Communication method, communication system and communication apparatus

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communications. Provided are a communication method, a communication system and a communication apparatus. In the method, a measurement result of the network performance of an NTN cell in a sub-region may be acquired, wherein the sub-region is a part of the region covered by the NTN cell; and then, on the basis of the measurement result, a TN corresponding to the sub-region is configured, for example, a TN is configured or a configured TN is adjusted / optimized. By means of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the TN corresponding to the sub-region can be managed on the basis of the network performance of the NTN cell in the sub-region. In the embodiments of the present application, the coverage range of the sub-region is smaller than the coverage range of the NTN cell, and thus the network performance in a region having a relatively small range can be better reflected. Therefore, by using the measurement result for the sub-region, the TN corresponding to the sub-region can be configured more precisely, the input-output of an operator is improved, and the measurement resources and time can also be saved.

Description

Communication method, communication system and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on September 25, 2023, with application number 202311247741.5 and application name “Communication Method, Communication System and Communication Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a communication method, a communication system, and a communication device. Background Art

[0003] A non-terrestrial network (NTN) refers to a network or network segment that utilizes radio frequency resources from satellite or unmanned aircraft system (UAS) platforms. Considering affordability and survivability, NTN deployments are feasible in sparsely populated, remote areas. However, as the number of users and demand increases, the NTN's limited capabilities make it unable to provide low-latency, high-throughput services. Therefore, operators are considering deploying a terrestrial network (TN) alongside the NTN. This involves integrating current terrestrial cellular communications with the TN and NTN. Managing the TN based on the NTN's performance is a critical issue that needs to be addressed.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a communication method, a communication system, and a communication device, which can manage TN according to the network performance of NTN cells in sub-areas.

[0006] In a first aspect, a method is provided, comprising: obtaining a measurement result of a network performance of an NTN cell in a sub-area, where the sub-area is a portion of an area covered by the NTN cell; and configuring a TN corresponding to the sub-area based on the measurement result.

[0007] Exemplarily, the TN corresponding to the sub-area refers to: a TN that has covered or will cover the sub-area; or a TN that has covered or will cover an area with the same or similar geographical environment as the sub-area.

[0008] Exemplarily, the measurement result includes one or more of the following: data packet delay, terminal data throughput, number of radio resource control (RRC) connections, or radio resource usage.

[0009] The method provided in this embodiment of the application can manage the TN corresponding to a sub-area based on the network performance of the NTN cell within the sub-area. Because the sub-area coverage in this embodiment of the application is smaller than the NTN cell coverage, it can better reflect the network performance of the smaller area. Therefore, using the sub-area measurement results can more accurately configure the TN corresponding to the sub-area, improving the operator's input-output, while also saving measurement resources and time.

[0010] In a possible implementation, obtaining a measurement result of the network performance of the NTN cell in the sub-area includes: a first management unit measuring the network performance of the sub-area to obtain the measurement result.

[0011] Exemplarily, the first management unit may be an equipment management system (EMS) for managing the NTN.

[0012] In a possible implementation, obtaining a measurement result of the network performance of the NTN cell within the sub-area further includes: the second management unit receiving the measurement result from the first management unit.

[0013] Exemplarily, the second management unit may be a network management system (NMS).

[0014] In one possible implementation, based on the measurement result, the TN corresponding to the sub-area is configured, including: the second management unit determines policy information based on the measurement result, and the policy information is used to configure the TN; the second management unit sends the policy information to the third management unit; and the third management unit configures the TN based on the policy information.

[0015] Based on this solution, the second management unit may determine policy information for configuring the TN based on the measurement result, and then send the policy information to the third management unit. The third management unit configures the TN based on the policy information.

[0016] In one possible implementation, obtaining a measurement result of the network performance of the NTN cell within the sub-area further includes: a third management unit receiving the measurement result from the second management unit; wherein, based on the measurement result, configuring the TN corresponding to the sub-area includes: the third management unit configuring the TN based on the measurement result.

[0017] Based on this solution, by placing the decision-making power of TN configuration on the third management unit side, the third management unit can configure TN according to its own situation and received information. This solution can reduce the workload of the second management unit while obtaining a better TN configuration strategy.

[0018] In a possible implementation, before obtaining the measurement result of the network performance of the NTN cell in the sub-area, the method further includes: obtaining a measurement request, where the measurement request is used to request network performance measurement with the sub-area as the measurement range.

[0019] Exemplarily, obtaining the measurement request includes: the first management unit receiving the measurement request from the second management unit.

[0020] For example, the request information may include identification information or area information of the sub-area. For example, the area information may be geographic location information, such as latitude and longitude information.

[0021] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: acquiring a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-region and the region information of the sub-region.

[0022] Exemplarily, obtaining the mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-region and the region information of the sub-region includes: the second management unit receiving the mapping relationship from the first management unit.

[0023] Based on this solution, the second management unit can determine the area information of the sub-area according to the mapping relationship.

[0024] On the second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first management unit, or by a component of the first management unit (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the first management unit.

[0025] The method comprises: measuring the network performance of the NTN cell in a sub-area to obtain a measurement result, where the sub-area is a part of the area covered by the NTN cell; and sending the measurement result.

[0026] Exemplarily, the measurement result includes one or more of the following: data packet delay, terminal data throughput, number of RRC connections, or wireless resource usage.

[0027] In the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the first management unit can obtain measurement results of the network performance of the NTN cell within the sub-area and can send these measurement results to the second management unit. Thus, the second management unit can manage the TN corresponding to the sub-area based on the network performance of the NTN cell within the sub-area. Because the sub-area coverage area in the embodiments of the present application is smaller than the NTN cell coverage area, it can better reflect the network performance of the smaller area. Therefore, using the sub-area measurement results can more accurately configure the TN corresponding to the sub-area, improve the operator's input-output, and also save measurement resources and time.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the first management unit is an element management system EMS for managing an NTN to which the NTN cell belongs, and / or the second management unit is a network management system NMS.

[0029] In a possible implementation, before measuring the network performance of the NTN cell in the sub-area, the method further includes: receiving request information, where the request information is used to request network performance measurement with the sub-area as a measurement range.

[0030] For example, the request information may include identification information or area information of the sub-area. For example, the area information may be geographic location information, such as latitude and longitude information.

[0031] In a possible implementation manner, the request information includes a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-region and the area information of the sub-region.

[0032] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending indication information, where the indication information indicates a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-region and the area information of the sub-region.

[0033] Based on this solution, the second management unit can obtain a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-area and the area information of the sub-area.

[0034] On the third aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second management unit, or by a component of the second management unit (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the second management unit.

[0035] The method includes: receiving a measurement result of network performance of an NTN cell in a sub-area, where the sub-area is a part of an area covered by the NTN cell; determining policy information based on the measurement result, and sending the policy information, where the policy information is used to configure a TN corresponding to the sub-area; or sending the measurement result, where the measurement result is used by a third management unit to configure the TN corresponding to the sub-area.

[0036] Exemplarily, the TN corresponding to the sub-area refers to: a TN that has covered or will cover the sub-area; or a TN that has covered or will cover an area with the same or similar geographical environment as the sub-area.

[0037] Exemplarily, the measurement result includes one or more of the following: data packet delay, terminal data throughput, number of RRC connections, or wireless resource usage.

[0038] The method provided in this embodiment of the application can manage the TN corresponding to a sub-area based on the network performance of the NTN cell within the sub-area. Because the sub-area coverage in this embodiment of the application is smaller than the NTN cell coverage, it can better reflect the network performance of the smaller area. Therefore, using the sub-area measurement results can more accurately configure the TN corresponding to the sub-area, improving the operator's input-output, while also saving measurement resources and time.

[0039] In addition, in one embodiment, the method places the decision-making power of configuring TN in the third management unit, so that the third management unit can configure TN according to its own situation and the received information, thereby reducing the workload of the second management unit and obtaining a better strategy for configuring TN.

[0040] In a possible implementation, before receiving the measurement result of the network performance of the NTN cell in the sub-area, the method further includes: sending a request message, where the request message is used to request to perform the network performance measurement with the sub-area as the measurement range.

[0041] For example, the request information may include identification information or area information of the sub-area. For example, the area information may be geographic location information, such as latitude and longitude information.

[0042] In a possible implementation manner, the request information includes a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-region and the area information of the sub-region.

