Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of communications. Disclosed are a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: a target access network device receiving a set of target paths from a core network device and an effective time of each target path in the set of target paths, wherein the set of target paths at least comprises one target path; and receiving user data from the core network device by means of a first path, wherein the first path is at least one target path in the set of target paths, which target path is determined on the basis of the effective time of each target path in the set of target paths. Therefore, the transfer overheads of user data are reduced.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on October 30, 2023, with application number 202311433529.8 and application name “Communication Method and 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 communication methods and devices. Background Art

[0003] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) include satellite communication networks and high altitude platform stations (HAPS). NTNs can provide reliable mobile broadband services for demanding communication scenarios, such as areas with poor terrestrial coverage, maritime communications, public safety communications, inter-aircraft communications, and railway communications.

[0004] NTN is characterized by frequent terminal handovers and long terminal mobility interruptions. In NTN handover scenarios, when transferring user data from a source cell covered by a source access network device to a target cell covered by a target access network device, the transfer overhead of user data is extremely high.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus that reduce the transfer overhead of user data.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a target access network device. The method may be performed by the target access network device, a component or device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the target access network device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the target access network device. The method includes: first receiving a target path set and the effective time of each target path in the target path set from a core network device; then receiving user data from the core network device via a first path; the first path is at least one target path in the target path set determined based on the effective time of each target path in the target path set.

[0009] In the first aspect, the core network device sends user data to the target access network device through the first path, without the need for the source access network device to forward the user data, thereby reducing the data overhead of user data transfer.

[0010] In a possible implementation, each target path in the target path set does not pass through the source access network device.

[0011] In this implementation, the core network device sends user data to the target access network device through the first path that does not pass through the source access network device. The source access network device does not need to forward the user data, thereby reducing the data overhead of user data transfer.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the method also includes: receiving first information from a source access network device, the first information indicating a sending time of the first information; determining a first delay between the sending time of the first information and the receiving time of the first information; and sending second information to the core network device when the first delay is greater than a first threshold, wherein the second information is used to request an update of a path for the core network device to send user data to the target access network device.

[0013] In this implementation, whether to trigger a request to update the path for sending user data from the core network device to the target access network device is determined based on the first delay, so that when the delay between the source access network device and the target access network device is high, the path for sending user data from the core network device to the target access network device is updated, thereby reducing the mobile interruption delay caused by path switching.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending third information to the core network device, the third information indicating the remaining service time of the source access network device to the terminal, wherein the remaining service time is used to determine the effective time of each target path in the target path set.

[0015] In this implementation, the target access network device sends third information to the core network device, indicating the remaining service time of the source access network device for the terminal. The core network device then determines the effective time of each target path in the target path set based on the remaining service time. This ensures load balancing for user data transmission and, in dynamic network topologies, enables user data to dynamically select paths with lower latency for transmission, thereby reducing mobile interruption delay and data transit overhead.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a second threshold from a core network device; and sending fourth information to the core network device within the second threshold, wherein the fourth information indicates that user data has been received.

[0017] In this implementation, by configuring the second threshold and the fourth information, the core network device can determine whether the target access network device has received the user data.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving user data resent from the core network device.

[0019] In this implementation, the core network device resends the user data to ensure that the target access network device can receive the user data.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending an end time to the source access network device, where the end time is determined based on at least one of the effective times of each target path and is used to indicate the time when the source access network device ends sending user data to the target access network device.

[0021] In this implementation, the target access network device sends the end time to the source access network device, so that the access network device stops sending user data according to the end time, which can reduce repeated sending of user data.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the method may further include: sending user data to the terminal based on Xn switching; or sending user data to the terminal based on dual-active protocol stack switching.

[0023] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a core network device. The method may be performed by the core network device, a component or device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the core network device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the core network device's functions. The method comprises: first, sending a target path set and the effective time of each target path in the target path set to a target access network device, the target path set including at least one target path; then, sending user data to the target access network device via a first path; the first path being at least one target path in the target path set determined based on the effective time of each target path in the target path set.

[0024] In the second aspect, the core network device sends user data to the target access network device through the first path, without the need for the source access network device to forward the user data, thereby reducing the data overhead of user data transfer.

[0025] In a possible implementation, each target path in the target path set does not pass through the source access network device.

[0026] In this implementation, the core network device sends user data to the target access network device through the first path that does not pass through the source access network device. The source access network device does not need to forward the user data, thereby reducing the data overhead of user data transfer.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the method also includes: first receiving second information from the target access network device, where the second information is used to request an update of the path for the core network device to send user data to the target access network device; and then determining a target path set and an effective time of each target path in the target path set.

[0028] In this implementation, after receiving the second information, the core network device determines the target path set and the effective time of each target path in the target path set, thereby reducing the mobility interruption delay caused by path switching.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving third information from the target access network device, the third information indicating the remaining service time of the source access network device to the terminal; determining the effective time of each target path in the target path set, including: determining the effective time of each target path in the target path set based on the remaining service time.

[0030] In this implementation, the core network device receives third information indicating the remaining service time of the source access network device to the terminal, and determines the effective time of each target path in the target path set based on the remaining service time. This ensures load balancing of user data transmission and enables user data to dynamically select a path with lower latency for transmission in a dynamic network topology environment, thereby reducing mobile interruption delay and data transfer overhead.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a second threshold to the target access network device; and resending the user data to the target access network device when the fourth information is not received within the second threshold.

[0032] In this implementation, by configuring the second threshold and the fourth information, the core network device can determine whether the target access network device has received the user data. If the fourth information is not received within the second threshold, the core network device resends the user data, ensuring that the target access network device can receive the user data.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the terminal switches to the target access network device through Xn switching; or, the terminal switches to the target access network device through a dual-active protocol stack.

[0034] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a source access network device. The method can be performed by the source access network device, a component or device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the source access network device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the source access network device. The method includes: first, receiving an end time from a target access network device, where the end time is determined based on at least one of the effective times of each target path in a target path set; and then, ending the transmission of user data to the target access network device based on the end time.

[0035] In the third aspect, the target access network device sends an end time to the source access network device, so that the access network device stops sending user data according to the end time, which can reduce repeated sending of user data.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending first information to the target access network device, where the first information indicates a sending time of the first information and can be used to determine a first delay between the sending time of the first information and the receiving time of the first information.

