Information indication methods, core network devices, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are information indication methods, access network devices, first core network devices, a communication system and a storage medium. A method is executed by a first core network device, and the method comprises: on the basis of first capability information and / or second capability information, determining whether to trigger a location verification procedure for a terminal to access a network, wherein the first capability information indicates the terminal supports or does not support non-terrestrial network (NTN)-based network-assisted localization, the second capability information indicates a non-terrestrial network (NTN) radio access network (RAN) accessed by the terminal supports or does not support NTN-based network-assisted localization, and the location verification procedure comprises: on the basis of the network-assisted localization, acquiring a first location of the terminal and, on the basis of the first location, performing terminal location verification. Thus, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure specify location verification procedures.

Description

Information indication method, core network equipment, communication system and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an information indication method, a core network device, a communication system, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In the field of communications technology, in satellite access, the cell size and tracking area of ​​the Radio Access Network (RAN) can be large and may cross national borders, and each country may have its own regulations. For example, if a terminal user is located in Country A and is not allowed to access the network in Country B in a non-roaming manner, when the terminal user accesses a satellite cell that provides coverage in both Country A and Country B, the terminal can still access the network in Country B through the satellite cell, which does not comply with regulatory requirements.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the access supervision scenario, the location verification process is an issue that needs to be considered.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information indication method, a core network device, a communication device, and a storage medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an information indication method, characterized in that the method is performed by a first core network device, and the method includes:

[0007] Determining whether to trigger a location verification process for the terminal to access the network based on the first capability information and / or the second capability information;

[0008] Among them, the first capability information indicates that the terminal supports or does not support network-assisted positioning based on the non-terrestrial network NTN; the second capability information indicates that the non-terrestrial network NTN radio access network RAN ​​accessed by the terminal supports or does not support network-assisted positioning based on NTN, and the location verification process includes: obtaining the first location of the terminal based on the network-assisted positioning, and performing terminal location verification based on the first location.

[0009] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an information indication method, the method being performed by an NTN access network device, the method comprising:

[0010] Sending fourth information to the first core network device or sending fifth information to the second core network device;

[0011] Among them, the fourth information is used to indicate whether the NTN RAN supports or does not support the capability of the network-assisted positioning based on NTN; the fourth information is used by the first core network device to determine whether to trigger a location verification process for the terminal to access the network; the location verification process includes obtaining the first location of the terminal based on the network-assisted positioning of NTN, and performing terminal location verification based on the first location; the fifth information is used to indicate that the acquisition of the terminal location failed because the NTN RAN does not support network-assisted positioning based on the non-terrestrial network NTN.

[0012] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an information indication method, the method comprising:

[0013] The access network device sends fourth information to the first core network device;

[0014] wherein, sending fourth information to the first core network device;

[0015] Among them, the fourth information is used to indicate whether the NTN RAN supports or does not support the capability of the network-assisted positioning based on NTN; the fourth information is used by the first core network device to determine whether to trigger the location verification process for the terminal to access the network; the location verification process includes obtaining the first location of the terminal based on the network-assisted positioning of NTN, and performing terminal location verification based on the first location.

[0016] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first core network device is provided, wherein the first core network device includes:

[0017] A processing module is configured to determine whether to trigger a location verification process for a terminal to access a network based on first capability information and / or second capability information; wherein, the first capability information indicates that the terminal supports or does not support network-assisted positioning based on a non-terrestrial network NTN; the second capability information indicates that the non-terrestrial network NTN radio access network RAN ​​accessed by the terminal supports or does not support network-assisted positioning based on NTN, and the location verification process includes obtaining a first location of the terminal based on the network-assisted positioning, and performing terminal location verification based on the first location.

[0018] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an access network device is provided, characterized in that the access network device includes:

[0019] a transceiver module, configured to send fourth information to the first core network device;

[0020] Among them, the fourth information is used to indicate whether the NTN RAN supports or does not support the capability of the network-assisted positioning based on NTN; the fourth information is used by the first core network device to determine whether to trigger the location verification process for the terminal to access the network; the location verification process includes obtaining the first location of the terminal based on the network-assisted positioning of NTN, and performing terminal location verification based on the first location.

[0021] According to the sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, wherein the communication system includes a first core network device and an access network device, the first core network device is configured to implement the information indication method provided by the first aspect, and the access network device is configured to implement the information indication method provided by the second aspect.

[0022] According to a seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first core network device is provided, wherein the first core network device includes:

[0023] one or more processors;

[0024] Among them, the first core network device is used to execute the information indication method described in the first aspect.

[0025] According to an eighth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an access network device is provided, the access network device including:

[0026] one or more processors;

[0027] Among them, the access network device is used to execute the information indication method described in the second aspect.

[0028] According to the ninth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device executes the information indication method provided by the first aspect, the second aspect or the third aspect.

[0029] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure clarifies the location verification process.

[0030] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] FIG1a is a schematic diagram showing an architecture of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0033] FIG2a is a schematic flow chart showing an information indication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0034] FIG3a is a schematic flow chart showing an information indication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0035] FIG3 b is a schematic flow chart showing an information indication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0036] FIG4a is a schematic flow chart showing an information indication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0037] FIG4 b is a schematic flow chart showing an information indication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0038] FIG5a is a schematic flow chart showing an information indication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0039] FIG6a is a schematic flow chart showing an information indication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0040] FIG6 b is a schematic flow chart showing an information indication method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0041] FIG7a is a schematic structural diagram of an access network device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0042] FIG7b is a schematic structural diagram of a first core network device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0043] FIG8a is a schematic structural diagram of a UE according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0044] Fig. 8b is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information indication method, core network equipment, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0046] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an information indication method, the method being performed by a first core network device, the method including:

[0047] Determining whether to trigger a location verification process for the terminal to access the network based on the first capability information and / or the second capability information;

[0048] Among them, the first capability information indicates whether the terminal supports or does not support network-assisted positioning based on the non-terrestrial network NTN; the second capability information indicates whether the non-terrestrial network NTN radio access network RAN ​​accessed by the terminal supports or does not support network-assisted positioning based on NTN; the location verification process includes obtaining the first location of the terminal based on the network-assisted positioning, and performing terminal location verification based on the first location.