[0043] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving indication information, for example, receiving the indication information from the first management unit, wherein the indication information indicates a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-area and the area information of the sub-area.

[0044] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending indication information, for example, sending the indication information to a third management unit, wherein the indication information indicates a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-area and the area information of the sub-area.

[0045] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a module or unit for executing the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner of the second aspect.

[0046] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a module or unit for executing the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0047] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor, which, when executing a computer program (also referred to as code, or instruction) or instruction stored in a memory, causes the device to execute the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0048] In a possible implementation manner, the device further includes the memory.

[0049] In a possible implementation, there are one or more processors and / or one or more memories.

[0050] In a possible implementation, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be provided separately from the processor.

[0051] In a possible implementation, the device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0052] In one implementation, the device is a first management unit. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0053] In another implementation, the device is a chip in the first management unit. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0054] In the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor, which, when executing a computer program or instruction stored in a memory, causes the device to execute the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or implement the method in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0055] In a possible implementation manner, the device further includes the memory.

[0056] In a possible implementation, there are one or more processors and / or one or more memories.

[0057] In a possible implementation, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be provided separately from the processor.

[0058] In a possible implementation, the device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0059] In one implementation, the device is a second management unit. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0060] In another implementation, the device is a chip in the second management unit. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0061] In an eighth aspect, a processor is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal through the input circuit and transmit a signal through the output circuit, so that the processor executes the method of any of the above aspects or any possible implementation of any of the above aspects.

[0062] In a specific implementation, the processor may be a chip, the input circuit may be an input pin, the output circuit may be an output pin, and the processing circuit may be a transistor, a gate circuit, a trigger, or various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit may be, for example, but not limited to, received and input by a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit may be, for example, but not limited to, output to and transmitted by a transmitter. The input circuit and the output circuit may be the same circuit, which functions as an input circuit and an output circuit at different times. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0063] In the ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising an apparatus for executing the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect and at least one of the apparatuses for executing the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect, or comprising at least one of the communication apparatus provided by the fourth aspect and the communication apparatus provided by the fifth aspect, or comprising at least one of the communication apparatus provided by the sixth aspect and the communication apparatus provided by the seventh aspect.

[0064] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided for executing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0065] In an eleventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program, which, when executed, enables a computer to execute the method in any one of the above aspects or any possible implementation of any one of the aspects.

[0066] In the twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions). When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer executes a method in any one of the above aspects or any possible implementation of any one of the aspects.

[0067] In the thirteenth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, so that a communication device equipped with the chip executes a method in any one of the above aspects or any possible implementation of any one of the aspects.

[0068] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes an interface and a processor, wherein the interface is used to send and / or receive signals, so that the processor executes the method in any one of the above aspects or any possible implementation of any one of the aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] FIG1A is a schematic diagram of an NTN architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] FIG1B is a schematic diagram of an NTN architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] FIG1C is a schematic diagram of an NTN architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] FIG1D is a schematic diagram of an NTN architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] FIG3A is a schematic diagram of a sub-region provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] FIG3B is a schematic diagram of a sub-region provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] FIG4A is a schematic diagram of a sub-region provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] FIG4B is a schematic diagram of a sub-region provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] FIG4C is a schematic diagram of a sub-region provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] FIG5 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] FIG6 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] FIG7 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] FIG8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] FIG9 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0085] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated with each other are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" in the embodiments of the present application is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more than two. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. In addition, in order to facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art can understand that words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and words such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit them to be different.

[0086] In the various method embodiments of the embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial number does not mean the order of execution. The order of execution should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0087] It is understood that in the embodiments of the present application, expressions such as "under...", "if...", "when...", "if...", and similar expressions can be used interchangeably. Moreover, these expressions all refer to the execution of corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and do not limit the time, require no judgment action during implementation, or imply any other limitations.

[0088] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of the present application may, in certain scenarios, be implemented independently of other features, such as the solution on which they are currently based, to solve corresponding technical problems and achieve corresponding effects. They may also be combined with other features in certain scenarios as needed. Accordingly, the devices provided in the embodiments of the present application may also implement these features or functions accordingly, which will not be described in detail here.

[0089] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can refer to each other. In the various embodiments of the present application, and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in the various embodiments, if there is no special explanation and logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in the various embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / implementation methods / implementation methods in the various embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments, implementation methods, implementation methods, or implementation methods according to their inherent logical relationships. The implementation methods of the present application described below do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0090] The access network device (radio access network, RAN) involved in the embodiments of the present application is a device that connects a terrestrial access network device, that is, a terminal, to a radio access network. The access network equipment can be implemented in any of the following forms: evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE, base station (gNodeB, gNB) in 5G network, base station in future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), broadband network gateway (BNG), aggregation switch or non-3GPP access equipment, wireless controller in cloud radio access network (CRAN), transmission and reception point (TRP), or equipment including TRP, base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (such as home evolved Node B, or home Node B), base band unit (BBU), or wireless fidelity (WiFi) access point (AP), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, etc.

[0091] In some deployments, the access network equipment includes a distributed unit (DU) and a centralized unit (CU) deployed on the ground. The centralized unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU) involved in the embodiments of the present application can be understood as a division of the access network equipment from a logical functional perspective. CU represents the access network equipment connected to the 5G core network (5G core network, 5GC) through the NG interface, and also represents the access network equipment connected to other access network equipment through the Xn interface. In addition, it can also represent the access network equipment to perform dual connection operations through the X2 interface and the eNB (or eNodeB). Among them, the CU and DU can be connected through an interface, for example, it can be an F1 interface. The CU and DU can be physically separated or deployed together, and the embodiments of the present application do not make specific restrictions on this. CU and DU can be divided according to the protocol layer of the wireless network. For example, the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) protocol layer, the service data adaptation protocol stack (SDAP) protocol layer, and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) protocol layer are set in the CU, while the functions of the radio link control (RLC) protocol layer, the media access control (MAC) protocol layer, the physical (PHY) protocol layer, etc. are set in the DU.

[0092] It is understandable that the division of CU and DU processing functions according to this protocol layer is only an example, and they can also be divided in other ways. For example, the CU or DU can be divided into functions with more protocol layers. For example, the CU or DU can also be divided into partial processing functions with protocol layers. In one design, some functions of the RLC layer and functions of the protocol layers above the RLC layer are set in the CU, and the remaining functions of the RLC layer and functions of the protocol layers below the RLC layer are set in the DU. In another design, the functions of the CU or DU can also be divided according to service type or other system requirements. For example, according to latency, functions whose processing time needs to meet latency requirements are set in the DU, and functions that do not need to meet the latency requirements are set in the CU. In another design, the CU can also have one or more functions of the core network. One or more CUs can be set up centrally or separately. For example, the CU can be set up on the network side to facilitate centralized management. The DU can have multiple radio frequency functions, or the radio frequency functions can be set up remotely. Furthermore, the functions of the CU can be implemented by one entity or by different entities. For example, the CU can be composed of the CU control plane (CU control plane, CU-CP) and the CU user plane (CU user plane, CU-UP). The CU-CP and CU-UP can be understood as the division of the CU from the perspective of logical functions. Among them, the CU-CP and CU-UP can be divided according to the protocol layer of the wireless network. For example, the functions of the RRC protocol layer and the PDCP protocol layer corresponding to the signaling radio bearer (SRB) are set in the CU-CP, and the functions of the PDCP protocol layer corresponding to the data radio bearer (DRB) are set in the CU-UP. In addition, the functions of the SDAP protocol layer may also be set in the CU-UP.

[0093] The terminal involved in the embodiments of the present application may be a device for implementing a communication function. The terminal may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station (MS), remote station, remote terminal, mobile terminal (MT), user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device, etc. The terminal may be, for example, a wireless terminal or a wired terminal in IoT, V2X, D2D, M2M, 5G network, or a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN). A wireless terminal may refer to a device with wireless transceiver functions, which may be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; may also be deployed on water (such as ships, etc.); may also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons and satellites, etc.).

[0094] Exemplarily, the terminal may be an IoT device (e.g., a sensor, an electricity meter, a water meter, etc.), a V2X device, a station (ST) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device (also referred to as a wearable smart device), a tablet computer or a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical care, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a smart home, or a similar device. The present invention relates to wireless terminals in the home, vehicle-mounted terminals, vehicles with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication capabilities, intelligent connected vehicles, drones with UAV to UAV (U2U) communication capabilities, etc. The terminal can be mobile or fixed, and this embodiment of the application does not specifically limit this.

