Communication method and apparatus, and communication device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and discloses a communication method and apparatus, and a communication device. The communication method in embodiments of the present application comprises: a first core network function receives a first message from a first terminal, the first message being used for requesting to establish an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal; and the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access a network by means of a same satellite or different satellites.

Description

Communication method, device and communication equipment

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410042677.5 filed in China on January 10, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application belongs to the field of communication technology, and specifically relates to a communication method, apparatus, and communication equipment. Background Art

[0004] Related technologies propose a non-terrestrial network (NTN) scenario. In this scenario, the communication path for an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call between two user equipment (UE, also known as "terminals") is UE1-satellite-ground station-ground network-ground station-satellite-UE2. Since the satellite is far away from the ground, the communication path is long, which leads to a large call delay. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, apparatus, and communication device, which can solve the problem of long call delay caused by long communication paths in NTN scenarios in related technologies.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, performed by a first core network function, the method comprising:

[0007] The first core network function receives a first message from the first terminal, where the first message is used to request to establish an Internet Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with the second terminal;

[0008] The first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites.

[0009] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, performed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0010] The terminal sends a registration request to the first core network function, where the registration request includes a user identifier of the terminal, an Internet Protocol IP address, and domain information corresponding to the IP address.

[0011] In a third aspect, a communication device is provided, applied to a first core network function, the device including:

[0012] A first receiving unit is configured to receive a first message from a first terminal, wherein the first message is used to request to establish an Internet Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal;

[0013] The first processing unit is configured to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal access a network through the same satellite or different satellites.

[0014] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, applied to a terminal, the device comprising:

[0015] The first sending unit is configured to send a registration request to the first core network function, where the registration request includes a user identifier of the terminal, an Internet Protocol IP address, and domain information corresponding to the IP address.

[0016] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores programs or instructions that can be run on the processor, and when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the steps of the method described in the first aspect are implemented, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect are implemented.

[0017] In a sixth aspect, a network-side device is provided, comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to: receive a first message from a first terminal, the first message being used to request establishment of an Internet Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal, and the processor being used to: determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites.

[0018] In the seventh aspect, a terminal is provided, comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to: send a registration request to a first core network function, the registration request comprising a user identifier of the terminal, an Internet Protocol IP address and domain information corresponding to the IP address.

[0019] In an eighth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided, on which a program or instruction is stored. When the program or instruction is executed by a processor, the steps of the method described in the first aspect are implemented, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect are implemented.

[0020] In a ninth aspect, a wireless communication system is provided, comprising: a network side device and a terminal, wherein the network side device can be used to execute the steps of the method described in the first aspect, and the terminal can be used to execute the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0021] In the tenth aspect, a chip is provided, which includes a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface and the processor are coupled, and the processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the method as described in the first aspect, or to implement the method as described in the second aspect.

[0022] In the eleventh aspect, a computer program / program product is provided, which is stored in a storage medium and is executed by at least one processor to implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or to implement the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present application, a first core network function receives a first message from a first terminal, the first message being used to request establishment of an IMS call with a second terminal. The first core network function then determines whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network via the same satellite or different satellites. Thus, if it is determined that the two UEs access the network via the same satellite, a UE-satellite-UE (USU) call can be established between the two UEs. Compared to related technologies, USU calls have a shorter communication path, thereby reducing call latency between the two UEs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG2 is an IMS call flow chart in the related art;

[0026] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG4 is a second flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG5 is a flow chart of Example 1 provided in the embodiments of the present application;

[0029] FIG6 is a flow chart of Example 2 provided in the embodiments of the present application;

[0030] FIG7 is a flow chart of Example 3 provided in the embodiments of the present application;

[0031] FIG8 is a structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG9 is a second structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG10 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a network-side device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0037] The terms "first", "second", etc. in this application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the terms used in this way are interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same type, and do not limit the number of objects, for example, the first object can be one or more. In addition, "or" in this application represents at least one of the connected objects. For example, "A or B" covers three options, namely, Option 1: including A but not including B; Option 2: including B but not including A; Option 3: including both A and B. The character " / " generally indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0038] The term "indication" in this application can be either a direct indication (or explicit indication) or an indirect indication (or implicit indication). A direct indication can be understood as the sender explicitly informing the receiver of specific information, the operation to be performed, or the requested result, etc. in the instruction sent; an indirect indication can be understood as the receiver determining the corresponding information based on the instruction sent by the sender, or making a judgment and determining the operation to be performed or the requested result, etc. based on the judgment result.

[0039] It is worth noting that the technology described in the embodiments of the present application is not limited to the Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) system, but can also be used in other wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-carrier Frequency-Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) or other systems. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application are often used interchangeably, and the technology described can be used for the systems and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as for other systems and radio technologies. The following description describes a New Radio (NR) system for illustrative purposes, and NR terminology is used in most of the following description, but these technologies can also be applied to systems other than NR systems, such as 6th generation (6G) systems. th Generation, 6G) communication system.

[0040] FIG1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application. The wireless communication system includes a terminal 11 and a network-side device 12. The terminal 11 may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (Tablet Personal Computer), a laptop computer (Laptop Computer), a notebook computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld computer, a netbook, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a mobile internet device (MID), an augmented reality (AR), a virtual reality (VR) device, a robot, a wearable device (Wearable Device), an aircraft (Flight Vehicle), a vehicle-mounted device (VUE), a ship-mounted device, a pedestrian user equipment (PUE), a smart home (home appliances with wireless communication capabilities, such as refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, or furniture), a game console, a personal computer (PC), an ATM, or a self-service machine, or other terminal-side devices. Wearable devices include: smart watches, smart bracelets, smart headphones, smart glasses, smart jewelry (smart bracelets, smart bracelets, smart rings, smart necklaces, smart anklets, smart anklets, etc.), smart wristbands, smart clothing, etc. Among them, the vehicle-mounted device can also be called a vehicle-mounted terminal, a vehicle-mounted controller, a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted component, a vehicle-mounted chip or a vehicle-mounted unit, etc. In addition to the above-mentioned terminal devices, it can also be a chip in the terminal, such as a modem chip, a system-on-chip (SoC). It should be noted that the specific type of the terminal 11 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. The network side device 12 may include an access network device or a core network device, wherein the access network device may also be called a radio access network (RAN) device, a radio access network function or a radio access network unit. The access network device may include a base station, a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) node, etc.Among them, the base station can be referred to as Node B (NB), Evolved Node B (eNB), the next generation Node B (gNB), New Radio Node B (NR Node B), access point, Relay Base Station (RBS), Serving Base Station (SBS), Base Transceiver Station (BTS), radio base station, radio transceiver, Basic Service Set (BSS), Extended Service Set (ESS), Home Node B (HNB), Home evolved Node B (home evolved Node B), Transmission Reception Point (TRP) or other appropriate terms in the relevant field. As long as the same technical effect is achieved, the base station is not limited to specific technical vocabulary. It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the base station in the NR system is mainly introduced as an example, and the specific type of the base station is not limited.

[0041] The core network equipment may include but is not limited to at least one of the following: core network node, core network function, mobility management entity (MME), access mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), user plane function (UPF), policy control function (PCF), policy and charging rules function unit (PCRF), edge application service discovery function (EASDF), unified data management (UDM), unified data repository (UDR), home subscriber server (HSS), centralized network configuration (CNC), network storage function (NRF), network exposure function (NEF), local NEF (L-NEF), binding support function (BSF), application function ( It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present application, the core network device in the NR system is mainly introduced as an example, and the specific type of the core network device is not limited.

[0042] The following is a brief introduction to the IMS call process in related technologies.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the IMS call process includes the following steps:

[0044] 1. UE1 registers with the IMS. The registration message contains the user identifier of UE1, for example, the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) and the IP address (denoted as IP1) assigned to UE1 by the 5th-Generation (5G) network.

[0045] If IP1 is a private network IP address, when the UPF receives the IP packet containing the IMS registration message, it performs a Network Address Translation (NAT) function on the IP packet header and replaces IP1 with a public network IP1.

[0046] 2. The Proxy-Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) forwards the IMS registration message to the Serving-Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF).

[0047] If IP1 is a private IP address, the P-CSCF senses that the UE is behind NAT and changes the private IP address in the registration message to a public IP address.

[0048] 3. The S-CSCF responds with a 200 OK message, completing the registration process.

[0049] 4. The P-CSCF records the association or correspondence between UE1's SIP URI and IP1.

[0050] If IP1 is a private network address, the P-CSCF also records the address of the public network IP1, that is, records the association or correspondence between the SIP URI, the private network IP1, and the public network IP1.

[0051] 5. The P-CSCF responds with a 200 OK message to UE1.

[0052] UE2 registers with the IMS in the same way.

[0053] 6. UE1 sends a call request (invite) message to UE2, which includes the following content:

[0054] UE2's SIP URI;

[0055] UE1's SIP URI;

[0056] Access network information (P-Access-Network-Info), including the cell global identity (CGI);

[0057] Session Description Protocol (SDP) offer.

