Communication method and apparatus, and communication device

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of communications. Disclosed are a communication method and apparatus, and a communication device. The communication method in the embodiments of the present application comprises: a first core network function receiving a first message from a target base station, wherein the first message includes information used for requesting the establishment of a protocol data unit (PDU) session for a terminal, and the target base station is a base station located on a target satellite; and the first core network function determining whether the target satellite includes or does not include a user plane function (UPF).

Description

Communication method, device and communication equipment

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 2024100427566, filed on January 10, 2024, entitled “Communication Method, Apparatus and Communication Equipment,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

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

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

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

[0007] The first core network function receives a first message from a target base station, where the first message includes information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for the terminal, where the target base station is a base station located at a target satellite;

[0008] The first core network function determines whether the target satellite includes a user plane function UPF.

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

[0010] The second core network function receives a third message from the first core network function, where the third message is used to request establishment of a PDU session for the terminal;

[0011] The second core network function determines whether a target satellite includes a user plane function UPF, and the target satellite is the satellite where the terminal is located.

[0012] According to a third aspect, a communication method is provided, which is performed by a fourth core network function, and the method includes:

[0013] The fourth core network function receives third information from the second core network function, where the third information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes the UPF;

[0014] The fourth core network function sends fourth information to the second core network function, where the fourth information includes policy information, and the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0015] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided, performed by a base station, the method comprising:

[0016] The base station sends a first message to the first core network function, where the first message includes information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for the terminal, and the base station is a base station located at the target satellite;

[0017] The first message includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0018] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided, performed by a second core network function, the method including:

[0019] The second core network function sends a fourth message to the third core network function, where the fourth message is used to request registration of information about the second core network function;

[0020] The fourth message includes fifth information, and the fifth information is used to indicate that the second core network function supports terminal-satellite-terminal USU service, or supports management of UPF contained in the satellite.

[0021] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, applied to a first core network function, the device including:

[0022] a receiving unit, configured to receive a first message from a target base station, wherein the first message includes information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for the terminal, wherein the target base station is a base station located at a target satellite;

[0023] The first processing unit is configured to determine whether the target satellite includes a user plane function (UPF).

[0024] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, applied to a second core network function, the device including:

[0025] A first receiving unit, configured to receive a third message from the first core network function, where the third message is used to request establishment of a PDU session for the terminal;

[0026] The first processing unit is configured to determine whether a target satellite includes a user plane function (UPF), where the target satellite is the satellite where the terminal is located.

[0027] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, applied to a fourth core network function, the device including:

[0028] a receiving unit, configured to receive third information from the second core network function, wherein the third information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes the UPF;

[0029] A sending unit is used to send fourth information to the second core network function, where the fourth information includes policy information, and the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0030] In a ninth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, applied to a base station, the apparatus comprising:

[0031] a sending unit, configured to send a first message to a first core network function, where the first message includes information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for the terminal, where the base station is a base station located at a target satellite;

[0032] The first message includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0033] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, applied to a second core network function, the device comprising:

[0034] a sending unit, configured to send a fourth message to the third core network function, where the fourth message is used to request registration of information of the second core network function;

[0035] The fourth message includes fifth information, and the fifth information is used to indicate that the second core network function supports terminal-satellite-terminal USU service, or supports management of UPF contained in the satellite.

[0036] In the eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a program or instruction that can be run on the processor, and when the program or instruction is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or implements the steps of the method described in the second aspect, or implements the steps of the method described in the third aspect, or implements the steps of the method described in the fourth aspect, or implements the steps of the method described in the fifth aspect.

[0037] In the twelfth aspect, a network side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to: receive a first message from a target base station, the first message including information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit PDU session for a terminal, and the target base station is a base station located on a target satellite; the processor is used to: determine whether the target satellite includes or does not include a user plane function UPF.

[0038] In the thirteenth aspect, a network side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to: receive a third message from a first core network function, the third message is used to request to establish a PDU session for a terminal; the processor is used to: determine whether a target satellite includes or does not include a user plane function UPF, the target satellite being the satellite where the terminal is located.

[0039] In the fourteenth aspect, a network side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to: receive third information from a second core network function, the third information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF; and send fourth information to the second core network function, the fourth information including policy information, and the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0040] In the fifteenth aspect, a network side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to: send a first message to a first core network function, the first message including information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit PDU session for a terminal, and the base station is a base station located on a target satellite; wherein the first message includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0041] In the sixteenth aspect, a network side device is provided, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to: send a fourth message to a third core network function, the fourth message being used to request registration information of the second core network function; wherein the fourth message includes fifth information, the fifth information being used to indicate that the second core network function supports terminal-satellite-terminal USU services, or supports management of UPFs contained in satellites.

[0042] In the seventeenth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided, on which a program or instruction is stored. When the program or instruction is executed by a processor, the steps of the method described in the first aspect are implemented, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect are implemented, or the steps of the method described in the third aspect are implemented, or the steps of the method described in the fourth aspect are implemented, or the steps of the method described in the fifth aspect are implemented.

[0043] In aspect 18, a wireless communication system is provided, including: a first core network function and a second core network function, wherein the first core network function can be used to execute the steps of the method described in aspect 1, and the second core network function can be used to execute the steps of the method described in aspect 2.

[0044] In the nineteenth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising 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 method as described in the first aspect, or the method as described in the second aspect, or the method as described in the third aspect, or the method as described in the fourth aspect, or the method as described in the fifth aspect.

[0045] In aspect 20, a computer program / program product is provided, which is stored in a storage medium, and is executed by at least one processor to implement the steps of the method described in aspect 1, or the steps of the method described in aspect 2, or the steps of the method described in aspect 3, or the steps of the method described in aspect 4, or the steps of the method described in aspect 5.

[0046] In this embodiment of the present application, a first core network function receives a first message from a target base station, the first message including information requesting establishment of a PDU session for a terminal. The target base station is a base station located on a target satellite. The first core network function then determines whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF. Thus, if the target satellite is determined to include a UPF, a PDU session for a UE-satellite-UE (USU) call can be established, thereby facilitating USU calls. Compared to related technologies, USU calls have shorter communication paths, thereby reducing call latency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] FIG1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG2 is a flowchart of establishing a PDU session in the related art;

[0049] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG4 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG5 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG6 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG7 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG8 is a flow chart of Example 1 provided in the embodiments of the present application;

[0055] FIG9 is a flow chart of Example 2 provided in the embodiments of the present application;

[0056] FIG10 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG11 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG12 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG13 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG14 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] FIG15 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a network-side device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of another network-side device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0065] The terms "first", "second", etc. in this application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the terms used in this way are interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same type, and do not limit the number of objects, for example, the first object can be one or more. In addition, "or" in this application represents at least one of the connected objects. For example, "A or B" covers three options, namely, Option 1: including A but not including B; Option 2: including B but not including A; Option 3: including both A and B. The character " / " generally indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0066] The term "indication" in this application can be either a direct indication (or explicit indication) or an indirect indication (or implicit indication). A direct indication can be understood as the sender explicitly informing the receiver of specific information, the operation to be performed, or the requested result, etc. in the instruction sent; an indirect indication can be understood as the receiver determining the corresponding information based on the instruction sent by the sender, or making a judgment and determining the operation to be performed or the requested result, etc. based on the judgment result.

[0067] It is worth noting that the technology described in the embodiments of the present application is not limited to the Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) system, but can also be used in other wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-carrier Frequency-Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) or other systems. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application are often used interchangeably, and the technology described can be used for the systems and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as for other systems and radio technologies. The following description describes a New Radio (NR) system for illustrative purposes, and NR terminology is used in most of the following description, but these technologies can also be applied to systems other than NR systems, such as 6th generation (6G) systems. th Generation, 6G) communication system.