[0095] The embodiments of the present application relate to a terrestrial network (TN) and a non-terrestrial network (NTN).

[0096] The terrestrial network, i.e., TN, can be an existing or future mobile communication network. For example, TN can be a long term evolution (LTE) network, an advanced long term evolution (LTE-A) network, a new radio (NR) network or other fifth generation communication (5th-generation, 5G) network, an evolution network of NR / 5G, a hybrid network of LTE and 5G, a next generation mobile communication network (for example, a sixth generation (6th-generation, 6G) mobile communication network), etc. The TN in the embodiment of the present application can support uplink communication and downlink communication, and can also support device to device (D2D) communication, machine to machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communication, and vehicle to everything (V2X) communication, etc.

[0097] Non-terrestrial networks, or NTNs, can also be called satellite communication networks. They have the characteristics of large communication range, high reliability, and multiple access connections. Generally speaking, the higher the satellite's orbit, the larger its coverage area, but the longer the communication delay. According to the satellite altitude, that is, the satellite orbit height, satellites can be divided into: (1) Geostationary Earth Orbit (MEO) or geostationary orbit satellites: stationary relative to the earth, with an orbital altitude of 35,786 km; (2) Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites: orbital altitude of 300 to 1,500 km; (3) Other satellites: including medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites and high Earth Orbit (HEO) satellites. The MEO orbital altitude is 7,000 to 25,000 km and 2,000 to 35,786 km; the HEO orbital altitude is 400 to 50,000 km. In addition to satellites, NTN also includes some aircraft: such as high altitude platforms (HAPs) and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

[0098] The NTN involved in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented using any of the above-mentioned satellites, altitude platforms, or unmanned aerial vehicle systems. In addition, the NTN in the embodiments of the present application can be a 4G-based NTN, a NR-based NTN, an Internet of Things (IoT)-based NTN, a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT)-based NTN, or an NTN based on other current technologies or other technologies that may appear in the future.

[0099] Compared to traditional terrestrial networks, NTNs typically utilize flying platforms for network deployment. For example, access network equipment or some access network equipment functions are deployed on flying platforms to provide coverage for terminals. Alternatively, flying platforms are used as relays to forward signals from terrestrial access network equipment to provide coverage for terminals. For example, Figures 1A to 1D illustrate several NTN architectures provided in embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that Figures 1A to 1D are merely schematic illustrations of NTNs and do not constitute any limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0100] Figure 1A shows a schematic diagram of an NTN architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application. Referring to Figure 1A , the NTN 100A functions as a transparent mode for signal forwarding between a terminal and access network equipment. The NTN 100 includes a terminal 101, a flight platform 102A (which can be a satellite, an altitude platform, or an unmanned aerial vehicle system, etc.), a gateway 103, access network equipment 104, a core network device 105, and a data network 106. The access network equipment 104 is deployed on the ground as part of the ground network and communicates with the data network 106 via the core network device 105. The flight platform 102A acts as a relay; that is, it does not function as an access network device. Communication between the terminal 101 and the data network 106 must be relayed through the flight platform 102A.

[0101] Figure 1B shows a schematic diagram of an NTN architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application. Referring to Figure 1B , NTN 100B functions as a regenerative access network device. NTN 200 includes a terminal 101, a flight platform 102B (which can be a satellite, an altitude platform, or an unmanned aerial vehicle system), a gateway 103, core network equipment 105, and a data network 106. Unlike flight platform 102A in Figure 1A , flight platform 102B is equipped with access network equipment to implement the functions of a ground station. In other words, flight platform 102B functions as an access network device (e.g., access network device 104 in Figure 1A ).

[0102] Figure 1C shows a schematic diagram of an NTN architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application. Referring to Figure 1C , NTN 100C operates as a regenerative access network device and includes inter-satellite links (ISLs). NTN 200 includes a terminal 101, a flight platform 102B (which may be a satellite, an altitude platform, or an unmanned aerial vehicle system), a gateway 103, core network equipment 105, a data network 106, a terminal 107, a flight platform 108 (which may be a satellite, an altitude platform, or an unmanned aerial vehicle system), a gateway 109, core network equipment 110, and a data network 111. Similar to flight platform 102B, flight platform 108 is deployed with access network equipment to implement the functions of a ground station. In other words, flight platform 108 functions as an access network device (e.g., access network device 104 in Figure 1A ). An ISL exists between flight platform 102B and flight platform 108, enabling communication between the two.

[0103] Figure 1D shows a schematic diagram of an NTN architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application. Referring to Figure 1D , NTN 100D includes a terminal 101, a flight platform 102D (which can be a satellite, an altitude platform, or an unmanned aerial vehicle system), a gateway 103, a control unit (CU) 112, core network equipment 105, and a data network 106. A DU can be deployed on flight platform 102D to implement some of the functions of a ground station. In other words, flight platform 102D has the functions of a DU. CU 112 is deployed on the ground. Together, the CU and the CU implement the functions of access network equipment.

[0104] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG2 , the communication system 200 may include a first management unit 210 , a second management unit 220 , and a third management unit 230 .

[0105] The first management unit 210 can be one or more equipment management function entities or an equipment management system (EMS) for managing related devices, network elements, and functions within the NTN. For example, the first management unit 210 can include an MnS Producer. The MnS Producer is a logical or physical entity that provides management services deployed within the first management unit 210. It is a provider of management services and, in this embodiment, can be a collection service producer responsible for establishing measurement tasks and generating measurement results.

[0106] The third management unit 230 can be one or more device management function entities or EMSs, which are used to manage related devices / network elements / functions in the TN. Exemplarily, the third management unit 230 can also include business applications. Business applications refer to the application entities of data, which monitor the status of the network or generate network configuration commands by processing and analyzing the data. For example, application services can be network twin construction, performance prediction, fault prediction, etc., and network configuration commands can be adjusting the antenna tilt angle of the access network device, turning on a certain algorithm switch of the access network device, etc.

[0107] For example, the first management unit 210 may include EMSs in one or more domains. Similarly, the third management unit 230 may include EMSs in one or more domains.

[0108] The "domain" refers to a physical or logical entity composed of network devices in the same management scope. Exemplarily, the domain can be a wireless domain, a core network domain, or a transport domain. The wireless domain can include access network equipment, user equipment, network equipment in the wireless EMS, etc. The core network domain can include core network network elements, such as the session management function (SMF), the network data analytics function (NWDAF), the access and mobility management function (AMF), network equipment in the core network EMS, etc. The transport domain can include switches, routers, network equipment in the transport network EMS, etc. EMS can manage one or more network functions (NF). For example, NF can be an access network device, a transport network device, a core network device, such as a switch, a router, or a core network network element (such as SMF, AMF, NWDAF, etc.).

[0109] The second management unit 220 can be a network management function entity or a network management system (NMS). The second management unit 220 can be a management system responsible for the operation, management and maintenance functions of the network. For example, the second management unit 220 can obtain the coverage information of all cells (including NTN cells and NT cells) and know the cells under the jurisdiction of each EMS. Exemplarily, the NMS can provide a variety of basic functions such as fault, configuration, accounting, performance or security. Exemplarily, the NMS can include an MnS Consumer. The MnS Consumer is a management service consumption logic or physical entity deployed in the NMS. It is the caller of the management service. In the embodiment of the present application, it can be a collection service consumer, responsible for issuing measurement tasks and obtaining measurement reports.

[0110] The related functions of the first management unit 210, the second management unit 220 or the third management unit 230 can be implemented by one device, or by multiple devices, or by one or more functional modules within a device, or by one or more chips, or by a system on chip (SOC) or a chip system. The chip system can be composed of chips, or can include chips and other discrete devices. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this. It is understandable that the above functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or a combination of hardware and software, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0111] Based on the communication system 200 shown in FIG2 , an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. In this method, the second management unit 220 may request the first management unit 210 to measure the network performance of a certain NTN cell; the first management unit 210 may return the measurement result to the second management unit 220, and the second management unit 220 may instruct the third management unit to configure or manage the corresponding TN within the coverage area of ​​the NTN based on the measurement result.

