Information transmission method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides an information transmission method and a communication apparatus. The information transmission method is applied to a first communication apparatus, and the first communication apparatus is deployed in a flight device. The method comprises: receiving first information from a second communication apparatus; when determining that the first information cannot be transmitted to a third communication apparatus, storing the first information; and when the first information can be transmitted to the third communication apparatus, sending the first information to the third communication apparatus. The present application can improve the success rate of information transmission.

Description

Information transmission method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on December 20, 2023, with application number 202311766796.7 and application name “Information Transmission Method and Communication Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an information transmission method and a communication device. Background Art

[0003] With the advancement of communication technology, communication devices in communication networks are being deployed in aircraft. For example, access network equipment or core network elements are being deployed in aircraft. The location of aircraft is not fixed and is subject to constant change. For example, if the aircraft is a satellite, it orbits the Earth, and if the aircraft is an aircraft, its position constantly changes during flight. Because the location of an aircraft is constantly changing, the connection between the communication devices deployed in the aircraft and other devices may be discontinuous, resulting in discontinuous end-to-end links and potential information transmission failures. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide an information transmission method and a communication device, which can improve the success rate of information transmission.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an information transmission method, applied to a first communication device, where the first communication device is deployed in an aircraft. The method includes:

[0006] receiving first information from a second communication device;

[0007] determining that the first information cannot be transmitted to the third communication device, and storing the first information;

[0008] When the first information can be transmitted to the third communication device, the first information is sent to the third communication device.

[0009] Based on the description of the first aspect, after the first communication device deployed in the flight equipment receives the first information, if the first information cannot be transmitted to the third communication device, the first communication device stores the first information and sends the stored first information to the third communication device when the first information can be transmitted to the third communication device, thereby avoiding the failure of information transmission caused by the discontinuity of the link between the first communication device and other equipment due to the flight of the flight equipment, and improving the success rate of information transmission.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the first communication device includes at least one of the following network elements: a network element in a core network, a network element of an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network, an access network device, or other device with a store-and-forward function;

[0011] The network elements in the core network include at least one of the following: a user plane function (UPF), a session management function (SMF), an access and mobility management function (AMF), a mobile management entity (MME), a short message service center (SMSC), a unified data management function (UDM), an authentication server function (AUSF), a policy control function (PCF), a serving gateway, and a packet data network (PDN) gateway;

[0012] The network elements of the IMS network include at least one of the following: an IMS Access Gateway (IMS-AGW), a Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF), a Serving Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF), and an IP Short Message Gateway (IP-SM-GW);

[0013] The second communication device is a terminal device, and the third communication device is a network element located in a ground network; or, the second communication device is a network element located in a ground network, and the third communication device is a terminal device.

[0014] By implementing this method, the first information can be sent from the terminal device to the network element in the ground network through the first communication device on the flight device, or the first information can be sent from the network element in the ground network to the terminal device through the first communication device on the flight device, which can avoid the problem of information transmission failure due to interruption of the communication link.

[0015] In a possible implementation, storing the first information includes:

[0016] The first information is stored according to storage control information, where the storage control information includes a first storage duration and / or a first storage capacity; the storage control information is determined by the first communication device, or the storage control information comes from a fourth communication device.

[0017] By implementing this method, the first information can be stored based on the storage control information, which facilitates controlling the storage duration and storage capacity of the first information on the flight equipment.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first storage duration is determined based on at least one of the following: a period during which information cannot be transmitted between the first communication device and the third communication device, storage duration information in subscription data, a service requirement of the first information, and a storage duration corresponding to the first information, where the subscription data includes subscription data of a terminal device and / or service associated with the first information;

[0019] The first storage capacity is determined based on at least one of the following: the service identifier associated with the first information, the service type associated with the first information, the service requirements of the first information, the storage capacity information in the contract data, the available storage capacity corresponding to the service identifier to which the first information belongs, and the storage capacity corresponding to the first information.

[0020] By implementing this method, the storage duration of the first information can be determined based on various factors to meet the storage duration requirements of the first information on the flight equipment in various scenarios. The storage capacity of the first information can also be determined based on various factors to meet the storage capacity requirements of the first information on the flight equipment in various scenarios.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the fourth communication device includes at least one of the following: SMF, UPF, mobility management entity MME, AMF, short message service center SMSC, policy control function PCF, and operation management function OAM.

[0022] By implementing this approach, the fourth communication device can specifically determine the storage control information and send it to the first communication device, thereby reducing the processing complexity of the first communication device.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0024] The storage control information is transmitted to the second communication device.

[0025] In this implementation, the first communication device may send the storage control information to the second communication device so that the second communication device can determine whether to send the first information.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0027] Receive storage requirement information from the second communication device, the storage requirement information including storage time requirement information and / or storage space requirement information, the storage time requirement information indicates the storage duration corresponding to the first information, and the storage space requirement information indicates the storage capacity corresponding to the first information and / or the service identifier to which the first information belongs.

[0028] By implementing this approach, the second communication device can send storage requirement information, thereby facilitating the first communication device to specifically determine the storage duration and / or storage capacity allocated to the first information, thereby improving storage space utilization.

[0029] In a possible implementation, when the first information can be transmitted to the third communication device, sending the first information to the third communication device includes:

[0030] If the duration of storing the first information is equal to the first storage duration, try to send the first information to the third communication device.

[0031] By implementing this method, when the storage time of the first information reaches the allocated first storage time, the first information is attempted to be sent to the third communication device, thereby facilitating the control of the storage time of the first information.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0033] sending store-and-forward service indication information to the second communication device;

[0034] The store-and-forward service indication information indicates at least one of the following:

[0035] whether the network where the first communication device is located can provide non-real-time services;

[0036] the available storage capacity that can be provided by the first communication device;

[0037] The storage duration that the first communication device can provide.

[0038] By implementing this approach, the first communication device can indicate the store-and-forward service indication information to the second communication device, thereby facilitating the second communication device to determine whether to send the first information, thereby improving the success rate of information transmission.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0040] A capability request is received from the second communication device, where the capability request is used to request acquisition of the store-and-forward service indication information.

[0041] By implementing this approach, the first communication device sends the store-and-forward service indication information to the second communication device only when the second communication device requests the store-and-forward service indication information, thereby specifically pushing the store-and-forward service indication information to the second communication device, saving signaling overhead.

[0042] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0043] Receive first capability information from the second communication device, where the first capability information indicates that the second communication device supports non-real-time services; and / or send second capability information to the second communication device, where the second capability information indicates that the network where the first communication device is located supports non-real-time services.

[0044] By implementing this approach, the first communication device and the second communication device can exchange capability information, thereby facilitating the determination of whether to adopt the store-and-forward mode.

[0045] In a possible implementation, whether the first information can be transmitted to the third communication device is determined based on information of the first communication device and information of the third communication device;

[0046] The information of the first communication device indicates flight information of the first communication device and / or a time when the first communication device can transmit and receive data. The information of the third communication device indicates a position of the third communication device and / or a time when the third communication device can transmit and receive data.

[0047] By implementing this approach, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the communication link between the first communication device and the third communication device is available, thereby improving the success rate of information transmission.

[0048] In a possible implementation, the flying device is a satellite, and the information of the first communication device includes at least one of the following: ephemeris data of the satellite, orbital altitude of the satellite, operating period of the satellite, number of satellites included in the constellation where the satellite is located, number of satellites connected to a ground station in the constellation where the satellite is located, position of the satellite, or operating hours of the satellite;

[0049] The third communication device is a ground station, and the information of the third communication device includes at least one of the following: the geographical location of the ground station, the altitude of the ground station, the speed of the ground station, or the operating time of the ground station; or

[0050] The third communication device is a terminal device, and the information of the third communication device includes at least one of the following: the periodic registration time of the terminal device, the deregistration time of the terminal device, the power saving information of the terminal device, the sleep time of the terminal device, the geographical location of the terminal device or the speed of the terminal device.

[0051] By implementing this method, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the communication link between the satellite and the ground station or terminal equipment is available, thereby improving the success rate of information transmission.

[0052] In a possible implementation, the information of the first communication device comes from at least one of the following: an application server, an OAM, and a unified data management UDM;

[0053] The third communication device is a ground station, and the information of the third communication device comes from at least one of the following: an application server, OAM, and UDM; or the third communication device is a terminal device, and the information of the third communication device comes from at least one of the following: the terminal device, OAM,

[0054] Application server, UDM.

[0055] By implementing this method, satellite information, ground station information or terminal equipment information can be obtained, thereby facilitating determination of whether the communication link between the satellite and the ground station or terminal equipment is available.

[0056] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another information transmission method, applied to a second communication device, the method further comprising:

[0057] determining a first message to be sent;

[0058] determining that a storage capacity provided by a network in which the first communication device resides is greater than or equal to a storage capacity corresponding to the first information; and / or determining that a storage duration provided by the network in which the first communication device resides is greater than or equal to a storage duration corresponding to the first information; the first communication device being deployed in an aircraft;

[0059] The first information is sent to the first communication device.

[0060] Based on the description of the second aspect, before sending the first information, the second communication device determines whether the storage capacity and / or storage duration provided by the network where the first communication device deployed in the flight equipment is located can meet the storage requirements of the first information, and then sends it to the first communication device, thereby improving the success rate of information transmission.

[0061] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0062] Determining that a storage capacity provided by a network where the first communication device is located is smaller than a storage capacity corresponding to the first information; and / or determining that a storage duration provided by a network where the first communication device is located is smaller than a storage duration corresponding to the first information;

[0063] The first information is sent to a fifth communication device, where the fifth communication device is in a different network from the first communication device.

[0064] When this method is implemented, if the storage capacity and / or storage duration provided by the network where the first communication device deployed in the flight equipment is located cannot meet the storage requirements of the first information, the first communication device will select other networks to send the first information, thereby improving the success rate of information transmission.