[0058] CGI is the globally unique identifier of the cell where the UE resides. When the cell is a 5G cell, it is the NR Cell Global Identifier (NCGI). When the cell is a 4G cell, it is the Evolved-Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access Network Cell Global Identifier (E-Utran Cell Global Identifier, ECGI).

[0059] 7. The P-CSCF sends an invite message to the S-CSCF.

[0060] If IP1 is a private IP, the P-CSCF instructs the Access Gateway (AGW) to allocate a corresponding public IP to the private IP.

[0061] 8-9. The invite message is routed to UE2.

[0062] 10. UE2 replies with a 183 response message, which carries an SDP answer.

[0063] 11-12. The 183 message is sent to the P-CSCF.

[0064] 13. Based on the SDP offer and SDP answer, the P-CSCF generates media information (media info) and flow description (fDescs) for the voice media. fDescs contains the calling and called IP addresses and port numbers for the voice media. The P-CSCF may include the media information and fDescs in an HTTP POST request message sent to the PCF.

[0065] If both UE1 and UE2 have public IP addresses, fDescs contains the public IP addresses of the calling and called UEs.

[0066] If UE1 has a private IP address, the fDescs contains the private IP address and port number of UE1 and the public IP address and port number of AGW.

[0067] 14. The PCF sends a message to the SMF, instructing it to establish a voice Quality of Service (QoS) flow. This message carries a service data flow template, which the PCF generates based on fDescs. This message can be, for example, a PCF-initiated SM policy association modification message.

[0068] 15.SMF sends an N4 session establishment request message to UPF.

[0069] 16.SMF sends a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) Session Modification command to AMF to establish a voice QoS flow.

[0070] 17.AMF sends a PDU session modification command to UE1 to establish a voice QoS flow.

[0071] It should be noted that the voice QoS flow can be understood as a QoS flow used to transmit voice media. The QoS level corresponding to this QoS flow is 1.

[0072] 18.UE1 replies with a response message, completing the establishment of the voice QoS flow.

[0073] 19. After the P-CSCF determines that the voice QoS flow of UE1 is successfully established, it sends a 183 response message to UE1.

[0074] 20-23. The user of UE2 answers the call, and UE2 replies with a 200 OK message, which is routed to UE1.

[0075] In related technologies, in an NTN scenario, the communication path for an IMS call between two UEs is UE1-satellite-ground station-terrestrial network (e.g., 5G UPF)-ground station-satellite-UE2. Because the satellite is far from the ground, this communication path is long, resulting in significant call latency and impacting the user experience. One solution is to place the UPF on the satellite. In this way, when two UEs access the network via the same satellite, they can conduct a UE-satellite-UE (USU) call. USU calls can shorten the communication path between the two UEs, thereby reducing call latency and improving the user experience.

[0076] It should be noted that in this application, USU call can also be understood or replaced by USU communication (communicate), and the following will not be repeated.

[0077] However, in the above-mentioned IMS call establishment process, it is impossible to determine whether the two UEs access the network through the same satellite, so USU calls cannot be realized, and the problem of long call delays caused by long communication paths in the NTN scenario of related technologies cannot be solved.

[0078] Based on this, the embodiments of the present application propose a communication method, apparatus, and related equipment, which can solve the problem of long call delays caused by long communication paths in NTN scenarios of related technologies.

[0079] The communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0080] FIG3 shows a flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG3 , the communication method includes the following steps:

[0081] Step 301: A first core network function receives a first message from a first terminal, where the first message is used to request to establish an IMS call with a second terminal.

[0082] Step 302: The first core network function determines whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites.

[0083] In the embodiment of the present application, the first terminal is a calling terminal and the second terminal is a called terminal. For the convenience of description, the first terminal can be represented as UE1 and the second terminal can be represented as UE2.

[0084] The first core network function may be, for example, a P-CSCF, and the relevant steps involved in the embodiment of the present application may be understood as the part of establishing an IMS call in the entire IMS call process.

[0085] The first message may be referred to as a call request message, and the content included in the first message may be the same as or different from the content of the invite message in the related art.

[0086] Exemplarily, the first message may include a user identifier corresponding to UE1 (referred to as the first user identifier) ​​and a user identifier corresponding to UE2 (referred to as the second user identifier). The first user identifier may be, for example, the SIP URI of UE1, and the second user identifier may be, for example, the SIP URI of UE2. The first message may also include P-Access-Network-Info and an SDP offer. Different from the P-Access-Network-Info in the related art, the P-Access-Network-Info in the embodiment of the present application may include 3GPP-NR-SAT in addition to the CGI of UE1. 3GPP-NR-SAT is used to indicate that the UE is connected to the network via a satellite.

[0087] After receiving the first message, the first core network function determines whether UE1 and UE2 access the network via the same satellite or different satellites, thereby determining what subsequent operations to perform. For example, if the first core network function determines that UE1 and UE2 access the network via the same satellite, the first core network function may perform the operations required for the USU call; otherwise, it may perform other operations. Therefore, the first core network function determining whether UE1 and UE2 access the network via the same satellite or different satellites is conducive to implementing a USU call between the two UEs, thereby shortening the communication path of the call and reducing call latency.

[0088] It should be noted that the phrase "the first core network function determines whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network via the same satellite or different satellites" can be replaced with "the first core network function determines whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network via the same satellite." The word "determine" can be replaced with words of similar meaning, such as "judge," "determine," "decide," and "verify."

[0089] It should be noted that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite, which can be understood as the satellite containing a base station function, the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to the base station in the same satellite, and connected to the 5G core network, 4G core network or IMS network through the base station; or, the first terminal and the second terminal are under the same satellite (under the same satellite) or under the same satellite (under the coverage of one serving satellite), and are both connected to the 5G core network, 4G core network or IMS network through the base station contained in the satellite.

[0090] It should be noted that "accessing the network through different satellites" can be replaced by "accessing the network through different satellites." The first terminal and the second terminal accessing the network through different satellites can be understood as: the first terminal and the second terminal both access the network through satellites, but the first terminal and the second terminal are connected to different satellites; or, only one of the first terminal and the second terminal accesses the network through a satellite, and the other accesses the network through a ground base station.

[0091] The first core network function can determine whether UE1 and UE2 access the network through the same satellite or different satellites based on the first message, or can determine whether UE1 and UE2 access the network through the same satellite or different satellites based on other methods. The specific determination method will be explained later.

[0092] In this embodiment of the present application, a first core network function receives a first message from a first terminal, the first message being used to request an IMS call with a second terminal. The first core network function then determines whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network via the same satellite or different satellites. Thus, if it is determined that the two UEs access the network via the same satellite, a USU call can be established between the two UEs. Compared to related technologies, the USU call has a shorter communication path, thereby reducing call latency between the two UEs.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites, including:

[0094] In a case where the first message includes first information, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access a network through the same satellite or different satellites;

[0095] The first information is used to instruct the first terminal to access a network via a satellite.

[0096] The first information may be, for example, 3GPP-NR-SAT in P-Access-Network-Info.

[0097] If the first message includes the first information, it indicates that the calling terminal accesses the network via a satellite. In this case, it is necessary to determine whether the calling terminal and the called terminal access the network via the same satellite. If the first message does not include the first information, it indicates that the calling terminal may not access the network via a satellite. In this case, it is possible that it is not necessary to determine whether the calling terminal and the called terminal access the network via the same satellite.

[0098] Therefore, in this implementation, the first core network function can first determine whether the first message includes the first information, and if the first message includes the first information, then determine whether UE1 and UE2 access the network through the same satellite. This can avoid the first core network function from performing unnecessary related processing, thereby reducing unnecessary waste of resources.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites, including:

[0100] When determining that the satellite where the first terminal is located includes a UPF, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites.

[0101] Here, the satellite where UE1 is located including (or having) a UPF means that the UPF is placed or deployed on the satellite where UE1 is located. As mentioned above, the satellite where UE1 is located including a UPF is a condition that UE1 can conduct USU calls with other UEs located on the satellite.

[0102] Therefore, in this implementation, the first core network function can first determine whether the satellite where UE1 is located contains UPF. If the satellite where UE1 is located contains UPF, it can then determine whether UE1 and UE2 access the network through the same satellite. This can avoid the first core network function from performing unnecessary related processing, thereby reducing unnecessary waste of resources.

[0103] It should be noted that the satellite where UE1 is located can also be understood as a satellite including a base station function, and UE1 is connected to the base station on the satellite.

[0104] In some embodiments, the method further comprises at least one of the following:

[0105] Upon receiving the second information from the second core network function, the first core network function determines that the satellite where the first terminal is located includes a UPF;

[0106] In a case where the first message includes the second information, the first core network function determines that the satellite where the first terminal is located includes a UPF;

[0107] The second information is used to indicate that the satellite includes a UPF.