[0112] Generally speaking, NTN cells have very large coverage, while typical TN cells have smaller coverage. Measurement results from NTN cells may not be sufficient for supporting TN management, or, at the same time, may not accurately support management. For example, in Xinjiang Province, when the network is LEO, each cell has a diameter of approximately 1,000 km, and the entire province may only require one or two NTN cells. However, the coverage of TN access network equipment is only tens of kilometers, with some access network equipment covering distances of less than 1 kilometer. Therefore, approximately 2,000 TN cells would be required to cover the entire province. Using the network conditions measured in one or two NTN cells to guide TN cell management is clearly problematic.

[0113] To solve the above problems, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication method, which can more accurately manage / configure the TN based on the network performance of the NTN cell in the sub-area.

[0114] In the embodiment of the present application, the second management unit 220 may measure the network performance of the NTN cell within a sub-area. The sub-area is a portion of the area covered by the NTN cell, and the network performance within the sub-area refers to the communication performance of communication devices related to the NTN cell (e.g., terminal devices served by the NTN cell, or communication network elements connected to the NTN cell) located in the sub-area.

[0115] In an example, the sub-area may include a continuous area within the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell. For example, referring to FIG. 3A , the sub-area may be area A within the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell.

[0116] In an example, the sub-area may include multiple discontinuous areas in the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell. For example, referring to FIG. 3B , the sub-area may include area A and area B in the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell.

[0117] In one possible implementation, the sub-area may be the coverage area of ​​a mapped cell. For example, the mapped cell may be defined by a radio access network or a core network. For example, the mapped cell may be identified by a mapped cell identity (ID), which may be bound to a specific geographic area.

[0118] For example, referring to FIG4A , an NTN cell includes multiple mapped cells. The area covered by each mapped cell is a sub-area. The coverage areas of any two mapped cells may or may not have overlapping parts.

[0119] In a possible implementation manner, the sub-area may be one of multiple sub-areas obtained by dividing the NTN cell in any of the following manners.

[0120] Method 1

[0121] The coverage of an NTN cell can be divided into multiple sub-areas based on the capabilities of the operator's access network equipment. For example, the coverage of an NTN cell can be divided into multiple sub-areas based on the strongest, weakest, or median coverage capabilities of the access network equipment.

[0122] For example, if the operator's access network equipment has a coverage range of 500m to 700m, the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell can be divided into multiple sub-areas with each sub-area covering 500m. It should be understood that the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell can also be divided into multiple sub-areas with each sub-area covering 600m or 700m.

[0123] Method 2

[0124] An NTN cell may be divided into multiple sub-areas based on the geographical environment of the NTN cell coverage area and the experience of deploying access network equipment or TN cells in this type of geographical environment.

[0125] For example, if an NTN cell is located in a mountainous area, oceanic area, or desert area, the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell can be divided into multiple sub-areas based on the empirical values ​​of the deployment of access network equipment or the coverage range of TN cells in mountainous areas, oceanic areas, or desert areas. For example, if the coverage range of an access network device generally deployed in a mountainous area is 2000m, the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell can be divided into multiple sub-areas based on the coverage range of each NTN sub-area being 2000m.

[0126] For example, if the NTN cell belongs to a rural / suburban area, the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell may be divided into multiple sub-areas based on the experience of deploying access network equipment in the rural / suburban area or the coverage area of ​​the TN cell.

[0127] For example, an NTN cell covers both the ocean and the land. Therefore, based on the empirical value of the coverage range of the access network equipment deployed on the ocean or the TN cell, the area belonging to the ocean in the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell can be divided into multiple sub-areas, and based on the empirical value of the coverage range of the access network equipment deployed on land or the TN cell, the area belonging to the land in the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell can be divided into multiple sub-areas.

[0128] Method 3

[0129] The coverage area of ​​an NTN cell may be divided into multiple sub-areas based on administrative regions, such as villages, towns, cities, provinces, etc.

[0130] For example, the coverage area of ​​an NTN cell includes five villages, and each of the five villages can be a sub-area, so that the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell is divided into five sub-areas.

[0131] For example, the coverage area of ​​an NTN cell includes two towns, and the two towns can be a sub-area respectively, so that the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell is divided into two sub-areas.

[0132] Method 4

[0133] The coverage area of ​​an NTN cell can be divided into multiple sub-areas based on the infrastructure.

[0134] For example, one or more roads within the coverage area of ​​an NTN cell can be divided into a sub-area, or one or more scenic spots within the coverage area of ​​an NTN cell can be divided into a sub-area, or one or more squares within the coverage area of ​​an NTN cell can be divided into a sub-area. For example, area A and area B in Figure 3B can each be a square, and these two squares can form a sub-area.

[0135] For example, referring to FIG4B , the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell includes several roads, which can divide the NTN cell into multiple sub-areas, wherein the coverage ranges of the multiple sub-areas may be different.

[0136] Method 5

[0137] The coverage area of ​​an NTN cell can be divided into multiple sub-areas based on longitude and latitude.

[0138] For example, one or more longitude and / or latitude separation points, or longitude and / or latitude spacing, can be defined to divide the coverage area of ​​an NTN cell into multiple NTN sub-areas. For example, referring to FIG4C , if the longitude and latitude spacing are both defined as 1°, the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell can be divided into multiple NTN sub-areas using longitudes and latitudes separated by 1°.

[0139] It should be understood that the sub-areas in the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the above-described implementation. In addition to the above-described implementation, the embodiments of the present application may also utilize any other reasonable method to obtain sub-areas. For example, the coverage area of ​​an NTN cell may be divided into multiple sub-areas, with each sub-area representing a fixed coverage range, such as 300 meters.

[0140] Terminals connected to the NTN have positioning capabilities. These terminals can report their location information directly or indirectly (e.g., through NTN access network equipment) to the first management unit 210. This allows the first management unit 210 to determine the specific sub-area in which the terminal is located and, therefore, the terminals within the sub-area to be measured. In this way, the first management unit 210 can determine the network performance of the NTN cell within the sub-area to be measured based on the status of the terminals within the sub-area to be measured.

[0141] For example, for sub-area #1 to be measured, the first management unit 210 can determine, based on the location information reported by the terminals, that the terminals located in sub-area #1 are terminal #1 to terminal #20. Based on the information of these 20 terminals, the first management unit 210 can determine the network performance of the NTN cell in sub-area #1.

[0142] The network performance of the NTN cell in the sub-area described in the embodiment of the present application may include one or more of the following:

[0143] The packet delay of the NTN access network equipment related to the NTN cell in the sub-area;

[0144] Radio resource utilization of NTN access network equipment related to the NTN cell in the sub-area;

[0145] Data throughput of terminals served by the NTN cell in the sub-area (UE throughput);

[0146] The number of RRC connections of the NTN cell in the sub-area;

[0147] Performance related to protocol data unit (PDU) session management of terminals served by the NTN cell in the sub-area; or

[0148] Mobility management related performance of terminals served by the NTN cell in the sub-area.

[0149] Exemplarily, the data packet latency of the access network devices associated with the NTN cell in the sub-area may refer to the average latency for receiving data packets by the NTN access network devices connected to the terminals within the sub-area. For example, for sub-area #1 described above, the NTN access network devices corresponding to the NTN cell may report the measured latency for receiving data packets from terminals #1 to #20 to the first management unit 210. Based on the reporting results from the NTN access network devices, the first management unit 210 may calculate the average latency for receiving data packets by the NTN access network devices connected to the terminals within the sub-area. It should be understood that the data packet latency of the access network devices associated with the NTN cell in the sub-area may also refer to the sum of the latency for receiving data packets by the NTN access network devices connected to the terminals within the sub-area.

[0150] It should be understood that in different networking modes, the NTN access network equipment includes different network elements. For example, in Figure 1A, the NTN access network equipment includes a flight platform 102A, a gateway 103 and an access network device 104. In Figure 1B, the NTN access network equipment includes a flight platform 102B and a gateway 103.

[0151] Exemplarily, the radio resource usage of the access network devices associated with the NTN cell in the sub-area may refer to the total number of resource blocks (RBs) used by all terminals accessing the NTN cell and located in the sub-area. For example, for the aforementioned sub-area #1, the sum of the number of RBs used by terminals #1 to #20 is the radio resource usage of the access network devices associated with the NTN cell in the sub-area.

