Wireless communication method for satellite handover operation, user device, base station, and first satellite

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a wireless communication method for a satellite handover operation, a user device, a base station, and a first satellite. The method comprises: a user device receiving, in a first cell and at a first time, information sent by a first satellite, the first cell being a cell in an area covered by the first satellite when the first satellite is connected to a base station, the first cell comprising a physical cell ID, and the first time being a period during which the user device is connected to the first satellite; based on the information, the user device, in the first cell and at a second time, synchronizing with a second satellite, the first cell also being a cell in an area covered by the second satellite when the second satellite is connected to the base station. Thus, satellite handover does not cause a change in the physical cell ID, that is, the physical cell ID is maintained, and a handover (HO) process does not need to be performed, thereby saving time and signaling, and improving communication efficiency.

Description

Wireless communication method, user equipment, base station and first satellite for satellite switching operation Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of mobile communication technology, and in particular to a wireless communication method, user equipment, a base station, and a first satellite for satellite switching operations. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, a change in satellite position indicates a change in cell position. Therefore, if the satellite serving a user equipment (UE) changes, a handover (HO) process occurs for the UE. This HO process is time-consuming and signaling-intensive. Therefore, a wireless communication method, user equipment, base station, and first satellite for satellite handover operations are needed to address and alleviate other issues with the prior art.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a wireless communication method, user equipment, a base station, and a first satellite for satellite switching operations.

[0005] An embodiment of the present application provides a wireless communication method for satellite handover operation, the method comprising:

[0006] The user equipment receives information sent by the first satellite in a first cell and at a first time, wherein the first cell is a cell in an area covered by the first satellite when the first satellite is connected to a base station, the first cell includes a cell physical address, and the first time is a period during which the user equipment is connected to the first satellite;

[0007] The user equipment is synchronized with the second satellite in the first cell and at the second time based on the information, wherein the first cell is also a cell in the area covered by the second satellite when the second satellite is connected to the base station.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present application, the information notifies the user equipment that the cell physical address is maintained during the process in which the user equipment is connected from the first satellite to the second satellite.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present application, the user equipment synchronizing with the second satellite at the second time includes: the user equipment immediately starting to synchronize with the second satellite after receiving the information of the first satellite.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present application, the user equipment synchronizing with the second satellite at the second time includes: the user equipment starting a timer, and after the timer times out, the user equipment starts synchronizing with the second satellite.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present application, the user equipment synchronizes with the second satellite at the second time, including: the user equipment starts the timer after completing downlink synchronization or uplink synchronization with the first satellite, and after the timer times out, the user equipment starts to synchronize with the second satellite.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present application, the user equipment starts the timer after completing the first downlink synchronization or the first uplink synchronization with the first satellite, and the timer is not reset / restarted before the timer times out; after the timer times out, the user equipment starts to synchronize with the second satellite, and the timer is reset / restarted.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present application, the user equipment starts the timer after completing the first downlink synchronization or the first uplink synchronization with the first satellite. Before the timer times out, the timer allows resetting / restarting, and the timer restarts after being reset / restarted; after the timer times out, the user equipment starts to execute synchronization with the second satellite, and the triggering of the reset / restart is related to the uplink or downlink synchronization.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present application, the timer is a timer used for a scenario in which the cell physical address is maintained.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present application, the second time is the service time t-service minus the offset time or the starting time point, the user equipment receives the offset time or the starting time point sent by the first satellite, and the user equipment starts to synchronize with the second satellite at the time when the t-service is minus the offset time or the starting time point, and the t-service indicates the time information when the first cell stops providing service to the currently covered area.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present application, the information notifies the user equipment whether to use the unchanged physical address of the cell and / or notifies the user equipment to use soft satellite switching or hard satellite switching, wherein the soft satellite switching means that the first satellite and the second satellite serve the first cell simultaneously for a period of time, and the first satellite stops serving the first cell after the user equipment is connected to the second satellite, wherein the hard satellite switching means that the second satellite starts serving the first cell after the first satellite completely stops serving the first cell.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present application, the method further includes the user equipment acquiring the ephemeris and / or public timing advance parameter of the second satellite.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present application, the method further includes: in a soft satellite switching scenario, the user equipment distinguishing between the first satellite and the second satellite.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present application, the method further includes: pre-defining the sending positions of multiple sets of synchronization signal block patterns, and in the soft satellite switching scenario, the user equipment distinguishes the first satellite and the second satellite by sending synchronization signal blocks at different positions of the first satellite and the second satellite.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present application, in the soft satellite switching scenario, the user equipment distinguishing the first satellite from the second satellite by sending the synchronization signal blocks at different locations of the first satellite and the second satellite includes:

[0021] The user equipment detects positions of multiple synchronization signal block patterns during initial access to access the first cell, wherein the first satellite uses one of the multiple synchronization signal block patterns when serving the first cell;

[0022] In a scenario where the cell physical address is maintained, the first satellite uses another one of the multiple synchronization signal block patterns when the second satellite serves the first cell, and the first satellite sends indication information to the user equipment;

[0023] After the user equipment receives the indication information, when the user equipment performs downlink synchronization with the second satellite, the user equipment uses another one of the multiple sets of synchronization signal block patterns based on the indication information.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present application, the order of use of the multiple sets of synchronization signal block modes is in a default order, pre-configured, or configured to the user equipment by the base station.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present application, the user equipment receives the information, the timer configured for the first satellite, the second time configured for the first satellite, or the usage order of the multiple sets of synchronization signal block modes through a dedicated message, a broadcast message, or a paging message.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present application, the user equipment obtains the ephemeris and / or the common timing advance parameter of the second satellite through the broadcast message.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present application, the broadcast information includes system information.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present application, the system information includes ephemeris and / or common timing advance parameters of one or more upcoming satellites.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present application, the system information includes SIB19.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present application, the dedicated message includes RRC reconfiguration information, RRC message, MAC CE message or PDCCH command.

