Store and forward communication method and apparatus, and terminal and network-side device

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of communications. Disclosed are a store and forward communication method and apparatus, and a terminal and a network-side device. The store and forward communication method in the embodiments of the present application comprises: a first device acquiring first information, and processing data or signaling on the basis of the first information, wherein the processing comprises performing storage or forwarding.

Description

Store and forward communication method, device, terminal and network side equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on January 12, 2024, with application number 202410052445.8 and application name “Storage and Forwarding Communication Method, Apparatus, Terminal and Network Side Equipment”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application belongs to the field of communication technology, and specifically relates to a store-and-forward communication method, apparatus, terminal, and network-side equipment. Background Art

[0003] In non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems, in order to realize data or signaling interaction between terminals and terrestrial networks, it is necessary to ensure that the service link (i.e., the link between the terminal and the satellite, service link) and the feeder link (i.e., the link between the satellite and the ground station, feeder link) can maintain simultaneous connection.

[0004] However, in NTN communications, if the service link and feeder link cannot be guaranteed to be available at the same time, there is no corresponding technical solution for how to implement data storage and forwarding. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a storage and forwarding communication method, apparatus, terminal, and network-side equipment, which can provide a technical solution for storing and forwarding data and signaling when the service link and feeder link cannot be simultaneously guaranteed to be available.

[0006] In a first aspect, a store-and-forward communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0007] The first device obtains first information, and processes data or signaling according to the first information, where the processing includes storing or forwarding.

[0008] In a second aspect, a store and forward communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0009] The first network element sends first information to the first device, so that the first device processes data or signaling according to the first information, where the processing includes storage or forwarding.

[0010] In a third aspect, a store and forward communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0011] The terminal obtains the second information, and processes data or signaling according to the second information, where the processing includes storing or sending;

[0012] The second information includes at least one of the following:

[0013] The service link is available;

[0014] The service link is unavailable;

[0015] Signaling or data pending indication;

[0016] Signaling or data resumption indication;

[0017] First access time or time window or cell identifier.

[0018] In a fourth aspect, a storage and forwarding communication apparatus is provided, which is applied to a first device and includes:

[0019] An acquisition module, configured to acquire first information;

[0020] A processing module is used to process data or signaling according to the first information, and the processing includes storage or forwarding.

[0021] In a fifth aspect, a storage and forwarding communication device is provided, which is applied to a first network element, including:

[0022] The sending module is used to send first information to a first device, so that the first device processes data or signaling according to the first information, and the processing includes storage or forwarding.

[0023] In a sixth aspect, a storage and forwarding communication device is provided, which is applied to a terminal, including:

[0024] An information acquisition module, configured to acquire second information;

[0025] a processing module, configured to process data or signaling according to the second information, wherein the processing includes storing or sending;

[0026] The second information includes at least one of the following:

[0027] The service link is available;

[0028] The service link is unavailable;

[0029] Signaling or data pending indication;

[0030] Signaling or data resumption indication;

[0031] First access time or time window or cell identifier.

[0032] In the seventh aspect, a network side device is provided, which includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores programs or instructions that can be run on the processor, and when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the steps of the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect are implemented.

[0033] In an eighth aspect, a terminal is provided, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores programs or instructions that can be run on the processor, and when the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the steps of the method described in the third aspect are implemented.

[0034] In the ninth aspect, a network side device is provided, comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor is used to obtain first information, and the communication interface is used to process data or signaling according to the first information, and the processing includes storage or forwarding.

[0035] In a tenth aspect, a network side device is provided, comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is used to send first information to a first device.

[0036] In an eleventh aspect, a terminal is provided, comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to obtain second information; the processor is configured to process data or signaling according to the second information, wherein the processing includes storing or sending;

[0037] The second information includes at least one of the following:

[0038] The service link is available;

[0039] The service link is unavailable;

[0040] Signaling or data pending indication;

[0041] Signaling or data resumption indication;

[0042] First access time or time window or cell identifier.

[0043] In the twelfth 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.

[0044] In the thirteenth aspect, a wireless communication system is provided, including: a terminal and a network side device, wherein the network side device can be used to execute the steps of the method described in the first aspect or the second aspect, and the terminal can be used to execute the steps of the method described in the third aspect.

[0045] In the fourteenth 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 steps of the method described in the first aspect, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect, or the steps of the method described in the third aspect.

[0046] In the fifteenth aspect, a computer program / program product is provided, which is stored in a storage medium and is executed by at least one processor to implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect, or the steps of the method described in the third aspect.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present application, the first device obtains the first information and stores data or signaling according to the first information, or sends data or signaling according to the first information. In this way, when the service link and feeder link cannot be guaranteed to be available at the same time, a technical solution for storing and forwarding data or signaling is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] FIG1 and FIG2 are block diagrams of wireless communication systems to which embodiments of the present application may be applied;

[0049] Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams of satellite communications;

[0050] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a session establishment process during the attachment process of an IoT device;

[0051] Figure 6 is a session establishment process for establishing a PDN connection;

[0052] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a downlink data transmission process through control plane optimization with PGW;

[0053] FIG8 is a flow chart of a store and forward communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG9 is a flowchart of another store and forward communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG10 is a flowchart of another store and forward communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figures 11-21 are flow charts of the store and forward communication method provided in specific embodiments of the present application;

[0057] FIG22 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a store and forward communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG23 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another storage and forwarding communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG24 is a schematic structural diagram of another storage and forwarding communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG25 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] FIG26 is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 27 is a structural diagram of a network-side device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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 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 based on the judgment result.

[0066] 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 described technology 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 example 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) communication systems.

[0067] FIG1 shows 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 can 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 user equipment (VUE), a ship-borne 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), a teller machine (ATM), or a self-service machine, etc. 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. 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 (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 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, only the base station in the NR system is used as an example for introduction, and the specific type of the base station is not limited.

[0068] 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 user 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, only the core network device in the NR system is introduced as an example, and the specific type of the core network device is not limited.

[0069] It should be noted that the scenarios corresponding to the various embodiments of the present application may be scenarios where network-side devices, or some of the hardware or functions in the network-side devices can be moved, for example, the network-side devices, or some of the hardware or functions in the network-side devices are located on satellites, or are located on other movable devices (such as cars, airplanes, drones, ships, and other mobile vehicles). This application takes the network-side devices, or some of the hardware or functions in the network-side devices, as an example, being located on satellites, but is not limited to this, and may also be other forms of movable devices as mentioned above.

[0070] In a non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system, in order to realize data or signaling interaction between the UE and the terrestrial network, it is necessary to ensure that the service link (i.e., the link between the UE and the satellite or other movable platform in Figure 3) and the feeder link (the link between the satellite and the ground station in Figure 3) can maintain simultaneous connection.

[0071] However, in some cases, such as the initial stage of satellite network deployment, it cannot be guaranteed that the service link and the feeder link can remain connected at the same time. In order to support data transmission (such as delay-tolerant service data), a store and forward communication mode (store and forward operation) is proposed, as shown in Figure 4. Taking uplink data transmission as an example, when the terminal has uplink data to send, it can first send it to the satellite through the service link (as shown in step A in Figure 4), and the satellite stores the relevant data (or the network equipment on the satellite stores the relevant data). When the satellite operates to the point where the feeder link is available, the stored data is forwarded to the ground network (as shown in step B in Figure 4). Similarly, when downlink data needs to be sent to the terminal, the ground network first sends the data to the satellite, and the satellite stores the relevant downlink data. When the satellite operates to the point where the service link is available, the stored data is forwarded to the UE.

[0072] It should be noted that the service link in each embodiment of the present application may be a satellite service link or a (mobile) service link, that is, at least one network element or device in the link is in a mobile state or has mobility capabilities. The feeder link in each embodiment of the present application may be a satellite feeder link or a (mobile) feeder link, that is, at least one network element or device in the link is in a mobile state or has mobility capabilities.

[0073] A session can be established during the attach process or separately after the attach process. Figure 5 is a diagram of the session establishment process during the attach process of an Internet of Things (IoT) device (as a UE), including the following steps:

[0074] Step 1: The UE sends a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message containing an attach request. If the UE supports Control Plane CIot EPS optimization, the attach request also contains capability information for Control Plane CIot EPS optimization. The UE also sends an indication of CIot EPS optimization in the RRC message to the Radio Access Network (RAN), which selects a Mobility Management Entity (MME).

[0075] Step 2: After the RAN receives the UE's attach request, if there is indication information for CIot EPS optimization in step 1, the RAN selects an MME that supports CIot EPS optimization and forwards the UE's attach request to the MME.

[0076] Step 3: After obtaining the UE's subscription information and related authentication information, the MME performs the UE authentication and security establishment process with the UE.

[0077] Step 4: MME initiates session establishment.

[0078] Step 5: The MME sends an Attach Accept message to the UE. The Attach Accept message carries mobility management parameters such as the Globally Unique Temporary Identifier (GUTI), Tracking Area List (TAlist), and session-related information such as the Access Point Name (APN), Packet Data Network (PDN) type, Header Compression Configuration, and Control Plane Only Indicator.

[0079] Step 6: The UE sends an attach complete message to the MME.

[0080] The session establishment process for PDN connection establishment is shown in Figure 6, which shows the optimization of downlink data transmission through the control plane CIoT with packet data gateway (PGW) (Mobile Terminated Data Transport in Control Plane CIoT EPS Optimization with P-GW connectivity).

