NAS timer processing method and apparatus, and terminal and network-side device

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of communications. Disclosed are an NAS timer processing method and apparatus, and a terminal and a network-side device. The method in the embodiments of the present application comprises: in a store and forward operation mode, a terminal executing a first operation, wherein the first operation comprises any one of the following: not enabling a first non-access stratum (NAS) timer; on the basis of a first time value, setting the value of the first NAS timer, the first time value being a time value used for the store and forward operation mode; and on the basis of first information, setting the first NAS timer, the first information being used for indicating store and forward operation assistance information.

Description

NAS timer processing methods, devices, terminals, and network-side equipment

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410043622.6, filed in China on January 11, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application belongs to the field of communication technology, and specifically relates to a NAS timer processing method, apparatus, terminal and network-side equipment. Background Technology

[0004] Non-access stratum (NAS) timers are various guard timers used in communication between the terminal and the core network control node to ensure the normal transmission and reception of NAS messages. In store-and-forward (S&F) operation mode, because the terminal's NAS messages need to be relayed via satellite, the service link becomes longer, increasing the probability of NAS timer timeouts and consequently increasing the likelihood of NAS process failure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a NAS timer processing method, apparatus, terminal, and network-side device, which can solve the problem of a high probability of NAS process failure in the terminal.

[0006] Firstly, a NAS timer processing method is provided, including:

[0007] In store-and-forward operation mode, the terminal performs the first operation;

[0008] The first operation includes any one of the following:

[0009] Do not start the first non-access tier NAS timer;

[0010] The value of a first NAS timer is set based on a first time value, wherein the first time value is a time value used for the storage forwarding operation mode;

[0011] A first NAS timer is set based on first information, which is used to indicate storage forwarding operation auxiliary information.

[0012] Secondly, a NAS timer processing method is provided, including:

[0013] In store-and-forward operation mode, the core network equipment performs the second operation;

[0014] The second operation includes any one of the following:

[0015] Do not start the second NAS timer;

[0016] Set the value of the second NAS timer based on the second time value;

[0017] Set a second NAS timer based on the first information;

[0018] Send the first message to the terminal;

[0019] The first information is used to indicate store-and-forward operation auxiliary information, and the second time value is the time value used for store-and-forward operation mode.

[0020] Thirdly, a NAS timer processing device is provided, wherein a terminal includes the NAS timer processing device, comprising:

[0021] The execution module is used to perform the first operation in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0022] The first operation includes any one of the following:

[0023] Do not start the first non-access tier NAS timer;

[0024] The value of a first NAS timer is set based on a first time value, wherein the first time value is a time value used for the storage forwarding operation mode;

[0025] A first NAS timer is set based on first information, which is used to indicate storage forwarding operation auxiliary information.

[0026] Fourthly, a NAS timer processing device is provided, the core network equipment including the NAS timer processing device, comprising:

[0027] The execution module is used to perform a second operation in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0028] The second operation includes any one of the following:

[0029] Do not start the second NAS timer;

[0030] Set the value of the second NAS timer based on the second time value;

[0031] Set a second NAS timer based on the first information;

[0032] Send the first message to the terminal;

[0033] The first information is used to indicate store-and-forward operation auxiliary information, and the second time value is the time value used for store-and-forward operation mode.

[0034] Fifthly, a terminal is provided, the terminal including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the method as described in the first aspect.

[0035] In a sixth aspect, a network-side device is provided, the network-side device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the method as described in the second aspect.

[0036] In a seventh aspect, a terminal is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor is used for:

[0037] In store-and-forward operation mode, perform the first operation;

[0038] The first operation includes any one of the following:

[0039] Do not start the first non-access tier NAS timer;

[0040] The value of a first NAS timer is set based on a first time value, wherein the first time value is a time value used for the storage forwarding operation mode;

[0041] A first NAS timer is set based on first information, which is used to indicate storage forwarding operation auxiliary information.

[0042] Eighthly, a network-side device is provided, which is a core network device, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor is used for:

[0043] In store-and-forward operation mode, perform the second operation;

[0044] The second operation includes any one of the following:

[0045] Do not start the second NAS timer;

[0046] Set the value of the second NAS timer based on the second time value;

[0047] Set a second NAS timer based on the first information;

[0048] Send the first message to the terminal;

[0049] The first information is used to indicate store-and-forward operation auxiliary information, and the second time value is the time value used for store-and-forward operation mode.

[0050] A ninth aspect provides a NAS timer processing system, comprising: a terminal and a network-side device, wherein the terminal is configured to perform the steps of the method described in the first aspect, and the network-side device is configured to perform the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0051] In a tenth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided, on which a program or instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or implement the steps of the method described in the second aspect.

[0052] Eleventhly, a chip is provided, the chip including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor, the processor being 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.

[0053] In a twelfth 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 as described in the first aspect, or to implement the steps of the method as described in the second aspect.

[0054] In the embodiments of this application, the NAS timer is not started in the storage-forward operation mode; or, the NAS timer in the storage-forward operation mode is set based on a first time value; or, the NAS timer in the storage-forward operation mode is set based on first information. In this way, the use of a general NAS timer is avoided in the storage-forward operation mode, and the NAS timer in the storage-forward operation mode is specifically set, which can reduce the probability of NAS process failure of the terminal. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a non-terrestrial network provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 3 is a flowchart of one of the NAS timer processing methods provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 4 is a second flowchart of a NAS timer processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a NAS timer processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a NAS timer processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a NAS timer processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a NAS timer processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of one of the structures of a NAS timer processing device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 10 is a second schematic diagram of the structure of a NAS timer processing device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network-side device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0068] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0069] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same class, without limiting the number of objects; for example, the first object can be one or more. Furthermore, "or" in this application indicates at least one of the connected objects. For example, "A or B" covers three scenarios: Scenario 1: including A but not B; Scenario 2: including B but not A; Scenario 3: including both A and B. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0070] The term "instruction" in this application can be either a direct instruction (or explicit instruction) or an indirect instruction (or implicit instruction). A direct instruction can be understood as one in which the sender explicitly informs the receiver of specific information, the operation to be performed, or the requested result, etc., in the instruction sent. An indirect instruction can be understood as one in which the receiver determines the corresponding information based on the instruction sent by the sender, or makes a judgment and determines the operation to be performed or the requested result, etc., based on the judgment result.

[0071] It is worth noting that the technologies described in this application are not limited to Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, 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 this application are often used interchangeably, and the described technologies can be used with the systems and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as with other systems and radio technologies. The following description describes New Radio (NR) systems for illustrative purposes, and the term NR is used in most of the following description; however, these technologies can also be applied to systems other than NR systems, such as 6th generation (6G) radio systems. th Generation 6G communication system.

[0072] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. The wireless communication system includes a terminal 11 and a network-side device 12. The terminal 11 can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld computer, netbook, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), mobile internet device (MID), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) device, robot, wearable device, flight vehicle, vehicle user equipment (VUE), shipboard equipment, pedestrian user equipment (PUE), smart home (home devices with wireless communication capabilities, such as refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, or furniture), game console, personal computer (PC), ATM, or self-service machine, etc. Wearable devices include: smartwatches, smart bracelets, smart headphones, smart glasses, smart jewelry (smart bracelets, smart chains, smart rings, smart necklaces, smart anklets, smart anklets, etc.), smart wristbands, smart clothing, etc. Among these, in-vehicle devices can also be referred to as in-vehicle terminals, in-vehicle controllers, in-vehicle modules, in-vehicle components, in-vehicle chips, or in-vehicle units, etc. It should be noted that the specific type of terminal 11 is not limited in this application embodiment. Network-side equipment 12 may include access network equipment or core network equipment, wherein access network equipment may also be referred to as Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment, radio access network function, or radio access network unit. Access network equipment may include base stations, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) access points (AS), or Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) nodes, etc.The term "base station" can be referred to as Node B (NB), Evolved Node B (eNB), 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, Transmission Reception Point (TRP), or any other suitable term in the relevant field, as long as the same technical effect is achieved. The term "base station" is not limited to any specific technical terminology. It should be noted that this application embodiment only uses a base station in an NR system as an example for description and does not limit the specific type of base station.

[0073] 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 and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Unified Data Repository (UDR), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Centralized network configuration (CNC), Network Repository Function (NRF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Local NEF (or L-NEF), Binding Support Function (BSF), and Application Function. Functions include (AF), Location Management Function (LMF), Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GMLC), and Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF). It should be noted that this application embodiment only uses core network equipment in the NR system as an example for description, and does not limit the specific type of core network equipment.

[0074] For ease of understanding, the following explains some terms used in the embodiments of this application:

[0075] 1. NAS timer

[0076] NAS timers are various guard timers used in communication between User Equipment (UE, i.e., the terminal) and the core network control node. NAS timer values ​​are typically in the range of seconds or minutes, serving as a mechanism to ensure the normal transmission and reception of NAS messages. For example, after sending an attach request, the UE starts T3410 (15s). When the attach request is accepted or rejected, the UE stops T3410. However, when T3410 times out, it means the UE has not received any response to the attach request. The UE considers there to be a problem with the attach process (e.g., poor radio link quality, or damage to core network elements), and will abandon the attach process and locally release the NAS connection. Both the UE and the network maintain their own NAS timers.

[0077] Extended NAS timers are specifically designed for issues like MTC (Multi-Channel Communication) where coverage enhancements (such as increased air interface transmission latency leading to longer NAS layer response times) result in extended NAS timer values. For example, with the increased air interface latency in NB-IoT, mobility management-related NAS timers have increased by 240 seconds, and session management-related NAS timers have increased by 180 seconds.

[0078] 2. Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN)

[0079] Compared to terrestrial communication systems, satellite-based non-terrestrial communication systems offer a wider coverage area. Typical applicable scenarios include situations where terrestrial base stations cannot be built or are damaged, such as providing continuous coverage in remote mountainous areas, deserts, oceans, or forests. A typical scenario for satellite-based non-terrestrial communication systems is transparent relaying, where the satellite acts as a relay, as shown in Figure 2. In this system, the link between the satellite and the terminal is a service link, and the link between the satellite and the terrestrial base station is a feeder link.

[0080] Store and forward (S&F) operation mode is a fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G) with satellite access. th 5G (Generation Mobile Communication Technology) is an operating mode of a system that can provide a certain level of service (such as storing and forwarding data) to terminals under satellite coverage when satellite connections are intermittent or temporarily unavailable, without the need to establish an active feeder connection with the ground station at the same time.

[0081] The NAS timer processing method, apparatus, terminal, and network-side device provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through some embodiments and application scenarios.

[0082] Referring to Figure 3, which is a flowchart of a NAS timer processing method provided in an embodiment of this application, the NAS timer processing method includes the following steps:

[0083] Step 101: In store-and-forward operation mode, the terminal performs the first operation;

[0084] The first operation includes any one of the following:

[0085] Do not start the first non-access tier NAS timer;

[0086] The value of a first NAS timer is set based on a first time value, wherein the first time value is a time value used for the storage forwarding operation mode;

[0087] A first NAS timer is set based on first information, which is used to indicate storage forwarding operation auxiliary information.