[0031] An embodiment of the present application provides a wireless communication method for satellite handover operation, the method comprising:

[0032] A base station sends information to a user equipment via a first satellite in a first cell and a first time, wherein the first cell is a cell in an area covered by the first satellite when the first satellite is connected to the base station, the first cell includes a cell physical address, and the first time is a period during which the user equipment is connected to the first satellite;

[0033] The base station receives synchronization information, and the synchronization information notifies the base station, and the user equipment synchronizes with the second satellite in the first cell and the second time based on the information, wherein the first cell is also a cell in the area covered by the second satellite when the second satellite is connected to the base station.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present application, the method further includes: pre-defining the sending positions of multiple sets of synchronization signal block patterns.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present application, the method further includes: the base station receives a notification from the user equipment, and in a soft satellite switching scenario, the user equipment distinguishes the first satellite and the second satellite by sending synchronization signal blocks at different locations of the first satellite and the second satellite.

[0036] In some embodiments of the present application, the order of use of the multiple sets of synchronization signal block modes is in a default order, pre-configured, or configured to the user equipment by the base station.

[0037] An embodiment of the present application provides a wireless communication method for satellite handover operation, the method comprising:

[0038] A first satellite sends information to a user equipment in a first cell and at a first time, wherein the first cell is a cell in an area covered by the first satellite when the first satellite is connected to a base station, the first cell includes a cell physical address, and the first time is a period during which the user equipment is connected to the first satellite; the information is used to enable the user equipment to synchronize with a second satellite in the first cell and at a second time based on the information, wherein the first cell is also a cell in an area covered by the second satellite when the second satellite is connected to the base station.

[0039] The user equipment provided in an embodiment of the present application includes a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to perform the above-mentioned wireless communication method for satellite switching operation.

[0040] The base station provided in an embodiment of the present application includes a processor and a memory. The memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to perform the above-mentioned wireless communication method for satellite switching operation.

[0041] A first satellite provided in an embodiment of the present application includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to perform the above-mentioned wireless communication method for satellite switching operation.

[0042] The chip provided in the embodiment of the present application is used to implement the above-mentioned wireless communication method for satellite switching operation.

[0043] Specifically, the chip includes: a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, so that a device equipped with the chip executes the above-mentioned wireless communication method for satellite switching operation.

[0044] The computer-readable storage medium provided in an embodiment of the present application is used to store a computer program, which enables a computer to execute the above-mentioned wireless communication method for satellite switching operation.

[0045] The computer program product provided by an embodiment of the present application includes computer program instructions, which enable a computer to execute the above-mentioned wireless communication method for satellite switching operation.

[0046] The computer program provided in the embodiment of the present application, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the above-mentioned wireless communication method for satellite switching operation.

[0047] Through the above technical solution, a user device receives information sent by a first satellite in a first cell and at a first time, wherein the first cell is a cell within the area covered by the first satellite when the first satellite is connected to a base station, the first cell includes a cell physical address, and the first time is the period during which the user device is connected to the first satellite. Based on the information, the user device synchronizes with a second satellite in the first cell and at a second time, wherein the first cell is also a cell within the area covered by the second satellite when the second satellite is connected to the base station. In this way, satellite handover can avoid changing the cell physical address, that is, the cell physical address is maintained, eliminating the need for a handover (HO) process, thereby saving time and signaling and improving communication efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. In the drawings:

[0049] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG3 is a schematic flow chart of a wireless communication method for satellite handover operation provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG4 is a schematic flow chart of a wireless communication method for satellite handover operation provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG5 is a schematic flow chart of a wireless communication method for satellite handover operation provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG6 is a schematic flow chart of a wireless communication method for satellite handover operation provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG7 is a schematic flow chart of a wireless communication method for satellite handover operation provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG8 is a schematic flow chart of a wireless communication method for satellite handover operation provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG9 is a schematic flow chart of a wireless communication method for satellite handover operation provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG12 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The following will describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0062] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, 5G communication system or future communication system, etc.

[0063] Exemplarily, a communication system 100 used in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG1 . The communication system 100 may include a base station 110, which may be a device that communicates with a user equipment 120 (User Equipment, UE). The base station 110 may provide communication coverage for a specific geographical area and may communicate with user equipment located within the coverage area. Optionally, the base station 110 may be an evolved base station (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, or the base station may be a mobile switching center, a relay station, an access point, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a hub, a switch, a bridge, a router, a network-side device in a 5G network, or a base station in a future communication system, etc.

[0064] The communication system 100 also includes at least one user equipment 120 located within the coverage area of ​​the base station 110. As used herein, "user equipment" includes, but is not limited to, a device configured to receive / send communication signals via a wired connection, such as a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), a digital cable, a direct cable connection; and / or another data connection / network; and / or via a wireless interface, such as a cellular network, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a digital television network such as a DVB-H network, a satellite network, an AM-FM broadcast transmitter; and / or another user equipment; and / or an Internet of Things (IoT) device. A user equipment configured to communicate via a wireless interface may be referred to as a "wireless communication terminal," "wireless terminal," or "mobile terminal." Examples of mobile terminals include, but are not limited to, satellite or cellular telephones; Personal Communications System (PCS) terminals that can combine cellular radiotelephones with data processing, fax, and data communication capabilities; PDAs that can include radiotelephones, pagers, Internet / Intranet access, web browsers, notepads, calendars, and / or Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers; and conventional laptop and / or palmtop receivers or other electronic devices that include radiotelephone transceivers. User equipment can refer to access terminals, subscriber units, subscriber stations, mobile stations, mobile stations, remote stations, remote user equipment, mobile devices, wireless communication devices, or user agents. An access terminal can be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a user device in a 5G network, or a user device in a future evolved PLMN, etc.

[0065] Optionally, the user equipments 120 may perform device-to-device (D2D) communication with each other.