[0081] Among them, for IOT devices, since the amount of data transmitted in the uplink and downlink is generally small, the existing technology proposes an uplink and downlink data transmission method optimized by the control plane CIoT. The basic core point is to realize data transmission by carrying uplink and downlink data in the non-access layer (NAS) signaling or message, that is, for the uplink and downlink data to be transmitted, there is no need to establish a user plane connection specifically, and establish a user plane bearer. This can effectively save resource overhead and data transmission efficiency. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the downlink data transmission process optimized by the control plane CIoT with PGW, including the following steps:

[0082] Step 0: The UE is in the Evolved Packet System (EPS) attached state and the connection state is idle.

[0083] Step 1: The Serving Gateway (SGW) receives downlink data or signaling from the Packet Network Data Gateway (PGW). If the MME has previously requested the SGW to delay sending a Data Notification, the SGW stores the downlink data and waits for a timer to expire before proceeding to Step 2. If the Downlink Tunnel Endpoint Identifier (DL-TEID) and MME address are received before the timer expires, the SGW deletes the timer and proceeds to Step 11.

[0084] Step 2: If the SGW has downlink data available for buffering in step 1, it sends a Downlink Data Notification message containing the Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP) and the EPS bearer ID to the MME. The MME responds with a Downlink Data Notification Ack message to the SGW.

[0085] If the MME detects that the UE is in an energy-saving state or cannot be paged, the MME derives an expected time before the radio bearer establishment is completed. The MME carries a downlink buffering request indication (Downlink Buffering Requested indication) in the Downlink Data Notification Ack message, which also includes a downlink buffering duration and an optional downlink buffering suggested packet count (Downlink Buffering Duration time and optionally a Downlink Buffering Suggested Packet Count). The MME will generate and store a new value for the downlink data buffer expiration time (Downlink Data Buffer Expiration Time) based on the Downlink Buffering Duration time. And the subsequent steps will be skipped, that is, the subsequent steps will no longer be executed. The Downlink Data Buffer Expiration Time is used to indicate that the UE is in an energy-saving state, indicates that there is cached data in the SGW, and also indicates that when the UE initiates a signaling process, a user plane process needs to be established to send data.

[0086] If the SGW receives a Downlink Data Notification Ack message carrying the Downlink Buffering Requested indication, the SGW stores a new value for the Downlink Data Buffer Expiration Time based on the received Downlink Buffering Duration time, and does not send any additional Downlink Data Notification to the MME before the Downlink Data Buffer Expiration Time expires, even if downlink data packets are received.

[0087] Step 3: If the UE is in idle state, the MME sends a paging request to the RAN.

[0088] Step 4: RAN performs UE paging.

[0089] Step 5: After receiving the network paging, the UE sends a control plane service request. If Control Plane CIoT EPS Optimization is used, the MME does not trigger the establishment of a user plane data radio bearer. The MME immediately sends the downlink data to the RAN.

[0090] Step 6: The MME receives the UE's service request. If it does not receive any response from the UE, it sends a Downlink Data Notification Reject message to the SGW regarding the paging failure. Upon receiving the paging failure notification, the SGW deletes the cached UE downlink data.

[0091] Step 7: If S11-U has not been established, the MME sends a Modify Bearer Request message to the SGW, carrying the MME address and TEID DL. The SGW can then send downlink data to the UE.

[0092] Step 8: If the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type changes or the UE location changes, the SGW sends a Modify Bearer Request message (RAT Type) to the P-GW, which carries the RAT type.

[0093] Step 9: PGW sends a Modify Bearer Response to SGW.

[0094] Step 10: The SGW sends the SGW address and TEID UL to the MME.

[0095] Step 11: The SGW sends the buffered downlink data to the MME.

[0096] Steps 12-13: The MME encrypts and integrity-protects the downlink data, and sends it to the RAN in an S1-AP message carrying a NAS protocol data unit (PDU).

[0097] Step 14: RAN sends the UE's NAS PDU to the UE via RRC message.

[0098] Step 15: RAN sends a NAS Delivery indication to the MME to indicate whether the data is forwarded successfully.

[0099] The control plane CIoT-optimized downlink data transmission process described above with PGW is applicable to current terrestrial network communications or NTN communications where both the service link and feeder link are available. In NTN communications where both the service link and feeder link cannot be simultaneously available, it is unclear how data storage and forwarding will be implemented. For example:

[0100] When network devices store and transmit data;

[0101] How to trigger the storage and forwarding of data;

[0102] How long is the data stored?

[0103] The following, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, describes in detail the storage and forwarding communication method, apparatus, terminal, and network-side equipment provided in the embodiments of the present application through some embodiments and their application scenarios.

[0104] Please refer to FIG8 , which is a flowchart of a store-and-forward communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is performed by a first device. As shown in FIG8 , the method includes the following steps:

[0105] Step 101: The first device obtains first information;

[0106] Step 102: Process data or signaling according to the first information, where the processing includes storing or forwarding.

[0107] The first device may include a RAN, an MME or an SGW.

[0108] In an embodiment of the present application, the first device obtains the first information and stores data or signaling according to the first information, or sends data or signaling according to the first information. In this way, when the service link and feeder link cannot be guaranteed to be available at the same time, a technical solution for storing and forwarding data or signaling is provided.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0110] Store and forward S&F indication, including store and forward S&F access method and / or store and forward S&F communication mode;

[0111] a first storage indication, wherein the first storage indication is determined according to an S&F access mode or an S&F communication mode;

[0112] A first storage time, where the first storage time is determined according to a satellite operation cycle, a next terminal access time, a next service link recovery time, or a next feeder link recovery time;

[0113] First sending instruction;

[0114] The service link is available;

[0115] The service link is unavailable;

[0116] The feeder link is available. Specifically, the feeder link can be determined to be available based on the normal response of the heartbeat packet between the MME and the SGW within a specific time.

[0117] The feeder link is unavailable. Specifically, the feeder link can be determined to be unavailable based on the lack of response to the heartbeat packet between the MME and the SGW within a specific time.

[0118] The time window for satellite service terminals or the time window for terminal access;

[0119] Time window for satellite and ground station connections;

[0120] a first connection suspension indication, wherein the first connection suspension indication is determined according to a service link, a feeder link, a satellite operation cycle, a time window of a satellite service terminal, or a time window of a connection between a satellite and a ground station;

[0121] The first connection restoration indication is determined according to a service link, a feeder link, a satellite operation cycle, a time window of a satellite service terminal, or a time window of a connection between a satellite and a ground station.

[0122] The first information can clarify the operations of the first device on data and signaling when the feeder link and / or the service link is available or unavailable.

[0123] In a specific example, the first device is a serving gateway, and when the first information includes the S&F indication, the established S11-U is retained and not released;

[0124] When the first information includes the first storage indication, buffering the downlink data;

[0125] When the first information includes the first storage time, setting a first downlink data storage deadline according to the first storage time, and storing the downlink data before the first downlink data storage deadline;

[0126] When the first information includes an indication that the feeder link is unavailable, buffering the downlink data;

[0127] When the first information includes the first connection suspension indication, buffering the downlink data;

[0128] When the first information includes the first storage indication and the first storage time, storing the downlink data before the first downlink data storage deadline;

[0129] When the first information includes an indication that the feeder link is unavailable and the first storage time, storing the downlink data before the first downlink data storage deadline;

[0130] When the first information includes the first connection suspension indication and the first storage time, the downlink data is stored before the first downlink data storage deadline.

[0131] This embodiment can clarify the operation of the serving gateway on data and signaling when the feeder link and / or the serving link is available or unavailable.

[0132] In a specific example, the first device is an MME, and when the first information includes the S&F indication, the established S11-U is retained and not released, and the S11-U context includes at least one of the following: an address of the mobility management entity, a tunnel endpoint identifier of the mobility management entity, an address of a packet data network gateway, an address of the packet data network, a tunnel endpoint identifier of the packet data network gateway, a type of the packet data network, an address of a serving gateway, and a tunnel endpoint identifier of a serving gateway;

[0133] When the first information includes the S&F indication or the indication that the service link is unavailable, sending a first storage indication and / or a first storage time to the serving gateway;

[0134] When the first information includes an indication that the service link is unavailable, storing the downlink data;

[0135] When the first information includes an indication that the serving link is unavailable, delaying execution of a paging operation;

[0136] When the first information includes an indication that the service link is unavailable, sending the address of the mobility management entity and / or the tunnel endpoint identifier of the mobility management entity to the serving gateway;

[0137] When the first information includes an indication that the service link is unavailable, maintaining the state of the UE unchanged, for example, if the UE is currently in a connected state, then when the service link is unavailable, the UE is still considered to be in a connected state, and the UE context information is not released;

[0138] When the first information includes an indication that the service link is available, performing a paging operation;

[0139] When the first information includes an indication that the feeder link is unavailable, sending a feeder link suspension indication between the serving gateway and the mobility management entity to the serving gateway;

[0140] When the first information includes an indication that the feeder link is available, sending a first storage indication to the serving gateway, and / or sending a first storage time to the serving gateway, and / or sending an address of the mobility management entity and / or a tunnel endpoint identifier of the mobility management entity to the serving gateway, and / or receiving downlink data sent by the serving gateway;

[0141] When the first information includes the first storage time, and the first storage time includes the next access time of the terminal, a paging operation is performed after the next access time of the terminal is met.

