Authorization decision method, core network device, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the present disclosure are an authorization decision method, a core network device, a communication system and a storage medium. The authorization decision method comprises: receiving a USU authorization request, wherein the USU authorization request comprises at least one of an identifier of a first user equipment serving as a communication initiator, an identifier of a second user equipment serving as a communication target, and USU requirement information, and an identifier of a satellite; making an authorization decision on the basis of the USU authorization request, and determining whether to approve the USU authorization request; when the USU authorization request is approved, sending a first USU authorization decision result to the second user equipment by means of the satellite, wherein the first USU authorization decision result comprises a USU response indication; and on the basis of a USU response message, which is sent by the second user equipment by means of the satellite and corresponds to the USU response indication, sending a first USU authorization response message to the first user equipment by means of the satellite.

Description

Authorization decision method, core network equipment, communication system and storage medium

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This disclosure is based on and claims priority to an application with CN application number 202311594708.X and filing date November 27, 2023. The disclosure content of the CN application is hereby introduced into this disclosure as a whole. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular to an authorization decision method, core network equipment, a communication system, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0004] USU (UE-Satellite-UE) communication refers to the use of satellite-based 5G systems in which user equipment (UE) may need to communicate using satellite access instead of the terrestrial network in certain scenarios to avoid high latency and limited data rates, and to reduce backhaul resource consumption. These UEs can be located within the coverage of one or more serving satellites.

[0005] For example, communications between user devices in remote ocean areas must pass through distant ground data centers, making them particularly inefficient for emergency communications. Furthermore, in areas where no feeder links are available, communications can be disrupted even when devices are within the coverage of the same satellite. Therefore, USU communication is crucial for improving communication efficiency, reducing transmission latency, and mitigating potential emergencies.

[0006] Regarding the UE-Satellite-UE (USU in this patent), the use case in 3GPP SA1 R19 TR 22.865 mentions that, after obtaining CN authorization, the UE can exchange data without going through the terrestrial network's data center, thereby reducing transmission latency. Furthermore, Satellite Architecture Enh., one of the most anticipated projects in SA2 R19, also covers this USU scenario.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, an authorization decision method is provided, comprising: receiving a user equipment-satellite-user equipment (USU) authorization request, wherein the USU authorization request includes an identifier of a first user equipment as a communication initiator, an identifier of a second user equipment as a communication target party, at least one item of USU requirement information, and an identifier of the satellite; performing an authorization decision according to the USU authorization request to determine whether to approve the USU authorization request; if the USU authorization request is approved, sending a first USU authorization decision result to the second user equipment via the satellite, wherein the first USU authorization decision result includes a USU response indication; and sending a first USU authorization response message to the first user equipment via the satellite according to a USU response message corresponding to the USU response indication sent by the second user equipment via the satellite.

[0009] In some embodiments, making an authorization decision based on the USU authorization request includes: when it is determined that the first user equipment supports USU based on the identification of the first user equipment, and the USU requirement information does not include USU receiving requirement information and non-USU sending requirement information, determining whether to agree to the USU authorization request based on whether the satellite supports USU.

[0010] In some embodiments, determining whether to approve the USU authorization request according to whether the satellite supports USU includes: approving the USU authorization request if it is determined according to the identification of the satellite that the satellite supports USU.

[0011] In some embodiments, determining whether to approve the USU authorization request based on whether the satellite supports USU includes: if it is determined based on the identification of the satellite that the satellite does not support USU, determining whether the USU requirement information includes switching HO requirement information; if the USU requirement information includes the HO requirement information, determining whether a target satellite providing switching services for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected; if the target satellite providing the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected, approving the USU authorization request.

[0012] In some embodiments, determining whether to approve the USU authorization request according to whether the satellite supports USU includes: rejecting the USU authorization request if a target satellite providing a handover service for the first user equipment and the second user equipment cannot be detected.

[0013] In some embodiments, determining whether to approve the USU authorization request according to whether the satellite supports USU includes: rejecting the USU authorization request if the USU requirement information does not include the HO requirement information.

[0014] In some embodiments, making an authorization decision based on the USU authorization request includes: when it is determined that the first user equipment supports USU based on an identifier of the first user equipment, and the USU requirement information includes USU reception requirement information, determining whether to agree to the USU authorization request based on whether the satellite supports USU.

[0015] In some embodiments, determining whether to approve the USU authorization request according to whether the satellite supports USU includes: approving the USU authorization request if it is determined according to the identification of the satellite that the satellite supports USU.

[0016] In some embodiments, agreeing to the USU authorization request includes: if it is determined that the satellite supports USU according to the identification of the satellite, and if it is determined that the second user equipment supports USU according to the identification of the second user equipment, then agreeing to all the USU authorization requests.

[0017] In some embodiments, agreeing to the USU authorization request includes: when it is determined according to the identification of the satellite that the satellite supports USU, if it is determined according to the identification of the second user equipment that the second user equipment does not support USU, partially agreeing to the USU authorization request.

[0018] In some embodiments, determining whether to approve the USU authorization request based on whether the satellite supports USU includes: approving the USU authorization request when it is determined based on the identification of the satellite that the satellite does not support USU, the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information, and it can be detected that a target satellite is provided for the first user equipment and the second user equipment.

[0019] In some embodiments, agreeing to the USU authorization request includes: when it is determined based on the identification of the satellite that the satellite does not support USU, the USU requirement information includes the HO requirement information, and it is possible to detect that a target satellite is provided for either the first user equipment or the second user equipment, if it is determined based on the identification of the second user equipment that the second user equipment supports USU, then all of the USU authorization requests are agreed to.

[0020] In some embodiments, agreeing to the USU authorization request includes: when it is determined based on the identification of the satellite that the satellite does not support USU, the USU requirement information includes the HO requirement information, and it is possible to detect that a target satellite is provided for either the first user equipment or the second user equipment, if it is determined based on the identification of the second user equipment that the second user equipment does not support USU, then partially agreeing to the USU authorization request.

[0021] In some embodiments, determining whether to approve the USU authorization request based on whether the satellite supports USU includes: when it is determined based on the identification of the satellite that the satellite does not support USU, if the USU requirement information does not include HO requirement information, or the USU requirement information includes the HO requirement information and the target satellite cannot be detected for the first user equipment and the second user equipment, rejecting the USU authorization request.

[0022] In some embodiments, making an authorization decision based on the USU authorization request includes: when it is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device does not support USU, or when it is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device supports USU and the USU requirement information includes non-USU sending requirement information, determining whether to agree to the USU authorization request based on at least one of whether the satellite supports USU and whether the second user device supports USU.

[0023] In some embodiments, determining whether to approve the USU authorization request includes: approving the USU authorization request when it is determined based on an identifier of the second user equipment that the second user equipment supports USU and when it is determined based on an identifier of the satellite that the satellite supports USU.

[0024] In some embodiments, determining whether to approve the USU authorization request includes: when it is determined that the second user equipment supports USU based on the identifier of the second user equipment, and when it is determined that the satellite does not support USU based on the identifier of the satellite, if the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and a target satellite providing switching services for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected, then the USU authorization request is approved.