[0049] In the above embodiment, whether to trigger the location verification process for the terminal to access the network can be determined based on the first capability information and / or the second capability information. In this way, whether to trigger the location verification process for the terminal to access the network needs to be based on the first capability information and / or the second capability information to determine whether the location verification process can be used for the terminal to access the network.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining whether to trigger a network location verification process for the terminal to access the network based on the first capability information and the second capability information includes:

[0051] It is determined that the first capability information indicates that the terminal supports NTN-based network-assisted positioning and the second capability information indicates that the NTN RAN supports NTN-based network-assisted positioning, and it is determined to trigger the network location verification process.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the network location verification process is triggered only when the terminal supports NTN-based network-assisted positioning and the NTN RAN supports NTN-based network-assisted positioning. Compared with always triggering the location verification process for the terminal to access the network, the execution of the location verification process is more reliable.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0054] Receive first information sent by a second core network device, where the first information indicates the first location.

[0055] In the above embodiment, after the location verification process is triggered, the first information sent by the second core network device can be received, so that the first location can be obtained and the location verification can be performed based on the first location.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information indicates at least one of the following:

[0057] Position estimate information;

[0058] Expiration date information;

[0059] accuracy information;

[0060] Positioning method information.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0062] Verify whether the terminal is allowed to access a public land mobile network (PLMN) at the current location based on the first location.

[0063] In the above embodiment, whether access to the public land mobile network PLMN at the terminal location is allowed may be adapted to a verification result determined based on the first location of the terminal.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0065] In response to determining that the terminal is not allowed to access the PLMN at the current location, denying the terminal access to the PLMN at the current location.

[0066] In the above embodiment, when it is determined that the terminal is not allowed to access the PLMN at the current location, the terminal is denied access to the PLMN, thereby enabling supervision of the terminal's access to the PLMN.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining whether to trigger a location verification process for the terminal to access the network based on the first capability information and / or the second capability information includes:

[0068] It is determined that the first capability information indicates that the terminal supports NTN-based network-assisted positioning, and it is determined to trigger the location verification process.

[0069] In the above embodiment, when it is determined that the terminal supports NTN-based network-assisted positioning, it can be determined that the location verification process is triggered. In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0070] receiving second information sent by a second core network device;

[0071] The second information indicates that obtaining the terminal location fails and / or the NTN RAN does not support network-assisted positioning based on a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

[0072] In the above embodiment, when positioning fails, second information indicating positioning failure and / or that the NTN RAN does not support network-assisted positioning based on non-terrestrial network NTN may be received from the second core network device, thereby determining positioning failure.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0074] Determine, according to the first policy, whether to accept or reject the terminal's access to the PLMN at the current location.

[0075] In the above embodiment, accepting or rejecting the terminal's access to the PLMN may be adapted to the first policy.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining to deny the terminal access to the PLMN at the current location, the method further includes:

[0077] Determine that the terminal has completed PLMN registration and initiate a deregistration process for the terminal.

[0078] In the above embodiment, when it is determined that the terminal is denied access to the PLMN and it is determined that the terminal has completed PLMN registration, a deregistration process of the terminal may be initiated.

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0080] receiving fourth information sent by the access network device or sending fifth information to the second core network device;

[0081] The fourth information is used to indicate whether the NTN RAN supports or does not support the capability of the NTN-based network-assisted positioning; and the fifth information is used to indicate that the acquisition of the terminal location fails because the NTN RAN does not support the network-assisted positioning based on the non-terrestrial network NTN.

[0082] In the above embodiment, fourth information indicating whether the NTN RAN supports or does not support the NTN-based network-assisted positioning capability may be received, thereby determining whether the NTN RAN supports the NTN-based network-assisted positioning capability.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, receiving fourth information sent by the access network device includes:

[0084] Receiving a new generation interface protocol NGAP message sent by the access network device;

[0085] The NGAP message includes the fourth information.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the NGAP message can be multiplexed to transmit the fourth information, which can save transmission resources and improve transmission efficiency.

[0087] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes one of the following:

[0088] Failure to determine the first location results in failure to perform location verification, and accepting access by the terminal;

[0089] Failure to determine the first location results in an inability to perform location verification, and access to the terminal is denied.

[0090] In the above embodiment, when the first location cannot be determined and thus location verification cannot be performed, access by the terminal can be accepted and / or rejected, and the handling method is more flexible.

[0091] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an information indication method, which is performed by an NTN access network device, and includes:

[0092] Sending fourth information to the first core network device or sending fifth information to the second core network device;

[0093] Among them, the fourth information is used to indicate whether the NTN RAN supports or does not support the capability of the network-assisted positioning based on NTN; the fourth information is used by the first core network device to determine whether to trigger a location verification process for the terminal to access the network; the location verification process includes obtaining the first location of the terminal based on the network-assisted positioning of NTN, and performing terminal location verification based on the first location; the fifth information is used to indicate that the acquisition of the terminal location failed because the NTN RAN does not support network-assisted positioning based on the non-terrestrial network NTN.

[0094] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, sending the fourth information to the first core network device includes:

[0095] Sending a new generation interface protocol NGAP message to the first core network device;

[0096] The NGAP message includes the fourth information.

[0097] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an information indication method, the method comprising:

[0098] The access network device sends fourth information to the first core network device;

[0099] wherein, sending fourth information to the first core network device;

[0100] Among them, the fourth information is used to indicate whether the NTN RAN supports or does not support the capability of the network-assisted positioning based on NTN; the fourth information is used by the first core network device to determine whether to trigger the location verification process for the terminal to access the network; the location verification process includes obtaining the first location of the terminal based on the network-assisted positioning of NTN, and performing terminal location verification based on the first location.