[0066] Optionally, the 5G communication system or 5G network may also be referred to as a New Radio (NR) system or NR network.

[0067] FIG1 exemplarily shows a base station 110 and two user equipments 120 . Optionally, the communication system 100 may include multiple base stations and each base station may include other numbers of user equipments within its coverage area, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0068] Optionally, the communication system 100 may further include other network entities such as a network controller and a mobility management entity, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0069] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, a device having a communication function in a network / system may be referred to as a communication device. Taking the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1 as an example, the communication device may include a base station 110 and a user equipment 120 having a communication function. The base station 110 and the user equipment 120 may be the specific devices described above and will not be described in detail here. The communication device may also include other devices in the communication system 100, such as other network entities such as a network controller and a mobility management entity, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0070] For example, a communication system 100 used in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG2 . Communication system 100 may include a base station 110, a user equipment 120, a gateway 130, a first satellite 141, and a second satellite 142. A base station 110 (e.g., a gNB) can provide service to the same coverage area by connecting to different satellites (e.g., first satellite 141 and second satellite 142), as shown in FIG2 . If the base station 110 (e.g., the gNB) remains unchanged and the synchronization signal block (SSB) frequency remains unchanged, in a quasi-earth fixed cell (QEFC) scenario, satellite handover may not result in a change in the cell's physical address. In other words, the cell's physical address is maintained, eliminating the need for a handover (HO) process. A QEFC may refer to a serving cell with a fixed geographic coverage area. For example, different satellites (e.g., first satellite 141 and second satellite 142) achieve coverage of the same terrestrial area by adjusting antenna pointing angles. When a satellite (e.g., first satellite 141) fails to cover the area, another satellite (second satellite 142) takes over. For a satellite in a geosynchronous orbit (GSO), the cell projected onto the ground may also be a fixed cell.

[0071] It should be understood that the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably herein. The term "and / or" is simply a description of an association between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone. Furthermore, the character " / " generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0072] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions related to the embodiments of the present application are described below.

[0073] FIG3 is a flow chart of a wireless communication method for satellite handover operation provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG3 , the wireless communication method for satellite handover operation includes the following steps:

[0074] Step 301: The user equipment 120 receives information sent by the first satellite 141 in a first cell 150 and at a first time, wherein the first cell 150 is a cell in the area covered by the first satellite 141 when the first satellite 141 is connected to the base station 110, the first cell 150 includes a cell physical address (Physical Cell ID, PCI), and the first time is a period during which the user equipment 120 is connected to the first satellite 141.

[0075] Step 302: The user equipment 120 synchronizes with the second satellite 142 in the first cell 150 and at the second time based on the information, wherein the first cell 150 is also a cell in the area covered by the second satellite 142 when the second satellite 142 is connected to the base station 110.

[0076] Specifically, in some examples, the purpose of the information is to inform the user equipment 120 that it is necessary to execute relevant mechanisms and procedures, such as performing synchronization with the second satellite 142 at a specified time. The first cell 150 is also a cell within the area covered by the second satellite 142 when the second satellite 142 is connected to the base station 110. In this way, satellite handover does not result in a change in the cell physical address, that is, the cell physical address is maintained, and there is no need for a handover (HO) process, thereby saving time and signaling, and improving communication efficiency.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present application, the information notifies the user equipment 120 that the cell physical address is maintained during the process in which the user equipment 120 is connected from the first satellite 141 to the second satellite 142 .

[0078] Specifically, in some examples, the information informs the user equipment 120 that it is now in a cell physical address maintenance mode, and the user equipment 120 needs to execute relevant mechanisms and processes, such as synchronizing with an upcoming satellite (e.g., the second satellite 142) at a specified time. This solution is applicable to scenarios where the gap in soft satellite handover or hard satellite handover is zero or negligible. The soft satellite handover means that the first satellite 141 and the second satellite 142 serve the first cell 150 simultaneously for a period of time, and the first satellite 141 stops serving the first cell 150 only after the user equipment 120 connects to the second satellite 142. The hard satellite handover means that the second satellite 142 starts serving the first cell 150 only after the first satellite 141 completely stops serving the first cell 150.

[0079] In some examples, the second time may also refer to the time when the user equipment 120 receives the information from the first satellite 141. Specifically, the user equipment 120 starts synchronizing with the second satellite 142 immediately after receiving the information from the first satellite 141.

[0080] In some examples, the second time may also refer to the time when a timer expires. In some examples, the timer is a timer used in the scenario of maintaining the cell physical address. Specifically, in some examples, the user equipment 120 starts a timer, and after the timer expires, the user equipment 120 begins synchronization with the second satellite 142. Specifically, in some examples, the user equipment 120 starts the timer after completing downlink synchronization or uplink synchronization with the first satellite 141. After the timer expires, the user equipment 120 begins synchronization with the second satellite 142. Specifically, in some examples, the user equipment 120 starts the timer after completing the first downlink synchronization or the first uplink synchronization with the first satellite 141. The timer is not reset or restarted before the timer expires. After the timer expires, the user equipment 120 begins synchronization with the second satellite 142, and the timer is reset or restarted. The triggering of the reset or restart is related to uplink or downlink synchronization. In detail, in some examples, the user device 120 starts the timer after completing the first downlink synchronization or the first uplink synchronization with the first satellite 141. Before the timer times out, the timer allows resetting / restarting, and the timer restarts after being reset / restarted; after the timer times out, the user device 120 starts to execute synchronization with the second satellite 142, and the triggering of the reset / restart is related to the uplink or downlink synchronization.

[0081] FIG4 is a flow chart of a wireless communication method for satellite handover operation provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG4 , the wireless communication method for satellite handover operation includes the following steps:

[0082] Step 401: The base station 110 sends information to the user equipment 120 in the first cell 150 and the first time via the first satellite 141, wherein the first cell 150 is a cell in the area covered by the first satellite 141 when the first satellite 141 is connected to the base station 110, the first cell 150 includes a cell physical address, and the first time is the period during which the user equipment 120 is connected to the first satellite 141.