[0025] In some embodiments, determining whether to approve the USU authorization request includes: rejecting the USU authorization request if it is determined, based on an identifier of the second user equipment, that the second user equipment does not support USU.

[0026] In some embodiments, determining whether to approve the USU authorization request includes: when it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, if the USU requirement information does not include HO requirement information, rejecting the USU authorization request.

[0027] In some embodiments, determining whether to approve the USU authorization request includes: when it is determined based on the identification of the satellite that the satellite does not support USU, if the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and the target satellite providing switching services for the first user equipment and the second user equipment cannot be detected, then rejecting the USU authorization request.

[0028] In some embodiments, the USU response indication includes at least one of a USU sending response indication, a USU receiving response indication, and a switching response indication.

[0029] In some embodiments, when it is determined based on the identification of the first user equipment that the first user equipment supports USU, and the USU requirement information does not include USU receiving requirement information and non-USU sending requirement information, the USU response indication includes the USU sending response indication, but does not include the USU receiving response indication.

[0030] In some embodiments, when it is determined based on the identifier of the first user equipment that the first user equipment supports USU, and the USU requirement information includes USU receiving requirement information, the USU response indication includes the USU sending response indication and the USU receiving response indication.

[0031] In some embodiments, when it is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device does not support USU, or when it is determined based on the first identifier that the first user device supports USU and the USU requirement information includes non-USU sending requirement information, the USU response indication includes the USU receiving response indication, but does not include the USU sending response indication.

[0032] In some embodiments, when the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and a target satellite providing handover service for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected, the USU response indication further includes the handover response indication and an identifier of the target satellite.

[0033] In some embodiments, when the USU response indication includes a USU sending response indication, the USU response message includes USU sending confirmation information; when the USU response indication includes a USU receiving response indication, the USU response message includes USU receiving confirmation information or USU receiving rejection information; when the USU response indication includes a switching response indication, the USU response message includes switching confirmation information or switching rejection information.

[0034] In some embodiments, when the USU response message does not include the USU reception rejection information and the switching rejection information, the first USU authorization response message includes USU authorization success information; when the USU response message includes the USU sending confirmation information and the USU reception rejection information, but does not include the switching rejection information, the first USU authorization response message includes USU partial authorization success information; when the USU response message includes the switching rejection information, or when the USU response message includes the USU reception rejection information but does not include the USU sending confirmation information, the first USU authorization response message includes USU authorization failure information.

[0035] In some embodiments, when the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and a target satellite providing handover service for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected, the first USU authorization response message further includes an identifier of the target satellite.

[0036] In some embodiments, when the USU authorization request is rejected, a second USU authorization response message indicating that the USU authorization failed is sent to the first user equipment via a satellite, and the second USU authorization response message includes a second USU authorization decision result.

[0037] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a core network device is provided, comprising: a first processing module configured to receive a user equipment-satellite-user equipment (USU) authorization request, wherein the USU authorization request includes an identifier of a first user equipment as a communication initiator, an identifier of a second user equipment as a communication target party, at least one item of USU requirement information, and an identifier of the satellite; a second processing module configured to make an authorization decision based on the USU authorization request to determine whether to approve the USU authorization request; a third processing module configured to send a first USU authorization decision result to the second user equipment via the satellite if the USU authorization request is approved, wherein the first USU authorization decision result includes a USU response indication; and a fourth processing module configured to send a first USU authorization response message to the first user equipment via the satellite based on a USU response message corresponding to the USU response indication sent by the second user equipment via the satellite.

[0038] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a core network device is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute a method as described in any of the above embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0039] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: a core network device as described in any of the above embodiments; a first user device, configured to send a first USU authorization request to a satellite, wherein the first USU authorization request includes an identifier of the first user device as a communication initiator, an identifier of a second user device as a communication target, and at least one of USU requirement information; the satellite, configured to add the identifier of the satellite to the first USU authorization request to obtain a second USU authorization request, send the second USU authorization request to the core network device, send the first USU authorization decision result sent by the core network device to the second user device, send the USU response message sent by the second user device to the core network device, and send the first USU authorization response message sent by the core network device to the first user device; the second user device, configured to generate the USU response message according to the first USU authorization decision result, and send the USU response message to the satellite.

[0040] In some embodiments, the satellite is configured to send a second USU authorization response message sent by the core network device to indicate a USU authorization failure to the first user equipment, and the second USU authorization response message includes a second USU authorization decision result.

[0041] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the instructions are executed by a processor, the method described in any of the above embodiments is implemented.

[0042] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided, comprising computer instructions, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the method described in any of the above embodiments is implemented.

[0043] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0045] FIG1 is a flow chart of an authorization decision-making method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a core network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a core network device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG5 is a flow chart of an authorization decision-making method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG6 is a flowchart of an authorization decision-making method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure and its application or use. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0052] Unless specifically stated otherwise, the relative arrangement of components and steps, the numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] At the same time, it should be understood that for the convenience of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship.

[0054] Technologies, methods, and apparatus known to ordinary technicians in the relevant field may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such technologies, methods, and apparatus should be considered part of the authorization specification.

[0055] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0056] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to like items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0057] The inventors noticed that the USU communication scenario was discussed in the relevant standards of 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), but no specific implementation plan for the USU communication scenario was given.

[0058] Based on this, the present disclosure provides an authorization decision-making scheme, which effectively reduces the data transmission delay between user devices and improves the communication efficiency of the satellite by realizing USU communication between user devices.

[0059] Figure 1 is a flow chart of an authorization decision method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the following authorization decision method is executed by a core network device and includes steps 101-104.

[0060] In step 101, a USU authorization request is received, wherein the USU authorization request includes an identifier of a first user equipment as a communication initiator, an identifier of a second user equipment as a communication target, at least one of USU requirement information, and an identifier of a satellite.

[0061] In some embodiments, a first user device sends a USU authorization request to a satellite. The USU authorization request includes at least one of an identifier of the first user device as a communication initiator, an identifier of a second user device as a communication target, and USU requirement information. The satellite inserts the satellite identifier into the USU authorization request to update the USU authorization request, and sends the updated USU authorization request to a core network device.

[0062] For example, the core network device queries the contract information of the first user device based on the identifier of the first user device to determine whether the first user device supports USU. The core network device queries the contract information of the second user device based on the identifier of the second user device to determine whether the second user device supports USU. The core network device queries the satellite operator contract based on the satellite identifier to determine whether the satellite supports USU.

[0063] In some embodiments, the USU requirement information may include HO (Handover) requirement information, USU reception requirement information, and non-USU transmission requirement information.

[0064] The HO requirement information indicates whether it is necessary to switch to a satellite that can provide the USU function when the satellite does not support the USU.

[0065] The USU reception requirement information indicates that the first user equipment wishes to receive data in USU mode (ie, the second user equipment and the satellite need to support USU). This field is selectively indicated by the first user equipment supporting USU.

