On-satellite regenerative satellite network operating method and system

Abstract

The present application discloses an on-satellite regenerative satellite network operating method and system, solving the problem in the prior art that satellite regenerative transmission of R17 and R18 NTN systems cannot be networked. The on-satellite regenerative satellite network operating method is applied to a satellite having a partial base station function, and comprises the following steps: between a PDCP layer and an RLC layer, or between the RLC layer and an MAC layer, providing an adaptive layer having a routing function; the adaptive layer determining a next address and a path ID in a received packet header; when a destination address is not the current satellite node, selecting an egress link corresponding to a corresponding inter-satellite link on the basis of the path ID, and transmitting a data packet to a DU corresponding to the selected egress link; and when the destination address is the current satellite node, selecting an egress link corresponding to a service link, and transmitting the data packet to a DU corresponding to the selected egress link. According to the present application, a constructed satellite achieves lower network delay and more flexible deployment.

Description

On-board regenerative satellite network operation method and system

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on July 18, 2023, with application number 202310882985.4 and invention name “A method and system for operating an on-board regenerative satellite network”. The entire contents of the prior application are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of space communication technology, and in particular to an on-board regenerative satellite network operation method and system. Background Art

[0003] For space communications, 3GPP has defined non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) to provide global network and information services to users in the air, space, land, and sea. NTNs use radio frequency and information processing resources hosted on high-, medium-, or low-orbit satellites or other high-altitude communication platforms to provide communications services.

[0004] In a 5G-based satellite communication system, user terminals complete information exchange with the data network via a gateway station through a satellite service link (Service Link) and a feeder link. The satellite platform can be a high-, medium-, or low-orbit satellite. Depending on the satellite's onboard payload capacity, it can be applied to two typical scenarios: transparent forwarding and on-board regeneration. Among them, the transparent forwarding mode means that the satellite does not process signals, waveforms, etc. in the communication service, and only forwards data as an RF amplifier; the regenerative mode means that in addition to RF amplification, the satellite also has processing capabilities such as modulation / demodulation, encoding / decoding, switching, and routing. For satellites based on the regenerative mode, since they have certain on-board processing capabilities, they have the ability to provide terminals with partial access network functions (DU) or all access network functions (CU+DU), and even core network functions. In this mode, satellites can exchange information between satellites through inter-satellite links (ISL).

[0005] For R17 and R18 NTN systems, only the NTN system architecture in transparent forwarding mode has been standardized. Satellites in regenerative mode have not yet been discussed. Therefore, an NTN system architecture based on on-board regeneration mode is needed.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiments of the present application provide an on-board regenerative satellite network operation method and system, which solves the problem that satellite regenerative transmission of the R17 and R18 NTN systems in the prior art cannot be networked.

[0008] The present invention provides an on-board regenerative satellite network operation method, comprising the following steps:

[0009] An adaptation layer with routing function is set between the PDCP layer and the RLC layer or between the RLC layer and the MAC layer;

[0010] The adaptation layer determines the next hop address and path ID in the received packet header;

[0011] In response to the destination address not being the current serving satellite node, selecting an egress link corresponding to the corresponding intersatellite link according to the path ID, and delivering the data packet to the selected egress link; the serving satellite nodes are connected via intersatellite links;

[0012] In response to the destination address being the current serving satellite node, an egress link corresponding to the serving link is selected, and the data packet is transferred to the selected egress link; the serving satellite node and the terminal are connected via the serving link.

[0013] Furthermore, the method further comprises the steps of:

[0014] The service satellite node receives data packets sent by the gateway through the feeder link;

[0015] The current serving satellite node is connected to the intersatellite link interface unit of the next serving satellite node via an intersatellite link through a serving link interface unit;

[0016] The service satellite node of the destination address is connected to the terminal via a service link.

[0017] Furthermore, the method further comprises the steps of:

[0018] The service satellite node receives data packets sent by the gateway through the feeder link;

[0019] The current serving satellite node is connected to the service link interface unit intersatellite link of the next serving satellite node via the service link interface unit;

[0020] The service satellite node of the destination address is connected to the terminal via a service link.

[0021] Furthermore, for downlink traffic from the gateway to the terminal via a single service satellite node, the transmission method further includes the following steps:

[0022] The serving satellite node receives the data packet via the feeder link;

[0023] In response to the destination address of the data packet being the current serving satellite node, the data packet is delivered to the terminal via the serving link.