[0068] FIG1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application. The wireless communication system includes a terminal 11 and a network-side device 12. The terminal 11 may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (Tablet Personal Computer), a laptop computer (Laptop Computer), a notebook computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld computer, a netbook, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a mobile internet device (MID), an augmented reality (AR), a virtual reality (VR) device, a robot, a wearable device (Wearable Device), an aircraft (Flight Vehicle), a vehicle-mounted device (VUE), a ship-mounted device, a pedestrian user equipment (PUE), a smart home (home appliances with wireless communication capabilities, such as refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, or furniture), a game console, a personal computer (PC), an ATM, or a self-service machine, or other terminal-side devices. Wearable devices include: smart watches, smart bracelets, smart headphones, smart glasses, smart jewelry (smart bracelets, smart bracelets, smart rings, smart necklaces, smart anklets, smart anklets, etc.), smart wristbands, smart clothing, etc. Among them, the vehicle-mounted device can also be called a vehicle-mounted terminal, a vehicle-mounted controller, a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted component, a vehicle-mounted chip or a vehicle-mounted unit, etc. In addition to the above-mentioned terminal devices, it can also be a chip in the terminal, such as a modem chip, a system-on-chip (SoC). It should be noted that the specific type of the terminal 11 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. The network side device 12 may include an access network device or a core network device, wherein the access network device may also be called a radio access network (RAN) device, a radio access network function or a radio access network unit. The access network device may include a base station, a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) node, etc.Among them, the base station can be referred to as Node B (NB), Evolved Node B (eNB), the next generation Node B (gNB), New Radio Node B (NR Node B), access point, Relay Base Station (RBS), Serving Base Station (SBS), Base Transceiver Station (BTS), radio base station, radio transceiver, Basic Service Set (BSS), Extended Service Set (ESS), Home Node B (HNB), Home evolved Node B (home evolved Node B), Transmission Reception Point (TRP) or other appropriate terms in the relevant field. As long as the same technical effect is achieved, the base station is not limited to specific technical vocabulary. It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the base station in the NR system is mainly introduced as an example, and the specific type of the base station is not limited.

[0069] The core network equipment may include but is not limited to at least one of the following: core network node, core network function, mobility management entity (MME), access mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), user plane function (UPF), policy control function (PCF), policy and charging rules function unit (PCRF), edge application service discovery function (EASDF), unified data management (UDM), unified data repository (UDR), home subscriber server (HSS), centralized network configuration (CNC), network storage function (NRF), network exposure function (NEF), local NEF (L-NEF), binding support function (BSF), application function ( It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present application, the core network device in the NR system is mainly introduced as an example, and the specific type of the core network device is not limited.

[0070] The following briefly introduces the process of establishing a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session in the related art.

[0071] As shown in Figure 2, the PDU session establishment process includes the following steps:

[0072] 1. The UE sends a Non Access Stratum (NAS) message via a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message. The NAS message contains the IMS Data Network Name (DNN) and a PDU session establishment request.

[0073] Optionally, a Protocol Configuration Option (PCO) carries an indication of requesting a proxy-call session control function (P-CSCF) address.

[0074] 2. The base station sends the NAS message to the AMF, and sends the Cell Global Identifier (CGI) and RAT type information to the AMF.

[0075] CGI is the globally unique identifier of the cell where the UE resides. When the cell is a 5G cell, it is NCGI (NR Cell Global Identifier); when the cell is a 4G cell, it is ECGI (E-Utran Cell Global Identifier).

[0076] 3.AMF selects SMF. Specifically, AMF can request SMF information from NRF.

[0077] 4.AMF sends IMSDNN, NCGI, Radio Access Technology (RAT) type and PDU session establishment request to SMF.

[0078] 5. If the SMF does not have the subscription information of the UE, the SMF obtains the subscription information of the UE from the UDM and HSS.

[0079] 6.SMF obtains the PDU session establishment strategy from PCF.

[0080] 7.SMF selects UPF and sends an N4 session establishment request to UPF.

[0081] 8. The SMF or UPF allocates an IP address to the UE, and the SMF selects the P-CSCF.

[0082] The SMF sends N1 and N2 messages to the AMF. The N1 message contains a PDU session establishment accept message, which includes the IP address allocated to the UE and the address of the P-CSCF.

[0083] 9.AMF sends the PDU session establishment accept message to the base station.

[0084] 10. The base station sends a PDU session establishment accept message to the UE.

[0085] In related technologies, in an NTN scenario, the communication path for an IMS call between two UEs is UE1-satellite-ground station-terrestrial network (e.g., 5G UPF)-ground station-satellite-UE2. Because the satellite is far from the ground, this communication path is long, resulting in significant call latency and impacting the user experience. One solution is to place the UPF on the satellite. In this way, when two UEs access the network via the same satellite, they can conduct a UE-satellite-UE (USU) call. USU calls can shorten the communication path between the two UEs, thereby reducing call latency and improving the user experience.

[0086] It should be noted that in this application, USU call can also be understood or replaced by USU communication (communicate), and the following will not be repeated.

[0087] However, in the above-mentioned PDU session establishment process, it is impossible to determine whether the satellite contains UPF, so USU calls cannot be realized, and the problem of long call delays caused by long communication paths in the NTN scenario of related technologies cannot be solved.

[0088] Based on this, the embodiments of the present application propose a communication method, apparatus, and related equipment, which can solve the problem of long call delay caused by long communication paths in NTN scenarios of related technologies.

[0089] The communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0090] FIG3 shows a flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG3 , the communication method includes the following steps:

[0091] Step 301: A first core network function receives a first message from a target base station, where the first message includes information for requesting to establish a PDU session for a terminal. The target base station is a base station located on a target satellite.

[0092] Step 302: The first core network function determines whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF.

[0093] In an embodiment of the present application, the first core network function may be, for example, AMF.

[0094] The target base station is a base station located on the target satellite. This can be understood as meaning that the target satellite contains base station functionality, the terminal is connected to the target base station, and through this target base station, it connects to the 5G core network, 4G core network, or IMS network; or, the terminal is located under the target satellite and is connected to the 5G core network, 4G core network, or IMS network through the target base station contained in the target satellite. Therefore, the target satellite can also be understood as the satellite to which the terminal is connected, the satellite to which the terminal accesses, or the satellite on which the terminal is located.

[0095] The first message may be, for example, an N2 message, the N2 message may include a NAS message, and the NAS message may include a PDU session establishment request (PDU Session Establishment request).

[0096] After receiving the first message, the first core network function determines whether the target satellite includes (or has) a UPF or does not include (or has) a UPF; in other words, determines whether the target satellite includes (or has) a UPF. Here, the target satellite including a UPF means that the UPF is placed or deployed on the target satellite.

[0097] As previously mentioned, the presence of a UPF on the target satellite is a prerequisite for a UE to conduct USU calls with other UEs located on the target satellite. Therefore, determining whether the target satellite contains a UPF can determine subsequent actions. For example, if the first core network function determines that the target satellite contains a UPF, the first core network function may establish a PDU session for the USU call; otherwise, it may perform other actions. Therefore, determining whether the target satellite contains a UPF facilitates USU calls, thereby shortening the communication path and reducing call latency.

[0098] It should be noted that the first core network function determining whether the target satellite includes a UPF can be replaced by the first core network function determining whether the target satellite includes a UPF. The word "determine" can be replaced by words with similar meanings such as judgment, judgment, decision, and verification.

[0099] The first core network function can determine whether the target satellite contains the UPF based on the first message, or can determine whether the target satellite contains the UPF based on other methods. The specific determination method will be explained later.

[0100] In this embodiment of the present application, a first core network function receives a first message from a target base station, the first message including information requesting establishment of a PDU session for a terminal. The target base station is a base station located on a target satellite. The first core network function then determines whether the target satellite includes a UPF. If the target satellite includes a UPF, a PDU session for a USU call can be established, thereby facilitating USU calls. Compared to related technologies, USU calls have shorter communication paths, thereby reducing call latency.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first core network function determines whether the target satellite includes a UPF, including:

[0102] In a case where the first message includes first information, the first core network function determines, based on the first information, that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0103] The first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0104] Because the target base station is located or deployed on the target satellite, the target base station can determine whether the target satellite includes a UPF. If the target satellite includes a UPF, the target base station on the target satellite can add first information to the first message to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF. The following describes the possible contents of the first information.

[0105] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0106] A first CGI, where the first CGI is a CGI indicating that a satellite includes a UPF, or a base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0107] A first satellite ID (satellite ID), where the first satellite ID is a satellite ID indicating that the satellite includes the UPF;

[0108] Information about a first RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0109] A first indication is an indication indicating that a satellite includes a UPF.

[0110] The first CGI may be understood as the CGI corresponding to the UE that needs to establish a PDU session. For example, the first CGI includes a specific value or belongs to a specific range, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI includes a specific value or belongs to a specific range.

[0111] The first satellite identifier may be understood as a satellite identifier corresponding to the target satellite. For example, the first satellite identifier includes a specific value or belongs to a specific range.

[0112] The first RAT type can be understood as the RAT type corresponding to the target satellite. For example, the first RAT type information includes special values ​​of RAT type, such as "NR with UPF (LEO)", "NR with UPF (MEO)", and "NR with UPF (GEO)", where LEO represents Low Earth Orbit, MEO represents Medium Earth Orbit, and GEO represents Geostationary Earth Orbit.

[0113] The first indication may be understood as a newly added indication, that is, a newly added indication specifically used to indicate that the satellite includes a UPF.

[0114] Of course, a second indication may also be added to indicate that the satellite does not include a UPF.