[0142] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the MME on data and signaling when the feeder link and / or the serving link is available or unavailable.

[0143] Specifically, the MME may receive an S&F indication sent by a radio access network element, or receive a non-access stratum message sent by the terminal, the non-access stratum message including the S&F indication. And / or, the MME may receive an indication sent by a radio access network element that a service link between the terminal and a satellite is available, or determine, based on a satellite cycle and a time at which the terminal is reachable, that the service link between the terminal and the satellite is available. For example, if the time at which the UE is reachable is between 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM, then the service link may be determined to be available. And / or, the MME may receive an indication sent by a radio access network element that a service link between the terminal and the satellite is unavailable, or determine, based on a satellite cycle and a time at which the terminal is reachable, that the UE is reachable between 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM, then the service link may be determined to be unavailable. And / or, the MME may determine that the feeder link between the serving gateway and the mobility management entity is unavailable based on the connection time between the mobility management entity and the serving gateway. For example, if the connection time is between 14:00 and 14:30, and the current time is 14:29, the MME may determine that the feeder link is about to become unavailable. And / or, the MME may detect that heartbeat packets between the mobility management entity and the serving gateway are being sent and received normally, and determine that the feeder link between the serving gateway and the mobility management entity is available.

[0144] In a specific example, the first device is a base station. When the first information includes the S&F indication or the service link is unavailable, the state of the UE is maintained unchanged. For example, if the UE is currently in a connected state, when the service link is unavailable, the UE is still considered to be in a connected state, and the context information of the UE will not be released.

[0145] In some embodiments, when the first information includes that the service link is unavailable, processing data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0146] Maintain the UE state unchanged. For example, if the UE is currently in the connected state, then when the service link is unavailable, the UE is still considered to be in the connected state.

[0147] Storing downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0148] Delay sending or suspend downlink signaling.

[0149] This embodiment can clarify the operation of the first device on downlink data and downlink signaling when the serving link is unavailable.

[0150] In some embodiments, when the first information includes that the service link is available, processing data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0151] Sending stored downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0152] Send delayed downlink signaling or suspended downlink signaling.

[0153] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the first device on downlink data and downlink signaling when the service link is available.

[0154] In some embodiments, when the first information includes that the feeder link is unavailable, processing data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0155] Storing uplink data, downlink data, uplink signaling or downlink signaling;

[0156] Delay sending or suspend uplink signaling or downlink signaling.

[0157] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the first device on uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, and downlink signaling when the feeder link is unavailable.

[0158] In some embodiments, when the first information includes that the feeder link is available, processing data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0159] Sending stored uplink data, downlink data, uplink signaling or downlink signaling;

[0160] Send delayed uplink signaling or downlink signaling, or send suspended uplink signaling or downlink signaling.

[0161] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the first device on uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, and downlink signaling when the feeder link is available.

[0162] In some embodiments, when the first information includes an S&F indication or a first storage indication, processing data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0163] When the service link is unavailable, storing downlink data or downlink signaling, or delaying sending or suspending downlink signaling;

[0164] When the service link is available, sending downlink data or downlink signaling, or sending delayed downlink signaling, or sending suspended downlink signaling;

[0165] When the feeder link is unavailable, storing uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data or downlink signaling, delaying the sending of uplink signaling or downlink signaling, or suspending uplink signaling or downlink signaling;

[0166] When the feeder link is available, the stored data, uplink signaling, downlink data or downlink signaling is sent, or the delayed downlink signaling is sent, or the suspended downlink signaling is sent.

[0167] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the first device on uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, and downlink signaling when the serving link and / or feeder link is available or unavailable.

[0168] In some embodiments, when the first information includes an S&F indication, a first storage indication, or a first storage time, processing data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0169] When the service link is unavailable, storing the downlink data or downlink signaling, and sending the downlink data or downlink signaling after a first storage time is satisfied;

[0170] When the feeder link is unavailable, uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data or downlink signaling is stored, and after a first storage time is satisfied, the data, uplink signaling, downlink data or downlink signaling is sent.

[0171] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the first device on uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, and downlink signaling when the serving link and / or feeder link is unavailable.

[0172] In some embodiments, when the first information includes a time window of a satellite service terminal, processing data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0173] Send downlink data or downlink signaling within the time window of the satellite service terminal;

[0174] Outside the time window of the satellite service terminal, downlink data or downlink signaling is stored.

[0175] This embodiment can clarify the downlink data and downlink signaling operations of the first device when the first device is within the time window of the satellite service terminal or outside the time window of the satellite service terminal.

[0176] In some embodiments, when the first information includes a time window for connection between a satellite and a ground station, processing data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0177] Send uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data or downlink signaling within the time window of the satellite and ground station connection;

[0178] Outside the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station, uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data or downlink signaling is stored.

[0179] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the first device on uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data and downlink signaling within the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station or outside the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station.

[0180] In some embodiments, when the first information includes a first connection suspension indication, processing data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0181] Stop sending downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0182] Storing downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0183] Stop sending uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0184] Storing uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0185] The context of the S11-U interface is retained and the context of the S11-U interface is not released, where the S11-U context includes at least one of the following: the address of the mobility management entity (MME address), the tunnel endpoint identifier of the mobility management entity (MME TEID DL), the address of the packet data network gateway (PDN GW address), the address of the packet data network (PDN Address), the tunnel endpoint identifier of the packet data network gateway (PDN GW TEID), the type of the packet data network (PDN Type), the address of the serving gateway (Serving GW address), and the tunnel endpoint identifier of the serving gateway (Serving GW TEID).

[0186] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the first device on uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, and downlink signaling.

[0187] In some embodiments, when the first information includes a first connection recovery indication, processing data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0188] Sending stored downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0189] Sending stored uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0190] Activate the context of the S11-U interface.

[0191] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the first device on uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, and downlink signaling.

[0192] In some embodiments, when the first information includes a first sending instruction, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0193] Sending stored downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0194] Send stored uplink data or uplink signaling.

[0195] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the first device on uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, and downlink signaling.

[0196] In some embodiments, obtaining the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0197] Determining first information according to local configuration or policy information, the first information comprising at least one of the following: a time window for connection between the satellite and the ground station, availability of the feeder link, and unavailability of the feeder link;

[0198] Receive the first information from the first network element.

[0199] In some embodiments, the receiving of the first information from the first network element includes at least one of the following:

[0200] receiving downlink data or downlink signaling, and sending a downlink data notification message to the first network element (MME);

[0201] Receive first information sent by the first network element, where the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0202] the first storage indication;

[0203] The first storage time.

[0204] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0205] The first device stores downlink data or downlink signaling according to the first information.

[0206] This embodiment can clarify the storage operation of the first device on downlink data and downlink signaling.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first information includes the first sending instruction, and the method further includes:

[0208] According to the first sending instruction, downlink data or downlink signaling is sent to the first network element.

[0209] This embodiment can clarify the sending operation of the first device on downlink data and downlink signaling.

[0210] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0211] According to the S&F indication included in the first information, the context of the S11-U interface is retained and the context of the S11-U interface is not released, the S11-U context including at least one of the following: the address of the mobility management entity (MME address), the tunnel endpoint identifier of the mobility management entity (MME TEID DL), the address of the packet data network gateway (PDN GW address), the address of the packet data network (PDN Address), the tunnel endpoint identifier of the packet data network gateway (PDN GW TEID), the type of the packet data network (PDN Type), the address of the serving gateway (Serving GW address), and the tunnel endpoint identifier of the serving gateway (Serving GW TEID).

[0212] Please refer to FIG9 , which is a flowchart of a store-and-forward communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is performed by a first network element. As shown in FIG9 , the method includes the following steps:

[0213] Step 201: A first network element sends first information to a first device, so that the first device processes data or signaling according to the first information, where the processing includes storage or forwarding.

[0214] The first network element may include an MME.

[0215] In an embodiment of the present application, a first network element sends a first message to a first device, and the first device stores data or signaling according to the first message, or sends data or signaling according to the first message. In this way, when the availability of the service link and the feeder link cannot be guaranteed at the same time, a technical solution for storing and forwarding data or signaling is provided.

[0216] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0217] Store and forward S&F indication, including store and forward S&F access method and / or store and forward S&F communication mode;

[0218] a first storage indication, wherein the first storage indication is determined according to an S&F access mode or an S&F communication mode;

[0219] A first storage time, where the first storage time is determined according to a satellite operation cycle, a next terminal access time, a next service link recovery time, or a next feeder link recovery time;

[0220] First sending instruction;

[0221] The service link is available;

[0222] The service link is unavailable;

[0223] Feeder links are available;

[0224] Feeder link unavailable;

[0225] The time window for satellite service terminals or the time window for terminal access;

[0226] Time window for satellite and ground station connections;

[0227] a first connection suspension indication, wherein the first connection suspension indication is determined according to a service link, a feeder link, a satellite operation cycle, a time window of a satellite service terminal, or a time window of a connection between a satellite and a ground station;

[0228] The first connection restoration indication is determined according to a service link, a feeder link, a satellite operation cycle, a time window of a satellite service terminal, or a time window of a connection between a satellite and a ground station.

[0229] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0230] Receive a downlink data notification message sent by the first device.

[0231] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0232] Receive downlink data or downlink signaling sent by the first device.

