal further includes a calling method for the IMS call, wherein the calling method is either an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

48. The receiving module is further used to receive a first QoS Flow establishment completion message transmitted from the second network element, the first QoS Flow establishment completion message indicating the completion of the QoS Flow establishment of the first terminal, and the first QoS Flow establishment completion message includes the address information of the first UPF. The transmission module is further used to transmit the address information of the first UPF to the first terminal. The receiving module is further used to receive a second QoS Flow establishment completion message transmitted from the second network element, the second QoS Flow establishment completion message indicating the completion of the QoS Flow establishment of the second terminal, and the second QoS Flow establishment completion message includes the address information of the first UPF. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the transmitting module is further used to transmit the address information of the first UPF to the second terminal.

49. A communication device applied to a second network element, A receiving module used to receive an instruction message transmitted from a first network element indicating that the conditions for making an IMS call between a first terminal and a second terminal via a satellite equipped with a first user plane function (UPF) are met, wherein the instruction message is transmitted after the first network element determines that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite. A communication device comprising a transmitting module used to transmit the instruction message to a third network element.

50. The aforementioned transmission module is, specifically, The apparatus according to claim 49, characterized in that it is used to transmit to the third network element a message requesting the establishment of a quality of service flow (QoS Flow) for a first terminal and / or a message requesting the establishment of a quality of service flow (QoS Flow) for a second terminal, including the instruction message.

51. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein a message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the first terminal and / or a message requesting the establishment of a Quality of Service (QoS Flow) for the second terminal further includes a calling method for the IMS call, the calling method being either an IMS voice call or an IMS video call.

52. The apparatus according to any one of claims 49 to 51, characterized in that the instruction message includes identifier information for the first terminal and identifier information for the second terminal.

53. The receiving module is further used to receive location query requests transmitted from the first network element, which are used to query the location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal. The transmission module is further used to transmit a location query response message, which includes location information of the first terminal and / or the second terminal, to the first network element. The location information of the first terminal includes at least one of the following: cell identifier information of the cell where the first terminal is located, base station identifier of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the first terminal, and satellite identifier of the satellite to which the first terminal is connected. The apparatus according to claim 52, characterized in that the location information of the second terminal includes at least one of the following: cell identifier information of the cell to which the second terminal is located, base station identifier of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the second terminal, and satellite identifier of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected.

54. The receiving module is further used to receive a first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or a second QoS Flow establishment completion message transmitted from the third network element, which indicates the completion of the establishment of the QoS Flow of the first terminal, and / or the completion of the establishment of the QoS Flow of the second terminal, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or the second QoS Flow establishment completion message include address information of the first UPF. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the transmitting module is further used to transmit a message indicating the establishment of the first QoS Flow and / or a message indicating the establishment of the second QoS Flow to the first network element.

55. The apparatus according to claim 53, characterized in that the location information of the first terminal and the location information of the second terminal are used by the first network element to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

56. A communication device applied to a third network element, A receiving module used to receive an instruction message transmitted from a second network element indicating that the conditions for making an IMS call between the first terminal and the second terminal via a satellite equipped with a first user plane function (UPF) are met, A communication device comprising: a transmitting module used to send a notification message to the first UPF to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF.

57. The aforementioned device is The apparatus according to claim 56, further comprising a modification module used to change the UPF of an IMS PUD session that is not the first UPF to the first UPF when at least one of the UPFs corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the first terminal and the UPF corresponding to the IMS PUD session of the second terminal is not the first UPF.

58. The aforementioned receiving module is, specifically, The apparatus according to claim 56 or 57, characterized in that it is used to receive a message requesting the establishment of a quality of service flow (QoS Flow) for a first terminal transmitted from a second network element, including the instruction message, and / or a message requesting the establishment of a quality of service flow (QoS Flow) for a second terminal.

59. The apparatus according to claim 56 or 57, characterized in that both the notification message and the instruction message include identifier information for the first terminal and identifier information for the second terminal.

60. The aforementioned transmission module is The apparatus according to claim 58, further used to transmit to a second network element a first QoS Flow establishment completion message indicating the completion of establishment of the QoS Flow of the first terminal, and / or a second QoS Flow establishment completion message indicating the completion of establishment of the QoS Flow of the second terminal, wherein the first QoS Flow establishment completion message and / or the second QoS Flow establishment completion message include address information of the first UPF.