[0083] Step 402: The base station 110 receives synchronization information, and the synchronization information notifies the base station 110, and the user equipment 120 synchronizes with the second satellite 142 in the first cell 150 and the second time based on the information, wherein the first cell 150 is also a cell in the area covered by the second satellite 142 when the second satellite 142 is connected to the base station 110.

[0084] Specifically, in some examples, the purpose of the information is to inform the user equipment 120 that it needs to execute relevant mechanisms and procedures, such as synchronizing with the second satellite 142 at a specified time. The base station 110 uses the synchronization information to know that the user equipment 120 synchronizes with the second satellite 142 in the first cell 150 and at the second time based on the information. The first cell 150 is also a cell within the area covered by the second satellite 142 when the second satellite 142 is connected to the base station 110. In this way, satellite handover does not result in a change in the cell's physical address, that is, the cell's physical address is maintained, eliminating the need for a handover (HO) process, thereby saving time and signaling, and improving communication efficiency.

[0085] FIG5 is a flow chart of a wireless communication method for satellite handover operation provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG5 , the wireless communication method for satellite handover operation includes the following steps:

[0086] Step 501: A first satellite 141 sends information to a user equipment 120 in a first cell 150 and at a first time, wherein the first cell 150 is a cell in an area covered by the first satellite 141 when the first satellite 141 is connected to the base station 110, the first cell 150 includes a cell physical address, and the first time is a period during which the user equipment 120 is connected to the first satellite 141; the information is used to enable the user equipment 120 to synchronize with the second satellite 142 in the first cell 150 and at a second time based on the information, wherein the first cell 150 is also a cell in an area covered by the second satellite 142 when the second satellite 142 is connected to the base station 110.

[0087] Specifically, in some examples, the first satellite 141 notifies the user equipment 120, through the information, that it needs to execute relevant mechanisms and processes, such as synchronizing with the second satellite 142 at a specified time. For example, based on the information, the user equipment 120 synchronizes with the second satellite 142 in the first cell 150 and at the second time. The first cell 150 is also a cell within the area covered by the second satellite 142 when the second satellite 142 is connected to the base station 110. In this way, satellite handover can avoid changing the cell's physical address, that is, the cell's physical address is maintained, eliminating the need for a handover (HO) process, thereby saving time and signaling, and improving communication efficiency.

[0088] In some examples, the solution of FIG6 is applicable to scenarios where the gap in soft satellite handover or hard satellite handover is zero or negligible. In the soft satellite handover, the first satellite 141 and the second satellite 142 simultaneously serve the first cell 150 for a period of time, and the first satellite 141 stops serving the first cell 150 only after the user equipment 120 connects to the second satellite 142. In the hard satellite handover, the second satellite 142 starts serving the first cell 150 only after the first satellite 141 completely stops serving the first cell 150.

[0089] FIG6 shows a process in a soft satellite handover scenario: the user equipment 120 immediately starts synchronizing with an upcoming satellite (eg, the second satellite 142 ) after receiving information (indication) from the first satellite 141 .

[0090] Specifically, in some examples, the purpose of the information (indication) is to inform the user equipment 120 that it is necessary to execute relevant mechanisms and procedures, such as performing synchronization with the second satellite 142 at a specified time. The first cell 150 is also a cell within the area covered by the second satellite 142 when the second satellite 142 is connected to the base station 110. In this way, satellite handover does not result in a change in the cell physical address, that is, the cell physical address is maintained, and there is no need for a handover (HO) process, thereby saving time and signaling, and improving communication efficiency.

[0091] In some embodiments of the present application, the information notifies the user equipment 120 that the cell physical address is maintained while the user equipment 120 is connected from the first satellite 141 to the second satellite 142. Specifically, in some examples, the information (indication) informs the user equipment 120 that it is now in a cell physical address maintenance mode and that the user equipment 120 needs to execute relevant mechanisms and procedures, such as synchronizing with an upcoming satellite (e.g., the second satellite 142) at a specified time.

[0092] FIG7 is a flow chart illustrating a wireless communication method for satellite handover operations according to an embodiment of the present application. This solution is applicable to both soft satellite handover and hard satellite handover scenarios. Soft satellite handover refers to a situation in which the first satellite 141 and the second satellite 142 simultaneously serve the first cell 150 for a period of time. The first satellite 141 stops serving the first cell 150 only after the user equipment 120 connects to the second satellite 142. Hard satellite handover refers to a situation in which the second satellite 142 begins serving the first cell 150 only after the first satellite 141 completely stops serving the first cell 150. Referring to FIG7 , in some examples, the user equipment 120 starts a timer. After the timer expires, the user equipment 120 begins synchronizing with the second satellite 142. Specifically, in some examples, the user equipment 120 starts the timer after completing downlink or uplink synchronization with the first satellite 141. After the timer expires, the user equipment 120 begins synchronizing with the second satellite 142. This timer is used in scenarios where the cell physical address is maintained. The base station 110 configures a timer for the user equipment 120 for the scenario of maintaining the cell physical address (configuration in SIB19 is taken as an example in FIG7 ).

[0093] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a wireless communication method for satellite handover operations provided by an embodiment of the present application. Specifically, in some examples, the user equipment 120 starts the timer after completing the first downlink synchronization or the first uplink synchronization with the first satellite 141. The timer is not reset or restarted until the timer expires. After the timer expires, the user equipment 120 begins synchronization with the second satellite 142, and the timer is reset or restarted. The triggering of the reset or restart is related to uplink or downlink synchronization. Specifically, in some examples, the user equipment 120 starts the timer after completing the first downlink synchronization or the first uplink synchronization with the first satellite 141. Before the timer expires, the timer is reset or restarted, and the timer restarts after the reset or restart. After the timer expires, the user equipment 120 begins synchronization with the second satellite 142. The triggering of the reset or restart is related to uplink or downlink synchronization. The timer is used in scenarios where the cell physical address is maintained. The base station 110 configures a timer for the user equipment 120 for the scenario of maintaining the cell physical address (configuration in SIB19 is taken as an example in FIG8 ).