[0233] Please refer to FIG10 , which is a flowchart of a store-and-forward communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is executed by a terminal. As shown in FIG10 , the method includes the following steps:

[0234] Step 301: The terminal obtains second information;

[0235] Step 302: Process data or signaling according to the second information, wherein the processing includes storing or sending;

[0236] The second information includes at least one of the following:

[0237] The service link is available;

[0238] The service link is unavailable;

[0239] Signaling or data pending indication;

[0240] Signaling or data resumption indication;

[0241] First access time or time window or cell identifier.

[0242] In an embodiment of the present application, the terminal obtains the second information and stores data or signaling according to the second information, or sends data or signaling according to the second information. In this way, when the service link and feeder link cannot be guaranteed to be available at the same time, a technical solution for storing and forwarding data or signaling is provided.

[0243] In some embodiments, when the second information includes an indication that a service link is available or includes a signaling or data resumption indication, processing data or signaling according to the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0244] Send uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0245] Sends pending uplink data or uplink signaling.

[0246] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the terminal on data and signaling when the service link is available and / or a signaling or data resumption indication is received.

[0247] In some embodiments, when the second information includes a service link unavailable or includes a signaling or data suspension indication, processing data or signaling according to the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0248] Suspend uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0249] Delay sending uplink data or uplink signaling.

[0250] This embodiment can clarify the operations of the terminal on data and signaling when the service link is unavailable and / or a signaling or data suspension indication is received.

[0251] In some embodiments, when the second information includes a first access time or a time window or a cell identifier, when entering the first access time or entering the time window or matching the cell identifier, at least one of the following is performed:

[0252] Send uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0253] Sends pending uplink data or uplink signaling.

[0254] This embodiment can clarify the operation of the terminal on data and signaling when the second information includes the first access time or time window or cell identifier.

[0255] In some embodiments, obtaining the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0256] Determining whether a service link is available or unavailable based on the configuration information;

[0257] receiving a signaling or data suspension indication from a first device;

[0258] Receive signaling or a data recovery indication from the first device.

[0259] The technical solution of the present invention is further introduced below in conjunction with specific scenarios.

[0260] Example 1

[0261] As shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment, the base station (eNB, serving as a RAN network element), MME, SGW, and PGW are located on the satellite. Through downlink data transmission of Control Plane CIoT EPS Optimization, the MME instructs the SGW to delay sending downlink data in the Downlink Data Notification ACK, and the SGW stores the downlink data. That is, the first information is included in the Downlink Data Notification ACK. This embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0262] Step 0: The service link is unavailable;

[0263] Step 1: PGW sends downlink data to SGW;

[0264] Step 2a: The SGW sends a downlink data notification to the MME.

[0265] Step 2b: Since the service link is unavailable, the MME cannot forward data to the UE, so the MME instructs the SGW to buffer and / or store downlink data. The MME sends a downlink data notification confirmation to the SGW, which carries a downlink buffering request (Downlink Buffering Requested) indication and a first downlink buffering duration (Downlink Buffering Duration time, i.e., the above-mentioned first storage time). The value of the first Downlink Buffering Duration time can be determined according to the satellite operation cycle or the reachable UE time (the value of the reachable UE time can be the satellite operation cycle, or the time when the satellite next reaches the UE coverage area, for example, if the current time is 13:00, the next time it reaches the UE coverage area is 14:00, which is the next access time of the terminal). The MME stores a first downlink data buffer expiration time (Downlink Data Buffer Expiration Time) in the UE context. The value of the first Downlink Data Buffer Expiration Time is determined based on the first Downlink Buffering Duration time. The first Downlink Data Buffer Expiration Time is used when the UE is in S&F communication mode, indicating that data is stored in the SGW. It may also indicate that the UE needs to establish a user plane bearer when exchanging signaling with the network. If the indication includes the need to establish a user plane bearer, subsequent steps 3-15 are skipped. The satellite operation cycle or UE reachable time is determined by the MME's local configuration or sent to the MME by the RAN.

[0266] The SGW receives the Downlink Buffering Requested indication and the first Downlink Buffering Duration time sent by the MME. The SGW sets the value of the Downlink Data Buffer Expiration Time based on the value of the first Downlink Buffering Duration time (such as being set to the same value). Before the Downlink Data Buffer Expiration Time expires, even if a downlink data packet of the information is received, the SGW will not send any additional downlink data notification (additional Downlink Data Notification) to the MME.

[0267] Step 2c: Since the MME in the TA area of ​​the UE cannot perform paging at this time, the MME performs paging suspension or delays paging.

[0268] Step 3: When the MME switches to the TA coverage of the UE, the MME sends a paging message to the RAN.

[0269] Step 4: RAN sends paging to UE.

[0270] Step 5: After receiving the network's paging, the UE initiates RRC connection establishment.

[0271] Step 6: RAN sends an S1-AP initial termination message to the MME.

[0272] Step 7: If S11-U has not been established, the MME sends a Modify Bearer Request message to the SGW, carrying the MME address and TEID DL. The SGW can then send downlink data to the UE.

[0273] Step 8: If the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type changes or the UE location changes, the SGW sends a Modify Bearer Request message (RAT Type) to the P-GW, which carries the RAT type.

[0274] Step 9: PGW sends a Modify Bearer Response to SGW.

[0275] Step 10: The SGW sends a modify bearer response to the MME, which carries the SGW address and TEID UL.

[0276] Step 11: SGW sends the cached downlink data to MME

[0277] Steps 12-13: The MME encrypts and integrity-protects the downlink data, and sends it to the RAN in an S1-AP message carrying a NAS protocol data unit (PDU).

[0278] Step 14: RAN sends the UE's NAS PDU to the UE via RRC message.

[0279] Step 15: RAN sends a NAS Delivery indication to the MME to indicate whether the data is forwarded successfully.

[0280] Example 2

[0281] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG12 , the eNB, MME, SGW, and PGW are located on the satellite. Downlink data is sent through Control Plane CIoT EPS Optimization. The SGW sends a Downlink data notification to the MME based on the reachable UE time delay. The SGW stores the data. This embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0282] Step 1a: The MME determines that the UE is executing the S&F communication mode of the NTN. The MME sends a downlink data storage request indication (i.e., the first storage indication) and / or a first downlink data storage duration (i.e., the first storage time) to the SGW. The downlink data storage request indication is used to instruct the UE to store downlink data, and the first downlink data storage duration indicates the time the UE needs to store data. The first downlink data storage duration is determined based on the satellite operating cycle or the reachable UE time. The value of the reachable UE time can be the satellite operating cycle or the time when the satellite next reaches the coverage area of ​​the UE. For example, if the current time is 13:00, the next time the satellite reaches the coverage area of ​​the UE is 14:00, which is the next access time of the terminal.

[0283] Step 1b: PGW sends downlink data to SGW.

[0284] Step 1c: The SGW starts a storage timer for the S&F communication mode, where the value of the timer is determined by the first downlink data storage duration.

[0285] Step 1d: When the storage timer of the S&F communication mode expires, the SGW sends a Downlink data Notification to the MME and executes step 2; before the storage timer of the S&F communication mode expires, the SGW stores the UE's downlink data.

[0286] Step 2a: SGW sends Downlink data notification to MME.

[0287] Step 2b: The MME sends a Downlink data notification ACK to the SGW.

[0288] Step 2c: Since the MME in the TA area of ​​the UE cannot perform paging at this time, the MME performs paging suspension or delays paging.

[0289] Step 3: When the MME switches to the TA coverage of the UE, the MME sends a paging message to the RAN.

[0290] Step 4: RAN sends paging to UE.

[0291] Step 5: After receiving the network's paging, the UE initiates RRC connection establishment.

[0292] Step 6: RAN sends an S1-AP initial termination message to the MME.

[0293] Step 7: If S11-U has not been established, the MME sends a Modify Bearer Request message to the SGW, carrying the MME address and TEID DL. The SGW can then send downlink data to the UE.

[0294] Step 8: If the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type changes or the UE location changes, the SGW sends a Modify Bearer Request message (RAT Type) to the P-GW, which carries the RAT type.

[0295] Step 9: PGW sends a Modify Bearer Response to SGW.

[0296] Step 10: The SGW sends a modify bearer response to the MME, which carries the SGW address and TEID UL.

[0297] Step 11: The SGW sends the buffered downlink data to the MME.

[0298] Steps 12-13: The MME encrypts and integrity-protects the downlink data, and sends it to the RAN in an S1-AP message carrying a NAS protocol data unit (PDU).

[0299] Step 14: RAN sends the UE's NAS PDU to the UE via RRC message.

[0300] Step 15: RAN sends a NAS Delivery indication to the MME to indicate whether the data is forwarded successfully.

[0301] Example 3

[0302] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the eNB and MME are located on the satellite, while the SGW and PGW are located on the ground. Downlink data is sent via Control Plane CIoT EPS Optimization. When the SGW determines that the feeder link is unavailable, it stores the data and suspends the Downlink Data Notification. When the feeder link is no longer in use, it sends the Downlink Data Notification. The SGW and MME store the data. This embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0303] Step 1a: The SGW receives the downlink data sent by the PGW.

[0304] Step 1b: When the feeder link is unavailable, that is, the link between the MME and the SGW is still disconnected, the SGW delays sending the Downlink Data Notification to the MME or suspends sending the Downlink Data Notification to the MME, and the SGW stores the downlink data.