[0115] Optionally, when the first message includes first information, the first core network function determines, based on the first information, that the target satellite includes a UPF, including at least one of the following:

[0116] In a case where the first information includes information of the first RAT type, the first core network function determines, according to the first information, that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0117] In a case where the first information includes the first indication, the first core network function determines, based on the first information, that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0118] In a case where the first information includes the first CGI, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF based on a preconfigured target CGI set, where the target CGI set is a CGI set indicating that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein the first CGI belongs to the target CGI set;

[0119] In a case where the first information includes the first CGI, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF based on a preconfigured target CGI range, where the target CGI range is a CGI range indicating that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein the first CGI is within the target CGI range;

[0120] When the first information includes the first CGI, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF based on a preconfigured first identifier set, where the first identifier set is a set of base station identifiers indicating that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI belongs to the first identifier set;

[0121] When the first information includes the first CGI, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes the UPF according to a preconfigured first identification range, where the first identification range is a base station identification range indicating that the satellite includes the UPF; wherein the base station identification corresponding to the first CGI is within the first identification range;

[0122] In a case where the first information includes the first satellite identifier, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes the UPF according to a preconfigured second identifier set, where the second identifier set is a set of satellite identifiers indicating that the satellite includes the UPF; wherein the first satellite identifier belongs to the second identifier set;

[0123] In the case where the first information includes the first satellite identifier, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes the UPF based on a preconfigured second identifier range, and the second identifier range is a satellite identifier range that characterizes that the satellite includes the UPF; wherein the first satellite identifier is located in the second identifier range.

[0124] That is, when the first information is RAT type information or a newly added indication, the first core network function can directly determine whether the target satellite includes the UPF according to the first information.

[0125] When the first information is a CGI or a satellite identifier, the first core network function needs to determine whether the target satellite includes a UPF based on preconfigured information. The preconfigured information can be represented in the form of a specific set (Set) or a specific range (Range), which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first core network function determines whether the target satellite includes a UPF, including:

[0127] In the case where the first message includes IMSDNN, the first core network function determines whether the target satellite includes a UPF or not.

[0128] Here, the inclusion of IMSDNN in the first message indicates a need for an IMS call. In this case, it is necessary to determine whether the target satellite includes a UPF to consider whether to implement USU services through the target satellite. If the first message does not include IMSDNN, implementing USU services through the target satellite is not considered, and there is no need to determine whether the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0129] Therefore, in this implementation, the first core network function can first determine whether the first message includes IMSDNN, and then determine whether the target satellite includes UPF when the first message includes IMSDNN. This can avoid the first core network function from performing unnecessary related processing, thereby reducing unnecessary waste of resources.

[0130] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0131] When it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF, the first core network function selects a second core network function;

[0132] Among them, the second core network function is a core network function that supports USU services, or a core network function that supports the management of UPF contained in the satellite.

[0133] The second core network function can be understood as a core network function that supports USU services and can establish PDU sessions for UEs; or, a core network function that supports the management of UPFs contained in satellites and can establish PDU sessions for UEs.

[0134] The second core network function may be, for example, an SMF.

[0135] In this implementation, the first core network function determines that the satellite to which the UE is connected (i.e., the target satellite) has the UPF function, and then selects the second core network function that supports USU services or supports the management of the UPF contained in the satellite and can establish a PDU session for the UE.

[0136] The USU service in this application can also be understood or replaced by USU call service, USU voice service, USU data service or USU network service, and the same will not be repeated later.

[0137] Therefore, this implementation method is conducive to establishing a PDU session for USU calls by selecting the second core network function, thereby facilitating the implementation of USU calls.

[0138] In some embodiments, the first core network function selects the second core network function, including at least one of the following:

[0139] The first core network function selects a second core network function from a preconfigured core network function set, each core network function in the core network function set supporting a USU service or supporting management of a UPF included in a satellite;

[0140] The first core network function sends a second message to the third core network function, where the second message is used to request: a core network function that supports USU services, or a core network function that supports management of UPFs included in satellites.

[0141] For example, the AMF can pre-configure which SMFs support USU services, or support the management of UPFs contained in the satellite.

[0142] The second message may be, for example, an Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request message, used to request discovery of a core network function. The AMF may carry a special indication in the second message sent to the third core network function (such as NRF), which is used to indicate the discovery of an SMF that supports USU services or an SMF that supports the management of UPFs contained in satellites.

[0143] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0144] The first core network function sends a third message to the second core network function, where the third message is used to request establishment of a PDU session for the terminal;

[0145] The third message includes second information, and the second information is used to indicate that the satellite where the terminal is located includes a UPF.

[0146] In this implementation, after the first core network function selects the second core network function, it can send a third message to the second core network function to request to establish a PDU session for the UE.

[0147] The third message may be, for example, an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextRequest message, and the third message may carry a PDU session establishment request (PDU Session Establishment request) and information indicating that the satellite where the UE is located includes a UPF (ie, the second information).

[0148] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0149] A first CGI, where the first CGI is a CGI indicating that a satellite includes a UPF, or a base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0150] A first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0151] Information about a first RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0152] A first indication is an indication indicating that a satellite includes a UPF.

[0153] The above-mentioned items of the second information may have the same or similar meanings as those of the items in the first information. Please refer to the relevant descriptions of the items in the first information. To avoid repetition, they will not be elaborated on.

[0154] In summary, the embodiments of the present application facilitate establishing a PDU session for USU calls, thereby facilitating USU calls. Compared to related technologies, the communication path of USU calls is shorter, thereby reducing call latency.

[0155] The above are the relevant behaviors on the first core network function side. The following describes the relevant behaviors on the second core network function side.

[0156] FIG4 shows a flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG4 , the communication method includes the following steps:

[0157] Step 401: The second core network function receives a third message from the first core network function, where the third message is used to request establishment of a PDU session for the terminal.

[0158] Step 402: The second core network function determines whether a target satellite includes a UPF or not, where the target satellite is the satellite where the terminal is located.

[0159] Optionally, the second core network function determines whether the target satellite includes a UPF, including:

[0160] In a case where the third message includes the second information, the second core network function determines, based on the second information, that the target satellite includes the UPF;

[0161] The second information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0162] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0163] A first CGI, where the first CGI is a CGI indicating that a satellite includes a UPF, or a base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0164] A first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0165] Information about a first RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0166] A first indication is an indication indicating that a satellite includes a UPF.

[0167] Optionally, when the third message includes the second information, the second core network function determines, based on the second information, that the target satellite includes the UPF, including at least one of the following:

[0168] In a case where the second information includes information of the first RAT type, the second core network function determines, according to the second information, that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0169] In a case where the second information includes the first indication, the second core network function determines, based on the second information, that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0170] When the second information includes the first CGI, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF based on a preconfigured target CGI set, where the target CGI set is a CGI set indicating that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein the first CGI belongs to the target CGI set;

[0171] In a case where the second information includes the first CGI, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF based on a preconfigured target CGI range, where the target CGI range is a CGI range indicating that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein the first CGI is within the target CGI range;

[0172] In a case where the second information includes the first CGI, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF based on a preconfigured first identifier set, where the first identifier set is a set of base station identifiers indicating that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI belongs to the first identifier set;

[0173] In a case where the second information includes the first CGI, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes the UPF according to a preconfigured first identification range, where the first identification range is a base station identification range indicating that the satellite includes the UPF; wherein the base station identification corresponding to the first CGI is within the first identification range;

[0174] In a case where the second information includes the first satellite identifier, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes the UPF according to a preconfigured second identifier set, where the second identifier set is a set of satellite identifiers indicating that a satellite includes the UPF; wherein the first satellite identifier belongs to the second identifier set;

[0175] In the case where the second information includes the first satellite identifier, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes the UPF based on a preconfigured second identifier range, where the second identifier range is a satellite identifier range that characterizes that the satellite includes the UPF; wherein the first satellite identifier is located in the second identifier range.

[0176] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0177] When it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF, the second core network function sends third information to the fourth core network function; wherein the third information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0178] The second core network function receives fourth information from the fourth core network function, where the fourth information includes policy information corresponding to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0179] In this implementation, when the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF, it can obtain a PDU session establishment strategy from the fourth core network function.

[0180] The fourth core network function may be, for example, PCF.

[0181] The third information may be, for example, an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create message.

[0182] The fourth core network function may determine whether the UE is allowed to use the UPF on the satellite. If allowed, the fourth core network function may send policy information corresponding to the UPF included in the satellite to the second core network function.