[0101] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first core network device, wherein the first core network device includes:

[0102] A processing module is configured to determine whether to trigger a location verification process for a terminal to access a network based on first capability information and / or second capability information; wherein, the first capability information indicates that the terminal supports or does not support network-assisted positioning based on a non-terrestrial network NTN; the second capability information indicates that the non-terrestrial network NTN radio access network RAN ​​accessed by the terminal supports or does not support network-assisted positioning based on NTN, and the location verification process includes obtaining a first location of the terminal based on the network-assisted positioning, and performing terminal location verification based on the first location.

[0103] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an access network device, characterized in that the access network device includes:

[0104] a transceiver module, configured to send fourth information to the first core network device or send fifth information to the second core network device;

[0105] Among them, the fourth information is used to indicate whether the NTN RAN supports or does not support the capability of the network-assisted positioning based on NTN; the fourth information is used by the first core network device to determine whether to trigger a location verification process for the terminal to access the network; the location verification process includes obtaining the first location of the terminal based on the network-assisted positioning of NTN, and performing terminal location verification based on the first location; the fifth information is used to indicate that the acquisition of the terminal location failed because the NTN RAN does not support network-assisted positioning based on the non-terrestrial network NTN.

[0106] In the sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication system, wherein the communication system includes an access network device and a first core network device, the first core network device is configured to implement the information indication method described in the optional implementation method of the first aspect, and the access network device is configured to implement the information indication method described in the optional implementation method of the second aspect.

[0107] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an access network device including:

[0108] one or more processors;

[0109] Among them, the access network device is used to execute the information indication method provided by the second aspect.

[0110] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first core network device, the first core network device including:

[0111] one or more processors;

[0112] Among them, the first core network device is used to execute the information indication method provided by the first aspect.

[0113] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, enable the communication device to execute the information indication method described in the optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0114] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a program product. When the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device executes the method described in the optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0115] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0116] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a chip or a chip system, wherein the chip or chip system includes a processing circuit configured to execute the method described in the optional implementation of the first and second aspects above.

[0117] It is understandable that the above-mentioned access network device, first core network device, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip or chip system are all used to perform the method proposed in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding method and will not be repeated here.

[0118] The present disclosure provides an information indication method, an access network device, a first core network device, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms information indication method, information processing method, and information transmission method are interchangeable, and the terms communication system and information processing system are interchangeable.

[0119] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and are not intended to be a specific limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure. In the absence of contradiction, each step in a certain embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a certain embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily exchanged. In addition, the optional implementation methods in a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; in addition, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. For example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a certain embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0120] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified or provided for by logic, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0121] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0122] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, elements expressed in the singular, such as "a", "an", "the", "above", "said", "the", "the", etc., may mean "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one", etc. For example, when using articles such as "a", "an", "the" in English in translation, the noun following the article may be understood as a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0123] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0124] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one," "one or more," "a plurality of," "multiple," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0125] In some embodiments, descriptions such as "at least one of A and B," "A and / or B," "A in one case, B in another case," or "in response to one case A, in response to another case B" may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); and in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0126] In some embodiments, "A or B" and other descriptions may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (A is executed independently of B); in some embodiments, B (B is executed independently of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The above is also applicable when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0127] The prefixes such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects and do not constitute any restriction on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the description objects. For the statement of the description object, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and no unnecessary restriction should be constituted due to the use of prefixes. For example, if the description object is a "field", the ordinal number before the "field" in the "first field" and the "second field" does not limit the position or order between the "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of the "first field" and the "second field". For another example, if the description object is a "level", the ordinal number before the "level" in the "first level" and the "second level" does not limit the priority between the "levels". For another example, the number of description objects is not limited by the ordinal number and can be one or more. Taking "first device" as an example, the number of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the description object is "device", then the "first device" and the "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different; for another example, if the description object is "information", then the "first information" and the "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their contents can be the same or different.

[0128] In some embodiments, “including A,” “comprising A,” “used to indicate A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0129] In some embodiments, terms such as "in response to...", "in response to determining...", "in the case of...", "at the time of...", "when...", "if...", "if...", etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0130] In some embodiments, terms such as "greater than", "greater than or equal to", "not less than", "more than", "more than or equal to", "not less than", "higher than", "higher than or equal to", "not less than", and "above" can be replaced with each other, and terms such as "less than", "less than or equal to", "not greater than", "less than", "less than or equal to", "not more than", "lower than", "lower than or equal to", "not higher than", and "below" can be replaced with each other.

[0131] In some embodiments, devices and equipment can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they can also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject", etc.

[0132] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network equipment, core network equipment, etc.

[0133] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "fixed station", and in some embodiments may also be understood as "node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission and / or reception point (TRP)" "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femto cell", "pico cell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", "bandwidth part (BWP)", etc.

[0134] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal" "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, etc.

[0135] In some embodiments, obtaining data, information, etc. may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the data is obtained.

[0136] In some embodiments, data, information, etc. may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0137] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in the table of the embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of any elements, any rows, and any columns can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0138] FIG1a is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 1 a , a communication system 100 includes an access network device 101 and a first core network device 102 .

[0140] In some embodiments, the terminal 101 includes, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a car with communication function, a smart car, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, and at least one of a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0141] In some embodiments, the access network device may be, for example, a node or device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include an evolved NodeB (eNB), a next generation evolved NodeB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved nodeB (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open base station (Open RAN), a cloud base station (Cloud RAN), a base station in other communication systems, and at least one of an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0142] In some embodiments, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0143] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can be used to split the protocol layer of the access network device, with the functions of some protocol layers centrally controlled by the CU, and the functions of the remaining part or all of the protocol layers distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU, but is not limited to this.