[0094] In this case, the basic steps are the same as those in some of the above-described embodiments. The difference is that after the timer is initially started but before it times out, the timer may be reset / restarted. After the reset / restart, the timer will be reset, and synchronization with the upcoming satellite (e.g., second satellite 142) can only be restarted after the timer times out. The timer value after the reset / restart may be the same as the original value, or it may be reconfigured by the base station. The timer may be reset / restarted multiple times before timing out.

[0095] FIG9 is a flow chart of a wireless communication method for satellite switching operation provided by an embodiment of the present application. In detail, in some examples, the base station 110 informs the user equipment 120 of a specific time, or an offset time (offset) between the service time t-service, and the user equipment 120 synchronizes with the upcoming satellite (e.g., the second satellite 142) at the specified time. This solution is applicable to both soft satellite switching and hard satellite switching scenarios. The soft satellite switching means that the first satellite 141 and the second satellite 142 serve the first cell 150 at the same time for a period of time, and the first satellite 141 stops serving the first cell 150 only after the user equipment 120 is connected to the second satellite 142. The hard satellite switching means that the second satellite 142 starts serving the first cell 150 only after the first satellite 141 completely stops serving the first cell 150.

[0096] Specifically, in some examples, the purpose of the information (specific time) is to inform the user equipment 120 that it is necessary to execute relevant mechanisms and processes, such as performing synchronization with the second satellite 142 at a specified time. The first cell 150 is also a cell within the area covered by the second satellite 142 when the second satellite 142 is connected to the base station 110. In this way, satellite handover does not result in a change in the cell physical address, that is, the cell physical address is maintained, and there is no need for a handover (HO) process, thereby saving time and signaling, and improving communication efficiency.

[0097] Figure 9 shows a process in which, in a soft satellite handover scenario, the base station notifies an offset time (offset) or a starting time point (t-earlystart) and informs the user equipment 120 to start synchronizing with the upcoming satellite (e.g., the second satellite 142) at the time of (t-service)-(t-offset) or the time of t-earlystart. That is, in some embodiments of the present application, the second time is the service time t-service minus the offset time or the starting time point, and the user equipment 120 receives the offset time or the starting time point sent by the first satellite 141. The user equipment 120 starts synchronizing with the second satellite 142 at the time of t-service minus the offset time or the starting time point, and the t-service indicates the time information when the first cell 150 stops providing services for the currently covered area. In some examples, the base station 110 sends t-offset or t-earlystart to the user equipment 120. The user equipment 120 starts the process of synchronizing with the upcoming satellite (eg, the second satellite 142 ) at the time (t-service)-(t-offset) or the time t-earlystart.

[0098] 6 to 9 , in some embodiments of the present application, the user equipment 110 obtains the ephemeris and / or common timing advance parameter of the second satellite 142. In some embodiments of the present application, in a soft satellite handover scenario, the user equipment 110 distinguishes between the first satellite 141 and the second satellite 142. In some embodiments of the present application, multiple sets of transmission positions of synchronization signal block patterns are predefined. In the soft satellite handover scenario, the user equipment 110 distinguishes between the first satellite 141 and the second satellite 142 by transmitting synchronization signal blocks at different positions. In some embodiments of the present application, in the soft satellite handover scenario, the user equipment detects the positions of multiple synchronization signal block patterns during initial access to access the first cell 150, wherein the first satellite 141 uses one of the multiple synchronization signal block patterns when serving the first cell 150; in the scenario where the cell physical address is maintained, the first satellite 141 uses another of the multiple synchronization signal block patterns when the second satellite 142 serves the first cell 150, and the first satellite 141 sends an indication message to the user equipment 120; after the user equipment 120 receives the indication message, when the user equipment 120 performs downlink synchronization with the second satellite 142, the user equipment 120 uses another of the multiple synchronization signal block patterns based on the indication message. The order in which the multiple synchronization signal block patterns are used is a default order, a preconfigured order, or a configuration given to the user equipment 120 by the base station 110. In some embodiments of the present application, the user equipment 120 receives the information, the timer configured by the first satellite 141, the second time configured by the first satellite 141, or the usage order of the multiple sets of synchronization signal block modes through a dedicated message, a broadcast message, or a paging message.

[0099] Referring to Figures 6 to 9 , in some embodiments of the present application, the user equipment 120 obtains the ephemeris and / or the common timing advance parameter of the second satellite 142 via the broadcast message. In some embodiments of the present application, the broadcast information includes system information. In some embodiments of the present application, the system information includes the ephemeris and / or common timing advance parameters of one or more upcoming satellites. In some embodiments of the present application, the system information includes SIB19. In some embodiments of the present application, the dedicated message includes RRC reconfiguration information, an RRC message, a MAC CE message, or a PDCCH command.

[0100] Specifically, in some examples, the information is a first indication regarding whether the cell physical address can be maintained. The first indication can be represented by an information element (IE).

[0101] For example: when the indication is enabled, the cell physical address can be used for maintenance.

[0102] For example: when {enabled, disabled} is indicated, the cell physical address can be maintained.

[0103] The first indication may be represented by a MAC CE. For example, with respect to Table 6.2.1-1 (this table is presented in its original text) in TS 38.321 (Table 1), a value is allocated to the reserved bits 35-46 in the LCID to indicate the purpose of the MAC CE.

[0104] Table 6.2.1-1 Values ​​of LCID for DL-SCH

[0105] Table 1

[0106] The following MAC CE format is used, where the L field (fielded) is used to indicate whether the cell physical address maintenance is allowed. One bit is selected for indication, such as 1 for enabling and 0 for disabling, or vice versa.