[0305] Step 2a: After the feeder link is available, the SGW sends a Downlink data Notification to the MME.

[0306] Step 2b: The MME sends the MME address and MME TEID DL to the SGW. The MME address and MME TEID DL are carried in the Downlink data Notification ACK.

[0307] Step 2c: If the Downlink Data Notification ACK carries the MME address and MME TEID DL, the SGW sends the downlink data to the MME according to the MME address and MME TEID DL, and the MME stores the downlink data.

[0308] Step 2d: Since the MME in the TA area of ​​the UE cannot perform paging at this time, the MME performs paging suspension or delays paging.

[0309] It should be noted that if the fifth embodiment is executed, steps 2a and 2b are not executed.

[0310] Step 3: When the MME switches to the TA coverage of the UE, the MME sends a paging message to the RAN.

[0311] Step 4: RAN sends paging to UE.

[0312] Step 5: After receiving the network's paging, the UE initiates RRC connection establishment.

[0313] Step 6: RAN sends an S1-AP initial termination message to the MME.

[0314] Step 7: After receiving the NAS service request message from the UE, the MME immediately sends the downlink data stored in step 2c to the UE.

[0315] Example 4

[0316] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, the eNB and MME are located on the satellite, while the SGW and PGW are located on the ground. Downlink data is transmitted via Control Plane CIoT EPS Optimization. Upon receiving a connection suspend indication from the MME, the SGW stores the data and performs a Downlink Data Notification. When the SGW receives a connection resume indication from the MME, it sends a Downlink Data Notification to the MME. The SGW and MME store the data. This embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0317] Step 1a: The MME may send a connection suspend request to the SGW before the feeder link becomes unavailable. The connection suspend request indicates to the SGW that the feeder link is unavailable, instructs it to perform data storage, and instructs the SGW to save the UE's session context. The connection suspend request may also carry a cause value to indicate that the suspension is due to the feeder link unavailability. This connection suspend request can prevent the SGW from continuing to send downlink data when the feeder link is unavailable, while the MME cannot receive it.

[0318] Step 1b: The SGW sends a connection suspension response message to the MME.

[0319] Step 1c: The SGW receives the downlink data from the PGW.

[0320] Step 1d: The SGW performs storage of downlink data based on the connection suspension indication.

[0321] Step 1e: After the feeder link is available, the MME sends a connection restoration request to the SGW to indicate that the connection between the MME and the SGW is restored.

[0322] Step 1f: SGW sends a connection reply response message to MME.

[0323] Step 2a: After the feeder link is available, the SGW sends a Downlink data Notification to the MME.

[0324] Step 2b: The MME sends the MME address and MME TEID DL to the SGW, where the MME address and MME TEID DL are carried in the Downlink data Notification ACK.

[0325] Step 2c: If the Downlink Data Notification ACK carries the MME address and the MME TEID DL, the SGW sends the downlink data to the MME according to the MME address and the MME TEID DL, and the MME stores the downlink data.

[0326] Step 2d: Since the MME in the TA area of ​​the UE cannot perform paging at this time, the MME performs paging suspension or delays paging.

[0327] It should be noted that if the fifth embodiment is executed, steps 2a and 2b are not executed.

[0328] Step 3: When the MME switches to the TA coverage of the UE, the MME sends a paging message to the RAN.

[0329] Step 4: RAN sends paging to UE.

[0330] Step 5: After receiving the network's paging, the UE initiates RRC connection establishment.

[0331] Step 6: RAN sends an S1-AP initial termination message to the MME.

[0332] Step 7: After receiving the NAS service request message from the UE, the MME immediately sends the downlink data stored in step 2c to the UE.

[0333] Example 5

[0334] In this embodiment, the eNB, MME, SGW, and PGW are located on the satellite, as shown in Figure 15. The MME, SGW, and PGW retain S11-U according to the S&F communication mode and do not release it. This embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0335] Step 1: The MME sends an indication to the SGW that the UE performs store and forward communication in satellite communication (i.e., the above-mentioned store and forward S&F indication). The MME can determine whether the UE performs store and forward communication in satellite communication based on the UE's access type or the RAN's indication. The indication can be carried in messages such as session establishment request and modification.

[0336] The SGW sends an instruction to the PGW that the UE performs storage and forwarding communication in satellite communication. The instruction can be carried in a session establishment request, modification, or other message.

[0337] Step 2: Since the UE performs store and forward communication in satellite communication, the MME, SGW and PGW always retain the S11-U connection, including the related context and do not release it. The related context includes MME address, MME TEID DL, PDN GW address, PDN Address, PDN GW TEID, PDN Type, PDN Address, Serving GW address and Serving GW TEID, etc.

[0338] Example 6

[0339] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, the base station is located on the satellite, the MME, SGW and PGW are on the ground, and the downlink data is stored in the base station. This embodiment includes the following steps:

[0340] Step 0: The service link is unavailable;

[0341] Step 1: PGW sends downlink data to SGW;

[0342] Step 2a: The SGW sends a downlink data notification to the MME.

[0343] Step 2b: Because the service link is unavailable and the MME cannot forward data to the UE, the MME instructs the SGW to buffer and / or store the downlink data. The MME sends a Downlink Data Notification Acknowledgement to the SGW, which includes a Downlink Buffering Requested indication. Upon receiving the MME's indication, the SGW stores the downlink data or signaling.

[0344] Step 2c: Since the MME in the TA area of ​​the UE cannot perform paging at this time, the MME performs paging suspension or delays paging.

[0345] Step 3: When the MME switches to the TA coverage of the UE, the MME sends a paging message to the RAN.

[0346] Step 4: RAN sends paging to UE.

[0347] Step 5: After receiving the network's paging, the UE initiates RRC connection establishment.

[0348] Step 5b: RAN and MME retrieve the terminal context.

[0349] Step 6: RAN sends an S1-AP initial termination message to the MME.

[0350] Step 7: If S11-U has not been established, the MME sends a Modify Bearer Request message to the SGW, carrying the MME address and TEID DL. The SGW can then send downlink data (including pending or stored data or signaling) to the UE.

[0351] Step 8: If the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type changes or the UE location changes, the SGW sends a Modify Bearer Request message (RAT Type) to the P-GW, which carries the RAT type.

[0352] Step 9: PGW sends a Modify Bearer Response to SGW.

[0353] Step 10: The SGW sends a modify bearer response to the MME, which carries the SGW address and TEID UL.

[0354] Step 11: The SGW sends the buffered downlink data to the MME.

[0355] Steps 12-13: The MME encrypts and integrity-protects the downlink data, and sends it to the RAN in an S1-AP message carrying a NAS protocol data unit (PDU).

[0356] Step 13.1: If the serving link is unavailable at this time, the RAN stores the downlink data and downlink signaling.

[0357] Step 14: The UE sends an RRC downlink message.

[0358] Step 15: RAN sends a NAS Delivery indication to the MME to indicate whether the data is forwarded successfully.

[0359] Example 7

[0360] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17, the base station, MME, SGW, and PGW are located on the satellite, and the SGW stores uplink data. This embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0361] Step 1a: The terminal sends an RRC connection establishment request or an RRC early data request, which carries a NAS DATA PDU with EBI (EPS Bearer Identifier).

[0362] Step 1b: RAN and MME retrieve terminal context.

[0363] Step 2: RAN sends an S1-AP Initial Termination message to the MME, which carries the NAS DATA PDU with EBI.

[0364] Step 3: MME checks integrity and decrypts the data;

[0365] Step 4: The MME sends a Modify Bearer Request message to the SGW, carrying first information, where the first information is used to instruct the SGW or PGW to store uplink data or signaling.

[0366] Step 5: The SGW sends a Modify Bearer Request message to the P-GW, which carries first information. The first information is used to instruct the SGW or PGW to store uplink data or signaling.

[0367] Step 6: PGW sends a Modify Bearer Response to SGW.

[0368] Step 7: The SGW sends a modify bearer response to the MME.

[0369] Step 8: MME sends uplink data to SGW. SGW stores the uplink data according to the availability of the feeder link, or determines to store the uplink data or information according to the first information in step 4. If PGW stores the data, SGW sends the uplink data to PGW. PGW stores the uplink data according to the availability of the feeder link, or determines to store the uplink data or information according to the first information in step 5.

[0370] Step 9: After the feeder link is available, the PGW sends uplink data.

[0371] Example 8

[0372] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 18, the base station and MME are located on the satellite, the SGW and PGW are on the ground, and the MME stores uplink data. This implementation specifically includes the following steps:

[0373] Step 1a: The terminal sends an RRC connection establishment request or an RRC early data request, which carries a NAS DATA PDU with EBI (EPS Bearer Identifier).

[0374] Step 1b: RAN and MME retrieve terminal context.

[0375] Step 2: The RAN sends an S1-AP initial termination message to the MME, which carries a NAS DATA PDU with EBI and first information, where the first information instructs the MME to perform data storage.

[0376] Step 3: MME checks integrity and decrypts the data;

[0377] When the feeder link is unavailable, the MME stores the uplink data.

[0378] When feeder links are available:

[0379] Step 4: The MME sends a Modify Bearer Request message to the SGW.

[0380] Step 5: SGW sends a Modify Bearer Request message to P-GW.

[0381] Step 6: PGW sends a Modify Bearer Response to SGW.

[0382] Step 7: The SGW sends a modify bearer response to the MME.