[0024] Furthermore, for the uplink traffic of the gateway connecting to the terminal via a single service satellite node, the transmission method further includes the following steps:

[0025] The serving satellite node receives data via the serving link;

[0026] In response to the data packet destination address being the current serving satellite node, the data packet is delivered to a feeder circuit, the feeder circuit terminating at a gateway.

[0027] Furthermore, for downlink traffic from the gateway to the terminal via multiple service satellite nodes, the transmission method further includes the following steps:

[0028] The serving satellite node receives the data packet via the feeder link;

[0029] In response to the destination address of the data packet not being the current serving node, delivering the data packet to another serving satellite node via an intersatellite link;

[0030] In response to the destination address of the data packet being the current service node, the data packet is delivered to the terminal via the service link.

[0031] Furthermore, for the uplink traffic of the gateway connecting to the terminal through multiple service satellite nodes, the transmission method further includes the following steps:

[0032] The serving satellite node receives data via the serving link;

[0033] In response to the destination address of the data packet not being the current serving satellite node, delivering the data packet to another serving satellite node via an intersatellite link;

[0034] In response to the destination address of the data packet being the current serving node, the data packet is delivered to a feeder circuit, the feeder circuit terminating at a gateway.

[0035] An embodiment of the present application also provides an on-board regenerative satellite network system for implementing the method described in any one of the above embodiments, comprising a satellite node, a ground gateway, and a routing unit. The satellite node comprises a service link interface unit and an inter-satellite link interface unit. The service link interface unit is used to connect to a terminal. The inter-satellite link interface unit is used to connect to a ground gateway. Adjacent satellites are connected to the inter-satellite link interface unit via a service link interface unit, or are connected between two inter-satellite link interface units. The ground gateway comprises a centralized gateway unit and a distributed gateway unit. The centralized gateway unit is used to uniformly schedule and control the distributed gateway units. The distributed gateway unit is used to provide a feed connection to the satellite. The routing unit is used for inter-satellite routing calculation.

[0036] Furthermore, the gateway is connected to the serving satellite node via a feeder link. The serving satellite node includes a service link interface unit (SLIU) and an intersatellite link interface unit (ISLIU). The current serving satellite node is connected to the ISLIU of the next serving satellite node via an ISL. The destination serving satellite node is connected to the terminal via a service link.

[0037] Furthermore, the gateway is connected to the serving satellite node via a feeder link. The serving satellite node includes a service link interface unit (SLIU) and an inter-satellite link interface unit (ISLIU). The current serving satellite node is connected to the service link interface unit (ILIU) of the next serving satellite node via an ISL. The destination serving satellite node is connected to the terminal via a service link.

[0038] At least one of the above technical solutions adopted in the embodiments of the present application can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0039] The satellites constructed in this application have lower network latency and more flexible deployment. Satellites in regenerative mode can transmit information via inter-satellite links (ISLs) without the need to map the information back to the ground. This eliminates the need for numerous gateways on the ground. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. In the drawings:

[0041] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the overall network architecture of the prior art;

[0042] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a prior art network architecture;

[0043] FIG3 is a flow chart of an on-board regenerative satellite network operation method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG4 is a structural diagram of an on-board regenerative satellite network system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG5 is a structural diagram of another on-board regenerative satellite network system according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of this application more clear, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the specific embodiments of this application and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0047] The following describes in detail the technical solutions provided by various embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0048] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the overall network architecture of the prior art.

[0049] The network architecture of the 5G-based satellite communication system mainly considers geosynchronous orbit satellites and low-orbit satellites as typical satellite platforms. Based on the research progress of NTN in the 3GPP R16 and R17 stages, research is mainly carried out on satellite communication systems based on the transparent forwarding mode, forming an overall network architecture as shown in Figure 1.

[0050] Among them, both high-orbit and low-orbit satellites serve as important nodes in the access network, providing access services to terminals by transparently forwarding signals between business links and feeder links.

[0051] The terminals mainly cover handheld terminals and VSAT terminals.

[0052] Both high- and low-orbit satellites can provide access services to user terminals. Low-orbit satellites, due to their shorter round-trip latency compared to geosynchronous orbit, are primarily used for communications services requiring higher transmission latency. Geosynchronous orbit satellites, on the other hand, due to their geostationary position and wide coverage, offer greater assurance for data services' return transmission.