[0152] Illustratively, the data throughput of the terminal served by the NTN cell in the sub-area may refer to an average value or sum of the data throughputs of all terminals accessing the NTN cell and located in the sub-area.

[0153] Exemplarily, the number of RRC connections of the NTN cell in the sub-area may refer to the number of terminals accessing the NTN cell and located in the sub-area. For example, for sub-area #1, the number of RRC connections is 20.

[0154] For example, the performance related to PDU session management for terminals served by the NTN cell in the sub-area may refer to the PDU session success rate / failure rate for terminals accessing the NTN cell and located in the sub-area. That is, the number of successful / failed PDU session establishments for all terminals accessing the NTN cell and located in the sub-area divided by the number of PDU session establishment attempts. For example, for sub-area #1, the PDU session success rate is 90%.

[0155] Exemplarily, the performance related to mobility management of the terminal served by the NTN cell in the sub-area may refer to the average time for the terminal accessing the NTN cell and located in the sub-area to perform cell switching. For example, for NTN sub-area #1, the average switching time is 100 milliseconds.

[0156] After measuring the network performance of the NTN cell within the sub-area, the first management unit 210 can send the measurement results to the second management unit 220. Based on the received measurement results, the second management unit can instruct the third management unit 230 to configure the TN corresponding to the sub-area. This method can more accurately manage the TN by using the measurement results of the sub-area with smaller coverage rather than the TN cell with larger coverage.

[0157] The following describes the method provided in the embodiment of the present application in more detail, using the first management unit 210, the second management unit 220, and the third management unit 230 as the first EMS, the NMS, and the second EMS, respectively. The first EMS is used to manage the NTN, and the second EMS is used to manage the TN. It should be understood that the first EMS may include one or more EMSs, and the second EMS may include one or more EMSs.

[0158] Figure 5 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method 500 may include one or more steps from S510 to S580, each of which is described below.

[0159] S510 , the NMS determines the EMS corresponding to sub-area # 1 .

[0160] The NMS determines the EMS corresponding to sub-area #1, which means that the NMS determines the EMS that manages the NTN cell to which sub-area #1 belongs. Sub-area #1 is the area where network performance policy needs to be implemented.

[0161] For example, each EMS can divide the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell based on any of the methods 1 to 5 described above. After obtaining the sub-areas, the mapping relationship between the sub-area identification information, the sub-area area information, and the identification information of the NTN cell to which the sub-area belongs can be sent to the NMS. Based on this mapping relationship, the NMS can determine that sub-area #1 is located within the coverage area of ​​NTN cell #1. Since the NMS knows the coverage information of all cells and knows the cells under the jurisdiction of each EMS, the EMS can determine the EMS that manages NTN cell #1. For example, in an embodiment of the present application, the area information can be geographic location information, such as longitude and latitude information.

[0162] For example, the NMS can divide the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell based on any of the methods 1 to 5 described above. After obtaining the sub-areas, the NMS can save the mapping relationship between the sub-area identification information, the sub-area area information, and the identification information of the NTN cell to which the sub-area belongs. Based on this mapping relationship, the NMS can determine that sub-area #1 is within the coverage area of ​​NTN cell #1. Because the NMS knows the coverage information of all cells and the cells managed by each EMS, the EMS can determine the EMS that manages NTN cell #1.

[0163] For example, sub-area #1 is an area determined by the NMS from the coverage area of ​​NTN cell #1. Since the NMS knows the coverage information of all cells and the cells managed by each EMS, the EMS can determine the EMS that manages NTN cell #1.

[0164] For the convenience of description below, it is assumed that the NTN cell to which the sub-area #1 belongs is NTN cell #1, and the EMS corresponding to the sub-area #1 is recorded as the first EMS.

[0165] It should be understood that the NTN cell to which the sub-area #1 belongs refers to the NTN cell corresponding to the coverage area of ​​the sub-area #1.

[0166] S520: The NMS sends a request message to the first EMS. Correspondingly, the first EMS receives the request message.

[0167] For example, the NMS may send the request information to the first EMS via an interface between the NMS and the first EMS. The request information is used to request / instruct the first EMS to perform network performance measurement with the sub-area as the measurement range. In other words, the request information instructs the first EMS to perform network performance measurement with the sub-area as the granularity / unit.

[0168] Exemplarily, the request information may explicitly indicate that the network performance measurement is to be performed with the sub-area as the measurement range. For example, the request information may include relevant information of the sub-area to be measured (ie, sub-area #1), such as identification information or area information.

[0169] For example, the NMS and the first EMS pre-store a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-area and the area information of the sub-area. Then, the NMS can indicate to the first EMS that the first EMS needs to measure the sub-area and the sub-area that needs to be measured by carrying the identification information of the sub-area in the request information.

[0170] For example, the NMS may carry the area information of the sub-area in the request information, and then the first EMS may learn the sub-area that needs to be measured and the sub-area that needs to be measured based on the area information.

[0171] Exemplarily, the request information may implicitly indicate that network performance measurement should be performed within a sub-area. For example, the request information may carry identification information of the NTN cell to which the sub-area belongs and division method information. The division method information is used to divide the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell into multiple sub-areas. For example, the division method is method 5 described above, and the division method information includes multiple longitude and / or latitude separation points or longitude and / or latitude spacing. This method can implicitly indicate that measurement is required for multiple sub-areas obtained by dividing the coverage area of ​​the NTN cell.

[0172] Optionally, the request information may include a mapping relationship between identification information of the sub-region and area information of the sub-region.

[0173] For example, the request information may include identification information of the sub-area to be measured and a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-area and the area information of the sub-area. In this way, the first EMS may determine the sub-area to be measured based on the received information.

[0174] This approach can be applied to scenarios where the NMS determines the coverage area of ​​a sub-region. Since the NMS has a more comprehensive understanding of the entire network, it is more reasonable for the NMS to determine the coverage area of ​​the sub-region and provide the mapping relationship between the sub-region and the geographic location to the EMS, such as the first EMS.

[0175] It should be understood that the mapping relationship between the sub-area identification information and the sub-area area information can also be stored on the first EMS side, and the first EMS can provide this mapping relationship to the NMS. This approach can be applied in scenarios where an EMS, such as the first EMS, determines the coverage area of ​​the sub-area. Because the first EMS has a more real-time and accurate understanding of the NTN network situation, the determined mapping relationship is more conducive to measurement accuracy.

[0176] Exemplarily, the request message may be a CreateMeasurementJob request message, used to request the creation of a measurement task. In this embodiment of the present application, the CreateMeasurementJob request message is used to request the creation of a measurement task for measuring the network performance of NTN cell #1 within sub-area #1. The CreateMeasurementJob request message may include performance and / or a measurement object (KPI object). Performance represents the network performance to be measured, and in this embodiment of the present application, the measurement object may be identification information of sub-area #1.

[0177] Exemplarily, the NMS may execute S520 when there is a measurement demand, or the request information may be subscription information, and S520 is executed only when a subscription period arrives.

[0178] It should be noted that S520 is an optional step, which may be executed or not, and will be described in S530 below.

[0179] S530: The first EMS measures the network performance of NTN cell #1 in the sub-area #1 to obtain a measurement result.

[0180] For example, the first EMS may execute S530 upon receiving the measurement request in S520. Alternatively, the first EMS may automatically execute S530 periodically or aperiodically based on network configuration, for example, the network may pre-configure the first EMS to perform measurements on which sub-areas at what time.

[0181] Based on the above description, the first EMS can determine, based on the request information or pre-configuration, that it needs to measure sub-area #1. Since the first EMS is aware of the terminals located in sub-area #1 and knows the NTN cells governed / associated by the network elements it manages (e.g., NTN access network equipment and core network equipment), the first EMS can determine the communication devices associated with sub-area #1 (e.g., terminal devices, NTN access network equipment, and / or core network equipment) to measure. The first EMS can then instruct these communication devices to measure the network performance of NTN cell #1 within sub-area #1. For example, the first EMS can request these communication devices to collect network performance data. After collecting the network performance data, these communication devices can respond with a request response including the network performance data. The first EMS can then determine the network performance measurement result of NTN cell #1 within sub-area #1 based on the network performance data responded by these communication devices. For example, the first EMS can sum or average the network performance data responded by these communication devices to obtain the network performance measurement result of NTN cell #1 within sub-area #1. For example, the NTN access network device corresponding to the NTN cell #1 can reply to the first EMS with the number of RBs used by each terminal accessing the NTN cell #1 and located in the sub-area #1. The first EMS can use the total number of RBs used by these terminals as the measurement result of the network performance of the NTN cell #1 in the sub-area #1.