[0383] Step 8: The MME sends uplink data to the SGW (including stored data), and the SGW sends uplink data to the PGW.

[0384] Step 9: PGW sends uplink data.

[0385] Example 9

[0386] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG19 , the base station is located on the satellite, the MME, SGW, and PGW are on the ground, and the base station stores uplink data. This embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0387] Step 1a: The terminal sends an RRC connection establishment request or an RRC early data request, which carries a NAS DATA PDU with EBI (EPS Bearer Identifier).

[0388] Step a: The RAN obtains the first information and stores the uplink data.

[0389] Step 1b: After the feeder link is available, the MME retrieves the terminal context.

[0390] Step 2: RAN sends an S1-AP Initial Termination message to the MME, which carries the NAS DATA PDU with EBI.

[0391] Step 3: MME checks integrity and decrypts the data;

[0392] Step 4: The MME sends a Modify Bearer Request message to the SGW.

[0393] Step 5: SGW sends a Modify Bearer Request message to P-GW.

[0394] Step 6: PGW sends a Modify Bearer Response to SGW.

[0395] Step 7: The SGW sends a modify bearer response to the MME.

[0396] Step 8: The MME sends the uplink data to the SGW, and the SGW sends the uplink data to the PGW.

[0397] Step 9: PGW sends uplink data.

[0398] Example 10

[0399] As shown in FIG20 , this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0400] When the feeder link is unavailable:

[0401] Step 1: The first device (such as a base station, MME, SGW, PGW or PCRF) sends a signaling or data suspension indication to the terminal to indicate that the NAS or AS layer process of the terminal is suspended and cannot be processed in time, which may be due to the unavailability of the feeder link.

[0402] Step 2: The terminal sends a signaling or data suspension response to the first device, and the UE saves all contexts associated with the network, such as the UE ID, security encryption parameters, UE policy parameters, PDU session related parameters, etc. The UE keeps its own state unchanged, for example, it is currently in a connected state, and it still considers or maintains itself in a connected state when the service link is unavailable.

[0403] Afterwards, the UE suspends or delays sending data or signaling to the network side. After the feeder link is available, the first device performs the suspended process, such as session, attachment, etc.

[0404] Step 3: After the link is available, the first device sends a signaling or data resumption indication to the terminal, informing the UE to resume, that is, to cancel the suspended program.

[0405] Step 4: The terminal sends a signaling or data resumption response to the first device. After that, the UE can send uplink data or signaling, or send suspended data or signaling.

[0406] Example 11

[0407] As shown in FIG21 , this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0408] When the feeder link is unavailable:

[0409] Step 1: The first device (such as a base station, MME, SGW, PGW or PCRF) sends a signaling or data suspension indication to the terminal, indicating that the NAS or AS layer process of the terminal is suspended and cannot be processed in time. The reason may be that the feeder link is unavailable, and also includes the time of the terminal's next access, or the time window or cell identifier.

[0410] Step 2: The terminal sends a signaling or data suspension response to the first device, and the UE saves all contexts associated with the network, such as the UE ID, security encryption parameters, UE policy parameters, PDU session related parameters, etc. The UE keeps its own state unchanged, for example, it is currently in a connected state, and it still considers or maintains itself in a connected state when the service link is unavailable.

[0411] Afterwards, the UE suspends or delays sending data or signaling to the network side. After the feeder link is available, the first device performs the suspended process, such as session, attachment, etc.

[0412] Step 3: The terminal starts a next access timer, the value of which is determined according to the time or time window of the next access. When the timer expires or times out, the terminal considers that it can access the network and sends uplink data or signaling, or sends pending data or signaling. One implementation method is that when the UE enters the time or time window of the next access, it considers that it can access the network and sends uplink data or signaling, or sends pending data or signaling. One implementation method is that when the UE enters the configured cell, it considers that it can access the network and sends uplink data or signaling, or sends pending data or signaling.

[0413] The storage and forwarding communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be executed by a storage and forwarding communication device. In the embodiment of the present application, the storage and forwarding communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described by taking the storage and forwarding communication device executing the storage and forwarding communication method as an example.

[0414] Please refer to FIG. 22 , which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a store-and-forward communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device is applied to a first device 3. As shown in FIG. 22 , the first device 3 includes:

[0415] An acquisition module 31 is configured to acquire first information;

[0416] The processing module 32 is configured to process data or signaling according to the first information, wherein the processing includes storing or forwarding.

[0417] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0418] Store and forward S&F indication, including store and forward S&F access method and / or store and forward S&F communication mode;

[0419] a first storage indication, wherein the first storage indication is determined according to an S&F access mode or an S&F communication mode;

[0420] A first storage time, where the first storage time is determined according to a satellite operation cycle, a next terminal access time, a next service link recovery time, or a next feeder link recovery time;

[0421] First sending instruction;

[0422] The service link is available;

[0423] The service link is unavailable;

[0424] Feeder links are available;

[0425] Feeder link unavailable;

[0426] The time window for satellite service terminals or the time window for terminal access;

[0427] Time window for satellite and ground station connections;

[0428] a first connection suspension indication, wherein the first connection suspension indication is determined according to a service link, a feeder link, a satellite operation cycle, a time window of a satellite service terminal, or a time window of a connection between a satellite and a ground station;

[0429] The first connection restoration indication is determined according to a service link, a feeder link, a satellite operation cycle, a time window of a satellite service terminal, or a time window of a connection between a satellite and a ground station.

[0430] In some embodiments, when the first information includes that the service link is unavailable, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0431] Storing downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0432] Delay sending or suspend downlink signaling.

[0433] In some embodiments, when the first information includes that the service link is available, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0434] Sending stored downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0435] Send delayed downlink signaling or suspended downlink signaling.

[0436] In some embodiments, when the first information includes that the feeder link is unavailable, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0437] Storing uplink data, downlink data, uplink signaling or downlink signaling;

[0438] Delay sending or suspend uplink signaling or downlink signaling.

[0439] In some embodiments, when the first information includes that the feeder link is available, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0440] Sending stored uplink data, downlink data, uplink signaling or downlink signaling;

[0441] Send delayed uplink signaling or downlink signaling, or send suspended uplink signaling or downlink signaling.

[0442] In some embodiments, when the first information includes an S&F indication or a first storage indication, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0443] When the service link is unavailable, storing downlink data or downlink signaling, or delaying sending or suspending downlink signaling;

[0444] When the service link is available, sending downlink data or downlink signaling, or sending delayed downlink signaling, or sending suspended downlink signaling;

[0445] When the feeder link is unavailable, storing uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data or downlink signaling, delaying the sending of uplink signaling or downlink signaling, or suspending uplink signaling or downlink signaling;

[0446] When the feeder link is available, the stored data, uplink signaling, downlink data or downlink signaling is sent, or the delayed downlink signaling is sent, or the suspended downlink signaling is sent.

[0447] In some embodiments, when the first information includes an S&F indication, a first storage indication, or a first storage time, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0448] When the service link is unavailable, storing the downlink data or downlink signaling, and sending the downlink data or downlink signaling after a first storage time is satisfied;

[0449] When the feeder link is unavailable, uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data or downlink signaling is stored, and after a first storage time is satisfied, the data, uplink signaling, downlink data or downlink signaling is sent.

[0450] In some embodiments, when the first information includes the time window of the satellite service terminal, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0451] Send downlink data or downlink signaling within the time window of the satellite service terminal;

[0452] Outside the time window of the satellite service terminal, downlink data or downlink signaling is stored.

[0453] In some embodiments, when the first information includes a time window for connection between the satellite and the ground station, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0454] Send uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data or downlink signaling within the time window of the satellite and ground station connection;

[0455] Outside the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station, uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data or downlink signaling is stored.

[0456] In some embodiments, when the first information includes a first connection suspension indication, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0457] Stop sending downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0458] Storing downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0459] Stop sending uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0460] Storing uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0461] The context of the S11-U interface is retained and not released.

[0462] In some embodiments, when the first information includes a first connection recovery indication, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0463] Sending stored downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0464] Sending stored uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0465] Activate the context of the S11-U interface.

[0466] In some embodiments, when the first information includes a first sending instruction, the processing module 32 performs at least one of the following:

[0467] Sending stored downlink data or downlink signaling;

[0468] Send stored uplink data or uplink signaling.

[0469] In some embodiments, the acquisition module 31 performs at least one of the following:

[0470] Determining first information according to local configuration or policy information, the first information comprising at least one of the following: a time window for connection between the satellite and the ground station, availability of the feeder link, and unavailability of the feeder link;

[0471] Receive the first information from the first network element.

[0472] In some embodiments, the acquisition module 31 performs at least one of the following:

[0473] receiving downlink data or downlink signaling, and sending a downlink data notification message to the first network element (MME);

[0474] Receive first information sent by the first network element, where the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0475] the first storage indication;

[0476] The first storage time.

[0477] In some embodiments, the processing module 32 is further configured to store downlink data or downlink signaling according to the first information.

[0478] In some embodiments, the first information includes the first sending instruction, and the processing module 32 is further configured to send downlink data or downlink signaling to the first network element according to the first sending instruction.

[0479] In some embodiments, the processing module 32 is further configured to retain the context of the S11-U interface and not release the context of the S11-U interface according to the S&F indication included in the first information.