[0108] The second core network function may be, for example, a PCF.

[0109] The second information may be a separate piece of information or a part of other information. Here, the other information may be, for example, information indicating a radio access technology (RAT) type.

[0110] In the related art, RAT type may include, for example, "NR(LEO)", "NR(MEO)" and "NR(GEO)", where LEO stands for Low Earth Orbit, MEO stands for Medium Earth Orbit, and GEO stands for Geostationary Earth Orbit.

[0111] In this embodiment of the present application, when the second information is part of the information indicating the RAT type, the information indicating the RAT type may include, for example, "NR with UPF (LEO)", "NR with UPF (MEO)" and "NR with UPF (GEO)".

[0112] In some embodiments, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites, including:

[0113] The first core network function obtains third information, and the first core network function obtains fourth information;

[0114] The first core network function determines, based on the third information and the fourth information, that the first terminal and the second terminal access a network through the same satellite or different satellites;

[0115] The third information is information related to the first terminal, and the fourth information is information related to the second terminal.

[0116] This embodiment provides a solution for determining whether UE1 and UE2 access the network through the same satellite or different satellites based on information related to UE1 and UE2.

[0117] This solution requires the first core network function to obtain information related to UE1 (ie, the third information) and information related to UE2 (ie, the fourth information). The following are optional ways for the first core network function to obtain the third information and the fourth information.

[0118] Optionally, the first core network function obtains the third information, including at least one of the following:

[0119] The first core network function obtains third information based on the first message;

[0120] The first core network function obtains third information from the second core network function.

[0121] Optionally, the first core network function obtains the fourth information, including at least one of the following:

[0122] The first core network function obtains fourth information based on the first message;

[0123] The first core network function obtains fourth information based on the second message from the second terminal;

[0124] The first core network function obtains fourth information from the second core network function.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first message includes a first user identifier and a second user identifier, the first user identifier is a user identifier corresponding to the first terminal, and the second user identifier is a user identifier corresponding to the second terminal;

[0126] The first core network function acquiring third information based on the first message includes:

[0127] The first core network function obtains a first IP address based on the first user identifier, where the first IP address is an IP address associated with the first user identifier and the first IP address is third information;

[0128] The first core network function acquiring fourth information based on the first message includes:

[0129] The first core network function obtains a second IP address based on the second user identifier, where the second IP address is an IP address associated with the second user identifier, and the second IP address is fourth information.

[0130] This implementation manner is that the first core network function determines whether different UEs access the network through the same satellite according to the IP address of the UE.

[0131] The UE's IP address can be understood as UE-related information. In this embodiment, the first core network function can obtain the IP address of UE1 (i.e., the first IP address, which can be recorded as IP1) and the IP address of UE2 (i.e., the second IP address, which can be recorded as IP2) based on the first user identifier and the second user identifier carried in the first message.

[0132] Exemplarily, the first user identifier is the SIP URI of UE1, and the second user identifier is the SIP URI of UE2.

[0133] The premise of this implementation is that before this, UE1 and UE2 are both registered to the IMS network through the first core network function, and the first core network function pre-saves the association or correspondence between UE1's SIP URI and IP address, as well as the association or correspondence between UE2's SIP URI and IP address.

[0134] Optionally, the first core network function determines, based on the third information and the fourth information, that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites, including at least one of the following:

[0135] The first core network function determines, based on the IP address range corresponding to the first IP address and the IP address range corresponding to the second IP address, that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites;

[0136] The first core network function determines, based on the domain information corresponding to the first IP address and the domain information corresponding to the second IP address, that the first terminal and the second terminal access a network through the same satellite or different satellites;

[0137] The first core network function determines whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites based on the satellite identifier corresponding to the first IP address and the satellite identifier corresponding to the second IP address.

[0138] That is to say, when the first core network function obtains the IP addresses of UE1 and UE2, it can determine whether UE1 and UE2 access the network through the same satellite based on the IP address range (IP range) of the first IP address and the second IP address, or determine whether UE1 and UE2 access the network through the same satellite based on the domain information (realm) of the first IP address and the second IP address, or determine whether UE1 and UE2 access the network through the same satellite based on the satellite identifiers corresponding to the first IP address and the second IP address.

[0139] It should be noted that the UE may carry a private IP address or a public IP address when registering with the IMS. The UE may also carry the realm information corresponding to the IP address when registering with the IMS, and the first core network function may save the realm information corresponding to the IP address. In other words, the first IP address (and the second IP address) may be a public IP address or a private IP address. If UE1 uses a private IP address when registering with the IMS, the first core network function can obtain the public IP address corresponding to the private IP address, or obtain the domain information corresponding to the private IP address. The same applies to UE2.

[0140] Optionally, the first core network function determines, based on an IP address range corresponding to the first IP address and an IP address range corresponding to the second IP address, that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites, including:

[0141] When the IP address range corresponding to the first IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the second IP address, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite.

[0142] Optionally, the first core network function determines, based on the domain information corresponding to the first IP address and the domain information corresponding to the second IP address, that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites, including:

[0143] When the domain information corresponding to the first IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the second IP address, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite.

[0144] Optionally, the first core network function determines, according to the satellite identifier corresponding to the first IP address and the satellite identifier (satellite ID) corresponding to the second IP address, that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites, including:

[0145] When the satellite identifier corresponding to the first IP address is the same as the satellite identifier corresponding to the second IP address, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite.

[0146] In some embodiments, the first message includes a first CGI and the second message includes a second CGI;

[0147] The first core network function acquiring third information based on the first message includes:

[0148] The first core network function obtains the first CGI based on the first message, where the first CGI is third information;

[0149] The first core network function acquiring fourth information based on the second message includes:

[0150] The first core network function obtains the second CGI based on the second message, where the second CGI is fourth information.

[0151] In this embodiment, the first core network function obtains the CGI from the UE message and determines whether UE1 and UE2 access the network via the same satellite based on the CGI. In this embodiment, the first core network function trusts the message from the UE and uses the message from the UE as the basis for determining whether different UEs access the network via the same satellite.

[0152] The UE CGI can be understood as UE-related information. In this embodiment, the first core network function can obtain the CGI of UE1 (ie, the first CGI) and the CGI of UE2 (ie, the second CGI) based on the first message from UE1 and the second message from UE2.

[0153] The second message of UE2 may be, for example, a 183 response message replied by UE2. Exemplarily, the second message may include P-Access-Network-Info: 3GPP-NR-SAT, CGI.

[0154] Optionally, the first core network function determines, according to the third information and the fourth information, that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites, including:

[0155] When both the first message and the second message include the first information, the first core network function determines, based on the third information and the fourth information, whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites;

[0156] The first information in the first message is used to instruct the first terminal to access a network via a satellite;

[0157] The first information in the second message is used to instruct the second terminal to access a network via a satellite.

[0158] The first information may be, for example, 3GPP-NR-SAT in P-Access-Network-Info.

[0159] If both the first message and the second message include the first information, it indicates that both the calling terminal and the called terminal access the network via satellite. In this case, it is necessary to determine whether the calling terminal and the called terminal access the network via the same satellite. Otherwise, it may not be necessary to determine whether the calling terminal and the called terminal access the network via the same satellite.

[0160] Therefore, in this implementation, the first core network function can first determine whether the first message and the second message both include the first information. If both the first message and the second message include the first information, it can then determine whether UE1 and UE2 access the network through the same satellite. This can avoid the first core network function from performing unnecessary related processing, thereby reducing unnecessary waste of resources.

[0161] Optionally, the first core network function determines, according to the third information and the fourth information, that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites, including:

[0162] When the first CGI is the same as the second CGI, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite; or

[0163] In a case where the base station corresponding to the first CGI is the same as the base station corresponding to the second CGI, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite; or

[0164] When the satellite corresponding to the first CGI is the same as the satellite corresponding to the second CGI, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite.

[0165] It should be noted that the CGI includes the base station identifier, and the first core network device can obtain the base station identifier through the CGI.

[0166] The base station corresponding to the first CGI is the same as the base station corresponding to the second CGI, which can be understood or replaced by the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is the same as the base station identifier corresponding to the second CGI.

[0167] The satellite corresponding to the first CGI is the same as the satellite corresponding to the second CGI, which can be understood or replaced by the satellite identifier corresponding to the first CGI is the same as the satellite identifier corresponding to the second CGI.

[0168] Exemplarily, if the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is the same as the base station identifier corresponding to the second CGI, it can be considered that the base station corresponding to the first CGI is the same as the base station corresponding to the second CGI.

[0169] For example, if the satellite identifier corresponding to the first CGI is the same as the satellite identifier corresponding to the second CGI, it can be considered that the satellite corresponding to the first CGI is the same as the satellite corresponding to the second CGI.