[0144] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a device including one or more network elements, or may be multiple devices or device groups, each including all or part of the one or more network elements. The network element may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0145] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiment of the present disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of the system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0146] The following embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1a, or a portion thereof, but are not limited thereto. The entities shown in Figure 1a are illustrative only. The communication system may include all or a portion of the entities shown in Figure 1a, or may include entities other than those shown in Figure 1a. The number and configuration of the entities are arbitrary, and the connections between the entities are illustrative only. The entities may be connected or disconnected, and the connections may be in any manner, including direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0147] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), future radio access (FRA), new radio access technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems based on and extending these methods. Furthermore, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0148] In some embodiments, during initial registration or mobility registration update, when the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) receives a Protocol for NG Interface (NGAP) message containing user location information of a terminal using satellite access, the AMF may determine the verified terminal location.

[0149] In some embodiments, if the AMF determines that the terminal is not allowed to operate at the current location based on the selected PLMN identity (ID) and user location information (ULI) (including cell identity) received from the base station (gNB), the AMF shall reject any non-access stratum (NAS) request (e.g., registration request, PDU session establishment request) and set the corresponding cause value #78 to "Terminal is not allowed to access the PLMN at the current location". If the terminal is already registered with the network when the AMF determines that the terminal is not allowed to operate at the current terminal location, the AMF may initiate deregistration of the terminal.

[0150] In some embodiments, the UE location used for location verification is determined based on UE reports derived only from GNSS measurements. Since the network does not know whether the UE location is reliable, the network cannot truly verify whether the UE reported location is valid.

[0151] In some embodiments, UE positioning reliability depends on network-assisted positioning technology. Therefore, the UE capability of supporting network-assisted positioning technology is indicated to the AMF or Mobility Management Entity (MME). The AMF or MME considers the UE capability before determining whether to accept or reject the UE's registration or attachment request, or before triggering the network verification process involving the Location Management Function (LMF).

[0152] However, the reliability of UE positioning needs to be verified using positioning technology that requires RAN support. In fact, this is not a basic function of the RAN. If the RAN does not have this capability, the verification will fail.

[0153] In some embodiments, if a terminal user is located in Country A and is not permitted to access the network in Country B in a non-roaming manner, when the terminal user accesses a satellite cell that provides coverage for both Country A and Country B, the terminal user may still be able to access the network in Country B through the satellite cell, which does not comply with regulatory requirements. Verification is required as to whether the user is located in Country A or Country B. If the user is located in Country B, network access should be prohibited at the user's current location.

[0154] To ensure that regulatory requirements are met, the core network may apply location verification to determine whether a terminal using satellite access is allowed to access the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) at its given location.

[0155] FIG2a is an interactive diagram of an information indication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information indication method, which is used in a communication system 100 and includes:

[0156] Step S2101: The access network device sends fourth information to the first core network device.

[0157] In some embodiments, the access network device may be an NTN access network device.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first core network device may be an AMF.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first core network device receives fourth information sent by the access network device.

[0160] In some embodiments, the fourth information is used to indicate the capability of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) radio access network (RAN) to support the NTN-based network-assisted positioning.

[0161] In some embodiments, the fourth information is used to indicate that the NTN RAN does not support the NTN-based network-assisted positioning capability.

[0162] In some embodiments, a Next Generation Interface Protocol (NGAP) message sent by the access network device is received.

[0163] In some embodiments, the NGAP message includes the fourth information.

[0164] In some embodiments, the fourth information further includes at least one of the following: location information of the terminal determined based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurement; and a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selected by the terminal.

[0165] In some embodiments, the terminal may also send information to the first core network device, where the information may indicate whether the terminal supports or does not support the capability of network-assisted positioning based on NTN.

[0166] It should be noted that, when it is determined that the terminal only supports NTN-based network-assisted positioning and triggers the location verification process, step S2101 can be omitted.

[0167] Step S2102: The first core network device determines whether to trigger a location verification process for the terminal to access the network.

[0168] In some embodiments, whether to trigger a location verification procedure for the terminal to access the network is determined based on the first capability information and / or the second capability information.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first capability information indicates that the terminal supports or does not support network-assisted positioning based on a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

[0170] In some embodiments, the second capability information indicates whether a non-terrestrial network (NTN) radio access network (RAN) accessed by the terminal supports or does not support NTN-based network-assisted positioning.

[0171] In some embodiments, the location verification process includes: acquiring a first location of the terminal based on the network-assisted positioning, and performing terminal location verification based on the first location.

[0172] It should be noted that the first position of the terminal obtained based on network-assisted positioning is credible and / or reliable. It can be understood that the first position is the actual geographical location of the terminal.

[0173] In some embodiments, it is determined that the terminal supports NTN-based network-assisted positioning and the NTN RAN supports NTN-based network-assisted positioning, and the location verification process is triggered.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first core network device triggers a location verification process for the terminal to access the network; the first core network device receives the first information sent by the second core network device.

[0175] In some embodiments, the second core network device may be a LMF.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first information indicates the first position.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first information indicates at least one of the following:

[0178] Position estimate information;

[0179] Expiration date information;

[0180] accuracy information;

[0181] Positioning method information.

[0182] In some embodiments, the terminal is allowed to access a public land mobile network (PLMN) at the terminal location based on the first location.

[0183] In some embodiments, the terminal is verified to be allowed to access a public land mobile network (PLMN) at the terminal location based on the first location and a predetermined policy. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the terminal is not allowed to access a PLMN at the current location, the terminal is denied access to the PLMN.

[0184] In some embodiments, it is determined that the first capability information indicates that the terminal supports NTN-based network-assisted positioning, and the location verification process is triggered.

[0185] In some embodiments, the second core network device is determined; and third information is sent to the second core network device; wherein the third information is used to request the location of the terminal.