[0037] In this implementation, sending the first information to the target access network device allows the target access network device to determine a first time delay between a sending time of the first information and a receiving time of the first information.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the terminal switches to the target access network device through Xn switching; or, the terminal switches to the target access network device through a dual-active protocol stack.

[0039] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided, which is applied to a core network device. The method may be performed by the core network device, a component or device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system) applied to the core network device, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the core network device functions. The method includes: first, receiving fifth information from a source access network device, the fifth information indicating a sending time of the fifth information; then, receiving sixth information from a target access network device, the sixth information indicating a sending time of the sixth information; and then, processing user data based on a second delay and a third delay, the second delay being a delay between the receiving time of the fifth information and the sending time of the fifth information, and the third delay being a delay between the receiving time of the sixth information and the sending time of the sixth information. Specifically, processing the user data based on the second delay and the third delay may include: sending the user data to the target access network device via an original path, the original path passing through the source access network device; or, sending the user data to the target access network device via a first path, the first path being at least one target path in a set of target paths determined based on the effective time of each target path in a set of target paths that do not pass through the source access network device; or, caching the user data.

[0040] In the fourth aspect, for the NG switching communication scenario, how to process user data is determined by the size of the second delay (indicating the transmission delay between the source access network device and the core network device) and the third delay (indicating the transmission delay between the target access network device and the core network device), so that user data can be processed flexibly.

[0041] In one possible implementation, when user data is sent to a target access network device via a target path, the method further includes: determining a target path set and an effective time of each target path in the target path set; sending the target path set and the effective time of each target path in the target path set to the target access network device; and determining the first path based on the effective time of each target path in the target path set.

[0042] In this implementation, the core network device sends user data to the target access network device through the first path that does not pass through the source access network device. The source access network device does not need to forward the user data, thereby reducing the data overhead of user data transfer.

[0043] In a possible implementation, the terminal switches to the target access network device through NG switching.

[0044] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, which is applied to a target access network device. The communication device can be a target access network device or a chip or system on chip in the target access network device. The communication device can implement the functions performed by the target access network device in the first aspect or the possible design of the first aspect. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. For example, the communication device includes: a transceiver module for receiving a target path set and an effective time of each target path in the target path set from a core network device, wherein the target path set includes at least one target path; the transceiver module is also used to receive user data from the core network device through a first path; wherein the first path is at least one target path in the target path set determined according to the effective time of each target path in the target path set.

[0045] In a possible implementation, each target path in the target path set does not pass through the source access network device.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the device also includes a processing module; a transceiver module, further used to receive first information from a source access network device, the first information indicating a sending time of the first information; a processing module, used to determine a first delay between the sending time of the first information and the receiving time of the first information; and a transceiver module, further used to send second information to the core network device when the first delay is greater than a first threshold, wherein the second information is used to request an update of a path for the core network device to send user data to the target access network device.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used to send third information to the core network device, where the third information indicates the remaining service time of the source access network device to the terminal, wherein the remaining service time is used to determine the effective time of each target path in the target path set.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used to receive a second threshold from the core network device; the transceiver module is further used to send fourth information to the core network device within the second threshold, and the fourth information indicates that user data has been received.

[0049] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to receive user data resent from the core network device.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is also used to send an end time to the source access network device. The end time is determined based on at least one of the effective times of each target path. The end time is used to indicate the time when the source access network device ends sending user data to the target access network device.

[0051] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to send user data to the terminal based on Xn switching; or send user data to the terminal based on dual-active protocol stack switching.

[0052] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, which is applied to a core network device. The communication device can be a core network device or a chip or system on chip in the core network device. The communication device can implement the functions performed by the core network device in the first aspect or the possible design of the first aspect. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. For example, the communication device includes: a transceiver module, which is used to send a target path set and the effective time of each target path in the target path set to the target access network device, wherein the target path set includes at least one target path; the transceiver module is also used to send user data to the target access network device via a first path; wherein the first path is at least one target path in the target path set determined according to the effective time of each target path in the target path set.

[0053] In a possible implementation, each target path in the target path set does not pass through the source access network device.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the device also includes a processing module; a transceiver module, further used to receive second information from the target access network device, wherein the second information is used to request an update of the path for the core network device to send user data to the target access network device; and a processing module, used to determine a target path set and an effective time of each target path in the target path set.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used to receive third information from the target access network device, where the third information indicates the remaining service time of the source access network device to the terminal; and the processing module is specifically used to determine the effective time of each target path in the target path set based on the remaining service time.

[0056] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further configured to send a second threshold to the target access network device; and the transceiver module is further configured to resend user data to the target access network device if the fourth information is not received within the second threshold.

[0057] In a possible implementation, the terminal switches to the target access network device through Xn switching; or, the terminal switches to the target access network device through a dual-active protocol stack.

[0058] In the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which is applied to a source access network device. The communication device can be a source access network device or a chip or system on chip in the source access network device. The communication device can implement the functions performed by the source access network device in the above-mentioned first aspect or the possible design of the first aspect. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions. For example, the communication device includes: a transceiver module for receiving an end time from a target access network device, and the end time is determined according to at least one effective time of each target path in the target path set; a processing module for sending user data to the target access network device according to the end time.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used to send first information to the target access network device, where the first information indicates the sending time of the first information, and the first information is used to determine a first delay between the sending time of the first information and the receiving time of the first information.

[0060] In a possible implementation, the terminal switches to the target access network device through Xn switching; or, the terminal switches to the target access network device through a dual-active protocol stack.

[0061] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided for use in a core network device. The communication device may be a core network device or a chip or system-on-chip in the core network device. The communication device may implement the functions performed by the core network device in the first aspect or a possible design of the first aspect. The functions may be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software may include one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above. For example, the communication device includes: a transceiver module for receiving fifth information from a source access network device, wherein the fifth information indicates a sending time of the fifth information; the transceiver module is also used to receive sixth information from a target access network device, wherein the sixth information indicates a sending time of the sixth information; a processing module for processing user data according to a second delay and a third delay, wherein the second delay is a delay between a receiving time of the fifth information and a sending time of the fifth information, and the third delay is a delay between a receiving time of the sixth information and a sending time of the sixth information; processing user data according to the second delay and the third delay includes: calling the transceiver module to send user data to the target access network device via an original path, the original path passing through the source access network device; or, calling the transceiver module to send user data to the target access network device via a first path, the first path not passing through the source access network device; or, caching user data.