[0170] In some embodiments, the first message includes a first user identifier and a second user identifier, the first user identifier is a user identifier corresponding to the first terminal, and the second user identifier is a user identifier corresponding to the second terminal;

[0171] The first core network function obtaining the third information from the second core network function includes:

[0172] The first core network function obtains a first IP address based on the first user identifier, where the first IP address is the IP address associated with the first SIP URI;

[0173] The first core network function sends the first IP address to the second core network function;

[0174] The first core network function receives a third CGI from the second core network function, where the third CGI is third information;

[0175] The first core network function obtaining fourth information from the second core network function includes:

[0176] The first core network function obtains a second IP address based on the second user identifier, where the second IP address is an IP address associated with the second user identifier;

[0177] The first core network function sends the second IP address to the second core network function;

[0178] The first core network function receives a fourth CGI from the second core network function, where the fourth CGI is fourth information.

[0179] In this embodiment, the first core network function obtains the CGI from the second core network function (e.g., PCF) and determines, based on the CGI, whether UE1 and UE2 access the network via the same satellite or different satellites. In this embodiment, the first core network function trusts the second core network function and uses the CGIs of different UEs obtained from the second core network function as a basis for determining whether different UEs access the network via the same satellite.

[0180] In this embodiment, the process of the first core network function obtaining the CGI from the second core network function may be as follows: the first core network function first obtains IP1 corresponding to UE1 and IP2 corresponding to UE2 respectively based on the stored association between the user identifier and the IP address. The first core network function uses IP1 to obtain the CGI of UE1 from the second core network function. Optionally, the first core network function also obtains the RAT type of UE1 from the second core network function. Correspondingly, the first core network function uses IP2 to obtain the CGI of UE2 from the second core network function. Optionally, the first core network function also obtains the RAT type of UE2 from the second core network function.

[0181] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the first core network function may obtain the CGI of only one UE from the second core network function, and the CGI of the other UE may be obtained from the message of the UE. For example, the first core network function obtains the CGI of UE1 from the second core network function and obtains the CGI of UE2 from the response message of UE2; or, the first core network function obtains the CGI of UE2 from the second core network function and obtains the CGI of UE1 from the first message of UE1.

[0182] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0183] The first core network function receives fifth information from the second core network function and sixth information from the second core network function, the fifth information including the RAT type corresponding to the first IP address, and the sixth information including the RAT type corresponding to the second IP address;

[0184] The first core network function determining, based on the third information and the fourth information, that the first terminal and the second terminal access a network through the same satellite or different satellites includes:

[0185] When the RAT type included in the fifth information is the same as the RAT type included in the sixth information, the first core network function determines, based on the third information and the fourth information, whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites.

[0186] Here, the fifth information and the sixth information are the above-mentioned information for indicating the RAT type.

[0187] If the RAT types of UE1 and UE2 are the same, it indicates that the calling party and the called party may access the network through the same satellite. In this case, there is a need to determine whether the calling party and the called party access the network through the same satellite. If the RAT types of UE1 and UE2 are different, it indicates that the calling party and the called party cannot access the network through the same satellite. In this case, there is no need to determine whether the calling party and the called party access the network through the same satellite.

[0188] Therefore, in this implementation, when the first core network function obtains the RAT types of UE1 and UE2 from the second core network function, it can first determine whether the RAT types of UE1 and UE2 are the same. If the RAT types of UE1 and UE2 are the same, it can then determine whether UE1 and UE2 access the network through the same satellite. This can avoid unnecessary related processing by the first core network function, thereby reducing unnecessary waste of resources.

[0189] Optionally, the first core network function determines, according to the third information and the fourth information, that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites, including:

[0190] When the third CGI is the same as the fourth CGI, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite; or

[0191] In a case where the base station corresponding to the third CGI is the same as the base station corresponding to the fourth CGI, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite; or

[0192] In a case where the satellite corresponding to the third CGI is the same as the satellite corresponding to the fourth CGI, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite.

[0193] Exemplarily, if the base station identifier corresponding to the third CGI is the same as the base station identifier corresponding to the fourth CGI, it can be considered that the base station corresponding to the third CGI is the same as the base station corresponding to the fourth CGI.

[0194] For example, if the satellite identifier corresponding to the third CGI is the same as the satellite identifier corresponding to the fourth CGI, it can be considered that the satellite corresponding to the third CGI is the same as the satellite corresponding to the fourth CGI.

[0195] The above describes how the first core network function determines whether UE1 and UE2 access the network through the same satellite or different satellites. The following describes subsequent operations performed by the first core network function.

[0196] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0197] The first core network function performs the first operation or the second operation when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite.

[0198] The first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0199] It is forbidden to add AGW to the media path;

[0200] Add the first AGW to the media path;

[0201] Send the seventh information to the second core network function.

[0202] The second operation includes at least one of the following:

[0203] Remove the second AGW from the media path;

[0204] Replace the first AGW with the second AGW;

[0205] Send the seventh information to the second core network function.

[0206] The first AGW is the AGW of the target satellite, and the target satellite is the satellite where UE1 and UE2 are located.

[0207] The second AGW is a ground AGW.

[0208] It should be noted that the ground AGW can be understood as the AGW deployed on the ground.

[0209] The seventh information is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite, or indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal are under the same satellite (under the same satellite) or under the coverage of one serving satellite, or indicate that local switching is performed on the first terminal and the second terminal, or indicate that local switching is performed. Both the first operation and the second operation include related operations for the AGW.

[0210] It should be noted that local switching can also be understood or replaced by local routing (Local Routing), and the following description will be omitted.

[0211] The premise for prohibiting (which can be understood as not adding) AGW to the media path may be that the first core network function does not support the optimal media routing (OMR) feature for AGW, or does not support the loopback routing (Loopback routing via an intermediate network) feature.

[0212] Exemplarily, when the first terminal or the second terminal uses a private IP address, the first core network function may prohibit adding the AGW to the media path.

[0213] The prerequisite for adding the first AGW to the media path is that both the target satellite and the ground have AGWs. For example, if the target satellite includes AGW functionality, the first AGW is added to the media path. If the first core network function determines that UE1 and UE2 access the network via different satellites, the first core network function adds the ground AGW (i.e., the second AGW) to the media path.

[0214] It should be noted that UE1 and UE2 access the network through different satellites, which can be understood as UE1 and UE2 both access the network through satellites, but UE1 and UE2 access different satellites; or, only one of UE1 and UE2 accesses the network through satellites.

[0215] The timing of executing the first core network function sending the seventh information to the second core network function (such as PCF) may be later than the timing of executing the other first operations. For example, the other first operations may be executed after sending the invite message to the third core network function, and the operation of sending the seventh information may be executed after the third core network function replies with the 183 response message.

[0216] Exemplarily, when the first terminal or the second terminal uses a private IP address, the second AGW is deleted from the media path.

[0217] Exemplarily, in the case where the target satellite includes an AGW function, the first AGW is replaced by the second AGW.

[0218] By performing the first operation or the second operation, local routing can be achieved through the satellite's AGW, thereby shortening the call delay.

[0219] Optionally, performing the first operation includes:

[0220] If the first core network function does not add the AGW to the media path, perform the first operation.

[0221] Optionally, performing the second operation includes:

[0222] In a case where the first core network function has added the first AGW to the media path, the second operation is performed.

[0223] When it is determined that UE1 and UE2 access the network through the same satellite, whether the first core network function performs the first operation or the second operation can be determined according to the specific scheme of the first core network function determining whether UE1 and UE2 access the network through the same satellite or different satellites. The following describes the following situations:

[0224] Case 1: If the first core network function determines whether different UEs access the network through the same satellite based on the IP address of the UE, the first core network function may perform the first operation.

[0225] Case 2: If the first core network function obtains the CGI from the UE message and determines according to the CGI whether UE1 and UE2 access the network through the same satellite or different satellites, the first core network function may perform the second operation.

[0226] Case 3: If the first core network function obtains the CGI from the second core network function and determines, based on the CGI, whether UE1 and UE2 access the network through the same satellite or different satellites, the first core network function may perform the first operation.

[0227] Case 4: If the first core network function obtains the satellite identifier from the second core network function and determines, based on the satellite identifier, whether UE1 and UE2 access the network through the same satellite or different satellites, the first core network function may perform the first operation.

[0228] The first operation can be performed in Cases 1, 3, and 4 because in these three cases, the first core network function has already determined whether different UEs access the network through the same satellite before sending the invite message to the third core network function (such as the S-CSCF). At this time, the first core network function has not yet performed the operation of adding the AGW to the media path. In Case 3, the first core network function determines whether different UEs access the network through the same satellite after sending the invite message to the third core network function. At this time, the first core network function has already performed the operation of adding the ground AGW to the media path in accordance with relevant technologies.

[0229] In summary, in the embodiment of the present application, determining through the first core network function whether UE1 and UE2 access the network through the same satellite or different satellites is conducive to realizing USU calls between the two UEs, thereby shortening the communication path of the call and reducing the call delay.