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

[0184] Information used to indicate that the ground UPF is used as the first protocol data unit session anchor (PDU Session Anchor, PSA);

[0185] Information used to indicate that when establishing a voice bearer (e.g., a QoS flow), the UPF included in the target satellite is used as the second PSA;

[0186] Information used to indicate that the UPF included in the target satellite is used as an uplink classifier (UL CL) when establishing a voice bearer;

[0187] Used to indicate that when both communicating parties access the network through the same satellite, the UPF information contained in the target satellite is used;

[0188] Used to indicate that when both communicating parties access the network through the same satellite and request an IMS call, the UPF information contained in the target satellite is used;

[0189] Information for indicating that a fifth core network function is added to the communication path when establishing a voice bearer, where the fifth core network function is a core network function for controlling the UPF included in the satellite;

[0190] Information used to indicate IP address allocation policy;

[0191] Information used to indicate a sixth core network function selection strategy, where the sixth core network function is P-CSCF.

[0192] For ease of description, the first PSA may be referred to as PSA1, and the second PSA may be referred to as PSA2. The UPF included in the target satellite is referred to as PSA2, which can be understood as the UPF included in the target satellite having the logical functions of the PSA. In other words, the UPF included in the target satellite is referred to as a new PSA.

[0193] Taking the UPF included in the target satellite as the UL CL can be understood as the UPF included in the target satellite having the logical function of the UL CL. In other words, taking the UPF included in the target satellite as the new UL CL.

[0194] When the UPF included in the target satellite is used as a PSA and the UPF included in the target satellite is used as a UL CL, the UPF included in the target satellite has two logical functions: PSA and UL CL.

[0195] When the policy information includes information for indicating that the fifth core network function is added to the communication path when establishing a voice bearer, it can be understood that the control of the UPF contained in the target satellite is realized by the fifth core network function that specifically controls the UPF contained in the satellite.

[0196] The fifth core network function may be, for example, an intermediate SMF (I-SMF).

[0197] Optionally, the information for indicating the IP address allocation policy includes:

[0198] Information indicating the allocation of an IPv6 address to a terminal.

[0199] The IPv6 address can be understood as a public network address, that is, when the policy information includes information for indicating allocation of an IPv6 address to the terminal, the second core network function allocates a public network address to the terminal.

[0200] Optionally, the method further comprises at least one of the following:

[0201] The second core network function selects a sixth core network function for the terminal based on at least one of the second information, the fourth information, a ground station to which the second core network function is connected, and a CGI of the terminal;

[0202] The second core network function allocates an IP address to the terminal based on at least one of the second information, the fourth information, and the CGI of the terminal;

[0203] The second information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0204] The fourth information includes strategy information, and the strategy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0205] In this implementation, when the policy information includes information for indicating the sixth core network function selection policy, it can be understood that the second core network function can select a P-CSCF for the UE according to the selection policy.

[0206] When the policy information does not include the sixth core network function selection policy, the second core network function may also select a P-CSCF for the UE based on the UE's CGI, or select a P-CSCF for the UE based on the second information, or select a P-CSCF for the UE based on the ground station to which the second core network function is connected.

[0207] When the policy information includes an IP address allocation policy, the second core network function may also allocate an IP address to the UE according to the IP address allocation policy.

[0208] When the policy information does not include an IP address allocation policy, the second core network function may also allocate an IP address to the UE according to the CGI of the UE, or allocate an IP address to the UE according to the second information.

[0209] It should be noted that the second core network function can allocate IP addresses of a specific range to UEs in the same satellite coverage area.

[0210] For the relevant description of the embodiments of the present application, please refer to the relevant description of the method embodiment of Figure 3, and the same technical effects can be achieved. To avoid repetition, they will not be described in detail.

[0211] The following describes the relevant behaviors on the fourth core network function side.

[0212] FIG5 shows a flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG5 , the communication method includes the following steps:

[0213] Step 501: The fourth core network function receives third information from the second core network function, where the third information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0214] Step 502: The fourth core network function sends fourth information to the second core network function, where the fourth information includes policy information corresponding to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0215] Optionally, the policy information includes at least one of the following:

[0216] Information used to indicate that the ground UPF is used as the first PDU session anchor point PSA;

[0217] Information used to indicate that the UPF included in the target satellite is used as the second PSA when establishing a voice bearer;

[0218] Information used to indicate that when establishing a voice bearer, the UPF included in the target satellite is used as uplink UL CL;

[0219] Used to indicate that when both communicating parties access the network through the same satellite, the UPF information contained in the target satellite is used;

[0220] Used to indicate that when both communicating parties access the network through the same satellite and request an IMS call, the UPF information contained in the target satellite is used;

[0221] Used to instruct the fifth core network function to be added to the communication path when establishing a voice bearer, where the fifth core network function is information about the core network function used to control the UPF included in the satellite;

[0222] Information used to indicate Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation policy;

[0223] Used to indicate a sixth core network function selection strategy, where the sixth core network function is information about a proxy call session control function P-CSCF.

[0224] Optionally, the information for indicating an Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation policy includes:

[0225] Information indicating the allocation of an IPv6 address to a terminal.

[0226] For the relevant description of the embodiments of the present application, please refer to the relevant description of the method embodiment of Figure 3, and the same technical effects can be achieved. To avoid repetition, they will not be described in detail.

[0227] The following describes the related behaviors on the base station side.

[0228] FIG6 shows a flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG6 , the communication method includes the following steps:

[0229] Step 601: A base station sends a first message to a first core network function, where the first message includes information for requesting to establish a PDU session for a terminal. The base station is a base station located at a target satellite.

[0230] The first message includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0231] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0232] A first cell global identifier (CGI), where the first CGI is a CGI indicating that a satellite includes a UPF, or a base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0233] A first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0234] Information about a first radio access technology RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0235] A first indication is an indication indicating that a satellite includes a UPF.

[0236] For the relevant description of the embodiments of the present application, please refer to the relevant description of the method embodiment of Figure 3, and the same technical effects can be achieved. To avoid repetition, they will not be described in detail.

[0237] The embodiment of the present application also relates to a registration solution on the second core network function side.

[0238] FIG7 shows a flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG7 , the communication method includes the following steps:

[0239] Step 701: The second core network function sends a fourth message to the third core network function, where the fourth message is used to request registration of information about the second core network function.

[0240] The fourth message includes fifth information, and the fifth information is used to indicate that the second core network function supports USU services, or supports the management of UPF contained in the satellite.

[0241] The fourth message may be, for example, a registration request (Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister Request) message. The fourth message may carry a network function (NF) profile, and the NF profile may include the fifth information.

[0242] The third core network function may save the NF profile sent by the second core network function and send a response message (Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister response) to the second core network function.

[0243] The above has realized the registration of the second core network function.

[0244] For the relevant description of the embodiments of the present application, please refer to the relevant description of the method embodiment of Figure 3, and the same technical effects can be achieved. To avoid repetition, they will not be described in detail.

[0245] The following provides a specific embodiment to illustrate the embodiments of the present application by taking the first core network function as AMF, the second core network function as SMF, the third core network function as NRF, and the fourth core network function as PCF as an example.

[0246] Example 1: Establishing a PDU Session

[0247] As shown in Figure 8, the following steps are included:

[0248] 2. The base station on the satellite adds first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the satellite has the UPF function.

[0249] The first indication information may be a special value of NCGI, for example, NCGI belongs to a specific range, or the base station identifier corresponding to NCGI belongs to a specific range (assuming a satellite with a base station and UPF, the NCGI or base station identifier corresponding to the base station belongs to a specific value or a specific range).

[0250] The first indication information may be a special value of the RAT type, for example, NR with UPF (LEO), NR with UPF (GEO).

[0251] The first indication information may be a satellite ID. For example, the satellite ID includes a specific value or belongs to a specific range.

[0252] The first indication information may be a newly added indication, used to indicate that the satellite has a UPF function.

[0253] 3.AMF determines that the satellite to which the UE is connected has UPF functionality, and AMF selects the SMF that supports this scenario.

[0254] The method by which the AMF determines that the satellite to which the UE is connected has the UPF function is as follows:

[0255] When the first indication information is NCGI, the AMF determines based on the pre-configured information. For example, the AMF pre-configures which base stations include the UPF function. When the NCGI or the base station ID corresponding to the NCGI belongs to a specific range, the AMF determines that the satellite where the base station is located includes the UPF function.

[0256] When the first indication information is a satellite ID, the AMF determines it based on pre-configured information, or based on whether the satellite ID belongs to a specific range.

[0257] When the first indication information is a RAT type or a new indication, the AMF can be determined directly based on the first indication information.

[0258] The method by which the AMF selects the SMF that supports this scenario is as follows:

[0259] AMF pre-configures which SMFs support this scenario. Alternatively,

[0260] When AMF requests SMF from NRF, it carries a special indication, which is used to indicate the discovery of SMF that supports special functions. At this time, the function of SMF registration in NRF needs to be enhanced (see Example 2).

[0261] Optionally, the AMF performs the above judgment action only when it is determined that it is an IMSDNN, and does not perform the above judgment action on other DNNs.

[0262] 4.AMF sends a second indication message to SMF, where the second indication message is used to indicate that the satellite where the UE is located has the UPF function.