[0066] The non-USU sending requirement information means that the first user equipment does not need to send data in the USU mode, but only wants to receive data in the USU mode. This field is selectively indicated by the first user equipment supporting USU.

[0067] In step 102, an authorization decision is made according to the USU authorization request to determine whether the USU authorization request is approved.

[0068] The following describes authorization decisions in different scenarios.

[0069] Scenario 1: The first user equipment is determined to support USU based on its identifier, and the USU requirement information does not include USU reception requirement information and non-USU transmission requirement information. In this case, the first user equipment wishes to send data in USU mode, which requires both the first user equipment and the satellite to support USU.

[0070] In the first scenario, whether to approve the USU authorization request is determined based on whether the satellite supports USU.

[0071] In some embodiments, when it is determined based on the satellite's identification that the satellite supports USU, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0072] In some embodiments, if it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, it is determined whether the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information. If the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information, it is determined whether a target satellite providing handover services for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected.

[0073] If it can be detected that the target satellite is provided for the first user equipment and the second user equipment, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0074] If the target satellite providing the handover service for the first user equipment and the second user equipment cannot be detected, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0075] In some embodiments, if the USU requirement information does not include the HO requirement information, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0076] In summary, in the first scenario, the authorization decision results are shown in Table 1.

[0077] Table 1

[0078] Second scenario: It is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device supports USU, and the USU requirement information includes USU receiving requirement information. In this case, the first user device sends and receives data in USU mode, that is, the first user device, satellite and second user device all need to support USU.

[0079] In the second scenario, whether to approve the USU authorization request is determined based on whether the satellite supports USU.

[0080] In some embodiments, when it is determined based on the satellite's identification that the satellite supports USU, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0081] For example, when it is determined that the satellite supports USU according to the satellite identifier, if it is determined that the second user equipment supports USU according to the second user equipment identifier, all USU authorization requests are approved.

[0082] For example, in the case where it is determined according to the satellite identifier that the satellite supports USU, if it is determined according to the second user equipment identifier that the second user equipment does not support USU, the USU authorization request is partially approved.

[0083] In some embodiments, when it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information, and it can be detected that a target satellite is provided for the first user equipment and the second user equipment, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0084] For example, when it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information, and it can be detected that a target satellite is provided for either the first user device or the second user device, if it is determined based on the identifier of the second user device that the second user device supports USU, all USU authorization requests are approved.

[0085] For example, when it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information, and it can be detected that the target satellite is provided for either the first user equipment or the second user equipment, if it is determined based on the identifier of the second user equipment that the second user equipment does not support USU, the USU authorization request is partially approved.

[0086] In some embodiments, when it is determined that the satellite does not support USU based on the satellite identification, if the USU requirement information does not include HO requirement information, or the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and the target satellite for the first user equipment and the second user equipment cannot be detected, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0087] In summary, in the second scenario, the authorization decision results are shown in Table 2.

[0088] Table 2

[0089] The third scenario: when it is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device does not support USU, or when it is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device supports USU, and the USU requirement information includes non-USU sending requirement information, in this case the first user device hopes to receive data in USU mode, that is, hopes that the second user device and the satellite support USU.

[0090] In the third scenario, whether to approve the USU authorization request is determined according to at least one of whether the satellite supports USU and whether the second user equipment supports USU.

[0091] For example, when it is determined according to the identifier of the second user equipment that the second user equipment supports USU, and when it is determined according to the identifier of the satellite that the satellite supports USU, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0092] For example, when it is determined that the second user equipment supports USU based on the identifier of the second user equipment, and the satellite does not support USU based on the identifier of the satellite, if the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and the target satellite that provides switching services for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0093] For example, when it is determined according to the identifier of the second user equipment that the second user equipment does not support USU, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0094] For example, when it is determined according to the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, if the USU requirement information does not include HO requirement information, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0095] For example, when it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, if the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and the target satellite providing switching service for the first user equipment and the second user equipment cannot be detected, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0096] To sum up, in the third scenario, the authorization decision results are shown in Table 3.

[0097] Table 3

[0098] In step 103, if the USU authorization request is approved, the first USU authorization decision result is sent to the second user equipment via a satellite, wherein the first USU authorization decision result includes a USU response indication.

[0099] It should be noted that the USU response indication is used to specify the USU requirements for which the second user equipment should respond to the confirmation message or the rejection message.

[0100] In some embodiments, the USU response indication includes at least one of a USU sending response indication, a USU receiving response indication, and a switching response indication.

[0101] In some embodiments, in the first scenario mentioned above, that is, when it is determined based on the identification of the first user device that the first user device supports USU, and the USU requirement information does not include USU receiving requirement information and non-USU sending requirement information, the USU response indication includes a USU sending response indication, and does not include a USU receiving response indication.

[0102] In some embodiments, in the second scenario described above, that is, when it is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device supports USU, and the USU requirement information includes USU receiving requirement information, the USU response indication includes a USU sending response indication and a USU receiving response indication.

[0103] In some embodiments, in the third scenario above, that is, when it is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device does not support USU, or when it is determined based on the first identifier that the first user device supports USU, and the USU requirement information includes non-USU sending requirement information, the USU response indication includes a USU receiving response indication, and does not include a USU sending response indication.

[0104] In some embodiments, in the first to third scenarios above, when the USU demand information includes HO demand information and the target satellite providing switching services for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected, the USU response indication also includes a switching response indication and an identifier of the target satellite.

[0105] In step 104, the first USU authorization response message is sent to the first user equipment via the satellite according to the USU response message corresponding to the USU response indication sent by the second user equipment via the satellite.

[0106] In some embodiments, the USU response message includes at least one of USU sending confirmation information, USU receiving confirmation information, USU receiving rejection information, switching confirmation information, and switching rejection information. The specific content of the USU response message depends on the USU response indication included in the first USU authorization decision result.

[0107] For example, when the USU response indication includes a USU sending response indication, the USU response message includes USU sending confirmation information. When the USU response indication includes a USU receiving response indication, the USU response message includes USU receiving confirmation information or USU receiving rejection information. When the USU response indication includes a handover response indication, the USU response message includes handover confirmation information or handover rejection information.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first USU authorization response message includes the following content:

[0109] 1) In the case that the USU response message does not include USU reception rejection information and handover rejection information, the first USU authorization response message includes USU authorization success information.

[0110] 2) When the USU response message includes USU sending confirmation information and USU receiving rejection information but does not include switching rejection information, the first USU authorization response message includes USU partial authorization success information.

[0111] 3) When the USU response message includes handover rejection information, or when the USU response message includes USU reception rejection information but does not include USU transmission confirmation information, the first USU authorization response message includes USU authorization failure information.

[0112] In some embodiments, when the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and a target satellite providing handover service for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected, the first USU authorization response message further includes an identifier of the target satellite.