[0088] The first NAS timer is the NAS timer in the storage-forward operation mode.

[0089] Not starting the first NAS timer can be understood as not starting the NAS timer in storage forwarding operation mode.

[0090] Alternatively, the first time value can be a pre-configured timer value; or a timer value predefined by the protocol.

[0091] In one implementation, the first time value is a time value dedicated to the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0092] In this context, "in store-and-forward operation mode" can be understood as the terminal being in store-and-forward operation mode; or it can be understood as the terminal and core network device being in store-and-forward operation mode, where the core network device is the core network device connected to the terminal; or it can be understood as the terminal, access network device, and core network device being in store-and-forward operation mode, where the access network device is the access network device connected to the terminal, and the core network device is the core network device connected to the terminal.

[0093] In addition, before executing the first operation, the terminal can determine whether it is in store-and-forward operation mode. This determination can be understood as the terminal determining whether it is in store-and-forward operation mode; or as the terminal determining whether the terminal and the core network device are in store-and-forward operation mode, where the core network device is the one connected to the terminal; or as the terminal determining whether the terminal, the access network device, and the core network device are in store-and-forward operation mode, where the access network device is the one connected to the terminal, and the core network device is the one connected to the terminal.

[0094] It should be noted that store-and-forward (S&F) operation mode can be understood as a communication mode. Store-and-forward operation mode can also be described as a store and forward operation mode. Store-and-forward operation mode can also be simply referred to as S&F operation mode. In store-and-forward operation mode, NAS messages from the terminal need to be relayed via satellite.

[0095] In addition, the first NAS timer can be the NAS timer of the terminal in the storage-forward operation mode, and the first NAS timer can be used to send or receive NAS messages between the terminal and the core network equipment.

[0096] In addition, the value of the NAS timer can be the timeout value of the NAS timer.

[0097] In one implementation, the terminal sets a NAS timer in the store-forward operation mode.

[0098] For example, after determining that it is a store-forward operation mode, the terminal uses a pre-configured NAS timer value dedicated to the store-forward operation mode; for example, the terminal determines the NAS timer value for the store-forward operation mode based on a first indication information or first information received from the network side; for example, when the terminal determines that it is a store-forward operation mode, the terminal determines not to start the NAS timer or to set the NAS timer to infinity.

[0099] In one embodiment, the terminal obtains first instruction information or first information, and sets the NAS timer according to the first instruction information or first information;

[0100] In one embodiment, the terminal acquiring the first instruction information or the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0101] The terminal receives a System Information Block (SIB) message, the SIB message carrying the first indication information or the first information:

[0102] The terminal sends an attach request and receives an attach reject message. The attach reject message carries the first indication information or the first information:

[0103] The terminal sends an attach request and receives an attach accept message, the attach accept message carrying the first indication information or the first information;

[0104] The terminal sends a registration request message and receives a registration reject message. The registration reject message carries the first indication information or the first information:

[0105] The terminal sends a registration request message and receives a registration accept message. The registration accept message carries the first indication information or the first information.

[0106] In one implementation, the terminal sets the NAS timer according to a first instruction or first information, including any one of the following:

[0107] Use the NAS timer configured for storage-forwarding operation mode according to the first instruction information;

[0108] Based on the first information, set the NAS timer for the store-and-forward operation mode. For example, when setting the NAS timer value, you can add the satellite operation cycle to the original NAS timer value.

[0109] The terminal is configured with a NAS timer suitable for storage-forwarding operation mode.

[0110] The terminal abandons the use of the NAS timer in the storage-forward operation mode.

[0111] In the embodiments of this application, the NAS timer is not started in the storage-forward operation mode; or, the NAS timer in the storage-forward operation mode is set based on a first time value; or, the NAS timer in the storage-forward operation mode is set based on first information. In this way, the use of a general NAS timer is avoided in the storage-forward operation mode, and the NAS timer in the storage-forward operation mode is specifically set, which can reduce the probability of NAS process failure of the terminal.

[0112] Optionally, before the terminal performs the first operation, the method further includes:

[0113] The terminal determines whether it is in the store-and-forward operation mode based on the pre-configured information.

[0114] The pre-configured information can be used to indicate the scope of application of the store-and-forward operation mode, including but not limited to: geographic location or regional location, and network information. Geographic location or regional location can be represented by geolocation, Tracking Area Identity (TAI), or cell identity (ID). Network information can be represented by Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) ID or Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) ID. The terminal can determine whether its own geographic location, regional location, or network information is within the scope of application of the store-and-forward operation mode to determine whether it is in the store-and-forward operation mode. For example, the pre-configured information can be used to indicate the cell IDs of one or more cells to which the store-and-forward operation mode applies. When the cell ID of the cell to which the terminal belongs is among the cell IDs of one or more cells to which the store-and-forward operation mode applies, the terminal determines that it is in the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0115] In this embodiment, the terminal determines whether it is in the storage-forwarding operation mode based on the pre-configured information. When it is determined to be in the storage-forwarding operation mode, the NAS timer is not started; or, the NAS timer in the storage-forwarding operation mode is set based on a first time value; or, the NAS timer in the storage-forwarding operation mode is set based on first information. This allows for specific settings of the NAS timer in the storage-forwarding operation mode, thereby reducing the probability of NAS process failure of the terminal.

[0116] Optionally, the pre-configuration information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0117] The location information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode; the network information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0118] The location information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode can refer to the location information to which the store-and-forward operation mode applies. The network information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode can refer to the network information to which the store-and-forward operation mode applies. The location information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode can include geographical location information or regional location information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0119] In one embodiment, the location information may be information indicating the aforementioned geographical location or regional location.

[0120] In this embodiment, the terminal can determine whether it is in the storage-forward operation mode based on the location information or network information corresponding to the storage-forward operation mode, thereby enabling specific settings for the NAS timer in the storage-forward operation mode.

[0121] Optionally, the terminal determines whether it is in the store-and-forward operation mode based on pre-configuration information, including at least one of the following:

[0122] The terminal determines whether it is in the store-forward operation mode based on whether the terminal's location information matches the location information corresponding to the store-forward operation mode.

[0123] The terminal determines whether it is in the store-and-forward operation mode based on whether the selected network information matches the network information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0124] In one implementation, the terminal determines that it is in the store-and-forward operation mode (SOP) when it determines that its location information matches the location information corresponding to the SOP. Matching the terminal's location information with the location information corresponding to the SOP can mean that the terminal's geographic location or regional location matches the geographic location or regional location to which the SOP applies. Matching the terminal's geographic location or regional location with the location location or regional location to which the SOP applies can be understood as the terminal's geographic location or regional location being within the geographic location or regional location to which the SOP applies. For example, if the terminal's geolocation is within the geolocation to which the SOP applies, the terminal's location information can be considered to match the location information corresponding to the SOP; or, if the terminal's TAI is within the TAI to which the SOP applies, the terminal's location information can be considered to match the location information corresponding to the SOP; or, if the cell ID of the cell to which the terminal belongs is among the cell IDs of one or more cells to which the SOP applies, the terminal's location information can be considered to match the location information corresponding to the SOP.

[0125] In one implementation, the terminal determines that it is in the store-and-forward operation mode (SOP) if the selected network information matches the network information corresponding to the SOP. The matching of the selected network information with the network information corresponding to the SOP can be understood as the terminal selecting a network within the network to which the SOP applies. For example, the network information corresponding to the SOP includes a PLMN ID. If the PLMN ID of the network selected by the terminal is within the PLMN IDs included in the network information corresponding to the SOP, it can be considered that the selected network information matches the network information corresponding to the SOP.

[0126] In one embodiment, the terminal determines that it is in the store-and-forward operation mode when it determines that the selected network information matches the network information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode, and the terminal's location information matches the location information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0127] Optionally, in the store-and-forward operation mode, before the terminal performs the first operation, the method further includes:

[0128] The terminal determines whether it is in the store-and-forward operation mode based on the first indication information;

[0129] The first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0130] Does the first cell support store-and-forward operation mode?

[0131] One or more cells in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0132] Whether the cell where the terminal is located is in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0133] Does the cell where the terminal is located support store-and-forward operation mode?

[0134] Whether the terminal is in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0135] Does the terminal support store-and-forward operation mode?

[0136] Is the store-and-forward operation mode available?

[0137] The terminal may obtain the first indication information from an access network device (e.g., a base station). This first indication information may be included in a broadcast message or a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message. For example, the broadcast message may be SIB31 (System Information Block Type 31) or SIB32, and the RRC message may be an RRC connection reconfiguration message or an RRC connection establishment message. Alternatively, the terminal may obtain the first indication information from a core network device (e.g., an MME). This first indication information may be carried in a response message of a first message sent by the core network device to the terminal. The first message may include: a registration request message, an attach request message, a tracking area update request message, a service request message, a deregistration request message, etc.

[0138] Optionally, the terminal may obtain the first indication information from an access network device (e.g., a base station), including the access network device (e.g., a base station) broadcasting the first indication information, and the terminal learning the first indication information from the underlying layer. For example, the first indication information may specifically be: "store-forward operation mode indication" or "store-forward operation mode available".

[0139] It should be noted that access network equipment (such as base stations) can broadcast the first indication information in the cells they cover.

[0140] In one embodiment, an access network device (e.g., a base station) can determine the cells within its coverage area where the store-and-forward operation mode (LOM) is applicable, and broadcast first indication information in the determined cells where the LOM is applicable. The first indication information indicates at least one of the following: a first cell supports the LOM; one or more cell identifiers are in the LOM; the cell where the terminal is located is in the LOM; the cell where the terminal is located supports the LOM; the terminal is in the LOM; the terminal supports the LOM; the terminal supports the LOM; the store-and-forward operation mode; the store-and-forward operation mode is available. Alternatively, the access network device (e.g., a base station) can determine the cells within its coverage area where the LOM is not applicable, and broadcast first indication information in the determined cells where the store-and-forward operation mode is not applicable. The first indication information indicates at least one of the following: a first cell does not support the LOM; one or more cell identifiers do not support the LOM; the cell where the terminal is located is not in the LOM; the cell where the terminal is located does not support the LOM; the terminal is not in the LOM; the terminal does not support the store-and-forward operation mode; the store-and-forward operation mode is unavailable.

[0141] In one implementation, for an access network device (e.g., a base station) that does not support store-and-forward operation mode or is not in store-and-forward operation mode, the access network device may broadcast first indication information in the cells it covers. This first indication information indicates at least one of the following: a first cell does not support store-and-forward operation mode; one or more cell identifiers that do not support store-and-forward operation mode; the cell where the terminal is located is not in store-and-forward operation mode; the cell where the terminal is located does not support store-and-forward operation mode; the terminal is not in store-and-forward operation mode; the terminal does not support store-and-forward operation mode; store-and-forward operation mode is unavailable.