61. A communication device applied to the first terminal, A transmitting module used to send a first session invitation request to a first network element to request an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal, A receiving module used to receive a response message sent by a first network element to a first session invitation request, wherein the response message carries address information of a first user plane function (UPF) on the satellite, and the response message is transmitted after the first network element determines that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite. A communication device comprising: an IMS call module used for making IMS calls according to the address information of the first UPF; and a communication device characterized by comprising:

62. The apparatus according to claim 61, characterized in that the first session invitation request carries the location information of the first terminal.

63. The apparatus according to claim 61, characterized in that, when the first terminal detects that it is connected to the satellite, it includes the location information of the first terminal in the first session invitation request.

64. The apparatus according to 62 or 63, characterized in that the location information of the first terminal includes at least one of the following: cell identifier information of the cell to which the first terminal is located, base station identifier of the base station to which the first terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the first terminal, and satellite identifier of the satellite to which the first terminal is connected.

65. The apparatus according to 62 or 63, characterized in that the location information of the first terminal is used by the first network element to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

66. A communication device applicable to a second terminal, A first receiving module used to receive a second session invitation request transmitted from a first network element, wherein the second session invitation request is a request for a first terminal to make an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal, A first transmission module used to send a response message to the second session invitation request to the first network element, A second receiving module used to receive session update messages transmitted from the first network element, wherein the session update messages carry address information of a first user plane function (UPF) on the satellite, and the session update messages are transmitted after the first network element determines that the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite; A communication device comprising: an IMS call module used for making IMS calls according to the address information of the first UPF; and a communication device characterized by comprising:

67. The apparatus according to 66, wherein the second session invitation request includes a location information request message, the location information request message is for instructing the second terminal to provide location information of the second terminal, and the response message includes location information of the second terminal.

68. The apparatus according to claim 66, characterized in that the response message includes location information of the second terminal.

69. The apparatus according to 66, characterized in that, when the second terminal detects that it is connected to the satellite, it includes the location information of the second terminal in the response message.

70. The apparatus according to 68 or 69, characterized in that the location information of the second terminal includes at least one of the following: cell identifier information of the cell to which the second terminal is located, base station identifier of the base station to which the second terminal is connected, access network type information corresponding to the second terminal, and satellite identifier of the satellite to which the second terminal is connected.

71. The apparatus according to 68 or 69, characterized in that the location information of the second terminal is used by the first network element to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the same satellite.

72. A communications device applicable to the first user plane function (UPF) of a satellite, A first receiving module used to receive a notification message transmitted from a third network element to notify the first UPF that the first terminal and the second terminal are planning to make an IMS call via the first UPF, A communication device comprising: a second receiving module used to receive media plane data of an IMS call from a first terminal and transfer the media plane data to a second terminal, or to receive media plane data of an IMS call from a second terminal and transfer the media plane data to the first terminal.

73. The apparatus according to claim 72, characterized in that the notification message includes identifier information of the first terminal and identifier information of the second terminal.

74. The apparatus according to claim 72, characterized in that the first UPF includes all or part of the functions of a session border controller (SBC).

75. A communication device comprising memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in memory that is executable by the processor, A communication device characterized in that when the processor executes the computer program, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or the method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, or the method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, or the method according to any one of claims 24 to 28, or the method according to any one of claims 29 to 34, or the method according to any one of claims 35 to 37 is implemented.

76. A communication system comprising a first terminal, a second terminal, a first user plane function (UPF) on a satellite, a first network element, a second network element, and a third network element, The first network element is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11. A second network element is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 12 to 18. A third network element is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 19 to 23. The first terminal is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 24 to 28. The second terminal is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 29 to 34, A communication system characterized in that the first UPF is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 35 to 37.

77. A chip comprising one or more interface circuits and one or more processors, wherein the interface circuits are used to receive signals from the memory of a communication device and to transmit the received signals, including computer instructions stored in the memory, to the processor, and when the processor executes the computer instructions, the communication device implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or the method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, or the method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, or the method according to any one of claims 24 to 28, or the method according to any one of claims 29 to 34, or the method according to any one of claims 35 to 37.

78. A computer-readable storage medium in which computer execution instructions are stored, characterized in that when the computer execution instructions are executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or the method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, or the method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, or the method according to any one of claims 24 to 28, or the method according to any one of claims 29 to 34, or the method according to any one of claims 35 to 37 is implemented on the computer-readable storage medium.

79. A computer program product including a computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or the method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, or the method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, or the method according to any one of claims 24 to 28, or the method according to any one of claims 29 to 34, or the method according to any one of claims 35 to 37 is implemented.

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