[0186] In some embodiments, the third information includes at least one of the following:

[0187] Monitoring service client or terminal location request information;

[0188] Second core network device identifier.

[0189] In some embodiments, the second core network device performs positioning of the terminal.

[0190] Step S2103: The second core network device sends the second information to the first core network device. In some embodiments, the first core network device receives the second information sent by the second core network device.

[0191] In some embodiments, the second information indicates that obtaining the terminal location fails and / or the NTN RAN does not support network-assisted positioning based on a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

[0192] In some embodiments, the second core network device may receive the fifth information sent by the access network device.

[0193] In some embodiments, the fifth information is used to indicate that the acquisition of the terminal location fails because the NTN RAN does not support network-assisted positioning based on a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

[0194] In some embodiments, the second information may be determined based on the fifth information.

[0195] It should be noted that, in the scenario where it is determined that the terminal supports NTN-based network-assisted positioning and the NTN RAN supports NTN-based network-assisted positioning to trigger the location verification process, step S2103 may be omitted.

[0196] Step S2104: The first core network device performs a first operation.

[0197] In some embodiments, the first core network device determines, based on the first policy, whether to accept or reject the terminal's access to the PLMN at the current location.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first core network device determines to deny the terminal access to the PLMN at the current location, and the method further includes: the first core network device determines that the terminal has completed PLMN registration and initiates a deregistration process for the terminal.

[0199] In some embodiments, the inability to determine the first location results in an inability to perform location verification, and the first core network device accepts access by the terminal.

[0200] In some embodiments, the inability to determine the first location results in an inability to perform location verification, and the first core network device denies access to the terminal.

[0201] It should be noted that the first core network device can receive the sixth information sent by the terminal, where the sixth information is used to request the establishment of a packet data unit PDU session related to the regulatory service; the first core network device can establish the PDU session.

[0202] In some embodiments, the term "information" can be interchangeable with terms such as "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "field", and "data".

[0203] In some embodiments, the term "send" can be interchanged with terms such as "transmit", "report", and "transmit".

[0204] The information indication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2104. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2101 combined with steps S2102 and S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2101 combined with steps S2102 and S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0205] Figure 3a is a flow chart of an information indication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information indication method, which is executed by a first core network device. The method includes:

[0206] Step S3101: Obtain the fourth information.

[0207] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0208] In some embodiments, the first core network device receives the fourth information sent by the access network device, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the fourth information sent by other entities.

[0209] In some embodiments, the first core network device obtains fourth information specified by the protocol.

[0210] In some embodiments, the first core network device obtains the fourth information from an upper layer(s).

[0211] In some embodiments, the first core network device performs processing to obtain the fourth information.

[0212] In some embodiments, step S3101 is omitted, and the terminal autonomously implements the function indicated by the fourth information, or the above function is default or by default.

[0213] Step S3102: Determine whether to trigger a location verification process for the terminal to access the network.

[0214] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0215] Step S3103: Obtain the second information.

[0216] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0217] In some embodiments, the first core network device receives the second information sent by the second core network device, but is not limited thereto and may also receive the second information sent by other entities.

[0218] In some embodiments, the first core network device obtains second information specified by the protocol.

[0219] In some embodiments, the first core network device obtains the second information from an upper layer(s).

[0220] In some embodiments, the first core network device performs processing to obtain the second information.

[0221] In some embodiments, step S3101 is omitted, and the terminal autonomously implements the function indicated by the second information, or the above function is default or by default.

[0222] Step S3104: Execute the first operation.

[0223] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0224] The information indication method involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3104. For example, step S3101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S3101 combined with steps S3102 and S3104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3101 combined with steps S3102 and S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0225] FIG3b is a flow chart of an information indication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information indication method, which is executed by a first core network device, and the method includes:

[0226] Step S3201: Based on the first capability information and / or the second capability information, determine whether to trigger a location verification process for the terminal to access the network.

[0227] In some embodiments, the first capability information indicates that the terminal supports or does not support network-assisted positioning based on a non-terrestrial network NTN; the second capability information indicates that the non-terrestrial network NTN radio access network RAN ​​accessed by the terminal supports or does not support network-assisted positioning based on NTN; the location verification process includes: obtaining a first location of the terminal based on the network-assisted positioning, and performing terminal location verification based on the first location.

[0228] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0229] In some embodiments, determining whether to trigger a location verification process for the terminal to access the network based on the first capability information and the second capability information includes:

[0230] It is determined that the terminal supports NTN-based network-assisted positioning and the NTN RAN supports NTN-based network-assisted positioning, and it is determined to trigger the location verification process.

[0231] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0232] receiving first information sent by a second core network device;

[0233] The first information indicates the first position.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first information indicates at least one of the following:

[0235] Position estimate information;

[0236] Expiration date information;

[0237] accuracy information;

[0238] Positioning method information.

[0239] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0240] Verify whether the terminal is allowed to access a public land mobile network (PLMN) at the terminal location based on the first location.

[0241] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0242] In response to determining that the terminal is not allowed access at the terminal location, the terminal is denied access to the PLMN.

[0243] In some embodiments, determining whether to trigger a location verification process for the terminal to access the network based on the first capability information and / or the second capability information includes:

[0244] It is determined that the terminal supports NTN-based network-assisted positioning, and it is determined to trigger the location verification process.

[0245] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0246] receiving second information sent by a second core network device;

[0247] The second information indicates that obtaining the terminal location fails and / or the NTN RAN does not support network-assisted positioning based on a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

[0248] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0249] Determine, according to the first policy, whether to accept or reject the terminal's access to the PLMN at the current location.

[0250] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0251] Determining the second core network device;

[0252] Send third information to the second core network device; wherein the third information is used to request the location of the terminal.

[0253] In some embodiments, the third information includes at least one of the following:

[0254] Monitoring service client location request information;

[0255] Second core network device identifier.