[0142] In one implementation, the terminal determines that it is in the store-and-forward operation mode when the first indication information indicates at least one of the following:

[0143] The first cell supports store-and-forward operation mode, wherein the first cell is the cell where the terminal is located;

[0144] One or more cells in store-and-forward operation mode, wherein the one or more cells include the cell where the terminal is located; the cell where the terminal is located is in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0145] The cell where the terminal is located supports store-and-forward operation mode;

[0146] The terminal is in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0147] The terminal supports store-and-forward operation mode;

[0148] Store-and-forward operation mode is available.

[0149] In one implementation, if the first indication information indicates that the first cell supports store-and-forward mode, and the terminal is located within the first cell, then the terminal is determined to be in store-and-forward operation mode.

[0150] In one embodiment, if the first indication information indicates that one or more cells are in store-and-forward operation mode, and the terminal is in any one of the one or more cells, then the terminal is determined to be in store-and-forward operation mode.

[0151] In this embodiment, the terminal determines whether it is in the storage-forwarding operation mode based on the first indication information. When it is determined to be in the storage-forwarding operation mode, the NAS timer is not started; or, the NAS timer in the storage-forwarding operation mode is set based on the first time value; or, the NAS timer in the storage-forwarding operation mode is set based on the first information. This allows for specific settings of the NAS timer in the storage-forwarding operation mode, thereby reducing the probability of NAS process failure of the terminal.

[0152] Optionally, if the terminal determines whether it is in the store-and-forward operation mode based on the first indication information, the method further includes:

[0153] The terminal receives the first indication information sent by the access network device.

[0154] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0155] The terminal sends a first request message to the core network equipment;

[0156] The terminal receives a first response message sent by the core network device;

[0157] Wherein, when the first response message instructs the core network device to accept the first request message, the first response message includes at least one of the following: the first indication information; the first information;

[0158] When the first response message instructs the core network device to reject the first request message, the first response message includes at least one of the following: the first indication information; the first information; and the first rejection information.

[0159] The first rejection information is used to indicate the reason for rejecting the first request message.

[0160] The first request message may include at least one of the following: a registration request message, an attachment request message, a tracking area update request message, a service request message, and a deregistration request message.

[0161] In one implementation, the first rejection information may include at least one of the following:

[0162] Indicator information that only supports or allows store-and-forward mode.

[0163] Instruction information used to instruct a terminal to enter or enable store-and-forward operation mode.

[0164] The core network equipment can be an MME or an AMF, etc.

[0165] In one embodiment, if the terminal determines that it has not received a first response message corresponding to the first request message, and the first request message includes second indication information, the terminal determines that it is in store-and-forward operation mode.

[0166] The second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal supports the store-and-forward operation mode or to indicate that the terminal supports store-and-forward service registration.

[0167] It should be noted that when the core network device receives the first request message sent by the terminal, the core network device can send first indication information or first information to the terminal. That is, the core network device can be functionally enhanced to enable it to send first indication information or first information to the terminal.

[0168] In one embodiment, when the core network equipment is a satellite-based core network equipment, the first indication information may indicate at least one of the following: the cell where the terminal is located is in store-and-forward operation mode; the cell where the terminal is located supports store-and-forward operation mode; the terminal is in store-and-forward operation mode; the terminal supports store-and-forward operation mode; store-and-forward operation mode is available; the core network equipment supports and accepts store-and-forward operation mode. Alternatively, when the core network equipment is not a satellite-based core network equipment, the first indication information may indicate at least one of the following: the cell where the terminal is located is not in store-and-forward operation mode; the cell where the terminal is located does not support store-and-forward operation mode; the terminal is not in store-and-forward operation mode; the terminal does not support store-and-forward operation mode; store-and-forward operation mode is unavailable; the core network equipment does not support or does not accept store-and-forward operation mode.

[0169] In one embodiment, for a core network device that does not support store-and-forward operation mode or is not in store-and-forward operation mode, when the core network device receives a first request message sent by the terminal, the core network device may send first indication information to the terminal. The first indication information indicates at least one of the following: the cell where the terminal is located is not in store-and-forward operation mode; the cell where the terminal is located does not support store-and-forward operation mode; the terminal is not in store-and-forward operation mode; the terminal does not support store-and-forward operation mode; store-and-forward operation mode is unavailable; the core network device does not support or does not accept store-and-forward operation mode.

[0170] In one embodiment, the core network device receives location information or network information of a terminal from the access network device. The core network device can determine whether the terminal's location information corresponds to the store-and-forward operation mode, or whether the terminal's network information corresponds to the store-and-forward operation mode, i.e., whether the terminal's location information or network information is within the applicable range of the store-and-forward operation mode. If the core network device determines that the terminal's location information or network information is within the applicable range of the store-and-forward operation mode, the core network device can send first indication information to the terminal. The first indication information can indicate at least one of the following: the cell where the terminal is located is in store-and-forward operation mode; the cell where the terminal is located supports store-and-forward operation mode; the terminal is in store-and-forward operation mode; the terminal supports store-and-forward operation mode; or store-and-forward operation mode is available.

[0171] In this embodiment, the terminal sends a first request message to the core network device, and the terminal receives a first response message sent by the core network device. Thus, the terminal can obtain the first indication information or the first information through the first response message, and can determine whether it is in the storage-forwarding operation mode based on the first indication information, or can set the NAS timer in the storage-forwarding operation mode based on the first information.

[0172] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0173] The terminal sends a second request message to the core network equipment;

[0174] If the terminal determines that it has not received a second response message corresponding to the second request message, and the second request message includes second indication information, the terminal determines that it is in store-and-forward operation mode.

[0175] The second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal supports the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0176] The second request message may be the same as or different from the first request message.

[0177] In one embodiment, the second indication information is carried in at least one of the following:

[0178] Mobility management capability information element; system update type information element; registration type information element; new information element.

[0179] In one implementation, the mobility management capability information element can be a 5G Mobility Management (5GMM) capability information element.

[0180] In one implementation, the system update type information element can be a 5G System (5GS) update type information element.

[0181] In one implementation, the registration type information element can be a 5GS registration type information element.

[0182] In this embodiment, the terminal can determine whether it is in the store-forward operation mode by sending a second request message to the core network device. When it is determined that it is in the store-forward operation mode, it does not start the NAS timer; or, it sets the NAS timer in the store-forward operation mode based on a first time value; or, it sets the NAS timer in the store-forward operation mode based on first information. In this way, the NAS timer in the store-forward operation mode can be specifically set, which can reduce the probability of the terminal's NAS process failure.

[0183] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0184] Ephemeris information; satellite period; store-and-forward operation processing time; service link establishment latency; feedback link establishment latency.

[0185] Optionally, setting the first NAS timer based on the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0186] Set the value of the first NAS timer based on the ephemeris information or the satellite period;

[0187] The value of the first NAS timer is set based on the value of the third NAS timer and the storage forwarding operation processing time.

[0188] The value of the first NAS timer is set based on the value of the third NAS timer and the service link establishment delay.

[0189] The value of the first NAS timer is set based on the value of the third NAS timer and the establishment delay of the feedback link.

[0190] The third NAS timer is a different NAS timer from the first NAS timer.

[0191] The third NAS timer can be an existing NAS timer. The third NAS timer can include mobility management timers and session management timers.

[0192] In one embodiment, setting the value of the first NAS timer based on the value of the third NAS timer and the storage-forward operation processing time may include setting the sum of the value of the third NAS timer and the value of the storage-forward operation processing time as the value of the first NAS timer; or setting the value of the first NAS timer to be greater than the sum of the value of the third NAS timer and the value of the storage-forward operation processing time.

[0193] In one embodiment, setting the value of the first NAS timer based on the value of the third NAS timer and the service link establishment delay may include: setting the sum of the value of the third NAS timer and the value of the service link establishment delay as the value of the first NAS timer; or, setting the value of the first NAS timer to be greater than the sum of the value of the third NAS timer and the value of the service link establishment delay.

[0194] In one embodiment, setting the value of the first NAS timer based on the value of the third NAS timer and the feedback link establishment delay may include: setting the sum of the value of the third NAS timer and the value of the feedback link establishment delay as the value of the first NAS timer; or, setting the value of the first NAS timer to be greater than the sum of the value of the third NAS timer and the value of the feedback link establishment delay.

[0195] In this embodiment, the value of the first NAS timer is set based on the ephemeris information or the satellite period, thereby enabling the setting of the NAS timer in the store-and-forward operation mode to take into account satellite-related information; or, the value of the first NAS timer is set based on the value of the third NAS timer and the store-and-forward operation processing time; or, the value of the first NAS timer is set based on the value of the third NAS timer and the service link establishment delay; or, the value of the first NAS timer is set based on the value of the third NAS timer and the feedback link establishment delay; thereby enabling the consideration of various delays caused by NAS messages being relayed through satellites, and specifically setting the NAS timer in the store-and-forward operation mode, which can reduce the probability of NAS process failure at the terminal.

[0196] Optionally, setting the value of the first NAS timer based on the first time value includes any one of the following:

[0197] Set the value of the first NAS timer to infinity;

[0198] Set the value of the first NAS timer to the pre-configured timer value;

[0199] Set the value of the first NAS timer to the timer value predefined by the protocol.

[0200] In this implementation, the value of the first NAS timer is set to infinity; or, the value of the first NAS timer is set to a pre-configured timer value; or, the value of the first NAS timer is set to a timer value predefined by the protocol. In this way, by making specific settings to the NAS timer in the storage-forward operation mode, the probability of NAS process failure of the terminal can be reduced.

[0201] It should be noted that if the UE accesses the satellite access with S&F operator mode, the UE's NAS message requests need to be relayed through the satellite, increasing the service link length. If a traditional (legacy) NAS timer (a NAS timer at the second or minute level) is still used to ensure the transmission and reception of NAS signaling in S&F operator mode, the NAS process has a high probability of failure. This application's embodiment adjusts the NAS timer for S&F operator mode to ensure the normal transmission and reception of NAS signaling.

[0202] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0203] The terminal sends the first information to the core network equipment.

[0204] In this embodiment, the terminal sends the first information to the core network device, so that the core network device can set a second NAS timer based on the first information. The second NAS timer is the NAS timer of the core network device in the store-and-forward operation mode, thereby enabling the adjustment of the NAS timer of the core network device and ensuring the normal transmission and reception of NAS signaling.