[0107] Table 2

[0108] Specifically, in some examples, the information is a second indication, indicating to the user equipment 120 whether to use soft satellite handover or hard satellite handover. The second indication may be configured using RRC or SIB, and the IE setting may be as follows:

[0109] For example, according to the cell physical address maintenance type, the user equipment 120 is instructed to use soft satellite handover or hard satellite handover.

[0110] The second indication can be represented by a MAC CE. For example: for Table 6.2.1-1 in TS38.321 (this table is represented in the original text) (Table 1), the reserved bits 35-46 in the LCID take out a value to indicate the purpose of the MAC CE. The L field (filed) in the above Table 2 is used to indicate the switching type. Select one of the bits for indication, such as 1 for hard satellite, 0 for soft satellite, or vice versa. Or select a bitmap of two bits for representation, such as a high bit for hard satellite, a low bit for soft satellite, and 10 for hard satellite; or vice versa, a high bit for soft satellite, a low bit for hard satellite, and 10 for soft satellite.

[0111] If PDCCH order is used,

[0112] First indication: 1 bit is used to indicate that the cell physical address is maintained.

[0113] Second indication: 1 bit is used to indicate hard satellite switching or soft satellite switching. If the bit is 1, it indicates hard satellite, and 0 indicates soft satellite, or vice versa.

[0114] Or it can be represented in the form of a 2-bit bitmap, where the first bit from the left represents hard satellite switching, the second bit from the left represents soft satellite switching, and 10 means that hard satellite switching is used; or conversely, the first bit from the left represents soft satellite switching, the second bit from the right represents hard satellite switching, and 10 means that soft satellite switching is used.

[0115] In addition, the first indication and the second indication can be combined, such as using PDCCH order to indicate the PCI that enables the change and using RRC to indicate the handover type. All the methods can be combined in pairs.

[0116] If using paging message:

[0117] One bit of the short message in the paging is used to indicate that the cell physical address is maintained. The current definition of the short message is as follows: One or two bits of the reserved 5-8 bits can be used to indicate that the cell physical address is maintained.

[0118] Table 6.5-1: Short Messages

[0119] First indication: Indicates whether the cell physical address can be maintained

[0120] In NTN, one of bits 5 to 8 can be used to indicate cell physical address maintenance. If it is 1, it means that the current NTN is using cell physical address maintenance.

[0121] Second indication: indicates whether it is hard satellite handover or soft satellite handover

[0122] It is represented in the form of a bitmap of 2 bits from 5 to 8. The first bit from the left represents a hard satellite, the second bit from the left represents a soft satellite, and 10 means that a hard satellite is used; or vice versa, the first bit from the left represents a soft satellite, the second bit from the right represents a hard satellite, and 10 means that a soft satellite is used.

[0123] For auxiliary information and timers for maintaining the cell physical address, broadcast information or proprietary information can be used. Broadcast information can use SIBs, such as SIB19. Proprietary information can use information such as RRC reconfiguration. The IE settings can be as follows:

[0124] Auxiliary information for maintaining the cell physical address, such as the start time before t-service (t-earlystart) or the parameter used to determine how long before t-service (t-offset), can be broadcast information or proprietary information. Broadcast information can use SIBs, such as SIB19. Proprietary information can use information such as RRC reconfiguration. The IE settings can be as follows:

[0125] Indicate the starting time point:

[0126] Parameter indicating how far ahead of t-service (t-offset):

[0127] If a timer or specific time-related parameters are sent, the indication may not be sent (i.e., an implicit indication). If a timer or specific time-related parameters are sent, since these parameters are currently only introduced for maintaining the cell physical address, that is, for the unchanged PCI scenario, an explicit indication may not be sent, and the absence of these parameters is used as an indication, but these indications are implicit.

[0128] How does the UE obtain the ephemeris of the new satellite and / or the common timing advance parameter? This information can be placed in a SIB, such as SIB19, by introducing a new IE specifically for the ephemeris and / or common timing advance parameter of the second satellite 142 (same gNB).

[0129] The SI of each satellite only contains the ephemeris of its second satellite 142 and / or the common timing advance parameter.

[0130] The SI of some satellites contains a list containing the ephemeris and / or common timing advance parameters of multiple upcoming satellites. For example, in addition to the satellite's own information, the SI also contains the ephemeris and / or common timing advance parameters of satellites 2, 3, and 4.

[0131] For example, IE can be as follows:

[0132] Only the ephemeris of the second satellite 142 and / or the common timing advance parameters are placed

[0133] SIB19 information element

[0134] · Put the ephemeris of the second satellite 142 and / or the common timing advance parameter

[0135] SIB19 information element

[0136] In a soft satellite handover scenario, how does the UE distinguish between the first satellite 141 and the second satellite 142? If the UE needs to distinguish between the first satellite 141 and the second satellite 142, it can have two satellites, namely, the first satellite 141 and the second satellite 142, transmit SSB at different locations. Section 4.1 of TS 38.213 describes the NR SSB pattern. The main contents are as follows (in original text):

[0137] Design two or more SSB patterns for NTN scenarios. In addition to existing SSB patterns (as referenced above), candidate patterns can be designed. For example, for a 15 kHz SCS, the pattern formula is {3, 9} + 14n. In this case, the UE can ensure access to the second satellite 142 using the following process.

[0138] -Step 1: During initial access, the UE detects the positions of two or more SSB patterns to access the cell;

[0139] -Step 2: If the cell physical address is maintained, the base station will use a different pattern when the next satellite serves the same area, so the base station needs to indicate this information to the UE. Here the base station can have two ways of indicating:

[0140] Option 1: The base station indicates to the UE that the cell physical address maintenance mechanism is currently in use, and further indicates to the UE that the cell physical address maintenance mechanism for soft satellite handover is in use (this indication is the explicit or implicit indication mentioned in some of the above embodiments). In this solution, the base station does not need to directly inform the UE of the SSB pattern of the next satellite.