[0113] In some embodiments, when the USU authorization request is rejected, a second USU authorization response message indicating that the USU authorization failed is sent to the first user equipment via a satellite, and the second USU authorization response message includes a second USU authorization decision result. Compared with the first USU authorization decision result indicating that the USU authorization request is approved, the second USU authorization decision result indicates that the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0114] In the authorization decision method provided in the above embodiment of the present disclosure, the core network device makes a USU authorization decision based on the received USU authorization request to enable USU communication between authorized users, thereby effectively reducing the data transmission delay between user devices and improving the communication efficiency of the satellite.

[0115] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a core network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2 , the core network device includes a first processing module 21 , a second processing module 22 , a third processing module 23 and a fourth processing module 24 .

[0116] The first processing module 21 is configured to receive a USU authorization request, wherein the USU authorization request includes an identifier of a first user equipment as a communication initiator, an identifier of a second user equipment as a communication target, at least one of USU requirement information, and an identifier of a satellite.

[0117] In some embodiments, a first user device sends a USU authorization request to a satellite. The USU authorization request includes at least one of an identifier of the first user device as a communication initiator, an identifier of a second user device as a communication target, and USU requirement information. The satellite inserts the satellite identifier into the USU authorization request to update the USU authorization request, and sends the updated USU authorization request to a core network device.

[0118] In some embodiments, the USU requirement information may include HO requirement information, USU reception requirement information, and non-USU transmission requirement information.

[0119] The HO requirement information indicates whether it is necessary to switch to a satellite that can provide the USU function when the satellite does not support the USU.

[0120] The USU reception requirement information indicates that the first user equipment wishes to receive data in USU mode (ie, the second user equipment and the satellite need to support USU). This field is selectively indicated by the first user equipment supporting USU.

[0121] The non-USU sending requirement information means that the first user equipment does not need to send data in the USU mode, but only wants to receive data in the USU mode. This field is selectively indicated by the first user equipment supporting USU.

[0122] The second processing module 22 is configured to make an authorization decision according to the USU authorization request, and determine whether to approve the USU authorization request.

[0123] In some embodiments, the second processing module 22 queries the contract information of the first user device based on the identifier of the first user device to determine whether the first user device supports USU. The second processing module 22 queries the contract information of the second user device based on the identifier of the second user device to determine whether the second user device supports USU. The second processing module 22 queries the satellite operator contract based on the identifier of the satellite to determine whether the satellite supports USU.

[0124] The following describes authorization decisions in different scenarios.

[0125] Scenario 1: The first user equipment is determined to support USU based on its identifier, and the USU requirement information does not include USU reception requirement information and non-USU transmission requirement information. In this case, the first user equipment wishes to send data in USU mode, which requires both the first user equipment and the satellite to support USU.

[0126] In the first scenario, whether to approve the USU authorization request is determined based on whether the satellite supports USU.

[0127] In some embodiments, when it is determined based on the satellite's identification that the satellite supports USU, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0128] In some embodiments, if it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, it is determined whether the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information. If the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information, it is determined whether a target satellite providing handover services for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected.

[0129] If it can be detected that the target satellite is provided for the first user equipment and the second user equipment, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0130] If the target satellite providing the handover service for the first user equipment and the second user equipment cannot be detected, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0131] In some embodiments, if the USU requirement information does not include the HO requirement information, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0132] In summary, in the first scenario, the authorization decision results are shown in Table 1.

[0133] Second scenario: It is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device supports USU, and the USU requirement information includes USU receiving requirement information. In this case, the first user device sends and receives data in USU mode, that is, the first user device, satellite and second user device all need to support USU.

[0134] In the second scenario, whether to approve the USU authorization request is determined based on whether the satellite supports USU.

[0135] In some embodiments, when it is determined based on the satellite's identification that the satellite supports USU, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0136] For example, when it is determined that the satellite supports USU according to the satellite identifier, if it is determined that the second user equipment supports USU according to the second user equipment identifier, all USU authorization requests are approved.

[0137] For example, in the case where it is determined according to the satellite identifier that the satellite supports USU, if it is determined according to the second user equipment identifier that the second user equipment does not support USU, the USU authorization request is partially approved.

[0138] In some embodiments, when it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information, and it can be detected that a target satellite is provided for the first user equipment and the second user equipment, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0139] For example, when it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information, and it can be detected that a target satellite is provided for either the first user device or the second user device, if it is determined based on the identifier of the second user device that the second user device supports USU, all USU authorization requests are approved.

[0140] For example, when it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information, and it can be detected that the target satellite is provided for either the first user equipment or the second user equipment, if it is determined based on the identifier of the second user equipment that the second user equipment does not support USU, the USU authorization request is partially approved.

[0141] In some embodiments, when it is determined that the satellite does not support USU based on the satellite identification, if the USU requirement information does not include HO requirement information, or the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and the target satellite for the first user equipment and the second user equipment cannot be detected, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0142] In summary, in the second scenario, the authorization decision results are shown in Table 2.

[0143] The third scenario: when it is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device does not support USU, or when it is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device supports USU, and the USU requirement information includes non-USU sending requirement information, in this case the first user device hopes to receive data in USU mode, that is, hopes that the second user device and the satellite support USU.

[0144] In the third scenario, whether to approve the USU authorization request is determined according to at least one of whether the satellite supports USU and whether the second user equipment supports USU.

[0145] For example, when it is determined according to the identifier of the second user equipment that the second user equipment supports USU, and when it is determined according to the identifier of the satellite that the satellite supports USU, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0146] For example, when it is determined that the second user equipment supports USU based on the identifier of the second user equipment, and the satellite does not support USU based on the identifier of the satellite, if the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and the target satellite that provides switching services for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0147] For example, when it is determined according to the identifier of the second user equipment that the second user equipment does not support USU, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0148] For example, when it is determined according to the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, if the USU requirement information does not include HO requirement information, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0149] For example, when it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, if the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and the target satellite providing switching service for the first user equipment and the second user equipment cannot be detected, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0150] To sum up, in the third scenario, the authorization decision results are shown in Table 3.

[0151] The third processing module 23 is configured to, if the USU authorization request is approved, send the first USU authorization decision result to the second user equipment via a satellite, wherein the first USU authorization decision result includes a USU response indication.

[0152] It should be noted that the USU response indication is used to specify the USU requirements for which the second user equipment should respond to the confirmation message or the rejection message.

[0153] In some embodiments, the USU response indication includes at least one of a USU sending response indication, a USU receiving response indication, and a switching response indication.

[0154] In some embodiments, in the first scenario mentioned above, that is, when it is determined based on the identification of the first user device that the first user device supports USU, and the USU requirement information does not include USU receiving requirement information and non-USU sending requirement information, the USU response indication includes a USU sending response indication, and does not include a USU receiving response indication.

[0155] In some embodiments, in the second scenario described above, that is, when it is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device supports USU, and the USU requirement information includes USU receiving requirement information, the USU response indication includes a USU sending response indication and a USU receiving response indication.

[0156] In some embodiments, in the third scenario above, that is, when it is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device does not support USU, or when it is determined based on the first identifier that the first user device supports USU, and the USU requirement information includes non-USU sending requirement information, the USU response indication includes a USU receiving response indication, and does not include a USU sending response indication.