[0053] Gateways are communication nodes for data exchange between satellites and backhaul networks. To transmit data back to the data network, both geosynchronous and low-orbit satellites must pass through gateways. In 5G-based satellite communication systems, these satellites can use 5G air interfaces to access ground gateways, enabling data delivery and reusing the terrestrial 5G industry chain. This reduces the complexity of satellite design and operation and further ensures communication service continuity.

[0054] Satellites act as a transparent bent-pipe transmission between users and ground-based access networks. They are completely transparent to the 5G NR protocol, including the physical layer, and do not affect the 5G network architecture, transmission protocols, and systems.

[0055] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a network architecture of the prior art.

[0056] As shown in Figure 2(1), the satellite payload implements frequency conversion, with one RF amplifier in each of the uplink and downlink directions, corresponding to an analog RF repeater. Therefore, the satellite copies and forwards the air interface signal from the feeder link to the service link, and vice versa.

[0057] A processing-forwarding network architecture requires adding some or all access network functions to the satellite. This enables user-friendly, unified access authentication and unified, intelligent, and flexible scheduling of network resources, topology, functions, and data. However, this model requires increased onboard processing power and places high demands on satellite payload design.

[0058] There are two types of network architectures based on on-board processing and forwarding.

[0059] The first type of satellite acts as a 5G access network base station, and implements the full stack functions of gNB on board, as shown in Figure 2(2).

[0060] The second approach is that because 5G RAN has CU-DU separation capabilities, the CU can be placed on the ground station for processing, reducing the burden on the onboard payload. The onboard payload implements the gNB-DU function, and the ground gateway station implements the gNB-CU function. The satellite radio interface (SRI) transmits the F1 protocol between the ground CU and the onboard DU. This is shown in Figure 2(3).

[0061] FIG3 is a flow chart of an on-board regenerative satellite network operation method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0062] The present invention provides an on-board regenerative satellite network operation method, comprising the following steps:

[0063] Step 101: An adaptation layer with a routing function is set between the PDCP layer and the RLC layer or between the RLC layer and the MAC layer.

[0064] The adaptation layer may be located between the PDCP layer and the RLC layer, or between the RLC layer and the MAC layer.

[0065] Step 102: The adaptive layer determines the next hop address and path ID in the received packet header;

[0066] Step 103: In response to the destination address not being the current serving satellite node, select an egress link corresponding to the corresponding intersatellite link according to the path ID, and transmit the data packet to the selected egress link;

[0067] Service satellite nodes are connected via inter-satellite links.

[0068] Step 104: In response to the destination address being the current serving satellite node, select an egress link corresponding to the serving link and transmit the data packet to the selected egress link;

[0069] The service satellite node and the terminal are connected via a service link.

[0070] The routing function is executed based on the next address and path ID in the packet header. If the destination address is not the current satellite node, the exit link corresponding to the corresponding inter-satellite link is selected according to the path ID, and the data packet is passed to the DU corresponding to the selected exit link.

[0071] If the destination address is the current satellite node, the egress link corresponding to the service link is selected, and the data packet is delivered to the DU corresponding to the selected egress link.

[0072] Furthermore, the functions of the adaptation layer also include QoS flow mapping, flow control and congestion control.

[0073] The adaptive layer functions include: routing, QoS flow mapping, flow control and congestion control.

[0074] Furthermore, the method further comprises the steps of:

[0075] The service satellite node receives data packets sent by the gateway through the feeder link;

[0076] The current serving satellite node is connected to the intersatellite link interface unit of the next serving satellite node via an intersatellite link through a serving link interface unit;

[0077] The service satellite node of the destination address is connected to the terminal via a service link.

[0078] Furthermore, the method further comprises the steps of:

[0079] The service satellite node receives data packets sent by the gateway through the feeder link;

[0080] The current serving satellite node is connected to the service link interface unit intersatellite link of the next serving satellite node via the service link interface unit;

[0081] The service satellite node of the destination address is connected to the terminal via a service link.

[0082] For example, the serving satellite node includes a service link interface unit and an inter-satellite link interface unit.

[0083] An embodiment of the present application also provides an on-board regenerative satellite network system for implementing the method described in any one of the above embodiments, comprising a satellite node 1, a ground gateway 2, and a routing unit.

[0084] The satellite node includes a service link interface unit 11 and an inter-satellite link interface unit 12 .

[0085] The service link interface unit is used to connect to a terminal.