[0263] The second indication information may be a special value of NCGI, for example, NCGI belongs to a specific range, or the base station identifier corresponding to NCGI belongs to a specific range.

[0264] The second indication information may be a special value of the RAT type, for example, NR with UPF (LEO).

[0265] The second indication information may be a special value of the satellite ID, for example, the satellite ID includes a specific value or belongs to a specific range.

[0266] The second indication information may be a newly added indication, used to indicate that the satellite has the UPF function.

[0267] 6.SMF obtains the PDU session establishment strategy from PCF.

[0268] The SMF provides third indication information to the PCF, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the satellite where the UE is located has the UPF function.

[0269] The PCF determines whether the UE is allowed to use the UPF on the satellite. If allowed, the PCF sends the usage policy of the UPF on the satellite to the SMF. The usage policy may include at least one of the following:

[0270] Take the ground UPF as PSA 1;

[0271] When establishing a voice bearer, the UPF on the satellite is used as the UL CL and PSA 2;

[0272] The UPF on the satellite is used only when both communicating parties are on the same satellite and making a call;

[0273] Insert a specific I-SMF when establishing a voice bearer;

[0274] Only IPv6 addresses can be assigned;

[0275] P-CSCF address.

[0276] 8. The SMF selects a P-CSCF based on at least one of the following:

[0277] The usage policy sent by PCF;

[0278] Second instruction information;

[0279] NCGI;

[0280] The ground station to which the SMF is connected.

[0281] Optionally, the SMF allocates an IP address of a specific range to the UE according to at least one of the following:

[0282] The usage policy sent by PCF;

[0283] Second instruction information;

[0284] NCGI.

[0285] Note: SMF allocates IP addresses of a specific range to UEs in the same satellite coverage area.

[0286] For the remaining steps in FIG8 , please refer to the relevant description of FIG2 .

[0287] Example 2: SMF Registration

[0288] As shown in Figure 9, the following steps are included:

[0289] 1. The SMF sends a registration request (Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister Request) to the NRF, carrying the NF profile. The NF profile includes first information, which indicates at least one of the following:

[0290] It supports the management of scenarios where UPF exists on satellites;

[0291] Supports USU call scenarios.

[0292] 2. NRF saves the NF profile.

[0293] 3. NRF sends a response message (Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister response) to SMF.

[0294] 4.AMF sends a discovery request (Nnrf_NFDiscovery_Request) to NRF, and includes second information in the request, where the second information is used to indicate the discovery of SMF that supports the specific function.

[0295] Specific features include at least one of the following:

[0296] It supports the management of scenarios where UPF exists on satellites;

[0297] Supports USU call scenarios.

[0298] 5. The NRF determines the SMF and sends a response message carrying the information of the SMF to the AMF.

[0299] In summary, the embodiments of the present application are conducive to implementing USU calls. Compared with related technologies, the communication path of USU calls is shorter, thereby reducing call delay.

[0300] The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be executed by a communication device. In the embodiment of the present application, the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described by taking the communication method executed by the communication device as an example.

[0301] FIG10 shows a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application, which can be applied to a first core network function. As shown in FIG10 , the communication device 1010 includes:

[0302] A receiving unit 1011 is configured to receive a first message from a target base station, where the first message includes information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for a terminal, and the target base station is a base station located at a target satellite;

[0303] The first processing unit 1012 is configured to determine whether the target satellite includes a user plane function (UPF).

[0304] Optionally, the first processing unit is specifically configured to:

[0305] In a case where the first message includes first information, determining, based on the first information, that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0306] The first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0307] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0308] A first cell global identifier (CGI), where the first CGI is a CGI indicating that a satellite includes a UPF, or a base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0309] A first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0310] Information about a first radio access technology RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0311] A first indication is an indication indicating that a satellite includes a UPF.

[0312] Optionally, the first processing unit is specifically configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0313] In a case where the first information includes information of the first RAT type, determining, according to the first information, that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0314] In a case where the first information includes the first indication, determining, according to the first information, that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0315] In a case where the first information includes the first CGI, determining that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a preconfigured target CGI set, where the target CGI set is a CGI set indicating that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein the first CGI belongs to the target CGI set;

[0316] In a case where the first information includes the first CGI, determining that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a preconfigured target CGI range, the target CGI range being a CGI range indicating that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein the first CGI is within the target CGI range;

[0317] In a case where the first information includes the first CGI, determining that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a preconfigured first identifier set, where the first identifier set is a set of base station identifiers indicating that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI belongs to the first identifier set;

[0318] In a case where the first information includes the first CGI, determining that the target satellite includes the UPF according to a preconfigured first identification range, where the first identification range is a base station identification range indicating that the satellite includes the UPF; wherein the base station identification corresponding to the first CGI is within the first identification range;

[0319] In a case where the first information includes the first satellite identifier, determining that the target satellite includes the UPF according to a preconfigured second identifier set, where the second identifier set is a set of satellite identifiers indicating that a satellite includes the UPF; wherein the first satellite identifier belongs to the second identifier set;

[0320] In the case where the first information includes the first satellite identifier, it is determined that the target satellite includes the UPF according to a preconfigured second identifier range, where the second identifier range is a satellite identifier range that characterizes that the satellite includes the UPF; wherein the first satellite identifier is located in the second identifier range.

[0321] Optionally, the first processing unit is specifically configured to:

[0322] In a case where the first message includes an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem IMS Data Network Name DNN, it is determined whether the target satellite includes a UPF or not.

[0323] Optionally, the device further comprises:

[0324] A second processing unit is configured to select a second core network function when it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0325] Among them, the second core network function is a core network function that supports terminal-satellite-terminal USU services, or a core network function that supports the management of UPF contained in the satellite.

[0326] Optionally, the second processing unit is specifically configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0327] Selecting a second core network function from a preconfigured core network function set, where each core network function in the core network function set supports USU services or supports management of UPFs included in the satellite;

[0328] A second message is sent to the third core network function, where the second message is used to request: a core network function that supports USU services, or a core network function that supports management of UPFs included in the satellite.

[0329] Optionally, the device further comprises:

[0330] a sending unit, configured to send a third message to the second core network function, where the third message is used to request establishment of a PDU session for the terminal;

[0331] The third message includes second information, and the second information is used to indicate that the satellite where the terminal is located includes a UPF.

[0332] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0333] A first cell global identifier (CGI), where the first CGI is a CGI indicating that a satellite includes a UPF, or a base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0334] A first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0335] Information about a first radio access technology RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0336] A first indication is an indication indicating that a satellite includes a UPF.

[0337] FIG11 shows a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application, which can be applied to a second core network function. As shown in FIG11 , the communication device 1020 includes:

[0338] The first receiving unit 1021 is configured to receive a third message from the first core network function, where the third message is used to request establishment of a PDU session for the terminal;

[0339] The first processing unit 1022 is configured to determine whether a target satellite includes a user plane function (UPF) or not, where the target satellite is the satellite where the terminal is located.

[0340] Optionally, the first processing unit is specifically configured to:

[0341] In a case where the third message includes the second information, determining, based on the second information, that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0342] The second information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0343] Optionally, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0344] A first cell global identifier (CGI), where the first CGI is a CGI indicating that a satellite includes a UPF, or a base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0345] A first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0346] Information about a first radio access technology RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0347] A first indication is an indication indicating that a satellite includes a UPF.

[0348] Optionally, the first processing unit is specifically configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0349] In a case where the second information includes information of the first RAT type, determining, according to the second information, that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0350] In a case where the second information includes the first indication, determining, according to the second information, that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0351] When the second information includes the first CGI, determining that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a preconfigured target CGI set, where the target CGI set is a CGI set indicating that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein the first CGI belongs to the target CGI set;

[0352] In a case where the second information includes the first CGI, determining that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a preconfigured target CGI range, the target CGI range being a CGI range indicating that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein the first CGI is within the target CGI range;

[0353] In a case where the second information includes the first CGI, determining that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a preconfigured first identifier set, where the first identifier set is a set of base station identifiers indicating that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI belongs to the first identifier set;

[0354] In a case where the second information includes the first CGI, determining that the target satellite includes the UPF according to a preconfigured first identification range, where the first identification range is a base station identification range indicating that the satellite includes the UPF; wherein the base station identification corresponding to the first CGI is within the first identification range;

[0355] In a case where the second information includes the first satellite identifier, determining that the target satellite includes the UPF according to a preconfigured second identifier set, where the second identifier set is a set of satellite identifiers indicating that a satellite includes the UPF; wherein the first satellite identifier belongs to the second identifier set;

[0356] In the case where the second information includes the first satellite identifier, it is determined that the target satellite includes the UPF according to a preconfigured second identifier range, where the second identifier range is a satellite identifier range that characterizes a satellite including the UPF; wherein the first satellite identifier is located in the second identifier range.