[0065] In a possible implementation, the first communication device includes at least one of the following network elements: a network element in a core network, a network element of an IP Multimedia Subsystem IMS network, an access network device, or other device with a store-and-forward function;

[0066] The network elements in the core network include at least one of the following: user plane function UPF, session management function SMF, access and mobility management function AMF, mobility management entity MME, short message service center SMSC, unified data management function UDM, authentication service function AUSF, policy control function PCF, serving gateway, packet data network PDN gateway;

[0067] The network elements of the IMS network include at least one of the following: IMS-AGW, P-CSCF, S-CSCF, IP-SM-GW;

[0068] The second communication device is a terminal device or a network element located in a ground network.

[0069] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0070] receiving storage control information, the storage control information including a first storage duration and / or a first storage capacity, the first storage duration being a storage duration that a network where the first communication device is located can provide for the first information, and the first storage capacity being a storage capacity that the network where the first communication device is located can provide for the first information;

[0071] Based on the storage duration corresponding to the first information and the first storage duration, determine whether the storage duration provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage duration corresponding to the first information; and / or, based on the storage capacity corresponding to the first information and the first storage capacity, determine whether the storage capacity provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage capacity corresponding to the first information.

[0072] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0073] Send storage requirement information, the storage requirement information including storage time requirement information and / or storage space requirement information, the storage time requirement information indicates the storage duration corresponding to the first information, and the storage space requirement information indicates the storage capacity corresponding to the first information and / or the service identifier to which the first information belongs.

[0074] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0075] Receive store-and-forward service indication information, where the store-and-forward service indication information indicates at least one of the following:

[0076] whether the network where the first communication device is located can provide non-real-time services;

[0077] the available storage capacity that can be provided by the network where the first communication device is located;

[0078] the storage duration that can be provided by the network where the first communication device is located;

[0079] Determine, based on the storage duration corresponding to the first information and the storage duration that can be provided by the network where the first communication device is located, whether the storage duration provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage duration corresponding to the first information; and / or, based on the storage capacity corresponding to the first information and the available storage capacity that can be provided by the network where the first communication device is located, determine whether the storage capacity provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage capacity corresponding to the first information.

[0080] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0081] Send a capability request, where the capability request is used to request to obtain the store-and-forward service indication information.

[0082] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0083] Sending first capability information, where the first capability information indicates that the second communication device supports non-real-time services; and / or receiving second capability information, where the second capability information indicates that the network where the first communication device is located supports non-real-time services.

[0084] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another information transmission method, applied to a fourth communication device, the method further comprising:

[0085] determining storage control information, the storage control information including a first storage duration and / or a first storage capacity for storing the first information in a first communication device in the flight equipment;

[0086] The storage control information is transmitted to the first communication device.

[0087] Based on the description of the third aspect, the determined storage control information may be sent to the first communication device for store-and-forwarding, thereby reducing the processing complexity of the first communication device.

[0088] In a possible implementation, the first communication device includes at least one of the following network elements: a user plane function UPF, a session management function SMF, an access and mobility management function AMF, an access network device, or a device with a store-and-forward function;

[0089] The fourth communication device includes at least one of the following: SMF, UPF, MME, AMF, and Short Message Service Center SMSC.

[0090] By implementing this method, the storage control information can be determined through various network elements, so that the first communication device can store and forward the first information according to the storage control information.

[0091] In a possible implementation, the sending end of the first information is a second communication device, and the receiving end of the first information is a third communication device;

[0092] The first storage duration is determined based on at least one of the following: a duration during which data cannot be transmitted between the first communication device and the third communication device, storage duration information in contract data, a service requirement of the first information, and a storage duration corresponding to the first information, where the contract data includes contract data of a terminal device and / or service associated with the first information; and / or

[0093] The first storage capacity is determined based on at least one of the following: the service identifier associated with the first information, the service type associated with the first information, the service requirements of the first information, the storage capacity information in the contract data, the available storage capacity corresponding to the service identifier to which the first information belongs, and the storage capacity corresponding to the first information.

[0094] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, the communication device comprising:

[0095] a receiving unit, configured to receive first information from a second communication device;

[0096] a storage unit, configured to determine that the first information cannot be transmitted to the third communication device, and store the first information;

[0097] A sending unit is configured to send the first information to the third communication device when the first information can be transmitted to the third communication device.

[0098] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, the communication device comprising:

[0099] a first determining unit, configured to determine first information to be sent;

[0100] a second determining unit, configured to determine that a storage capacity provided by a network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to a storage capacity corresponding to the first information; and / or determine that a storage duration provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to a storage duration corresponding to the first information; the first communication device being deployed in the aircraft;

[0101] A sending unit, configured to send the first information to the first communication device.

[0102] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, the communication device comprising:

[0103] a determining unit, configured to determine storage control information, the storage control information including a first storage duration and / or a first storage capacity for storing the first information in the first communication device in the flight equipment;

[0104] A sending unit is used to send the storage control information to the first communication device.

[0105] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes a processor and a memory, the processor and the memory are connected to each other, the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is configured to execute the computer program to execute the method as described in the first aspect or any optional embodiment of the first aspect, or to execute the method as described in the second aspect or any optional embodiment of the second aspect, or to execute the method as described in the third aspect or any optional embodiment of the third aspect, or to execute the method as described in the third aspect or any optional embodiment of the third aspect.

[0106] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, comprising a processor and an interface, wherein the processor and the interface are coupled; the interface is used to receive and / or output signals, and the processor is used to execute code instructions to execute the method as described in the first aspect or any optional embodiment of the first aspect, or to execute the method as described in the second aspect or any optional embodiment of the second aspect, or to execute the method as described in the third aspect or any optional embodiment of the third aspect.

[0107] In the ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a module device, which includes a communication module, a power module, a storage module and a chip module, wherein: the power module is used to provide power to the module device; the storage module is used to store data and / or instructions; the communication module communicates with an external device; the chip module is used to call the data and / or instructions stored in the storage module, and execute the method as described in the first aspect or any optional embodiment of the first aspect, or, execute the method as described in the second aspect or any optional embodiment of the second aspect, or, execute the method as described in the third aspect or any optional embodiment of the third aspect.

[0108] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program, and the computer program includes program instructions. When the computer executes the program instructions, it implements the method as described in the first aspect or any optional embodiment of the first aspect, or implements the method as described in the second aspect or any optional embodiment of the second aspect, or implements the method as described in the third aspect or any optional embodiment of the third aspect.

[0109] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or computer code, which, when running on a computer, is used to implement the method described in the first aspect or any optional embodiment of the first aspect, or to implement the method described in the second aspect or any optional embodiment of the second aspect, or to implement the method described in the third aspect or any optional embodiment of the third aspect.

[0110] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes at least two of a first communication device, a second communication device, and a third communication device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0111] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a 5G communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0112] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0113] FIG3 a is a schematic diagram of the position of the flying equipment at time t1 provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0114] FIG3 b is a schematic diagram of the position of the flying equipment at time t2 provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0115] FIG4 is a flow chart of an information transmission method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0116] FIG5 is a flow chart of another information transmission method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0117] FIG6 is a flow chart of another information transmission method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0118] FIG7 is a flow chart of another information transmission method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0119] FIG8 is a flow chart of another information transmission method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0120] FIG9 is a scenario example of an information transmission method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0121] FIG10 is a scenario example of another information transmission method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0122] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0123] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0124] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0125] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of a module device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0126] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified, the character " / " indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" describes the relationship between the associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A exists alone, A and B exists simultaneously, or B exists alone.

[0127] It should be pointed out that the words "first", "second", etc. involved in the embodiments of this application are only used for distinguishing description purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated, nor can they be understood as indicating or implying order.

[0128] In the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "plurality" refers to two or more. In addition, "at least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, which may include any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of A, B, or C can represent: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B and C. Among them, each of A, B, and C can be an element itself, or a set containing one or more elements.

[0129] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary," "in some embodiments," and "in another embodiment" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" in this application should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.

[0130] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "of," "corresponding," and "relevant" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, when the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings they convey are the same. In the embodiments of this application, the terms "communication" and "transmission" may sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that, when the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings they convey are the same. For example, "transmission" may include "sending" and / or "receiving," and may be either a noun or a verb.

[0131] In the embodiments of this application, "equal to" can be used in conjunction with "greater than" and is applicable to the technical solution adopted when "greater than" is used, and can also be used in conjunction with "less than" and is applicable to the technical solution adopted when "less than" is used. It should be noted that when "equal to" is used in conjunction with "greater than", it cannot be used in conjunction with "less than"; and when "equal to" is used in conjunction with "less than", it cannot be used in conjunction with "greater than".

[0132] Before introducing the communication system of the embodiment of the present application, the network elements involved in the embodiment of the present application are first introduced in conjunction with the fifth generation (5G) system shown in Figure 1.

[0133] As shown in Figure 1 , the system can be divided into two parts: the access network and the core network. The access network is used to implement functions related to wireless access and primarily includes radio access network (RAN) equipment 102. The core network primarily includes the following key logical network elements: user plane function (UPF) 103, access and mobility management function (AMF) 105, session management function (SMF) 106, policy control function (PCF) 107, and unified data management function (UDM) 109. System 100 may also include user equipment (UE) 101, data network (DN) 104, and application function (AF) 108. The interfaces between the various network elements are shown in Figure 1 . It should be understood that network elements can also communicate using service-based interfaces. Network elements deployed in the core network can be referred to as core network devices. Devices deployed in the access network can be referred to as access network devices.

[0134] UE, also known as terminal equipment. A terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks (CNs) via RAN equipment. A terminal device can be referred to as an access terminal, terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless network equipment, user agent, or user device. A terminal can be a cellular phone, cordless phone, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other device connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle device, wearable device, or terminal device in the Internet of Things (IoT), vehicle network, or any other form of terminal device in future networks. The terminal device may also be a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device with wireless transceiver capabilities, a wireless terminal device used in industrial control, a wireless terminal device used in self-driving, a wireless terminal device used in remote medical care, a wireless terminal device used in smart grids, a wireless terminal used in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device used in smart cities, or a wireless terminal used in smart homes. The terminal device may be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water (such as a ship); or in the air (such as on an airplane, balloon, or satellite).