[0230] The above are the relevant behaviors on the first core network function side. The following describes the relevant behaviors on the terminal side.

[0231] FIG4 shows a flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG4 , the communication method includes the following steps:

[0232] Step 401: The terminal sends a registration request to the first core network function, where the registration request includes a user identifier corresponding to the terminal, an IP address, and domain information corresponding to the IP address.

[0233] The terminal here can be any terminal, which can be UE1 in the first core network function side embodiment or UE2 in the first core network function side embodiment.

[0234] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0235] The terminal receives a fourth message from the first core network function, where the fourth message is used to request establishment of an IMS call;

[0236] The terminal sends a second message to the first core network function, where the second message includes at least one of the CGI and first information, and the first information is used to instruct the terminal to access the network via a satellite.

[0237] The terminal here can be understood as UE2 in the first core network function side embodiment, that is, the called terminal.

[0238] For the relevant description of the embodiments of the present application, please refer to the relevant description of the method embodiment of Figure 3, and the same technical effects can be achieved. To avoid repetition, they will not be described in detail.

[0239] The following takes the first core network function as P-CSCF as an example to provide a specific embodiment to exemplify the embodiment of the present application.

[0240] Example 1: P-CSCF obtains CGI from PCF

[0241] As shown in Figure 5, the following steps are included:

[0242] 1. UE1 initiates a call request (invite) to UE2, which includes the following content:

[0243] UE2's SIP URI

[0244] UE1's SIP URI

[0245] P-Access-Network-Info: 3GPP-NR-SAT, CGI

[0246] SDP offer

[0247] 3GPP-NR-SAT is used to indicate that the UE is connected to the IMS network via satellite.

[0248] 2. The P-CSCF obtains IP1 and IP2 corresponding to UE1's SIP URI and UE2's SIP URI respectively based on the stored relationship between SIP URI and IP address.

[0249] Optionally, the P-CSCF performs the above actions according to the 3GPP-NR-SAT carried in the P-Access-Network-Info.

[0250] The premise of this solution is that both UE1 and UE2 register with the IMS network through the P-CSCF.

[0251] If UE1 uses a private IP address when registering, IP1 is the private IP address; the same applies to UE2.

[0252] 3. The P-CSCF uses IP1 to obtain information related to UE1 from the PCF, which includes CGI information.

[0253] Optionally, the P-CSCF may also obtain the RAT type of UE1 from the PCF. The RAT type includes "NR(LEO)", "NR(MEO)" and "NR(GEO)".

[0254] Optionally, the P-CSCF may also obtain information from the PCF regarding whether the satellite where the UE is located includes a UPF. This information may be a separate message or part of the RAT type indication information, such as NR with UPF (LEO).

[0255] 4. The P-CSCF uses IP2 to obtain information related to UE2 from the PCF, including CGI information.

[0256] Optionally, the P-CSCF may also obtain the RAT type of UE2 from the PCF. The RAT type includes "NR(LEO)", "NR(MEO)" and "NR(GEO)".

[0257] 5. The P-CSCF determines that UE1 and UE2 are in the same satellite based on the same CGI of UE1 and UE2.

[0258] Optionally, the P-CSCF also needs to make a judgment based on the RAT Type of UE1 and UE2. When the RAT types of UE1 and UE2 are the same, the CGI judgment is performed. For example, when the RAT types of UE1 and UE2 are both NR (LEO), it is considered that the RAT types of UE1 and UE2 are the same.

[0259] Optionally, the P-CSCF also needs to perform the above judgment action when it is determined that the satellite where the UE1 is located includes a UPF.

[0260] 6. When the P-CSCF determines that UE1 and UE2 are in the same satellite, the P-CSCF performs a first operation, where the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0261] 1) When UE1 or UE2 uses a private IP address, the AGW is not added to the media path.

[0262] The premise is that the P-CSCF does not support OMR for AGW or does not support loopback routing via an intermediate network.

[0263] 2) Add the AGW on the satellite to the media path.

[0264] The premise is that AGW capabilities are available both on the satellite and on the ground.

[0265] If the P-CSCF determines that UE1 and UE2 are in different satellites, the P-CSCF adds the ground AGW to the media path.

[0266] 3) Sending a first indication to the PCF, where the first indication is used to indicate that UE1 and UE2 are in the same satellite; or, to indicate that a local switch is to be performed on UE1 and UE2; or, to indicate that a local switch is to be performed.

[0267] It should be noted that option 3 can be executed in step 13 in FIG. 5 .

[0268] For the remaining steps in FIG5 , please refer to the relevant description of FIG2 .

[0269] Example 2: P-CSCF obtains CGI from UE message

[0270] As shown in Figure 6, the following steps are included:

[0271] 1. UE1 initiates a call request (invite) to UE2, which includes the following content:

[0272] UE2's SIP URI

[0273] UE1's SIP URI

[0274] P-Access-Network-Info: 3GPP-NR-SAT, CGI

[0275] SDP offer

[0276] 3GPP-NR-SAT is used to indicate that the UE is connected to the IMS network via satellite.

[0277] 5.UE2 replies with a 183 response message, which includes P-Access-Network-Info: 3GPP-NR-SAT, CGI.

[0278] 8. The P-CSCF determines that UE1 and UE2 are in the same satellite based on the CGI carried in the invite message from UE1 and the CGI carried in the response message sent by UE2 being the same.

[0279] Optionally, the P-CSCF also needs to make a judgment based on whether the 3GPP-NR-SAT of UE1 and UE2 are the same.

[0280] Optionally, the P-CSCF also needs to perform the above determination if it determines that the satellite UE1 is located on includes the UPF function. In this case, the P-CSCF needs to obtain information from the PCF whether the satellite UE is located on includes the UPF. This information can be a separate message or included as part of the RAT type indication information, such as NR with UPF (LEO).

[0281] 9. When the P-CSCF determines that UE1 and UE2 are in the same satellite, the P-CSCF performs a second operation, where the second operation includes at least one of the following:

[0282] 1) If the UE uses a private IP address and the P-CSCF has added the terrestrial AGW to the media path, the P-CSCF will delete the terrestrial AGW from the media path.

[0283] 2) Add the AGW on the satellite to the media path.

[0284] The premise is that AGW capabilities are available both on the satellite and on the ground.

[0285] If the P-CSCF determines that UE1 and UE2 are in different satellites, the P-CSCF adds the ground AGW to the media path.

[0286] 3) Send a first indication to the PCF, where the first indication is used to indicate that UE1 and UE2 are in the same satellite, or to indicate that a local switch is to be performed on UE1 and UE2, or to indicate that a local switch is to be performed.

[0287] It should be noted that option 3 can be executed in step 10 in FIG. 6 .

[0288] For the remaining steps in FIG6 , reference may be made to the relevant descriptions of FIG2 and FIG5 .

[0289] It should be noted that in Example 1, the P-CSCF obtains the CGIs of UE1 and UE2 from the PCF. In Example 2, the P-CSCF obtains UE1's CGI from UE1's invite message and obtains UE2's CGI from UE2's response message. These two methods can be used interchangeably. For example, the P-CSCF obtains UE1's CGI from UE1's invite message and UE2's CGI from the PCF. Alternatively, the P-CSCF obtains UE1's CGI from the PCF and obtains UE2's CGI from UE2's response message.

[0290] Example 3: P-CSCF determines based on IP address

[0291] As shown in Figure 7, the following steps are included:

[0292] 2. The P-CSCF obtains IP1 corresponding to UE1's SIP URI and IP2 corresponding to UE2's SIP URI based on the stored relationship between SIP URI and IP address.

[0293] The premise of this solution is that both UE1 and UE2 register with the IMS network through the P-CSCF.

[0294] If UE1 uses a private IP address when registering, then:

[0295] Idea 1: The P-CSCF obtains the public IP address corresponding to the private IP address; the same applies to UE2.

[0296] Idea 2: The P-CSCF obtains the domain realm information corresponding to the private network IP. The UE is required to carry the realm information when registering with the IMS, and the P-CSCF saves it.

[0297] 3. The P-CSCF uses IP1 and IP2 to determine whether UE1 and UE2 belong to the same satellite.

[0298] Idea 1: If the P-CSCF determines that two public IP addresses belong to the same IP range, they are considered to belong to the same satellite.

[0299] The premise of this solution is that when the UE establishes a PDU session, the SMF allocates an IP address to the UE based on the UE's location, such as CGI.

[0300] Idea 2: When the P-CSCF determines that two private IP addresses belong to the same realm, it considers them to belong to the same satellite.

[0301] 4. When the P-CSCF determines that UE1 and UE2 are in the same satellite, the P-CSCF performs a first operation, which is the same as described in Example 1.

[0302] It should be noted that option 3 of the first operation can be executed in step 11 in FIG. 7 .