[0256] In some embodiments, determining to deny the terminal access to a PLMN at the current location further comprises:

[0257] Determine that the terminal has completed PLMN registration and initiate a deregistration process for the terminal.

[0258] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0259] receiving fourth information sent by the access network device;

[0260] The fourth information is used to indicate whether the NTN RAN supports or does not support the capability of the NTN-based network-assisted positioning.

[0261] In some embodiments, the receiving fourth information sent by the access network device includes:

[0262] Receiving a new generation interface protocol NGAP message sent by the access network device;

[0263] The NGAP message includes the fourth information.

[0264] In some embodiments, the fourth information further includes at least one of the following:

[0265] The location information of the terminal determined based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements;

[0266] The PLMN selected by the terminal.

[0267] In some embodiments, the method further comprises one of the following:

[0268] Failure to determine the first location results in failure to perform location verification, and accepting access by the terminal;

[0269] Failure to determine the first location results in an inability to perform location verification, and access to the terminal is denied.

[0270] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0271] receiving fifth information sent by the terminal, where the fifth information is used to request establishment of a packet data unit (PDU) session related to a regulatory service;

[0272] Create the PDU.

[0273] FIG4a is a flow chart of an information indication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information indication method, which is executed by an NTN access network device. The method includes:

[0274] Step S4101: Send the fourth information to the first core network device or send the fifth information to the second core network device.

[0275] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0276] FIG4 b is a flow chart of an information indication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4 b , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information indication method, which is executed by an NTN access network device. The method includes:

[0277] Step S4201: Send the fourth information to the first core network device or send the fifth information to the second core network device.

[0278] In some embodiments, the fourth information is used to indicate whether the NTN RAN supports or does not support the capability of the NTN-based network-assisted positioning; the fourth information is used by the first core network device to determine whether to trigger a location verification process for the terminal to access the network; the location verification process includes obtaining the first location of the terminal based on the NTN-based network-assisted positioning, and performing terminal location verification based on the first location.

[0279] In some embodiments, the fifth information is used to indicate that the acquisition of the terminal location fails because the NTN RAN does not support network-assisted positioning based on a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

[0280] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S4201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0281] In some embodiments, the sending the fourth information to the first core network device includes:

[0282] Sending a new generation interface protocol NGAP message to the first core network device;

[0283] The NGAP message includes the fourth information.

[0284] In some embodiments, the fourth information further includes at least one of the following:

[0285] The location information of the terminal determined based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements;

[0286] The PLMN selected by the terminal.

[0287] Figure 5a is an interactive diagram of an information indication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5a, the present disclosure embodiment relates to an information indication method, which is used in a communication system 100 and includes one of the following steps:

[0288] Step S5101: The access network device sends fourth information to the first core network device or sends fifth information to the second core network device;

[0289] Among them, the fourth information is sent to the first core network device or the fifth information is sent to the second core network device.

[0290] In some embodiments, the fourth information is used to indicate whether the NTN RAN supports or does not support the capability of the NTN-based network-assisted positioning; the fourth information is used by the first core network device to determine whether to trigger a location verification process for the terminal to access the network; the location verification process includes obtaining the first location of the terminal based on the NTN-based network-assisted positioning, and performing terminal location verification based on the first location.

[0291] In some embodiments, the fifth information is used to indicate that the acquisition of the terminal location fails because the NTN RAN does not support network-assisted positioning based on a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

[0292] The optional implementation of step S5101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2a and other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0293] In some embodiments, the above method may include the methods of the above-mentioned access network device side, first core network device side, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0294] In some embodiments, the RAN serving the UE reports to the AMF its capability as to whether it supports the NTN-based network-assisted positioning method.

[0295] In some embodiments, the AMF considers the RAN capabilities to determine whether to trigger the network verification procedure to the LMF; or the AMF triggers the network verification procedure to be run through the LMF.

[0296] In some embodiments, the LMF notifies the AMF that the verification process has failed because the RAN does not support NTN-based network-assisted positioning technology.

[0297] Figure 6a is an interactive diagram of an information indication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information indication method, which includes:

[0298] Step S6101: UE initiates a registration request via satellite access.

[0299] Step S6102: The NR-RAN sends an NGAP message to the AMF. The UE's current location information derived from GNSS measurements (contained in the ULI) and the UE's selected PLMN may be included in the NGAP message. In addition, if the RAN supports NTN-based network-assisted positioning methods, the RAN also notifies the AMF of its capabilities (corresponding to the fourth information).

[0300] Step S6103: Accept UE registration. If the AMF based on the ULI cannot determine the UE's location accurately enough to make a final decision on whether to allow the UE to access at the current location or if the received ULI is not reliable enough, the AMF first accepts the UE registration.

[0301] Step S6104: The UE requests to establish a PDU session associated with the applicable regulatory service.

[0302] Step S6105: If the UE supports the network-assisted positioning capability based on NTN, and the RAN serving the UE has the network-assisted positioning capability based on NTN, the AMF determines to trigger location verification for the UE access.

[0303] Step S6106: The AMF may select the LMF and invoke the Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation service operation (corresponding to the third information) to request the current location of the UE. The service operation includes an indication of the location request from the regulatory service client and the AMF identifier.

[0304] Step S6107: LMF uses NG-RAN to perform a network-assisted positioning process based on NTN to obtain the UE's current location (feasible location).

[0305] Step S6108: The LMF returns an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation response to the AMF to return the current location of the UE. The service operation includes the location estimate, its age and accuracy (corresponding to the first information), and may include information about the positioning method.

[0306] Step S6109: When the UE's current location is received from the LMF through the positioning method, the AMF uses this location information to verify whether the UE is allowed to access the PLMN at the current UE location. If the UE is not allowed to access the PLMN at the current UE location based on the rule (first policy), the AMF shall deny the UE access.

[0307] Step S6110: AMF initiates a UE deregistration process to the UE.