[0086] The intersatellite link interface unit is used to connect to a ground gateway station.

[0087] Adjacent satellites are connected via a service link interface unit and an intersatellite link interface unit, or via two intersatellite link interface units.

[0088] Furthermore, the satellite service node functions include radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, power amplification, modulation / demodulation, encoding / decoding, switching and routing.

[0089] For example, a satellite service node may include a satellite distributed unit (SLT-DU) or a service link interface unit, a satellite mobile terminal unit (SLT-MT) or an intersatellite link interface unit, wherein

[0090] Satellite service node functions include: RF filtering, frequency conversion, power amplification, modulation / demodulation, encoding / decoding, switching, and routing.

[0091] The main functions of SLT-MT include providing feeder connection to ground gateway stations;

[0092] The main functions of SLT-DU include providing connection with terminals.

[0093] Both can be used for intersatellite link connections with adjacent satellites.

[0094] The ground gateway station includes a gateway station centralized unit 21 and a gateway station distributed unit 22.

[0095] The centralized unit of the gateway station is used to uniformly dispatch and control the distributed units of the gateway station.

[0096] The gateway distributed unit is used to provide a feed connection with the satellite.

[0097] The routing unit is used for inter-satellite routing calculation.

[0098] It should be noted that the routing unit can be a separate module or integrated into a gateway or satellite service node, which is not further limited here.

[0099] For example, the routing module is located on the centralized gateway unit, which centrally controls the configuration of satellites. That is, the routing calculation between satellites is performed on the gateway GW-CU and then executed by the adaptation layer. The functional modules of the adaptation layer are located in the satellite service node.

[0100] Furthermore, the ground gateway functions include radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, power amplification, modulation / demodulation, encoding / decoding, switching and routing.

[0101] For example, a terrestrial gateway may include a gateway centralized unit (GW-CU) and a gateway distributed unit (GW-DU).

[0102] The functions of the ground gateway include: RF filtering, frequency conversion, power amplification, modulation / demodulation, encoding / decoding, switching, and routing.

[0103] The main functions of GW-DU include providing feeder connection with ground gateway stations.

[0104] The main functions of GW-CU include providing unified scheduling and control of GW-DU.

[0105] Furthermore, the links existing in the system include feeder links, service links and inter-satellite links.

[0106] The satellite mobile terminal unit is connected to the gateway station distributed unit via a feeder link.

[0107] The satellite distributed unit is connected to the satellite mobile terminal unit via an inter-satellite link.

[0108] The satellite distributed unit and the terminal are connected via a service link.

[0109] Furthermore, the gateway distributed unit is connected to one or more satellite mobile terminal units.

[0110] Furthermore, the feeder link and the intersatellite link are connected via an Xn interface, and the service link is connected via a wireless UU interface.

[0111] Furthermore, satellite nodes perform routing and path selection through network IP.

[0112] For example, the adaptive layer is on the satellite service node, and the module for calculating routing is on the GW-CU. The GW-CU uniformly controls the configuration of the satellite, which is executed by the adaptive layer.

[0113] Example 1

[0114] FIG4 is a structural diagram of an on-board regenerative satellite network system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0115] Furthermore, the gateway is connected to the serving satellite node via a feeder link. The serving satellite node includes a service link interface unit (SLIU) and an intersatellite link interface unit (ISLIU). The current serving satellite node is connected to the ISLIU of the next serving satellite node via an ISL. The destination serving satellite node is connected to the terminal via a service link.

[0116] For example, a satellite distributed unit (SLT-DU) and a satellite mobile terminal unit (SLT-MT). The inter-satellite link interface unit is a satellite mobile terminal unit (SLT-MT), the service link interface unit is a satellite distributed unit (SLT-DU), and the satellite mobile terminal unit of one service satellite node is connected to the satellite distributed unit of another service satellite node via an inter-satellite link.

[0117] The gateway is connected to the serving satellite node via a feeder link. The serving satellite nodes are connected to each other via a serving link. The serving satellite node is connected to the terminal via a serving link.

[0118] The intersatellite link is the architecture connecting SLT-DU and SLT-MT:

[0119] The GW-CU is a logical node that carries the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP protocols of the gNB or the RRC and PDCP protocols of the en gNB. It controls the operation of one or more GW-DUs. The GW-CU terminates the F1 interface with the GW-DU.