[0141] · Option 2: The base station indicates to the UE which pattern the next satellite will use. Use an index or bitmap to associate with these patterns. If four sets of SSB patterns are designed, a 2-bit index can be used to associate these four sets of SSB patterns. Or use a bitmap, for example, if the first set of SSB patterns is to be used, use 1000 to indicate. The base station will indicate to the UE what the SSB pattern of the next satellite is during the time the first satellite 141 is serving. If the next set uses the second set of patterns, a 2-bit index "01" or a 4-bit bitmap "0100" will be sent. In this case, the base station may not indicate to the UE that the cell physical address maintenance mechanism is currently being used (such as the mechanism described in Option 1 above). The base station may use a dedicated message to the UE, such as RRC, MAC CE or PDCCH order. A broadcast message, such as SIB19, may also be used.

[0142] Step 3: After receiving the indication information as described in Option 1 or Option 2, the UE uses another SSB pattern when performing DL synchronization with the second satellite 142. After detecting and accessing the new satellite on the other SSB pattern, the UE considers that it has accessed the new satellite.

[0143] For Option 1 in Step 2, the steps are as follows: If there are only two patterns, then upon receiving the indication, the UE knows that the next satellite's pattern is a different one and will detect the SSB on the different pattern.

[0144] If multiple patterns are used, a default value can be configured for the order in which they are used. For example, if the order of the four patterns is {0, 1, 3, 2}, and the UE initially accesses pattern 1, upon receiving the indication, the UE will know that the satellite will use pattern 3 and will detect the SSB at pattern 3.

[0145] The order in which the pattern is used can be pre-configured, meaning that as long as this mechanism is used, the order in which the pattern is used will be the same. Or,

[0146] It can also be configured by the base station to the UE. This configuration message can use a dedicated message such as RRC, MAC CE or PDCCH order. It can also use a broadcast message such as SIB19.

[0147] The steps for Option 2 in step 2 are as follows: After receiving the instruction, the UE will detect the SSB at the location of the pattern to access the new satellite.

[0148] Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be a user equipment device, a base station, a first satellite, or a second satellite. The communication device 900 shown in Figure 10 includes a processor 910, which can call and execute a computer program from a memory to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0149] Optionally, as shown in FIG10 , the communication device 900 may further include a memory 920. The processor 910 may call and execute a computer program from the memory 920 to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0150] The memory 920 may be a separate device independent of the processor 910 , or may be integrated into the processor 910 .

[0151] Optionally, as shown in FIG10 , the communication device 900 may further include a transceiver 930 , and the processor 910 may control the transceiver 930 to communicate with other devices, specifically, to send information or data to other devices, or to receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0152] The transceiver 930 may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver 930 may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0153] Optionally, the communication device 900 may specifically be a base station in an embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 900 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the base station in each method in the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0154] Optionally, the communication device 900 may specifically be a mobile user device / user device device of an embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 900 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile user device / user device device in each method of the embodiment of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0155] Figure 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present application. The chip 1000 shown in Figure 11 includes a processor 1010, which can call and run a computer program from a memory to implement the method according to the embodiment of the present application.

[0156] Optionally, as shown in FIG11 , the chip 1000 may further include a memory 1020. The processor 1010 may call and execute a computer program from the memory 1020 to implement the method in the embodiment of the present application.

[0157] The memory 1020 may be a separate device independent of the processor 1010 , or may be integrated into the processor 1010 .

[0158] Optionally, the chip 1000 may further include an input interface 1030. The processor 1010 may control the input interface 1030 to communicate with other devices or chips, and specifically, may obtain information or data sent by other devices or chips.

[0159] Optionally, the chip 1000 may further include an output interface 1040. The processor 1010 may control the output interface 1040 to communicate with other devices or chips, and specifically, may output information or data to other devices or chips.

[0160] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the base station in the embodiments of the present application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the base station in each method of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0161] Optionally, the chip can be applied to the mobile user device / user device in the embodiments of the present application, and the chip can implement the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile user device / user device in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0162] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can also be called a system-level chip, a system chip, a chip system or a system-on-chip chip, etc.

[0163] FIG12 is a schematic block diagram of a communication system 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG12 , the communication system 100 includes a user equipment 120 and a base station 110 .

[0164] Among them, the user equipment device 120 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the user equipment device in the above method, and the base station 110 can be used to implement the corresponding functions implemented by the base station in the above method. For the sake of brevity, they are not repeated here.

[0165] It should be understood that the processor of the embodiments of the present application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiment can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor or software instructions. The above processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

[0166] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus random access memory (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0167] It should be understood that the above-mentioned memories are exemplary but not restrictive. For example, the memories in the embodiments of the present application may also be static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct RAM RAM (DR RAM), etc. In other words, the memories in the embodiments of the present application are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0168] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program.

[0169] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the base station in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program enables the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the base station in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0170] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the mobile user device / user device in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program enables the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile user device / user device in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0171] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, including computer program instructions.

[0172] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the base station in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program instructions enable the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the base station in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0173] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the mobile user device / user device in the embodiments of the present application, and the computer program instructions enable the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile user device / user device in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0174] The embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program.