[0308] It should be noted that even if the NG-RAN serving the UE access has the capability to support NTN-based network-assisted positioning, but the UE does not support NTN-based network-assisted positioning, the AMF may return a registration reject message to the UE.

[0309] In the embodiments of the present 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, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations of other embodiments.

[0310] FIG6b is an interactive diagram of an information indication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6b , the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information indication method, and the method includes:

[0311] Step S6201: The UE initiates a registration request via satellite access.

[0312] Step S6202: NR-RAN sends an NGAP message to the AMF. The UE's current location information derived from GNSS measurements (contained in the ULI) and the PLMN selected by the UE may be included in the message. (Corresponding to the fourth information)

[0313] Step S6203: Accept UE registration. If the AMF based on the ULI cannot determine the UE's location accurately enough to make a final decision on whether to allow the UE to access at the current location or if the received ULI is not reliable enough, the AMF first accepts the UE registration.

[0314] Step S6204: The UE requests to establish a PDU session associated with the applicable regulatory service.

[0315] Step S6205: If the UE supports the network-assisted positioning capability based on NTN, the AMF determines that the UE access triggers location verification.

[0316] Step S6206: The AMF may select the LMF and call the Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation service operation of the LMF to request the current location of the UE (corresponding to the third information). The service operation includes an indication of the location request from the regulatory service client and the AMF identifier.

[0317] Step S6207: The LMF uses the NG-RAN to perform a NTN-based network-assisted positioning process to obtain the current location of the UE. During this process, if the RAN does not support NTN-based network-assisted positioning, the RAN may return a positioning failure and indicate that the RAN does not support NTN-based network-assisted positioning.

[0318] Step S6208: The LMF returns an Nlmf_Location_DetermineLocation response to the AMF. The service operation indicates that the UE's current location acquisition failed because the RAN does not support NTN-based network-assisted positioning. (Corresponding to the second message)

[0319] Step S6209: Initiate the UE deregistration procedure. Since the AMF did not receive the UE location through the LMF, the UE location verification fails. Based on the operator's policy (corresponding to the first policy), the AMF may accept or reject the UE access. If the AMF determines to reject the UE access, the AMF may initiate the UE deregistration procedure.

[0320] The embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is provided, comprising units or modules for implementing each step performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network function node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0321] It should be understood that the division of the various units or modules in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they may be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they may be physically separated. In addition, the units or modules in the device may be implemented in the form of a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, and the memory stores instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or implement the functions of the various units or modules of the above device, wherein the processor is, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory within the device or a memory outside the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits, and the functions of some or all of the units or modules can be realized by designing the hardware circuits. The above-mentioned hardware circuits can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which realizes the functions of some or all of the above units or modules by designing the logical relationship of the components in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above-mentioned hardware circuit can be realized by a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by configuring the configuration file, thereby realizing the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above devices can be realized in the form of software called by the processor, or in the form of hardware circuits, or in part by the form of software called by the processor, and the rest by hardware circuits.

[0322] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and execution capabilities, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationship of the hardware circuit. The logical relationship of the above-mentioned hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and implementing the hardware circuit configuration can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0323] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the access network device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7a, the access network device 7100 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 7101, a processing module 7102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to receive the first information. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the access network device in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here.

[0324] Figure 7b is a structural diagram of the first core network device proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7b, the first core network device 7200 may include: at least one of a transceiver module 7201, a processing module 7202, etc. In some embodiments, the above-mentioned transceiver module is used to send the first information. Optionally, the above-mentioned transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first core network device 101 in any of the above methods, which will not be repeated here. In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a sending module and / or a receiving module, and the sending module and the receiving module may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the transceiver module can be interchangeable with the transceiver.

[0325] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a single module or can include multiple submodules. Optionally, the multiple submodules respectively execute all or part of the steps required to be executed by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module can be interchangeable with the processor.

[0326] Figure 8a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 8100 proposed in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Communication device 8100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., a user equipment, etc.), a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a network device to implement any of the above methods, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports a terminal to implement any of the above methods. Communication device 8100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments.

[0327] As shown in Figure 8a, the communication device 8100 includes one or more processors 8101. The processor 8101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, for example, a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit can be used to control the communication device (such as a base station, baseband chip, terminal device, terminal device chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 8100 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0328] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 8102 may be located outside the communication device 8100.

[0329] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8103. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8103, the transceiver 8103 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, step S2101 and step S3101, but not limited thereto), and the processor 8101 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, step S2102 and step S3102, but not limited thereto).

[0330] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter. The receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, and transceiver circuit may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit may be used interchangeably.

[0331] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 may include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuit 8104 is connected to the memory 8102. The interface circuit 8104 may be configured to receive signals from the memory 8102 or other devices, and may be configured to send signals to the memory 8102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8104 may read instructions stored in the memory 8102 and send the instructions to the processor 8101.

[0332] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiment may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 may not be limited by FIG. 8a. The communication device may be an independent device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: 1) an independent integrated circuit IC, or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the above IC collection may also include a storage component for storing data or programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, an intelligent terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handheld device, a mobile unit, an in-vehicle device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0333] FIG8b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip 8200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If the communication device 8100 can be a chip or a chip system, reference can be made to the schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 8200 shown in FIG8b, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0334] The chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201 , and the chip 8200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0335] In some embodiments, the chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Optionally, the interface circuit 8202 is connected to the memory 8203. The interface circuit 8202 can be used to receive signals from the memory 8203 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 8203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8202 can read instructions stored in the memory 8203 and send the instructions to the processor 8201.

[0336] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (for example, step S2101, step S3101, but not limited to this), and the processor 8201 performs at least one of the other steps (for example, step S2102, step S3102, but not limited to this).

[0337] In some embodiments, terms such as interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver may be used interchangeably.

[0338] In some embodiments, the chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing instructions. Alternatively, all or part of the memories 8203 may be outside the chip 8200.