[0120] The GW-DU is a logical node that hosts the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers of a gNB or en-gNB. Its operations are controlled by the GW-CU. A GW-DU supports one or more cells. The GW-DU terminates the F1 interface with the GW-CU.

[0121] The SLT-MT function acts as a UE and reuses UE procedures to connect to:

[0122] - GW-DU on parent satellite node or gateway for access and backhaul via UU air interface protocol;

[0123] -GW-CU at the gateway via RRC to control access and backhaul links;

[0124] -Connect to 5GC via NAS protocol, such as AMF.

[0125] The connection between SLT-DU and SLT-MT is relatively easy to implement, and the intersatellite link implements the UU interface protocol.

[0126] Furthermore, for downlink traffic from the gateway to the terminal via a single service satellite node, the transmission method further includes the following steps:

[0127] The serving satellite node receives the data packet via the feeder link;

[0128] In response to the destination address of the data packet being the current serving satellite node, the data packet is delivered to the terminal via the serving link.

[0129] For example, as shown in Figure 4, for UE1's downlink traffic, the data packet is transmitted from the core network to the gateway (GW), which then passes it to UE1's service satellite node SLT-node1 via a feeder link that terminates at the GW-DU and SLT-MT. At this time, the destination address of the packet header of the data packet adaptation layer is SLT-node1. When SLT-node1 finds that the destination address of the data packet is itself, it passes the data packet to the DU corresponding to the service link, where the service link terminates at UE1 and SLT-DU. The GW-CU uniformly allocates the data packet path and the destination address of the data packet.

[0130] Furthermore, for the uplink traffic of the gateway connecting to the terminal via a single service satellite node, the transmission method further includes the following steps:

[0131] The serving satellite node receives data via the serving link;

[0132] In response to the data packet destination address being the current serving satellite node, the data packet is delivered to a feeder circuit, the feeder circuit terminating at a gateway.

[0133] For example, as shown in Figure 4, for UE1's uplink traffic, data is generated by the UE and sent to the serving satellite node, SLT-node1. The destination address in the packet's adaptation layer header is SLT-node1, and the serving link terminates between UE1 and the SLT-DU. When SLT-node1 discovers that the uplink data packet's destination address is itself, it passes the data packet to the SLT-MT corresponding to the feeder link. The feeder link terminates between the GW-DU and SLT-MT. The SLT-MT passes the data to the connected GW-DU via the feeder link.

[0134] Furthermore, for downlink traffic from the gateway to the terminal via multiple service satellite nodes, the transmission method further includes the following steps:

[0135] The serving satellite node receives the data packet via the feeder link;

[0136] In response to the destination address of the data packet not being the current serving node, delivering the data packet to another serving satellite node via an intersatellite link;

[0137] In response to the destination address of the data packet being the current service node, the data packet is delivered to the terminal via the service link.

[0138] For example, as shown in Figure 4, for the downlink traffic of UE2, the data packet is transmitted from the core network to the gateway (GW), which is then transmitted to the service satellite node SLT-node1 of UE2 through the feeder link that terminates at GW-DU and SLT-MT, and then to the service satellite node SLT-node3 of UE1. At this time, the destination address of the packet header of the data packet adaptation layer is SLT-node3. When SLT-node1 finds that the destination address of the data packet is not itself, the data packet is transmitted to the DU corresponding to the intersatellite link (the intersatellite link terminates at SLT-DU and SLT-MT). When SLT-node3 finds that the destination address of the data packet is itself, it transmits the data packet to the DU corresponding to the service link, where the service link terminates at UE2 and SLT-DU. The GW-CU uniformly allocates the data packet path and the destination address of the data packet.

[0139] Furthermore, for the uplink traffic of the gateway connecting to the terminal through multiple service satellite nodes, the transmission method further includes the following steps:

[0140] The serving satellite node receives data via the serving link;

[0141] In response to the destination address of the data packet not being the current serving satellite node, delivering the data packet to another serving satellite node via an intersatellite link;

[0142] In response to the destination address of the data packet being the current serving node, the data packet is delivered to a feeder circuit, the feeder circuit terminating at a gateway.