[0157] In some embodiments, in the first to third scenarios above, when the USU demand information includes HO demand information and the target satellite providing switching services for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected, the USU response indication also includes a switching response indication and an identifier of the target satellite.

[0158] In some embodiments, when the third processing module 23 rejects the USU authorization request, it sends a second USU authorization response message indicating that the USU authorization failed to the first user equipment via a satellite, where the second USU authorization response message includes a second USU authorization decision result.

[0159] The fourth processing module 24 is configured to send the first USU authorization response message to the first user equipment via the satellite according to the USU response message corresponding to the USU response indication sent by the second user equipment via the satellite.

[0160] In some embodiments, the USU response message includes at least one of USU sending confirmation information, USU receiving confirmation information, USU receiving rejection information, switching confirmation information, and switching rejection information. The specific content of the USU response message depends on the USU response indication included in the first USU authorization decision result.

[0161] For example, when the USU response indication includes a USU sending response indication, the USU response message includes USU sending confirmation information. When the USU response indication includes a USU receiving response indication, the USU response message includes USU receiving confirmation information or USU receiving rejection information. When the USU response indication includes a handover response indication, the USU response message includes handover confirmation information or handover rejection information.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first USU authorization response message includes the following content:

[0163] 1) In the case that the USU response message does not include USU reception rejection information and handover rejection information, the first USU authorization response message includes USU authorization success information.

[0164] 2) When the USU response message includes USU sending confirmation information and USU receiving rejection information but does not include switching rejection information, the first USU authorization response message includes USU partial authorization success information.

[0165] 3) When the USU response message includes handover rejection information, or when the USU response message includes USU reception rejection information but does not include USU transmission confirmation information, the first USU authorization response message includes USU authorization failure information.

[0166] In some embodiments, when the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and a target satellite providing handover service for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected, the first USU authorization response message further includes an identifier of the target satellite.

[0167] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a core network device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3 , the core network device includes a memory 31 and a processor 32 .

[0168] The memory 31 is used to store instructions. The processor 32 is coupled to the memory 31 . The processor 32 is configured to execute the method involved in any embodiment in FIG. 1 based on the instructions stored in the memory.

[0169] As shown in Figure 3, the core network device also includes a communication interface 33 for exchanging information with other devices. Furthermore, the core network device also includes a bus 34 through which the processor 32, the communication interface 33, and the memory 31 communicate with each other.

[0170] Memory 31 may include high-speed RAM memory or non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk drive. Memory 31 may also be a memory array. Memory 31 may also be divided into blocks, and the blocks may be combined into virtual volumes according to certain rules.

[0171] Furthermore, the processor 32 may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or may be configured to implement one or more integrated circuits of the present disclosure.

[0172] The present disclosure also relates to a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the instructions are executed by a processor, the method involved in any embodiment of FIG. 1 is implemented.

[0173] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the communication system includes a first user equipment 41, a satellite 42, a core network device 43, and a second user equipment 44. The core network device 43 is the core network device involved in any of the embodiments of Figures 2 or 3.

[0174] The first user equipment 41 is configured to send a first USU authorization request to the satellite 42, wherein the first USU authorization request includes at least one of an identifier of the first user equipment 41 as a communication initiator, an identifier of the second user equipment 44 as a communication target, and USU requirement information.

[0175] The satellite 42 is configured to add the satellite identifier to the first USU authorization request to obtain a second USU authorization request, and send the second USU authorization request to the core network device 43. The satellite 42 sends the first USU authorization decision result sent by the core network device 43 to the second user equipment 44, sends the USU response message sent by the second user equipment 44 to the core network device 43, and sends the first USU authorization response message sent by the core network device 43 to the first user equipment 41.

[0176] The second user equipment 44 is configured to generate a USU response message according to the first USU authorization decision result, and send the USU response message to the satellite 42 .

[0177] In some embodiments, the satellite 42 is configured to send a second USU authorization response message sent by the core network device 43 to the first user equipment 41, indicating a USU authorization failure. The second USU authorization response message includes a second USU authorization decision result. Whereas the first USU authorization decision result indicates approval of the USU authorization request, the second USU authorization decision result indicates disapproval of the USU authorization request.

[0178] FIG5 is a flowchart of an authorization decision-making method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0179] In step 501, a first user equipment sends a first USU authorization request to a satellite.

[0180] The first USU authorization request includes an identifier of a first user equipment as a communication initiator, an identifier of a second user equipment as a communication target, and USU requirement information.

[0181] In step 502, the satellite adds the satellite identifier to the first USU authorization request to obtain a second USU authorization request, and sends the second USU authorization request to the core network device.

[0182] In step 503, the core network device makes an authorization decision based on the second USU authorization request to determine whether to approve the USU authorization request.

[0183] The following describes authorization decisions in different scenarios.

[0184] Scenario 1: The first user equipment is determined to support USU based on its identifier, and the USU requirement information does not include USU reception requirement information and non-USU transmission requirement information. In this case, the first user equipment wishes to send data in USU mode, which requires both the first user equipment and the satellite to support USU.

[0185] In the first scenario, whether to approve the USU authorization request is determined based on whether the satellite supports USU.

[0186] In some embodiments, when it is determined based on the satellite's identification that the satellite supports USU, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0187] In some embodiments, if it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, it is determined whether the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information. If the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information, it is determined whether a target satellite providing handover services for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected.

[0188] If it can be detected that the target satellite is provided for the first user equipment and the second user equipment, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0189] If the target satellite providing the handover service for the first user equipment and the second user equipment cannot be detected, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0190] In some embodiments, if the USU requirement information does not include the HO requirement information, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0191] In summary, in the first scenario, the authorization decision results are shown in Table 1.

[0192] Second scenario: It is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device supports USU, and the USU requirement information includes USU receiving requirement information. In this case, the first user device sends and receives data in USU mode, that is, the first user device, satellite and second user device all need to support USU.

[0193] In the second scenario, whether to approve the USU authorization request is determined based on whether the satellite supports USU.

[0194] In some embodiments, when it is determined based on the satellite's identification that the satellite supports USU, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0195] For example, when it is determined that the satellite supports USU according to the satellite identifier, if it is determined that the second user equipment supports USU according to the second user equipment identifier, all USU authorization requests are approved.

[0196] For example, in the case where it is determined according to the satellite identifier that the satellite supports USU, if it is determined according to the second user equipment identifier that the second user equipment does not support USU, the USU authorization request is partially approved.

[0197] In some embodiments, when it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information, and it can be detected that a target satellite is provided for the first user equipment and the second user equipment, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0198] For example, when it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information, and it can be detected that a target satellite is provided for either the first user device or the second user device, if it is determined based on the identifier of the second user device that the second user device supports USU, all USU authorization requests are approved.

[0199] For example, when it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information, and it can be detected that the target satellite is provided for either the first user equipment or the second user equipment, if it is determined based on the identifier of the second user equipment that the second user equipment does not support USU, the USU authorization request is partially approved.