[0303] For the remaining steps in FIG7 , please refer to the relevant descriptions of FIG2 , FIG5 and FIG6 .

[0304] In summary, in the embodiment of the present application, determining through the first core network function whether UE1 and UE2 access the network through the same satellite or different satellites is conducive to realizing USU calls between the two UEs, thereby shortening the communication path of the call and reducing the call delay.

[0305] The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be executed by a communication device. In the embodiment of the present application, the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described by taking the communication method executed by the communication device as an example.

[0306] FIG8 shows one structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application, which can be applied to a first core network function. As shown in FIG8 , the communication device 800 includes:

[0307] The first receiving unit 801 is configured to receive a first message from a first terminal, where the first message is used to request to establish an IMS call with a second terminal;

[0308] The first processing unit 802 is configured to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites.

[0309] Optionally, the first processing unit 802 is specifically configured to:

[0310] In a case where the first message includes first information, determining that the first terminal and the second terminal access a network through the same satellite or different satellites;

[0311] The first information is used to instruct the first terminal to access a network via a satellite.

[0312] Optionally, the first processing unit 802 is specifically configured to:

[0313] When it is determined that the satellite where the first terminal is located includes a user plane function UPF, it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites.

[0314] Optionally, the communication apparatus 800 further includes at least one of the following:

[0315] a second processing unit, configured to, upon receiving second information from a second core network function, determine that the satellite where the first terminal is located includes a UPF;

[0316] a third processing unit, configured to, when the first message includes the second information, determine that the satellite where the first terminal is located includes a UPF;

[0317] The second information is used to indicate that the satellite includes a UPF.

[0318] Optionally, the first processing unit 802 includes:

[0319] A first acquiring subunit, configured to acquire third information;

[0320] A second acquiring subunit, configured to acquire fourth information;

[0321] a processing subunit, configured to determine, based on the third information and the fourth information, whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites;

[0322] The third information is information related to the first terminal, and the fourth information is information related to the second terminal.

[0323] Optionally, the first acquiring subunit is specifically configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0324] Based on the first message, obtaining third information;

[0325] obtaining third information from the second core network function;

[0326] or,

[0327] The second acquisition subunit is specifically configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0328] Based on the first message, obtaining fourth information;

[0329] acquiring fourth information based on the second message from the second terminal;

[0330] Obtain fourth information from the second core network function.

[0331] Optionally, the first message includes a first user identifier and a second user identifier, the first user identifier is a user identifier corresponding to the first terminal, and the second user identifier is a user identifier corresponding to the second terminal;

[0332] The first acquiring subunit is specifically configured to:

[0333] Based on the first user identifier, obtain a first Internet Protocol (IP) address, where the first IP address is an IP address associated with the first user identifier and the first IP address is third information;

[0334] The second acquiring subunit is specifically configured to:

[0335] Based on the second user identifier, a second IP address is acquired, where the second IP address is an IP address associated with the second user identifier, and the second IP address is fourth information.

[0336] Optionally, the processing subunit is specifically used for at least one of the following:

[0337] Determining, based on the IP address range corresponding to the first IP address and the IP address range corresponding to the second IP address, whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites;

[0338] Determining, based on the domain information corresponding to the first IP address and the domain information corresponding to the second IP address, whether the first terminal and the second terminal access a network through the same satellite or different satellites;

[0339] According to the satellite identifier corresponding to the first IP address and the satellite identifier corresponding to the second IP address, it is determined whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites.

[0340] Optionally, the processing subunit is specifically used for at least one of the following:

[0341] When the IP address range corresponding to the first IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the second IP address, determining that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite;

[0342] When the domain information corresponding to the first IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the second IP address, determining that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite;

[0343] When the satellite identifier corresponding to the first IP address is the same as the satellite identifier corresponding to the second IP address, it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite.

[0344] Optionally, the first message includes a first cell global identifier (CGI), and the second message includes a second CGI;

[0345] The first acquiring subunit is specifically configured to:

[0346] Based on the first message, obtain the first CGI, where the first CGI is third information;

[0347] The second acquiring subunit is specifically configured to:

[0348] Based on the second message, the second CGI is acquired, where the second CGI is fourth information.

[0349] Optionally, the processing subunit is specifically configured to:

[0350] When both the first message and the second message include the first information, determining, according to the third information and the fourth information, whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites;

[0351] The first information in the first message is used to instruct the first terminal to access a network via a satellite;

[0352] The first information in the second message is used to instruct the second terminal to access a network via a satellite.

[0353] Optionally, the processing subunit is specifically configured to:

[0354] In a case where the first CGI is the same as the second CGI, determining that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite; or

[0355] In a case where the base station corresponding to the first CGI is the same as the base station corresponding to the second CGI, determining that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite; or

[0356] In a case where the satellite corresponding to the first CGI is the same as the satellite corresponding to the second CGI, it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite.

[0357] Optionally, the first message includes a first user identifier and a second user identifier, the first user identifier is a user identifier corresponding to the first terminal, and the second user identifier is a user identifier corresponding to the second terminal;

[0358] The first acquiring subunit is specifically configured to:

[0359] Based on the first user identifier, obtain a first IP address, where the first IP address is the IP address associated with the first SIP URI;

[0360] Sending the first IP address to the second core network function;

[0361] receiving a third CGI from the second core network function, where the third CGI is third information;

[0362] The first acquiring subunit is specifically configured to:

[0363] Based on the second user identifier, obtain a second IP address, where the second IP address is the IP address associated with the second user identifier;

[0364] Sending the second IP address to the second core network function;

[0365] Receive a fourth CGI from the second core network function, where the fourth CGI is fourth information.

[0366] Optionally, the communication apparatus 800 further includes:

[0367] a second receiving unit, configured to receive fifth information from the second core network function and sixth information from the second core network function, the fifth information including a radio access technology RAT type corresponding to the first IP address, and the sixth information including a RAT type corresponding to the second IP address;

[0368] The processing subunit is specifically configured to:

[0369] In a case where the RAT type included in the fifth information is the same as the RAT type included in the sixth information, it is determined, based on the third information and the fourth information, whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites.

[0370] Optionally, the processing subunit is specifically configured to:

[0371] In a case where the third CGI is the same as the fourth CGI, determining that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite; or

[0372] In a case where the base station corresponding to the third CGI is the same as the base station corresponding to the fourth CGI, determining that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite; or

[0373] In a case where the satellite corresponding to the third CGI is the same as the satellite corresponding to the fourth CGI, it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite.

[0374] Optionally, the communication apparatus 800 further includes:

[0375] a fourth processing unit, configured to, when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite, perform the first operation or the second operation;

[0376] The first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0377] It is prohibited to add access gateway AGW to the media path;

[0378] Add the first AGW to the media path;

[0379] Sending seventh information to the second core network function;

[0380] The second operation includes at least one of the following:

[0381] Remove the second AGW from the media path;

[0382] Replace the first AGW with the second AGW;

[0383] Sending seventh information to the second core network function;

[0384] The first AGW is the AGW of the target satellite, and the target satellite is the satellite where the first terminal and the second terminal are located;

[0385] The second AGW is a ground AGW;

[0386] The seventh information is used to instruct the first terminal and the second terminal to access a network through the same satellite, or to instruct to perform local switching on the first terminal and the second terminal, or to instruct to perform local switching.

[0387] Optionally, the fourth processing unit is specifically configured to:

[0388] If the first core network function does not add the AGW to the media path, perform the first operation;

[0389] or,

[0390] In a case where the first core network function has added the first AGW to the media path, the second operation is performed.

[0391] Optionally, the fourth processing unit is specifically configured to:

[0392] If the first terminal or the second terminal uses a private IP address, prohibiting the AGW from being added to the media path;

[0393] or,

[0394] In case the target satellite includes an AGW function, adding the first AGW to the media path;

[0395] or,

[0396] When the first terminal or the second terminal uses a private IP address, deleting the second AGW from the media path;

[0397] or,

[0398] In the case that the target satellite includes an AGW function, the first AGW replaces the second AGW.

[0399] Optionally, the communication apparatus 800 further includes:

[0400] a fifth processing unit, configured to, if it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through different satellites, add the second AGW to the media path;

[0401] The second AGW is a ground AGW.

[0402] FIG9 shows a second structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application, which can be applied to a terminal. As shown in FIG9 , the communication device 900 includes:

[0403] The first sending unit 901 is configured to send a registration request to a first core network function, where the registration request includes a user identifier of the terminal, an IP address, and domain information corresponding to the IP address.

[0404] Optionally, the communication apparatus 900 further includes:

[0405] a receiving unit, configured to receive a fourth message from the first core network function, where the fourth message is used to request establishment of an IMS call;

[0406] The second sending unit is used to send a second message to the first core network function, where the second message includes at least one of the CGI and the first information, and the first information is used to indicate that the terminal accesses the network via a satellite.