[0182] It should be understood that for content related to network performance within the sub-area, reference can be made to the previous description, which will not be repeated here.

[0183] Optionally, in one implementation, after receiving the request, the first EMS may first determine whether the measurement parameters of sub-area #1 requested in the request are new, that is, whether sub-area #1 has been measured before. If so, the first EMS may request network elements related to NTN cell #1 to collect network performance data.

[0184] S540: The first EMS sends the measurement result to the NMS. Correspondingly, the NMS receives the measurement result from the first EMS.

[0185] The measurement result may include the network performance of NTN cell #1 in sub-area #1. For example, the measurement result may include one or more of the following: data packet latency of an access network device of NTN cell #1 in sub-area #1, radio resource usage of NTN cell #1 in sub-area #1, the number of RRC connections of NTN cell #1 in sub-area #1, PDU session management of NTN cell #1 in sub-area #1, or mobility management of NTN cell #1 in sub-area #1. The meanings of the parameters included in the measurement result can be found in the relevant description above and are not repeated here.

[0186] Exemplarily, the measurement result may also include identification information of sub-area #1. Further, the measurement result may also include identification information of NTN cell #1.

[0187] Exemplarily, the measurement result may be a measurement task creation response message in response to a measurement task creation request message, or the measurement result may be carried by the measurement task creation response message. The measurement task creation response message may include performance and / or a measurement object (KPI object). Performance represents measured network performance, and the measurement object, in this embodiment of the present application, may be identification information of sub-area #1.

[0188] Optionally, the first EMS may further send indication information to the NMS, where the indication information indicates a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-area and the area information of the sub-area. In other words, the first EMS may further send a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-area and the area information of the sub-area to the NMS.

[0189] S550: The NMS determines, based on the measurement result, policy information for configuring the TN corresponding to the sub-area #1.

[0190] For example, in an embodiment of the present application, the TN corresponding to the sub-area #1 refers to: a TN that has already covered or will soon cover the sub-area #1; or, a TN that has already covered or will soon cover an area with the same or similar geographical environment as the sub-area #1. For example, the sub-area #1 belongs to the ocean, but the ocean is located in southern China. The TN corresponding to the sub-area #1 can be a TN in the eastern part of China that also belongs to the ocean.

[0191] Exemplarily, configuring the TN corresponding to the sub-area #1 may refer to configuring a TN to be deployed or already deployed.

[0192] Exemplarily, the policy information may be configuring a TN base station (ie, access network equipment) or increasing / decreasing the number of configured TN base stations.

[0193] For example, the measurement result includes the number of terminals located in sub-area #1 and accessing NTN cell #1. If no TN is deployed in sub-area #1, the policy information may instruct the configuration of N1 TN base stations in the geographic area corresponding to sub-area #1. N1 may be determined by the NMS based on the number of terminals located in sub-area #1 and accessing NTN cell #1, or by a second EMS based on the number of terminals located in sub-area #1 and accessing NTN cell #1. If a TN is already deployed in sub-area #1, and the number of terminals in sub-area #1 and accessing NTN cell #1 exceeds a preset threshold, the policy information may instruct the configuration of M1 additional TN base stations in the geographic area corresponding to sub-area #1. M1 may be determined by the NMS or by a second EMS.

[0194] For example, the measurement result includes the total number of RBs used by terminals located in sub-area #1 and accessing NTN cell #1. If no TN is deployed in sub-area #1, the policy information may indicate the configuration of N2 TN base stations in the geographic area corresponding to sub-area #1. N2 may be determined by the NMS based on the total number of RBs used by terminals located in sub-area #1 and accessing NTN cell #1, or by a second EMS based on the total number of RBs used by terminals located in sub-area #1 and accessing NTN cell #1. If a TN is deployed in sub-area #1, and the total number of RBs used by terminals located in sub-area #1 and accessing NTN cell #1 exceeds a preset threshold, the policy information may indicate the configuration of M2 additional TN base stations in the geographic area corresponding to sub-area #1. M2 may be indicated by the NMS or determined by the second EMS.

[0195] For example, the measurement result includes the average time it takes for a terminal located in sub-area #1 and accessing NTN cell #1 to perform a cell handover. Assuming that a TN is already deployed in sub-area #1, if the average time is greater than a preset threshold, the policy information may indicate that M3 (e.g., 3) more TN base stations should be deployed in sub-area #1.

[0196] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, configuring TN may also refer to deploying TN, or configuring TN may be understood as configuring parameters of the NT base station.

[0197] It should be understood that the policy information can also be described as policy, configuration policy, etc. It should be understood that different names should not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0198] S560: The NMS determines the EMS corresponding to the TN corresponding to the sub-area #1.

[0199] That is, the NMS determines the EMS for managing the TN corresponding to the sub-area #1.

[0200] As described above in S510, the NMS can determine the area information of sub-area #1, such as the location information of sub-area #1. Furthermore, because the NMS knows the coverage information of all cells and the cells managed by each EMS, in S560, the NMS can determine the EMS that manages the TN corresponding to sub-area #1 based on the area information of sub-area #1.

[0201] In the embodiment of the present application, the EMS corresponding to the TN corresponding to the sub-region #1 is recorded as: the second EMS.

[0202] S570: The NMS sends the policy information to the second EMS. Correspondingly, the second EMS receives the policy information from the NMS.

[0203] For example, the NMS may send the policy information to the second EMS through an interface between the NMS and the second EMS.

[0204] Exemplarily, the policy information may include information such as an access network device identifier, a cell identifier, an access network device address, and access network device capabilities. For example, in S550, the NMS determines that two access network devices need to be configured for sub-area #1. The policy information may include the identifiers of the two access network devices and the corresponding cell identifiers, the addresses where the two access network devices need to be deployed, and their corresponding capability information.

[0205] Optionally, the NMS may further send one or both of a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-area and the area information of the sub-area and a measurement result to the second EMS.

[0206] S580: The second EMS configures the TN corresponding to the sub-area #1 based on the policy information.

[0207] For example, the second EMS may use the policy information as the final policy to configure the TN corresponding to the sub-area.

[0208] Optionally, if the NMS also sends the mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-area and the area information of the sub-area and one or both of the measurement results to the second EMS, the second EMS can refer to the policy information provided by the NMS, and at the same time combine the mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-area and the area information of the sub-area and one or both of the measurement results to determine the final strategy for configuring the TN corresponding to the sub-area, thereby adopting the final strategy to configure the TN corresponding to the sub-area.

[0209] The method provided in this embodiment of the application can manage the TN corresponding to a sub-area based on the network performance of the NTN cell within the sub-area. Because the sub-area coverage in this embodiment of the application is smaller than the NTN cell coverage, it can better reflect the network usage and terminal distribution in the smaller area. Therefore, using the measurement results of the sub-area can more accurately configure the TN corresponding to the sub-area, improving the operator's input-output, while also saving measurement resources and time.

[0210] Figure 6 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 600 may include one or more steps from S610 to S670. Method 600 differs from method 500 in that the second EMS, rather than the NMS, determines the policy information for configuring the TN. Concepts and terms that appear in method 600 that are the same as those described above are generally applicable and will not be further described in method 600. The steps of method 600 are described below.

[0211] S610 to S640 are the same as S510 to S540.

[0212] S650: The NMS determines the EMS corresponding to the TN corresponding to sub-area #1.

[0213] This step is the same as S560, and reference may be made to S560. In addition, for understanding the TN corresponding to sub-region #1, reference may be made to the relevant description in S560, which will not be repeated here.

[0214] S660: The NMS sends the measurement result to the second EMS. Correspondingly, the second EMS receives the measurement result from the NMS.

[0215] For example, the NMS may send the measurement result to the second EMS through an interface between the NMS and the second EMS.