[0339] The present disclosure also proposes a storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on the communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited thereto, and may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0340] The present disclosure also provides a program product, which, when executed by the communication device 8100, enables the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0341] The present disclosure also proposes a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the above methods.

Claims

1. An information indication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a first core network device, and the method includes: Determining whether to trigger a location verification process for the terminal to access the network based on the first capability information and / or the second capability information; Among them, the first capability information indicates that the terminal supports or does not support network-assisted positioning based on the non-terrestrial network NTN; the second capability information indicates that the non-terrestrial network NTN radio access network RAN ​​accessed by the terminal supports or does not support network-assisted positioning based on NTN, and the location verification process includes: obtaining the first location of the terminal based on the network-assisted positioning, and performing terminal location verification based on the first location.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The determining, based on the first capability information and the second capability information, whether to trigger a location verification process for the terminal to access the network includes: It is determined that the first capability information indicates that the terminal supports network-assisted positioning based on NTN and the second capability information indicates that the NTN RAN supports network-assisted positioning based on NTN, and it is determined to trigger the location verification process.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Receive first information sent by a second core network device, where the first information indicates the first location.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first information indicates at least one of the following: Position estimate information; Expiration date information; Accuracy information; Positioning method information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The method further comprises: Based on the first location, it is verified whether the terminal is allowed to access a public land mobile network PLMN at the current location.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The method further comprises: In response to determining that the terminal is not allowed to access the PLMN at the current location, the terminal is denied access to the PLMN.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The determining whether to trigger a location verification process for the terminal to access the network based on the first capability information and / or the second capability information includes: Determine that the first capability information indicates that the terminal supports NTN-based network-assisted positioning, and determine to trigger the location verification process.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receiving second information sent by a second core network device; The second information indicates that the acquisition of the terminal location fails and / or the NTN RAN does not support network-assisted positioning based on a non-terrestrial network NTN.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: Determine, according to the first strategy, whether to accept or reject the terminal's access to the PLMN at the current location.

10. The method according to claim 5 or 9, characterized in that: Determining to deny the terminal access to the PLMN at the current location, the method further includes: Determine that the terminal has completed PLMN registration, and initiate a deregistration process for the terminal.

11. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving fourth information sent by the access network device; The fourth information is used to indicate whether the NTN RAN supports or does not support the capability of the NTN-based network-assisted positioning.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The receiving fourth information sent by the access network device includes: Receiving a new generation interface protocol NGAP message sent by the access network device; The NGAP message includes the fourth information.

13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises one of the following: The first location cannot be determined, resulting in an inability to perform location verification, and accepting access by the terminal; Failure to determine the first location results in an inability to perform location verification, and access to the terminal is denied.

14. An information indication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by an NTN access network device, and the method includes: Sending fourth information to the first core network device or sending fifth information to the second core network device; The fourth information is used to indicate whether the NTN RAN supports or does not support the capability of the network-assisted positioning based on NTN; the fourth information is used by the first core network device to determine whether to trigger a location verification process for the terminal to access the network; the location verification process includes obtaining the first location of the terminal based on the network-assisted positioning of NTN, and performing terminal location verification based on the first location; the fifth information is used to indicate that the NTN RAN does not support the network-assisted positioning based on the non-terrestrial network NTN. Positioning results in failure in obtaining the terminal location.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The sending the fourth information to the first core network device includes: Sending a new generation interface protocol NGAP message to the first core network device; The NGAP message includes the fourth information.

16. A first core network device, characterized in that: The first core network device includes: A processing module is configured to determine whether to trigger a location verification process for a terminal to access a network based on first capability information and / or second capability information; wherein the first capability information indicates that the terminal supports or does not support network-assisted positioning based on a non-terrestrial network NTN; the second capability information indicates that a non-terrestrial network NTN radio access network RAN ​​accessed by the terminal supports or does not support network-assisted positioning based on NTN, and the location verification process includes obtaining a first location of the terminal based on the network-assisted positioning, and performing terminal location verification based on the first location.

17. An access network device, characterized in that: The access network equipment includes: a transceiver module, configured to send fourth information to the first core network device or send fifth information to the second core network device; Among them, the fourth information is used to indicate whether the NTN RAN supports or does not support the capability of the network-assisted positioning based on NTN; the fourth information is used by the first core network device to determine whether to trigger a location verification process for the terminal to access the network; the location verification process includes obtaining the first location of the terminal based on the network-assisted positioning of NTN, and performing terminal location verification based on the first location; the fifth information is used to indicate that the acquisition of the terminal location failed because the NTN RAN does not support network-assisted positioning based on the non-terrestrial network NTN.

18. An information indication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The access network device sends the fourth information to the first core network device or sends the fifth information to the second core network device; wherein, sending fourth information to the first core network device; Among them, the fourth information is used to indicate whether the NTN RAN supports or does not support the capability of the network-assisted positioning based on NTN; the fourth information is used by the first core network device to determine whether to trigger a location verification process for the terminal to access the network; the location verification process includes obtaining the first location of the terminal based on the network-assisted positioning of NTN, and performing terminal location verification based on the first location; the fifth information is used to indicate that the acquisition of the terminal location failed because the NTN RAN does not support network-assisted positioning based on the non-terrestrial network NTN.

19. A communication system, characterized in that: The information indication system includes an access network device and a first core network device; the first core network device is configured to implement the information indication method described in any one of claims 1 to 13, and the access network device is configured to implement the information indication method described in any one of claims 14 to 15.

20. A first core network device, characterized in that: The first core network device includes: one or more processors; The first core network device is used to execute the information indication method described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

21. An access network device, characterized in that: The access network equipment includes: one or more processors; The access network device is used to execute the information indication method described in any one of claims 14 to 15.

22. A storage medium, characterized in that: The storage medium stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device executes the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and claims 14 to 15.

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