[0143] For example, as shown in Figure 4, for UE2's uplink traffic, the data is generated by the UE and sent to the serving satellite node SLT-node3. At this time, the destination address of the packet adaptation layer header is SLT-node1, and the service link terminates between UE2 and SLT-DU. When SLT-node1 discovers that the destination address of the uplink data packet is not itself, the data packet is passed to the DU corresponding to the intersatellite link (the intersatellite link terminates at SLT-DU and SLT-MT). When SLT-node1 discovers that the destination address of the uplink data packet is itself, it passes the data packet to the SLT-MT corresponding to the feeder link, which terminates at GW-DU and SLT-MT. The SLT-MT passes the data to the connected GW-DU via the feeder link.

[0144] Example 2

[0145] FIG5 is a structural diagram of another on-board regenerative satellite network system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0146] Furthermore, the gateway is connected to the serving satellite node via a feeder link. The serving satellite node includes a service link interface unit (SLIU) and an inter-satellite link interface unit (ISLIU). The current serving satellite node is connected to the service link interface unit (ILIU) of the next serving satellite node via an ISL. The destination serving satellite node is connected to the terminal via a service link.

[0147] For example, a satellite distributed unit (SLT-DU) and a satellite mobile terminal unit (SLT-MT). The inter-satellite link interface unit is a satellite mobile terminal unit (SLT-MT), and the service link interface unit is a satellite distributed unit (SLT-DU). A service satellite connects the satellite mobile terminal unit of a node with the satellite mobile terminal unit of another service satellite node through an inter-satellite link.

[0148] The gateway is connected to the service satellite node via a feeder link. The service satellite nodes are connected to each other via inter-satellite links. The service satellite nodes are connected to the terminal via a service link.

[0149] The architecture of intersatellite links is connected by SLT-MT and SLT-MT:

[0150] The GW-CU is a logical node that carries the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP protocols of a gNB or the RRC and PDCP protocols of an engNB. It controls the operation of one or more GW-DUs. The GW-CU terminates the F1 interface with the GW-DU.

[0151] The GW-DU is a logical node that hosts the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers of a gNB or en-gNB. Its operations are controlled by the GW-CU. A GW-DU supports one or more cells. The GW-DU terminates the F1 interface with the GW-CU.

[0152] The SLT-MT function acts as a UE and reuses UE procedures to connect to:

[0153] -Connect to SLT-MT via D2D or sidelink technology;

[0154] -GW-CU at the gateway via RRC to control access and backhaul links;

[0155] -Connect to 5GC via NAS protocol, such as AMF.

[0156] SLT-MT connection SLT-MT networking is relatively flexible and can implement D2D, sidelink, or laser connections.

[0157] Furthermore, for downlink traffic from the gateway to the terminal via a single service satellite node, the transmission method further includes the following steps:

[0158] The serving satellite node receives the data packet via the feeder link;

[0159] In response to the destination address of the data packet being the current serving satellite node, the data packet is delivered to the terminal via the serving link.

[0160] For example, as shown in Figure 5, for UE1's downlink traffic, the data packet is transmitted from the core network to the gateway (GW), which then passes it to UE1's service satellite node SLT-node1 via a feeder link that terminates at the GW-DU and SLT-MT. At this time, the destination address of the packet header in the data packet adaptation layer is SLT-node1. When SLT-node1 finds that the destination address of the data packet is itself, it passes the data packet to the SLT-DU corresponding to the service link, where the service link terminates at UE1 and SLT-DU. The GW-CU uniformly allocates the data packet path and the destination address of the data packet.

[0161] Furthermore, for the uplink traffic of the gateway connecting to the terminal via a single service satellite node, the transmission method further includes the following steps:

[0162] The serving satellite node receives data via the serving link;

[0163] In response to the data packet destination address being the current serving satellite node, the data packet is delivered to a feeder circuit, the feeder circuit terminating at a gateway.

[0164] For example, as shown in Figure 5, for UE1's uplink traffic, data is generated by the UE and sent to the serving satellite node, SLT-node1. The destination address in the packet's adaptation layer header is SLT-node1, and the serving link terminates between UE1 and the SLT-DU. When SLT-node1 discovers that the uplink data packet's destination address is itself, it passes the data packet to the SLT-MT corresponding to the feeder link. The feeder link terminates between the GW-DU and SLT-MT. The SLT-MT passes the data to the connected GW-DU via the feeder link.

[0165] Furthermore, for downlink traffic from the gateway to the terminal via multiple service satellite nodes, the transmission method further includes the following steps:

[0166] The serving satellite node receives the data packet via the feeder link;

[0167] In response to the destination address of the data packet not being the current serving node, delivering the data packet to another serving satellite node via an intersatellite link;

[0168] In response to the destination address of the data packet being the current service node, the data packet is delivered to the terminal via the service link.