[0216] The measurement result may include network performance of NTN cell #1 in sub-area #1. For example, the measurement result may include one or more of the following: data packet latency of NTN access network equipment associated with NTN cell #1 in sub-area #1, radio resource usage of NTN access network equipment associated with NTN cell #1 in sub-area #1, data throughput of terminals served by NTN cell #1 in sub-area #1, number of RRC connections of NTN cell #1 in sub-area #1, performance related to PDU session management of terminals served by NTN cell #1 in sub-area #1, or performance related to mobility management of terminals served by NTN cell #1 in sub-area #1. The meanings of the parameters included in the measurement result can be found in the previous description and are not further elaborated here.

[0217] Exemplarily, the measurement result may also include identification information of sub-area #1. Further, the measurement result may also include identification information of NTN cell #1.

[0218] Optionally, the NMS may further send indication information to the second EMS, where the indication information indicates a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-area and the area information of the sub-area.

[0219] S670: The second EMS configures the TN corresponding to the sub-area #1 based on the measurement result.

[0220] Exemplarily, configuring the TN corresponding to the sub-area #1 may refer to configuring a TN to be deployed or already deployed.

[0221] For example, the measurement result includes the number of terminals located in sub-area #1 and accessing NTN cell #1. If no TN is deployed in sub-area #1, N1 TN base stations can be configured in the geographic area corresponding to sub-area #1. N1 can be determined by the second EMS based on the number of terminals located in sub-area #1 and accessing NTN cell #1. If TN is deployed in sub-area #1, and the number of terminals in sub-area #1 and accessing NTN cell #1 exceeds a preset threshold, M1 TN base stations can be configured in the geographic area corresponding to sub-area #1. M1 can be determined by the second EMS based on the number of terminals located in sub-area #1 and accessing NTN cell #1.

[0222] For example, the measurement result includes the total number of RBs used by terminals located in sub-area #1 and accessing NTN cell #1. If no TN is deployed in sub-area #1, N2 TN base stations can be configured in the geographic area corresponding to sub-area #1. N2 can be determined by the second EMS based on the total number of RBs used by terminals located in sub-area #1 and accessing NTN cell #1. If TN is deployed in sub-area #1, and the total number of RBs used by terminals located in sub-area #1 and accessing NTN cell #1 exceeds a preset threshold, M2 additional TN base stations can be configured in the geographic area corresponding to sub-area #1.

[0223] For example, the second EMS may configure the TN corresponding to the sub-area based on the measurement results and the mapping relationship between the sub-area identification information and the sub-area area information. For example, if the second EMS cannot know the specific location of the area covered by sub-area #1, it may determine the specific location of the area covered by sub-area #1 based on the mapping relationship, and further determine the above-mentioned policy information based on the measurement results.

[0224] The method provided in this embodiment of the application can manage the TN corresponding to a sub-area based on the network performance of the NTN cell within the sub-area. Because the sub-area coverage in this embodiment of the application is smaller than the NTN cell coverage, it can better reflect the network performance of the smaller area. Therefore, using the sub-area measurement results can more accurately configure the TN corresponding to the sub-area, improving the operator's input-output, while also saving measurement resources and time.

[0225] In addition, by placing the decision-making power of TN configuration on the second EMS side, the method enables the second EMS to configure TN according to its own situation and received information, thereby reducing the workload of the NMS and obtaining a better TN configuration strategy.

[0226] Figure 7 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 700 may include steps S710 and S720. It should be understood that any concepts or terms that appear in method 700 that are the same as those described above may be used in the relevant descriptions above and will not be repeated in method 700. The steps of method 700 are described below.

[0227] S710: Obtain a measurement result of the network performance of the NTN cell in the sub-area.

[0228] S720: Based on the measurement result, configure the ground network TN corresponding to the sub-area.

[0229] The method may be implemented by the communication system 200 shown in FIG. 2 .

[0230] In one embodiment, the first management unit 210 may obtain the measurement result by measuring the network performance of the NTN cell in the sub-area.

[0231] In one embodiment, the first management unit 210 sends the measurement result to the second management unit 220 so that the second management unit 220 can obtain the measurement result.

[0232] In one embodiment, the second management unit 220 sends the measurement result to the third management unit 230 so that the third management unit 230 can obtain the measurement result.

[0233] In one embodiment, the second management unit 220 may determine, based on the measurement result, policy information for configuring the TN corresponding to the sub-area, and may send the measurement information to the third management unit 230. The third management unit 230 may configure the TN corresponding to the sub-area based on the policy information. For details about this embodiment, please refer to the method 500 described above and will not be repeated here.

[0234] In one embodiment, the third management unit 230 may configure the TN corresponding to the sub-area based on the measurement result. Detailed description of this embodiment may be made with reference to the method 600 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0235] The method provided in this embodiment of the application can manage the TN corresponding to a sub-area based on the network performance of the NTN cell within the sub-area. Because the sub-area coverage in this embodiment of the application is smaller than the NTN cell coverage, it can better reflect the network performance of the smaller area. Therefore, using the sub-area measurement results can more accurately configure the TN corresponding to the sub-area, improving the operator's input-output, while also saving measurement resources and time.

[0236] The above describes the method embodiments provided by the embodiments of the present application. The following describes the device embodiments provided by the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment. Therefore, for matters not described in detail, reference can be made to the method embodiment above. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0237] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 2000 may include a communication unit 2100 and a processing unit 2200. The communication unit 2100 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the communication can be internal communication of the communication device 2000 or communication between the communication device 2000 and other devices; the processing unit 2200 can implement corresponding processing functions. The communication unit 2100 can also be called a communication interface or a transceiver unit. Optionally, the communication device 2000 may also include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 2200 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the device implements the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0238] In one possible design, the communication device 2000 may be a first management unit, or a module or chip implemented in the first management unit. The communication device 2000 may be configured to execute the steps or processes executed by the first management unit in the above-described method. For example, the communication device 2000 may be the first EMS in method 500 or method 600, and may execute the steps or processes executed by the first EMS in method 500 or method 600.

[0239] Specifically, the processing unit 2200 is used to measure the network performance of the non-terrestrial network NTN cell in a sub-area to obtain a measurement result, where the sub-area is a part of the area covered by the NTN cell; and the communication unit 2100 is used to send the measurement result.

[0240] Optionally, the measurement result includes one or more of the following: data packet delay, terminal data throughput, number of radio resource control RRC connections, or radio resource usage.

[0241] Optionally, the communication device 2000 is an element management system EMS for managing an NTN to which the NTN cell belongs, and / or the second management unit is a network management system NMS.

[0242] Optionally, the communication unit 2100 is further configured to receive request information, where the request information is used to request that the network performance measurement be performed with the sub-area as the measurement range.

[0243] Optionally, the request information includes a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-area and the area information of the sub-area.

[0244] Optionally, the communication unit 2100 is further configured to send indication information, where the indication information indicates a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-region and the region information of the sub-region.

[0245] In one possible design, the communication device 2000 may be a second management unit, or a module or chip implemented in the second management unit. The communication device 2000 may be configured to execute the steps or processes executed by the second management unit in the above-described method. For example, the communication device 2000 may be the NMS in method 500 or method 600, and may execute the steps or processes executed by the NMS in method 500 or method 600.

[0246] Specifically, the communication unit 2100 is used to receive the measurement results of the network performance of the non-terrestrial network NTN cell in a sub-area, where the sub-area is part of the area covered by the NTN cell; the processing unit 2200 is used to determine policy information based on the measurement results, and the policy information is used to configure the terrestrial network TN corresponding to the sub-area; the communication unit 2100 is also used to send the policy information to the third management unit.

[0247] Optionally, the measurement result includes one or more of the following: data packet delay, terminal data throughput, number of radio resource control RRC connections, or radio resource usage.

[0248] Optionally, the communication unit 2100 is further configured to send a request message, where the request message is used to request that the network performance measurement be performed with the sub-area as the measurement range.

[0249] Optionally, the request information includes a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-area and the area information of the sub-area.

[0250] Optionally, the communication unit 2100 is further configured to send indication information, where the indication information indicates a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-region and the region information of the sub-region.

[0251] It should be understood that the communication device 2000 may also be a third management unit, or a module or chip applied to the third management unit. The communication device 2000 can be used to execute the steps or processes executed by the third management unit in the above method. For example, the communication device 2000 can be the second EMS in method 500 or method 600, and can execute the steps or processes executed by the second EMS in method 500 or method 600.