[0480] Please refer to FIG. 23 , which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a store-and-forward communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device is applied to a first network element 4. As shown in FIG. 23 , the first network element 4 includes:

[0481] The sending module 41 is configured to send first information to a first device, so that the first device processes data or signaling according to the first information, where the processing includes storing or forwarding.

[0482] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0483] Store and forward S&F indication, including store and forward S&F access method and / or store and forward S&F communication mode;

[0484] a first storage indication, wherein the first storage indication is determined according to an S&F access mode or an S&F communication mode;

[0485] A first storage time, where the first storage time is determined according to a satellite operation cycle, a next terminal access time, a next service link recovery time, or a next feeder link recovery time;

[0486] First sending instruction;

[0487] The service link is available;

[0488] The service link is unavailable;

[0489] Feeder links are available;

[0490] Feeder link unavailable;

[0491] The time window for satellite service terminals or the time window for terminal access;

[0492] Time window for satellite and ground station connections;

[0493] a first connection suspension indication, wherein the first connection suspension indication is determined according to a service link, a feeder link, a satellite operation cycle, a time window of a satellite service terminal, or a time window of a connection between a satellite and a ground station;

[0494] The first connection restoration indication is determined according to a service link, a feeder link, a satellite operation cycle, a time window of a satellite service terminal, or a time window of a connection between a satellite and a ground station.

[0495] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0496] A receiving module is used to receive a downlink data notification message sent by the first device.

[0497] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0498] The receiving module is used to receive downlink data or downlink signaling sent by the first device.

[0499] The storage and forwarding communication device in the embodiment 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 a chip.

[0500] Please refer to FIG. 24 , which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a store-and-forward communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device is applied to a terminal 5. As shown in FIG. 24 , the terminal 5 includes:

[0501] An information acquisition module 51 is configured to acquire second information;

[0502] a processing module 52, configured to process data or signaling according to the second information, wherein the processing includes storing or sending;

[0503] The second information includes at least one of the following:

[0504] The service link is available;

[0505] The service link is unavailable;

[0506] Signaling or data pending indication;

[0507] Signaling or data resumption indication;

[0508] First access time or time window or cell identifier.

[0509] In some embodiments, when the second information includes an indication that a service link is available or includes a signaling or data resumption indication, the processing module 52 performs at least one of the following:

[0510] Send uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0511] Sends pending uplink data or uplink signaling.

[0512] In some embodiments, when the second information includes an unavailable service link or includes a signaling or data suspension indication, the processing module 52 performs at least one of the following:

[0513] Suspend uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0514] Delay sending uplink data or uplink signaling.

[0515] In some embodiments, when the second information includes a first access time or a time window or a cell identifier, when the first access time or the time window is entered or the cell identifier is matched, the processing module 52 performs at least one of the following:

[0516] Send uplink data or uplink signaling;

[0517] Sends pending uplink data or uplink signaling.

[0518] In some embodiments, the information acquisition module 51 performs at least one of the following:

[0519] Determining whether a service link is available or unavailable based on the configuration information;

[0520] receiving a signaling or data suspension indication from a first device;

[0521] Receive signaling or a data recovery indication from the first device.

[0522] The storage and forwarding communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement the various processes implemented in the method embodiments of Figures 8 to 21 and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, they will not be described here.

[0523] As shown in Figure 25, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device 60, including a processor 61 and a memory 62, wherein the memory 62 stores a program or instruction that can be run on the processor 61. When the communication device 60 is a network-side device, the program or instruction, when executed by the processor 61, implements the various steps of the above-mentioned storage and forwarding communication method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it is not repeated here. When the communication device 60 is a terminal, the program or instruction, when executed by the processor 61, implements the various steps of the above-mentioned storage and forwarding communication method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it is not repeated here.

[0524] The present application also provides a terminal including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is configured to execute a program or instruction to implement the steps in the method embodiment described above. This terminal embodiment corresponds to the above-described terminal-side method embodiment, and each implementation process and implementation method of the above-described method embodiment is applicable to this terminal embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects.

[0525] Specifically, Figure 26 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a terminal implementing an embodiment of the present application.

[0526] The terminal 700 includes but is not limited to: a radio frequency unit 701, a network module 702, an audio output unit 703, an input unit 704, a sensor 705, a display unit 706, a user input unit 707, an interface unit 708, a memory 709 and at least some of the components of the processor 710.

[0527] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the terminal 700 may also include a power supply (such as a battery) to power various components. The power supply may be logically connected to the processor 710 through a power management system, thereby implementing functions such as charging, discharging, and power consumption management through the power management system. The terminal structure shown in Figure 26 does not constitute a limitation of the terminal. The terminal may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements, which will not be described in detail here.

[0528] It should be understood that in an embodiment of the present application, the input unit 704 may include a graphics processing unit (GPU) 7041 and a microphone 7042, and the graphics processor 7041 processes the image data of a static picture or video obtained by an image capture device (such as a camera) in a video capture mode or an image capture mode. The display unit 706 may include a display panel 7061, and the display panel 7061 may be configured in the form of a liquid crystal display, an organic light emitting diode, etc. The user input unit 707 includes a touch panel 7071 and at least one of other input devices 7072. The touch panel 7071 is also called a touch screen. The touch panel 7071 may include two parts: a touch detection device and a touch controller. Other input devices 7072 may include, but are not limited to, a physical keyboard, function keys (such as volume control keys, switch keys, etc.), a trackball, a mouse, and an operating stick, which will not be repeated here.

[0529] In the embodiment of the present application, after receiving downlink data from a network-side device, the RF unit 701 may transmit the data to the processor 710 for processing. Furthermore, the RF unit 701 may send uplink data to the network-side device. Typically, the RF unit 701 includes, but is not limited to, an antenna, an amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a low-noise amplifier, a duplexer, and the like.

[0530] The memory 709 can be used to store software programs or instructions and various data. The memory 709 may mainly include a first storage area for storing programs or instructions and a second storage area for storing data, wherein the first storage area may store an operating system, applications or instructions required for at least one function (such as a sound playback function, an image playback function, etc.). In addition, the memory 709 may include a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), a double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), an enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), a synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and a direct memory bus random access memory (DRRAM). The memory 709 in the embodiment of the present application includes but is not limited to these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0531] Processor 710 may include one or more processing units. Optionally, processor 710 integrates an application processor and a modem processor. The application processor primarily handles operations related to the operating system, user interface, and application programs, while the modem processor primarily processes wireless communication signals, such as a baseband processor. It is understood that the modem processor may not be integrated into processor 710.

[0532] It can be understood that the implementation process of each implementation method mentioned in this embodiment can refer to the relevant description of the above-mentioned method embodiment and achieve the same or corresponding technical effects. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0533] 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 processor is configured to execute a program or instruction to implement the steps of the method embodiment shown above. This network-side device embodiment corresponds to the above-described network-side device method embodiment, and each implementation process and implementation method of the above-described method embodiment can be applied to this network-side device embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects.

[0534] Specifically, embodiments of the present application also provide a network-side device. As shown in Figure 27, the network-side device 80 includes an antenna 81, a radio frequency device 82, a baseband device 83, a processor 84, and a memory 85. Antenna 81 is connected to radio frequency device 82. In the uplink direction, radio frequency device 82 receives information via antenna 81 and sends the received information to baseband device 83 for processing. In the downlink direction, baseband device 83 processes the information to be transmitted and sends it to radio frequency device 82. Radio frequency device 82 processes the received information and then sends it through antenna 81.

[0535] The method executed by the network-side device in the above embodiment may be implemented in the baseband device 83 , which includes a baseband processor.

[0536] The baseband device 83 may include, for example, at least one baseband board, on which multiple chips are arranged, as shown in Figure 27, one of the chips is, for example, a baseband processor, which is connected to the memory 85 through a bus interface to call the program in the memory 85 to execute the network device operations shown in the above method embodiment.

[0537] The network side device may further include a network interface 86, which is, for example, a Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI).

[0538] Specifically, the network side device 80 of the embodiment of the present application also includes: instructions or programs stored in the memory 85 and can be run on the processor 84. The processor 84 calls the instructions or programs in the memory 85 to execute the methods executed by each module shown in Figure XXX and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0539] 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 processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the steps of the above method embodiment.

[0540] An embodiment of the present application further provides a terminal, including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is configured to run a program or instruction to implement the steps of the above method embodiment.

[0541] 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 storage and forwarding communication method embodiment are implemented, and the same technical effect can be achieved. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0542] 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, etc. In some examples, the readable storage medium may be a non-transitory readable storage medium.

[0543] 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 storage and forwarding communication method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0544] 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.

[0545] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program / program product, which is stored in a storage medium and is executed by at least one processor to implement the various processes of the above-mentioned storage and forwarding communication method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0546] An embodiment of the present application also provides a wireless communication system, including: a terminal and a network-side device. The network-side device and the terminal can be used to execute the various processes of the above-mentioned storage and forwarding communication method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be repeated here.

[0547] 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, but 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.

[0548] 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 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 causing a terminal or network-side device to execute the methods described in each embodiment of the present application.