[0062] In one possible implementation, when the processing module calls the transceiver module to send user data to the target access network device through the target path, the processing module is further configured to determine a target path set and an effective time of each target path in the target path set; the transceiver module is further configured to send the target path set and the effective time of each target path in the target path set to the target access network device; and the processing module is further configured to determine the first path based on the effective time of each target path in the target path set.

[0063] In a possible implementation, the terminal switches to the target access network device through NG switching.

[0064] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor configured to execute the methods of aspects 1 to 4. Furthermore, the communication device may further comprise a memory storing computer instructions, and the processor may execute the computer instructions to execute the methods of aspects 1 to 4. Furthermore, the communication device may further comprise a transceiver configured to execute the methods of aspects 1 to 4.

[0065] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed, the methods of the first to fourth aspects are executed.

[0066] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the methods of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0067] In a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface, and the processor and the communication interface are used to support the chip to execute the methods of the first to fourth aspects.

[0068] In a thirteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, comprising a source access network device, a target access network device, and a core network device. The source access network device is configured to perform the method of the third aspect, the target access network device is configured to perform the method of the first aspect, and the core network device is configured to perform the method of the second aspect or the fourth aspect.

[0069] Among them, the beneficial effects described in aspects 5 to 13 of this application can refer to the analysis of the beneficial effects of aspects 1 to 4, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a cell coverage scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of another cell coverage scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of another cell coverage scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a group handover scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] FIG6 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a multi-target path scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] FIG8 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0078] FIG9 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0079] FIG10 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0080] FIG11 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] FIG12 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] FIG13 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field will know that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0085] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units that are not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units that are inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0086] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, "more than one" refers to two or more, "at least two (items)" refers to two or three and more than three, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, c can be single or multiple. It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A. For example, B can be determined based on A. It should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean determining B based solely on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information. In addition, the "connection" in the embodiments of the present application refers to various connection methods, such as direct connection or indirect connection, to achieve communication between devices, and the embodiments of the present application do not impose any limitation on this.

[0087] Unless otherwise specified, the "transmission" (transmit / transmission) appearing in the embodiments of the present application refers to bidirectional transmission, including the actions of sending and / or receiving. Specifically, the "transmission" in the embodiments of the present application includes the sending of data, the receiving of data, or the sending of data and the receiving of data. In other words, the data transmission here includes uplink and / or downlink data transmission. Data may include channels and / or signals, uplink data transmission is uplink channel and / or uplink signal transmission, and downlink data transmission is downlink channel and / or downlink signal transmission. The "network" and "system" appearing in the embodiments of the present application express the same concept, and the communication system is the communication network.

[0088] Before introducing the embodiments of the present application, some terms involved in the embodiments of the present application are explained.

[0089] In NTNs, satellite communications offer unique advantages over terrestrial communications, such as wider coverage and reduced vulnerability to natural disasters and external forces. Supporting both ground-based and satellite communications is an inevitable trend in future fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G) and even sixth-generation mobile networks (6G). It offers significant advantages in wide coverage, reliability, multiple connections, and high throughput.

[0090] Satellite communications are generally trending towards ultra-dense and heterogeneous systems. Specifically, the scale of satellite communications has grown from 66 satellites in the Iridium constellation to 720 in the OneWeb constellation, and ultimately to the Starlink ultra-dense low-Earth orbit satellite constellation of over 12,000. Secondly, satellite communications are becoming heterogeneous, evolving from traditional single-layer communications networks to multi-layer ones. Satellite communications are becoming increasingly compatible, and their functionality is becoming more complex and diverse. For example, they can enable navigation enhancement, Earth observation, and multi-dimensional information processing on-orbit.

[0091] In the NTN architecture, NTN cells can be divided into the following three categories based on their mobility characteristics in the ground coverage area:

[0092] The first type is earth-fixed. As shown in Figure 1, the coverage area of ​​this type of NTN cell is fixed to a certain area on the ground, that is, continuous fixed-point coverage. NTN cells provided by high elliptical orbit satellites (GEO) are of this type.

[0093] The second type is quasi-earth-fixed NTN. As shown in Figure 2, the coverage area of ​​this type of NTN cell is fixed to a specific ground area (Area 1) during a period of time t1-t2. At t3, it changes to another ground area (Area 2). This type of NTN cell provides fixed coverage within a specific time period. Low Earth Orbit Satellite (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit Satellite (MEO) satellites can provide this type of NTN cell. Earth-fixed and quasi-earth-fixed NTN cells are collectively referred to as staring NTN cells.

[0094] The third type is earth-moving (also known as non-staring): As shown in Figure 3, the coverage area of ​​this type of NTN cell moves on the ground. The coverage area varies at different times t1, t2, and t3. LEO and MEO can provide this type of NTN cell.

[0095] NTNs are characterized by frequent terminal handovers and long terminal mobility interruptions. For example, in beam-hopping satellite communication systems, due to the high satellite speed of approximately 7.5 km / s, group handovers / group reselections occur approximately every few seconds to tens of seconds. Satellite motion can cause terminals within a given area to undergo group handovers or group reselections. In other words, in beam-hopping LEO satellite networks, group handovers / group reselections are a common occurrence. For example, as shown in Figure 4, at time T1, UE cluster UE-G1 (containing multiple UEs) within a single area in zone-2 is served by one or more beams of satellite SAT-2. However, at time T2, the motion of satellite SAT-2 causes its beam to no longer serve UE-G1. Consequently, one or more beams of satellite SAT-1 take over UE-G1's service. This indicates that a group handover has occurred for UE-G1.

[0096] As can be seen from the above, NTN terminals frequently experience handovers. In NTN handover scenarios, the transfer overhead of transferring user data from a source cell covered by a source access network device to a target cell covered by a target access network device is extremely high (up to several hundred Mbits or even several Gbps), significantly limiting satellite communication performance.

[0097] In order to solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method. The method provided by the embodiment of the present application is described below in conjunction with the drawings in the specification.

[0098] The communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as satellite communication systems, HAPS communication systems, non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems such as drones, etc. The following takes the satellite communication system as an example for introduction. The satellite communication system may include: integrated communication and navigation (IcaN) system, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and ultra-dense low-orbit satellite communication system, etc. The satellite communication system can be integrated with the traditional mobile communication system. For example, the traditional mobile communication system may be: long term evolution (LTE) system, fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, future communication system, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, or a system integrating multiple communication systems, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The satellite communication system includes a transparent satellite architecture and a non-transparent satellite architecture. Transparent transmission, also known as bent-pipe forwarding, involves the signal undergoing only frequency conversion and amplification on the satellite, making the satellite transparent to the signal, as if it were not there. Non-transparent transmission, also known as regenerative (on-board access / processing) transmission, involves the satellite assuming some or all of the base station functions. 5G is also referred to as new radio (NR).