[0169] For example, as shown in Figure 5, for the downlink traffic of UE2, there are two links to UE2:

[0170] PATH1: GW-DU→SLT-node1→SLT-node4→UE;

[0171] PATH2: SLT-node1→SLT-node2→SLT-node3→SLT-node4→UE.

[0172] The data packet is transmitted from the core network to the gateway (GW), which then passes it to the service satellite node SLT-node1 of UE2 via a feeder link that terminates at GW-DU and SLT-MT. At this time, the destination address of the packet header of the data packet adaptation layer is SLT-node4. When SLT-node1 finds that the destination address of the data packet is not itself, the data packet selects a suitable path based on the path ID and passes it to the SLT-MT corresponding to the intersatellite link of the selected path (the intersatellite link terminates at SLT-MT and SLT-MT). When SLT-node4 finds that the destination address of the data packet is itself, it passes the data packet to the DU corresponding to the service link, where the service link terminates at UE2 and SLT-DU. The GW-CU uniformly allocates the data packet path and the destination address of the data packet.

[0173] Furthermore, for the uplink traffic of the gateway connecting to the terminal through multiple service satellite nodes, the transmission method further includes the following steps:

[0174] The serving satellite node receives data via the serving link;

[0175] In response to the destination address of the data packet not being the current serving satellite node, delivering the data packet to another serving satellite node via an intersatellite link;

[0176] In response to the destination address of the data packet being the current serving node, the data packet is delivered to a feeder circuit, the feeder circuit terminating at a gateway.

[0177] For example, as shown in Figure 5, for the uplink traffic of UE2, there are two links to UE2:

[0178] PATH1:UE→SLT-node4→SLT-node1→GW-DU;

[0179] PATH2:UE→SLT-node4→SLT-node3→SLT-node2→SLT-node1→GW-DU.

[0180] Data generated by the UE is sent to the serving satellite node, SLT-node4. The destination address in the packet adaptation layer header is SLT-node1, and the service link terminates at UE2 and SLT-DU. When SLT-node4 discovers that the uplink packet's destination address is not its own, the packet selects an appropriate path based on the path ID and passes it to the SLT-MT corresponding to the intersatellite link of the selected path. The packet is then passed to the MT corresponding to the intersatellite link (the intersatellite link terminates at SLT-MT and SLT-MT). When SLT-node1 discovers that the uplink packet's destination address is its own, it passes the packet to the SLT-MT corresponding to the feeder link, which terminates at GW-DU and SLT-MT. The SLT-MT passes the data to the connected GW-DU via the feeder link.

[0181] It should be noted that when a satellite node includes complete base station functions, the satellite node functions include: RF filtering, frequency conversion, power amplification, modulation / demodulation, encoding / decoding, switching, and routing.

[0182] The ground gateway station includes complete base station functions, including: RF filtering, frequency conversion, power amplification, modulation / demodulation, encoding / decoding, switching, and routing.

[0183] The main links in the system include feeder link, service link, and intersatellite link:

[0184] The feeder link and intersatellite link are connected through the Xn interface, and the service link is connected through the wireless UU port.

[0185] In the regenerative satellite system, satellite nodes perform routing and path selection through network IP.

[0186] 3GPP Release 17 is the first version to support NTN (Non-terrestrial networks). Release 18's NTN enhancement is the evolutionary standard for Release 17 NTN. The WID for Release 18's NR NTN enhancement specifies four discussion objectives: coverage enhancement, NTN-TN, NTN-NTN mobility and service continuity enhancement, network-verified UE location, and deployment of NR-NTN in frequency bands above 10 GHz. NTN-TN and NTN-NTN mobility and service continuity enhancement are key discussion objectives for Release 18's NR NTN enhancement. This patent addresses NTN-TN, NTN-NTN mobility, and service continuity.

[0187] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Thus, the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0188] Therefore, the present application also proposes a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in any embodiment of the present application.

[0189] Furthermore, the present application also proposes an electronic device, comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor implements the method described in any embodiment of the present application when executing the computer program.

[0190] The present invention is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of processes and / or boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0191] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0192] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0193] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPUs), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory. Memory may include non-permanent storage in a computer-readable medium, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. Memory is an example of a computer-readable medium.