[0357] Optionally, the device further comprises:

[0358] A sending unit, configured to send third information to the fourth core network function when it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF; wherein the third information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0359] The second receiving unit is used to receive fourth information from the fourth core network function, where the fourth information includes policy information, and the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0360] Optionally, the policy information includes at least one of the following:

[0361] Information used to indicate that the ground UPF is used as the first PDU session anchor point PSA;

[0362] Information used to indicate that the UPF included in the target satellite is used as the second PSA when establishing a voice bearer;

[0363] Information used to indicate that when establishing a voice bearer, the UPF included in the target satellite is used as uplink UL CL;

[0364] Used to indicate that when both communicating parties access the network through the same satellite, the UPF information contained in the target satellite is used;

[0365] Used to indicate that when both communicating parties access the network through the same satellite and request an IMS call, the UPF information contained in the target satellite is used;

[0366] Information for indicating that a fifth core network function is added to the communication path when establishing a voice bearer, where the fifth core network function is a core network function for controlling the UPF included in the satellite;

[0367] Information used to indicate Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation policy;

[0368] Information used to indicate a sixth core network function selection strategy, where the sixth core network function is a proxy call session control function P-CSCF.

[0369] Optionally, the information for indicating an Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation policy includes:

[0370] Information indicating the allocation of an IPv6 address to a terminal.

[0371] Optionally, the device further comprises at least one of the following:

[0372] a second processing unit, configured to select a sixth core network function for the terminal based on the second information, the fourth information, at least one of a ground station to which the second core network function is connected, and a CGI of the terminal;

[0373] a third processing unit, configured to allocate an IP address to the terminal according to at least one of the second information, the fourth information, and the CGI of the terminal;

[0374] The second information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0375] The fourth information includes strategy information, and the strategy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0376] FIG12 shows a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application, which can be applied to the fourth core network function. As shown in FIG12 , the communication device 1030 includes:

[0377] A receiving unit 1031 is configured to receive third information from a second core network function, where the third information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF;

[0378] The sending unit 1032 is configured to send fourth information to the second core network function, where the fourth information includes policy information, and the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0379] Optionally, the policy information includes at least one of the following:

[0380] Information used to indicate that the ground UPF is used as the first PDU session anchor point PSA;

[0381] Information used to indicate that the UPF included in the target satellite is used as the second PSA when establishing a voice bearer;

[0382] Information used to indicate that when establishing a voice bearer, the UPF included in the target satellite is used as uplink UL CL;

[0383] Used to indicate that when both communicating parties access the network through the same satellite, the UPF information contained in the target satellite is used;

[0384] Used to indicate that when both communicating parties access the network through the same satellite and request an IMS call, the UPF information contained in the target satellite is used;

[0385] Used to instruct the fifth core network function to be added to the communication path when establishing a voice bearer, where the fifth core network function is information about the core network function used to control the UPF included in the satellite;

[0386] Information used to indicate Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation policy;

[0387] Used to indicate a sixth core network function selection strategy, where the sixth core network function is information about a proxy call session control function P-CSCF.

[0388] Optionally, the information for indicating an Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation policy includes:

[0389] Information indicating the allocation of an IPv6 address to a terminal.

[0390] FIG13 shows a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application, which can be applied to a base station. As shown in FIG13 , the communication device 1040 includes:

[0391] A sending unit 1041 is configured to send a first message to a first core network function, where the first message includes information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for the terminal, where the base station is a base station located at a target satellite;

[0392] The first message includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

[0393] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0394] A first cell global identifier (CGI), where the first CGI is a CGI indicating that a satellite includes a UPF, or a base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0395] A first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0396] Information about a first radio access technology RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type indicating that a satellite includes a UPF;

[0397] A first indication is an indication indicating that a satellite includes a UPF.

[0398] FIG14 shows a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application, which can be applied to a second core network function. As shown in FIG14 , the communication device 1050 includes:

[0399] A sending unit 1051 is configured to send a fourth message to a third core network function, where the fourth message is used to request registration of information about the second core network function;

[0400] The fourth message includes fifth information, and the fifth information is used to indicate that the second core network function supports terminal-satellite-terminal USU service, or supports management of UPF contained in the satellite.

[0401] The communication device in the embodiments of the present application can be an electronic device, such as an electronic device with an operating system, or a component in an electronic device, such as an integrated circuit or chip. The electronic device can be a terminal, or it can be other devices other than a terminal. For example, the terminal can include but is not limited to the types of terminals listed above, and other devices can be servers, network attached storage (NAS), etc., which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0402] The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement the various processes implemented in the method embodiments of Figures 3 to 9 and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, they will not be described here.

[0403] As shown in FIG15 , an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device 1100, comprising a processor 1101 and a memory 1102. The memory 1102 stores a program or instruction that can be executed on the processor 1101. For example, when the communication device 1100 is a first core network function, the program or instruction, when executed by the processor 1101, implements the various steps of the method embodiment on the first core network function side, and can achieve the same technical effect. When the communication device 1100 is a second core network function, the program or instruction, when executed by the processor 1101, implements the various steps of the method embodiment on the second core network function side, and can achieve the same technical effect. When the communication device 1100 is a fourth core network function, the program or instruction, when executed by the processor 1101, implements the various steps of the method embodiment on the fourth core network function side, and can achieve the same technical effect. When the communication device 1100 is a base station, the program or instruction, when executed by the processor 1101, implements the various steps of the method embodiment on the base station side, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they are not described here.

[0404] An embodiment of the present application also provides a network-side device, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the communication interface is used to: receive a first message from a target base station, wherein the first message includes information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for a terminal, and the target base station is a base station located at a target satellite; the processor is used to: determine whether the target satellite includes a user plane function (UPF).

[0405] This network side device embodiment corresponds to the method embodiment of the first core network function side mentioned above. The various implementation processes and implementation methods of the above method embodiments can be applied to this network side device embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects.

[0406] An embodiment of the present application also provides a network side device, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the communication interface is used to: receive a third message from a first core network function, wherein the third message is used to request to establish a PDU session for the terminal; and the processor is used to: determine whether the target satellite includes a user plane function UPF, and the target satellite is the satellite where the terminal is located.

[0407] This network side device embodiment corresponds to the method embodiment of the above-mentioned second core network function side. The various implementation processes and implementation methods of the above-mentioned method embodiments can be applied to this network side device embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects.

[0408] An embodiment of the present application also provides a network side device, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the communication interface is used to: receive third information from a second core network function, wherein the third information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF; and send fourth information to the second core network function, wherein the fourth information includes policy information, and the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

[0409] This network side device embodiment corresponds to the method embodiment of the fourth core network function side mentioned above. The various implementation processes and implementation methods of the above method embodiments can be applied to this network side device embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects.

[0410] An embodiment of the present application also provides a network side device, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the communication interface is used to: send a first message to a first core network function, wherein the first message includes information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit PDU session for a terminal; wherein the first message includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF, and the target satellite is the satellite where the base station is located.

[0411] This network side device embodiment corresponds to the above-mentioned base station side method embodiment. Each implementation process and implementation method of the above-mentioned method embodiment can be applied to this network side device embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect.

[0412] An embodiment of the present application also provides a network side device, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the communication interface is used to: send a fourth message to a third core network function, wherein the fourth message is used to request registration information of the second core network function; wherein the fourth message includes fifth information, and the fifth information is used to indicate that the second core network function supports terminal-satellite-terminal USU services, or supports management of UPFs contained in satellites.

[0413] This network side device embodiment corresponds to the method embodiment of the above-mentioned second core network function side. The various implementation processes and implementation methods of the above-mentioned method embodiments can be applied to this network side device embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects.

[0414] Specifically, the embodiment of the present application further provides a network side device. As shown in FIG16 , the network side device 1300 includes: a processor 1301, a network interface 1302, and a memory 1303. The network interface 1302 is, for example, a common public radio interface (CPRI).

[0415] Specifically, the network side device 1300 of an embodiment of the present invention also includes: instructions or programs stored in the memory 1303 and executable on the processor 1301. The processor 1301 calls the instructions or programs in the memory 1303 to execute the methods executed by the modules shown in Figures 10 to 12 and 14, and achieves the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be elaborated here.

[0416] Specifically, embodiments of the present application also provide a network-side device. As shown in Figure 17, the network-side device 110 includes an antenna 111, a radio frequency device 112, a baseband device 113, a processor 114, and a memory 115. Antenna 111 is connected to radio frequency device 112. In the uplink direction, radio frequency device 112 receives information via antenna 111 and sends the received information to baseband device 113 for processing. In the downlink direction, baseband device 113 processes the information to be transmitted and sends it to radio frequency device 112. Radio frequency device 112 processes the received information and then sends it through antenna 111.