[0135] RAN equipment is a device that connects terminal devices to a wireless network, specifically a base station. Base stations can include various types of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, access points, etc. Specifically, it can be an access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a base transceiver station (BTS) in a global system for mobile communications (GSM) or code division multiple access (CDMA), a base station (NodeB, NB) in wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE, a relay station or access point, or an in-vehicle device, wearable device, or the next generation Node B (gNB) in a 5G system.

[0136] UDM has the functions of managing user contract data and generating user authentication information.

[0137] AMF is mainly responsible for UE registration management, UE connection management, UE reachability management, UE access authorization and access authentication, UE security functions, UE mobility management, network slice selection, SMF selection and other functions.

[0138] The SMF is responsible for all control plane functions related to UE session management, including selection and control of the UPF, allocation and management of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, session Quality of Service (QoS) management, and obtaining policy and charging control (PCC) policies from the PCF. The SMF also serves as the termination point for the SM portion of non-access stratum (NAS) messages.

[0139] PCF has the function of providing policy rules to the control plane functional entity.

[0140] AF may be an application server, which may belong to an operator or a third party.

[0141] UPF is mainly responsible for processing user messages, such as forwarding and billing. It can serve as the anchor point for protocol data unit (PDU) session connection and is responsible for UE data message filtering, data transmission / forwarding, rate control, generation of billing information, user plane QoS processing, uplink transmission authentication, transmission level verification, downlink data packet caching and downlink data notification triggering.

[0142] A DN is a network that provides data transmission services to users, such as IP Multimedia Service (IMS) and the Internet. A DN can include an application server (AS). An AS is a software framework that provides an environment for application execution and offers services such as security, data and transaction support, and load balancing for large-scale distributed system management. UEs communicate with the AS to obtain application messages. It should be noted that the AF mentioned above is the control plane of the AS.

[0143] The method provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to non-terrestrial networks (NTN) communication systems. As shown in FIG2 , the communication system may include terminal equipment, flight equipment (such as satellites) and a ground network. The ground network may include network elements, such as ground stations (also known as gateways) and other network elements, such as application servers (AS), AFs, etc. The ground network can be connected to the DN. In some embodiments, the DN may also be included in the ground network. The ground network can be understood as a network on the surface of the earth, which may include at least one of land, sea and low altitude. For example, the network elements in the ground network may be deployed on land, sea or low altitude, etc.

[0144] The terminal devices in the embodiments of the present application may be terminal devices on land, sea, or low altitude, for example, terminal devices on airplanes, terminal devices on ships, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0145] In embodiments of the present application, the access network equipment (e.g., RAN) and some core network elements in Figure 1 may be deployed in the aircraft device in Figure 2. For example, at least one of the RAN, AMF, SMF, UDM, UPF, and PCF may be deployed in the aircraft device. In some embodiments, an authentication server function (AUSF) may also be deployed in the aircraft device.

[0146] The flying equipment in the embodiments of the present application may be a satellite, an aircraft, an airship, a balloon, an airplane, etc., and the present application does not limit this.

[0147] In one implementation, if the flying device is a satellite, the satellite may be a geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a non-geostationary Earth orbit (NGEO) medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, or a high altitude platform station (HAPS). This application does not limit the specific type of satellite.

[0148] The ground station in the embodiments of the present application can be used to connect satellites to network elements in a ground network. The communication link between the ground station and the satellite can be called a feeder link (or feedback link); the communication link between the satellite and the terminal device can be called a service link.

[0149] It is understood that Figure 2 only shows one satellite and one ground station. In actual use, a multi-satellite and / or multi-ground station architecture may be adopted as needed. Each satellite may provide services to one or more terminal devices, each satellite may correspond to one or more ground stations, and each ground station may correspond to one or more satellites, etc., which are not specifically limited in this application.

[0150] Because an aerial device (e.g., a satellite) is constantly moving, the relative position between the aerial device and the terminal device or ground station is constantly changing. For example, as shown in FIG3a , at time t1 , the aerial device (e.g., a satellite) is above the terminal device, the service link between the aerial device (e.g., a satellite) and the terminal device is available, and the communication device on the aerial device can communicate with the terminal device, but the feeder link between the aerial device (e.g., a satellite) and the ground station is unavailable. At time t2 , as shown in FIG3b , the aerial device (e.g., a satellite) is above the ground station, the feeder link between the aerial device (e.g., a satellite) and the ground station is available, and the communication device on the aerial device can communicate with the ground station, but the service link between the aerial device (e.g., a satellite) and the terminal device is unavailable. Time t2 may be after time t1 .

[0151] The following explains some of the terms involved in the embodiments of the present application to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0152] 1. Satellite constellation.

[0153] A satellite constellation is a collection of satellites launched into orbit and functioning normally. It is typically composed of a network of satellites configured in a specific manner. Multiple satellites belonging to the same constellation can communicate with each other and transmit information.

[0154] 2. Ephemeris data

[0155] Ephemeris, also known as ephemeris, almanac, or almanac, is information used to locate the position of celestial bodies at any given moment. Terminal devices can search the network based on satellite ephemeris data, thereby improving the user experience. Satellite ephemeris primarily includes orbital plane parameters and satellite level parameters. It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, satellite ephemeris may also be referred to as ephemeris parameters, satellite ephemeris parameters, or other possible names, and this application does not limit this.

[0156] It should be noted that, in the following embodiments, storing the first information in the first communication device may also be understood as storing the first information in an aerial device, and the aerial device may be a satellite.

[0157] It should be noted that the various technical solutions (or embodiments) of this application can be implemented independently or in combination based on certain internal connections. This application is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the various terms and definitions between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other. In each embodiment of this application, different implementations can also be implemented in combination or independently.

[0158] Please refer to FIG4 , which is a flowchart of an information transmission method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG4 , the information transmission method of this embodiment may include some or all of the following steps:

[0159] 401. The second communication device determines first information to be sent.

[0160] In the embodiments of the present application, the second communication device may refer to a device that sends information. For example, the second communication device may be the terminal device shown in Figure 2, or the second communication device may be a network element in the ground network shown in Figure 2. The ground network may include networks deployed on land, sea, low altitude, etc. For example, the second communication device may be an AF, an AS, a DN, or a ground station, etc.

[0161] The first information may include at least one of the following: service data, control information, signaling, reference signal, etc.

[0162] 402. The second communication device determines that the storage capacity provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage capacity corresponding to the first information; and / or determines that the storage duration provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage duration corresponding to the first information.

[0163] The first communication device is deployed in an aircraft, which may include but is not limited to at least one of the following: a satellite, an airplane, an airship, a balloon, etc. In the embodiments of the present application, the first communication device may refer to a store-and-forward device, where store-and-forward can be understood as the first communication device being able to store and forward the first information. The first communication device may include at least one of the following network elements: a network element in a core network, a network element in an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network, an access network device, or other device with store-and-forward functionality;

[0164] The network elements in the core network include at least one of the following: UPF, SMF, AMF, MME, SMSC, UDM, AUSF, PCF, serving gateway, and PDN gateway;

[0165] The network elements of the IMS network include at least one of the following: IMS-AGW, P-CSCF, S-CSCF, and IP-SM-GW.

[0166] Optionally, the second communication device determines whether the storage capacity provided by the network where the first communication device resides is greater than or equal to the storage capacity corresponding to the first information. The storage capacity corresponding to the first information can be understood as the capacity of the storage space used to store the first information. The storage capacity corresponding to the first information can be greater than or equal to the capacity of the storage space actually occupied by the first information. Alternatively, the storage capacity corresponding to the first information can be replaced with the expected storage capacity of the second communication device or the first information.

[0167] Optionally, the second communication device determines whether the storage duration provided by the network where the first communication device resides is greater than or equal to the storage duration corresponding to the first information. The storage duration corresponding to the first information can be understood as the storage duration that the second communication device expects the first information to be stored in the first communication device. Alternatively, the storage duration corresponding to the first information can be replaced with the expected storage duration of the second communication device or the first information.

[0168] In some embodiments, the second communication device determines that the storage capacity provided by the network in which the first communication device resides is greater than or equal to the storage capacity corresponding to the first information; and / or the second communication device determines that the storage duration provided by the network in which the first communication device resides is greater than or equal to the storage capacity corresponding to the first information, before executing step 403. In some implementations, the second communication device further determines that the communication link between the second communication device and the first communication device (the first communication device may also be replaced by an aerial device) is available before the second communication device executes step 403. If the aerial device is a satellite and the second communication device is a terminal device, then the availability of the communication link between the second communication device and the first communication device can be understood as the availability of the service link between the terminal device and the satellite. If the second communication device is a network element in a terrestrial network, then the availability of the communication link between the second communication device and the first communication device can be understood as the availability of the feeder link between the ground station and the first communication device (the first communication device may also be replaced by an aerial device).

[0169] 403: The second communication device sends the first information to the first communication device. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first information.

[0170] 404 , the first communication device determines that the first information cannot be transmitted to the third communication device, and stores the first information.

[0171] In one possible implementation, the communication link between the first communication device and the third communication device is unavailable, and therefore the first information cannot be transmitted to the third communication device. Exemplarily, the third communication device may be a terminal device or a network element in a terrestrial network. For example, the third communication device may be a ground station, an AF, or an AS in the terrestrial network.

[0172] In another possible implementation, if the third communication device needs to obtain the first information, it will send a request to the first communication device to obtain the first information. If the first communication device determines that it has not received the request sent by the third communication device to obtain the first information, it determines that the first information cannot be transmitted to the third communication device.

[0173] The first communication device may store the first information based on storage control information, which may include a first storage duration and / or a first storage capacity. Exemplarily, the storage control information includes the first storage duration. Upon determining that the storage duration of the first information has reached the first storage duration, the first communication device attempts to send the first information to the third communication device. Optionally, if the transmission is unsuccessful and the total storage duration of the first information does not exceed a maximum storage duration, the first information may continue to be stored. The maximum storage duration may be the maximum available storage duration of the communication link between the first communication device and the third communication device, or the maximum available storage duration may be determined based on subscription data. The subscription data may be subscription data for a terminal device and / or service associated with the first information. The terminal device associated with the first information may refer to a terminal device that receives or sends the first information, and the service associated with the first information may be the service to which the first information belongs. Optionally, if the total storage duration of the first information reaches the maximum storage duration, the first information may be discarded. Exemplarily, the storage control information includes a first storage capacity. The first communication device may allocate the first storage capacity for storing the first information.