[0099] Exemplarily, the communication system includes a terminal, an access network device, and a core network device.

[0100] Terminal equipment includes mobile devices that support air interfaces (which can be various types of air interfaces, such as 5G air interfaces) and can access satellite networks through air interfaces to initiate calls, access the Internet, and other services. Terminals include various handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to wireless modems. They can specifically refer to user equipment (UE), access terminals, subscriber units, subscriber stations, mobile stations, mobile stations, remote stations, remote terminals, mobile devices, user terminals, terminals, wireless communication devices, user agents, or user devices. The terminal may also be a satellite phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wireless data card, a wireless modem, a machine type communication device, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device or a wearable device, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, a terminal in a 5G network or a future communication network, etc. In the embodiments of the present application, the device for implementing the function of the terminal can be a terminal, or a device capable of supporting the terminal to implement the function, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the terminal or used in conjunction with the terminal. In the embodiments of the present application, the communication system is introduced by taking the terminal as an example of a UE.

[0101] Access network equipment: mainly used to implement at least one function of resource scheduling, wireless resource management, and wireless resource control of the terminal. The access network equipment can be an access network equipment in the third generation partnership project (3GPP), for example, an access network equipment of 4G, 5G, or future-oriented 6G network. The access network equipment can also be an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (cloud radio access network, CRAN), or an access network equipment of two or more of the above networks. Specifically, the access network equipment may include a base station, a wireless access point, a transmission receive point (TRP), a transmission point (TP) and any other access node. The access network equipment communicates with the core network equipment through a wired or wireless manner, such as through a next generation (NG) interface. Different access network devices can exchange signaling such as switching through the Xn interface. In the embodiments of the present application, the apparatus for implementing the functions of the access network device may be the access network device; or it may be a device capable of supporting the access network device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system, which may be installed in the access network device or used in conjunction with the access network device. In the embodiments of the present application, the communication system is described using a base station as an example of the access network device.

[0102] Core network equipment: responsible for maintaining the subscription data of the mobile network and providing functions such as session management, mobility management, policy management and security authentication for the terminal. The core network equipment may include the following network elements: UPF, authentication server function (AUSF), AMF, session management function (SMF), network exposure function (NEF), network function repository function (NRF), policy control function (PCF) and unified data management (UDM). Optionally, it may also include application function (AF) and unified data repository (UDR). For the introduction of the above network elements, please refer to the existing technology and will not be repeated here.

[0103] Ground station equipment: A component of a satellite or aerospace system. It refers to ground-based equipment installed on Earth for space communications. It generally refers to ground-based equipment installed on Earth's surface (including those installed on ships and aircraft) for satellite communications. It primarily consists of a high-gain antenna system capable of tracking satellites, a high-power microwave transmitter system, a low-noise receiver system, and a power supply system. It is responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between access network equipment and core network equipment.

[0104] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application. The satellite communication system includes satellite 101, satellite 102 and satellite 103. Each satellite can provide communication services, navigation services, positioning services, etc. to the terminal through multiple beams, and satellite 103 is connected to the core network equipment. The satellite uses multiple beams to cover the service area, and different beams can communicate through one or more of time division, frequency division and space division. The satellite communicates wirelessly with the terminal through broadcast communication signals and navigation signals, and the satellite can communicate wirelessly with the core network equipment. The satellite mentioned in the embodiment of the present application may be a satellite base station, and may also include an orbital receiver or repeater for relaying information, or a network-side device carried on the satellite.

[0105] FIG6 shows a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG6 , the method may include the following steps:

[0106] S610: The core network device sends a target path set and the effective time of each target path in the target path set to the target access network device. Correspondingly, the target access network device receives the target path set and the effective time of each target path in the target path set.

[0107] The target path set and the effective time of each target path in the target path set can be included in pre-configured information, for example, in an Early Path Switch Request response message. If the target access network device covers the target cell to which the terminal is switching, the terminal can switch to the target access network device via Xn handover or via the dual-activation protocol stack.

[0108] Each target path in the target path set does not pass through the source access network device. The target path may include one or more inter-satellite links, satellite-to-ground links, ground station links, etc. In other words, the target path may pass through one or more intermediate access network devices to reach the target access network device. For example, in the scenario shown in Figure 5, if the target access network device is satellite 101 or satellite 102, the target path passes through intermediate access network devices satellite 103 and satellite 102, or passes through intermediate access network device satellite 103. Specifically, when the target access network device is satellite 101, the intermediate access network devices include satellite 102 and satellite 103. When the target access network device is satellite 102, the intermediate access network devices include satellite 103. The target path may also reach the target access network device directly from the core network device. For example, in the scenario shown in Figure 5, if the target access network device is satellite 103, the target path passes through the core network device directly to satellite 103.

[0109] The target path set may include one or more target paths. For example, a scenario in which the target path set includes multiple target paths can be shown in FIG7 , where the source access network device is satellite 750 and the target access network device is satellite 710. Satellite 710 has established intersatellite links with satellite 720 and satellite 730, respectively. Satellite 740 also has established intersatellite links with satellites 720 and 730, respectively. In this scenario, the target path set includes target path 1 and target path 2. Path 1 passes through the core network device, satellite 740, satellite 720, and satellite 710, while path 2 passes through the core network device, satellite 740, satellite 730, and satellite 710.

[0110] Each target path in the target path set corresponds to an effective time, and the effective time can be used to determine when to apply the corresponding target path to transmit data.

[0111] S620: The core network device sends user data to the target access network device through the first path. Correspondingly, the target access network device receives the user data through the first path.

[0112] The first path is at least one target path in the target path set determined based on the effective time of each target path in the target path set. For example, the target path set includes path1, path2, and path3, and the effective times corresponding to path1, path2, and path3 are T1, T2, and T3, respectively. At T1, the first path is path1; at T2, the first path is path2; and at T3, the first path is path3. The first path can also be used to send handover signaling, without limitation.

[0113] For the scenario where the terminal switches to the target access network device through the dual activation protocol stack, while S620 is being executed, the core network device can maintain the original data transmission path with the source access network device (or the core network newly configures the data transmission path for the source access network device) until the terminal successfully accesses the target access network device and releases the source cell.