[0252] Regarding the steps or processes executed by each unit in the communication device 2000, please refer to the description in the corresponding method, which will not be described in detail here.

[0253] It should be understood that the "unit" in the communication device 2000 can be implemented by hardware, can be implemented by software, and can also be implemented by hardware executing the corresponding software implementation. For example, the "unit" can refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (such as a shared processor, a dedicated processor or a group processor, etc.) and a memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combined logic circuit and / or other suitable components that support the described functions. For another example, the communication unit 2100 can be replaced by a transceiver transceiver circuit (for example, a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit 2200 can be replaced by a processor or a processing circuit.

[0254] Figure 9 shows a schematic block diagram of another communication device 3000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 3000 can be a first management unit, a second management unit, or a third management unit, or can be a chip, a chip system, or a processor that supports the first management unit, the second management unit, or the third management unit to implement the above-mentioned method. The device can be used to implement the method described in the above-mentioned method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description of the above-mentioned method embodiment.

[0255] The communication device 3000 may include one or more processors 3100, also referred to as processing units, which may implement certain control functions. The processor 3100 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. For example, it may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the central processing unit may be used to control the communication device, execute software programs, and process software program data.

[0256] In an optional design, the processor 3100 may also store instructions and / or data, which can be executed by the processor 3100 so that the communication device 3000 executes the method described in the above method embodiment.

[0257] In another optional design, the communication device 3000 may include a communication interface 3200 for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the communication interface 3200 may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, an interface circuit, or a transceiver. The transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver for implementing the receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver may be used for reading and writing code / data, or the transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver may be used for transmitting or delivering signals.

[0258] Optionally, the communication device 3000 may include one or more memories 3300, which may store instructions. The instructions may be executed on the processor 3100, causing the communication device 3000 to perform the method described in the above method embodiment. Optionally, the memory 3300 may also store data. Optionally, the processor 3100 may also store instructions and / or data. The processor 3100 and memory 3300 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0259] It should be understood that in one possible design, each step in the method embodiment provided in the embodiment of the present application can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor or by instructions in the form of software. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiment of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, 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. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0260] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiment can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor or by instructions in the form of software. 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 device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component. 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 the processor can also be 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, or 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.

[0261] 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 RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (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.

[0262] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, which includes: computer program code, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the various steps or processes executed by the first management unit, the second management unit, or the third management unit in any of the above method embodiments.

[0263] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores program code. When the program code runs on a computer, the computer executes the steps or processes performed by the first management unit, the second management unit or the third management unit in any of the above method embodiments.

[0264] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface, which is used to send and / or receive signals, so that the processor executes the various steps or processes performed by the first management unit, the second management unit or the third management unit in any of the above method embodiments.

[0265] The present application also provides a communication system, which includes at least one of a first management unit, a second management unit, and a third management unit.

[0266] The above-mentioned device embodiments and method embodiments are completely corresponding, and the corresponding steps are performed by the corresponding modules or units. For example, the communication unit or communication interface performs the receiving or sending steps in the method embodiment. Other steps except sending and receiving can be performed by the processing unit or processor.

[0267] In the embodiments of this application, each term and English abbreviation is provided for convenience of description and shall not constitute any limitation to this application. The embodiments of this application do not exclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future protocols.

[0268] As used in this specification, the terms "component," "module," "system," and the like are used to represent computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and / or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computing device and a computing device can be a component. One or more components can reside in a process and / or an execution thread, and a component can be located on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can be executed from various computer-readable storage media having various data structures stored thereon. Components can communicate, for example, via local and / or remote processes based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from two components interacting with another component between a local system, a distributed system, and / or a network, such as the Internet interacting with other systems via signals).

[0269] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians may 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.

[0270] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can be based on the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0271] 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.

[0272] 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.

[0273] 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.

[0274] In the above embodiments, the functions of each functional unit can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When software is used for implementation, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions (programs). When the computer program instructions (programs) are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from a website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center by wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrations. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0275] 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 embodiment of the present application is essentially 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, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, 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 U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0276] 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 this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Obtaining a measurement result of a network performance of a non-terrestrial network NTN cell in a sub-area, where the sub-area is a part of an area covered by the NTN cell; Based on the measurement result, a ground network TN corresponding to the sub-area is configured.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The obtaining of the measurement result of the network performance of the non-terrestrial network NTN cell in the sub-area includes: The first management unit measures the network performance of the sub-area to obtain the measurement result.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The obtaining of the measurement result of the network performance of the non-terrestrial network NTN cell in the sub-area also includes: The second management unit receives the measurement result from the first management unit.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The configuring the ground network TN corresponding to the sub-area based on the measurement result includes: The second management unit determines policy information based on the measurement result, where the policy information is used to configure the TN; The second management unit sends the policy information to the third management unit; The third management unit configures the TN based on the policy information.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The obtaining of the measurement result of the network performance of the non-terrestrial network NTN cell in the sub-area also includes: The third management unit receives the measurement result from the second management unit; The configuring, based on the measurement result, a ground network TN corresponding to the sub-area includes: The third management unit configures the TN based on the measurement result.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The measurement result includes one or more of the following: data packet delay, terminal data throughput, number of radio resource control RRC connections, or radio resource usage.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that Before obtaining the measurement result of the network performance of the non-terrestrial network NTN cell in the sub-area, the method further includes: A measurement request is obtained, where the measurement request is used to request to perform the network performance measurement with the sub-area as a measurement range.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: A mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-region and the region information of the sub-region is acquired.

9. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Measuring the network performance of a non-terrestrial network NTN cell in a sub-area to obtain a measurement result, wherein the sub-area is a part of the area covered by the NTN cell; The measurement result is transmitted.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The measurement result includes one or more of the following: data packet delay, terminal data throughput, number of radio resource control RRC connections, or radio resource usage.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The method is applied to an element management system EMS for managing an NTN to which the NTN cell belongs.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that Before measuring the network performance of the non-terrestrial network NTN cell in the sub-area, the method further includes: Receive request information, where the request information is used to request to perform the network performance measurement with the sub-area as a measurement range.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The request information includes a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-area and the area information of the sub-area.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that The method further comprises: Indication information is sent, where the indication information indicates a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-region and the region information of the sub-region.

15. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Receiving a measurement result of a network performance of a non-terrestrial network NTN cell in a sub-area, wherein the sub-area is a part of an area covered by the NTN cell; Based on the measurement result, determining policy information, the policy information being used to configure a ground network TN corresponding to the sub-area; The policy information is sent.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The measurement result includes one or more of the following: data packet delay, terminal data throughput, number of radio resource control RRC connections, or radio resource usage.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that Before receiving the measurement result of the network performance of the non-terrestrial network NTN cell in the sub-area, the method further includes: Sending request information, where the request information is used to request to perform the network performance measurement with the sub-area as the measurement range.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The request information includes a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-area and the area information of the sub-area.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Indication information is received, where the indication information indicates a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-region and the region information of the sub-region.

20. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Measuring the network performance of a non-terrestrial network NTN cell in a sub-area to obtain a measurement result, wherein the sub-area is a part of the area covered by the NTN cell; sending the measurement result; receiving the measurement result; Based on the measurement result, determining policy information, the policy information being used to configure a ground network TN corresponding to the sub-area; The policy information is sent.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein: The method further comprises: Receive request information, where the request information is used to request to perform the network performance measurement with the sub-area as a measurement range.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending indication information, where the indication information indicates a mapping relationship between the identification information of the sub-region and the region information of the sub-region; The indication information is received.

23. A communication system, characterized in that: The invention comprises an apparatus for executing the method as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 14 and an apparatus for executing the method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19.

24. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises means for executing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 9 to 14.

25. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises means for executing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 15 to 19.

26. A communication device, characterized in that: It includes a processor, and when the processor executes the program or instruction stored in the memory, the device executes the method as described in any one of claims 9-14 or any one of claims 15-19.

27. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a processor and an interface, wherein the interface is used to send and / or receive signals, so that the processor executes the method according to any one of claims 9 to 14 or any one of claims 15 to 19.

28. A readable storage medium having a computer program or instruction stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program or instruction is executed, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of claims 9 to 14 or any one of claims 15 to 19.

29. A computer program product, characterized in that The method comprises computer program instructions which cause the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 9 to 14 or any one of claims 15 to 19.

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