[0174] In one possible implementation, the storage control information may be determined by the first communication device itself, or the storage control information may be determined by the fourth communication device and sent by the fourth communication device to the first communication device. For details, please refer to the relevant description of Figure 8 in the subsequent embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0175] 405 , when the first information can be transmitted to the third communication device, the first communication device sends the first information to the third communication device. Correspondingly, the third communication device receives the first information.

[0176] When the first information cannot be transmitted to the third communication device, the first communication device stores the first information. When the first information can be transmitted to the third communication device, the first communication device may send the stored first information to the third communication device. The process of the first communication device storing the first information and forwarding the first information in the embodiment of the present application can be referred to as a store-and-forward mode, or a store-and-forward service.

[0177] In one possible implementation, if the communication link between the first communication device and the third communication device is available, it is determined that the first information can be transmitted to the third communication device. For example, if the third communication device is a terminal device, then the communication link between the flight device and the terminal device may be available. For another example, if the third communication device is a network element in a ground network, then the communication link between the flight device and the ground station may be available.

[0178] Whether the communication link between the first communication device and the third communication device is available can be determined based on information from the first communication device and information from the third communication device. The information from the first communication device indicates flight information of the first communication device and / or the time when the first communication device can transmit and receive data, and the information from the third communication device indicates the location of the third communication device and / or the time when the third communication device can transmit and receive data. The information from the first communication device and the third communication device can be used to determine when the communication link between the first and third communication devices is unavailable or available.

[0179] For example, the flying device is a satellite, and the information of the first communication device includes at least one of the following: the satellite's ephemeris data, the orbital altitude of the satellite, the satellite's operating cycle, the number of satellites included in the satellite's constellation, the number of satellites connected to the ground station in the satellite's constellation, the satellite's position, or the satellite's working hours.

[0180] If the third communication device is a ground station, the information of the third communication device includes at least one of the following: a geographical location of the ground station, an altitude of the ground station, a speed of the ground station, or an operating time of the ground station.

[0181] If the third communication device is a terminal device, the information of the third communication device includes at least one of the following: the periodic registration time of the terminal device, the deregistration time of the terminal device, the power saving information of the terminal device, the sleep time of the terminal device, the geographical location of the terminal device or the speed of the terminal device.

[0182] Exemplarily, the information of the first communication device may be from at least one of the following: AS, AF, DN, OAM, and UDM.

[0183] If the third communication device is a ground station, the information of the third communication device comes from at least one of the following: AS, AF, OAM, UDM. If the third communication device is a terminal device, the information of the third communication device comes from at least one of the following: the terminal device, OAM, AS, AF, UDM.

[0184] In another possible implementation, the first communication device receives a request message from the third communication device, where the request message is used to request obtaining the first information, and then determines that the first information can be transmitted to the third communication device.

[0185] In the above description, an example is taken in which one of the second communication device and the third communication device is a terminal device and the other communication device is a network element in a ground network. In some implementations, the second communication device and the third communication device may both be terminal devices.

[0186] Illustratively, in the above embodiment, the first storage duration may be determined based on at least one of the following:

[0187] 1. The duration during which information cannot be transmitted between the first communication device and the third communication device;

[0188] The duration during which information cannot be transmitted between the first communication device and the third communication device may be the duration during which the communication link between the first communication device and the third communication device is unavailable. Exemplarily, if the first communication device is deployed on a satellite and the third communication device is a terminal device, the duration during which information cannot be transmitted between the first communication device and the third communication device may refer to the duration during which the service link between the satellite and the terminal device is unavailable. Exemplarily, if the first communication device is deployed on a satellite and the third communication device is a network element in a terrestrial network, the duration during which information cannot be transmitted between the first communication device and the third communication device may refer to the duration during which the feeder link between the satellite and the ground station is unavailable.

[0189] 2. Storage duration information in the contract data, where the contract data includes contract data of the terminal device and / or service associated with the first information;

[0190] The contract data may include storage duration information, which may indicate the storage duration of the first information in the first communication device (or aircraft device). Optionally, it may also include the maximum storage duration of the first information in the first communication device. The terminal device associated with the first information may refer to the terminal device that receives the first information or sends the first information. The service associated with the first information may refer to the service to which the first information belongs. For example, if the first information is data for an application, the service to which the first information belongs is the application service.

[0191] Exemplarily, the subscription data may include a storage duration corresponding to at least one service identifier, and the service identifier may include one of the following: data network name (DNN), single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), APP ID, etc. The storage duration of the first information in the first communication device may be determined based on the service identifier associated with the first information.

[0192] 3. First Information’s business needs.

[0193] For example, the service requirement of the first information may refer to the requirement of the first information on the delay. For example, the first information is

[0194] For video data downloaded from the Internet, the first information does not have a high requirement on the delay. For example, a delay of two hours can be tolerated.

[0195] 4. The storage duration corresponding to the first information.

[0196] The storage duration corresponding to the first information can be understood as the expected storage duration of the first information, or the expected storage duration of the second communication device.

[0197] The expected storage time length may be sent by the second communication device to the device for determining the first storage time length.

[0198] In the embodiment of the present application, the first storage duration can be determined based on one or more of 1 to 4. For example, the first storage duration can be determined based on 1 and 2 above. If the storage duration indicated by the storage duration information in the contract data is less than or equal to the duration during which information cannot be transmitted between the first communication device and the second communication device, the duration indicated by the storage duration in the contract data is used as the first storage duration. If the storage duration indicated by the storage duration information in the contract data is greater than the duration during which information cannot be transmitted between the first communication device and the second communication device, the duration during which information cannot be transmitted between the first communication device and the second communication device is used as the first storage duration. For another example, the first storage duration can be determined based on 4 above, that is, the storage duration corresponding to the first information is used as the first storage duration. The above is only an example and is not intended to limit the present application. More combinations may also be included.

[0199] Illustratively, the first storage capacity in the above embodiment is determined based on at least one of the following:

[0200] 1. a business identifier associated with the first information;

[0201] The service identifier associated with the first information may include one of the following: data network name (DNN), single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), APP ID, charging information, etc.

[0202] 2. Business type associated with the first information;

[0203] The service type associated with the first information may include a video service type, a voice service type, a download service type, a request message type, and the like.

[0204] 3. First Information's business needs;

[0205] The service demand of the first information may refer to the service demand of the first information for space storage. For example, a service of downloading a video requires a large storage capacity.

[0206] 4. Storage capacity information in the contract data, where the contract data includes contract data of the terminal device and / or service associated with the first information;

[0207] The contract data may include storage capacity information, which may indicate the storage capacity corresponding to various service identifiers. For example, the storage capacity corresponding to the service identifier may be the total storage capacity allocated to the information of the service identifier.

[0208] 5. Available storage capacity corresponding to the service identifier to which the first information belongs;

[0209] The available storage capacity corresponding to the service identifier to which the first information belongs may be indicated as the remaining storage capacity corresponding to the service identifier, and the remaining storage capacity may be the total storage capacity of the service identifier minus the used storage capacity.

[0210] 6. The storage capacity corresponding to the first information.

[0211] The storage capacity corresponding to the first information may refer to the expected storage capacity of the first information, or the expected storage capacity of the second communication device, and the expected storage capacity may be sent by the second communication device to the device for determining the first storage capacity.

[0212] In the embodiments of the present application, the first storage capacity may be determined based on one or more of 1 to 6. For example, the first storage capacity may be determined based on 1 and 5 above. In this case, it is necessary to determine the service identifier associated with the first information, and then determine the first storage capacity of the first information based on the available storage capacity corresponding to the service identifier. The above is merely an example and does not limit the present application. Further combinations are possible.

[0213] Please refer to FIG5 , which is a flow chart of another information transmission method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG5 , the information transmission method of this embodiment includes all or part of the following steps. For example, step 502 may not be performed. The following describes each step with examples:

[0214] 501. The second communication device determines first information to be sent.

[0215] The description of step 501 in the embodiment of the present application can refer to step 401 in the embodiment of FIG4 , which will not be repeated here.

[0216] At step 502, the second communication device sends storage requirement information to the first communication device. The storage requirement information includes storage time requirement information and / or storage space requirement information. The storage time requirement information indicates the storage duration corresponding to the first information, and the storage space requirement information indicates the storage capacity corresponding to the first information and / or the service identifier to which the first information belongs. In response, the first communication device receives the storage requirement information.

[0217] 503. The first communication device sends storage control information to the second communication device. The storage control information includes the first storage duration and / or the first storage capacity. Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the storage control information.

[0218] The storage duration corresponding to the first information may refer to the expected storage duration of the first information or the expected storage duration of the second communication device. The storage capacity corresponding to the first information may refer to the expected storage capacity of the first information or the expected storage capacity of the second communication device. The storage capacity corresponding to the first information is greater than or equal to the storage space actually occupied by the first information.

[0219] Exemplarily, the storage space requirement information may include the storage capacity corresponding to the first information and / or the service identifier to which the first information belongs. The service identifier may be used to determine the available storage capacity corresponding to the service identifier, which may be understood as the remaining storage capacity corresponding to the service identifier in the first communication device.

[0220] In the case where the network where the first communication device is located supports non-real-time services (also known as store-and-forward services), the first communication device may determine a first storage duration and / or a first storage capacity allocated for the first information.

[0221] The first communication device may determine the first storage duration allocated to the first information based on the storage duration corresponding to the first information. The first storage duration may be the same as or different from the storage duration corresponding to the first information. For example, if the storage duration corresponding to the first information is less than the unavailable duration of the communication link between the first communication device and the third communication device, the first storage duration is equal to the storage duration corresponding to the first information. For another example, if the storage duration corresponding to the first information is greater than the storage duration indicated by the storage time information in the contract data, the first storage duration is the storage duration indicated by the storage time information in the contract data, that is, less than the storage duration corresponding to the first information.