[0417] The method executed by the network-side device in the above embodiment may be implemented in the baseband device 113 , which includes a baseband processor.

[0418] The baseband device 113 may include, for example, at least one baseband board, on which multiple chips are arranged, as shown in Figure 17, one of which is a baseband processor, for example, which is connected to the memory 115 through a bus interface to call the program in the memory 115 and execute the operations performed by the terminal or network side device shown in the above method embodiment.

[0419] The network side device may further include a network interface 116, which is, for example, a common public radio interface (CPRI).

[0420] Specifically, the network side device 110 of the embodiment of the present application also includes: instructions or programs stored in the memory 115 and executable on the processor 114. The processor 114 calls the instructions or programs in the memory 115 to execute the methods of execution of each module shown in Figure 13 and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0421] An embodiment of the present application also provides a readable storage medium, on which a program or instruction is stored. When the program or instruction is executed by a processor, the various processes of the above-mentioned communication method embodiment are implemented and the same technical effect can be achieved. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0422] The processor is the processor in the terminal described in the above embodiment. The readable storage medium includes a computer-readable storage medium, such as a computer read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. In some examples, the readable storage medium may be a non-transitory readable storage medium.

[0423] An embodiment of the present application further provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the various processes of the above-mentioned communication method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0424] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can also be called a system-level chip, a system chip, a chip system or a system-on-chip chip, etc.

[0425] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program / program product, which is stored in a storage medium. The computer program / program product is executed by at least one processor to implement the various processes of the above-mentioned communication method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0426] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, including: a terminal and a network side device, wherein the terminal can be used to execute the steps of the above-mentioned terminal side communication method, and the network side device can be used to execute the steps of the above-mentioned first core network function side communication method.

[0427] It should be noted that, in this article, the terms "comprise", "include" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the sentence "comprises a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device comprising the element. In addition, it should be pointed out that the scope of the methods and devices in the embodiments of the present application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, and may also include performing functions in a substantially simultaneous manner or in the opposite order according to the functions involved. For example, the described method may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may also be added, omitted or combined. In addition, the features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0428] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the above-mentioned embodiment methods can be implemented by means of a computer software product plus a necessary general-purpose hardware platform, or of course, by hardware. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.) and includes a number of instructions for enabling a terminal or network-side device to execute the methods described in each embodiment of the present application.

[0429] The embodiments of the present application are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of this application, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms of implementation methods without departing from the purpose of this application and the scope of protection of the claims. These implementation methods are all within the protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, comprising: A first core network function receives a first message from a target base station, the first message containing information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for a terminal, and the target base station is a base station located on a target satellite; The first core network function determines whether the target satellite includes or does not include a user plane function (UPF).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first core network function determining whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF includes: When the first message includes first information, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF based on the first information; Wherein, the first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The first information includes at least one of the following: A first cell global identifier (CGI), the first CGI is a CGI characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; A first satellite identifier, the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; Information of a first radio access technology (RAT) type, the first RAT type is a RAT type characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; A first indication, the first indication is an indication characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, When the first message includes first information, the first core network function determining that the target satellite includes a UPF based on the first information includes at least one of the following: When the first information includes the information of the first RAT type, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the first information; When the first information includes the first indication, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the first information; When the first information includes the first CGI, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured set of target CGIs, and the set of target CGIs is a set of CGIs characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first CGI belongs to the set of target CGIs; When the first information includes the first CGI, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured range of target CGIs, and the range of target CGIs is a range of CGIs characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first CGI is located within the range of target CGIs; When the first information includes the first CGI, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first set of identifiers, and the first set of identifiers is a set of base station identifiers characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI belongs to the first set of identifiers; When the first information includes the first CGI, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first identifier range, where the first identifier range is a base station identifier range indicating that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is within the first identifier range. When the first information includes the first satellite identifier, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second identifier set, where the second identifier set is a satellite identifier set indicating that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identifier belongs to the second identifier set. When the first information includes the first satellite identifier, the first core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second identifier range, where the second identifier range is a satellite identifier range indicating that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identifier is within the second identifier range.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The first core network function determines whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF, including: When the first message includes an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Data Network Name (DNN), the first core network function determines whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein It further includes: When it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF, the first core network function selects a second core network function; wherein, the second core network function is a core network function supporting the User-Satellite-User (USU) service or a core network function supporting the management of the UPF included in the satellite.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The first core network function selects the second core network function, including at least one of the following: The first core network function selects the second core network function from a pre-configured core network function set, where each core network function in the core network function set supports the USU service or supports the management of the UPF included in the satellite; The first core network function sends a second message to a third core network function, where the second message is used to request: a core network function supporting the USU service or a core network function supporting the management of the UPF included in the satellite.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein It further includes: The first core network function sends a third message to the second core network function, where the third message is used to request to establish a PDU session for the terminal; wherein, the third message includes second information, and the second information is used to indicate that the satellite where the terminal is located includes a UPF.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The second information includes at least one of the following: The first CGI, where the first CGI is a CGI indicating that a satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier indicating that a satellite includes a UPF; The first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier indicating that a satellite includes a UPF; Information of the first RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type indicating that a satellite includes a UPF; The first indication, where the first indication is an indication indicating that a satellite includes a UPF.

10. A communication method, including: The second core network function receives a third message from the first core network function, and the third message is used to request to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for a terminal. The second core network function determines whether the target satellite includes or does not include a user plane function (UPF), where the target satellite is the satellite where the terminal is located.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein The second core network function determining whether the target satellite includes or does not include a UPF includes: When the third message includes second information, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF based on the second information. Wherein, the second information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The second information includes at least one of the following: A first cell global identifier (CGI), where the first CGI is a CGI representing that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier representing that the satellite includes a UPF; A first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier representing that the satellite includes a UPF; Information on a first radio access technology (RAT) type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type representing that the satellite includes a UPF; A first indication, where the first indication is an indication representing that the satellite includes a UPF.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, When the third message includes second information, the second core network function determining that the target satellite includes a UPF based on the second information includes at least one of the following: When the second information includes the information on the first RAT type, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the second information; When the second information includes the first indication, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the second information; When the second information includes the first CGI, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured set of target CGIs, where the set of target CGIs is a set of CGIs representing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first CGI belongs to the set of target CGIs; When the second information includes the first CGI, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured target CGI range, where the target CGI range is a CGI range representing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first CGI is within the target CGI range; When the second information includes the first CGI, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first identifier set, where the first identifier set is a set of base station identifiers representing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI belongs to the first identifier set; When the second information includes the first CGI, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first identifier range, where the first identifier range is a range of base station identifiers representing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is within the first identifier range; When the second information includes the first satellite identifier, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second identifier set, where the second identifier set is a satellite identifier set characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identifier belongs to the second identifier set. When the second information includes the first satellite identifier, the second core network function determines that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second identifier range, where the second identifier range is a satellite identifier range characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identifier is within the second identifier range.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein It further includes: When it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF, the second core network function sends third information to the fourth core network function; wherein, the third information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF. The second core network function receives fourth information from the fourth core network function, and the fourth information includes policy information, where the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The policy information includes at least one of the following: Information for indicating using a terrestrial UPF as the first PDU session anchor point (PSA). Information for indicating that when establishing a voice bearer, using the UPF included in the target satellite as the second PSA. Information for indicating that when establishing a voice bearer, using the UPF included in the target satellite as the uplink split (UL CL). Information for indicating that when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite, using the UPF included in the target satellite. Information for indicating that when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite and a request for an IMS call is made, using the UPF included in the target satellite. Information for indicating that when establishing a voice bearer, adding a fifth core network function to the communication path, where the fifth core network function is a core network function for controlling the UPF included in a satellite. Information for indicating an Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation policy. Information for indicating a sixth core network function selection policy, where the sixth core network function is a proxy call session control function (P-CSCF).

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The information for indicating an Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation policy includes: Information for indicating allocating an IPv6 address to a terminal.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein It further includes at least one of the following: The second core network function selects a sixth core network function for the terminal according to at least one of the second information, the fourth information, the terrestrial station connected by the second core network function, and the CGI of the terminal. The second core network function allocates an IP address to the terminal according to at least one of the second information, the fourth information, and the CGI of the terminal. Wherein, the second information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF. The fourth information includes policy information, where the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

18. A communication method, including: The fourth core network function receives third information from the second core network function, where the third information is used to indicate that a target satellite includes a UPF. The fourth core network function sends fourth information to the second core network function, where the fourth information includes policy information, and the policy information corresponds to the UPF included in the target satellite.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The policy information includes at least one of the following: Information for indicating using a terrestrial UPF as the first PDU session anchor point (PSA); Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite as the second PSA when establishing a voice bearer; Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite as the uplink splitting (UL CL) when establishing a voice bearer; Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite; Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite and an IMS call is requested; Information for indicating adding a fifth core network function to the communication path when establishing a voice bearer, where the fifth core network function is a core network function for controlling the UPF included in the satellite; Information for indicating an Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation policy; Information for indicating a sixth core network function selection policy, where the sixth core network function is a proxy call session control function (P-CSCF).