[0205] Referring to Figure 4, which is a flowchart of a NAS timer processing method provided in an embodiment of this application, the NAS timer processing method includes the following steps:

[0206] Step 201: In store-and-forward operation mode, the core network device performs the second operation;

[0207] The second operation includes any one of the following:

[0208] Do not start the second NAS timer;

[0209] Set the value of the second NAS timer based on the second time value;

[0210] Set a second NAS timer based on the first information;

[0211] Send the first message to the terminal;

[0212] The first information is used to indicate store-and-forward operation auxiliary information, and the second time value is the time value used for store-and-forward operation mode.

[0213] The second NAS timer is the NAS timer in the storage-forward operation mode.

[0214] The statement "not starting the second NAS timer" can be understood as the core network device not starting the NAS timer in the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0215] Alternatively, the second time value can be a pre-configured timer value; or a timer value predefined by the protocol.

[0216] In one implementation, the second time value is a time value dedicated to the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0217] It should be noted that the second NAS timer can be the NAS timer of the core network device in the storage-forward operation mode, and the second NAS timer can be used for sending or receiving NAS messages between the core network device and the terminal.

[0218] In one implementation, the core network equipment (such as MME) is configured with a NAS timer in store-and-forward operation mode.

[0219] For example, after determining that it is a store-forward operation mode, the core network device uses a pre-configured NAS timer value dedicated to the store-forward operation mode; for example, the core network device determines the NAS timer value for the store-forward operation mode based on the first instruction information, the first information, or the pre-configured information; for example, when determining that it is a store-forward operation mode, the core network device determines not to start the NAS timer or to set it to infinity.

[0220] In one implementation, the core network device obtains first indication information or first information, and sets the NAS timer according to the first indication information or first information or pre-configuration information.

[0221] In one embodiment, the core network device acquiring the first indication information or the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0222] The NAS information received by the core network equipment from the terminal carries the first indication information;

[0223] The core network equipment receives an NG setup request from the RAN, wherein the NG setup request carries first indication information or first information;

[0224] The core network equipment receives the first information from the NF.

[0225] In one implementation, the core network device sets the NAS timer according to a first instruction or first information, including any one of the following:

[0226] Use the configured NAS timer for storage-forwarding operation mode;

[0227] Configure the NAS timer for store-and-forward operation mode according to the satellite operating cycle, including adding the satellite operating cycle to the original NAS timer value when setting the NAS timer value;

[0228] The core network equipment is configured with a NAS timer suitable for store-and-forward operation mode.

[0229] Core network devices abandon the use of NAS timers in store-forward operation mode.

[0230] In this embodiment of the application, in the store-and-forward operation mode, the core network device performs a second operation; wherein, the second operation includes any one of the following: not starting the second NAS timer; setting the value of the second NAS timer based on the second time value; setting the second NAS timer based on the first information; sending the first information to the terminal; thus, in the store-and-forward operation mode, the core network device avoids using a general NAS timer, and by making specific settings for the NAS timer in the store-and-forward operation mode, the probability of NAS process failure between the terminal and the core network device can be reduced.

[0231] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0232] The core network device sends a third request message to the network function entity, the third request message being used to request the first information;

[0233] The core network device receives the first information sent by the network function entity.

[0234] The third request message can be used to request information related to the store-and-forward operation mode. The network function entity can be a network function entity storing satellite information; this network function entity can be an existing network element or a newly added network element. For example, this network function entity can be an AF (Analog-Offshore Array).

[0235] In one embodiment, the third request message may carry third indication information, which is indication information of the store-and-forward operation mode; or, the third request message may carry an identifier of the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0236] In this embodiment, the core network device sends a third request message to the network function entity; the core network device receives the first information sent by the network function entity. Thus, the core network device can obtain the first information through the third request message, and subsequently set the NAS timer in store-and-forward operation mode or send the first information to the terminal based on the first information.

[0237] Optionally, before setting the second NAS timer based on the first information, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0238] The core network device receives the first information from the access network device;

[0239] The core network device obtains the pre-configured first information;

[0240] The core network device receives the first information from the terminal.

[0241] In one embodiment, the core network device receives the first information sent by the access network device (such as a base station), and the first information may be included in an NGAP message.

[0242] In one implementation, the core network device receives the first information from a terminal, the first information being determined by the terminal. For example, the terminal may obtain the first information from an access network device (such as a base station) and send the first information to the core network device.

[0243] In this embodiment, the core network device receives the first information from the access network device; or the core network device obtains the pre-configured first information; or the core network device receives the first information from the terminal; thereby the core network device can set the NAS timer in the store-and-forward operation mode or send the first information to the terminal based on the obtained first information.

[0244] Optionally, before the core network device performs the second operation, the method further includes:

[0245] The core network device determines whether the terminal or the core network device is in the store-and-forward operation mode based on at least one of the following:

[0246] Pre-configuration information;

[0247] The received second indication information from the terminal, the second indication information being used to indicate that the terminal supports the store-and-forward operation mode;

[0248] Received Radio Access Technology (RAT) type information from the access network device.

[0249] The pre-configured information can be used to indicate the scope of application of the store-and-forward operation mode, including but not limited to: geographical location or regional location, and network information. Geographical location or regional location can be represented by geolocation, TAI, or cell ID. Network information can be represented by PLMN ID or SNPN ID. The core network device can determine whether the terminal's geographical location or regional location or network information is within the scope of application of the store-and-forward operation mode to determine whether the terminal or the core network device is in the store-and-forward operation mode. For example, the pre-configured information can be used to indicate the cell ID of the cell to which the store-and-forward operation mode applies. When the cell ID of the cell to which the terminal belongs is among the cell IDs of the cells to which the store-and-forward operation mode applies, the core network device determines that the terminal or the core network device is in the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0250] Optionally, the UE provides pre-configuration information to the underlying layer.

[0251] In one implementation, if the second indication information indicates that the terminal supports the store-and-forward operation mode, the core network device may determine that the terminal or the core network device is in the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0252] In one implementation, if the RAT type information sent by the access network device indicates a Single Frequency (SF) Radio Access Technology (RAT) type, the core network device can determine that the terminal or the core network device is in the store-and-forward operation mode. SF RAT type refers to the store-and-forward RAT type.

[0253] In one embodiment, the second indication information is carried in at least one of the following:

[0254] Mobility management capability information element; system update type information element; registration type information element; new information element.

[0255] In one implementation, the mobility management capability information element can be a 5GMM capability information element.

[0256] In one implementation, the system update type information element can be a 5GS update type information element.

[0257] In one implementation, the registration type information element can be a 5GS registration type information element.

[0258] In this embodiment, the core network device determines whether the terminal or the core network device is in the store-and-forward operation mode based on at least one of the following: pre-configuration information; second indication information received from the terminal, the second indication information indicating that the terminal supports the store-and-forward operation mode; and Radio Access Technology (RAT) type information received from the access network device. This allows the core network device to avoid using a generic NAS timer in the store-and-forward operation mode, and by specifically setting the NAS timer in this mode, the probability of NAS process failure between the terminal and the core network device can be reduced.

[0259] Optionally, the pre-configuration information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0260] The location information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode; the network information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0261] It should be noted that the pre-configuration information can be found in the relevant description of the embodiment shown in Figure 3. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0262] Optionally, in the store-and-forward operation mode, before the core network device performs the second operation, the method further includes:

[0263] The core network device determines whether the terminal or the core network device is in store-and-forward operation mode based on the first indication information.

[0264] The first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0265] Does the first cell support store-and-forward operation mode?

[0266] One or more cells in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0267] Whether the cell where the terminal is located is in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0268] Does the cell where the terminal is located support store-and-forward operation mode?

[0269] Whether the terminal is in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0270] Does the terminal support store-and-forward operation mode?

[0271] Is the store-and-forward operation mode available?

[0272] The core network equipment can obtain the first indication information from the access network equipment (e.g., a base station), and the first indication information can be included in an NG Application Protocol (NGAP) message. NG stands for new generation.

[0273] In one implementation, the core network device determines that the terminal or the core network device is in store-and-forward operation mode if the first indication information indicates at least one of the following:

[0274] The cell where the terminal is located is in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0275] The cell where the terminal is located supports store-and-forward operation mode;

[0276] The terminal is in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0277] The terminal supports store-and-forward operation mode.

[0278] In this embodiment, the core network device determines whether the terminal or the core network device is in store-forward operation mode based on the first indication information, thereby enabling specific settings for the NAS timer in store-forward operation mode and reducing the probability of NAS process failure between the terminal and the core network device.

[0279] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0280] The core network device receives the first request message sent by the terminal.

[0281] The core network device sends a first response message to the terminal;

[0282] Wherein, when the first response message instructs the core network device to accept the first request message, the first response message includes at least one of the following: the first indication information; the first information;

[0283] When the first response message instructs the core network device to reject the first request message, the first response message includes at least one of the following: the first indication information; the first information; and the first rejection information.

[0284] The first rejection information is used to indicate the reason for rejecting the first request message.

[0285] It should be noted that the first request message and the first response message can be found in the relevant description of the embodiment shown in Figure 3. To avoid repetition, they will not be repeated here.

[0286] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0287] Ephemeris information; satellite period; store-and-forward operation processing time; service link establishment latency; feedback link establishment latency.

[0288] Optionally, setting the second NAS timer based on the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0289] Set the value of the second NAS timer based on the ephemeris information or the satellite period;

[0290] The value of the second NAS timer is set based on the value of the fourth NAS timer and the storage forwarding operation processing time.

[0291] The value of the second NAS timer is set based on the value of the fourth NAS timer and the service link establishment delay.

[0292] The value of the second NAS timer is set based on the value of the fourth NAS timer and the establishment delay of the feedback link.

[0293] The fourth NAS timer is a different NAS timer from the second NAS timer.

[0294] The fourth NAS timer can be an existing NAS timer. The fourth NAS timer can include a mobility management timer and a session management timer.

[0295] In one embodiment, setting the value of the second NAS timer based on the value of the fourth NAS timer and the storage-forward operation processing time may include setting the sum of the value of the fourth NAS timer and the value of the storage-forward operation processing time as the value of the second NAS timer; or setting the value of the second NAS timer to be greater than the sum of the value of the fourth NAS timer and the value of the storage-forward operation processing time.

[0296] In one embodiment, setting the value of the second NAS timer based on the value of the fourth NAS timer and the service link establishment delay may include: setting the sum of the value of the fourth NAS timer and the value of the service link establishment delay as the value of the second NAS timer; or, setting the value of the second NAS timer to be greater than the sum of the value of the fourth NAS timer and the value of the service link establishment delay.

[0297] In one embodiment, setting the value of the second NAS timer based on the value of the fourth NAS timer and the feedback link establishment delay may include: setting the sum of the value of the fourth NAS timer and the value of the feedback link establishment delay as the value of the second NAS timer; or, setting the value of the second NAS timer to be greater than the sum of the value of the fourth NAS timer and the value of the feedback link establishment delay.