[0114] In an embodiment of the present application, the core network device sends user data to the target access network device through a first path that does not pass through the source access network device. The source access network device does not need to forward the user data, thereby reducing the data overhead of user data transfer.

[0115] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG8 , the method may further include:

[0116] S810: The source access network device sends first information to the target access network device. Correspondingly, the target access network device receives the first information.

[0117] The first information indicates the time the first information was sent. For example, in an Xn handover scenario, the first information can be carried in a Handover Request, along with a timestamp of the sending time, t0. In a dual-active protocol stack handover scenario, the first information can be carried in an Early Status Transfer Request, along with a timestamp of the sending time, t0.

[0118] S820: The target access network device determines a first time delay between a sending time of the first information and a receiving time of the first information.

[0119] The first time delay t_delay1 can be expressed as: t1_delay1=t1-t0, t1 is the receiving time of the first information, and t0 is the sending time of the first information.

[0120] S830: When the first delay is greater than the first threshold, the target access network device sends second information to the core network device. Correspondingly, the core network device receives the second information.

[0121] The first threshold t_thresh1 can be flexibly set, for example, t_thresh1 = 1s. If the first delay is greater than the first threshold, it indicates that the delay in transferring user data from the source access network device to the target access network device is high, resulting in high overhead. In this case, the target access network device sends a second message to the core network device to request an update of the path for the core network device to send user data to the target access network device based on the second message. Exemplarily, the second message can be carried in an Early Path Switch Request.

[0122] S840: The core network device determines a target path set and an effective time of each target path in the target path set.

[0123] Among them, after receiving the second information requesting an update of the path for the core network device to send user data to the target access network device, the core network device determines the target path set and the effective time of each target path in the target path set. Specifically, the core network device obtains the communication connection relationship information of each access network device in the communication system. The core network device can determine which paths (the path passes through at least one access network device) can be used to send user data from the core network device to the target access network device based on the communication connection relationship information, and configure the effective time for these paths. That is, the target path set and the effective time of each target path in the target path set are determined. And, after the determination, execute S610-S620.

[0124] In an embodiment of the present application, whether to trigger a request to update the path for the core network device to send user data to the target access network device is determined based on the first delay, so that when the delay between the source access network device and the target access network device is high, the path for the core network device to send user data to the target access network device is updated again, thereby reducing the mobile interruption delay caused by path switching.

[0125] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG9 , the method may further include:

[0126] S910: The source access network device sends third information to the target access network device. Correspondingly, the target access network device receives the third information.

[0127] The third information indicates the remaining service time of the source access network device for the terminal. This remaining service time can be used to determine the effective time of each target path in the target path set. For example, in an Xn handover scenario, the third information can be carried in a Handover request. In a dual-active protocol stack handover scenario, the third information can be carried in an Early Path Switch request.

[0128] The source access network device can determine the remaining service time based on the location information of the terminal device and the source access network device, and the source access network device can be pre-set with a calculation rule for determining the remaining service time. Exemplarily, assuming that the terminal's own position is (lont, latt), the terminal can calculate the remaining service time corresponding to the area according to the following calculation rule in combination with its own position, the service elevation angle corresponding to the area, and the reference point vector information. As an example, the calculation rule can refer to the following formulas (1) to (3): γ m =Min{2sin -1(Ω)} (2)

[0129] Among them, t c is the remaining service time, and is the angular velocity of the satellite in the earth-centered inertial (ECI) coordinate system. m ,λs,λT,ηs,ηT,Ω respectively represent the service elevation angle configured on the network side, the minimum elevation angle related information calculated by formula (2), satellite longitude, terminal longitude, satellite latitude, terminal latitude, and the intermediate variables calculated by formula (3).

[0130] It should be understood that the above calculation rule is only an example. In specific implementation, the calculation rule of the remaining service time can be flexibly designed and is not limited.

[0131] S920: The target access network device sends third information to the core network device. Correspondingly, the core network device receives the third information.

[0132] After receiving the third information, the target access network device can forward the third information to the core network device so that the core network device can determine the effective time of each target path in the target path set. In this step, the third information can be carried by an Early Path Switch Request, for example.

[0133] In this embodiment, (the core network device determines the effective time of each target path in the target path set) in S840 may include:

[0134] S930: The core network device determines the validity time of each target path in the target path set according to the remaining service time.

[0135] Among them, the effective time of the target path can be one time period earlier than the remaining service time. For example, the time period can be set to 100ms. Assuming that the remaining service time is T1 to T2, the effective time of the target path path1 can be T1-100ms to T2-100ms. For scenarios where there are multiple target paths, different target paths can take effect at the same time according to the same effective time, or they can take effect mutually exclusively within the effective time. For example, assuming that the target paths include path1 and path2, the effective time of path1 and path2 can both be set to T1-100ms to T2-100ms, or the effective time of path1 can be set to T1-100ms to T3, and the effective time of path2 can be set to T3 to T2-100ms, where T3 is a time between T1 and T2.

[0136] In an embodiment of the present application, the effective time of each target path in the target path set can be determined based on the remaining service time, thereby ensuring load balancing of user data transmission. In a dynamic network topology environment, user data can dynamically select a path with shorter latency for transmission, thereby reducing mobile interruption latency and data transfer overhead.

[0137] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG10 , the method may further include:

[0138] S101: A core network device sends a second threshold to a target access network device. Correspondingly, the target access network device receives the second threshold.

[0139] The second threshold may also be called a maximum tolerable delay threshold, which can be used to determine whether to resend user data. The second threshold t_thresh2 may be flexibly set, for example, t_thresh2 = 1.5S.

[0140] If the target access network device receives the user data, S102 is executed:

[0141] S102: The target access network device sends fourth information to the core network device within a second threshold. Correspondingly, the core network device receives the fourth information.

[0142] The fourth information indicates that the target access network device has received user data from the core network device. If the core network device receives the fourth information, it indicates that the target access network device has received the user data. In other words, when the target access network device receives the user data, it must send the fourth information within a time period equal to the time the user data was received plus the second threshold. For example, if t1 is the time the user data was received and the second threshold is t_thresh2, the fourth information must be sent within the time period from t1 to t1 + t_thresh2.

[0143] If the target access network device does not receive the user data, the target access network device does not send the fourth information to the core network device within the second threshold, and the core network device also cannot receive the fourth information. In this case, S103 may be executed:

[0144] S103: If the core network device does not receive the fourth information within the second threshold, the core network device re-sends the user data to the target access network device. Correspondingly, the target access network device receives the re-sent user data.