[0549] 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 store-and-forward communication method, wherein, Including: A first device obtains first information and processes data or signaling according to the first information, where the processing includes storage or forwarding.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: A store-and-forward S&F indication, including a store-and-forward S&F access mode and / or a store-and-forward S&F communication mode; A first storage indication determined according to the S&F access mode or the S&F communication mode; A first storage time determined according to the satellite operation cycle, the next access time of the terminal, the recovery time of the next service link, or the recovery time of the next feeder link; A first transmission indication; The service link is available; The service link is unavailable; The feeder link is available; The feeder link is unavailable; A time window of the satellite service terminal or a time window of terminal access; A time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station; A first connection suspension indication determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station; A first connection recovery indication determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein In the case where the first information includes that the service link is unavailable, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: Maintaining the state of the UE unchanged; Storing downlink data or downlink signaling; Delaying the transmission or suspending the downlink signaling.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein In the case where the first information includes that the service link is available, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: Transmitting the stored downlink data or downlink signaling; Transmitting the delayed downlink signaling or the suspended downlink signaling.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein In the case where the first information includes that the feeder link is unavailable, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: Storing uplink data, downlink data, uplink signaling, or downlink signaling; Delaying the transmission or suspending the uplink signaling or downlink signaling.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein In the case where the first information includes that the feeder link is available, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: Transmitting the stored uplink data, downlink data, uplink signaling, or downlink signaling; Transmitting the delayed uplink signaling or downlink signaling, or transmitting the suspended uplink signaling or downlink signaling.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein In the case where the first information includes the S&F indication or the first storage indication, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: When the service link is unavailable, storing downlink data or downlink signaling, or delaying the transmission or suspending the downlink signaling; When the service link is available, transmitting downlink data or downlink signaling, or transmitting the delayed downlink signaling, or transmitting the suspended downlink signaling; When the feeder link is unavailable, storing uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling, delaying the transmission of uplink signaling or downlink signaling, or suspending the uplink signaling or downlink signaling; When the feeder link is available, transmitting the stored data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling, or transmitting the delayed downlink signaling, or transmitting the suspended downlink signaling.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein When the first information includes an S&F indication, a first storage indication, or a first storage time, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: When the service link is unavailable, store downlink data or downlink signaling, and send the downlink data or downlink signaling after the first storage time is satisfied; When the feeder link is unavailable, store uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling, and send the data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling after the first storage time is satisfied.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein When the first information includes a time window of a satellite service terminal, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: Send downlink data or downlink signaling within the time window of the satellite service terminal; Store downlink data or downlink signaling outside the time window of the satellite service terminal.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein When the first information includes a time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: Send uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling within the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station; Store uplink data, uplink signaling, downlink data, or downlink signaling outside the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station.

11. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the first information includes a first connection suspension indication, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: Stop sending downlink data or downlink signaling; Store downlink data or downlink signaling; Stop sending uplink data or uplink signaling; Store uplink data or uplink signaling; Retain the context of the S11-U interface and do not release the context of the S11-U interface.

12. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein When the first information includes a first connection recovery indication, the processing of data or signaling according to the first information includes at least one of the following: Send the stored downlink data or downlink signaling; Send the stored uplink data or uplink signaling; Activate the context of the S11-U interface.

13. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein When the first information includes a first transmission indication, the method further includes at least one of the following: Send the stored downlink data or downlink signaling; Send the stored uplink data or uplink signaling.

14. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The obtaining of the first information includes at least one of the following: Determine the first information according to local configuration or policy information, where the first information includes at least one of the following: the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station, the feeder link is available, the feeder link is unavailable; Receive the first information from the first network element.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The receiving of the first information from the first network element includes at least one of the following: Receive downlink data or downlink signaling and send a downlink data notification message to the first network element; Receive the first information sent by the first network element, where the first information includes at least one of the following: A first storage indication, which is determined according to the S&F access mode or S&F communication mode; A first storage time, which is determined according to the satellite operation cycle, the next access time of the terminal, the recovery time of the next service link, or the recovery time of the next feeder link.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The method further includes: The first device stores downlink data or downlink signaling according to the first information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 2-15, wherein, The first information includes the first transmission indication, and the method further includes: Sending downlink data or downlink signaling to a first network element according to the first transmission indication.

18. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The method further includes: Retaining the context of the S11-U interface and not releasing the context of the S11-U interface according to the S&F indication included in the first information.

19. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The method further includes sending at least one of the following pieces of information to a terminal: A signaling or data suspension indication; A signaling or data recovery indication; A first access time or time window or cell identifier.

20. A store-and-forward communication method, wherein, Including: A first network element sends first information to a first device, enabling the first device to process data or signaling according to the first information, and the processing includes storage or forwarding.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: A store-and-forward (S&F) indication, including an S&F access mode and / or an S&F communication mode; A first storage indication determined according to the S&F access mode or the S&F communication mode; A first storage time determined according to a satellite operation cycle, a next access time of a terminal, a recovery time of a next service link, or a recovery time of a next feeder link; A first transmission indication; The service link is available; The service link is unavailable; The feeder link is available; The feeder link is unavailable; A time window of a satellite service terminal or a time window of terminal access; A time window of the connection between a satellite and a ground station; A first connection suspension indication determined according to a service link, a feeder link, a satellite operation cycle, a time window of a satellite service terminal, or a time window of the connection between a satellite and a ground station; A first connection recovery indication determined according to a service link, a feeder link, a satellite operation cycle, a time window of a satellite service terminal, or a time window of the connection between a satellite and a ground station.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein, The method further includes: Receiving a downlink data notification message sent by the first device.

23. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein The method further includes: Receiving downlink data or downlink signaling sent by the first device.

24. A store-and-forward communication method, wherein, Including: A terminal obtains second information and processes data or signaling according to the second information, and the processing includes storage or transmission; Wherein, the second information includes at least one of the following: The service link is available; The service link is unavailable; A signaling or data suspension indication; A signaling or data recovery indication; A first access time or time window or cell identifier.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, When the second information includes that the service link is available or includes a signaling or data recovery indication, processing the data or signaling according to the second information includes at least one of the following: Sending uplink data or uplink signaling; Sending suspended uplink data or uplink signaling.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein When the second information includes that the service link is unavailable or includes a signaling or data suspension indication, processing the data or signaling according to the second information includes at least one of the following: Suspending uplink data or uplink signaling; Delaying the sending of uplink data or uplink signaling.

27. The method according to claim 24, wherein When the second information includes a first access time or time window or cell identifier, when entering the first access time or within the time window or matching the cell identifier, perform at least one of the following: Sending uplink data or uplink signaling; Sending suspended uplink data or uplink signaling.

28. The method according to claim 24, wherein The obtaining of the second information includes at least one of the following: Determining whether the service link is available or unavailable according to the configuration information; Receiving a signaling or data suspension indication from the first device; Receiving a signaling or data recovery indication from the first device.

29. A store-and-forward communication device, wherein, It includes: An obtaining module, configured to obtain first information; A processing module, configured to process data or signaling according to the first information, and the processing includes storage or forwarding.

30. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: A store-and-forward S&F indication, including a store-and-forward S&F access mode and / or a store-and-forward S&F communication mode; A first storage indication, which is determined according to the S&F access mode or the S&F communication mode; A first storage time, which is determined according to the satellite operation cycle, the next access time of the terminal, the recovery time of the next service link, or the recovery time of the next feeder link; A first transmission indication; The service link is available; The service link is unavailable; The feeder link is available; The feeder link is unavailable; A time window of the satellite service terminal or a time window of terminal access; A time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station; A first connection suspension indication, which is determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station; A first connection recovery indication, which is determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station.

31. A store-and-forward communication device, wherein, It includes: A transmission module, configured to send the first information to the first device, so that the first device processes data or signaling according to the first information, and the processing includes storage or forwarding.

32. The device according to claim 31, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: A store-and-forward S&F indication, including a store-and-forward S&F access mode and / or a store-and-forward S&F communication mode; A first storage indication, which is determined according to the S&F access mode or the S&F communication mode; A first storage time, which is determined according to the satellite operation cycle, the next access time of the terminal, the recovery time of the next service link, or the recovery time of the next feeder link; A first transmission indication; The service link is available; The service link is unavailable; The feeder link is available; The feeder link is unavailable; A time window of the satellite service terminal or a time window of terminal access; A time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station; A first connection suspension indication, which is determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station; A first connection recovery indication, which is determined according to the service link, the feeder link, the satellite operation cycle, the time window of the satellite service terminal, or the time window of the connection between the satellite and the ground station.

33. A store-and-forward communication device, wherein, It includes: An information obtaining module, configured to obtain second information; A processing module, configured to process data or signaling according to the second information, and the processing includes storage or transmission; Wherein, the second information includes at least one of the following: The service link is available; The service link is unavailable; A signaling or data suspension indication; A signaling or data recovery indication; The first access time or time window or cell identifier.

34. A network-side device, wherein, Comprising a processor and a memory, the memory stores programs or instructions that can run on the processor, and when the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the steps of the store-and-forward communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 19 are implemented, or the steps of the store-and-forward communication method described in any one of claims 20 to 23 are implemented.

35. A terminal, wherein, Comprising a processor and a memory, the memory stores programs or instructions that can run on the processor, and when the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the steps of the store-and-forward communication method described in any one of claims 24 to 28 are implemented.

36. A readable storage medium, wherein, Programs or instructions are stored on the readable storage medium, and when the programs or instructions are executed by a processor, the steps of the store-and-forward communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 19 are implemented, or the steps of the store-and-forward communication method described in any one of claims 20 to 23 are implemented, or the steps of the store-and-forward communication method described in any one of claims 24 to 28 are implemented.

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