[0298] In this embodiment, the value of the second NAS timer is set based on the ephemeris information or the satellite period, thereby taking into account satellite-related information when setting the NAS timer in the store-and-forward operation mode; or, the value of the second NAS timer is set based on the value of the fourth NAS timer and the store-and-forward operation processing time; or, the value of the second NAS timer is set based on the value of the fourth NAS timer and the service link establishment delay; or, the value of the second NAS timer is set based on the value of the fourth NAS timer and the feedback link establishment delay. This allows for the consideration of various delays caused by NAS messages being relayed via satellite, enabling specific settings for the NAS timer in the store-and-forward operation mode, and reducing the probability of NAS process failure between the terminal and core network equipment.

[0299] Optionally, setting the value of the second NAS timer based on the second time value includes any one of the following:

[0300] Set the value of the second NAS timer to infinity;

[0301] Set the value of the second NAS timer to the pre-configured timer value;

[0302] Set the value of the second NAS timer to a predefined timer value in the protocol;

[0303] The sum of the value of the fourth NAS timer and the second time value is set as the value of the second NAS timer, wherein the fourth NAS timer and the second NAS timer are different NAS timers, and the second time value is a pre-configured time value.

[0304] In this implementation, the value of the second NAS timer is set to infinity; or the value of the second NAS timer is set to a pre-configured timer value; or the value of the second NAS timer is set to a timer value predefined by the protocol; or the sum of the value of the fourth NAS timer and the second time value is set as the value of the second NAS timer. In this way, by making specific settings to the NAS timer in the store-and-forward operation mode, the probability of NAS process failure between the terminal and the core network equipment can be reduced.

[0305] It should be noted that this embodiment is an implementation of the core network device corresponding to the embodiment shown in Figure 3. For the specific implementation method, please refer to the relevant description of the embodiment shown in Figure 3. To avoid repetition, this embodiment will not be described again.

[0306] This application also provides a NAS timer processing method, including:

[0307] The access network device sends the first instruction information to the terminal;

[0308] The first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0309] Does the first cell support store-and-forward operation mode?

[0310] One or more cells in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0311] Whether the cell where the terminal is located is in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0312] Does the cell where the terminal is located support store-and-forward operation mode?

[0313] Whether the terminal is in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0314] Does the terminal support store-and-forward operation mode?

[0315] Is the store-and-forward operation mode available?

[0316] It should be noted that this embodiment is an implementation of the access network device corresponding to the embodiment shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4. For the specific implementation, please refer to the relevant description of the embodiment shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4. To avoid repetition, this embodiment will not be described again.

[0317] The NAS timer processing method provided in this application is illustrated below through several specific embodiments:

[0318] In the following embodiments, the core network device is an MME as an example.

[0319] Example 1:

[0320] In this embodiment, the terminal (UE) sets the NAS timer (i.e., the first NAS timer) in the S&F operation mode (i.e., store-and-forward operation mode).

[0321] In this embodiment, NAS timer refers to the NAS timer maintained on the UE side, including existing and future new mobility management NAS timers and session management NAS timers, and includes NAS timers in Evolved Packet System (EPS) and 5GS.

[0322] Implementation Method 1:

[0323] In this implementation, as shown in Figure 5, the UE uses a pre-configured NAS timer value dedicated to the S&F operation mode, including the following process:

[0324] (1) The UE obtains first indication information from the base station. The first indication information is used to indicate that it is in or supports S&F operation mode, or that the cell is in or supports S&F operation mode. The first indication information may be an S&F operation mode indication.

[0325] The first indication information is included in a broadcast message or an RRC message. For example, the broadcast message can be SIB31 (System Information Block Type 31) or SIB32; the RRC message can be an RRC connection reconfiguration message or an RRC connection establishment message.

[0326] If the UE can obtain the first indication information from the base station, it can skip steps (2)-(3) and directly execute step (4).

[0327] The UE can obtain the first indication information from the underlying layer.

[0328] (2) The UE sends a first message to the MME, the first message containing at least one of the following: registration request message, attach request message, tracking area update request message, service request message, deregistration request message.

[0329] Optionally, the first message includes a first bit (i.e., second indication information), which indicates whether the UE supports S&F operation mode. The first bit may be included in a 5GMM capability cell, a 5GS update type cell, a 5GS registration type cell, or a new cell.

[0330] (3) The UE learns from the MME that it is in S&F operation mode, including the following three situations:

[0331] In the first scenario, the MME sends a first rejection message to the UE. This rejection message includes at least one of the following: first indication information, first information, and a first rejection value (i.e., the first rejection information). The first rejection value indicates that only S&F operation mode can be executed. In this case, S&F operation mode is already in use when the UE sends the first message, and the first message may be a communication message between the UE and the visited network.

[0332] The first information can be auxiliary information for store-and-forward operations, and includes at least one of the following: ephemeris information, satellite period, S&F operation processing time, service link establishment delay, and feedback link establishment delay. The ephemeris information can be used to determine the satellite coverage time for a specific location.

[0333] In the second scenario, the MME sends a first message acceptance message to the UE, the acceptance message containing at least one of the following: first indication information, first information. In this case, the S&F operation mode has not yet been used when the UE sends the first message, and the first message may be a communication message between the UE and its home network.

[0334] The third scenario: If the UE does not receive a response message for the first message, that is, the NAS timer associated with the first message times out, and the first message contains the first bit, then the UE is determined to be in S&F operation mode.

[0335] Optionally, the UE determines that it is in S&F operation mode based on pre-configuration information, which indicates the scope to which the S&F operation mode applies, including but not limited to: geographic location or regional location, and network information. Geographic location or regional location can be represented by geolocation, TAI, or cell ID. Network information can be represented by PLMN ID or SNPN ID.

[0336] (4) The UE sets the NAS timer according to the first instruction information, including the following two methods:

[0337] Method 1: The UE determines it is in S&F operation mode based on the first indication information, and the UE uses a pre-configured NAS timer value dedicated to S&F operation mode. Specifically, a mobility management timer or session management NAS timer for S&F operation mode can be added to the protocol, for example:

[0338] Table 1: EPS Session Management Timers

[0339] Method 2: The UE determines that it is in S&F operation mode based on the first indication information. The UE adds a first time value to the existing NAS timer as the NAS timer for S&F operation mode. The first time value can be configured by the operator, pre-configured in the Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) / Mobile Equipment (ME), or determined depending on the UE implementation.

[0340] The UE obtains the first indication information from the underlying layer or the UE obtains the S&F operation mode indication from the underlying layer.

[0341] Implementation Method 2:

[0342] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application can be applied to different network systems, such as fourth-generation mobile communication technology (4G). th In Generation Mobile Communication Technology (4G) systems (4GS) and 5GS, the base stations and core network nodes differ. In 4GS, the base station and core network node are eNB and MME, respectively, while in 5GS, the base station and core network node are gNB and AMF, respectively. In this embodiment, the core network node is illustrated using MME as an example.

[0343] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the UE determines the NAS timer value of the S&F operation mode based on the first indication information and the first information received from the network side, including the following process:

[0344] (1) Optionally, the UE obtains first indication information and first information from the base station.

[0345] The first indication information can be used to indicate that the UE is in or supports S&F operation mode, or that the cell is in or supports S&F operation mode;

[0346] The first information can be auxiliary information for store-and-forward operations, and includes at least one of the following: ephemeris information, satellite period, S&F operation processing time, service link establishment delay, and feedback link establishment delay. The ephemeris information can be used to determine the satellite coverage time for a specific location.

[0347] The first indication information and the first information are included in a broadcast message or an RRC message. For example, the broadcast message can be SIB31 (System Information Block Type 31) or SIB32; the RRC message can be an RRC connection reconfiguration message or an RRC connection establishment message.

[0348] If the UE can obtain the first information from the base station, it can skip steps (2)-(5) and directly execute step (6).

[0349] The UE can obtain the first instruction information and the first information from the underlying layer.

[0350] (2) The UE sends a first message to the MME, the first message containing at least one of the following: registration request message, attach request message, tracking area update request message, service request message, deregistration request message.

[0351] Optionally, the first message includes a first bit, which indicates whether the UE supports S&F operation mode. This first bit may be included in a 5GMM capability cell, a 5GS update type cell, or a newly added cell.

[0352] (3) Optionally, the MME requests S&F operation mode related information from the NF, and the request message carries the S&F operation mode indication.

[0353] The MME determines the S&F operation mode indication based on the first bit received from the UE or the network operation mode. The network operation mode may include a satellite-based non-terrestrial communication network or a terrestrial communication network.

[0354] The NF can be a network function entity that stores satellite information, and this network function entity can be an existing network element or a newly added network element.

[0355] (4) Optionally, NF determines the first information and sends it to MME.

[0356] To determine the first information, NF can obtain ephemeris information from RAN or a functional entity that stores satellite information. For example, the functional entity can be a non-3GPP organization or QAM.

[0357] (5) The MME sends the first indication information and the first information to the UE, including the following two cases:

[0358] In the first scenario, the MME sends a first rejection message to the UE. This rejection message includes at least one of the following: first indication information, first information, and a first rejection value. The first rejection value indicates that only S&F operation mode can be executed.

[0359] In the second scenario, the MME sends a first message acceptance message to the UE, which includes at least one of the following: first indication information, first information. In this case, the UE has not yet used the S&F operation mode when sending the first message, and the first message may be a communication message between the UE and its home network.

[0360] (6) The UE sets the NAS timer according to the first instruction information and the first information, including:

[0361] The UE determines that it is in S&F operation mode based on the first indication information;

[0362] The UE sets the NAS timer according to the first information, including: the UE sets a suitable NAS timer for the S&F operation mode according to ephemeris information or satellite period, or the UE adds the S&F operation processing time, service link establishment delay or feedback link establishment delay to the existing NAS timer as the NAS timer for the S&F operation mode.

[0363] Implementation Method 3:

[0364] In this implementation, when the UE determines that it is in S&F operation mode, the UE determines not to start the NAS timer or sets it to infinity.

[0365] The UE determines that it is in S&F operation mode based on the first indication information (the method of obtaining the first indication information is the same as in Implementation Method 1 or Implementation Method 2) or pre-configuration information; the UE does not use the NAS timer mechanism when executing the NAS procedure, including: the UE does not enable the NAS timer when sending NAS messages, or the UE sets the NAS timer to a large value or an infinite value when sending NAS messages.

[0366] Example 2:

[0367] In this embodiment, the MME sets the NAS timer (i.e., the second NAS timer) in S&F operation mode.

[0368] The MME can determine that the UE is in S&F operation mode based on pre-configured information, the SF RAT type notified by the RAN, or the S&F registration indication information of the UE. The MME sets the NAS timer, including: determining the NAS timer based on the pre-configured satellite period (more suitable for scenarios where the MME is onboard); or, determining the NAS timer based on the satellite period provided by the RAN during the NG setup process.