[0407] The communication device in the embodiments of the present application can be an electronic device, such as an electronic device with an operating system, or a component in an electronic device, such as an integrated circuit or chip. The electronic device can be a terminal, or it can be other devices other than a terminal. For example, the terminal can include but is not limited to the types of terminals listed above, and other devices can be servers, network attached storage (NAS), etc., which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0408] The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement the various processes implemented in the method embodiments of Figures 3 to 7 and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, they will not be described here.

[0409] As shown in Figure 10, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device 1100, including a processor 1101 and a memory 1102. The memory 1102 stores a program or instruction that can be run on the processor 1101. For example, when the communication device 1100 is a first core network function, the program or instruction, when executed by the processor 1101, implements the various steps of the method embodiment on the first core network function side, and can achieve the same technical effect. When the communication device 1100 is a terminal, the program or instruction, when executed by the processor 1101, implements the various steps of the method embodiment on the terminal side, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they are not repeated here.

[0410] An embodiment of the present application also provides a terminal, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the communication interface is used to: send a registration request to a first core network function, wherein the registration request includes a user identifier of the terminal, an Internet Protocol IP address, and domain information corresponding to the IP address.

[0411] This terminal embodiment corresponds to the above-mentioned terminal side method embodiment, and each implementation process and implementation method of the above-mentioned method embodiment are applicable to this terminal embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Specifically, Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a terminal implementing the embodiment of this application.

[0412] The terminal 1200 includes but is not limited to: a radio frequency unit 1201, a network module 1202, an audio output unit 1203, an input unit 1204, a sensor 1205, a display unit 1206, a user input unit 1207, an interface unit 1208, a memory 1209 and at least some of the components of the processor 1210.

[0413] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the terminal 1200 may also include a power supply (such as a battery) to power various components. The power supply may be logically connected to the processor 1210 via a power management system, thereby enabling the power management system to manage charging, discharging, and power consumption. The terminal structure shown in FIG11 does not limit the terminal. The terminal may include more or fewer components than shown, or may combine certain components, or have different component arrangements, which will not be described in detail here.

[0414] It should be understood that in an embodiment of the present application, the input unit 1204 may include a graphics processing unit (GPU) 12041 and a microphone 12042, and the graphics processor 12041 processes the image data of a static picture or video obtained by an image capture device (such as a camera) in a video capture mode or an image capture mode. The display unit 1206 may include a display panel 12061, and the display panel 12061 may be configured in the form of a liquid crystal display, an organic light emitting diode, etc. The user input unit 1207 includes a touch panel 12071 and at least one of other input devices 12072. The touch panel 12071 is also called a touch screen. The touch panel 12071 may include two parts: a touch detection device and a touch controller. Other input devices 12072 may include, but are not limited to, a physical keyboard, function keys (such as volume control keys, switch keys, etc.), a trackball, a mouse, and a joystick, which will not be repeated here.

[0415] In the embodiment of the present application, after receiving downlink data from a network-side device, the RF unit 1201 may transmit the data to the processor 1210 for processing. Furthermore, the RF unit 1201 may send uplink data to the network-side device. Typically, the RF unit 1201 includes, but is not limited to, an antenna, an amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a low-noise amplifier, a duplexer, and the like.

[0416] The memory 1209 can be used to store software programs or instructions and various data. The memory 1209 may mainly include a first storage area for storing programs or instructions and a second storage area for storing data, wherein the first storage area may store an operating system, applications or instructions required for at least one function (such as a sound playback function, an image playback function, etc.). In addition, the memory 1209 may include a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus random access memory (DRRAM). The memory 1209 in the embodiment of the present application includes but is not limited to these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0417] Processor 1210 may include one or more processing units. Optionally, processor 1210 integrates an application processor and a modem processor. The application processor primarily handles operations related to the operating system, user interface, and application programs, while the modem processor primarily processes wireless communication signals, such as a baseband processor. It is understood that the modem processor may not be integrated into processor 1210.

[0418] The radio frequency unit 1201 is used for:

[0419] A registration request is sent to the first core network function, where the registration request includes a user identifier of the terminal, an Internet Protocol IP address, and domain information corresponding to the IP address.

[0420] Optionally, the radio frequency unit 1201 is further configured to:

[0421] receiving a fourth message from the first core network function, where the fourth message is used to request establishment of an IMS call;

[0422] A second message is sent to the first core network function, where the second message includes at least one of a cell global identifier (CGI) and first information, where the first information is used to indicate that the terminal accesses a network via a satellite.

[0423] In summary, the embodiments of the present application are conducive to realizing USU calls between two UEs, thereby shortening the communication path of the call and reducing the call delay.

[0424] It can be understood that the implementation process of each implementation method mentioned in this embodiment can refer to the relevant description of the communication method embodiment and achieve the same or corresponding technical effects. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0425] An embodiment of the present application also provides a network-side device, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the communication interface is used to: receive a first message from a first terminal, wherein the first message is used to request to establish an Internet Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal, and the processor is used to: determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network via the same satellite or different satellites.

[0426] This network side device embodiment corresponds to the method embodiment of the first core network function side mentioned above. The various implementation processes and implementation methods of the above method embodiments can be applied to this network side device embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects.

[0427] Specifically, the embodiment of the present application further provides a network-side device. As shown in FIG12 , the network-side device 1300 includes a processor 1301, a network interface 1302, and a memory 1303. The network interface 1302 is, for example, a common public radio interface (CPRI).

[0428] Specifically, the network side device 1300 of an embodiment of the present invention also includes: instructions or programs stored in the memory 1303 and executable on the processor 1301. The processor 1301 calls the instructions or programs in the memory 1303 to execute the methods executed by the modules shown in FIG8 and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be elaborated here.

[0429] An embodiment of the present application also provides a readable storage medium, on which a program or instruction is stored. When the program or instruction is executed by a processor, the various processes of the above-mentioned communication method embodiment are implemented and the same technical effect can be achieved. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0430] The processor is the processor in the terminal described in the above embodiment. The readable storage medium includes a computer-readable storage medium, such as a computer read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. In some examples, the readable storage medium may be a non-transitory readable storage medium.

[0431] An embodiment of the present application further provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the various processes of the above-mentioned communication method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0432] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can also be called a system-level chip, a system chip, a chip system or a system-on-chip chip, etc.

[0433] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program / program product, which is stored in a storage medium. The computer program / program product is executed by at least one processor to implement the various processes of the above-mentioned communication method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0434] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, including: a terminal and a network side device, wherein the terminal can be used to execute the steps of the above-mentioned terminal side communication method, and the network side device can be used to execute the steps of the above-mentioned first core network function side communication method.

[0435] It should be noted that, in this article, the terms "comprise", "include" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the sentence "comprises a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device comprising the element. In addition, it should be pointed out that the scope of the methods and devices in the embodiments of the present application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, and may also include performing functions in a substantially simultaneous manner or in the opposite order according to the functions involved. For example, the described method may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may also be added, omitted or combined. In addition, the features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0436] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the above-mentioned embodiment methods can be implemented by means of a computer software product plus a necessary general-purpose hardware platform, or of course, by hardware. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.) and includes a number of instructions for enabling a terminal or network-side device to execute the methods described in each embodiment of the present application.

[0437] The embodiments of the present application are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of this application, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms of implementation methods without departing from the purpose of this application and the scope of protection of the claims. These implementation methods are all within the protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, comprising: The first core network function receives a first message from a first terminal, where the first message is used to request to establish an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call with a second terminal; The first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first core network function determining that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites includes: When the first message includes first information, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites; Wherein, the first information is used to indicate that the first terminal accesses the network through a satellite.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first core network function determining that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites includes: The first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites when determining that the satellite where the first terminal is located includes a User Plane Function (UPF).