[0145] In an embodiment of the present application, a mechanism is provided for resending user data when the target access network device fails to receive user data, thereby ensuring that the target access network device receives the user data.

[0146] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG11 , the method may further include:

[0147] S111: The target access network device sends an end time to the source access network device. Correspondingly, the source access network device receives the end time.

[0148] The end time indicates the time when the source access network device stops sending user data to the target access network device. The end time is determined based on at least one of the effective times of each target path. For example, the target path set includes path1, path2, and path3, and the corresponding effective times of path1, path2, and path3 are T1, T2, and T3, respectively. If T1 is the earliest among T1, T2, and T3, then the end time can be set to T1 or earlier than T1. For example, in Xn handover, the end time can be carried in the Handover Request ACK response message, while in dual-active protocol stack handover, the end time can be carried in the Early Status Transfer Response message.

[0149] S112: The source access network device stops sending user data to the target access network device according to the end time.

[0150] After receiving the end time, the source access network device stops sending user data to the target access network device according to the end time. For example, if the end time is T4, the source access network device stops sending user data to the target access network device at T4. Specifically, the source access network device can stop sending user data to the target access network device by initiating the UE context release mechanism.

[0151] In an embodiment of the present application, the target access network device sends an end time to the source access network device so that the access network device stops sending user data according to the end time, which can reduce repeated sending of user data.

[0152] In an embodiment of the present application, a path switching mechanism is designed for the core network device to send user data to the target access network device for the communication scenario of Xn switching or dual-activation protocol stack switching, and user data transmission is performed based on the target path, reducing the user data transfer overhead of Xn switching or dual-activation protocol stack switching.

[0153] Figure 12 shows a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 12, the method may include the following steps:

[0154] S121. The source access network device sends fifth information to the core network device. Correspondingly, the core network device receives the fifth information.

[0155] The terminal switches to the target access network device through NG switching, and the fifth information indicates the sending time of the fifth information. Exemplarily, the fifth information may be a Handover required request carrying the sending time of the fifth information.

[0156] S122: The target access network device sends sixth information to the core network device. Correspondingly, the core network device receives the sixth information.

[0157] The sixth information indicates the sending time of the sixth information. Exemplarily, the sixth information may be Handover request ACK response information, which carries the sending time of the sixth information.

[0158] The sixth information is used to trigger the terminal to switch to the target access network device.

[0159] S123: The core network device processes the user data according to the second delay and the third delay.

[0160] The second delay is the delay between the reception time of the fifth information and the transmission time of the fifth information, and the third delay is the delay between the reception time of the sixth information and the transmission time of the sixth information.

[0161] Specifically, processing user data may include: sending user data to the target access network device through the original path (passing through the source access network device); or, sending user data to the target access network device through a first path, wherein the first path is at least one target path in a target path set determined based on the effective time of each target path in the target path set that does not pass through the source access network device; or, caching user data.

[0162] When determining how to process user data, it can be determined based on the size of the second delay and the third delay. A corresponding threshold can be set to compare with the second delay and the third delay. Exemplarily, a third threshold is set to compare with the second delay, and a fourth threshold is set to compare with the third delay. Specifically, when the second delay is greater than the third threshold (indicating that the transmission delay between the source access network device and the core network device is high), and the third delay is less than the fourth threshold (indicating that the transmission delay between the target access network device and the core network device is low), it is determined that the terminal data is sent to the target access network device through the target path, which can reduce the transmission overhead.

[0163] When the second delay is greater than the third threshold (indicating that the transmission delay between the source access network device and the core network device is high) and the third delay is not less than the fourth threshold (indicating that the transmission delay between the target access network device and the core network device is also high), it is determined to cache the terminal data and send the terminal data when the second delay or the third delay is smaller, which can reduce transmission overhead.

[0164] In another scenario, the second delay is no greater than the third threshold (indicating that the transmission delay between the source access network device and the core network device is low and there is no need to change the transmission path). At this time, it is determined that sending terminal data to the target access network device through the source access network device can reduce the mobile interruption delay.

[0165] In an embodiment of the present application, for the NG switching communication scenario, how to process user data is determined by the size of the second delay (indicating the transmission delay between the source access network device and the core network device) and the third delay (indicating the transmission delay between the target access network device and the core network device), so that user data can be processed flexibly.

[0166] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG13 , the method may further include:

[0167] S131, the core network device sends seventh information to the target access network device; correspondingly, the target access network device receives the seventh information.

[0168] The seventh information is used to trigger the target access network device to send the sixth information in S122 to determine the transmission delay (third delay) between the target access network device and the core network device. After receiving the seventh information, the target access network device sends the sixth information to the core network device in response to the seventh information. Exemplarily, the seventh information can be a handover request.

[0169] In an embodiment of the present application, the core network device sends the seventh information to the target access network device to trigger the target access network device to send the sixth information to the core network device, thereby determining the transmission delay (third delay) between the target access network device and the core network device.

[0170] In one embodiment, the first path is used in S123 to send user data to the target access network device. In this case, the embodiment of the present application can also determine the target path set and the effective time of each target path in the target path set through the core network device, and send them to the target access network device. The specific process of determining the target path set and the effective time of each target path in the target path set, as well as the transmission process between the core network device and the target access network device, can be referred to S840, S910-S930, and S610-S620 and the corresponding descriptions. The principles of the two are the same and will not be repeated here.

[0171] In this embodiment, the core network device can also be provided with a mechanism for deciding whether to resend user data to the target access network device, which can ensure that the target access network device receives the user data. The specific steps can refer to S101-S103 and corresponding instructions. The principles of the two are the same and will not be repeated here.

[0172] In this embodiment, the target access network device can also send an end time to the source access network device to trigger the source access network device to send user data to the target access network device according to the end time. The specific steps can refer to S111-S112 and corresponding instructions. The principles of the two are the same and will not be repeated here.

[0173] It should be understood that, compared to the information transmitted between the source access network device, the target access network device, and the core network device in the communication scenarios of Xn handover or dual-active protocol stack handover, this embodiment transmits information with the same function between the source access network device, the target access network device, and the core network device in the NG handover scenario. The information type of the two may be different and can be flexibly set according to the function of the information without limitation. For example, in the NG handover scenario, the end time in S111 can be carried by the Handover Command message, while in the dual-active protocol stack handover, the end time can be carried by the Early Status Transfer Response message.