[0200] In some embodiments, when it is determined that the satellite does not support USU based on the satellite identification, if the USU requirement information does not include HO requirement information, or the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and the target satellite for the first user equipment and the second user equipment cannot be detected, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0201] In summary, in the second scenario, the authorization decision results are shown in Table 2.

[0202] The third scenario: when it is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device does not support USU, or when it is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device supports USU, and the USU requirement information includes non-USU sending requirement information, in this case the first user device hopes to receive data in USU mode, that is, hopes that the second user device and the satellite support USU.

[0203] In the third scenario, whether to approve the USU authorization request is determined according to at least one of whether the satellite supports USU and whether the second user equipment supports USU.

[0204] For example, when it is determined according to the identifier of the second user equipment that the second user equipment supports USU, and when it is determined according to the identifier of the satellite that the satellite supports USU, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0205] For example, when it is determined that the second user equipment supports USU based on the identifier of the second user equipment, and the satellite does not support USU based on the identifier of the satellite, if the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and the target satellite that provides switching services for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0206] For example, when it is determined according to the identifier of the second user equipment that the second user equipment does not support USU, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0207] For example, when it is determined according to the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, if the USU requirement information does not include HO requirement information, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0208] For example, when it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, if the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and the target satellite providing switching service for the first user equipment and the second user equipment cannot be detected, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0209] To sum up, in the third scenario, the authorization decision results are shown in Table 3.

[0210] In step 504, when the USU authorization request is approved, the core network device sends a first USU authorization decision result to the satellite, where the first USU authorization decision result includes a USU response indication.

[0211] It should be noted that the USU response indication is used to specify the USU requirements for which the second user equipment should respond to the confirmation message or the rejection message.

[0212] In some embodiments, the USU response indication includes at least one of a USU sending response indication, a USU receiving response indication, and a switching response indication.

[0213] In some embodiments, in the first scenario mentioned above, that is, when it is determined based on the identification of the first user device that the first user device supports USU, and the USU requirement information does not include USU receiving requirement information and non-USU sending requirement information, the USU response indication includes a USU sending response indication, and does not include a USU receiving response indication.

[0214] In some embodiments, in the second scenario described above, that is, when it is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device supports USU, and the USU requirement information includes USU receiving requirement information, the USU response indication includes a USU sending response indication and a USU receiving response indication.

[0215] In some embodiments, in the third scenario above, that is, when it is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device does not support USU, or when it is determined based on the first identifier that the first user device supports USU, and the USU requirement information includes non-USU sending requirement information, the USU response indication includes a USU receiving response indication, and does not include a USU sending response indication.

[0216] In some embodiments, in the first to third scenarios above, when the USU demand information includes HO demand information and the target satellite providing switching services for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected, the USU response indication also includes a switching response indication and an identifier of the target satellite.

[0217] In step 505, the satellite sends the first USU authorization decision result to the second user equipment.

[0218] In step 506, the second user equipment generates a USU response message according to the first USU authorization decision result, and sends the USU response message to the satellite.

[0219] In some embodiments, the USU response message includes at least one of USU sending confirmation information, USU receiving confirmation information, USU receiving rejection information, switching confirmation information, and switching rejection information. The specific content of the USU response message depends on the USU response indication included in the first USU authorization decision result.

[0220] For example, when the USU response indication includes a USU sending response indication, the USU response message includes USU sending confirmation information. When the USU response indication includes a USU receiving response indication, the USU response message includes USU receiving confirmation information or USU receiving rejection information. When the USU response indication includes a handover response indication, the USU response message includes handover confirmation information or handover rejection information.

[0221] In step 507, the satellite sends a USU response message to the core network device.

[0222] In step 508, the core network device sends a first USU authorization response message indicating that the USU authorization is successful or the USU partial authorization is successful to the satellite according to the USU response message.

[0223] In some embodiments, the first USU authorization response message includes the following content:

[0224] 1) In the case that the USU response message does not include USU reception rejection information and handover rejection information, the first USU authorization response message includes USU authorization success information.

[0225] 2) When the USU response message includes USU sending confirmation information and USU receiving rejection information but does not include switching rejection information, the first USU authorization response message includes USU partial authorization success information.

[0226] 3) When the USU response message includes handover rejection information, or when the USU response message includes USU reception rejection information but does not include USU transmission confirmation information, the first USU authorization response message includes USU authorization failure information.

[0227] In some embodiments, when the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and a target satellite providing handover service for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected, the first USU authorization response message further includes an identifier of the target satellite.

[0228] In step 509, the satellite sends a first USU authorization response message to the first user equipment.

[0229] FIG6 is a flowchart of an authorization decision-making method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0230] In step 601, a first user equipment sends a first USU authorization request to a satellite.

[0231] The first USU authorization request includes an identifier of a first user equipment as a communication initiator, an identifier of a second user equipment as a communication target, and USU requirement information.

[0232] In step 602, the satellite adds the satellite identifier to the first USU authorization request to obtain a second USU authorization request, and sends the second USU authorization request to the core network device.

[0233] In step 603, the core network device makes an authorization decision based on the second USU authorization request to determine whether to approve the USU authorization request.

[0234] The following describes authorization decisions in different scenarios.

[0235] Scenario 1: The first user equipment is determined to support USU based on its identifier, and the USU requirement information does not include USU reception requirement information and non-USU transmission requirement information. In this case, the first user equipment wishes to send data in USU mode, which requires both the first user equipment and the satellite to support USU.

[0236] In the first scenario, whether to approve the USU authorization request is determined based on whether the satellite supports USU.

[0237] In some embodiments, when it is determined based on the satellite's identification that the satellite supports USU, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0238] In some embodiments, if it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, it is determined whether the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information. If the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information, it is determined whether a target satellite providing handover services for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected.

[0239] If it can be detected that the target satellite is provided for the first user equipment and the second user equipment, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0240] If the target satellite providing the handover service for the first user equipment and the second user equipment cannot be detected, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0241] In some embodiments, if the USU requirement information does not include the HO requirement information, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0242] In summary, in the first scenario, the authorization decision results are shown in Table 1.

[0243] Second scenario: It is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device supports USU, and the USU requirement information includes USU receiving requirement information. In this case, the first user device sends and receives data in USU mode, that is, the first user device, satellite and second user device all need to support USU.

[0244] In the second scenario, whether to approve the USU authorization request is determined based on whether the satellite supports USU.

[0245] In some embodiments, when it is determined based on the satellite's identification that the satellite supports USU, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0246] For example, when it is determined that the satellite supports USU according to the satellite identifier, if it is determined that the second user equipment supports USU according to the second user equipment identifier, all USU authorization requests are approved.

[0247] For example, in the case where it is determined according to the satellite identifier that the satellite supports USU, if it is determined according to the second user equipment identifier that the second user equipment does not support USU, the USU authorization request is partially approved.

[0248] In some embodiments, when it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information, and it can be detected that a target satellite is provided for the first user equipment and the second user equipment, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0249] For example, when it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information, and it can be detected that a target satellite is provided for either the first user device or the second user device, if it is determined based on the identifier of the second user device that the second user device supports USU, all USU authorization requests are approved.