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising at least one of the following: The first core network function determines that the satellite where the first terminal is located includes a UPF when receiving second information from a second core network function; When the first message includes second information, the first core network function determines that the satellite where the first terminal is located includes a UPF; Among them, The second information is used to indicate that the satellite includes a UPF.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The first core network function determining that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites includes: The first core network function obtains third information, and the first core network function obtains fourth information; The first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites according to the third information and the fourth information; Wherein, the third information is information related to the first terminal, and the fourth information is information related to the second terminal.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein The first core network function obtaining third information includes at least one of the following: The first core network function obtains third information based on the first message; The first core network function obtains third information from a second core network function; Or The first core network function obtaining fourth information includes at least one of the following: The first core network function obtains fourth information based on the first message; The first core network function obtains fourth information based on a second message from the second terminal; The first core network function obtains fourth information from the second core network function.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The first message includes a first user identifier and a second user identifier, the first user identifier is the user identifier corresponding to the first terminal, and the second user identifier is the user identifier corresponding to the second terminal; The first core network function obtaining third information based on the first message includes: The first core network function obtains a first Internet Protocol (IP) address based on the first user identifier, where the first IP address is the IP address associated with the first user identifier, and the first IP address is the third information; The first core network function obtains fourth information based on the first message, including: The first core network function obtains a second IP address based on the second user identifier, where the second IP address is the IP address associated with the second user identifier, and the second IP address is the fourth information.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites according to the third information and the fourth information, including at least one of the following: The first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites according to the IP address range corresponding to the first IP address and the IP address range corresponding to the second IP address; The first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites according to the domain information corresponding to the first IP address and the domain information corresponding to the second IP address; The first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites according to the satellite identifier corresponding to the first IP address and the satellite identifier corresponding to the second IP address.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites according to the IP address range corresponding to the first IP address and the IP address range corresponding to the second IP address, including: When the IP address range corresponding to the first IP address is the same as the IP address range corresponding to the second IP address, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite; Or, The first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites according to the domain information corresponding to the first IP address and the domain information corresponding to the second IP address, including: When the domain information corresponding to the first IP address is the same as the domain information corresponding to the second IP address, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite; Or, The first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites according to the satellite identifier corresponding to the first IP address and the satellite identifier corresponding to the second IP address, including: When the satellite identifier corresponding to the first IP address is the same as the satellite identifier corresponding to the second IP address, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The first message includes a first Cell Global Identity (CGI), and the second message includes a second CGI; The first core network function obtains third information based on the first message, including: The first core network function obtains the first CGI based on the first message, and the first CGI is the third information; The first core network function obtains fourth information based on the second message, including: The first core network function obtains the second CGI based on the second message, and the second CGI is the fourth information.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The first core network function determines whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites according to the third information and the fourth information, including: When both the first message and the second message include first information, the first core network function determines whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites according to the third information and the fourth information; Wherein, the first information in the first message is used to indicate that the first terminal accesses the network through a satellite; The first information in the second message is used to indicate that the second terminal accesses the network through a satellite.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein The first core network function determines whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites according to the third information and the fourth information, including: When the first CGI is the same as the second CGI, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite; or, When the base station corresponding to the first CGI is the same as the base station corresponding to the second CGI, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite; or, When the satellite corresponding to the first CGI is the same as the satellite corresponding to the second CGI, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite.

13. The method according to claim 6, wherein The first message includes a first user identifier and a second user identifier, the first user identifier is the user identifier corresponding to the first terminal, and the second user identifier is the user identifier corresponding to the second terminal; The first core network function obtains third information from the second core network function, including: The first core network function obtains a first IP address based on the first user identifier, and the first IP address is the IP address associated with the first SIP URI; The first core network function sends the first IP address to the second core network function; The first core network function receives a third CGI from the second core network function, and the third CGI is the third information; The first core network function obtains fourth information from the second core network function, including: The first core network function obtains a second IP address based on the second user identifier, and the second IP address is the IP address associated with the second user identifier; The first core network function sends the second IP address to the second core network function; The first core network function receives a fourth CGI from the second core network function, and the fourth CGI is fourth information.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: The first core network function receives fifth information from the second core network function and sixth information from the second core network function, where the fifth information includes a radio access technology (RAT) type corresponding to the first IP address, and the sixth information includes a RAT type corresponding to the second IP address; The first core network function determines, according to the third information and the fourth information, that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites, including: When the RAT type included in the fifth information is the same as the RAT type included in the sixth information, the first core network function determines, according to the third information and the fourth information, that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein The first core network function determines, according to the third information and the fourth information, that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites, including: When the third CGI is the same as the fourth CGI, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite; or, When the base station corresponding to the third CGI is the same as the base station corresponding to the fourth CGI, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite; or, When the satellite corresponding to the third CGI is the same as the satellite corresponding to the fourth CGI, the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising: When the first core network function determines that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite, the first core network function performs a first operation or a second operation; The first operation includes at least one of the following: Prohibiting adding an access gateway (AGW) to the media path; Adding a first AGW to the media path; Sending seventh information to the second core network function; The second operation includes at least one of the following: Deleting a second AGW from the media path; Replacing the second AGW with the first AGW; Sending seventh information to the second core network function; Wherein, the first AGW is the AGW of the target satellite, and the target satellite is the satellite where the first terminal and the second terminal are located; The second AGW is a terrestrial AGW; The seventh information is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite, or to indicate performing local switching on the first terminal and the second terminal, or to indicate performing local switching.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Performing the first operation includes: When the first core network function has not added an AGW to the media path, performing the first operation; Or, Performing the second operation includes: Perform the second operation when the first core network function has added the second AGW to the media path.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the prohibition of adding an AGW to the media path includes: when the first terminal or the second terminal uses a private IP address, prohibiting adding an AGW to the media path; or the adding of the first AGW to the media path includes: when the target satellite includes an AGW function, adding the first AGW to the media path; or the deleting of the second AGW from the media path includes: when the first terminal or the second terminal uses a private IP address, deleting the second AGW from the media path; or the replacing of the first AGW with the second AGW includes: when the target satellite includes an AGW function, replacing the first AGW with the second AGW.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising: the first core network function adding a second AGW to the media path when determining that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through different satellites; wherein the second AGW is a terrestrial AGW.

20. A communication method, comprising: A terminal sends a registration request to a first core network function, the registration request including a user identifier of the terminal, an Internet Protocol IP address, and domain information corresponding to the IP address.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: The terminal receives a fourth message from the first core network function, the fourth message being used to request the establishment of an IP Multimedia Subsystem IMS call; The terminal sends a second message to the first core network function, the second message including at least one of a Cell Global Identity CGI and first information, the first information being used to indicate that the terminal accesses the network through a satellite.

22. A communication device applied to a first core network function, the device comprising: A first receiving unit, configured to receive a first message from a first terminal, the first message being used to request to establish an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem IMS call with a second terminal; A first processing unit, configured to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein, The first processing unit is specifically configured to: when the first message includes first information, determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites; wherein the first information is used to indicate that the first terminal accesses the network through a satellite.

24. The device according to claim 22 or 23, wherein, The first processing unit is specifically configured to: when determining that the satellite where the first terminal is located includes a User Plane Function UPF, determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites.

25. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein, The first processing unit includes: A first obtaining subunit, configured to obtain third information; A second obtaining subunit, configured to obtain fourth information; A processing subunit, configured to determine whether the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite or different satellites according to the third information and the fourth information; Wherein, the third information is information related to the first terminal, and the fourth information is information related to the second terminal.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein The first obtaining subunit is specifically configured to perform at least one of the following: Obtain third information based on the first message; Obtain third information from a second core network function; Or The second obtaining subunit is specifically configured to perform at least one of the following: Obtain fourth information based on the first message; Obtain fourth information based on a second message from the second terminal; Obtain fourth information from the second core network function.

27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein, The apparatus further includes: A fourth processing unit, configured to perform a first operation or a second operation when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite; The first operation includes at least one of the following: Prohibit adding an access gateway (AGW) to the media path; Add a first AGW to the media path; Send seventh information to a second core network function; The second operation includes at least one of the following: Delete a second AGW from the media path; Replace the second AGW with the first AGW; Send seventh information to a second core network function; Wherein, the first AGW is the AGW of the target satellite, and the target satellite is the satellite where the first terminal and the second terminal are located; The second AGW is a terrestrial AGW; The seventh information is used to indicate that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through the same satellite, or indicate to perform local switching on the first terminal and the second terminal, or indicate to perform local switching.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein, The fourth processing unit is specifically configured to: Perform the first operation when the first core network function does not add an AGW to the media path; Or Perform the second operation when the first core network function has added the second AGW to the media path.

29. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 28, wherein, The apparatus further includes: A fifth processing unit, configured to add a second AGW to the media path when it is determined that the first terminal and the second terminal access the network through different satellites; Wherein, the second AGW is a terrestrial AGW.

30. A communication apparatus, applied to a terminal, the apparatus includes: A first sending unit, configured to send a registration request to a first core network function, where the registration request includes a user identifier of the terminal, an Internet Protocol (IP) address, and domain information corresponding to the IP address.

31. The device according to claim 30, wherein, The apparatus further includes: A receiving unit, configured to receive a fourth message from the first core network function, where the fourth message is used to request to establish an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) call; A second sending unit, configured to send a second message to the first core network function, where the second message includes at least one of a Cell Global Identity (CGI) and first information, and the first information is used to indicate that the terminal accesses the network through a satellite.

32. A communication device, comprising a processor and a memory, where the memory stores programs or instructions that can run on the processor, and when the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the steps of the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 19 are implemented, or the steps of the communication method described in claim 20 or 21 are implemented.

33. A readable storage medium, where programs or instructions are stored on the readable storage medium, and when the programs or instructions are executed by a processor, the steps of the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 19 are implemented, or the steps of the communication method described in claim 20 or 21 are implemented.

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