[0174] In an embodiment of the present application, for the NG switching communication scenario, how to process user data is determined by the size of the second delay (indicating the transmission delay between the source access network device and the core network device) and the third delay (indicating the transmission delay between the target access network device and the core network device), so that user data can be processed flexibly.

[0175] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by the embodiment of the present application from the perspective of the execution logic of each step. It can be understood that, in order to implement the above functions, each node, such as a core network device, includes a hardware structure and / or software module corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the method of the embodiment of the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in a hardware or computer software driven hardware manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0176] In the embodiment of the present application, each network element can be divided into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiment of the present application is schematic and is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0177] In specific implementation, each network element shown in this application may adopt the composition structure shown in Figure 14 or include the components shown in Figure 14. Figure 14 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. When the communication device has the function of the access network device (which may be a source access network device or a target access network device) described in an embodiment of the present application, the communication device may be an access network device or a chip or system on chip in the access network device. When the communication device has the function of the core network device described in an embodiment of the present application, the communication device may be a core network device or a chip or system on chip in the core network device.

[0178] As shown in FIG14 , the communication device may include a processor 141, a communication line 142, a transceiver 143, and a memory 144. The processor 141, the memory 144, and the transceiver 143 may be connected via the communication line 142. In one example, the processor 141 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in FIG14 .

[0179] As an optional implementation, the communication device includes multiple processors. For example, in addition to the processor 141 in FIG. 14 , it may also include a processor 147 .

[0180] The processor 141 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. The processor 141 may also be other devices with processing functions, such as circuits, devices, or software modules.

[0181] The communication line 142 is used to transmit information between the various components included in the communication device.

[0182] Transceiver 143 is used to communicate with other devices or other communication networks. Such other communication networks may be Ethernet, a radio access network (RAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), etc. Transceiver 143 may be an interface circuit, a pin, a radio frequency module, a transceiver, or any other device capable of communication.

[0183] Furthermore, the communication device may further include a memory 144. The memory 144 is configured to store instructions, wherein the instructions may be computer programs.

[0184] Among them, the memory 144 can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and / or instructions, or a random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and / or instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, and optical disc storage includes compact disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, or Blu-ray disc, etc.

[0185] It should be noted that the memory 144 can exist independently of the processor 141 or can be integrated with the processor 141. The memory 144 can be used to store instructions, program code, or some data. The memory 144 can be located inside the communication device or outside the communication device, without limitation. When the processor 141 executes the instructions stored in the memory 144, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented.

[0186] As an optional implementation, the communication apparatus further includes an output device 145 and an input device 146. For example, the input device 146 is a keyboard, a joystick, or other devices, and the output device 145 is a display screen, a speaker, or other devices.

[0187] It should be noted that the communication device may be a desktop computer, a portable computer, a network server, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wireless terminal, an embedded device, a chip system, or a device having a structure similar to that shown in FIG14 . Furthermore, the component structure shown in FIG14 does not limit the communication device. In addition to the components shown in FIG14 , the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

[0188] In the embodiment of the present application, the chip system can be composed of chips, or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0189] The embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device, which is applied to a core network device. Each module in the communication device has the function of implementing the core network device execution steps in the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application, and can achieve its corresponding technical effects. The corresponding beneficial effects of the execution steps of each module can be referred to the description of the corresponding steps and will not be repeated here. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. The communication device can be a core network device or a chip or system on chip in the core network device.

[0190] The present application also provides a communication device for use in an access network device. Each module in the communication device implements the steps executed by the source access network device in the communication method provided in the present application, and can achieve the corresponding technical effects. The beneficial effects of each module executing the steps can be found in the description of the corresponding steps and will not be repeated here. The functions can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions. The communication device can be an access network device or a chip or system-on-chip in the access network device.

[0191] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device, which is applied to a target access network device. Each module in the communication device has the function of implementing the steps executed by the target access network device in the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application, and can achieve its corresponding technical effects. The corresponding beneficial effects of the steps executed by each module can be referred to the description of the corresponding steps and will not be repeated here. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions. The communication device can be a target access network device or a chip or system-on-chip in the target access network device.

[0192] The present application also provides a communication system including a source access network device, a target access network device, and a core network device. The source access network device is configured to execute the source access network device-executed steps of the communication method provided in the present application, the target access network device is configured to execute the target access network device-executed steps of the communication method provided in the present application, and the core network device is configured to execute the core network device-executed steps of the communication method provided in the present application.

[0193] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above-mentioned method embodiments can be completed by a computer program to instruct the relevant hardware, and the program can be stored in the above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it can include the processes of the above-mentioned method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be a terminal device of any of the above-mentioned embodiments, such as: an internal storage unit including a data sending end and / or a data receiving end, such as a hard disk or memory of the terminal device. The above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the above-mentioned terminal device, such as a plug-in hard disk, a smart memory card (smart media card, SMC), a secure digital (secure digital, SD) card, a flash card (flash card), etc. equipped on the above-mentioned terminal device. Furthermore, the above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium can also include both the internal storage unit of the above-mentioned terminal device and an external storage device. The above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium is used to store the above-mentioned computer program and other programs and data required by the above-mentioned terminal device. The above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or is to be output.

[0194] The present application also provides a computer instruction. All or part of the process in the above method embodiment can be completed by the computer instruction to instruct the relevant hardware (such as a computer, processor, network device, and terminal, etc.). The program can be stored in the above computer-readable storage medium.

[0195] The embodiments of the present application also provide a chip system. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices, without limitation. The chip system includes a processor and a transceiver. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments can be completed by the chip system. For example, the chip system can be used to implement the functions performed by the core network device in the above method embodiments, or to implement the functions performed by the source access network device in the above method embodiments, or to implement the functions performed by the target access network device in the above method embodiments.

[0196] In one possible design, the above-mentioned chip system also includes a memory, which is used to store program instructions and / or data. When the chip system is running, the processor executes the program instructions stored in the memory to enable the chip system to perform the functions performed by the core network device in the above-mentioned method embodiment, or to perform the functions performed by the source access network device in the above-mentioned method embodiment, or to perform the functions performed by the target access network device in the above-mentioned method embodiment.

[0197] In the embodiments of the present application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, and may implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be directly implemented as being executed by a hardware processor, or may be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0198] In an embodiment of the present application, the memory may be a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or a volatile memory (volatile memory), such as a random-access memory (RAM). The memory is any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in an embodiment of the present application may also be a circuit or any other device that can implement a storage function, for storing instructions and / or data.