[0194] It should also be noted that the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, commodity, or apparatus that includes a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or includes elements inherent to such process, method, commodity, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, commodity, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0195] The foregoing is merely an embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various changes and variations. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application should all be included within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for operating an on-board regenerative satellite network, characterized in that: Contains steps: An adaptation layer with a routing function is provided between the PDCP layer and the RLC layer or between the RLC layer and the MAC layer; The adaptive layer determines the next hop address and path ID in the received packet header; In response to the destination address not being the current serving satellite node, selecting an egress link corresponding to the corresponding intersatellite link according to the path ID, and delivering the data packet to the selected egress link; The service satellite nodes are connected via inter-satellite links; In response to the destination address being the current serving satellite node, selecting an egress link corresponding to the serving link, and delivering the data packet to the selected egress link; The service satellite node and the terminal are connected via a service link.

2. The on-board regenerative satellite network operation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes the steps: The service satellite node receives data packets sent by the gateway through the feeder link; The current serving satellite node is connected to the inter-satellite link interface unit of the next serving satellite node through an inter-satellite link via a service link interface unit; The service satellite node of the destination address is connected to the terminal via a service link.

3. The on-board regenerative satellite network operation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes the steps: The service satellite node receives data packets sent by the gateway through the feeder link; The current serving satellite node is connected to the service link interface unit inter-satellite link of the next serving satellite node through the service link interface unit; The service satellite node of the destination address is connected to the terminal via a service link.

4. The on-board regenerative satellite network operation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: For the downlink traffic of the gateway connecting to the terminal through a single service satellite node, the transmission method also includes the following steps: The serving satellite node receives the data packet via the feeder link; In response to the destination address of the data packet being the current serving satellite node, the data packet is delivered to the terminal via the serving link.

5. The on-board regenerative satellite network operation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: For the uplink traffic of the gateway connecting to the terminal through a single service satellite node, the transmission method also includes the following steps: The serving satellite node receives data via the serving link; In response to the destination address of the data packet being the current serving satellite node, the data packet is delivered to a feeder circuit, the feeder circuit terminating at a gateway.

6. The on-board regenerative satellite network operation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: For the downlink traffic of the gateway connecting the terminal through multiple service satellite nodes, the transmission method also includes the following steps: The serving satellite node receives the data packet via the feeder link; In response to the destination address of the data packet not being the current service node, delivering the data packet to other service satellite nodes via an intersatellite link; In response to the destination address of the data packet being the current service node, the data packet is delivered to the terminal via the service link.

7. The on-board regenerative satellite network operation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: For the uplink traffic of the gateway connecting the terminal through multiple service satellite nodes, the transmission method also includes the following steps: The serving satellite node receives data via the serving link; In response to the destination address of the data packet not being the current serving satellite node, delivering the data packet to other serving satellite nodes via an intersatellite link; In response to the destination address of the data packet being the current service node, the data packet is delivered to a feeder circuit, the feeder circuit being terminated at a gateway.

8. An on-board regenerative satellite network system, used to implement the method described in claims 1-7, characterized in that: Contains satellite nodes, ground gateways and routing units; The satellite node comprises a service link interface unit and an inter-satellite link interface unit; The service link interface unit is used to connect to a terminal; The intersatellite link interface unit is used to connect to a ground gateway station; Adjacent satellites are connected via a service link interface unit and an intersatellite link interface unit, or via two intersatellite link interface units; The ground gateway station includes a gateway station centralized unit and a gateway station distributed unit; The centralized unit of the gateway is used to uniformly dispatch and control the distributed units of the gateway; The gateway distributed unit is used to provide a feed connection with the satellite; The routing unit is used for inter-satellite routing calculation.

9. The on-board regenerative satellite network system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The gateway is connected to the service satellite node via a feeder link; The service satellite node includes a service link interface unit and an inter-satellite link interface unit; The current serving satellite node is connected to the intersatellite link interface unit of the next serving satellite node through the service link interface unit; The service satellite node of the destination address is connected to the terminal via a service link.

10. The on-board regenerative satellite network system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The gateway is connected to the service satellite node via a feeder link; The service satellite node includes a service link interface unit and an inter-satellite link interface unit; The current serving satellite node is connected to the service link interface unit inter-satellite link of the next serving satellite node through the service link interface unit; The service satellite node of the destination address is connected to the terminal via a service link.

Images