[0222] The first communication device may determine the first storage capacity allocated to the first information based on the storage capacity corresponding to the first information. The first storage capacity may be the same as or different from the storage capacity corresponding to the first information. For example, if the storage capacity corresponding to the first information is less than the available storage capacity corresponding to the service identifier to which the first information belongs, then the first storage capacity is equal to the storage capacity corresponding to the first information. For another example, if the storage capacity corresponding to the first information is greater than the available storage capacity corresponding to the service identifier to which the first information belongs, then the first storage capacity is the available storage capacity corresponding to the service identifier to which the first information belongs, that is, less than the storage capacity corresponding to the first information.

[0223] After determining the first storage duration and / or the first storage capacity, the first communication device may send storage control information to the second communication device.

[0224] In one possible implementation, the second communication device may be a terminal device, the storage requirement information may be carried in a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session request message, and the storage control information may be carried in a PDU session response message. In some implementations, if the network where the first communication device is located does not support non-real-time services (also known as store-and-forward services), the PDU session establishment request may be rejected; the PDU session response message carries a reason for the rejection, which may be, for example, the inability to support the requested storage time and / or the inability to support the requested storage space.

[0225] In one possible implementation, the second communication device may be an application server. If the network where the first communication device is located supports a non-real-time service (also known as a store-and-forward service), the first communication device may send a response message to the application server, where the response message includes storage control information. If the first communication device does not support the non-real-time service (also known as a store-and-forward service), the first communication device may send a response message to the application server, where the response message indicates that the service is not supported.

[0226] 504. The second communication device determines whether the storage duration provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage duration corresponding to the first information based on the storage duration corresponding to the first information and the first storage duration; and / or determines whether the storage capacity provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage capacity corresponding to the first information based on the storage capacity corresponding to the first information and the first storage capacity.

[0227] If it is determined that the storage capacity provided by the network where the first communication device is located is less than the storage capacity corresponding to the first information; and / or it is determined that the storage duration provided by the network where the first communication device is located is less than the storage duration corresponding to the first information, step 506 is executed. If it is determined that the storage capacity provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage capacity corresponding to the first information; and / or it is determined that the storage duration provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage duration corresponding to the first information, step 505 is executed.

[0228] 505: The second communication device sends the first information to the first communication device. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first information.

[0229] For step 505 of the embodiment of this application, please refer to the description of step 403 of the embodiment of Figure 4, which will not be repeated here.

[0230] 506. The second communication device sends first information to a fifth communication device, where the fifth communication device and the first communication device are in different networks.

[0231] The network where the fifth communication device is located is different from the network where the first communication device is located. In other words, the second communication device determines that the first storage capacity provided by the network where the first communication device is located cannot meet the storage capacity requirement of the first information, and / or the second communication device determines that the first storage duration provided by the network where the first communication device is located cannot meet the storage duration requirement of the first information. Then the second communication device can select a different network to transmit the first information.

[0232] 507 , the first communication device determines that the first information cannot be transmitted to the third communication device, and stores the first information.

[0233] 508. When the first information can be transmitted to the third communication device, the first communication device sends the first information to the third communication device. Correspondingly, the third communication device receives the first information.

[0234] For steps 507-508 of the embodiment of this application, please refer to steps 404-405 of the embodiment of Figure 4, and will not be repeated here.

[0235] Please refer to FIG6 , which is a flow chart of another information transmission method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG6 , the information transmission method of this embodiment includes all or part of the following steps. For example, step 602 may not be performed. The following describes each step with examples:

[0236] 601. The second communication device determines first information to be sent.

[0237] The description of step 601 in the embodiment of the present application can be referred to step 401 in the embodiment of FIG4 , and will not be repeated here.

[0238] 602: The second communication device sends a capability request to the first communication device, where the capability request is used to request to obtain store-and-forward service indication information. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the capability request.

[0239] 603: The first communication device sends store-and-forward service indication information to the second communication device. Correspondingly, the second communication device receives the store-and-forward service indication information.

[0240] The store-and-forward service indication information indicates at least one of the following:

[0241] whether the network where the first communication device is located can provide non-real-time services;

[0242] available storage capacity that can be provided by the first communication device;

[0243] The storage duration that the first communication device can provide.

[0244] Exemplarily, the capability request may also include a service identifier to which the first information belongs. For example, the first communication device may determine the available storage capacity that can be provided for the service identifier. For another example, the first communication device may determine the storage duration that can be provided for the service identifier.

[0245] Alternatively, whether the network where the first communication device is located can provide non-real-time services can be replaced by whether the network where the first communication device is located can provide store-and-forward services.

[0246] Alternatively, the first communication device in step 602 and step 603 can be replaced by a fourth communication device, and the fourth communication device and the first communication device belong to the same network. In other words, the second communication device can interact with the fourth communication device. The first communication device is the communication device that actually performs storage and forwarding. The flight equipment where the fourth communication device is located can be the same as or different from the flight equipment where the first communication device is located.

[0247] 604. The second communication device determines whether the storage duration provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage duration corresponding to the first information based on the storage duration corresponding to the first information and the storage duration that can be provided by the network where the first communication device is located; and / or determines whether the storage capacity provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage capacity corresponding to the first information based on the storage capacity corresponding to the first information and the available storage capacity that can be provided by the network where the first communication device is located.

[0248] If it is determined that the storage capacity provided by the network where the first communication device is located is less than the storage capacity corresponding to the first information; and / or it is determined that the storage duration provided by the network where the first communication device is located is less than the storage duration corresponding to the first information, then step 606 is executed. If it is determined that the storage capacity provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage capacity corresponding to the first information; and / or it is determined that the storage duration provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage duration corresponding to the first information, then step 605 is executed.

[0249] 605: The second communication device sends the first information to the first communication device. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first information.

[0250] 606. The second communication device sends first information to a fifth communication device, where the fifth communication device and the first communication device are in different networks.

[0251] 607 : The first communication device determines that the first information cannot be transmitted to the third communication device, and stores the first information.

[0252] 608: When the first information can be transmitted to the third communication device, the first communication device sends the first information to the third communication device. Correspondingly, the third communication device receives the first information.

[0253] For steps 605 to 608 in this embodiment of the present application, please refer to steps 505 to 508 in the embodiment of FIG5 , and will not be repeated here.

[0254] Please refer to FIG7 , which is a flowchart of another information transmission method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG7 , the information transmission method of this embodiment includes all or part of the following steps. For example, step 701 and / or step 702 may be executed. Each step is described below with examples:

[0255] 701: A second communication device sends first capability information to a first communication device, where the first capability information indicates that the second communication device supports non-real-time services. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first capability information.

[0256] Alternatively, the first capability information may indicate that the second communication device supports a store-and-forward service. Exemplarily, the second communication device may be a terminal device or a network element in a terrestrial network.

[0257] 702: The first communication device sends second capability information to the second communication device, where the second capability information indicates that the network where the first communication device is located supports non-real-time services. In response, the second communication device receives the second capability information.

[0258] Alternatively, the second capability information indicates that the network where the first communication device is located supports a store-and-forward service.

[0259] Exemplarily, the above-mentioned first capability information and / or second capability information can be carried in NAS signaling and RRC signaling. For example, the second communication device is a terminal device, the first communication device is an AMF, and the terminal device sends a registration request message to the AMF. The registration request message includes the first capability information. The first capability information indicates whether the terminal device supports non-real-time services (which can be replaced by store-and-forward services). If the AMF supports non-real-time services and the terminal device supports non-real-time services, the AMF sends a registration response message to the terminal device. The registration response message includes the second capability information, indicating that the network where the AMF is located supports non-real-time services. If the AMF only supports non-real-time services and does not support real-time services, the registration response message may also indicate that the network only supports non-real-time services. If the AMF and / or the terminal device do not support non-real-time services, the AMF notifies the terminal that the network rejects the registration and notifies that the reason for rejecting the registration is that the AMF and / or the terminal device does not support non-real-time services.

[0260] Alternatively, the first communication device in step 701 and step 702 can be replaced by a fourth communication device, and the fourth communication device and the first communication device belong to the same network. In other words, the second communication device can interact with the fourth communication device. The first communication device is the communication device that actually performs storage and forwarding, and the flight equipment where the fourth communication device is located can be the same as or different from the flight equipment where the first communication device is located.

[0261] 703. The second communication device determines the first information to be sent.

[0262] 704. The second communication device determines that the storage capacity provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage capacity corresponding to the first information; and / or determines that the storage duration provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage duration corresponding to the first information.

[0263] 705: The second communication device sends the first information to the first communication device. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first information.

[0264] 706 , the first communication device determines that the first information cannot be transmitted to the third communication device, and stores the first information.

[0265] 707: When the first information can be transmitted to the third communication device, the first communication device sends the first information to the third communication device. Correspondingly, the third communication device receives the first information.

[0266] Please refer to steps 401 to 405 of the embodiment of FIG4 for steps 703 to 707 of the present application embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0267] Please refer to FIG8 , which is a flowchart of another information transmission method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG8 , the information transmission method of this embodiment includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0268] 801 , a fourth communication device determines storage control information, where the storage control information includes a first storage duration and / or a first storage capacity for storing first information in a first communication device in the aircraft.

[0269] The fourth communication device may include at least one of the following: AMF, SMF, UPF, Mobility Management Entity (MME), AMF, Short Message Service Center (SMSC), PCF, Operation Administration and Maintenance (OAM), etc. Exemplarily, the fourth communication device may also be deployed in an aircraft device. Optionally, the aircraft device where the fourth communication device is located may be different from or the same as the aircraft device where the first communication device is located. For example, the aircraft device is a satellite, and the satellite where the first communication device is located and the satellite where the fourth communication device is located may be different satellites belonging to the same constellation. The fourth communication device may select a network element on which satellite (for example, a low-orbit satellite, a medium-orbit satellite, or a high-orbit satellite) as the first communication device for storage and forwarding. The fourth communication device may also select a network element (for example, UPF, SMF, or AMF, etc.) as the first communication device.