[0369] Implementation Method 1:

[0370] In this implementation, as shown in Figure 7, the MME uses a pre-configured NAS timer value dedicated to the S&F operating mode, including the following process:

[0371] (1) The MME obtains first indication information from the base station (such as the RAN), the first indication information being used to indicate that it is in or supports S&F operation mode or that the cell is in or supports S&F operation mode;

[0372] The first indication information is included in the NGAP message.

[0373] If the MME can obtain the first indication information from the base station, it can skip steps (2)-(3) and directly execute step (4).

[0374] (2) The UE sends a first message to the MME, the first message containing at least one of the following: registration request message, attach request message, tracking area update request message, service request message, deregistration request message.

[0375] Optionally, the first message includes a first bit, which indicates whether the UE supports S&F operation mode. This first bit may be included in a 5GMM capability cell, a 5GS update type cell, a 5GS registration type cell, or a new cell.

[0376] (3) The MME determines that it is in S&F operation mode and sets the NAS timer, including the following three cases:

[0377] In the first scenario, the MME determines that it is in S&F operation mode based on at least one of the following: pre-configuration information, the first bit received from the UE, and the SF RAT type received from the base station;

[0378] The pre-configured information indicates the scope to which the S&F operation mode applies, including but not limited to: geographic location or regional location, and network information. Geographic location or regional location can be represented by geolocation, TAI, or cell ID. Network information can be represented by PLMN ID or SNPN ID.

[0379] The second scenario: After determining that it is in S&F operation mode, the MME sets the NAS timer, including the following two methods:

[0380] Method 1: The MME uses pre-configured NAS timer values ​​specifically for S&F operation mode. Specifically, mobility management timers or session management NAS timers for S&F operation mode can be added to the protocol.

[0381] Method 2: The MME adds a second time value to the existing NAS timer as the NAS timer for S&F operation mode. The second time value can be configured by the operator, pre-configured in the MME, or determined depending on the MME implementation.

[0382] Implementation Method 2:

[0383] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the MME determines the NAS timer value of the S&F operation mode based on the first indication information, the first information, or the pre-configuration information; or the MME receives the satellite period provided by the RAN during the NG setup process and sets the NAS timer value; or the MME determines the NAS timer based on the pre-configured ephemeris period information, including the following processes:

[0384] (1) Optionally, the MME obtains first indication information and first information from the base station.

[0385] The first indication information is used to indicate that the cell is in or supports S&F operation mode, or that the cell is in or supports S&F operation mode.

[0386] The first information can be auxiliary information for store-and-forward operations, and includes at least one of the following: ephemeris information, satellite period, S&F operation processing time, service link establishment delay, and feedback link establishment delay. The ephemeris information can be used to determine the satellite coverage time for a specific location.

[0387] The first indication information and the first information are included in the NGAP message.

[0388] (2) The UE sends a first message to the MME, the first message containing at least one of the following: registration request message, attach request message, tracking area update request message, service request message, deregistration request message.

[0389] Optionally, the first message includes a first bit, which indicates whether the UE supports S&F operation mode. This first bit may be included in a 5GMM capability cell, a 5GS update type cell, a 5GS registration type cell, or a new cell.

[0390] Optionally, the first message includes second information, which is used to indicate store-and-forward operation assistance information determined or pre-configured on the UE side.

[0391] (3) Optionally, the MME requests S&F operation mode related information from the NF, and the request message carries the S&F operation mode indication.

[0392] The MME determines the S&F operation mode indication based on the first bit received from the UE or the network operation mode. The network operation mode may include a satellite-based non-terrestrial communication network or a terrestrial communication network.

[0393] The NF can store network function entities containing satellite information, which can be existing network elements or newly added network elements.

[0394] (4) Optionally, the NF determines the first information and sends it to the MME;

[0395] To determine the first information, NF can obtain ephemeris information from RAN or a functional entity that stores satellite information. For example, the functional entity can be a non-3GPP organization or QAM.

[0396] (5) The MME determines that it is in S&F operation mode and sets the NAS timer, including the following two cases:

[0397] In the first scenario: the MME determines that it is in S&F operation mode based on the first indication information or pre-configuration information; the first indication information can be received from the base station or pre-configured in the MME.

[0398] The second scenario: The MME sets the NAS timer based on the received first information, the pre-configured first information, or the received second information, including: the MME sets a suitable NAS timer for the S&F operation mode based on ephemeris information or satellite cycle, or the MME adds the S&F operation processing time, service link establishment delay, or feedback link establishment delay to the existing NAS timer as the NAS timer for the S&F operation mode.

[0399] In addition to the NAS timers maintained by the UE and MME respectively, there are some other parameters that the MME can determine and send to the UE. These parameters may also be affected by the S&F operation mode. The MME can set at least one of the following based on the first received information, the pre-configured first information, or the second received information: negotiated extended discontinuous reception (DRX) parameters, Mobile Initiated Connection Only (MICO) mode configuration, Extended Connected Time (sent to the RAN for use), and some timers that need to be emphasized (e.g., T3324, the periodic registration update timer (T3512), the mobile reachable timer, and the implicit de-registration timer).

[0400] (6) The MME sends the first indication information and the first information to the UE, including the following two cases:

[0401] In the first scenario, the MME sends a first rejection message to the UE. This rejection message includes at least one of the following: first indication information, first information, and a first rejection value. The first rejection value indicates that only S&F operation mode can be executed.

[0402] In the second scenario, the MME sends a first message acceptance message to the UE, which includes at least one of the following: first indication information, first information. In this case, the UE has not yet used the S&F operation mode when sending the first message, and the first message may be a communication message between the UE and its home network.

[0403] Furthermore, the first indication information is included in a 5GS network feature support cell or a newly added cell.

[0404] Implementation Method 3:

[0405] In this implementation, when the MME determines that it is in S&F operation mode, the MME determines not to start the NAS timer or sets it to infinity.

[0406] The MME determines that it is in S&F operation mode based on the first indication information (the first indication information is obtained in the same way as in Implementation Method 1 or Implementation Method 2) or pre-configuration information; the MME does not use the NAS timer mechanism when executing the NAS procedure, including: the MME does not enable the NAS timer when sending NAS messages, or the MME sets the NAS timer to a large value or an infinite value when sending NAS messages.

[0407] The above embodiments can be applied to LTE and NR.

[0408] Through the embodiments of this application, when the UE uses S&F operation mode, the normal transmission and reception of NAS signaling can be guaranteed.

[0409] The NAS timer processing method provided in this application can be executed by a NAS timer processing device. This application uses the execution of the NAS timer processing method by a NAS timer processing device as an example to illustrate the NAS timer processing device provided in this application.

[0410] Please refer to Figure 9, which is a structural diagram of a NAS timer processing device provided in an embodiment of this application. The terminal includes the NAS timer processing device. As shown in Figure 9, the NAS timer processing device 300 includes:

[0411] Execution module 301 is used to perform a first operation in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0412] The first operation includes any one of the following:

[0413] Do not start the first non-access tier NAS timer;

[0414] The value of a first NAS timer is set based on a first time value, wherein the first time value is a time value used for the storage forwarding operation mode;

[0415] A first NAS timer is set based on first information, which is used to indicate storage forwarding operation auxiliary information.

[0416] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0417] The first determining module is used to determine whether the operation is in the store-and-forward mode based on the pre-configuration information.

[0418] Optionally, the pre-configuration information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0419] The location information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode; the network information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0420] Optionally, the first determining module is specifically used for at least one of the following:

[0421] Based on whether the location information of the terminal matches the location information corresponding to the store-forward operation mode, it is determined whether the terminal is in the store-forward operation mode.

[0422] Based on whether the selected network information matches the network information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode, it is determined whether the system is in the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0423] Optionally, in the store-and-forward operation mode, before the terminal performs the first operation, the device further includes:

[0424] The second determining module is used to determine whether the store-forward operation mode is in place based on the first indication information;

[0425] The first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0426] Does the first cell support store-and-forward operation mode?

[0427] One or more cells in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0428] Whether the cell where the terminal is located is in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0429] Does the cell where the terminal is located support store-and-forward operation mode?

[0430] Whether the terminal is in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0431] Does the terminal support store-and-forward operation mode?

[0432] Is the store-and-forward operation mode available?

[0433] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0434] The first receiving module is used to receive the first indication information sent by the access network device.

[0435] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0436] The first sending module is used to send a first request message to the core network equipment;

[0437] The second receiving module is used to receive the first response message sent by the core network device;

[0438] Wherein, when the first response message instructs the core network device to accept the first request message, the first response message includes at least one of the following: the first indication information; the first information;

[0439] When the first response message instructs the core network device to reject the first request message, the first response message includes at least one of the following: the first indication information; the first information; and the first rejection information.

[0440] The first rejection information is used to indicate the reason for rejecting the first request message.

[0441] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0442] The second sending module is used to send a second request message to the core network equipment;

[0443] The third determining module is used to determine that the terminal is in store-and-forward operation mode when the terminal determines that it has not received the second response message corresponding to the second request message and the second request message includes the second indication information.

[0444] The second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal supports the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0445] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0446] Ephemeris information; satellite period; store-and-forward operation processing time; service link establishment latency; feedback link establishment latency.

[0447] Optionally, setting the first NAS timer based on the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0448] Set the value of the first NAS timer based on the ephemeris information or the satellite period;

[0449] The value of the first NAS timer is set based on the value of the third NAS timer and the storage forwarding operation processing time.

[0450] The value of the first NAS timer is set based on the value of the third NAS timer and the service link establishment delay.

[0451] The value of the first NAS timer is set based on the value of the third NAS timer and the establishment delay of the feedback link.

[0452] The third NAS timer is a different NAS timer from the first NAS timer.

[0453] Optionally, setting the value of the first NAS timer based on the first time value includes any one of the following:

[0454] Set the value of the first NAS timer to infinity;

[0455] Set the value of the first NAS timer to the pre-configured timer value;

[0456] Set the value of the first NAS timer to the timer value predefined by the protocol.

[0457] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0458] The third sending module is used to send the first information to the core network equipment.

[0459] The NAS timer processing device in this application embodiment 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 a chip. The electronic device can be a terminal or other devices besides a terminal. For example, the terminal can include, but is not limited to, the type of terminal 11 listed above; other devices can be servers, network attached storage (NAS), etc., and this application embodiment does not specifically limit the type.

[0460] The NAS timer processing device provided in this application embodiment can implement the various processes implemented in the method embodiment of FIG3 and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0461] Please refer to Figure 10, which is a structural diagram of a NAS timer processing device provided in an embodiment of this application. The core network equipment includes the NAS timer processing device. As shown in Figure 10, the NAS timer processing device 400 includes:

[0462] Execution module 401 is used to perform a second operation in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0463] The second operation includes any one of the following:

[0464] Do not start the second NAS timer;

[0465] Set the value of the second NAS timer based on the second time value;

[0466] Set a second NAS timer based on the first information;

[0467] Send the first message to the terminal;

[0468] The first information is used to indicate store-and-forward operation auxiliary information, and the second time value is the time value used for store-and-forward operation mode.