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The information for indicating an Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation policy includes: Information for indicating allocating an IPv6 address to a terminal.

21. A communication method, including: A base station sends a first message to a first core network function, where the first message includes information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for a terminal, and the base station is a base station located in a target satellite; Wherein, the first message includes first information for indicating that the target satellite includes a UPF.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein The first information includes at least one of the following: A first cell global identifier (CGI), where the first CGI is a CGI characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; A first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; Information of a first radio access technology (RAT) type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; A first indication, where the first indication is an indication characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF.

23. A communication method, including: A second core network function sends a fourth message to a third core network function, where the fourth message is used to request information for registering the second core network function; Wherein, the fourth message includes fifth information for indicating that the second core network function supports a user-satellite-user (USU) service or supports managing the UPF included in the satellite.

24. A communication device applied to a first core network function, the device includes: A receiving unit, configured to receive a first message from a target base station, where the first message includes information for requesting to establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for a terminal, and the target base station is a base station located in a target satellite; A first processing unit, configured to determine whether the target satellite includes or does not include a User Plane Function (UPF).

25. The device according to claim 24, wherein, Specifically, the first processing unit is configured to: When the first message includes first information, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF based on the first information; wherein the first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

26. The device according to claim 25, wherein The first information includes at least one of the following: A first Cell Global Identity (CGI), where the first CGI is a CGI characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; A first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; Information on a first Radio Access Technology (RAT) type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; A first indication, where the first indication is an indication characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF.

27. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein Specifically, the first processing unit is configured to perform at least one of the following: When the first information includes the information on the first RAT type, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the first information; When the first information includes the first indication, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the first information; When the first information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured set of target CGIs, where the set of target CGIs is a set of CGIs characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein the first CGI belongs to the set of target CGIs; When the first information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured range of target CGIs, where the range of target CGIs is a range of CGIs characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein the first CGI is within the range of target CGIs; When the first information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first set of identifiers, where the first set of identifiers is a set of base station identifiers characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI belongs to the first set of identifiers; When the first information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first range of identifiers, where the first range of identifiers is a range of base station identifiers characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is within the first range of identifiers; When the first information includes the first satellite identifier, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second set of identifiers, where the second set of identifiers is a set of satellite identifiers characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein the first satellite identifier belongs to the second set of identifiers; When the first information includes the first satellite identifier, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second range of identifiers, where the second range of identifiers is a range of satellite identifiers characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein the first satellite identifier is within the second range of identifiers.

28. The apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein, The first processing unit is specifically configured to: When the first message includes an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Data Network Name (DNN), determine whether the target satellite includes or does not include a User Plane Function (UPF).

29. The device according to any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein, It further includes: A second processing unit, configured to select a second core network function when it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF. Wherein, the second core network function is a core network function that supports the User-Satellite-User (USU) service or a core network function that supports the management of the UPF included in the satellite.

30. A communication device applied to the second core network function, the device includes: A first receiving unit, configured to receive a third message from a first core network function, where the third message is used to request to establish a PDU session for a terminal. A first processing unit, configured to determine whether the target satellite includes or does not include a User Plane Function (UPF), where the target satellite is the satellite where the terminal is located.

31. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein, The first processing unit is specifically configured to: When the third message includes second information, based on the second information, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF. Wherein, the second information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

32. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein, The second information includes at least one of the following: A first Cell Global Identity (CGI), where the first CGI is a CGI that characterizes that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier that characterizes that the satellite includes a UPF. A first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier that characterizes that the satellite includes a UPF. Information of a first Radio Access Technology (RAT) type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type that characterizes that the satellite includes a UPF. A first indication, where the first indication is an indication that characterizes that the satellite includes a UPF.

33. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein, The first processing unit is specifically configured to at least one of the following: When the second information includes the information of the first RAT type, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the second information. When the second information includes the first indication, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to the second information. When the second information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured target CGI set, where the target CGI set is a CGI set that characterizes that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first CGI belongs to the target CGI set. When the second information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured target CGI range, where the target CGI range is a CGI range that characterizes that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first CGI is located within the target CGI range. When the second information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first identifier set, where the first identifier set is a base station identifier set that characterizes that the satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI belongs to the first identifier set. In the case that the second information includes the first CGI, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured first identification range, where the first identification range is a base station identification range characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the base station identification corresponding to the first CGI is within the first identification range; In the case that the second information includes the first satellite identification, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second identification set, where the second identification set is a satellite identification set characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identification belongs to the second identification set; In the case that the second information includes the first satellite identification, determine that the target satellite includes a UPF according to a pre-configured second identification range, where the second identification range is a satellite identification range characterizing that a satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the first satellite identification is within the second identification range.

34. The apparatus according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein, Further includes: A sending unit, configured to send third information to a fourth core network function when it is determined that the target satellite includes a UPF; wherein, the third information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF; A second receiving unit, configured to receive fourth information from the fourth core network function, where the fourth information includes policy information corresponding to the UPF included in the target satellite.

35. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein, The policy information includes at least one of the following: Information for indicating using a terrestrial UPF as the first PDU session anchor point (PSA); Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite as the second PSA when establishing a voice bearer; Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite as the uplink split (UL CL) when establishing a voice bearer; Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite; Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite and request an IMS call; Information for indicating adding a fifth core network function to the communication path when establishing a voice bearer, where the fifth core network function is a core network function for controlling the UPF included in the satellite; Information for indicating an Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation policy; Information for indicating a sixth core network function selection policy, where the sixth core network function is a proxy call session control function (P-CSCF).

36. A communication device, applied to a fourth core network function, the device includes: A receiving unit, configured to receive third information from a second core network function, where the third information is used to indicate that a target satellite includes a UPF; A sending unit, configured to send fourth information to the second core network function, where the fourth information includes policy information corresponding to the UPF included in the target satellite.

37. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein, The policy information includes at least one of the following: Information for indicating using a terrestrial UPF as the first PDU session anchor point (PSA); Information for indicating using the UPF included in the target satellite as the second PSA when establishing a voice bearer; Information for indicating that when establishing a voice bearer, the UPF included in the target satellite is used as the uplink splitting UL CL; Information for indicating that when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite, the UPF included in the target satellite is used; Information for indicating that when both communication parties access the network through the same satellite and request to make an IMS call, the UPF included in the target satellite is used; Information for indicating that when establishing a voice bearer, a fifth core network function is added to the communication path, and the fifth core network function is a core network function for controlling the UPF included in the satellite; Information for indicating the Internet Protocol IP address allocation policy; Information for indicating a sixth core network function selection policy, and the sixth core network function is the information of the Proxy Call Session Control Function P-CSCF; 38. A communication device is applied to a base station, and the device includes: A sending unit, configured to send a first message to a first core network function, where the first message includes information for requesting to establish a Protocol Data Unit PDU session for a terminal, and the base station is a base station located in a target satellite; Wherein, the first message includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate that the target satellite includes a UPF.

39. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: A first Cell Global Identity CGI, where the first CGI is a CGI characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF, or the base station identifier corresponding to the first CGI is a base station identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; A first satellite identifier, where the first satellite identifier is a satellite identifier characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; Information of a first Radio Access Technology RAT type, where the first RAT type is a RAT type characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF; A first indication, where the first indication is an indication characterizing that the satellite includes a UPF.

40. A communication device is applied to a second core network function, and the device includes: A sending unit, configured to send a fourth message to a third core network function, where the fourth message is used to request to register the information of the second core network function; Wherein, the fourth message includes fifth information, and the fifth information is used to indicate that the second core network function supports the User-Satellite-User USU service or supports the management of the UPF included in the satellite.

41. A communication device includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores a program or instruction that can run on the processor. When the program or instruction is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or implements the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 10 to 17, or implements the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, or implements the steps of the communication method according to claim 21 or 22, or implements the steps of the communication method according to claim 23.

42. A readable storage medium stores a program or instructions thereon. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 are implemented, or the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 10 to 17 are implemented, or the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 18 to 20 are implemented, or the steps of the communication method according to claim 21 or 22 are implemented, or the steps of the communication method according to claim 23 are implemented.

43. A chip includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to run a program or instructions to implement the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 10 to 17, or the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, or the steps of the communication method according to claim 21 or 22, or the steps of the communication method according to claim 23.

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