[0199] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed 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 modules or 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 device, 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.

[0200] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may be one physical unit or multiple physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed in multiple different places. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the present embodiment.

[0201] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated into a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a 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 all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to enable a device, such as a single-chip microcomputer, a chip, etc., or a processor 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 code, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0202] The above is only a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited to this. Any changes or substitutions 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: Applied to target access network equipment, including: Receiving a target path set and an effective time of each target path in the target path set from a core network device; User data is received from a core network device via a first path; wherein the first path is at least one target path in the target path set determined according to the effective time of each target path in the target path set.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each target path in the target path set does not pass through the source access network device.

3. The communication method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Receiving first information from a source access network device, where the first information indicates a sending time of the first information; Determine a first time delay between a sending time of the first information and a receiving time of the first information; When the first delay is greater than the first threshold, second information is sent to the core network device, wherein the second information is used to request an update of a path for the core network device to send user data to the target access network device.

4. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Sending third information to the core network device, the third information indicating the remaining service time of the source access network device to the terminal, wherein the remaining service time is used to determine the effective time of each target path in the target path set.

5. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The method further comprises: receiving a second threshold from a core network device; Send fourth information to the core network device within the second threshold, where the fourth information indicates that the user data is received.

6. The communication method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Receive the user data resent from the core network device.

7. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The method further comprises: An end time is sent to the source access network device, where the end time is determined based on at least one of the effective times of each target path, and the end time is used to indicate the time when the source access network device ends sending the user data to the target access network device.

8. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Sending the user data to the terminal based on Xn switching; Alternatively, the user data is sent to the terminal based on dual-active protocol stack switching.

9. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to core network equipment, including: Sending a target path set and an effective time of each target path in the target path set to a target access network device; Sending user data to a target access network device via a first path; wherein the first path is at least one target path in the target path set determined according to the effective time of each target path in the target path set.

10. The communication method according to claim 9, characterized in that: Each target path in the target path set does not pass through the source access network device.

11. The communication method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Receiving second information from the target access network device, wherein the second information is used to request updating a path for the core network device to send user data to the target access network device; The target path set and the effective time of each target path in the target path set are determined.

12. The communication method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Receiving third information from the target access network device, wherein the third information indicates the remaining service time of the source access network device to the terminal; The determining the effective time of each target path in the target path set includes: The effective time of each target path in the target path set is determined according to the remaining service time.

13. The communication method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Sending a second threshold to the target access network device; When the fourth information is not received within the second threshold, the user data is resent to the target access network device.

14. A communication method, characterized in that: Applicable to source access network equipment, including: Receiving an end time from a target access network device, where the end time is determined according to at least one effective time of each target path in the target path set; The sending of user data to the target access network device ends according to the end time.

15. The communication method according to claim 14, characterized in that: The method further comprises: First information is sent to a target access network device, where the first information indicates a sending time of the first information, and the first information is used to determine a first delay between the sending time of the first information and the receiving time of the first information.

16. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to core network equipment, including: receiving fifth information from a source access network device, wherein the fifth information indicates a sending time of the fifth information; receiving sixth information from a target access network device, wherein the sixth information indicates a sending time of the sixth information; Processing user data according to a second delay and a third delay, wherein the second delay is a delay between a reception time of the fifth information and a transmission time of the fifth information, and the third delay is a delay between a reception time of the sixth information and a transmission time of the sixth information; Processing the user data according to the second delay and the third delay includes: Sending the user data to the target access network device via the original path, the original path passing through the source access network device; Alternatively, the user data is sent to the target access network device through a first path, where the first path is at least one target path in a target path set determined according to the effective time of each target path in a target path set that does not pass through the source access network device; Alternatively, the user data is cached.

17. The communication method according to claim 16, characterized in that: In the case where the user data is sent to the target access network device through the target path, the method further includes: Determine a target path set and an effective time of each target path in the target path set; Sending the target path set and the effective time of each target path in the target path set to the target access network device; The first path is determined according to the effective time of each target path in the target path set.

18. A communication device, characterized in that: Applied to target access network equipment, including: A transceiver module, used for receiving a target path set and an effective time of each target path in the target path set from a core network device; The transceiver module is also used to receive user data from the core network device through a first path; wherein the first path is at least one target path in the target path set determined according to the effective time of each target path in the target path set.

19. A communication device, characterized in that: Applied to core network equipment, including: A transceiver module, used for sending a target path set and an effective time of each target path in the target path set to a target access network device; The transceiver module is further used to send user data to the target access network device through a first path; wherein the first path is at least one target path in the target path set determined according to the effective time of each target path in the target path set.

20. A communication device, characterized in that: Applicable to source access network equipment, including: A transceiver module, configured to receive an end time from a target access network device, wherein the end time is determined according to at least one effective time of each target path in the target path set; The processing module is used to stop sending user data to the target access network device according to the end time.

21. A communication device, characterized in that: Applied to core network equipment, including: A transceiver module, configured to receive fifth information from a source access network device, wherein the fifth information indicates a sending time of the fifth information; The transceiver module is further used to receive sixth information from the target access network device, wherein the sixth information indicates a sending time of the sixth information; a processing module, configured to process user data according to a second delay and a third delay, wherein the second delay is a delay between a reception time of the fifth information and a transmission time of the fifth information, and the third delay is a delay between a reception time of the sixth information and a transmission time of the sixth information; Processing the user data according to the second delay and the third delay includes: Calling the transceiver module to send the user data to the target access network device through the original path, where the original path passes through the source access network device; Alternatively, the user data is sent to the target access network device through a first path, where the first path is at least one target path in a target path set determined according to the effective time of each target path in a target path set that does not pass through the source access network device; Alternatively, the user data is cached.

22. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises a processor, and the processor is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-17.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the computer instructions are executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17 is executed.

24. A chip, characterized in that: The chip includes a processor and a communication interface, and the processor and the communication interface are used to support the chip to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-17.

25. A computer program product comprising instructions, characterized in that When the computer program product runs on a computer, the computer executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

26. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system includes a source access network device, a target access network device and a core network device; wherein the source access network device is used to execute the method as claimed in claim 14 or 15, the target access network device is used to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, and the core network device is used to execute the method as claimed in any one of claims 9-13 or claims 16-17.

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