[0270] In one possible implementation, the fourth communication device may determine storage control information upon receiving storage requirement information sent by the second communication device. The storage requirement information includes storage time requirement information and / or storage space requirement information. For a description of the storage requirement information, please refer to the description of the aforementioned embodiment and will not be repeated here. In the case where the network where the fourth communication device is located supports non-real-time services (also known as store-and-forward services), the fourth communication device may determine the first storage duration and / or the first storage capacity. Further, optionally, the fourth communication device may also determine the first communication device that stores and forwards the first information.

[0271] 802: The fourth communication device sends storage control information to the first communication device. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the storage control information.

[0272] Exemplarily, the fourth communication device may also send the storage control information to the second communication device.

[0273] For example, if the fourth communication device is an AMF and the first communication device is an SMF or UPF, the fourth communication device may send the storage control information to the SMF through the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext message. Further, optionally, if the first communication device is a UPF, the SMF may send the storage control information to the UPF through the N4Session Establishment / Modification Request message. This is understandable. For another example, the fourth communication device may also be an SMF and the first communication device may be a UPF. After the SMF determines the storage control information, it may send the storage control information to the UPF through the N4Session Establishment / Modification Request message. After the fourth communication device sends the storage control information to the first communication device, it may further instruct the first communication device to store and forward the first information according to the storage control information.

[0274] 803: The second communication device sends first information to the first communication device. Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first information.

[0275] 804 , the first communication device determines that the first information cannot be transmitted to the third communication device, and stores the first information according to the storage control information.

[0276] 805 , when the first information can be transmitted to the third communication device, the first communication device sends the first information to the third communication device, and the third communication device receives the first information accordingly.

[0277] For steps 803 to 805 of the embodiment of this application, please refer to steps 403 to 405 of the embodiment of Figure 4, and will not be repeated here.

[0278] The following is an example description with reference to Figures 9 and 10. In Figures 9 and 10, gNB / AMF / SMF / UPF can be deployed in flight equipment, taking the flight equipment as a satellite as an example.

[0279] As shown in FIG9 , a scenario example of an information transmission method provided in an embodiment of the present application is provided. The method includes the following steps:

[0280] 901. The terminal device sends the first information.

[0281] The terminal device may send first information to the gNB in ​​the satellite. This first information may be referred to as uplink data. Because a communication link between the satellite and a ground station in a terrestrial network is unavailable, a network element in the satellite, such as the gNB, AMF, SMF, or UPF, may store the first information.

[0282] 902. The gNB / AMF / SMF / UPF stores the first information in at least one of the following network elements: gNB, AMF, SMF, or UPF according to the storage control information.

[0283] The storage control information may include a first storage duration and / or a first storage capacity. For example, the gNB, AMF, SMF, or UPF may determine a network element for storing the first information.

[0284] 903. The gNB / AMF / SMF / UPF determines that the storage time has expired and / or determines that the communication link between the satellite and the ground station is available.

[0285] Exemplarily, when the storage time of the first information reaches the first storage time, an attempt may be made to send the first information to the AF / AS / DN.

[0286] For example, if it is determined that the communication link between the satellite and the ground station is available, an attempt may be made to send the first information to the AF / AS / DN.

[0287] For example, if it is determined that the storage time of the first information reaches the first storage time length and the communication link between the satellite and the ground station is available, an attempt may be made to send the first information to the AF / AS / DN.

[0288] 904. gNB / AMF / SMF / UPF sends the stored first information.

[0289] The network element storing the first information sends the stored first information to the AF / AS / DN.

[0290] As shown in FIG10 , a scenario example of an information transmission method provided in an embodiment of the present application is provided. The method includes the following steps:

[0291] 1001, AF / AS / DN sends the first message.

[0292] The AF / AS / DN may send first information to the UPF in the satellite. This first information may be referred to as downlink data. Since the communication link between the satellite and the terminal device is unavailable, a network element in the satellite, such as a gNB, AMF, SMF, or UPF, may store the first information.

[0293] 1002. The gNB / AMF / SMF / UPF stores the first information in at least one of the following network elements: gNB, AMF, SMF, or UPF according to the storage control information.

[0294] The storage control information may include a first storage duration and / or a first storage capacity. For example, the gNB, AMF, SMF, or UPF may determine a network element for storing the first information.

[0295] 1003. The gNB / AMF / SMF / UPF determines that the storage time has expired and / or determines that the communication link between the satellite and the terminal device is available.

[0296] Exemplarily, when the storage time of the first information reaches the first storage time, an attempt may be made to send the first information to the terminal device.

[0297] For example, if it is determined that the communication link between the satellite and the terminal device is available, an attempt may be made to send the first information to the terminal device.

[0298] Exemplarily, if it is determined that the storage time of the first information reaches the first storage time length and the communication link between the satellite and the terminal device is available, an attempt may be made to send the first information to the terminal device.

[0299] 1004. gNB / AMF / SMF / UPF sends the stored first information.

[0300] The network element storing the first information sends the stored first information to the terminal device.

[0301] Please refer to Figure 11, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be a first communication device, which can be applied to an access network device or a core network device in an aircraft. Exemplarily, the communication device can be an access network device or a core network device, or a device in an access network device or a core network device, for example, it can be a chip or chip module in the access network device or the core network device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the access network device or the core network device. The communication device 100 shown in Figure 11 can include a receiving unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a sending unit 130, wherein:

[0302] The receiving unit 110 is configured to receive first information from a second communication device;

[0303] The storage unit 120 is configured to determine that the first information cannot be transmitted to the third communication device, and store the first information;

[0304] The sending unit 130 is configured to send the first information to the third communication device when the first information can be transmitted to the third communication device.

[0305] In one possible implementation, a network element in a core network, a network element in an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network, an access network device, or other device with a store-and-forward function;

[0306] The network elements in the core network include at least one of the following: user plane function UPF, session management function SMF, access and mobility management function AMF, mobility management entity MME, short message service center SMSC, unified data management function UDM, authentication service function AUSF, policy control function PCF, serving gateway, packet data network PDN gateway;

[0307] The network elements of the IMS network include at least one of the following: an IMS access gateway IMS-AGW, a call session control function proxy P-CSCF, a service session control function proxy S-CSCF, and an IP short message gateway IP-SM-GW;

[0308] The second communication device is a terminal device, and the third communication device is a network element located in a ground network; or, the second communication device is a network element located in a ground network, and the third communication device is a terminal device.

[0309] In one possible implementation, the storage unit 120 is specifically used to store the first information according to storage control information, where the storage control information includes a first storage duration and / or a first storage capacity; the storage control information is determined by the first communication device, or the storage control information comes from a fourth communication device.

[0310] In one possible implementation, the first storage duration is determined based on at least one of the following: a period during which information cannot be transmitted between the first communication device and the third communication device, storage duration information in subscription data, a service requirement of the first information, and a storage duration corresponding to the first information, where the subscription data includes subscription data of a terminal device and / or service associated with the first information;

[0311] The first storage capacity is determined based on at least one of the following: the service identifier associated with the first information, the service type associated with the first information, the service requirements of the first information, the storage capacity information in the contract data, the available storage capacity corresponding to the service identifier to which the first information belongs, and the storage capacity corresponding to the first information.

[0312] In a possible implementation, the fourth communication device includes at least one of the following: SMF, UPF, mobility management entity MME, AMF, short message service center SMSC, policy control function PCF, and operation management function OAM.

[0313] In a possible implementation manner, the sending unit 130 is further configured to send the storage control information to the second communication device.

[0314] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit 110 is also used to receive storage requirement information from the second communication device, the storage requirement information including storage time requirement information and / or storage space requirement information, the storage time requirement information indicates the storage duration corresponding to the first information, and the storage space requirement information indicates the storage capacity corresponding to the first information and / or the service identifier to which the first information belongs.

[0315] In a possible implementation, the sending unit 130 is specifically configured to attempt to send the first information to the third communication device if the duration for storing the first information is equal to the first storage duration.

[0316] In a possible implementation, the sending unit 130 is further configured to send store-and-forward service indication information to the second communication device;

[0317] The store-and-forward service indication information indicates at least one of the following:

[0318] whether the network where the first communication device is located can provide non-real-time services;

[0319] the available storage capacity that can be provided by the first communication device;

[0320] The storage duration that the first communication device can provide.

[0321] In a possible implementation, the receiving unit 110 is further configured to receive a capability request from the second communication device, where the capability request is used to request acquisition of the store-and-forward service indication information.

[0322] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit 110 is further used to receive first capability information from the second communication device, where the first capability information indicates that the second communication device supports non-real-time services; and / or the sending unit 130 is further used to send second capability information to the second communication device, where the second capability information indicates that the network where the first communication device is located supports non-real-time services.

[0323] In a possible implementation, whether the first information can be transmitted to the third communication device is determined based on information of the first communication device and information of the third communication device;

[0324] The information of the first communication device indicates flight information of the first communication device and / or a time when the first communication device can transmit and receive data. The information of the third communication device indicates a position of the third communication device and / or a time when the third communication device can transmit and receive data.

[0325] In a possible implementation, the flying device is a satellite, and the information of the first communication device includes at least one of the following: ephemeris data of the satellite, orbital altitude of the satellite, operating period of the satellite, number of satellites included in the constellation where the satellite is located, number of satellites connected to a ground station in the constellation where the satellite is located, position of the satellite, or operating hours of the satellite;

[0326] The third communication device is a ground station, and the information of the third communication device includes at least one of the following: the geographical location of the ground station, the altitude of the ground station, the speed of the ground station, or the operating time of the ground station; or

[0327] The third communication device is a terminal device, and the information of the third communication device includes at least one of the following: the periodic registration time of the terminal device, the deregistration time of the terminal device, the power saving information of the terminal device, the sleep time of the terminal device, the geographical location of the terminal device or the speed of the terminal device.

[0328] In a possible implementation, the information of the first communication device comes from at least one of the following: an application server, an OAM, and a unified data management UDM;

[0329] The third communication device is a ground station, and the information of the third communication device comes from at least one of the following: an application server, OAM, and UDM; or the third communication device is a terminal device, and the information of the third communication device comes from at least one of the following: the terminal device, OAM,

[0330] Application server, UDM.

[0331] For the specific description of the embodiment of FIG11 , reference can be made to the description of the embodiments of FIG4 to FIG10 , which will not be repeated here.