[0469] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0470] The sending module is used to send a third request message to a network function entity, wherein the third request message is used to request the first information;

[0471] The first receiving module is used to receive the first information sent by the network functional entity.

[0472] Optionally, before setting the second NAS timer based on the first information, the device further includes an acquisition module for at least one of the following:

[0473] Receive the first information from the access network device;

[0474] Obtain the pre-configured first information;

[0475] Receive the first information from the terminal.

[0476] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0477] The first determining module is configured to determine whether the terminal or the core network device is in the store-and-forward operation mode based on at least one of the following:

[0478] Pre-configuration information;

[0479] The received second indication information from the terminal, the second indication information being used to indicate that the terminal supports the store-and-forward operation mode;

[0480] Received Radio Access Technology (RAT) type information from the access network device.

[0481] Optionally, the pre-configuration information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0482] The location information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode; the network information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0483] Optionally, in the store-and-forward operation mode, before the core network device performs the second operation, the apparatus further includes:

[0484] The second determining module is used to determine whether the terminal or the core network device is in store-and-forward operation mode based on the first indication information.

[0485] The first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0486] Does the first cell support store-and-forward operation mode?

[0487] One or more cells in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0488] Whether the cell where the terminal is located is in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0489] Does the cell where the terminal is located support store-and-forward operation mode?

[0490] Whether the terminal is in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0491] Does the terminal support store-and-forward operation mode?

[0492] Is the store-and-forward operation mode available?

[0493] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0494] The receiving module is used to receive the first request message sent by the terminal;

[0495] The sending module is used to send a first response message to the terminal;

[0496] Wherein, when the first response message instructs the core network device to accept the first request message, the first response message includes at least one of the following: the first indication information; the first information;

[0497] When the first response message instructs the core network device to reject the first request message, the first response message includes at least one of the following: the first indication information; the first information; and the first rejection information.

[0498] The first rejection information is used to indicate the reason for rejecting the first request message.

[0499] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0500] Ephemeris information; satellite period; store-and-forward operation processing time; service link establishment latency; feedback link establishment latency.

[0501] Optionally, setting the second NAS timer based on the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0502] Set the value of the second NAS timer based on the ephemeris information or the satellite period;

[0503] The value of the second NAS timer is set based on the value of the fourth NAS timer and the storage forwarding operation processing time.

[0504] The value of the second NAS timer is set based on the value of the fourth NAS timer and the service link establishment delay.

[0505] The value of the second NAS timer is set based on the value of the fourth NAS timer and the establishment delay of the feedback link.

[0506] The fourth NAS timer is a different NAS timer from the second NAS timer.

[0507] Optionally, setting the value of the second NAS timer based on the second time value includes any one of the following:

[0508] Set the value of the second NAS timer to infinity;

[0509] Set the value of the second NAS timer to the pre-configured timer value;

[0510] Set the value of the second NAS timer to a predefined timer value in the protocol;

[0511] The sum of the value of the fourth NAS timer and the second time value is set as the value of the second NAS timer, wherein the fourth NAS timer and the second NAS timer are different NAS timers, and the second time value is a pre-configured time value.

[0512] The NAS timer processing device in this application embodiment 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 a chip. The electronic device can be a terminal or other devices besides a terminal. For example, the terminal can include, but is not limited to, the type of terminal 11 listed above; other devices can be servers, network attached storage (NAS), etc., and this application embodiment does not specifically limit the type.

[0513] The NAS timer processing device provided in this application embodiment can implement the various processes implemented in the method embodiment of FIG4 and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0514] Optionally, as shown in FIG11, this application embodiment also provides a communication device 500, including a processor 501 and a memory 502. The memory 502 stores a program or instructions that can run on the processor 501. For example, when the communication device 500 is a terminal, the program or instructions executed by the processor 501 implement the various steps of the above-described NAS timer processing method embodiment applied to the terminal, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here. When the communication device 500 is a network-side device, the program or instructions executed by the processor 501 implement the various steps of the above-described NAS timer processing method embodiment applied to the network-side device, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0515] This application also provides a terminal, including 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 steps in the method embodiment shown in FIG3. This terminal embodiment corresponds to the above-described terminal-side method embodiment, and all implementation processes and methods of the above-described method embodiments can be applied to this terminal embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect.

[0516] Specifically, Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a terminal implementing an embodiment of this application.

[0517] The terminal 600 includes, but is not limited to, at least some of the following components: radio frequency unit 601, network module 602, audio output unit 603, input unit 604, sensor 605, display unit 606, user input unit 607, interface unit 608, memory 609, and processor 610.

[0518] Those skilled in the art will understand that terminal 600 may also include a power supply (such as a battery) for powering various components. The power supply can be logically connected to processor 610 through a power management system, thereby enabling functions such as charging, discharging, and power consumption management through the power management system. The terminal structure shown in Figure 12 does not constitute a limitation on the terminal. The terminal may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements, which will not be elaborated here.

[0519] It should be understood that, in this embodiment, the input unit 604 may include a graphics processing unit (GPU) 6041 and a microphone 6042. The GPU 6041 processes image data of still images or videos obtained by an image capture device (such as a camera) in video capture mode or image capture mode. The display unit 606 may include a display panel 6061, which may be configured in the form of a liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, or the like. The user input unit 607 includes at least one of a touch panel 6071 and other input devices 6072. The touch panel 6071 is also called a touch screen. The touch panel 6071 may include two parts: a touch detection device and a touch controller. Other input devices 6072 may include, but are not limited to, a physical keyboard, function keys (such as volume control buttons, power buttons, etc.), a trackball, a mouse, and a joystick, which will not be described in detail here.

[0520] In this embodiment, after receiving downlink data from the network-side device, the radio frequency unit 601 can transmit it to the processor 610 for processing; in addition, the radio frequency unit 601 can send uplink data to the network-side device. Typically, the radio frequency unit 601 includes, but is not limited to, antennas, amplifiers, transceivers, couplers, low-noise amplifiers, duplexers, etc.

[0521] The memory 609 can be used to store software programs or instructions, as well as various data. The memory 609 may primarily include a first storage area for storing programs or instructions and a second storage area for storing data. The first storage area may store the operating system, application programs or instructions required for at least one function (such as sound playback, image playback, etc.). Furthermore, the memory 609 may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or both. The non-volatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can 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 memory bus RAM (DRRAM). The memory 609 in this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0522] Processor 610 may include one or more processing units; optionally, processor 610 integrates an application processor and a modem processor, wherein the application processor mainly handles operations involving the operating system, user interface, and applications, and the modem processor mainly handles wireless communication signals, such as a baseband processor. It is understood that the aforementioned modem processor may also not be integrated into processor 610.

[0523] The processor 610 is used for:

[0524] In store-and-forward operation mode, perform the first operation;

[0525] The first operation includes any one of the following:

[0526] Do not start the first non-access tier NAS timer;

[0527] The value of a first NAS timer is set based on a first time value, wherein the first time value is a time value used for the storage forwarding operation mode;

[0528] A first NAS timer is set based on first information, which is used to indicate storage forwarding operation auxiliary information.

[0529] Optionally, the processor 610 is also used for:

[0530] Determine whether the operation is in the store-and-forward mode based on the pre-configured information.

[0531] Optionally, the pre-configuration information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0532] The location information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode; the network information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0533] Alternatively, the processor 610 is specifically used for at least one of the following:

[0534] Based on whether the location information of the terminal matches the location information corresponding to the store-forward operation mode, it is determined whether the terminal is in the store-forward operation mode.

[0535] Based on whether the selected network information matches the network information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode, it is determined whether the system is in the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0536] Optionally, in the store-and-forward operation mode, the processor 610 is further configured to:

[0537] Determine whether the operation is in the store-and-forward mode based on the first indication information;

[0538] The first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0539] Does the first cell support store-and-forward operation mode?

[0540] One or more cells in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0541] Whether the cell where the terminal is located is in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0542] Does the cell where the terminal is located support store-and-forward operation mode?

[0543] Whether the terminal is in store-and-forward operation mode;

[0544] Does the terminal support store-and-forward operation mode?

[0545] Is the store-and-forward operation mode available?

[0546] Optionally, the radio frequency unit 601 is used for:

[0547] Receive the first indication information sent by the access network device.

[0548] Optionally, the radio frequency unit 601 is used for:

[0549] Send the first request message to the core network equipment;

[0550] Receive the first response message sent by the core network device;

[0551] Wherein, when the first response message instructs the core network device to accept the first request message, the first response message includes at least one of the following: the first indication information; the first information;

[0552] When the first response message instructs the core network device to reject the first request message, the first response message includes at least one of the following: the first indication information; the first information; and the first rejection information.

[0553] The first rejection information is used to indicate the reason for rejecting the first request message.

[0554] Optionally, the radio frequency unit 601 is used to: send a second request message to the core network equipment;

[0555] The processor 610 is further configured to: determine that it is in store-and-forward operation mode when the terminal determines that it has not received a second response message corresponding to the second request message, and the second request message includes second indication information;

[0556] The second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal supports the store-and-forward operation mode.

[0557] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0558] Ephemeris information; satellite period; store-and-forward operation processing time; service link establishment latency; feedback link establishment latency.

[0559] Optionally, setting the first NAS timer based on the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0560] Set the value of the first NAS timer based on the ephemeris information or the satellite period;

[0561] The value of the first NAS timer is set based on the value of the third NAS timer and the storage forwarding operation processing time.

[0562] The value of the first NAS timer is set based on the value of the third NAS timer and the service link establishment delay.

[0563] The value of the first NAS timer is set based on the value of the third NAS timer and the establishment delay of the feedback link.

[0564] The third NAS timer is a different NAS timer from the first NAS timer.

[0565] Optionally, setting the value of the first NAS timer based on the first time value includes any one of the following:

[0566] Set the value of the first NAS timer to infinity;

[0567] Set the value of the first NAS timer to the pre-configured timer value;

[0568] Set the value of the first NAS timer to the timer value predefined by the protocol.

[0569] Optionally, the radio frequency unit 601 is used to: send the first information to the core network equipment.

[0570] It is understood that the implementation process of each implementation method mentioned in this embodiment can refer to the relevant description in Figure 3 of the method embodiment and achieve the same or corresponding technical effects. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0571] Specifically, the terminal in this application embodiment also includes: instructions or programs stored in memory 609 and executable on processor 610. Processor 610 calls the instructions or programs in memory 609 to execute the methods executed by each module shown in FIG4 and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0572] This application also provides a network-side device, which is a core network device, including 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 steps of the method embodiment shown in FIG3. This network-side device embodiment corresponds to the above-described NAS timer processing method embodiment applied to a core network device. All implementation processes and methods of the above-described method embodiments can be applied to this network-side device embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect.