[0250] For example, when it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information, and it can be detected that the target satellite is provided for either the first user equipment or the second user equipment, if it is determined based on the identifier of the second user equipment that the second user equipment does not support USU, the USU authorization request is partially approved.

[0251] In some embodiments, when it is determined that the satellite does not support USU based on the satellite identification, if the USU requirement information does not include HO requirement information, or the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and the target satellite for the first user equipment and the second user equipment cannot be detected, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0252] In summary, in the second scenario, the authorization decision results are shown in Table 2.

[0253] The third scenario: when it is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device does not support USU, or when it is determined based on the identifier of the first user device that the first user device supports USU, and the USU requirement information includes non-USU sending requirement information, in this case the first user device hopes to receive data in USU mode, that is, hopes that the second user device and the satellite support USU.

[0254] In the third scenario, whether to approve the USU authorization request is determined according to at least one of whether the satellite supports USU and whether the second user equipment supports USU.

[0255] For example, when it is determined according to the identifier of the second user equipment that the second user equipment supports USU, and when it is determined according to the identifier of the satellite that the satellite supports USU, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0256] For example, when it is determined that the second user equipment supports USU based on the identifier of the second user equipment, and the satellite does not support USU based on the identifier of the satellite, if the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and the target satellite that provides switching services for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected, the USU authorization request is approved.

[0257] For example, when it is determined according to the identifier of the second user equipment that the second user equipment does not support USU, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0258] For example, when it is determined according to the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, if the USU requirement information does not include HO requirement information, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0259] For example, when it is determined based on the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, if the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and the target satellite providing switching service for the first user equipment and the second user equipment cannot be detected, the USU authorization request is rejected.

[0260] To sum up, in the third scenario, the authorization decision results are shown in Table 3.

[0261] In step 604, if the USU authorization request is not approved, the core network device sends a second USU authorization response message indicating that the USU authorization failed to the satellite. The second USU authorization response message includes a second USU authorization decision result.

[0262] The first USU authorization decision result is used to indicate that the USU authorization request is approved, and the second USU authorization decision result is used to indicate that the USU authorization request is not approved.

[0263] In step 605, the satellite sends a second USU authorization response message indicating that the USU authorization has failed to the first user equipment.

[0264] The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure provide an authorization decision scheme for USU low-latency communication scenarios. The core network device makes a USU authorization decision based on a received USU authorization request message and responds with a USU authorization response based on a received USU response message, thereby authorizing USU communication between user devices. This enables communication between user devices without passing through the ground network, reduces data transmission latency in integrated air-ground-space scenarios, and improves communication efficiency.

[0265] In some embodiments, the functional units described above may be implemented as general-purpose processors, programmable logic controllers (PLC), digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, or any appropriate combination thereof, for performing the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0266] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps to implement the above embodiments may be accomplished by hardware, or by a program to instruct the relevant hardware, and the program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which may be a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk, etc.

[0267] The description of the present disclosure is provided for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments are selected and described in order to better illustrate the principles and practical applications of the present disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the present disclosure and design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for specific applications.

Claims

1. An authorization decision method, comprising: receiving a user equipment-satellite-user equipment USU authorization request, wherein the USU authorization request includes an identifier of a first user equipment as a communication initiator, an identifier of a second user equipment as a communication target, at least one of USU requirement information, and an identifier of the satellite; Make an authorization decision based on the USU authorization request to determine whether to approve the USU authorization request; In a case where the USU authorization request is approved, sending a first USU authorization decision result to the second user equipment via the satellite, wherein the first USU authorization decision result includes a USU response indication; According to the USU response message corresponding to the USU response indication sent by the second user equipment through the satellite, a first USU authorization response message is sent to the first user equipment through the satellite.

2. The authorization decision method according to claim 1, wherein: The authorization decision made according to the USU authorization request includes: When it is determined according to the identifier of the first user equipment that the first user equipment supports USU, and the USU requirement information does not include USU reception requirement information and non-USU transmission requirement information, it is determined whether to approve the USU authorization request according to whether the satellite supports USU.

3. The authorization decision method according to claim 2, wherein: Determining whether to approve the USU authorization request according to whether the satellite supports USU includes: In the case where it is determined according to the satellite identifier that the satellite supports USU, the USU authorization request is approved.

4. The authorization decision method according to claim 2, wherein: Determining whether to approve the USU authorization request according to whether the satellite supports USU includes: In a case where it is determined according to the satellite identifier that the satellite does not support USU, determining whether the USU requirement information includes switching HO requirement information; In a case where the USU requirement information includes the HO requirement information, determining whether a target satellite providing a handover service for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected; In the case where it is possible to detect that the target satellite is provided for the first user equipment and the second user equipment In this case, agree to the USU authorization request.

5. The authorization decision method according to claim 4, wherein: Determining whether to approve the USU authorization request according to whether the satellite supports USU includes: If the target satellite providing the switching service for the first user equipment and the second user equipment cannot be detected, the USU authorization request is rejected.

6. The authorization decision method according to claim 4, wherein: Determining whether to approve the USU authorization request according to whether the satellite supports USU includes: In a case where the HO requirement information is not included in the USU requirement information, the USU authorization request is rejected.

7. The authorization decision method according to claim 1, wherein: The authorization decision made according to the USU authorization request includes: When it is determined according to the identifier of the first user equipment that the first user equipment supports USU, and the USU requirement information includes USU reception requirement information, it is determined whether to approve the USU authorization request according to whether the satellite supports USU.

8. The authorization decision method according to claim 7, wherein: Determining whether to approve the USU authorization request according to whether the satellite supports USU includes: In the case where it is determined according to the satellite identifier that the satellite supports USU, the USU authorization request is approved.

9. The authorization decision method according to claim 8, wherein: Approval of the USU authorization request includes: In the case where it is determined according to the identifier of the satellite that the satellite supports USU, if it is determined according to the identifier of the second user equipment that the second user equipment supports USU, all of the USU authorization requests are approved.

10. The authorization decision method according to claim 8, wherein: Approval of the USU authorization request includes: In the case where it is determined according to the identifier of the satellite that the satellite supports USU, if it is determined according to the identifier of the second user equipment that the second user equipment does not support USU, the USU authorization request is partially approved.

11. The authorization decision method according to claim 7, wherein: Determining whether to approve the USU authorization request according to whether the satellite supports USU includes: When it is determined according to the identification of the satellite that the satellite does not support USU, the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information, and it can be detected that a target satellite is provided for the first user equipment and the second user equipment, the USU authorization request is approved.

12. The authorization decision method according to claim 11, wherein: Approval of the USU authorization request includes: When it is determined according to the identifier of the satellite that the satellite does not support USU, the USU requirement information includes the HO requirement information, and it can be detected that a target satellite is provided for either the first user equipment or the second user equipment, if it is determined according to the identifier of the second user equipment that the second user equipment supports USU, all the USU authorization requests are approved.