[0332] Please refer to Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device can be a second communication device, which can be applied to a terminal device or a network element in a terrestrial network. Exemplarily, the communication device can be a terminal device or a network element in a terrestrial network, or a device in a terminal device or a network element in a terrestrial network. For example, it can be a chip or chip module in a network element in the terminal device or the terrestrial network, or a device that can be matched with a terminal device or a network element in a terrestrial network. The communication device 200 shown in Figure 12 may include a first determination unit 210, a second determination unit 220, and a sending unit 230, wherein:

[0333] A first determining unit 210 is configured to determine first information to be sent;

[0334] a second determining unit 220 configured to determine whether a storage capacity provided by a network in which the first communication device resides is greater than or equal to a storage capacity corresponding to the first information; and / or determine whether a storage duration provided by the network in which the first communication device resides is greater than or equal to a storage duration corresponding to the first information; the first communication device being deployed in an aircraft;

[0335] The sending unit 230 is configured to send the first information to the first communication device.

[0336] In one possible implementation, the second determining unit 220 is further configured to determine that a storage capacity provided by the network where the first communication device is located is smaller than a storage capacity corresponding to the first information; and / or determine that a storage duration provided by the network where the first communication device is located is smaller than a storage duration corresponding to the first information;

[0337] The sending unit 230 is further configured to send the first information to a fifth communication device, where the fifth communication device and the first communication device are in different networks.

[0338] In a possible implementation, the first communication device includes at least one of the following network elements: a network element in a core network, a network element of an IP Multimedia Subsystem IMS network, an access network device, or other device with a store-and-forward function;

[0339] The network elements in the core network include at least one of the following: user plane function UPF, session management function SMF, access and mobility management function AMF, mobility management entity MME, short message service center SMSC, unified data management function UDM, authentication service function AUSF, policy control function PCF, serving gateway, packet data network PDN gateway;

[0340] The network elements of the IMS network include at least one of the following: an IMS access gateway IMS-AGW, a call session control function proxy P-CSCF, a service session control function proxy S-CSCF, and an IP short message gateway IP-SM-GW;

[0341] The second communication device is a terminal device or a network element located in a ground network.

[0342] In a possible implementation, the apparatus further includes:

[0343] a receiving unit, configured to receive storage control information, the storage control information including a first storage duration and / or a first storage capacity, the first storage duration being a storage duration that a network where the first communication device is located can provide for the first information, and the first storage capacity being a storage capacity that a network where the first communication device is located can provide for the first information;

[0344] The second determination unit is specifically used to determine whether the storage duration provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage duration corresponding to the first information based on the storage duration corresponding to the first information and the first storage duration; and / or, to determine whether the storage capacity provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage capacity corresponding to the first information based on the storage capacity corresponding to the first information and the first storage capacity.

[0345] In one possible implementation, the sending unit 230 is also used to send storage requirement information, and the storage requirement information includes storage time requirement information and / or storage space requirement information, the storage time requirement information indicates the storage duration corresponding to the first information, and the storage space requirement information indicates the storage capacity corresponding to the first information and / or the service identifier to which the first information belongs.

[0346] In a possible implementation, the receiving unit is further configured to receive store-and-forward service indication information, where the store-and-forward service indication information indicates at least one of the following:

[0347] whether the network where the first communication device is located can provide non-real-time services;

[0348] the available storage capacity that can be provided by the network where the first communication device is located;

[0349] the storage duration that can be provided by the network where the first communication device is located;

[0350] Determine, based on the storage duration corresponding to the first information and the storage duration that can be provided by the network where the first communication device is located, whether the storage duration provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage duration corresponding to the first information; and / or, based on the storage capacity corresponding to the first information and the available storage capacity that can be provided by the network where the first communication device is located, determine whether the storage capacity provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage capacity corresponding to the first information.

[0351] In a possible implementation, the sending unit 230 is further configured to send a capability request, where the capability request is used to request to obtain the store-and-forward service indication information.

[0352] In one possible implementation, the sending unit 230 is further used to send first capability information, where the first capability information indicates that the second communication device supports non-real-time services; and / or the receiving unit is further used to receive second capability information, where the second capability information indicates that the network where the first communication device is located supports non-real-time services.

[0353] For the specific description of the embodiment of FIG12 , reference can be made to the description of the embodiments of FIG4 to FIG10 , which will not be repeated here.

[0354] Please refer to Figure 13, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application, which is used to implement the functions of the first communication device or the second communication device or the third communication device or the fourth communication device or the fifth communication device in Figures 4 to 10 above. The communication device 300 can be a network element in a terminal device or a network, or can be a device for a network element in a terminal device or a network. The device for a network element in a terminal device or a network can be a chip system or a chip in a network element in a terminal device or a network. Among them, the chip system can be composed of chips, or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0355] The communication device 300 includes at least one processor 320 for implementing the data processing function of the first communication device or the second communication device or the third communication device or the fourth communication device or the fifth communication device in the method provided in the embodiment of the present application. The communication device 300 may also include a communication interface 310 for implementing the transceiver operation of the first communication device or the second communication device or the third communication device or the fourth communication device or the fifth communication device in the method provided in the embodiment of the present application. In the embodiment of the present application, the processor 320 may be a central processing unit (CPU), and the processor may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc. In the embodiment of the present application, the communication interface 310 may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module or other type of communication interface for communicating with other devices via a transmission medium. For example, the communication interface 310 is used for the communication device 300 to communicate with other devices. The processor 320 uses the communication interface 310 to send and receive data and is used to implement the methods described in Figures 4 to 10 of the above method embodiments.

[0356] The communication device 300 may also include at least one memory 330 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 330 is coupled to the processor 320. The coupling in the embodiments of the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, and is used for information exchange between the devices, units, or modules. The processor 320 may operate in conjunction with the memory 330. The processor 320 may execute program instructions stored in the memory 330. At least one of the at least one memory may be included in the processor.

[0357] When the communication device 300 is turned on, the processor 320 can read the software program in the memory 330, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be sent wirelessly, the processor 320 performs baseband processing on the data to be sent and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit (not shown in Figure 13). The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then transmits the radio frequency signal to the outside in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device 300, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 320. The processor 320 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0358] In another implementation, the RF circuit and antenna may be provided independently of the processor 320 that performs baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the RF circuit and antenna may be remotely located independent of the device.

[0359] The specific connection medium between the communication interface 310, processor 320, and memory 330 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In Figure 13, the embodiment of the present application shows that the memory 330, processor 320, and communication interface 310 are connected via a bus 340. The bus is represented by a bold line in Figure 13. The connection method between other components is only for schematic illustration and is not limiting. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, only one bold line is used in Figure 13, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0360] When the communication device 300 is specifically used in a terminal device, for example, when the communication device 300 is specifically a chip or a chip system, the communication interface 310 may output or receive a baseband signal. When the communication device 300 is specifically a terminal device, the communication interface 310 may output or receive a radio frequency signal.

[0361] It should be noted that the device can execute the relevant steps of the first communication device or the second communication device or the third communication device or the fourth communication device or the fifth communication device in the aforementioned method embodiment. For details, please refer to the implementation methods provided in the above steps, which will not be repeated here.

[0362] For each device or product applied to or integrated in the device, each module contained therein can be implemented by hardware such as circuits, and different modules can be located in the same component (for example, a chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components within the terminal device, or at least some of the modules can be implemented by a software program that runs on a processor integrated within the terminal device, and the remaining (if any) modules can be implemented by hardware such as circuits.

[0363] The memory may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. The non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAMbus RAM (DR RAM).

[0364] An embodiment of the present application provides a chip. The chip includes a processor and, optionally, a memory. The processor may be one or more, and the memory may be one or more. The processor reads instructions and data stored in the memory to execute the methods illustrated in Figures 4-10 and the steps performed in related embodiments.

[0365] As shown in Figure 14, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a module device provided in an embodiment of the present application, the module device 400 can execute the relevant steps of the first communication device, the second communication device, the third communication device, the fourth communication device, or the fifth communication device in the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0366] The module device 400 includes a communication module 410, a power module 420, a storage module 430, and a chip module 440. The power module 420 is used to provide power to the module device; the storage module 430 is used to store data and / or instructions; the communication module 410 is used to communicate with external devices; and the chip module 440 is used to access the data and / or instructions stored in the storage module 430. In conjunction with the communication module 410, the methods shown in Figures 4-10 and the steps performed in the related embodiments can be executed.

[0367] In an embodiment of the present application, a computer-readable storage medium is further provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, wherein the computer program includes program instructions. When an electronic device executes the program instructions, the electronic device implements the steps performed by the first communication device, the second communication device, the third communication device, the fourth communication device, or the fifth communication device in the methods shown in Figures 4 to 10 above.

[0368] The computer-readable storage medium may be an internal storage unit of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth communication device described in any of the aforementioned embodiments, such as a hard drive or memory of the device. The computer-readable storage medium may also be an external storage device of the terminal device or network device, such as a plug-in hard drive, a smart media card (SMC), a secure digital (SD) card, a flash card, etc. equipped on the device. Furthermore, the computer-readable storage medium may include both an internal storage unit and an external storage device of the terminal device or network device. The computer-readable storage medium is used to store the computer program and other programs and data required by the terminal device or network device. The computer-readable storage medium may also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or is to be output. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that contains a collection of one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., a high-density digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium. The semiconductor medium may be a solid-state drive.

[0369] Regarding the various modules / units contained in the various devices and products described in the above embodiments, they can be software modules / units, hardware modules / units, or partly software modules / units and partly hardware modules / units. For example, for various devices and products applied to or integrated in a chip, the various modules / units contained therein can all be implemented in the form of hardware such as circuits, or at least part of the modules / units can be implemented in the form of software programs, which run on the processor integrated inside the chip, and the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented in the form of hardware such as circuits; for various devices and products applied to or integrated in a chip module, the various modules / units contained therein can all be implemented in the form of hardware such as circuits, and different modules / units can be located in the same component of the chip module (such as a chip, circuit module, etc.) or in different components, or at least part of the modules / units can be implemented in the form of software programs. It can be implemented in the form of a software program that runs on a processor integrated inside the chip module, and the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented in the form of hardware such as circuits; for various devices and products applied to or integrated in the data acquisition node, the various modules / units contained therein can be implemented in the form of hardware such as circuits, and different modules / units can be located in the same component (for example, chip, circuit module, etc.) or different components in the terminal device, or at least some modules / units can be implemented in the form of a software program that runs on a processor integrated inside the data acquisition node, and the remaining (if any) modules / units can be implemented in the form of hardware such as circuits.