[0573] Specifically, this application embodiment also provides a network-side device. The network-side device is a core network device. As shown in FIG13, the network-side device 700 includes: an antenna 701, a radio frequency (RF) device 702, a baseband device 703, a processor 704, and a memory 705. The antenna 701 is connected to the RF device 702. In the uplink direction, the RF device 702 receives information through the antenna 701 and sends the received information to the baseband device 703 for processing. In the downlink direction, the baseband device 703 processes the information to be transmitted and sends it to the RF device 702. The RF device 702 processes the received information and transmits it through the antenna 701.

[0574] The method executed by the network-side device in the above embodiments can be implemented in the baseband device 703, which includes a baseband processor.

[0575] The baseband device 703 may include at least one baseband board, on which multiple chips are disposed, as shown in FIG13. One of the chips is, for example, a baseband processor, which is connected to the memory 705 via a bus interface to call the program in the memory 705 and execute the network device operation shown in the above method embodiment.

[0576] The network-side device may also include a network interface 706, such as a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI).

[0577] Specifically, the network-side device 700 in this application embodiment further includes: instructions or programs stored in memory 705 and executable on processor 704. Processor 704 calls the instructions or programs in memory 705 to execute the methods executed by each module shown in FIG5 and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0578] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the various processes of the above-described NAS timer processing method embodiments and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0579] The processor mentioned above is the processor in the terminal described in the above embodiments. The readable storage medium includes computer-readable storage media, such as computer read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk. In some examples, the readable storage medium may be a non-transient readable storage medium.

[0580] This application embodiment also provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the various processes of the above-described NAS timer processing method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0581] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[0582] This application also provides a computer program / program product, which is stored in a storage medium and executed by at least one processor to implement the various processes of the above-described NAS timer processing method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0583] This application also provides a NAS timer processing system, including: a terminal and a network-side device. The terminal can be used to execute the steps of the NAS timer processing method applied to the terminal as described above, and the network-side device can be used to execute the steps of the NAS timer processing method applied to the network-side device as described above.

[0584] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0585] From the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of computer software products plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms, and of course, they can also be implemented by hardware. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.) and includes several instructions to cause the terminal or network-side device to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0586] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other implementations under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. All of these implementations are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A NAS timer processing method, comprising: In store-and-forward operation mode, the terminal performs the first operation; The first operation includes any one of the following: Do not start the first non-access tier NAS timer; The value of a first NAS timer is set based on a first time value, wherein the first time value is a time value used for the storage forwarding operation mode; A first NAS timer is set based on first information, which is used to indicate storage forwarding operation auxiliary information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, Before the terminal performs the first operation, the method further includes: The terminal determines whether it is in the store-and-forward operation mode based on the pre-configured information.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The pre-configuration information is used to indicate at least one of the following: The location information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode; the network information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The terminal determines whether it is in the store-and-forward operation mode based on pre-configuration information, including at least one of the following: The terminal determines whether it is in the store-forward operation mode based on whether the terminal's location information matches the location information corresponding to the store-forward operation mode. The terminal determines whether it is in the store-and-forward operation mode based on whether the selected network information matches the network information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Before the terminal performs the first operation, the method further includes: The terminal determines whether it is in the store-and-forward operation mode based on the first indication information; The first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: Does the first cell support store-and-forward operation mode? One or more cells in store-and-forward operation mode; Whether the cell where the terminal is located is in store-and-forward operation mode; Does the cell where the terminal is located support store-and-forward operation mode? Whether the terminal is in store-and-forward operation mode; Does the terminal support store-and-forward operation mode? Is the store-and-forward operation mode available? 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The method further includes determining whether the terminal is in the store-and-forward operation mode based on the first indication information: The terminal receives the first indication information sent by the access network device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the method further comprises: The terminal sends a first request message to the core network equipment; The terminal receives a first response message sent by the core network device; Wherein, when the first response message instructs the core network device to accept the first request message, the first response message includes at least one of the following: the first indication information; the first information; When the first response message instructs the core network device to reject the first request message, the first response message includes at least one of the following: the first indication information; the first information; and the first rejection information. The first rejection information is used to indicate the reason for rejecting the first request message.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, further comprising: The terminal sends a second request message to the core network equipment; If the terminal determines that it has not received a second response message corresponding to the second request message, and the second request message includes second indication information, the terminal determines that it is in store-and-forward operation mode. The second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal supports the store-and-forward operation mode.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: Ephemeris information; satellite period; store-and-forward operation processing time; service link establishment latency; feedback link establishment latency.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Setting the first NAS timer based on the first information includes at least one of the following: Set the value of the first NAS timer based on the ephemeris information or the satellite period; The value of the first NAS timer is set based on the value of the third NAS timer and the storage forwarding operation processing time. The value of the first NAS timer is set based on the value of the third NAS timer and the service link establishment delay. The value of the first NAS timer is set based on the value of the third NAS timer and the establishment delay of the feedback link. The third NAS timer is a different NAS timer from the first NAS timer.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The setting of the value of the first NAS timer based on the first time value includes any one of the following: Set the value of the first NAS timer to infinity; Set the value of the first NAS timer to the pre-configured timer value; Set the value of the first NAS timer to the timer value predefined by the protocol.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, further comprising: The terminal sends the first information to the core network equipment.

13. A NAS timer processing method, comprising: In store-and-forward operation mode, the core network equipment performs the second operation; The second operation includes any one of the following: Do not start the second NAS timer; Set the value of the second NAS timer based on the second time value; Set a second NAS timer based on the first information; Send the first message to the terminal; The first information is used to indicate store-and-forward operation auxiliary information, and the second time value is the time value used for store-and-forward operation mode.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: The core network device sends a third request message to the network function entity, the third request message being used to request the first information; The core network device receives the first information sent by the network function entity.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Before setting the second NAS timer based on the first information, the method further includes at least one of the following: The core network device receives the first information from the access network device; The core network device obtains the pre-configured first information; The core network device receives the first information from the terminal.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein, Before the core network device performs the second operation, the method further includes: The core network device determines whether the terminal or the core network device is in the store-and-forward operation mode based on at least one of the following: Pre-configuration information; The received second indication information from the terminal, the second indication information being used to indicate that the terminal supports the store-and-forward operation mode; Received Radio Access Technology (RAT) type information from the access network device.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The pre-configuration information is used to indicate at least one of the following: The location information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode; the network information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein, In the store-and-forward operation mode, before the core network device performs the second operation, the method further includes: The core network device determines whether the terminal or the core network device is in store-and-forward operation mode based on the first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: Does the first cell support store-and-forward operation mode? One or more cells in store-and-forward operation mode; Whether the cell where the terminal is located is in store-and-forward operation mode; Does the cell where the terminal is located support store-and-forward operation mode? Whether the terminal is in store-and-forward operation mode; Does the terminal support store-and-forward operation mode? Is the store-and-forward operation mode available? 19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: The core network device receives the first request message sent by the terminal. The core network device sends a first response message to the terminal; Wherein, when the first response message instructs the core network device to accept the first request message, the first response message includes at least one of the following: the first indication information; the first information; When the first response message instructs the core network device to reject the first request message, the first response message includes at least one of the following: the first indication information; the first information; and the first rejection information. The first rejection information is used to indicate the reason for rejecting the first request message.

20. The method according to any one of claims 13-19, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: Ephemeris information; satellite period; store-and-forward operation processing time; service link establishment latency; feedback link establishment latency.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, Setting the second NAS timer based on the first information includes at least one of the following: Set the value of the second NAS timer based on the ephemeris information or the satellite period; The value of the second NAS timer is set based on the value of the fourth NAS timer and the storage forwarding operation processing time. The value of the second NAS timer is set based on the value of the fourth NAS timer and the service link establishment delay. The value of the second NAS timer is set based on the value of the fourth NAS timer and the establishment delay of the feedback link. The fourth NAS timer is a different NAS timer from the second NAS timer.

22. The method according to any one of claims 13-21, wherein, The setting of the value of the second NAS timer based on the second time value includes any one of the following: Set the value of the second NAS timer to infinity; Set the value of the second NAS timer to the pre-configured timer value; Set the value of the second NAS timer to a predefined timer value in the protocol; The sum of the value of the fourth NAS timer and the second time value is set as the value of the second NAS timer, wherein the fourth NAS timer and the second NAS timer are different NAS timers, and the second time value is a pre-configured time value.

23. A NAS timer processing device, wherein, The terminal includes the NAS timer processing device, comprising: The execution module is used to perform the first operation in store-and-forward operation mode; The first operation includes any one of the following: Do not start the first non-access tier NAS timer; The value of a first NAS timer is set based on a first time value, wherein the first time value is a time value used for the storage forwarding operation mode; A first NAS timer is set based on first information, which is used to indicate storage forwarding operation auxiliary information.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising: The first determining module is used to determine whether the operation is in the store-and-forward mode based on the pre-configuration information.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein, The pre-configuration information is used to indicate at least one of the following: The location information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode; the network information corresponding to the store-and-forward operation mode.

26. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising: The second determining module is used to determine whether the store-forward operation mode is in place based on the first indication information; The first indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: Does the first cell support store-and-forward operation mode? One or more cells in store-and-forward operation mode; Whether the cell where the terminal is located is in store-and-forward operation mode; Does the cell where the terminal is located support store-and-forward operation mode? Whether the terminal is in store-and-forward operation mode; Does the terminal support store-and-forward operation mode? Is the store-and-forward operation mode available? 27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 23-26, further comprising: The first sending module is used to send a first request message to the core network equipment; The receiving module is used to receive the first response message sent by the core network device; Wherein, when the first response message instructs the core network device to accept the first request message, the first response message includes at least one of the following: the first indication information; the first information; When the first response message instructs the core network device to reject the first request message, the first response message includes at least one of the following: the first indication information; the first information; and the first rejection information. The first rejection information is used to indicate the reason for rejecting the first request message.

28. A NAS timer processing device, wherein the core network equipment includes the NAS timer processing device, comprising: The execution module is used to perform a second operation in store-and-forward operation mode; The second operation includes any one of the following: Do not start the second NAS timer; Set the value of the second NAS timer based on the second time value; Set a second NAS timer based on the first information; Send the first message to the terminal; The first information is used to indicate store-and-forward operation auxiliary information, and the second time value is the time value used for store-and-forward operation mode.

29. A terminal comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the NAS timer processing method as claimed in any one of claims 1-12.

30. A network-side device, comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implementing the steps of the NAS timer processing method as described in any one of claims 13-22.

31. A chip, the chip comprising a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to run a program or instructions to implement the steps of the NAS timer processing method as described in any one of claims 1-12, or to implement the steps of the NAS timer processing method as described in any one of claims 13-22.

32. A readable storage medium storing a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the NAS timer processing method as claimed in any one of claims 1-12, or implement the steps of the NAS timer processing method as claimed in any one of claims 13-22.

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