13. The authorization decision method according to claim 11, wherein: Approval of the USU authorization request includes: When it is determined according to the identifier of the satellite that the satellite does not support USU, the USU requirement information includes the HO requirement information, and it can be detected that a target satellite is provided for either the first user equipment or the second user equipment, if it is determined according to the identifier of the second user equipment that the second user equipment does not support USU, the USU authorization request is partially approved.

14. The authorization decision method according to claim 7, wherein: Determining whether to approve the USU authorization request according to whether the satellite supports USU includes: In a case where it is determined according to the identification of the satellite that the satellite does not support USU, if the USU requirement information does not include HO requirement information, or the USU requirement information includes the HO requirement information and a target satellite cannot be detected for the first user equipment and the second user equipment, the USU authorization request is rejected.

15. The authorization decision method according to claim 1, wherein: The authorization decision made according to the USU authorization request includes: In the case where it is determined according to the identifier of the first user equipment that the first user equipment does not support USU, or in the case where it is determined according to the identifier of the first user equipment that the first user equipment supports USU and the USU needs When the request information includes non-USU sending request information, it is determined whether to approve the USU authorization request according to at least one of whether the satellite supports USU and whether the second user equipment supports USU.

16. The authorization decision method according to claim 15, wherein: Determining whether to approve the USU authorization request includes: When it is determined according to the identifier of the second user equipment that the second user equipment supports USU, and when it is determined according to the identifier of the satellite that the satellite supports USU, the USU authorization request is approved.

17. The authorization decision method according to claim 15, wherein: Determining whether to approve the USU authorization request includes: When it is determined that the second user equipment supports USU according to the identifier of the second user equipment, and when it is determined that the satellite does not support USU according to the identifier of the satellite, if the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and the target satellite that provides switching services for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected, the USU authorization request is approved.

18. The authorization decision method according to claim 15, wherein: Determining whether to approve the USU authorization request includes: If it is determined according to the identifier of the second user equipment that the second user equipment does not support USU, the USU authorization request is rejected.

19. The authorization decision method according to claim 15, wherein: Determining whether to approve the USU authorization request includes: In the case where it is determined according to the identification of the satellite that the satellite does not support USU, if the USU requirement information does not include HO requirement information, the USU authorization request is rejected.

20. The authorization decision method according to claim 15, wherein: Determining whether to approve the USU authorization request includes: In a case where it is determined according to the identification of the satellite that the satellite does not support USU, if the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and a target satellite providing switching service for the first user equipment and the second user equipment cannot be detected, the USU authorization request is rejected.

21. The authorization decision method according to claim 1, wherein: The USU response indication includes at least one of a USU sending response indication, a USU receiving response indication and a switching response indication.

22. The authorization decision method according to claim 21, wherein: When it is determined according to the identifier of the first user equipment that the first user equipment supports USU, and the USU requirement information does not include USU receiving requirement information and non-USU sending requirement information, the USU response indication includes the USU sending response indication, but does not include the USU receiving response indication.

23. The authorization decision method according to claim 21, wherein: When it is determined according to the identifier of the first user equipment that the first user equipment supports USU, and the USU requirement information includes USU receiving requirement information, the USU response indication includes the USU sending response indication and the USU receiving response indication.

24. The authorization decision method according to claim 21, wherein: In the case where it is determined based on the identifier of the first user equipment that the first user equipment does not support USU, or in the case where it is determined based on the first identifier that the first user equipment supports USU and the USU requirement information includes non-USU sending requirement information, the USU response indication includes the USU receiving response indication, but does not include the USU sending response indication.

25. The authorization decision method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein: In a case where the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and a target satellite providing a switching service for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected, the USU response indication further includes the switching response indication and an identifier of the target satellite.

26. The authorization decision method according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein: In the case where the USU response indication includes a USU sending response indication, the USU response message includes USU sending confirmation information; In the case where the USU response indication includes a USU receiving response indication, the USU response message packet including USU receipt confirmation information or USU receipt rejection information; In a case where the USU response indication includes a handover response indication, the USU response message includes handover confirmation information or handover rejection information.

27. The authorization decision method according to claim 26, wherein: In a case where the USU response message does not include the USU reception rejection information and the switching rejection information, the first USU authorization response message includes USU authorization success information; In a case where the USU response message includes the USU sending confirmation information and the USU receiving rejection information, but does not include the switching rejection information, the first USU authorization response message includes USU partial authorization success information; In a case where the USU response message includes the switching rejection information, or in a case where the USU response message includes the USU reception rejection information but does not include the USU sending confirmation information, the first USU authorization response message includes USU authorization failure information.

28. The authorization decision method according to claim 27, wherein: In a case where the USU requirement information includes HO requirement information and a target satellite providing a switching service for the first user equipment and the second user equipment can be detected, the first USU authorization response message further includes an identifier of the target satellite.

29. The authorization decision method according to any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising: In the case of rejecting the USU authorization request, a second USU authorization response message indicating that the USU authorization has failed is sent to the first user equipment via a satellite, wherein the second USU authorization response message includes a second USU authorization decision result.

30. A core network device, comprising: A first processing module is configured to receive a user equipment-satellite-user equipment USU authorization request, wherein the USU authorization request includes an identifier of a first user equipment as a communication initiator, an identifier of a second user equipment as a communication target, at least one of USU requirement information, and an identifier of the satellite; A second processing module is configured to make an authorization decision according to the USU authorization request to determine whether to approve the USU authorization request; A third processing module is configured to send a first USU authorization decision result to the second user equipment via the satellite if the USU authorization request is approved, wherein the first USU authorization decision result includes a USU response indication; The fourth processing module is configured to send the first USU authorization response message to the first user equipment via the satellite according to the USU response message corresponding to the USU response indication sent by the second user equipment via the satellite.

31. A core network device, comprising: Memory; A processor is coupled to the memory, and the processor is configured to execute the authorization decision method according to any one of claims 1 to 29 based on instructions stored in the memory.

32. A communication system comprising: The core network device as claimed in claim 30 or 31; A first user equipment is configured to send a first USU authorization request to a satellite, wherein the first USU authorization request includes at least one of an identifier of the first user equipment as a communication initiator, an identifier of a second user equipment as a communication target, and USU requirement information; The satellite is configured to add an identifier of the satellite to the first USU authorization request to obtain a second USU authorization request, send the second USU authorization request to the core network device, send the first USU authorization decision result sent by the core network device to the second user equipment, send the USU response message sent by the second user equipment to the core network device, and send the first USU authorization response message sent by the core network device to the first user equipment; The second user equipment is configured to generate the USU response message according to the first USU authorization decision result, and send the USU response message to the satellite.

33. The communication system according to claim 32, wherein: The satellite is configured to send a second USU authorization response message sent by the core network device to indicate a USU authorization failure to the first user equipment, wherein the second USU authorization response message includes a second USU authorization decision result.

34. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the instructions are executed by a processor, the authorization decision method as described in any one of claims 1-29 is implemented.

35. A computer program, comprising computer instructions, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the authorization decision method according to any one of claims 1 to 29 is implemented.

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