[0370] The above embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any other combination. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer program are loaded or executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center by wired or wireless means.

[0371] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0372] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed methods, devices, and systems can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic; for example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation; for example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0373] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0374] In addition, the functional units in various embodiments of the present invention may be integrated into a single processing unit, each unit may be physically included separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The aforementioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or hardware plus software functional units.

[0375] The above-mentioned integrated unit implemented in the form of a software functional unit can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The above-mentioned software functional unit stored in a storage medium includes a number of instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or gateway node, etc.) to perform some steps of the method described in various embodiments of the present invention.

[0376] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that all or part of the processes in the above-described method embodiments can be implemented by instructing related hardware through a computer program. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, the program can include the processes in the above-described method embodiments. The storage medium can be a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM), or a random access memory (RAM).

[0377] The above disclosure is only a preferred embodiment of the present application, and certainly cannot be used to limit the scope of rights of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can understand that all or part of the processes of the above embodiment and equivalent changes made in accordance with the claims of this application are still within the scope covered by the application.

Claims

1. An information transmission method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a first communication device, where the first communication device is deployed in an aircraft, and the method includes: receiving first information from a second communication device; determining that the first information cannot be transmitted to a third communication device, and storing the first information; When the first information can be transmitted to the third communication device, the first information is sent to the third communication device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first communication device includes at least one of the following network elements: a network element in a core network, a network element of an IP multimedia subsystem IMS network, an access network device, or other device with a store-and-forward function; The network elements in the core network include at least one of the following: user plane function UPF, session management function SMF, access and mobility management function AMF, mobile management entity MME, short message service center SMSC, unified data management function UDM, authentication service function AUSF, policy control function PCF, service gateway, packet data network PDN gateway; The network elements of the IMS network include at least one of the following: an IMS access gateway IMS-AGW, a call session control function proxy P-CSCF, a service session control function proxy S-CSCF, and an IP short message gateway IP-SM-GW; The second communication device is a terminal device, and the third communication device is a network element located in a ground network; or, the second communication device is a network element located in a ground network, and the third communication device is a terminal device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The storing of the first information comprises: The first information is stored according to storage control information, wherein the storage control information includes a first storage duration and / or a first storage capacity; the storage control information is determined by the first communication device, or the storage control information comes from a fourth communication device.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The first storage duration is determined based on at least one of the following: a duration during which information cannot be transmitted between the first communication device and the third communication device, storage duration information in contract data, a service requirement of the first information, and a storage duration corresponding to the first information, wherein the contract data includes contract data of a terminal device and / or service associated with the first information; The first storage capacity is determined based on at least one of the following: the service identifier associated with the first information, the service type associated with the first information, the service requirements of the first information, the storage capacity information in the contract data, the available storage capacity corresponding to the service identifier to which the first information belongs, and the storage capacity corresponding to the first information.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The fourth communication device includes at least one of the following: SMF, UPF, mobile management entity MME, AMF, short message service center SMSC, policy control function PCF, and operation management function OAM.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The storage control information is sent to the second communication device.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive storage requirement information from the second communication device, the storage requirement information including storage time requirement information and / or storage space requirement information, the storage time requirement information indicates the storage duration corresponding to the first information, and the storage space requirement information indicates the storage capacity corresponding to the first information and / or the service identifier to which the first information belongs.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that: When the first information can be transmitted to the third communication device, sending the first information to the third communication device comprises: If the duration of storing the first information is equal to the first storage duration, try to send the first information to the third communication device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Sending store-and-forward service indication information to the second communication device; The store-and-forward service indication information indicates at least one of the following: whether the network where the first communication device is located can provide non-real-time services; the available storage capacity that can be provided by the first communication device; The storage duration that the first communication device can provide.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: A capability request is received from the second communication device, where the capability request is used to request acquisition of the store-and-forward service indication information.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Receive first capability information from the second communication device, wherein the first capability information indicates that the second communication device supports non-real-time services; and / or send second capability information to the second communication device, wherein the second capability information indicates that a network where the first communication device is located supports non-real-time services.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: Whether the first information can be transmitted to the third communication device is determined based on information of the first communication device and information of the third communication device; The information of the first communication device indicates flight information of the first communication device and / or a time when the first communication device can send and receive data, and the information of the third communication device indicates a position of the third communication device and / or a time when the third communication device can send and receive data.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The flying device is a satellite, and the information of the first communication device includes at least one of the following: ephemeris data of the satellite, orbital altitude of the satellite, operation period of the satellite, number of satellites included in the constellation where the satellite is located, number of satellites connected to a ground station in the constellation where the satellite is located, position of the satellite, or working time of the satellite; The third communication device is a ground station, and the information of the third communication device includes at least one of the following: the geographical location of the ground station, the altitude of the ground station, the speed of the ground station, or the operating time of the ground station; or The third communication device is a terminal device, and the information of the third communication device includes at least one of the following: the periodic registration time of the terminal device, the deregistration time of the terminal device, the power saving information of the terminal device, the sleep time of the terminal device, the geographical location of the terminal device or the speed of the terminal device.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The information of the first communication device comes from at least one of the following: an application server, an OAM, and a unified data management UDM; The third communication device is a ground station, and the information of the third communication device comes from at least one of the following: an application server, OAM, and UDM; or the third communication device is a terminal device, and the information of the third communication device comes from at least one of the following: the terminal device, OAM, Application server, UDM.

15. An information transmission method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a second communication device, and the method includes: determining a first message to be sent; Determining that a storage capacity provided by a network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to a storage capacity corresponding to the first information; and / or determining that a storage duration provided by a network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to a storage duration corresponding to the first information; the first communication device is deployed in a flight device; The first information is sent to the first communication device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The method further comprises: Determining that a storage capacity provided by a network where the first communication device is located is smaller than a storage capacity corresponding to the first information; and / or determining that a storage duration provided by a network where the first communication device is located is smaller than a storage duration corresponding to the first information; The first information is sent to a fifth communication device, where the fifth communication device and the first communication device are in different networks.

17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The first communication device includes at least one of the following network elements: a network element in a core network, a network element of an IP multimedia subsystem IMS network, an access network device, or other device with a store-and-forward function; The network elements in the core network include at least one of the following: user plane function UPF, session management function SMF, access and mobility management function AMF, mobile management entity MME, short message service center SMSC, unified data management function UDM, authentication service function AUSF, policy control function PCF, service gateway, packet data network PDN gateway; The network elements of the IMS network include at least one of the following: IMS-AGW, P-CSCF, S-CSCF, IP-SM-GW; The second communication device is a terminal device or a network element located in a ground network.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that: The method further comprises: receiving storage control information, the storage control information including a first storage duration and / or a first storage capacity, the first storage duration being a storage duration that a network where the first communication device is located can provide for the first information, and the first storage capacity being a storage capacity that a network where the first communication device is located can provide for the first information; Based on the storage period corresponding to the first information and the first storage period, determine whether the storage period provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage period corresponding to the first information; and / or, based on the storage capacity corresponding to the first information and the first storage capacity, determine whether the storage capacity provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage capacity corresponding to the first information.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send storage requirement information, the storage requirement information including storage time requirement information and / or storage space requirement information, the storage time requirement information indicates the storage duration corresponding to the first information, and the storage space requirement information indicates the storage capacity corresponding to the first information and / or the service identifier to which the first information belongs.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Receive store-and-forward service indication information, where the store-and-forward service indication information indicates at least one of the following: whether the network where the first communication device is located can provide non-real-time services; The available storage capacity that can be provided by the network where the first communication device is located; The storage duration that can be provided by the network where the first communication device is located; Determine whether the storage time provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage time corresponding to the first information based on the storage time corresponding to the first information and the storage time that the network where the first communication device is located can provide; and / or determine whether the storage capacity provided by the network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to the storage capacity corresponding to the first information based on the storage capacity corresponding to the first information and the available storage capacity that the network where the first communication device is located can provide.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein: The method further comprises: Send a capability request, where the capability request is used to request to obtain the store-and-forward service indication information.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Sending first capability information, wherein the first capability information indicates that the second communication device supports non-real-time services; and / or receiving second capability information, wherein the second capability information indicates that the network where the first communication device is located supports non-real-time services.

23. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A receiving unit, configured to receive first information from a second communication device; a storage unit, configured to determine that the first information cannot be transmitted to a third communication device, and store the first information; A sending unit is used to send the first information to the third communication device when the first information can be transmitted to the third communication device.

24. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A first determining unit, used to determine first information to be sent; A second determining unit, configured to determine that a storage capacity provided by a network where the first communication device is located is greater than or equal to a storage capacity corresponding to the first information; and / or, determining that a storage duration provided by a network where a first communication device is located is greater than or equal to a storage duration corresponding to the first information; the first communication device is deployed in a flight device; A sending unit is used to send the first information to the first communication device.

25. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device includes a processor and a memory, and the processor and the memory are connected to each other, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the computer program includes program instructions. The processor calls the program instructions to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, or executes the method according to any one of claims 15 to 22.

26. A chip, characterized in that: The chip includes a processor and an interface, and the processor is coupled to the interface; the interface is used to receive or output signals, and the processor is used to execute code instructions, execute the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or execute the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 22.

27. A module device, characterized in that: The module device includes a communication module, a power module, a storage module and a chip module, wherein: The power module is used to provide electrical energy to the module device; The storage module is used to store data and / or instructions; The communication module is used to communicate with external devices; The chip module is used to call the data and / or instructions stored in the storage module to execute the method described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or to execute the method described in any one of claims 15 to 22.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, wherein the computer program includes program instructions. When a computer executes the program instructions, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14 is implemented; or the method according to any one of claims 15 to 22 is implemented.

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