[0175] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the base station in the embodiments of the present application. When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer executes the corresponding processes implemented by the base station in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0176] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the mobile user device / user device in the embodiments of the present application. When the computer program runs on the computer, the computer executes the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile user device / user device in the various methods of the embodiments of the present application. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0177] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0178] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the above-described systems, devices and units can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0179] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0180] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0181] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0182] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a base station, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0183] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method for satellite handover operation, the method comprising: The user equipment receives information sent by the first satellite in a first cell and a first time, wherein the first cell is a cell in an area covered by the first satellite when the first satellite is connected to a base station, the first cell includes a cell physical address, and the first time is a period during which the user equipment is connected to the first satellite; The user equipment is synchronized with the second satellite in the first cell and at the second time based on the information, wherein the first cell is also a cell in the area covered by the second satellite when the second satellite is connected to the base station.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The information notifies the user equipment that the cell physical address is maintained during the connection of the user equipment from the first satellite to the second satellite.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The user equipment synchronizing with the second satellite at the second time includes: the user equipment immediately starting to synchronize with the second satellite after receiving the information of the first satellite.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The user equipment synchronizing with the second satellite at the second time includes: the user equipment starting a timer, and after the timer times out, the user equipment starts synchronizing with the second satellite.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The user equipment synchronizing with the second satellite at the second time includes: the user equipment starting the timer after completing downlink synchronization or uplink synchronization with the first satellite, and after the timer times out, the user equipment starts synchronizing with the second satellite.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The user equipment starts the timer after completing the first downlink synchronization or the first uplink synchronization with the first satellite, and the timer will not be reset / restarted before the timer times out; After the timer times out, the user equipment starts to perform synchronization with the second satellite, and the timer is reset / restarted.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The user equipment starts the timer after completing the first downlink synchronization or the first uplink synchronization with the first satellite, and the timer is allowed to be reset / restarted before the timer times out, and the timer restarts after being reset / restarted; After the timer times out, the user equipment starts to execute synchronization with the second satellite, and the triggering of the reset / restart is related to uplink or downlink synchronization.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The timer is a timer used in a scenario where the physical address of the cell is maintained.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The second time is the service time t-service minus the offset time or the starting time point. The user equipment receives the offset time or the starting time point sent by the first satellite. The user equipment starts to synchronize with the second satellite at the time when the t-service is minus the offset time or the starting time point. The t-service indicates the time information when the first cell stops providing services for the currently covered area.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The information notifies the user equipment whether to use the maintained physical address of the cell and / or notifies the user equipment to use soft satellite switching or hard satellite switching, wherein the soft satellite switching means that the first satellite and the second satellite serve the first cell simultaneously for a period of time, and the first satellite stops serving the first cell after the user equipment is connected to the second satellite, wherein the hard satellite switching means that the second satellite starts serving the first cell after the first satellite completely stops serving the first cell.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The method further comprises: The user equipment obtains the ephemeris and / or common timing advance parameter of the second satellite.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The method further comprises: In a soft satellite switching scenario, the user equipment distinguishes between the first satellite and the second satellite.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The method also includes: pre-defining the sending positions of multiple sets of synchronization signal block patterns, and in the soft satellite switching scenario, the user equipment distinguishes the first satellite and the second satellite by sending synchronization signal blocks at different positions of the first satellite and the second satellite.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: In the soft satellite switching scenario, the user equipment distinguishing the first satellite from the second satellite by sending the synchronization signal block at different positions of the first satellite and the second satellite includes: The user equipment detects positions of multiple sets of synchronization signal block patterns during initial access to access the first cell, wherein the first satellite uses one of the multiple sets of synchronization signal block patterns when serving the first cell; In a scenario where the physical address of the cell is maintained, the first satellite uses another one of the multiple sets of synchronization signal block patterns when the second satellite serves the first cell, and the first satellite sends indication information to the user equipment; After the user equipment receives the indication information, when the user equipment performs downlink synchronization with the second satellite, the user equipment uses another one of the multiple sets of synchronization signal block patterns based on the indication information.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The order of using the multiple sets of synchronization signal block modes is in accordance with a default order, pre-configured order or configured by the base station to the user equipment.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The user equipment receives the information, the timer configured for the first satellite, the second time configured for the first satellite, or the usage order of the multiple sets of synchronization signal block patterns through a dedicated message, a broadcast message, or a paging message.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The user equipment obtains the ephemeris and / or the common timing advance parameter of the second satellite through the broadcast message.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The broadcast information includes system information.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The system information includes ephemeris and / or common timing advance parameters of one or more upcoming satellites.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: The system information includes SIB19.

21. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The dedicated message includes RRC reconfiguration information, RRC message, MAC CE message or PDCCH command.

22. A wireless communication method for satellite handover operation, the method comprising: The base station sends information to the user equipment in a first cell and a first time via a first satellite, wherein the first cell is a cell in an area covered by the first satellite when the first satellite is connected to the base station, the first cell includes a cell physical address, and the first time is a period during which the user equipment is connected to the first satellite; The base station receives synchronization information, and the synchronization information notifies the base station, and the user equipment synchronizes with the second satellite in the first cell and the second time based on the information, wherein the first cell is also a cell in the area covered by the second satellite when the second satellite is connected to the base station.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein: The method also includes: pre-defining the sending positions of multiple sets of synchronization signal block patterns.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein: The method also includes: the base station receives a notification from the user equipment, and in a soft satellite switching scenario, the user equipment distinguishes the first satellite from the second satellite by sending synchronization signal blocks at different positions of the first satellite and the second satellite.

25. The method according to claim 23, wherein: The order of using the multiple sets of synchronization signal block modes is in accordance with a default order, pre-configured order or configured by the base station to the user equipment.

26. A wireless communication method for satellite handover operation, the method comprising: A first satellite sends information to a user equipment in a first cell and a first time, wherein the first cell is a cell in an area covered by the first satellite when the first satellite is connected to a base station, the first cell includes a cell physical address, and the first time is a period during which the user equipment is connected to the first satellite; the information is used to enable the user equipment to synchronize with a second satellite in the first cell and the second time based on the information, wherein the first cell is also a cell in an area covered by the second satellite when the second satellite is connected to the base station.

27. A user equipment, comprising: A processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21.

28. A base station, comprising: A processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 25.

29. A first satellite, comprising: A processor and a memory, the memory being used to store a computer program, the processor being used to call and run the computer program stored in the memory to execute the method as claimed in claim 26.

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